Suitcases v/s Duffle bags. Size?

I travel with a carry on sized roll aboard suitcase. It can expand so that I can add souvenirs and I often check it. But checking it or carrying it on is another issue. I would stay with the carry on size whether you check it or not. You want it to be manageable. Many hotels do not have elevators. And then if you do use public transportation you need to be able to hoist it up on buses down train aisles and into overhead bins. I made the mistake one time of taking a bigger bag and haven't done it again since.

Now, I love to drive in Scotland! Give me a standard shift car, a wee road, a sunny day (although not required!) and some tunes on the radio and I am in heaven. I did also drive in France, German and Austria. The roads were bigger there for the most part. The autobahn and French toll road experience had their own issues. I got stuck in a massive traffic jam in Austria and missed my turn in France. It took a half hour to get to the next exit.

I'm sure it will be a great trip!

Pam

You don't need as much as you think you do. Clothes can be worn more than once and, if pack the right ones, can be washed and dried in your room. My husband and I have been using Rick's convertable suitcase for more than 20 years. He can now pack so that his weighs less than 10 lb for a 3 week trip. Mine is usually closer to 12 to 15 lb (he makes me take all our meds, the "picnic" stuff, etc. plus I prefer to take extra undies). If you don't have something you need you can buy it there.

Now about driving. In 20 years of travel we have NEVER driven in Europe. I would especially be hesitant about driving in the UK. The cities have absolutely horrible traffic and parking is worse- both in the cities and smaller towns and villages. The roads are small and in many places in Scotland, still one lane (not one lane each way- ONLY one lane!) Elsewhere, I'd hate to have to worry about language difficulties while driving. Also neither of us can drive straight shift.

Additionally we LOVE riding trains and buses in Europe. They are convient, easy to use and, if you plan right, not expensive. I like not having to navigate or worry about anything like the price of gas (again- horrible!!!). This board seems to be split with fanatics on both sides. Those who advocate driving talk about being able to stop whenever they want. I can do that when I use a railpass- but also we generally plan things out ahead of thime. I also like being able to meet locals on the train and the bus.

The plan is to arrive in Germany, drive to France then Italy. How long does it takes from Germany
(Frankfurt) to France?

Waddys: To where in France?

depending on where in france - frankfurt to the border by Trier is maybe 1.5 hr-2 hrs or so by train. You can also google-map it and see the driving distance and time.

also - if youre moving around a lot or jumping on off trains try the convertable bag - or shoulder bag. Duffel may be too bulky and suitcase too cumbersom!

I believe the plan is to stop in Paris for few days, then go to Rome and Venice.

I not planning to take the trains, instead renting a car. I was told that the cars are also very small, is that true? Another thing I live in Florida, I wear flip flops day and night all around the year. They are very comfortable to me. Should I? I am going in August

Don't take a duffel bag- they are hard to carry! Take a small rolling case or a backpack (I was already carrying a toddler on my back, so I took a rolling case.) I did have a duffel bag packed for the whole family for dirty laundy, to open up rooms in our suitcase, but we only carried that a couple of times.

I love driving in Europe, but it can be overwhelming for some. Our last trip was my husband's first, and he was overwhelmed at my driving on the roads!

No flip flops...any reason why you're taking a car instead of the train--especially since you are going to major cities.

If you've never taken a train, they are fantastic. Nothing like we have here. They're comfortable, watch the scenery, get something to eat. Etc.

Driving in Paris and Rome is ridiculous. No cars allowed in Venice.

Here's a website that will give you driving routes and times:

Via Michelin

As an example, the drive from Paris to Rome,nonstop is a little over 13 hours.

You've also been asking lots of questions all over the board. May I suggest you get a copy of Rick Steves' "Europe Through The Back Door" as it will answer many of your questions.

1. I would recommend a suitcase with wheels OR with backpack straps but not a duffle bag--easier to handle.

2 I know you're not used to the idea, but you can manage with one carry-on if you want, read more about how to do it, check the graffiti wall for tips. Really, you can!

1. I don't think you feel the same way in Europe that you do in Florida, so keep that in mind. You will find cobblestone streets and different expectations of dress for restaurants, churches, stores, etc. So, athough your toes will scream at the confinement you will be glad to have some real shoes. Unlike Florida or Hawaii, some people may be put out if you wear flip-flops in a restaurant- they might think it's gross. Can't say I've ever seen it.

2. Driving is different from country to country. There isn't one general "Europe experience." You will have a LOT of homework to do for each and every country. Are you up for that?? You seem to have a lot that you are concerned with already. You should only drive when there are no other alternatives. Yes, cars are smaller and manual transmission..Driving can be stressful, and it's easy to incur fines. Sometimes it's necessary to explore and get off the beaten path. If you just need to get from point A to point B, then do NOT drive. Use trains or buses. That will be stressful enough.

3. You're safer in Europe than tourists are in Florida. Don't get scared. You are being wise educate yourself on the scams and prepare so you know what to look for are not one of the targets, but don't obsess on that.

4. Frank is right, you will have a better trip if you get ETBD, all the info you need is organized and comprehensive. He covers suitcases, packing lists, driving, safety, trains, etc. etc.

5. EDIT: Oh, goodness I just saw this. A car in Paris, Rome and Venice??? What are you going to do with the car? You definitely need to get some guidebooks. Get ETBD and France and Italy. RS also has a book just for Rome.

Take smallest suitcase you can,, you will end up carrying it more then you thing,, Europe is filled with stairs...LOL . I like my wheeled carry on and can live out of it for a month( doing some sink laundry along the way). Make sure your suitcase wheels are good quality,, streets are bumpy.

Don't drive, take the train or fly between those three cities. Cheap and easy. I would especially hesitate to drive in Italys cities, apparently driving is prohited in some areas and tourists regularily miss the signs, but , are still tracked down months later throught the license plate and rental car agency and fined.

There is no reason at all to have a car in the cities, unless you just want to pay to park it for days at a time.. seems I could think of a better way to spend money( more vino!).

Cars in Paris and Rome,, no way!

Flips are fine, BUT, you still need to bring some real footwear. Do you like to wear flip flops in rain ? Yucky wet feet! Plus, you will walk alot more in Europe and flips are fine for just strolling but harder on stairs and cobble stones.

No, no special reasons for renting the car. We thought that it will be fun, but I may have to reconsider this.

Regarding the suitcase, it's not way I can pack my stuff in a back pack unless I buy a bigger size. My duffle bag has handle and wheels, will that make any difference?

Thank you for the flip flop advise, I will leave them in sunny Forida. I am guessing that sneakers are my other choice. I don't use closed shoes here, except during Jan and Feb that I may wear a pair of ankle boots to show up :). It's hot here for socks and closed shoes.

Please buy "Europe Through the Back Door" and read it. You'll be very glad you did.

I will.
Thank you

I wouldn't use a real backpack, rather I mean a convertible suitcase. Go the home page and see Rick's packing video. I'm not techie enough to embed the video like Michael. sorry. visit this link.

http://www.ricksteves.com/plan/tips/packlight.htm

You CAN do it. You should really visit the trip planning section on the home page. Many of these questions are answered with carefully crafted articles and videos. It's even better than our answers, as good as we are!

Waddys: Re your "no special reasons for renting the car [in Rome, Paris & Venice]. We thought that it will be fun, but I may have to reconsider this."As certain as death and taxes is the certainty that having a car in Rome and Paris will not be fun.

I don't remember where I read this, but I recall that driving while wearing flip flops is illegal in some places. Also- ALL major cities in Europe are difficult to drive in. Gas is VERY expensive. Check out the recommended packing list on this site and the links to other light packing sites. You can do this.

As this is your first trip, it's not surprising that you want to, and will, pack "heavy." Most people do their first time. (And as you stated in your original statement: "What you think you need.") We've all been there.

After this trip, you'll probably find there were items you brought along but didn't need. Perfectly normal. (As an example, my first trip to Europe was on a tour and I took a full sized suitcase. Now, I just ordered a new carry on bag that measures 19 x 13 x 8 and I can fit everything I need, including my daybag, into it. Thus I am truly a one bag traveler.)

Someday, you might do the same. But for now, ask yourself, can you handle the duffle bag fully packed. Can you lift it above your head to put on the overhead rack. Is it a monster bag or is just slightly larger than normal carry on allowances. How will it work with steps? Only you can answer these.

should add this too waddy, cars as a rule are smaller, and trunk spaces can be tiny,, big suitcases not a good idea even if you rent a car.

waddys, I strongly agree with the suggestions made by Frank II - you need to find a copy of Europe Through The Back Door ASAP to help with the planning and details for your trip.

Using a Duffel (with wheels or not) would not be my choice for luggage, as you'll be facing a wide variety of conditions in Europe - Hotels with no stairs, cobblestone streets, train stations with stairs, narrow luggage racks, etc.

I find a Backpack most convenient, especially with stairs at rail stations. You might also have a look at the luggage selections in the travel store on this website. Perhaps one of the Rolling bag or Convertible Backpack models would work for you? You might also have a look at the Eagle Creek line of products, as they have a good selection.

Perhaps you can get a rough idea of what to pack by past experiences with travel closer to home? The packing list in ETBD is a good starting point, but you'll still need to tailor this to your own needs. You'll also want a small Daypack or other bag to use as "carry on" during the flights.

I definitely agree with the others in that driving is not the best idea in most cases. If there's a particular site you want to visit and it's not well served by public transport, rent a car for that but you DON'T want a car in the cities!

A few points to note - Many of the motorways in Europe have tolls, gas is EXPENSIVE, parking is expensive and an International Driving Permit is mandatory in Italy and I believe also Austria. For travel between cities, rail travel is a MUCH better option - it's much faster and drops you close to city centre. You'll find that driving in Europe often takes longer than at home. Once in cities, use Metro or Buses (very easy). ETBD will explain the pros & cons of the various methods. If you plan well, trains & Metro are much easier and less stressful!

Good luck & happy travels!

My first trip to Europe I thought I packed light.....between two of us one heavy backpack, a backpack camera bag, a duffle type bag with wheels and a 19 inche roller suitecase
it was ok but second trip paired down to 2 19 inch roller suitcases, medium backpack and camera bagpack

I think we can do better....
this time two carry on size suitcases (might be buying somethign without wheels that works as a backpack or shoulder bag), small messanger sylle camera bag, and small messenger style laptop bag.

I realize that
a) I over pack on everything including the toiletries
b) I always buy clothes when I am there

So this trip I know I can pack much lighter!

also really double think the car.
if you were driving around southern france I would say ok...or the Uk...ok
but with the cities you are plannign train is the only way to go.

I really appreciate all the responds. It gives me a better picture of what I have to do. I will not take my duffle bag that's for sure.

Frank II, I ordered the book last night. It should be here in few days.

Can I ask one more question, what about hair dryers. Are they available in most places or not?
Guys be kind, I need to keep my beauty in place to maintain my mental sanity. LOL.
I have to handle 17 days with 2-4 pants, 2 pair of shoes and wrinkle clothes, what a tragedy :)

waddys, regarding Hair Dryers, that might depend on what type of accommodations you choose? These days many Hotels are providing things like that, but of course no guarantees.

If you want to take a Hair Dryer with you, check www.magellans.com as they have a good selection of dual-voltage hair appliances.

Cheers!

I love duffel bags, and actually bought a new one for my upcoming trip because I didn't want to take my wheeled one and my other one is 11 years old and nearing retirement.

Wheeled duffels are nice, because you can carry them up stairs much easier than regular wheeled bags. HOWEVER they are heavier because of the wheels. Why don't I use my wheeled duffel? Because I'm young, in relatively good shape, and want to save nine pounds of weight. With a wheeled bag it's always easier to have a heavier bag, since you don't have to carry it all the time - until that one time where you're running late for a train and have to sling it over your shoulder and run up some stairs and suddenly you realize how incredibly heavy it is. My rule of thumb is that if you can't lift your bag over your head (like to put it in an airplane's carry-on compartment) without help, it's too heavy.

Also I'd second everyone on the train-taking. Trains and buses can get you pretty much wherever you want to go in Europe and are a lot less hassle.

If you do decide to go with a wheeled bag, make sure you get one with sturdy wheels. They sell some that have big wheels with treads on them, but just getting the in-like skate type wheels will probably be fine (so long as you're not sprinting over cobblestones)