Luggage- family of 6!

Even though you're going to be using your own transportation for most of the trip, I would still recommend going as light as you can. I do check bags--in the US and in Europe. But, I also carry on emergencies. Remember that there is no ADA in Europe so you cannot count on elevators. I travel with camera gear including a tripod so I know it's easy to fill up the roll aboards! But stay small or smaller.One thing that you might think about is to bring a couple of packable duffles. They can hold laundry during the trip or souvenirs at the end of the trip. Eagle has one and I suspect that there are others. I've checked the Eagle duffle on a return trip and used it as a carry on.

My nephew liked his backpack! I have lots of picture of my brother dragging him all over Cape Cod. They are great inventions. And, they are much better than the ones from the 50's. We also faced backwards off the one my dad had. Nice for those walking behind to chat with the baby, though. LOL.
Pam

Thank you! I picked up a few pieces- I only bought one piece that isn't carry-on size. I figure that could have heavier items and larger sized liquids. I will try to keep everyone else into as small as possible carry-ons. If I am going by myself, I can carry a lot, but with others, I am going to have my hands full!

I am glad to hear about a good back-pack experience. When we use a stroller, I end up carrying her and pushing the darn thing after she climbs out!

Hi Cate,
Don't bother bringing shampoo, conditioner, body wash and lotion ! Just pack small, travel sizes to get you through the first day - buy larger sizes when you are in Germany! Since you are going in December think in terms of layers. Two pairs of pants (3 including what you wear on plane) 2 long sleeved shirts, 1 long sleeved t shirt, 1 turtleneck, fleece jacket and waterproof shell should be about all you need along with a hat, scarf and gloves. Bring a set of long underwear, either silk or one of the new synthetics.
For the kids, have them pack in their carryon a lightweight pair of sweats - they can change into these on the plane making sleeping much more comfortable and then have something comfortable to lounge in during the trip.

Given the amount of traveling you are doing and the number of people involved, the less to keep track of the better!

Hi Cate, One thing to keep in mind is how much you can fit in the van. We rented a minivan in Germany for 7 people. We each had 1 carry-on size pull suitcase and 1 personal item (purse or backpack). We were so squashed in that van. I'm not sure if it is true of all minivans over there, but the one we had (VW) had three seats in the middle and two bucket seats in the back, so you didn't get that extra space by the door. I think we fit 4 suitcases in the trunk and my brother and I had suitcases between us and the windows on each side of us in the way back on a 3 hour drive! You will have one less person and perhaps fewer suitcases, so there will be a bit of extra room, but I just wanted to mention it. You wouldn't want to go to the trouble of carrying everyhing just for it not to fit in the car!

Most car rental companies can supply child seats, I'd check with the rental company to see if that's viable rather than toting them around. Good car seats are not small or light, and the cheap ones really don't offer any protection. Also the ones you take may not fit the mounts provided.

Taking a back-carrier for your 2 yo is really a great idea. Much easier to navigate on cobblestone than a stroller. Or when you have to climb stairs (and I'd strongly suggest you DO climb up stairs of church towers if possible -> great views!).

Not sure if buying shampoo and such in Germany will make a big difference for you. You'd also have to time it properly with your arrival as everything will be closed on Sundays, in smaller towns nothing is open after 6:30 pm.

Cate, you can see if your 2 and 4 y.o. can share 1 suitcase. Their clothes are smaller, and you can probably squeeze their stuff together. Or, see if you can use a regular school pack to put their clothes in.

I highly suggest that you Use Rick's packing mesh cubes to keep the kid's clothes organized.

If you must, go ahead and check the luggage in but hand carry at least the essentials in case one of the bags get misrouted.

And yes, I agree with the others.. skip the full size stuff. You'll be able to buy full size stuff when you get to your destination.... and seriously, even with 4 females, you really can learn to economize with 3 oz a piece... even for 2 weeks

Bring silk long underwear (wintersilks.com or llbean.com). They keep you warm and are not bulking under your clothes and are light to pack.

Pack light - as light as you can. Don't bring big shampoo etc, just get it there.

Don't bring anything white or light colored - they show dirt and stains.

I second the idea of the silk underwear. WEighs next to nothing, washes easily (dries fast) and is so nice next to your skin and keeps you warm. It is cheaper at Sierra Trading...look on line.The worst part of traveling in December (which I have done often) is the dampness. Take warm turtlenecks(think wool) and fleece for layers. You will need something warm/waterproof over the layers. You all need hats, gloves and warm socks. I agree on forgetting lugging the big bottles. Amazing how long you can get along with the 3 oz. bottles!!

Have a wonderful trip!

Thank you! I really like the silk underwear idea. : )

If you are wanting to check as little as possible, you could put your toiletries all in one bag and check it. Just pray they don't get lost. Don't forget to carry on any prescriptions and some bare necessities onto the plane. Just make sure all liquids are in additional zip lock bags, because of altitude changes they are likely to leak.

It might not be a bad idea to spread out each individual's items throughout all your baggage, speaking from the experience of traveling in groups where some people who checked luggage lost their luggage for the duration of a 10 day trip.Having a little bit of everyone's stuff in each bag will make for a happier family if something gets lost.

Remember to wear the heaviest and the most layers you can onto the plane for space and for comfort. Even your 4 y.o. can wheel a bag or a small backpack with his/her own inflight stuff. I'd carry on 2-3 bags and check 2-3, with a mix of everyone's stuff in each bag, to be redistributed upon arrival. :)