Shoes don't take up much space if you pack things inside them. My husband takes two pair because he needs to alternate them... having one pair dry completely while he's wearing the other pair. I don't have the moisture problem or fashion concerns, but I take two pair because my feet do better when pressure points are alternated.

Most train stairs are steeper than 'normal' stairs, although level boarding is becoming a little more common. For people who are vertically challenged, the steepness of those stairs makes it difficult to haul luggage onto a train. Smaller, lighter pieces are obviously easier to lift onto the train and to stow in raised or overhead luggage racks.

We love train travel! I use the Bahn.de site to check schedules and Rome2Rio to look at various ways to get from point A to Point B. We loved the train ride from Munich to Venice, among many others -- gorgeous scenery!

Please do reconsider the luggage choices. Re: shoes--my husband brings one pair -- black new balance -- that are good for his feet but blend in enough for dinners. He wears his $10 navy blue blazer and brings jeans, a pair of slacks, shirts, puffy down jacket. Not dress code for 18-19 year olds I realize. So we each bring one carry-on and one personal item and have never regretted doing so.

Safe travels!