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-   -   What to take travelling? (https://www.fodors.com/community/europe/what-to-take-travelling-972292/)

sal_angel2 Mar 28th, 2013 11:54 AM

What to take travelling?
 
I am going travelling around Europe for the first time ever, wanting to know what type of bag to take?? which is best to not get me mugged lol and secure!?

Also what do I actually need to take with me?

vjpblovesitaly Mar 28th, 2013 12:01 PM

This has been discussed a bit. What luggage do you take to other locations? Obviously something you can pick up and move around easily. Or do you mean a bag to carry around during the day? I prefer a cross body bag but many people use the same bag as at home. A backpack is generally a bad idea for walking around.

You are not likely to get mugged (not a laughing matter). Pickpocket is probably more likely.

You need to actually take with you what you need on your trip. Clothes, toiletries, passport. Are you an adult?

adrienne Mar 28th, 2013 12:41 PM

How can you get mugged because of the type of suitcase you have? Take a roller bag.

adrienne Mar 28th, 2013 01:28 PM

I'm not a Rick Steves fan but here's his packing list.

http://www.ricksteves.com/plan/tips/packlist.htm

november_moon Mar 28th, 2013 02:45 PM

For luggage, I like a rollerboard that is within carry-on limits for most airlines. It is large enough to pack a fair amount of stuff, but small enough to carry on, carry up and down stairs, easily take onto trains, etc.

I don't like a backpack for luggage for a couple reasons - the biggest one is that it is harder to stay organized. The other reason is that with a backpack, it is harder to set down and stand/sit next to when you are waiting.

For a day bag - something light weight, large enough to carry your phone, wallet, camera, map, guidebook, small bottle of water, and a few ods and ends - but nothing too large. Make sure it zips up completely - no handbags that are open on top. My go-to day bag is a Kiplinger handbag with an adjustable strap - I can wear it cross-body or over my shoulder.

For WHAT to take - clothes for a week, do laundry along the way.

suze Mar 28th, 2013 03:02 PM

You only "need" your passport and money.

Are you asking about a suitcase/duffle/backpack to carry everything? Or a tote bag/purse for your stuff to carry around each day?

djkbooks Mar 28th, 2013 09:10 PM

How many days?

Where are you going?

How are you traveling from place to place?

If you can manage to pack everything you need into a carryon you won't have to check, good for you.

In addition to that, a cross body bag, just large enough for your essentials, is an excellent "day bag". Best are those with double zipper pulls, a deep inside zipper pocket, a slip pocket on one or both sides for maps and anything else you want to keep handy. For larger items you may want to have along while out and about (water, tour guide, snacks, umbrella...), a weightless nylon tote is good for all that.

sal_angel2 Mar 29th, 2013 05:25 AM

Yes I am 22.

I am going for at least a month.
Around Europe.

Thanks for the advise

ahiddenbird Mar 29th, 2013 06:32 AM

I like backpacks. A carry-on sized one is best, it forces you to pack light and it's convenient. I agree that it can be a little awkward sometimes but it's easier to carry it on your back then drag a roller around behind you on uneven terrain, in crowds, on cobbled streets, what have you. It's also lighter for lack of wheels and hardware. I also bring a cross body bag as a day bag and a canvas tote, too, for the beach and so on.

That covers all my bases but hiking, pretty much, for which I think a small backpack would be best. If you're planning to do a lot of hiking in nature (where it's probably less likely you'll get pick pocketed) I would bring a smaller backpack instead of the cross body bag. For me, I'd just buy a cheap one somewhere, since I'm not going to be hiking a lot.


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