What to use while traveling... opinions please...
 

I am a 21 female that is traveling from the US to Europe for a Study Abroad. I will be going to Italy for a week with friends, then to Greece for 2 weeks by myself. After that, I will be going to Germany for 4 and a half months for studying.

I would like everyone's opinions on what type of bag to carry while exploring (even if it is more than one). Here are some of the things I'm trying to keep in mind:
--walking/hiking in Cinque Terre and Florence with friends
--walking/hiking in Athens, Delphi, Meteora, Santorini, and Thessaloniki by myself
--traveling on weekends to Rome, Paris, Amsterdam, London, etc on weekends

I'm most concerned about Italy and Greece because those are at the beginning of my trip, therefore I might need to bring the bag with me. I have a purse that is big enough to carry the things I would like to take with me (SLR camera and extra lense, guide book, moleskine, and other odds and ends things that are needed).

I am looking into a hiking type backpack for clothes etc, but should I look into smaller backpack to use? Or just a purse? Or a messenger type bag (someone suggested getting one of these while in Europe as a nice useful souvenir)?

For major european cities, traveling by train I personally prefer a very small rolling suitcase myself. For hiking Italy and Greece, probably a small backpack. Rick Steves has some unstructured bags that might work for both purposes.

What you use as a day bag any of these places is completely about personal comfort/choice - an oversized purse, canvas tote bag, messenger bag (although I don't care for them because of the large "flap" you have to open to get into it), or small backpack-style book bag... all are just fine.

I would definitely take a backpack for your main bag and a smaller day pack for day trips and hiking. Don't even consider a messenger bag if you are hiking/sightseeing, they are a pain, you barge into people on the narrow stairs you will encounter sightseeing. Also, travelling alone you will need to carry everything, rather than sharing first aid kit/travel books with others. It's also nice to be able to carry a book to read when you have time to relax/kill.
I did see a great backpack advertised which has a day pack which clips on to it but I can't remember where. I'll post it if it comes to me!
European washing powder/liquid is much better than in the US and it is easy to wash clothes as you go, especially in Italy and Greece where it is hot. You can buy a small bottle of Ariel or Travel Wash. For socks, underwear and t shirts soaking overnight works wonders. Trampling clothes in a bath tub is great too!!
Pack REALLY light. Clothes can be bought very cheaply in European big towns and cities so don't pack something 'just in case' For example tshirts $10, 5 pairs underwear $10.
Put all your clothes out, put half away again. Pack your bag. Carry it on your back, with your carry on in hand, put up an umbrella, (yes it rains in southern Europe in summer!) put on your jacket (rain jacket essential) walk a mile (preferably uphill) and jog back as if trying to catch a train you are later for. If you are OK at the end of that you haven't packed too much!
I would also consider packing a separate box or bag with your German stuff: you'll need winter clothes if staying 4 1/2 months and presumably books/papers? Ship it as soon as you arrive to wherever you are staying.

My initial question is whether you're planning on taking everything with you for the Italy and Greece portions of your trip or can/will you ship some things ahead to Germany?

Our daughter spent last fall in Study Abroad program in Greece when she was 20. She had to take her own bedding, pillows, blankets, towels, etc so she took 2 good sized duffel bags (one with wheels) which she checked and a large pursue as a carryon (it was like a large padded tote bag). She also used the carryon as her only luggage during weekend trips when she was in Greece. She has traveled a lot and has learned not to overpack, but there's no way she could've taken all that on some extended trips prior to her arrival in Greece.

If you don't have to take a lot of basic items with you as she did and/or you can't ship anything ahead, I agree that a smaller bag with wheels (21" ideal with 24" being the max)) is usually best and then decide on what's more comfortable as a carryon, whether it's a smaller backpack or a large purse/tote.

The idea of getting something while you're there as a souvenir is a good one.

Regardless of your decision, take bags that can be packed in each other when empty to reduce the amount you have to carry.

Hope this helps.

I am planning to ship things for Germany before I leave for Italy and Greece. I'm pretty sure I will just be using a hiking pack for my clothes and such for Italy and Greece. I'm more concerned about what to take while walking around/sightseeing, allowing me to carry a jacket, DSLR camera with an extra lens, guidebook, etc... and keeping my SLR safe!

Would suggest a canvas type tote bag that you could sling over your shoulder. I think they're safer than putting them in a hiking/back pack.

For walking around in cities...
I like a canvas, nylon, or microfiber tote (because they are lightweight empty, can be folded into a suitcase, etc). I have also successfully used a normal leather purse with a nice wide strap (long enough to be worn across the torso) that was big enough for everything, but they are heavier and less versatile imo. Maybe not your exact style, but look at brands like Le Sports Sac or Bagallini for an idea.

If you are more comfortable, there is nothing wrong with a small backpack/daypack. But you need to be careful in crowded situations, public transportation, etc. because it IS on your back, more suceptible to potential pick-pockets.