Packing concerns due to carry-on luggage only

Those razor blades cannot be carried on, nor can a razor with one of the blades in place.

I assume you can purchase such blades easily in Europe but have never tried to do so.

The only way to be absolutely sure about what you can carry on is to check each airline's website. Some (including European budget airlines) may have specific size and/or weight limits for the second carry-on, and some do not allow a second carry-on. And I've definitely seen carry-on #1 being weighed in Europe, so if you're taking intra-European flights you may need to be concerned about weight as well as size.

Excellent. I'll pack my razors without blades and buy some once I arrive or just take disposable ones. I don't want to open my bags at every security terminal so they can verify that I have no blades with my razor.

I'll do my best to have my wife and daughter limit their packing. Limiting them to carry-on is going to be a struggle. Limiting them to packing the luggage completely full (and heavy) is another challenge.

This backpack is soft-sided and squishable into a measuring frame, if not packed full. Even with this size of bag, it's easy to pack more than you can comfortably carry - books, shoes, toiletries, etc., all get heavy. So you still have to weigh each item (whether on a scale, in your hand, or mentally) and judge how necessary it is to your trip. We recommend that you practice carrying your packed bag before leaving home.

You may be carrying it more than you expect. For instance, it seems to happen to me a lot that I step into a subway to go just two stops or I stand in a line that I think will only take a couple of minutes and it's actually easier to keep the bag on my back than to lower it to the ground and then re-mount it. But then the line takes longer than expected and I'm still wearing that thing. Of course, there will be some situations (airports and the occasional train station) that have free luggage carts available and a group of 4 is often better off to take a taxi with their luggage than a city bus or subway.

Why not use this one https://store.ricksteves.com/shop/p/classic-backpack ?

That is what we use for all vacations - whether a long week-end in a city or three weeks in Thailand.

It is lighter and since it cannot be expanded you are not so easily tricked into packing too much.

I am considering to buy https://store.ricksteves.com/shop/p/appenzell-day-pack and take one of each instead of two classic bags.

My husband uses a small backpack or briefcase as his carryon.

Jamescoste, I am a "middle-aged" woman and travel to Europe for 2-3 weeks every year, and ONLY take a carry-on rolling bag and big purse. I usually travel United and those guys can be sticklers for the bag fitting in the size-frame. Your wife and daughter will be able to also carry-on successfully IF well before the trip they make a LIST of every single item that they plan to pack and then ONLY pack those items ( I mean EVERY item, like "dental floss; fingernail file; 3 pairs of socks"... etc...). My list is on my iPhone and I tweak it every year given my anticipated destinations and the season of travel. There are good basic beginner lists for men and women on this website. Sink washing in the hotel rooms in the evenings is a given! And yes, packing cubes (and ziplock bags of various sizes) work great for me to tighten up the load. Finally, I do admit to always packing an expandable nylon bag that then becomes my overflow bag (gifts! olive wood! cheese!) that gets checked for the return trip. Good luck!

James- My husband takes a backpack for his "personal item", it must fit under the seat in front of you so keep that in mind. My personal item is a largish duffle bag that has all my meds, my purse, tablet, makeup etc. When your doing carry on only that personal item is a life saver for anything you cant fit into your carry on.

I'm a bit bothered by the question. I'm not sure you are asking all the right questions that you should be asking. I really suggest that the OP head over to onebag.com for an extensive overview on what goes into one bag travel.
I've used a single 45 L pack for 5-1/2 weeks of mountaineering, cruising, and jungle travel. I've used a 16 L pack (under seat personal item) for 1 week of domestic travel that included mountains and cities. Packing light is achievable for women!
As far as razors go - I use the Venus Snap razor and carry two additional heads. I took the razor out of the original case. I put the Snap and one head in a pill sized zip lock. I put the other two heads in a second pill sized zip lock. This is significantly smaller and lighter than the original packaging and case.

The only way to be absolutely sure about what you can carry on is to
check each airline's website. Some (including European budget
airlines) may have specific size and/or weight limits for the second
carry-on, and some do not allow a second carry-on.

This is very good advice; you need to check size, weight and amount of carryons allowed for each airline you'll be flying.

Your wife and daughter will be able to also carry-on successfully IF
well before the trip they make a LIST of every single item that they
plan to pack and then ONLY pack those items ( I mean EVERY item, like
"dental floss; fingernail file; 3 pairs of socks"... etc...)

Split 'dry' items you can all share among the 3 of you, like dental floss, Advil, Imodium, bandaids, moleskin, etc. and buy a tube of toothpaste, sunscreen and maybe shampoo/conditioner (although many accommodations will provide at least shampoo) all can share when you get there. Leave hairdryers and that sort of thing at home; most accommodations will have dryers either in the bathrooms or available for checking out at the desk. NO double-edged razor blades in carryon luggage. Have the ladies keep accessories to a bare minimum or share some of those (e.g. scarves) too.

The Travel Fashion Girl website is great for younger females to give practical ideas on how to travel light and put together a wardrobe. Your wife can probably use most of the ideas too, but the pictures are generally geared to a 20 something aged traveler.

http://travelfashiongirl.com/

My husband takes a small satchel/messenger bag as his man bag and second carry on item. Ebags.com is a great website for different types and styles of bags (they also carry their own line of travel gear similar to the Rick Steves products that you linked).

One note, many people are not used to wearing large backpacks as they travel and often lose sense of their personal space in regards to the backpack. It is easy to turn around or back up and hit someone unexpectedly with the pack. Try to be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas such as airports, trains, metros, etc. where people are constantly changing positions. I have had airline attendants ask me to remove the pack from my back prior to boarding the plane for this reason.

I've reached an age that forces me to cart around a lot of pills, some of them quite large. And I take extremely long trips, so those pills add up. I'm talking pounds. As a result, I don't try to do carry-on now, but in my earlier travels I used a carry-on bag. It typically weighed about 20 lb., including the 10-12 paperback books I used to take with me for a 4-week trip (replaced now by ebooks and time spent on this forum) and a hair dryer (no longer necessary as explained above). My mother, then about 70 years old, had more trouble handling her bag and was able to keep the weight to 17 lb. She had make-up rather than books.

For women, I think it comes down to these three things:

• Minimal extra pairs of shoes (I take only what is on my feet). Unfortunately, sandals that are comfortable enough for Europe (i.e., those with thick soles) are quite heavy.

• Limiting clothes to 3-4 bottoms (skirts or slacks) and 4-5 tops, one warm layer and one waterproof layer. If really chilly weather is possible, a set of lightweight long johns may be included. Do not think about X separate "outfits". You are not going to wear outfits; you are going to mix and match. If you want to look spiffy in the evening, substitute one dress for one top + one bottom and throw in a scarf or piece of jewelry. Done.

• Figure out how much of each toiletry you will need for the length of the trip (monitor usage at home) and either buy travel sizes or decant the right amount into smaller bottles. If you have nothing suitable at home, bottles can be bought at a drug store, Walmart or (better quality) the Container Store. Share common items with co-travelers. And realize that it's extraordinarily rare (and probably against the regulations) for a hotel rated 2 stars or above not to provide some form of soap and some form of shampoo. Better-quality hotels often have conditioner and lotion, but I can't promise those will be everywhere. If you're not picky, take just a very small amount of soap and shampoo and live off the land.

And those packing cubes mentioned above: There are two types. One type just organizes. The other type compresses by means of an extra zipper. I'm not thrilled about how outer clothing looks when it comes out of a compression cube (some people don't have an issue), but I love the way those things shrink underwear, gowns, washcloths, Kleenex, etc., down to about half their normal size. This does nothing about weight, so you still need to limit what goes into the bag, but it allows you to start the trip with some empty space so you can buy stuff. Which makes your bag heavier. So you really must start with a very light bag.

My wife and I travel with 21" Travel Pro rolling bags. She carries a shoulder purse and I carry a "day backpack."

Last trip, I was picked out of a crowd in the airline check in line--to be made an example of what they do to overweight luggage--1 kg over the 10 kg limit. They were trying to charge me 50 Euros to check the bag. Well, I stopped the check in line and opened my bag and my wife's bag and moved 1 kg. of stuff to her bag.
I believe in Rick Steves' packing list for indefinite travel--with minor changes. I get collared shirts and jeans/khaki's heavily starched so they're wearable many, many days and still looking fresh.
And our family rule is that everyone carries their own luggage.
Most people do better with rolling bags than backpacks of the same size. Women especially would have difficulties carrying backpacks as they just don't have the strength in their shoulders to handle'em.

I caution anyone flying budget European airlines. When EasyJet says one bag, they don't mean one bag and one purse (or backpack). You've got to load your second bag inside your main suitcase--sometimes tough to do.

P.S. You can buy the same toiletries in Europe as you can "back home."

"P.S. You can buy the same toiletries in Europe as you can 'back home.' "

It's my impression that David is right about that, at least as far as mass-market products go. And I think I saw some Lush stores in Spain.

But in the case of over-the-counter medicines, there may be differences in availability. If there's something you really depend on, I suggest taking it with you. You may also save some money, if my experiences buying acetaminophen (Tylenol) are any guide.

I swear by zinc lozenges for colds and commonly travel with enough to get me through one cold (12-15 lozenges). Last year I somehow managed to have 3 colds during a 3-month vacation. Very strange. So cold #2 shows up and off I go to the farmacia in whatever Spanish city, armed with a Google translation. After considerable back-and-forth I walked away with lozenges containing zinc. Victory! Except not, because the zinc content was clearly much lower than in the US products, and all the Spanish lozenges did was provide some throat-soothing. I repeated the process in at least one other farmacia, with the same result. And I know I've read posts about the unavailability in at least one country of cold meds containing a popular US decongestant (probably pseudoephedrine).

@JenC - I'm going to strongly disagree with you about TravelFashionGirl. She has the fashion part down, but not the light part.

I would recommend HerPackingList for someone that wants to travel light.

Disclosure: I have my own website on light travel for women. I look to Her Packing List for new ideas and advice. I usually yell "Noooooooo!" at TravelFashionGirl. YMMV.

Women especially would have difficulties carrying backpacks as they just don't have the strength in their shoulders to handle'em.

This isn't true! i regularly carried a 50-70 lb pack on caving and mountaineering expeditions. A travel pack weighs 20 lbs or less if packing light.

Most of the issues come from

• the wrong pack
• packed poorly
• too much of the wrong stuff

I highly recommend that all of you watch this video on packing. And you all need to read the whole Travel Tips section on Packing Light.

Although the typical 22" roller or backpack carry-on works for most international flights, it is unlikely to be a legit carry-on for flights within Europe. When you check out your airlines, you'll need to pay attention to weight restrictions for carry-on, too.

Whether it's a backpack or a roller bag, I limit the weight to 20 pounds or less TOTAL. That means including the weight of the bag. Some bags, especially wheeled ones, are much heavier than backpacks. I'm hoping for much lighter next time with my new Eagle Creek Afar Backpack. Last year I traveled with the Eagle Creek Load Warrior Wheeled Duffel Carry-On. If you look at the specs for the weight, you can see how much lighter the former is than the latter.

So, you all need to try on some bags somewhere, filled with enough to weigh about 20 pounds, and walk around the store, go up and down stairs and try to imagine carrying that weight for significant distances. Put them on, take them off, lift them over your heads to put them somewhere like on a train rack or in a plane overhead bin. No one will be doing that for you and don't you volunteer to handle the luggage for the rest of your family members! Everyone should be able to manage their own luggage.

Confession is good for the soul: I kept the weight down, but I managed to put so much stuff in that EC rolling duffel that I could barely get it in the sizing bin at the airport. I'd swear that British Airways sizer is smaller than Delta's!

About the packing cubes: I love them. My husband hates them. I have both regular and compression style which I used last year. I like those, but they only take the air out, not the weight, so there can be a tendency to pack more than you really need with them. Although most people roll their clothes in them, I've found that my sizes are too big for that to be efficient. I fold and have plenty of space in them for my tops and pants.

I hope that you find something that works for you all. I have an RS convertible backpack, but it doesn't "fit" me very well. The new one linked above works great on me. You may find that one kind/size doesn't fit all 4 of you.

One thing I don't believe anyone has mentioned is that when comparing luggage to airline limits, the measurement includes wheels and handle, if any. The luggage manufacturers all too often measure just the body of the bag, so a lot of bags advertised as carry-on size are actually not even legal under the more generous size limits allowed in the US.

I use the Apenzell backpack as my main bag, and a small shoulder bag as my personal item. My DH uses a smaller backpack (although he just bought an Appenzell) and then carries a laptop bag as his personal item - sans laptop!

My Appenzell, with enough clothes to last me any amount of time, weighs less than 14 pounds. Last time I think I had it down to 11 1/2. Acraven's list is pretty good. And as she said, don't think "outfits," think mix and match.

I do suggest that all of you practice wearing a loaded backpack. And don't just put it on and say "I can do this;" walk around the block with it on. Climb stairs. And have something else in your hand while you do it - a water bottle, map, extra sweater...

And as JenC noted, you will have to learn how much space you take up while wearing the backpack. For some people, a backpack doubles their breadth. Although I must say that roller bags are just as bad, if not worse. People pulling roller bags don't realize how much space they're taking up, either.

Over the years I've been alternately amused and irritated by the RS-promoted fetish of carry-on only. However, everyone is different and should do what makes them happy. One issue for newbies to understand, though, is that it's not true that all otc meds and the same toiletries are available in Europe as in the U.S.; and certainly not at the same prices.
Some examples:
I couldn't find my favorite shampoo in Switzerland. More than a minor inconvenience, as my skin is very sensitive to lots of stuff.
I take ibuprofen daily, and once forgot to pack enough. It's only available in pharmacies in Italy (probably the same is true all over the EU); and it's only sold in small quantities. I wound up spending over $40, a sum that is probably more than I pay in a year here.
I had a horrible allergy attack in Tuscany. The sudafed, which I had left at home, cost more than $1/pill.
A friend had an bout of tummy trouble in Vienna. She sought out Peptobismol and was informed that it's illegal in Austria. She didn't think the remedy recommended by the pharmacist was as effective.
So, my advice is to take enough of what you need or might need.

Lots of good info, I'll add this.

Depending on airlines, it'll depend on what size carry-on bag you can bring. If you're flying a DOMESTIC carrier (United, Delta, American), you can carry up to 22" roller board or, equivalent size bag to fit. If you're flying a INT'L carrier (British Airways, Lufthansa, Air France, KLM..), you can carry up to a 20" roller or, equivalent size bag. A soft-side luggage like the RS carry-on backpack will work...provided you don't max it out. If you're flying a low-cost carrier, like Norwegian, RynAir, EasyJet...read the fine print, there are various charges for bags, and a purse may count against the carry-on number.

Packing cubes I've taken a liking to, I really like the Eagle Creek Specter's. Eagle Creek has a wide variety of cubes and the garment folders are fantastic at keeping things straight. They also have a number of how-to videos on You Tube you can refer to.

Well, as someone once said, there are two kinds of luggage: 1) what you carry on and 2) lost. Now I know the vast majority of bags make the flight and are there for you, but many lag. I've experienced this, having bags delayed 1-2 days (flying home fortunately) to 4 days (on a cruise with 3 kids- a nightmare). So, we have become those people-we pack only what we can carry on, and use luggage that meets airline requirements. I like spinners as my back would not put up with carry on backpacks. As for OTC medications: just as with prescription medications, if you use something regularly, take it along. But, things happen, and you can't take everything you might need. In Europe I have found pharmacists very helpful and I'm often sold medications that would have required a prescription in the US. This past summer I got swimmers ear, and for 7 Euros purchased a combination antibiotic and corticosteroid ear drops that would have required a physician visit and prescription in the states. As for razors: standard multi blade disposable razors are allowed on carry on bags, but not double edge razors. I take one or two and buy more if needed.

RS Convertible Bag is all we use on our European vacations. Has fit on every airline we used (domestic and European). We pack very light, spent 26 days using it, bag only weighed 17 lbs when we left home. My husband carries a regular size backpack and I carry a shoulder cross bag.

Back to the razor blades for shaving, when I read that they would not be allowed, my first thought was: We've never had a problem carrying on a razor, and we've flown a lot in/out of many countries. But, my spouse uses the Gillette Quatro type blades (which I guess are much different from your two-sided blades), and one lasts him for over 3 weeks, and I used the little throw-away type (when I even bother to pack a razor, which would be only if a beach-type vacation....otherwise, wear tights and call it done). So, if you don't want to mess with shopping for razors, give the Quatro type a try. Also for travel, I buy the small 3 oz-ish EDGE brand shaving lotion for my husband. It's concentrated, and it seems to last forever (definitely three weeks) and then he will use it until it runs out at home. Would recommend a trial run with both at home, just to make sure you like them.

Have a fabulous trip, and what a wonderful gift to your family ..... lots of memories in the making :)

For our personal item, we use the large Orvis zip totes, and I just stick my travel purse into the tote when boarding. I looked on line to see if I could send you a link, but I have never been able to find that particular model on line, but seem to always find it in the local Orvis store (I've given some as gifts). It's a heavy weight canvas with sturdy straps (available in very dark (almost black) green and also available in black). Zips across the top and has internal pockets that are great for phones/cameras/glasses, etc. and also a larger zipper pocket. Approx $20-$30, often on sale. Very sturdy tote in which we often put an extra pair of shoes, the netbook, two cameras, jacket, travel umbrella, etc....fits everything but the kitchen sink. Quality product that has held up beautifully.

I am almost done watching the Sarah Murdoch video. I will watch this again with my family before we practice packing. It has said most of what I've read on the forum (including this topic). I appreciate every comment shared. I love being prepared and learning from everyone's experiences. I have an Excel document that I am tracking what to buy, where to visit, interesting websites. etc.

After all the comments, I'm a bit torn about what type of bag to use. I'll keep reading and learning. Spending thousands of dollars on transportation, excursions, hotels, I'm not going to get cheap on luggage if it makes that much difference in the quality of our visit.

I'm leaning towards 4 backpacks and some sort of personal bag for each of us as well.

I have seen a website that helps figure out the best back pack size for various women, based on specific height. Someone here can probably hellp you find it

When the above poster said she could carry 50 pounds of equiipment for caving, i honestly read it as "calving"....my neice trained as a veterinarian ..... :)

Every airline has its own carry on limits. Don't automatically assume that European carriers have lesser limits than U.S. ones.

As an example, British Airways carry on size limit is larger than most U.S. airlines as is their weigh limit. And the whole Idea that a bag has to be less than 20" is also not true for most carriers.

As for razor blades, cartridges are fine, loose blades are not. Disposables are fine.

If you want a list of what you can or can't bring, go to this website: TSA Prohibited Items

For the personal item, again, check your airline. Some have restrictions, others don't.

If you are interested in looking at other company's bags and packing cubes, I suggest:

eBags and have a look at their own branded bags and packing cubes.

Eagle Creek

Tom Bihn

Red Oxx

There is absolutely nothing wrong with the Rick Steves products. I just wanted to give you an option to see what else is available.

I am 5'3 and not overweight. I find the Rick Steves backpack too big for my frame, so I use the ebags weekender junior when I need a backpack luggage. My husband likes the Rick Steves backpack.

Personal item - if the airline allows it (most do), then a small backpack like one used for school, or a messenger bag will be permitted. My husband uses his work laptop bag and has never had trouble. These are counted like a ladies purse. Actually, I put my small purse inside a lightweight tote bag for a little extra room.

For your wife and daughter - the websites travelfashiongirl.com and herpackinglist.com are good resources for packing light from a woman's perspective. Helped me a lot - I like to dress nicely, and I've learned to enjoy the process of putting together a nice and practical travel wardrobe with limited items.

I'm late to this conversation, but I have used the rick stoves convertible backpack for 4 Europe trips and uncountable US trips since 2008. I've had the same backpack and whether I'm packing for a weekend or for 4 weeks, the bag works great. I'm 5'4" and normal weight and it fits my frame. I've never had to check it on due to size and use the rick steves 3 packing cubes to organize my stuff. My family thinks I'm a RS advertisement with the additional RS day bag I use, but I find the items functional and have lasted for 9 years, with at least 2 trips a year. My family has used the cubes as well since 2008 and the organization for my kids made traveling when they were younger easy for them to pack themselves. (ok, sometimes I'd have to straighten it out before we flew home to make sure it was organized) For the most part they kept their stuff organized by cubes and still prefer that method when traveling now that they are older.

I'm late to this conversation, but I have used the rick stoves convertible backpack for 4 Europe trips and uncountable US trips since 2008. I've had the same backpack and whether I'm packing for a weekend or for 4 weeks, the bag works great. I'm 5'4" and normal weight and it fits my frame. I've never had to check it on due to size and use the rick steves 3 packing cubes to organize my stuff. My family thinks I'm a RS advertisement with the additional RS day bag I use, but I find the items functional and have lasted for 9 years, with at least 2 trips a year. My family has used the cubes as well since 2008 and the organization for my kids made traveling when they were younger easy for them to pack themselves. (ok, sometimes I'd have to straighten it out before we flew home to make sure it was organized) For the most part they kept their stuff organized by cubes and still prefer that method when traveling now that they are older.

Thank you for the feedback. One of my flights has the requirement of 55 x 40 x 20 cm (21.6 x 15.7 x 7.8 in) carry-on luggage. I like the size of the Convertible Carry-On (21" x 14" x 9" at 2.7 lbs) and the Classic Back Door Bag (21" x 14" x 9" at 1.95 lbs). Should I be too worried about that 1" depth difference? What do they have at the airport to test the size of the bags? It is a wooden box or something that, as long as the bag fits, it is good?

If your bag has soft sides and you don't overstuff it or use an expansion feature, it should fit in the box - it's usually a metal one.

Please go check the TSA website for info. The type of razor you have is allowed. A safety razor is not.

James, hubby and I have taken two trips to Europe using the RS convertible bags. Our last trip was this winter in only one location for five weeks so we had some bulky items and we took thermals and a few more shirts than first time, so our bags were a little fatter. No, a lot fatter. We were flying business so I wasn't too worried about a forced check at the gate but it could happen. I spied a mostly empty boarding gate (not mine!) and decided on a whim to try the sizer. Yeah, I was able to get my bag in the sizer but it took a minute of pushing and pulling to get it in there and then there was the matter of getting it back out!

I'm planning a fall trip right now to London and Paris and am seriously considering taking my Appenzell backpack this time. I've used it before for a five day winter trip. Here is a link to that thread in case you find it helpful. Appenzell
I always carry a zippered tote of some kind (Laurel Burch shoulder bag this last trip as it is coated inside with plastic and relatively safe from rain and I waterproofed the outside) as my second carryon for my 3-1-1, electronics, meds, ecigs, and such. Hubby carried a similar second bag but it was crossbody and he had trouble with it sliding up tight against his neck so I ended up carrying it while he got to carry the pretty cat bag. Our small crossbody purses fit down into them while boarding. DO keep an eye on accepted bag sizes for each airline you will be using.

Good luck - you have a marvelous trip ahead!

Your on the right tract with all the advice everyone has offered and watching the videos, one extra thing that might make a big difference is I have been using a"Scottevest" jacket for travel in europe for the last 3 years along with my backpack. The Scottevest comes as a jacket with around 21 pockets (mostly inside) that also converts to a vest (for warmer climates), this serves as a multi-tool for travel. You won't need a purse, I pack all my items needed on the plane with me so I don't have to get my bag out during the flight, when I get to my destination I unpack the jacket and just keep what I want to take on a day's adventure, and most importantly if my bag is weighing a little overweight on the scales I place a couple of heavy items in my jacket and the bag passes the weight check!! ( once on the plane I usually place the heavy items back in the bag). I've always wear the jacket on for boarding and have never had anyone question me. You will need some type of rain jacket so the Scottevest has that covered also, in fact if the weather is going to be cool on part of your trip throw in a light fleece jacket/pull-over and with it under the Scottevest I have been warm down to 40 degrees F. The best part is the jacket does not look like a fishing or safari vest, it looks like normal clothes you would wear at home. I'm not affiliated with Scottevest in any way and there are other multi-pocket travel clothing such as Clothing Arts (excellent jacket for travel, also), I just like making travel as simple as possible to enjoy the trip!

Nance,
I'm relieved to find that the slightly "deeper" bag will be able to fit in the "sizer". My 110lb 17-year-old daughter would probably prefer the Appenzell backpack due to its small size. Convincing her to pack even more lightly might be a challenge. I plan to find some sort of extra carry-on (personal bag) for each of us - or at least for a couple of us. I don't want to go overkill on size so that personal bag can fit into my travel backpack.

Your on the right tract with all the advice everyone has offered and watching the videos, one extra thing that might make a big difference is I have been using a"Scottevest" jacket for travel in europe for the last 3 years along with my backpack.

That is impressive. I'll definitely consider it as an alternative. Traveling in July (warmer month) is my only concern with having to stuff it in my backpack when I'm not using it. I am cold-natured, so having it for flights only may make it worth it.

Remind your 17-year old that she will have to carry her own bag, regardless of how heavy or tightly packed it is. That may lower her sights a bit about how many "outfits" she needs to take. I carry an Appenzell (although I'm quite a bit taller and heavier than she, I'm also 50+ years older) and have not had trouble packing enough clothing for a trip of any length. My bag usually weighs 12 - 14 pounds. That should be a weight she can handle easily. Even adding a few pounds shouldn't be a problem.

I will say that when I first traveled abroad as a young person, I had a huge, jampacked hard-sided Samsonite bag. Boy, did I learn a lesson!

My sister-in-law has shepherded several groups of teen girl scouts to Europe, and says she cannot convince them that they do not need a new change of clothes (and accessories!) for every day. So my SIL has a small roller bag, and she's trying to hustle along a group of girls absolutely laden down with wardrobe changes. Not the best way to enjoy Europe.

Your on the right tract with all the advice everyone has offered and watching the videos, one extra thing that might make a big difference is I have been using a"Scottevest" jacket for travel in europe for the last 3 years along with my backpack. The Scottevest comes as a jacket with around 21 pockets (mostly inside) that also converts to a vest (for warmer climates), this serves as a multi-tool for travel. You won't need a purse, I pack all my items needed on the plane with me so I don't have to get my bag out during the flight, when I get to my destination I unpack the jacket and just keep what I want to take on a day's adventure, and most importantly if my bag is weighing a little overweight on the scales I place a couple of heavy items in my jacket and the bag passes the weight check!! ( once on the plane I usually place the heavy items back in the bag). I've always wear the jacket on for boarding and have never had anyone question me. You will need some type of rain jacket so the Scottevest has that covered also, in fact if the weather is going to be cool on part of your trip throw in a light fleece jacket/pull-over and with it under the Scottevest I have been warm down to 40 degrees F. The best part is the jacket does not look like a fishing or safari vest, it looks like normal clothes you would wear at home. I'm not affiliated with Scottevest in any way and there are other multi-pocket travel clothing such as Clothing Arts (excellent jacket for travel, also), I just like making travel as simple as possible to enjoy the trip!

Blockquote

I too have used the Scottevest and really like it. Looks just like a normal jacket. Sometimes you can find items on sale. They have a lot to choose from

I take ibuprofen daily, and once forgot to pack enough. It's only
available in pharmacies in Italy (probably the same is true all over
the EU);

I have an arthritic knee and in 2013 was taking one tablet of Ibuprofen daily. During my 2013 trip to Germany, I was walking more than I normally do and needed more Ibuprofen and ran out. I had no problem getting more over the counter in Germany. BTW, it's pronounce E·bu·pro·fen over there.

With 4 countries in 3 weeks and one flight per week, you certainly want carry-on only.

Even with a carry-on bag that is a few centimetres smaller than permitted, you will easily reach the 7-8kg weight limit of many European airlines. Backpacks are lighter than roller bags, e.g. allow for more "payload". Roller bags are only nice for barrier-free terminals or buildings with smooth surfaces, but less on pavements, stairs etc.. For men and women I recommed an additonal small hand, shoulder or backpack that counts as "personal item" and is useful for daytrips, say 30x40cm, 10cm, maximum 15cm thick.

Ive used that same RS convertible carryon for years and years. The only problem is it will easily carry more than the airline weight limit and still meet the size requirements. So it presents a tempetation to over pack. Every year it seems i buy something new, but i always end up using the RS backpack.

As for packing cubes, I suggest rolling instead.

Rick, you know where to send the endorsement payment.....

James E, I've done so much bragging on my Appenzell, that I join you in your plea.

James E. I roll and use the packing cubes! The cubes help with organization and rolling makes them fit nicely and not wrinkle!

OP - We own 4 of the RS carry on backpacks. My whole family used them for our first 3 trips and they worked quite well. For our last 2 trips we used the osprey farpoint 55 which has an internal frame and is MUCH more comfortable than the RS backpack. It is not technically carryon size, but we had no trouble carrying it on. I do feel like airlines tend to be getting more strict about carryon size / weight so not sure we will be able to carry it on for our next trip so I have given thought to going back to our RS packs, but OHHHH the farpoint is just soooo much more comfortable to carry!!!

Jill, you got me interested so I looked up the farpoint 55 and they also make a 40 which is going to be legal on most flights (21x14x9). I love it and it I were going to be spending a lot of time with it on my back, it might be the winner. But the problem I always have is weight, not volume. The airline weight limit on many of my trips is 8kg (about 17.5lbs) so every ounce becomes sort of precious. You will run into this on quite a few of the carriers in Europe. The RS Classic Back door bag has the same dimensions but is 20 oz lighter than the farpoint. For context that equates to about 2 summer weight shirts or one pair of light weight trousers.

http://travel-made-simple.com/carry-on-size-chart/

As for the inevitable comment about not getting caught; I sort of pride myself on following the rules.

AND, I might try the packing cubes some day. But again; that's more weight...... Maybe on a Delta flight where they don't care...

When it comes to travel backpacks - torso length matters. I am under 5'5". I use a 16-17" pack like the Merrell rouge as a daypack. For a travel pack - I use a 19" pack that unfortunately, Ebags has discontinued. Ebags has good travel bags that open and pack like suitcases. So, a tall person can handle a 20-21" backpack case. A shorty like me needs to stick to an 18-19" travel pack. A collapsible pack or tote bag makes a good under seat flight bag. There are many on the market. (RS, Patagonia, LLBean, Eddie Bauer, eagle creek, etc.)

After much looking around, we decided on the "eBags TLS Mother Lode Weekender Convertible". It was marked down to $89 so we ordered 4 of them. It is 22" x 14" x 9" which is slightly larger than our smallest allowance on one of the smaller airlines (BalticAir) at 21.6 x 15.7 x 7.8 in. I really liked the features of it.

Now to settle on a small personal bag or two for the 4 of us...

Only a comment on razors: buy disposables when you get there.

James, you began this thread asking about what might be a male equivalent to a purse for a woman.....me thinks you are overthinking this a bit.....(many threads have been written here about the value of a modest day pack for water, kleenex, a snack, etc, you can review some of them.) your daughter and wife probably already own some purses or crossbdies they like....they will get it figured out. Choose a small item YOU want to carry on museum days, and perhaps yr son will need a bag.....but i think yr wife & daughter ahem dont need yr assistance on this last bit....and if each person is carrying their own day pack no one has to ask permission to put in a 6 ounce item

I cant tell from yr last note if you were thinking if the four of you could possibly share 2 personal items? im saying that each of you need a personal item, yr son probably has a lightweight school bag

MrsEB. I'm convinced. Someday I will give packing cubes a try; when I don't have to use Lufthansa. .