Tips for what to bring in terms of luggage for a month long trip in Europe? Backpack or luggage?

Marina
Justin Brown

A purse that is slash proof and has card reader blocker (RFID). There are pick pockets there and they are very sly, just be vigilant and you will be fine.

Get lite luggage if you, pack as light as possible especially if you are doin train travel, a cross bag is great

Just came back from a month in Europe. Went to France, Italy, Iceland and Switzerland. It really depends on a lot of things. Are you driving, trains, planes?? Train and bus Overheads and large bags don't mix. They usually have a spot for large bags, but you have to get a spot and then your bag could be out of sight and accessible to other passengers. How long are your staying in places. Are you cabbing or bussing to and from airports? How close are you staying to central train and bus stations? When are you going in terms of weather, like rainy season? What cities are you visiting, ie Venice equals stairs, stairs and stairs? Do you want to carry weight on your back? I agree always pack lighter than you think you'll need, but time of year is important as you may require heavier outer layer or rain gear.

My husband and I took our 3 children to Europe last summer. We each took a carry on luggage and a back pack. Made traveling easy: running through airports, going up and down stairs at train stations, keep bags close and secure when in public, no luggage fees at airports, AND no worries about losing luggage between airports. We each got 3 X-Large ziploc bags, rolled up our clothes, placed the clothes in bags, and sucked the air out. Worked out very well!!

A good backpack is nice to have. Great to bring extras like an umbrella, sunscreen, sweater, etc, along for the day, or to easily carry purchases of souvenirs, etc. Also works as carry-on for the plane.

Having backpacked in a few countries including Europe my opinion is as follows.
1. Suitcases only work well if your staying in a or two spots for long periods of time.
2. If your moving around every 2-3 days then a backpack.
3. When buying a backpack try finding one that opens all the way around like a suitcase it's easier to find things. Vs one you load just from the top.
4. Pack light you can wash your clothes every few days 3-4 out fits
As I read the comments about slash proof bags etc... yes there there no more then hear just be aware of your surroundings and don't give people the opportunity to rip you off and you won't be!

Washing your clothes when travelling: buy a sunlight laundry bar. It will last you 20 years!

I agree with Michelle - I also took an Osprey Farpoint 40 to Europe (carry on) for 3 weeks - and used packing cubes as well. It was surprisingly roomy and so much easier than pulling luggage around the airport, train stations and streets.

Eddie Bauer has an awesome travel kind of multi purpose clothes that wear and pack well. You're likely to spend a LOT more time walking than we North Americans are used too... so if you are carrying all your luggage, that can be an issue. Even the airports to trains, etc. Way more walking than I expected. I ended up buying a rolling suitcase because it was just hard on my back.

I took a small school size backpack in lightweight nylon and a carry on and wore only 1/2 of it. But I did bring a thin nylon collapsible duffle bag inside the suitcase to tote back all the souvenirs. I took trains, planes, buses, subways and a cruise ship.

That extra foldable zippered bag is a must for the return home. Can be checked if need be or used as your "personal" item in the overhead. Take only basics that can be rinsed out (I like the bidet idea) with an all important small clothes line. Very few places that you can't pick up a t-shirt or toiletries.

You seem like a smart, worldly traveler. You must be fun to travel with.

Oh I get around!!

Overhead bag and small backpack. If you are going place to place a large suitcase becomes a giant pain. You have to mind it on trains, cart it up stairs everywhere, lug it over cobblestones. Overhead rollie bag is so much easier. Ppl pack more than they need.

Doesn't matter if you go for a week or a month - take the same amount of clothes. You can wear items many times then hand wash and line dry if necessary. I always pack a universal rubber sink plug (or use the bidet lol). Thin elastic makes a great clothesline and safety pins instead of clothespins!

Depends where you are going. If going to Trieste, Italy. Than I would say bring just money for clothes. I used to live close and shop all the time... clothes cheaper than here and more quality. Enjoy your trip and check tripadvisor. Will tell you for each place you are planing to visit separate.

Pack lighter than you think you need. It's amazing how little you can get by on. I took way too much with me and learned the hard way!! Pack half the bag and double the $$ Have a fantastic time

Yes! Best advice of all.

Make sure you have a universal adapter and I had bought myself from MEC a anti theft cross body bag. Well worth the money. A mini iPad fits perfectly in it.

This cross body anti theft, anti slash proof is a purse.

In addition to a small carry on with wheels I also took a backpack that folds into a small package. I used that backpack for my day trips

Exactly how I travel

Also packing cubes! Keeps everything organized and less wrinkles.

Super cheap at IKEA.

I have a small backpack with wheels. Great for airports too.

Recommend looking at Osprey Farpoint 40 backpack- excellent product I've used for several 'month at a time' European vacations

Google Rick Steeves on how to pack etc. Good information

I ne'er thought of a rubber sink plug.

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