Hello, my son is studying abroad in Lugano Switzerland, and will have free weekends to explore Italy and European surrounding countries. During his four months they also get three 10 day breaks where it is not uncommon for the kids to take cheap flights to places like Greece or Spain. I am writing because I’m having a hard time Figuring out the luggage situation that would be most ideal. He has one standard large Samsonite suitcase on wheels (not the hard shell) as his main bag that can stay in his dorm in Switzerland the entire time. He also has a travel back pack that is more like a carry on in size - 40 L and meets TSA size requirements as carry on when fully expanded. It is very much like the Rick Steve travel pack pack which we would have bought had we had the time prior to trip but discovered too late so bought a good dupe. Let’s just call this the Rick Steve bag for purposes of this post. So we anticipate that the Rick Steve bag will be his go to for weekends, but it may not be big enough for the 10 day breaks. Should we send him with a small carry on with wheels in addition to the Rick steves pack? If so he will need to not overstuff the Rick Steve bags on his main flight as they may say it is too large to count as a personal item. Or should he stuff the heck out of it and make that count as his carry on. As much as I have heard wheels on luggage in Europe is tough I’m worried the Rick steves pack isn’t enough for 10 day breaks. Thoughts?
Posted by
Minnesota 🎒
16367 posts
Hi Wendy -
LOL, we have RS posters who travel successfully for several months with just a carry-on. They may have a personal item as well on airlines where that is allowed. He should be fine: he can hit a coin laundry once during the trip if he feels it to be necessary, or pack inner layers that can be sink washed and hung overnight to dry. Keep the liquids/gels to minimums allowed.
What time of year? His clothing will be lighter and create less weight/bulk in the bag during warmer months.
Posted by
Calgary
1712 posts
I travel for 3-weeks at a time with just a carry-on.
Hope he enjoys his time abroad. One of our kids did a study abroad year in England, and she had the opportunity to visit most parts of Europe during that time.
Posted by
San Diego, California
5409 posts
If you're concerned about a suitcase meeting European carriers' requirements, have him buy a suitcase in Europe. And - he can get helpful information from his fellow students and their experiences.I'm sure he's resourceful, and having a wonderful adventure.
Posted by
San Diego, California, USA
1026 posts
Hello wendy.ebner, and welcome to the forum!
I think sending a large "real" suitcase and a large carry-on for the initial trip is probably the right plan. I know several students who have gone abroad for extended stays and this is what most of them do. It can increase the difficulty of getting from the airport to your lodgings - depending on the city - but is worth it for the comfort of having your things.
As to 10 days excursions I think the a RS style pack will be fine. I have the original RS Back Door bag which is about 40l unexpanded and I take it as a carry-on for 2 and 3 week trips to Europe. I have to imagine a college student could easily master the art of packing light making it for a week or so in a small suitcase. Check the RS tips on packing light and think about both packing for the big trip and about the smaller trips.
Also college kids and budget travelers tend to walk a lot and stay in out of the way places to save money so think about having a bag light enough that it can easily be carried around and taken on a bus without too much effort or discomfort. After a trip or two I think he'll find his own balance of what he needs versus everything he initially wants to take. The only way to really get good at it is to try it out and find out for yourself what your comfort level is.
I know Zurich is expensive but also don't discount the idea of buying clothes there during the four months. This will both save packing space, allow more of a 'local' style of dress and provide some potential souvenirs of the trip in the form of the shirt he bought in Greece or Spain.
The other thing I will mention is cheaper European airlines often have much tighter bag restrictions than international carriers. Those super cheap fares come with a bunch of restrictions and I assume it is because they expect to make money on charging for bags and other extras so it is in their interests to force you into a smaller carry-on to get the extra money for the checked bag. It was years ago but flying Ryan Air they charged for everything - 10 pounds for not having your boarding pass printed out when you arrived and checking a bag at the airport was much more expensive than arranging it when you booked your ticket. We read the fine print and planned ahead and dodged all the fees but it felt like it was part of their business model.
This sounds like a life changing experience for him and here's hoping he has a great trip,
=Tod
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
33452 posts
travel back pack that is more like a carry on in size - 40 L and meets TSA size requirements as carry on when fully expanded.
the TSA has no standing outside the USA. Airlines all have their own definitions of size and many will have sizers.
If he will use budget airlines like Ryanair, Easyjet, Wizz etc. find their sizes and be sure that the bag fits the smallest of those.
Posted by
8075 posts
Is he going to The American School in Switzerland? My Daughter went to that school for 1 1/2 years.
While there, the school had some international trips that she took. One was to the former Soviet Union.
Young people, especially males can travel light. He might have to do some hand washing of some items going with only a carryon.
What is his age. Not sure about a person under 18 traveling alone in Europe.
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
15829 posts
- A carry on size and maybe a small back pack for personal valuable items while flying is sufficient for two week trips.
- No need to send your son anything (except for money). They sell luggage in Europe, and they have Amazon too.