Hi all. I'll be studying abroad this summer, but will have the ability to take 3 weekend trips (most likely by Ryanair & Easyjet) to many great cities in Europe. I plan on traveling to the city during the evening, going to a hostel, staying there the entire weekend, and then leave in the afternoon, so I don't think I'll be doing too much walking around with whatever bag I have. My family has been telling me to get a backpack, but honestly, I haven't used a backpack since elementary school. Do you think a zipped tote of sorts would work as well? Or do I really need to stick with a backpack? If so, any stylish suggestions? And also, if you do have a backpack, how are you supposed to keep it secure from pickpocketers?
Posted by
Germany, Germany
813 posts
You should get a Reisenthel bag while you're here. They have a tote that exactly matches the carry on size for the low-fare airlines. They come in tons of great patterns and colors. You'll see lots of women carrying them around in various sizes and colors. http://www.reisenthel.com
Posted by
Frankfurt, Germany
8946 posts
Just make sure your bag fits the size of what Ryan Air allows. It can only be 10 kg. and that is the only bag you get, unless you are paying extra to check something. Your purse, camera, etc. all have to go in one bag. For a weekend, it is easy. I don't usually wear a backpack either, but I took one with me when we went to Edinburgh, plus had a small purse tucked inside to use while sightseeing.
Posted by
Land of La
8680 posts
How much stuff will you be taking for a 48 hour sojourn? Will the hostels have lockers or a secure spot to store your bag? A tote that has an across the body strap should work. I find the LL Bean Quickload Duffle works for 48 hour jaunt. I'll take practicality over style any time.
Posted by
St. Louis, MO USA
1976 posts
Hi Stephanie. You could take along a big LeSportSac shoulder bag. It's really sturdy and you can fold it up small - just stuff it into a pocket of your suitcase. It makes a great weekend bag. As far as protecting yourself from pickpockets, wear a moneybelt when you travel for the weekend. Keep the bulk of your cash, your passport, credit/debit cards, and other important items in it. Put your daily spending money in your daybag. You could still get pickpocketed whether you have a shoulder bag or backpack, but if you have nothing of value in it except 30 euros, then there's nothing to worry about.
Posted by
Charlotte, NC, USA
3428 posts
I am about ready to get a new weekender/day bag. I've been looking at Rick's Euro Tote Bag (http://travelstore.ricksteves.com/catalog/index.cfm?fuseaction=product&theParentId=8&id=441)
I thinkg it would be plenty big enough for your needs.
Posted by
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, USA
13952 posts
I am totally in love with the website viviennefiles (dot) blogspot (dot) com. She has great ideas on wardrobes and packing efficiently. Her choices are a lot more expensive and dressy than I would choose for myself and this is probably true for you as well, but you can translate her suggestions to things that would work for you. On her March 19 2012 post she shows what she took just for an overnight to NYC with just a tote. An extra shirt, an extra set of unders and you are set for you 48 hour weekend anywhere! One of the stores she recommends in Paris is Diwali, a seemingly awesome scarf store. It's on my list! Have a wonderful time this summer.