Suitcase size on a Rick Steve's tour- rule or just a suggestion?

Been on many RS Steves tours and recall a number of folks who had luggage that appeared to be larger than "carry on" size. The "rule", whether formal or informal, appears to be if you can schlep it you can bring it. A quick email to the RS office should give you a definitive answer.

Been on three tours. There was no checking of sizes. Each time, we've ended up with extra bags for souvenirs as well.

Same thoughts as TC and Stan. Been on lots of tours, seen lots of different sizes of luggage. If you can manage it by yourself, by all means you can bring it on your tour!

Thanks for all your responses. I just didn't want to get chastised in front of the group for flouting the rules!

I have been on several RS tours, and there has been no rule on suitcase size. The bus baggage storage is plenty large. It is expected that you can schlep your own baggage, which at times can involve a few blocks, if the bus cannot get to the front of a hotel in a pedestrian-only area, or where streets might be too narrow for a bus to pass. Also, it is possible you may be on an upper floor (maybe 3or 4 floors) in a small hotel with no elevator, or with an elevator so small that it would take a long time to accommodate a whole group with baggage. The driver will get the baggage on and off the bus, the rest is up to you. I should say that various times when the walk from bus to hotel has been especially long, a van or cars have been arranged to transport the baggage. One nice feature you should be aware of is "deep storage" in the bus. You can safely leave a bag locked in the bus storage during a particular stop, or for the duration of the use of the bus. This is useful if you have items you will not need during the tour or if you accumulate purchases. I have also used this for a 1-night stop, where I could pack what I would need for just the one night in a tote bag, and left my carry-on in deep storage, for ease of packing and transport.

I agree with the others. On 8 RS tours, no guide or bus driver ever was concerned about bag size. You'll be on a full size bus which normally accommodates 52-60 or so people so there is a ton of space in the hold area. The main concern is that you must manage getting it to your hotel and back and possibly up stairs in the hotel. Do be aware that the bus driver will be the one loading your suitcase and sometimes they have to stop in awkward stops along a narrow street to load and unload. As long as you can lift it, he or she will probably be able to as well, though.

On one trip I was on, a smaller tour member had a rolling duffel bag that I would swear she would fit in to. One hotel was quite a walk from the bus and she did have difficulty managing it. One of her friends helped out by pulling it for her. I always wondered how many outfits she had packed in there because she was cold the whole time so always wore a coat, lol!!

On some tours you can leave a deep storage suitcase or bag under the bus until you get to the last place you have the bus, then everything has to be cleared off.

Also remember you will get the $100 store credit in case you do decide to get a new bag.

"Not allowed" may refer to carry-on limits for flights within Europe.

I have seen a number of RS tour members with larger size suitcases.

I confirm what everyone else has said. Twenty-three tours and never a word about bag sizes. There's always been plenty of room for bags under the bus. As long as you can handle your bag, there should be no problem. You might want to do a test run with your full bag dragging it over uneven surfaces for several blocks, as well as up 2-3 flights of stairs. I understand not wanting to buy another bag for this one trip, but I do have a warning -- these tours can become very addictive.

Thanks everyone for all the comments. I learned a lot. I never heard about the deep storage on the bus before. Happy Travels!

lp,

I've also never received any comments about my luggage choices on RS tours. The important thing to remember is that whatever you bring, you're going to be carrying! There are no Porters or luggage services as provided on other tours, and some of the hotels don't have Elevators so that may mean hauling your kit up five flights of stairs. The suggestions provided for tour members are good to keep in mind.