Teenage girls traveling through Europe
 

Need some advice. My daughter and niece will be taking a very nice and extensive trip through Europe; London, France, Brussels and Scotland. They will be staying with friends and relatives, so lodging is taken care of. They will be traveling by train and bus a lot. Would a travel backpack be the way to go? I was thinking that a suitcase with wheels would be a little bulky and a pain to move around. Thanks in advance.

I take a backpack, and I'm a lot older than this pair! I find it's much easier for trains and buses, but you do see a lot of people with wheels these days. I use a convertible backpack - the straps zip out of the way for flights. The most important advice is to pack light, whichever they take.

Completely personal choice. Which do they prefer? I use a 22 or 24" suitcase with wheels, I find that easier than hoisting something onto my back (but I am also significantly older then them!) when traveling by train and around cities.

I would take a 22" wheeled suitcase and a backpack which can be their personal item. They'll need it for ipod, cameral and similar items.

I've seen many convertible backpacks being used. They are the size of a 22" roller bag, but don't have wheels. The straps can be zipped in for easy transport when they don't want it on their back or if they decide to check it on the way home.

Combine that with a messenger bag as a daypack and they should be set. I dislike using a backpack as a daypack simply because they don't feel safe and they also encourage me to carry a ton of stuff.

Everything worked out with the hiking backpacks...they're young, they can handle anything. Thanks all!