Luggage for extended trip to Europe

I do about the same as what you've described, making sure that I can lift that suitcase up and down train stairs easily during boarding, which can be fast-paced when people are trying to load up and find their seats.

I have my own personal "weight limit" that I try to stay under. The more trains and buses I am taking, the more I lower my own limit, because that suitcase seems to get heavier as the trip progresses.

For weight management, I've found a few favorite tops that are ultra lightweight and dry in a few hours, so I do sink laundry regularly and can bring far fewer clothes.

A wise man once said - You can't travel heavy, happy, and cheap. Pick two.

I travel for three months at a time. I have one carry on sized spinner and one personal size backpack. I try not to check either.

Laundromats are wonderful! One does need some downtime and I use that time for laundry. I do mostly sink laundry but after a few washes like that, I hit the laundromat.

The only limit you have is that you need to be able to manage your luggage yourself getting on and off trains and perhaps up and down a flight of stairs at a station. I think a roller bag and another bag that you carry on (You decide backpack, tote, ???) will work, but just make sure that you can carry them. European train stations often have a difference in height between the train step and the platform so you really need to watch your step when getting on and getting off.

I use laundromats in Europe and it is usually a fun experience. I kid you not! It is an opportunity to meet and visit with locals and I always find some pretty interesting people while washing my clothes.

Souvenirs: Take a packable tote and then check your other luggage on the way home and just carry on the souveniers. It will give you extra space.

Ignore them. Yiu know what you need and winter does take more luggage space. I think the most valuable suggestion I have is one, preferably both, need to be spinners. Tough to drag two trolly (2 wheel) bags.

I guess that and the smallest and lightest bags that work for you.

You might consider a shoulder strap for the carry on - it may be helpful navigating certain situations. It would also be great if the carry on can sit on top of the spinner - but that may be an area where a two-wheeler could have an advantage.

For trips longer than 10 days, we each bring a 24/25" suitcase plus a smaller carry on compliant bag. Mine is a medium size gym bag. DH has a large messenger bag. Both have straps or a sleeve that can slip over the handle of the suitcase. After purchasing 4 wheel spinners a couple of years ago, we've relegated them to trips limited to getting to an airport and resort or cruise. They were a royal PITA on uneven surfaces like cobblestones or poorly maintained sidewalks. We've happily returned to our much older 2 wheeled bags for land trips where we are travelling from place to place.

We were in the Venice Airport one morning after a cruise ship let their passengers disembark. I saw all those husbands having to haul two 24" suitcases for their wives. I felt so sorry for the poor guys.

But with our family, everyone has a 21" carry on bag with swivel wheels--and either a big purse or a backpack. Because I don't haul luggage for anyone. Everyone with us handles their own bags.

We can easily travel 2 weeks without washing clothes. And we often will schedule stays in B&B's or apartments that have laundry facilities.

We've had too many incidents with checking luggage on airplanes, so we only carry on our suitcases now. No worries.

I take a long trip every summer, typically with 25-30 hotel changes, all via train, bus and/or ferry. I almost never take a taxi to or from my hotel, so I cover a lot of miles of sidewalks and encounter my share of cobblestones and other rough pavement. I vastly prefer a two-wheeled bag because those deal better with challenging conditions. However, it has become extremely difficult to find a two-wheeler for sale. Even using one of my legacy two-wheeled bags, there are times I have to lift the bag up or down a flight of stairs or across pavement so difficult I fear it could damage the wheels.

I would not be able to go up or down the very narrow steps on a train with a bag in each hand, so my purse is a cross-body style and my small carry-on bag is a lightweight packable tote with straps long enough it can be slung over my shoulder, leaving me with a hand free when climbing or descending. Folks who are stronger and/or taller may be able to deal with two bags in hand; I cannot.

Packing as light as you can will pay dividends throughout the trip. For a solo traveler, sink-washing clothes isn't all that burdensome. I take two inflatable hangers with me; they speed drying.

I travel a lot by train in Europe I found that a wheeled duffel bag is the best. Better than the typical huge squat spinners I see a lot of people travel with.

I have a Dakine "110L Split Roller", and a Tatonka waterproof "Barrel Roller".

The advantage of these type of bags are in my opinion:
- Sturdier wheels. I have dragged both for kilometers, and usually can just move at my normal walking speed while towing them.
- They have a skid plate at the bottom. So you can just drag them behind you up the steps in to a train. The skid plate does of course collect scratches and dents, but that is what it is for.
- They are usually easier to stow when on board the train. My 110L Dakine fits comfortably in the overhead racks of the typical central European inter city train. The Tatonka fits too, and will even fit underneath seats or between seat backs on many trains.
- The Tatonka is waterproof. Having moved to the mountains that is now my go to bag, as I can drag it through rain and snow without worry. Don't have to worry about it sitting outside in the rain waiting to be loaded in an aircraft either.
- The Tatonka is also yellow (but that was a special). A bright conspicuous colour is useful, as thieves are more likely to grab ann average black spinner than a big yellow duffel.

We have traveled a lot, visiting 81 foreign countries and most of Europe. We always stay for periods of three to seven weeks.

Both my wife and self take checkable roller suitcases with max of 22 Kilos or 50lbs. We find that we can last about two weeks without have to wash clothes. With a carryon, that would likely be less than half of that.

Finding coin operated self laundry places (laundromats in the USA and launderettes in the UK), can be hard in some countries, especially Italy, Spain and Portugal. There is a website informing you of all the launderettes in the UK. There may be the same for other countries.

Other options are have your hotel do your laundry, which is almost like having to buy your clothes again, it is so expensive.
While in Sydney, Australia, we couldn't find a laundromat, but found a place that would do a bundle of laundry for a price that was more than you would spend for doing it yourself at a coin operated place, but significantly cheaper than at a hotel. Still, you have to find the place and carry your laundry there. Getting there on local public transport or taxi can be a pain or expensive.

I suggest checking ahead before you depart and try locating places to do laundry near your lodging.

Another option is to hand wash yourself. That is possible, if you are staying more than one night at your lodging, since it can take a while for the clothes to dry hanging in the bath or shower.

We have spent a month at a time in Europe using the RS carry on. I factor in how well we can manage having to roll it/ lift it onto public transport so I limit the weight to 22 lbs. We also have smallish backpacks to carry on board the plane with essentials. It’s easy to overestimate how much you can carry/lift so test it out ahead of time. In the future I may limit the weight even more as we are getting older unless I can get someone to fetch and carry it for me on a tour that offers that service. I have done a little sink laundry as we went along in the past but last year I opted for hotel laundry and a public laundromat. We liked the laundromat better as we could fold our stuff neatly as opposed to being roughly folded and wrinkled by the hotel service. On a long trip, head for the laundromat and give yourself some breathing time. You’ll meet fellow travelers at the laundromat. As someone said, it’s actually fun.

I agree with Mary and most others above. It is more about weight and being able to manage your own luggage. My weight stays under 25 lbs, all inclusive. I prefer it around 20 lbs, but I take a camera. Also, on trains a carryon size is easier to place on the overhead rack. So if you can handle both bags at once easily, have one hand free to hold bannisters or boost yourself up on those sometimes high steps, manage down train aisles, etc, then take the size you want. I can travel indefinitely with a carryon and personal item, but that's me, you do you. Just practice lifting, carrying, walking outside for a while, etc. to make sure you can handle it all without making yourself an easy target or hurting yourself.

Common travel advise is pack for a week, and that is suffice for a month..which means it should also be suffice for 3 months. Boring, but sufficient. Now, with some weather considerations, a bit more needs to be tossed in like those packable down jackets (sweaters?), or a merino cardigan or pullover and a waterproof jacket covers the Autumn season....depending where you are finishing your travel. Dollar store hat and gloves.
I pack one carry on and try to avoid a full 'personal' item'. These days, I check my bag when I have connecting flights, so items are moved from suitcase to personal item as a CYA should suitcase be delayed, and then moved back to suitcase once arrived. Ideally, the personal item will be folded up and put into the suitcase outside pocket. My other item is my cross body purse.

I will admit, however, that I can no longer easily bench press 25+ pounds into an overhead train compartment, so it will be in front of me or in a suitcase rack.

Travel to hot places, you need more clothes, since you can't wear clothes as along as in more moderate temps.
For example, go to Italy in the Summer, in one day your shirt is wet with perspiration, so you can't wear it two or three days like when it is cooler.

There's an app for that - https://anywearanywhere.store/
also - https://press.jal.co.jp/en/release/202307/007481.html

For example, go to Italy in the Summer, in one day your shirt is wet
with perspiration, so you can't wear it two or three days like when it
is cooler.

You can if you turn it inside out.

I don't use a spinner because most of them that have wheels that are exposed and I worry about them being damaged. Instead, I take a suitcase with two recessed wheels. The one I have is 10 years old and I will replace it with a Travelpro Bold 25" in a olive because it is easier to identify at luggage claim. I am a 69 year old, 5 foot tall woman and pack about 33 pounds including a 220 hot pot. I have no problems getting it onto trains or up and down stairs (I do lift weights). I have a light weight back pack with a change of clothes, laptop and other necessities. I know I could save luggage fees by taking less, but for a 3-4 week trip, I don't care.

geovagriffith - can you post the url for the laundrette website for the UK?

Thanks!!

I pack the same regardless of the length of time with my longest trip being 50 nights, NOT covering such a weather range. I am Medicare-eligible, short and female which informs my decisions.

I carry on a 20" international size (accepted by intra-continental air carriers as carry-on luggage) a small purse and a fabric nylon resusable shopping bag for carry-on items. I go over at under 18 pounds for the luggage (total weight). Mine is a 2 wheeled bag; does well on cobblestones. If I were buying a new bag, I'd still go with 2 wheels (universally lighter than 4 wheels) and consider a large wheel (have seen some that look to be 5" or so) with more rubber than plastic because of noise. If you do 4 wheels, be sure you can also pull it with 2.

I put my small purse and whatever I want on the plane in the nylon bag. I limit my souvenirs to lightweight items and not many. Unless I buy something and ship it home through the vendor (vendor deletes the VAT for you).

If I were to do as you are doing, I would carry as small a carry-on as possible (pack just two changes of fast-drying hand-washable clothes in that bag). I suggest this because the intercity train transport will be much easier with as light a load as you can manage. No one will be helping you with luggage and in many places you must use stairs.

I would also consider taking clothes that I leave behind and buy my cold-weather jacket on the road, unless I can take a light weight down jacket.

"You can wear a (sweaty) shirt if you turn it inside out." Yucky! Lume Deodorant products work really well. Clothes get wet but not stinky. Could be an option.

Just sink wash sweaty stinky shirts daily. You don't need more, you just need to make the effort and choose fabric content wisely.

https://findnearme.uk/launderette/

“for example, go to Italy in the Summer, in one day your shirt is wet with perspiration, so you can't wear it two or three days like when it is cooler.”

We ran into that situation in southern France one July. I washed out our stuff in the bathroom sink in the evening and it was dry by morning. It only took a few minutes. Bring clothes that are quick dry and that don’t wrinkle.

That Dakine travel roller sounds very interesting. I like the hybrid duffel bag/rolling suitcase idea. I also appreciate the advise about having to lift a suitcase over my head into a train rack. So, guess I will pack up my current suitcase and practice to see realistically how much I can lift.

I do have some places booked with washers and appreciate that I can do some sink washing! Not sure about the laundromats, mostly because I don't want to take time out of my day to wash clothes, but hey as you say might meet some interesting people.

I am also thinking about the idea of checking my luggage into storage in train stations or tourist offices for shorter stays (2 nights) and just using an overnight bag so I may have less to lug around. Thinking especially about Cinque Terre and Matera in Italy. Has anyone done this?

Anyway, appreciate the input from everyone

I thought I would post an update on my luggage adventure. I did purchase the Dakine 85L split roller. I also purchased the Maxilite 26 inch 2 wheeled suitcase and the weekender. I will be gone August (starting in Paris and traveling through central Europe, Italy and south of France) and return back mid November (ending in Portugal/Spain). I thought I would practice packing. (don't laugh)
I packed
10 pairs of underwear, 5 pairs of socks, 4 pairs of shoes (booties, sandals, flipflops, hiking sandals), (wearing a pair of white tennis shoes) 6 pairs of pants/leggings, 3 cardigans, about 10 other assorted blouses, 4 tshirts and 4 cami's. Also toiletries, tech bag and a few other assorted odds and ends. Well that pretty much filled up the weekender and the 26 inch Maxilite. It also filled up the Dakine and a backpack. I could pretty much lift the backpack and the weekender over my head, I did not weigh but they were heavy. I also pulled everything around my house several times.
.

As I said my plan was to have two suitcases with one only half full so I had room for souvenirs. Well that did not work out and it is clear to me that I have to pack much less. Glad I practiced this early before I leave as I still have options.

I think the Dakine is nice because it is narrow and tall, seems like it would be easier to pull around especially on trains because it is not wide, however it is 8.5 pounds empty and had a tendency to fall over with a pack on top of it. The Maxilite which is only 5 lbs is too wide I think. Both of these solutions seem like too much for 11 weeks in Europe, I would probably start struggling with hauling them around. I recently watched a video by Sarah Murdock on packing and liked her philosophy about bring whatever you can cram in but watch the weight. (She travels with 4 pairs of shoes) I also realize I packed too much and need to pair that down. So, I am sending back the 26 inch Maxilite and going to replace it with a 22 inch carry on, which will be the weekender and the carryon, I will check the carryon. Still want to try and only pack one half full. Option two, is the maxilite carryon and the Cotopaxi Allpa 42 liter backpack, which I saw on her show. So, I just ordered the Cotopaxi and will test out those two options. I am also going to try and lighten up the Dakine and backpack solution. I still want to make sure I have a carryon in case my checked luggage gets lost or delayed. I will also see what I can get into just a carryon after i cut out half of what I was planning on bringing.

Wow!! My life is so simple!

Well it sounds like you're getting good advice & trying out the options, good for you! Especially trying out your suitcase full, walking around but maybe try hauling that stuff 500 yards? (And Mr. E is funny as usual.) You mentioned looking at a lot of posts about luggage, but have you read up on what to pack? https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/packing.

But having said that, I wouldn't start with the suitcase, I would start with the stuff. Seriously only you will care what you're wearing and a larger suitcase will just tempt you to take too much! Agree with a few posters above, pack for a week, that's it. So I'm not sure what are booties? Short boots maybe, can you walk 5 miles in them on uneven surfaces? Are you packing water resistant, sturdy shoes? Shoes take up space. ONE pair of sandals for hotel rooms & a quick walk will do. So for me that would be 3 pairs MAX - walking shoes that can take serious abuse, trainers for planes & to give your feet a break, and sandals. 7 undies max. Seriously you don't need 10 blouses, maybe half that number, add a few short sleeved T's. I would take one cardigan, if you run cold. 4 pair Smart Wool socks. You are in Italy & France so buy a nice scarf or 2 along the way to change up your outfits? A Uniqlo or similar puffer jacket weighs nothing, since you're staying later in the year. No raincoat on your list, you will need one, lots of ideas on Forum, I wear Gore Tex that goes down below my puffer jacket. A scarf, a hat, gloves. Look closely at toiletries - staying in hotels you will not need much. It all adds up. I put out everything on dining room table a week before travel, then edit edit edit. Good luck!!

I think rolling duffels are a good option vs hardshell luggage because they're not as much of a struggle to get through a bus or train doorway, or down an aisle. For the souvenir issue, rather than try tp keep a bag half empty, consider packing an empty foldable duffel in your main luggage, and just fill that up along the way. Anyway you look at it, you'll end up with your hands full.

You are getting there with paring down!
If you take 3 bottoms and 7 tops, that’s 21 outfits.
Everything has to coordinate with everything else.
You can take 5 pairs of undies, 5 pairs of socks, and 3 pairs of shoes.
A nightie or pj’s X 1 set.
Two cardigans and one thicker fleece or hoodie jacket for cooler nights.
A rain jacket with a hood.
All that can fit in a 21 “ carryon.
Which you can still check if you want to.
It’s just smaller to make it easier for changing places each time.
Another game changer is a handheld luggage scale.
I weigh the clothes I take with it….just hang them from it on a hanger.

If I can do carryon (which I do check sometimes…I just like the smaller bag) …….and I love clothes…..
You can do it!
Tech and toiletries can go in your personal item bag/daypack.
You can bring laundry sheets for machine or hand washing such as Tru-Earth brand.
You can bring or buy a fold up tote for souvenirs.
Shops in Europe are wonderful, so you can supplement your toiletries as you go.
Let us know what your final packing decisions are!

Fantastic that you're doing a lengthy trip. Going on a trip of 81 days, I would not even consider "carry-on". only.....totally out of the question. No traveling in November though. I prefer doing that time length from May to the end of Sept. given the pros and cons.

I would suggest that your spinner be easy enough for you to toss on to the above train rack . Make sure you have a hard plastic rod at the spinner's bottom or at least something you're able to grab onto firmly in regards to weight distribution. If you're able to distribute the weight, ie , holding the front and the bottom, your spinner weighing 30 lbs can be tossed up easily on the rack .

I don't fly within Europe, basically not an option. All transit is done by train (day or night) from city to city. Getting from the train station to the hotel can be tedious when taking pubic transport with luggage in tow. That's why, I stay mostly in the station area, 5 mins. walk max.

You don't want to be relying on public transit , or worse still, a taxi, ride share, etc., on the day of departure to the train station.

I have just returned from a 14 day train based trip to Europe. I traveled with the 2 wheel Maxlite 22in carryon and a 24L backpack. I did not check bags on this trip but have also used the 22in Maxlite as a checked bag (doesn’t meet European airline carryon standards) with the backpack as carryon before.

You need to be prepared for exactly how steep and narrow the steps are getting on the train, don't underestimate this. As a shorter person I find it doable but challenging even with a 22” carryon. (This is where WengenK’s comment on being able to pull the Dakine up the steps makes a lot of sense.) I witnessed many petite and older people REALLY struggling to get their roller bags up the stairs. I would want both hands to lift mine up the train steps (I go up the train stairs and turnaround as my husband is lifting it up to me so I don’t have to do this).

Additionally, you will be using stairs in many rail stations to access the platforms. Some will have escalators but we found 50% of these not operating this summer, ironically mostly the up escalators. You may have access to an elevator, but you don’t want to count on it, especially if you have a quick transfer to another platform. Although at the beginning of the trip I carried my 22” roller up and down with one hand no big deal, later in the trip I was feeling worn out and ended up using both hands to hold the bag in front going up and down stairs.

The point of this long description? IMHO you really need to think backpack not weekender. The weekender is great when rolling your luggage, but it has to be removed when going up and down stairs and getting on public transport. You would have both hands full and I worry that can also be a security risk. Train/metro stations are places where you want to keep your hands on your luggage at all times. You will invariably end up setting one down to manhandle the other onto the train. Yes, backpacks aren’t fool proof since you can’t see what is going on behind, so just don’t put valuables in there and get a small lock to lock the zippers closed, but they are hands free! For trams and buses you may need to push a button to enter or exit. All the ones we used were tap your CC or phone to pay. IMHO, you will want one hand free at all times!

Next, the 42L Cotapaxi . It sounds like you are choosing this just to have room to pack more for carryon in case your bag goes missing. It is 4.2lbs- OUCH! that seems heavy for a backpack that you are carrying all over Europe for 81 days. you may regret it. My pack has no interior organizers except a padded laptop sleeve and only weighs 1lb, 5oz, 24L volume. At times I have used it as the only carryon I can fit a raincoat, sweater or jacket, 2pr underwear, 1pr socks, one extra top maybe two if they are small, tech bag (charging cables, power adapter, battery pack) a couple snacks, Rx and OTC medications, essential toiletries, a few papers with essential itinerary info, and eReader. In a pinch this would get me through 2 days before I’d decide maybe I need to buy a couple of things. Pants can easily be worn 3 days as long as you don’t spill your coffee. Unless you have an extremely short connection, I believe the odds of your bag not arriving (much less going missing for many days) are so much lower than the regret of a heavy pack. On these forums everyone tells you the problems and what they do and it all sounds great, but not everything is doable in every circumstance. I think you need to prioritize! If you were traveling and attending a wedding or work conference immediately after arrival or catching a cruise where luggage can have trouble catching up then maybe the large Cotopaxi bag would make sense. I just don’t think it would be the end of the world for your trip, and I am very risk averse. Don't underestimate how exhausting this kind of travel can be, look hard at every single ounce you are packing.