My husband and I backpacked through Europe last September and found that it a breeze to hop on and off of trains, however, this year we will be going back but will be 4 months pregnant and backpacking does not look like an option for me. We did see tons of people with suitcases with spinner wheels that looked like they were easy to take around with you. My question is-what size suitcase would be good take with me for a month but easy to store on the train ( for quickly hopping on and off )???? Thanks!
Posted by
Seattle, USA
990 posts
I'd go with a carry-on sized wheelie--no more than 22 inches, and 20 would be better. Packing for a month is not all that different from packing for a week--just plan on doing some laundry and you'll be fine.
Any possibility your husband can be prevailed upon to take some of your things in a backpack that he would carry? The problem with wheelies--besides weight--is that they have less capacity than a similarly sized backpack or duffle bag. So you may find yourself a bit pinched getting everything into a carry-on sized wheeled case.
Two random bits of advice--send things you won't need (like guidebooks and maps of already-visited places) home in a padded envelope or small box that you can buy right at the post office. It'll save you from lugging unneeded items around for a month. And bring a small retractable cable lock with you. Magellans has them, I think. If you have to leave your bag at the front area of the car, you can lock it down to something unmovable. Just a bit of extra peace of mind.
Best of luck with your trip--it'll be a lot different traveling in the future!!
Posted by
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
368 posts
Just a question, but why wouldn't you be able to wear a backpack at 4 months? I would think you would even be able to use the hip straps if you wear them low enough...
Posted by
Centennial, CO, USA
1883 posts
I agree, you should be able to still use a backpack when 4 months pregnant, unless you have some other medical reason not too, but then, maybe you shouldn't be traveling over seas!
if you are against the backpack, then use a carry on size wheeled bag. If you get wheels, it will be heavier, you add at least 3 lbs for wheels, and that's a LIGHT wheeled carry on size bag. Plan on 5-8 lbs just for the wheeled bag. Add your clothing, and now you are at a greater weight than your pack you used the last time to Europe.
Wheels are not always fun. you will end up carrying this bag up the stairs at the train stations, and up the stairs at the hotels and in the metro stations. if you are thinking about making this a light trip, do it the way you backpacked before!
And, just because you are going for a month doesn't mean you pack for a month...you still pack for one week, and plan to wash in the sink, or pay for a laundry!