Luggage worries
 

Hello!

We are spending two weeks in June in Europe this year. I am trying to figure out our luggage situation. We are visiting three countries and have 4 hotel accommodations throughout the two weeks.

Are we ok with using regular luggage for traveling, with wheels and such?
Or do I need to splurge for the fancy backpacking type luggage sold at stores like EMS?

Again, we are staying in the same hotel for the duration of each country. So it's just a matter of transporting luggage from train/airport station to hotels.

I think you've answered your own question. The luggage you have should be fine. As long as you only have enough (1 piece each) so that you can lift it on and off trains it should be fine. Lots of people (not me) manage for 5-6 weeks just with carry on.

I do a carry-on 21" rollaboard no matter how long I'm going for. Sounds like you're fine.

Another vote for carry on only...it is liberating and easy to do!

It is amazing what a carryon can do for you on your trip..Roll you things, only one extra shoes/sandals, Shampoo is a great laundry item for sink washing. I once went 5 weeks with a carry one and a large cloth bag, like a purse. This also included a rolled up small down pillow. I could do it again if I had to but 5 week trips are hard come by now ($$$)!!!

Try the ultra light Lipault 22" 4-wheeled carry-on - absolutely amazing how much you can fit (I took 2 pairs of boots, and 2 other pairs of shoes on one trip, plus 3 casual and 2 several dressy outfits)

http://www.ebags.com/product/lipault...arry-on/203745

There is an ongoing thread with people posting how much they managed to pack:

http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...lt-luggage.cfm

You don't need a backpack.

You'll be happiest with the smallest suitcase you can manage. You don't say where you're going exactly, but I can tell you that on the bridges in Venice and lugging bags onto trains, my friend and I with our carry-on size rollers were much happier than the people with 25" rollers.

And don't pack what you can buy. They sell shampoo in Europe.

I always research laundy places before I go. We usually do it at the halfway point. It makes for an interesting event. In between we pack travel size detergent and use the sink. we have packed a clothes line with suction cups in the past. When traveling, less is best. Only pack what you can lift.

<<<Are we ok with using regular luggage for traveling, with wheels and such?>>>

Yes :) You're going to be in cities, not out hiking or in rough areas where wheels are just a hindrance.

Do limit it to one piece of luggage each (a roller bag and a backpack/messenger bag/daybag/purse) rather than multiple pieces of luggage. Aim for a 25" bag or less! A 21" carryon is often easiest if you can manage it (some do, some can but choose not to, some can't) to each their own.

Do NOT take a 28-29" suitcase. They're enormous, a complete pain in the butt and you simply don't need that much stuff for 2 weeks. If you pack it full it's going to weigh 60-75 pounds. If you can't pack something full then there's no need to take something that big. I often take a carryon size bag and pack a folded duffle bag for the trip home if I plan to make multiple/large purchases.