Backpack or Suitcases???
 

Hello All! So, my husband and I are soon off for three weeks in Southern Spain... without a car. I'd been planning on using a rolling suitcase, but I'm worried it will sometimes be a hassle getting to and from bus/train stations. I initally thought last years trip to Ireland was our last backpack adventure, so I chose some pretty nice Spanish hotels to stay in (not very pricey, but far superior to the crash-pads of my early 20s). In Ireland, the backpacks were fabulous, but I'm not sure how it will work in Spain. Do people travel around Andalucia with backpacks or will we look like idiots?! Would small suitcases be just as easy? Any advice is much appreciated!

And who cares? The only time people in a hotel see your baggage is when you check in and when you check out. Big deal. I prefer backpacks. Traveled last month with a well-built, high dollar rolling suitcase. The thing must've weighed 30 pounds before I even packed it. I fought it on trains, busses and in taxi cabs. Never again. One pack on my back, another by the handles. I'm gone.

Hi Lissa. I wouldn't worry about how backpacks are going to look. If that's what works best for you, take them. <BR><BR>I'm curious though, why you're worried rolling suitcases would be a problem getting to & from bus/train stations? I used to bring a piece of soft luggage, without wheels, that I could carry by hand or on my my back. It worked fine but, on a recent trip, I used a wheeled suitcase for the first time and loved it, didn't find it incovenient or a problem at all.

Lissa, if you are going to use a suitcase with wheels, get one that has sturdy wheels, preferably those with wheels like inline skates. The bigger the wheels, the easier it will be to pull or push the suitcase and get it up over curbs. Also, it won't flip. If you're looking for luggage, check out the Eagle Creek line. I've schlepped all over Europe with my Eagle Creek duffle bag and it has enormous wheels, and I've never had a problem.

Lissa,<BR>I'm a guide in Europe. We use the rail system and I have to say that the most trouble people have is getting their suitcases with wheels a) up the stairs into the carriage, and b) up onto the luggage racks. <BR>I'd advise travelling with a backpack. You are probably not going to go much further than a ten minute walk to your hotel.<BR>Have a fantastic time !!!<BR>It's Gaudi's 100th anniversary this year, so you are in for a treat if you are going to Barcelona.<BR>Get as small a pack as you can. The lighter the pack, the more pleasurable the trip. Lifting your pack up and down off the racks, carrying them to the hotel, and you really won't miss that extra jacket you thought you might need !!!<BR>Have a fantastic time !<BR>:)<BR>Sandra

Lissa: I understand you situation. My husband and I (50 and 46) are not exactly the backpacking generation, but we stay in 2 and 3 star hotels, ALWAYs use public transportation in Europe and use backpacks instead of rolling luggage because it is much easier to sling it on your back and go. You have both hands free and you don't have to keep looking back all the time and dodging puddles, etc. or lugging the suitcase up and down stairs. There are some very attractive un-backpackish looking backpacks nowadays, check out Eagle Creek. Or just get a regular one (like mine is...bright red) and SMILE.

I have done a backpack trip to Europe and a suitcase trip to europe and my vote would have to be for a backpack. If it is fitted properly it should be comfortable and not seem ultra heavy even when it is. <BR>For me it is much easier to walk from the train station to my hotel with a backpack on rather than trying to navigate cobblestones and flights of stairs (I think of what a wonderful time I would have had in Siena if I had brought a suitcase with me!)Not to mention loading/unloading a backpack on the train is much easier.<BR>You can get a good quality backpack for much the same price as you would pay for one piece of luggage, so I would say that a backpack is worth the investment - and there are so many pouches to stuff souveniers into!

Get a combo backpack with wheels. There are lots of them out there. I almost bought an Eagle creek one for over $200 but was more put off by the weight of it empty than the cost. Got a $40 no name one with all the same features and it was great on recent trip to Paris and Brugge. Pulled it on streets and in airports but put it on my back to go through the metro, etc where there were lots of steps.

Thanks to you ALL for your great advice... especially Phyllis - you & your husband sound incredibly cool! Thanks for the reassurance and inspiration!<BR>Lissa :)<BR><BR>

This is a question to the travel guide in Europe.<BR><BR>How do I get a job working with your company.<BR><BR>You can write me at my [email protected] address.<BR><BR>Thnaks!!

Hi Lissa,<BR><BR>Another vote here for a SMALL wheeled suitcase. I backpack in the mountains, but hate digging around for stuff in the back. I also don't like getting dirty clothes from wearing the backpack.<BR><BR>If people can't lift their rolling suitcase up into a train and onto the luggage rack, then they have too big of a suitcase. If you can pack in a backpack, you can do it in a 22" roller. <BR><BR>Never have had any problems with cobblestones or anything else. Personally I use a convertible roller/backpack. Haven't had to use the backpack yet.

I always bring 2 pieces of luggage: a medium-sized backpack, and a small rolling suitcase. The advantages:<BR><BR>1. The medium size backpack is not so heavy it is painful to wear.<BR><BR>2. The rolling suitcase is small enough to be easily lifted when walking up or down stairs <BR><BR>3. One hand is always free (not on any luggage), which can be very helpful.<BR><BR>4. Both pieces are small enough to be easily lifted onto train overhead racks.

I'd vote against the backpack for Spain. It is quite hot there already (93 degrees in Madrid yesterday) and for that reason I think a backpack would be brutally uncomfortable. The convertibles sound like a good idea, but check the true packing space of any piece that you buy. those extra frames and handle slots can take up a fair amount of space in a bag.<BR><BR>A rolling 22" and a large messenger-style purse are my choices for 2-3 weeks travel.

Hello Lissa,<BR><BR>I definately would say use the backpack...In 2000 I brought a huge rolling suitcase...with wheels to Paris. I also made a trip to Amsterdam and the huge rolling suitcause was a huge mistake. <BR><BR>Next week I am going to Spain and decided this time to try the Backpack...the new Stamina 65 for Women by Northface is amazing. It has a breathable back to reduce sweat. It has a side zip...for easy accessability to your clothes which is good for women cause you know how we can never decide on which outfit to wear. It ran about $267 but I think it was well worth the money...I will be using it all the time on every trip I go on big or small...The bag fits perfectly...make sure to get your back measured first so that you can get the right backsize for your body frame.<BR><BR>Have fun...and good luck<BR><BR>Vectra