what to do with your luggage after you check out of hostels/hotels?

Some hostels will allow you to keep your luggage in their storage area for a fee. Many train stations have places you can leave your luggage (again for a fee). Depending on what you plan to do during the day, you may find keeping your stuff with you more convenient. We were spending the day at the beach, so locked all our bags together and kept them with us rather than have to go back to the hostel or go to the station hours early. Check out time depends on the Hostel. You should be able to go online and find out from the specific place you plan to stay. They should have info on luggage storage too. If not, send an email and ask.

Thank you so much. That is very helpful. One more question though, I have a rolling carry-on suitcase, would you recommend to change it to a backpack in case I want to carry it with me in situation like this?

Since it's an overnighter, my quess would be the Santa Apolonia station. They have lockers. Alternatively, I've never stayed in either a hotel or hostel that wouldn't store stuff before check-in or after check-out. I've never encountered a fee. It's a very common practice.

Drag that roller to Carrboro and back. Then try it with a laundry bag balanced across your shoulders so your hands are free. Ignore the little slope heading home, Lisbon has steep ones. Decide.

@Ed, Thanks for the humorous reply. I followed the packing list recommendation provided by Rick Steves' website and many other good ones such as the one on Contiki.com. A small carry-on suitcase is just about the right size for almost everything recommended. I have reduced items already. What do you normally pack in your backpack for a two month long trip? Thank you,
Eileen

I pack the same things for two months as I would for two weeks, nothing extra (except extra packs of Woolite). When I need something to replace the travel-size items I bring (toothpaste, etc.), I buy it there.

@ Zoe, Thanks for the suggestion. I was thinking about that strategy also; however, I just cannot stop worrying about the weather in March and pack additional sweater and shirts with me. Currently, I have these in my suitcase: 4 LS shirts, 3 blouses, 2 sweaters, 2 cardigans, a rain/fleece jacket, two pants, 2 scarfs, 1 hat, underwear, and daily essentials such as cleanser, moisturizer, soap, and shampoo. I am thinking about reducing the number of long sleeve shirts, what's something else that you would suggested me to reduce?

Well, you have 4 sweaters total, and those take up space. Eliminate 2 of them, and add in short sleeve blouses or t-shirts. I didn't see that you listed a swim suit? No visit to beaches or pools? It might be quite warm in March, as the weather can change. I have had days in Frankfurt in March where it was almost hot, close to 80°.

For a two month trip I would use some sort of backpack. List looks good. I like leggings and skirts - I can crumple both up to nothing and I can wear with cowboy boots (or whateve) by day and ballet slippers by night. I don't bring much toiletries other than a little make up and tampons. I have always found soap and shampoo somewhere.

@ Jo, I have taken 1 sweater and 1 cardigan out of my suitcase, and I will consider bringing a swimsuit with me. Thank you for your suggestion. @Bronwen I will certainly try out a backpack and see if that will make a difference. I have reduced almost everything, but somehow the carry-on bag is still a bit heavy to carry around for a long term. Thank you for your comment.

Hi, If you're checkng out in the morning from the hostel and the train does not depart until 2100, to save time and for peace of mind, I'd go to the train station from the hostel, put the luggage in a coin locker (if possible) or leave it with left-luggage (more expensive). Come back by 8pm to retrieve it, or even a bit earlier and wait in the waiting area/cafe.

I once heard someone say pack for four days whether you're going for a weekend or a two week vacation. I don't do exactly that but I don't add extra heft if I'm going for two months. Every trip is carry-on only (one bag, not a bag PLUS a personal item). My pack list, including what I wear on the plane, is three pants and five tops (making 15 mix and match outfits). I add a pair of trainer pants for pjs, very casual wear, or something to wear while I'm laundering my pants. I bring three pairs of underwear, three pairs of socks (all the same in case I lose a sock or two), a pair of swim/walking shorts, one or two warm items for layering, a waterproof rain shell, and two pairs of shoes. Everything is picked to be good for travel - lightweight, wash and wear, fast-drying, and neutral colors (preferably that don't show dirt/stains much). I wash underwear/socks nightly in the sink, add a shirt when I need to, and stop every two weeks at a laundromat and wash everything in my bag.

@Fred & Brad Thank you for your helpful tips, I will certainly try them out while I am in Europe.

Hi, You're welcome. I know that at certain independent hostels complete laundry facilities, ie., washer and dryer are available. They were at the place I stayed at... Wombats. Time your trip right, do a full bag there, and you'll start afresh when you leave. I prefer hostels, provided they are decent (security and cleanliness), located within walking distance from the train station so that you don't have to rely on public transportation or, worse still, a taxi to get back to the station.