My son and his friend are college music conservatory students traveling to Europe for professional reasons, and spending a week between engagements just sightseeing. They must travel with their instruments - trombones - and in my son's case, he must have a large suitcase because he needs extra dress clothing for performances and extra musical equipment that doesn't fit into his trombone case. And he is staying in Europe for 2 months. So he is traveling with 2 sizeable items. They are traveling Arhus-Vienna-Prague-Berlin by train (yes, it's a busy trip). Any suggestions, warnings, tips for making sure they and their luggage travel safely? Do they have to check their cases, for example? One leg of the trip is overnight, so are there extra concerns for a couchette?
Posted by
New York City, NY, USA
5678 posts
I remember traveling home from German after spending 6 months in Europe. I had a huge suitcase, a smaller suitcase and a big backpack! And I took a side trip to London and then to Dublin before getting home! I remember dragging that luggage onto a Strassenbahn, then a train, then a taxi, then the plane, then another taxi, and so on. It was pre-wheelie luggage! I was crazy! I was 19!
So, There are others who will chime in I'm sure, recommending some locks. One of the things that people do is cable their luggage together. When traveling by train you're trying to stop those who are grabbing and running, which is hard to do when they are locked together. I think I would be sure to take a small day pack so that they can stash that big luggage in left luggage places or at the hotel.
Pam
Posted by
Puyallup, WA, USA
881 posts
Hi Beverly. Many airlines will allow you to take musical instruments on as an extra carry-on, I would call and ask.
I would travel with two bags in addition to the instrument. In one smaller, carry-on sized, he can have his concert dress, and other items needed for the trip. In his other bag, toiletries, clothes, etc. - a rolling suitcase he can put the other bag on would probably be nice.
If he can get one of those backpack style instrument cases, that would probably be nice for him too.
When he's done with concert portions of his trip, he can put the concert dress clothes and equipment in long term bag storage, and not have to worry about it as he travels around I've done this myself, with no worries.
I wouldn't doubt in Vienna, if he could even find a professional instrument storage place, or someone he could trust to hold the instrument for him. It's a city of music.
There shouldn't be any concerns with a couchette. There is a ton of storage room, more than 6+ people could fill, and as long as one of them stays in the room, it's very secure. Strapping the bags together also helps.
Many train's also offer 2 person only rooms which are even more secure.
I hope that helps. I'm a professional musician, and have been there myself, and though a singer - I know the joys of lugging a tux and a tonne of music around, unfortunately. lol. If you have any questions, let me know.