We are heading to Europe and would like to thank everyone how has given us great ideas. I am not sure what type of luggage I should buy. Can someone give me some tips. We are traveling alot by Train.<BR><BR>Michael

Michael as light as you can possibly find and pack as light as you can and keep your eye on your luggage as much as you can. Luggage is handled badly by others. My friend's signature one fell apart after three trips, my cheapo, that I bought at the cheapo Christmas store is now in its fifth year and still looks new, I sponge it after a trip and because it is black like so many others, I tie a rainbow ribbon on it and have a glued on star so I can spot it readily.

I recommend the following three rules for traveling in Europe with public transportation, whether train, plane, vaporetto, whatever.<BR><BR>1. Use two bags. Your smaller bag can be almost as large (in pounds of CONTENTS) as your larger bag, but a key is that they should weigh very little when EMPTY. Your larger bag (typically a 21 inch "rollaway" carry-on 21 style - - these have wheels and an extension handle) should weigh 8 pounds or less when empty. Your smaller bag should weigh less than eight OUNCES (i.e., a medium or small nylon duffel). I check the larger bag when flying, and I make sure that the smaller bag (carried on with me) has EVERYTHING I will need to get me by for the first 2-3 days after my arrival in Europe - - in case my larger bag is delayed in arriving.<BR><BR>2. For either bag (separately), when fully packed, you should be able to lift it entirely above your head, and carry it up one flight of steps without touching wall or handrail(s). Can't do this? It's too heavy (for you).<BR><BR>3. For both bags - - TOGETHER - - you should be able to carry them up AND down one flight of stairs. It's okay to brush against walls for this. For most people, this means a total packed weight of about 50 pounds maximum, or maybe as much as 60-something.<BR><BR>The rules relax for your return trip. Obviously, it's what YOU can manage. but I almost always take a THIRD empty bag (again, typically a nylon duffel). I check two for the return trip.<BR><BR>Best wishes,<BR><BR>Rex<BR>

Michael: I'll add my two cents worth, although I think Rex pretty well covered it. I love his tip on being able to lift the bag over your head and carry it up a flight of stairs. I've used both, but I still prefer the convertible backpack carry-on style to the ones on rollers. I find its easier most of the time to backpack it when I'm in train stations, bus stations, going up and down stairs, over curbs and cobblestones, thru water and dirty streets, when I want both hands free, etc. If you've got a lightly packed bag, it's not heavy to carry on your back and provides much more mobility. My bag is a plain black cordura nylon one and it doesn't shout BACKPACKER. When the straps are tucked in it looks like many other carry-ons. Anyway, just a thought. You can get them at all the travel, outdoor stores etc. I like it, had the same one for over 10 years now.

topping<BR>

Just be sure if you are going to roll it that it is narrow enough to fit down a train aisle.

Sorry to disagree, but for those of us without a great deal of upper body strength this "test" is much too limiting. I'm not even sure I can carry my toiletries bag and pass the "test". I just bought new luggage and opted for the Samsonite Oyster hardside. It is lightweight yet very sturdy. I like to bring breakables back from overseas, and they will be better protected in this. I think the kind of luggage you want depends on how you like to travel. Are you a backpacker? A thrifty traveller? For me, safety of the contents is the primary concern. I'll hire a taxi to take me to the hotel if I can't manage my bag. So I think it's different bags for different needs/travel styles.

Original post said traveling by train, so that's what the response has addressed. Getting on and off trains in Europe you will certainly have to either lift your luggage yourself or depend on the kindness of strangers. <BR><BR>I agree the "over the head" test is a bit harsh. You don't HAVE to put your luggage in the overhead rack on a train, but if you leave it at the luggage rack at the end of the car it might be more difficult to keep an eye on it. I would certainly put a small lock on each zippered compartment to discourage pilfering, and not leave anything there that is easily carried off.

We travel to Europe annaually & always take a small 'drag-along' for each of us & a small back-pack that we use for day-trips etc. We never check luggage & since we typically move around a lot never have trouble on the trains since that is our primary source of transport. The next trip (in March) will be more fun as the back-pack will contain our infant daughter. Nearly everyone 'over packs', don't do it.

<BR>Michael,<BR><BR>www.enjoy-europe.com/hte/chap07/luggage.htm has recommendations for luggage, especially for train travel in Europe. My captioned photos in rail stations and on the trains give you an idea of what to expect in handling your luggage.<BR><BR>John Bermont

John, thanks for that very entertaining and enlightening link!

I like the "luggage test" described above...being able to adequately handle your own luggage seems like one of those basics of traveling. If you can't lug it wherever you need to go, don't take it seems like a good motto.

John, your web site has some of the most concise, practical information I have seen. Congratulations on a job well-done.<BR><BR>

Michael,<BR><BR>Last year hubby & I travelled 2 weeks in Italy via train & plain (Rome, Venice, Naples, Sorrento). The bags we choose were rolling backpacks by Swiss Army, I think we choose the 24", the also had detachable daybag size backpacks. Packed, our bags weighed 20 lbs. each. These bags were somewhat expensive in comparison to other brands, but we felt that the padding around the shoulders and the spine were far superior. I also packed a flat nylon bag that was to be used for souvenir room for our return. This worked out very well. The idea of being able to lift your bag by yourself is of the greatest importance (over your head helps as well).

That's Plane....oops.

Since I'm older and not very tall, I take the convertible Eagle-Creek 22" roll-on. We were backpacking it until my sister had back surgery and then it wasn't the best option. Still I don't let the suitcase, packed for about 2 to 3 weeks weigh any more than 18 lbs. The convertible Eagle Creek has a zip on backpack that you can put essentials to use during the trip and can be kept under the seat, while the larger part can be in an overhead. We also carry a fold up duffle to bring home purchased items. Marilyn

(1) 22" suitcase with wheels plus (1) other bag of some sort... depending on your style & sex (i.e., women's oversize shoulderbag pocketbook, or book bag, or briefcase, or day pack).<BR><BR>see www.ricksteves.com if you are having trouble with the "packing light" concept.<BR>

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