Packable duffel

I’m not sure what you are asking but you can bring a packed duffle in your suitcase. If you use it coming back you will need to possibly pay for a checked bag for your return trip. This is what we do if we anticipate buying things and using our packed duffle, we pay for a checked bag ahead of time only for our return flight. However we have two major airline credit cards that always allow a checked bag, cabin bag and hand bag for free and we haven’t needed to transport more for a fee in a long time.

In terms of what? Airline allowances, a tour? Specifically a Rick Steves tour?

I guess I’m asking if , by bringing a packed duffel we would be breaking the rules for luggage on RS trips.

The only luggage "rule" for Rick Steves tours is you have to be able to handle whatever you bring. So if you pack an empty duffle, and fill it up with your goodies, you have to be able to lug it around to the bus, hotel (possible stairs) and at the airport, along with whatever else you have (carry-on, backpack, full-sized suitcase).

Most bus drivers on Rick Steves tours have a part of their luggage bay set aside for "deep storage" items....things you don't want brought in every stop. Some use something like a big cardboard appliance box, others just have them separate. There is no problem with this at all.

You do have to be able to manage your own luggage as indicated but the buses are full sized buses with only about half the number of folks they can accommodate so plenty of room down below.

I always take a packable duffel. I use it to hold any suitcase items I don’t need on a regular basis) in a location (i.e., bathing suit, warm sweater) so I keep them out of the way. Also, when flying home, I put laundry and clothing in the duffel and any wine or liquor in the ckecked suitcase. We often transfer duty free items after customs into our checked bag if we’re catching another flight home.