Hi! I will be going on the 14-day Rick Steves Ireland Trip this September. For those who have been on this trip recently, would bringing a larger (checked) suitcase be a headache? Are there lots of stairs in the 7 hotels that we’ll be using during the trip or when going from the bus to the hotels along the way? I would really like to bring one suitcase and a small daypack but want to know if I will regret having the larger suitcase. I am physically able to carry it fine but don’t want to if I have to go up 5 flights of stairs for example! I’m debating between that and a small carry on suitcase. Any tips are much appreciated. Thank you!
Posted by
Bellingham, WA
1160 posts
You know what Uncle Rick says: No one ever says, "I wish I'd packed more."
Posted by
Chicago, IL
86 posts
I'd go one step further and (if your back can take it) use a Rick Steve's backpack that has the room of a small carry-on. I'm so thankful I don't trundle a roller across cobble stones and up & down stairs. I also carry a medium size cross body purse, so I look like a bit of a pack mule, but this approach gives me a ton more flexibility.
Posted by
Charleston & Birmingham
4947 posts
If the only thing you have in your possession on the plane is a small daybag, what will you do if your checked luggage doesn't make it to your destination with you and you have no change of clothes?
Posted by
1458 posts
You would have to look at the hotels where you are staying because it’s not the same hotels for every tour. I think Dingle was the only place I had to bring the suitcase up one flight of stairs. My husband took the RS backpack for that trip and regretted it. Too unstructured and not fun for his back. He’s back to a carry on suitcase with 2 wheels. I always take a larger spinner suitcase. I think for the next tour I’ll get rid of spinner wheels which are not efficient or sensible but I never regret taking a larger suitcase in spite of popular opinion on the forum. It’s a great tour!
Posted by
Bend, OR
1534 posts
The hotels are not always the same. Bring whatever you want to bring as long as you can manage it yourself over a block of cobblestones and some steps. Personally, after numerous tours, I want to bring less to deal with not more.
Posted by
Lynnwood, Washington
9448 posts
When you get your hotel list, about 30 days out, just go to the websites and see if they have elevators. That should help you with your decision. Even if the elevator is quite small. Luggage can still be sent up on it.