I am going to Europe this summer, and there are two parts of my trip: the first is a month in Vienna studying at ActiLingua (language program) in which I will be in an apartment with kitchen, bath, bed, etc. for five weeks. After that, my sister is flying over and we will be seeing Austria, Germany, Italy, and Greece by train for two and a half weeks. What kind of luggage is practical for my trip? I am fairly good at packing lightly, I expect to do laundry while I am there, and I plan on shipping any larger souvenirs home rather than carting them along.

I have to get new luggage, because what I have is in terrible condition, but I don't want to spend too much, or have it fall apart.

Any advice?

Hi BearsGirl, I too have to buy new luggage and so have the same questions you do. I will say this, if you are planning on visiting Austria, Germany etc. by train I would buy a piece of 22 inch luggage. Anything bigger (and consequently heavier) in my opinion would be a pain in the neck and possibly the back, lol. Seriously, for train travel the smaller the better.

My sister and I both bought Rick Steves 22" (carry-on size) suitcases because at the time that suitcase seemed to be the lightest available. We have taken them on five European trips, as well as other trips in the States, and they have held up fine. The cost was about $100.

I have other higher priced suitcases, including a nice expandable, but the Rick Steves is the one I end up taking almost all the time.

If you find a 22 inch to be too small for such a long trip, you may consider a Victorinox backpack/roller bag. It comes with a clip on day pack.

I bought a no-name brand 20" at Staples. This is what you see most commonly in American airports and boarding chutes because you can bring it on the plane. It's 20"x14"x9" and fits in the overhead bin. It has wheels, a telescoping handle, and five zippered areas independently accessible.

I bought it as part of a three piece outfit and gave away the larger bag.

In addition to my 20" I also carry a day bag. This is a shoulder bag for maps, guidebooks, snacks, drink, toilet paper, film, batteries, shopping pick-ups, and other odds and ends that I need during a day of walking around. Do not put your camera or documents in your day bag. The three piece set from Staples includes a perfect day bag as the smallest item. The 3 piece set costs about $70. Go to Staples.com or OfficeMax.com etc.

I don't want to carry my stuff on my back so the backpack option is not for me. Besides it exposes your things to easy pickins by pickpockets.

Do a google search for 'packing list europe' and you'll get a million ideas.

Hi B,

We are quite pleased with our American Tourister roll aboards that we got at WalMart for under $50.

At least one on-line store allows you to compare various luggage brands: www.ebags.com

You might also look at www.1800luggage.com

Whatever you buy I would look for something that is durable in case that "rollaboard" ever ends up having to be checked.

A 19&quot; to 21&quot; rollaboard would be my choice -- BUT you do need to know that will be <b>ALL</b> you are allowed to carry on in Europe. No add'l handbag, day pack, carry bags, nothing.

So you need to pack light enough to be able to stuff your handbag/day pack inside the rollaboard from check in through boarding. once on the plane you can take it out and place it under the seat while the roller goes in the overhead.

This rule will cover pretty much all of western Europe.

(I know you didn't ask this - but four countries in 2+ week is pretty darned hectic - you really won't have time to see much)

I buy our luggage at TJ Maxx, Marshall's, etc and have never had a problem. Brands include Ricardo, Delsey, and similar. All were under $50.

I just hate spending much and who knows what size and type we'll be needing at any given time.

As above, I've bought mine at TJ Maxx, Marshall's or JC Pennys for ~$50. I have a 22&quot; for short/warm weather trips, and an expandable 24&quot; which I much prefer (knowing I will be checking it). They are both normal shaped suitcases with wheels.

The most important thing (besides good wheels and zippers) is how heavy the bag is empty. Those Victorinox's mentioned above are HEAVY, needlessly imo.

to clarify - the 1 bag limit I mentioned is for flights in Europe. For train/ferry travel, you can take more pieces of course.

On some of the trains, you'll need to store you bag in the rack overhead. A good rule of thumb is to have a bag that's not too heavy for you to life over your head, by yourself.

I've also found good deals on luggage at Costco.

Maybe, after 5 weeks in Vienna, you will need to ship some things home, rather than lug them along for the 2.5 weeks' of touring.

Have fun! It sounds great.
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Jeez-- my carpel tunnel syndrome is really kicking in. I meant to say:

On some of the trains, you'll need to store youR bag in the rack overhead. A good rule of thumb is to have a bag that's not too heavy for you to lifT over your head, by yourself.
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Thanks everyone! Your suggestions are very helpful!

Happy travels to you all!