What bags should I bring to Europe?

Look for a rolling bag that's as roomy and sturdy as possible while still being small and light enough to lift and fit in a plane's overhead bin. Plenty of wheeled bags are well-designed for a typical European trip — most of my staffers prefer to roll with one.



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In general, spaces are a lot smaller, the infrastructure isn't very suitcase friendly and if you're backpacking, you'll probably be flying with a lot of low-cost airlines or taking the train or a bus. All this is what makes travel backpacks the ideal packing method for a European vacation.

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Suitcase sets are the best luggage for European travel if you plan an extended stay. While it's relatively easy to live out of a carry-on for a two or three-day trip, if you're staying for 1.5 weeks or more, you'll need the extra space of one or more suitcases.

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Of all the options for travel bags, specifically for an overseas trip with lots of stops, I'd consider only four types:
  • a carry-on-size soft backpack,
  • an internal-frame backpack,
  • a carry-on-size bag with wheels, or.
  • a carry-on-size rolling backpack.


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In the busier and more touristy areas like around the Colosseum in Rome or the Eiffel Tower in Paris, you might want to consider anti-theft bags and accessories. Also, if you're planning on spending a lot of time in train and bus stations, this can be where a lot of theft happens, especially for tourists.

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The safest and most convenient style of bag is a crossbody bag that you wear from one shoulder to the opposite hip. A thin flexible wire embedded in the strap makes it slash-resistant to thieves who cut bag straps and then run off with the bag.

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You probably won't have a problem, but if you do, you would lose the bag and could end up with a hefty fine. To me, it wouldn't be worth the hassle or the worry. If it has the Louis Vuitton label on it and it is fake, don't take it.

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Because softshell luggage has more give, a hard shell suitcase can be better at protecting fragile contents, assuming you cushion it well inside. On the other hand, that rigid exterior makes hardshell bags unable to be compressed to squeeze into tight spaces like softsided bags are more apt to allow.

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A hardshell suitcase is typically better than a softside bag for protection (as long as your items are packed safely inside, too). However, all hardshell materials are prone to getting scuffed, scratched, or possibly cracked more so than with fabric suitcases.

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There are a few reasons why brown, beige, and tan luggage are some of the best travel gear you can buy. First, these colors are very neutral, meaning they won't clash with your other travel gear or clothes. Second, they're relatively easy to find in a sea of black bags.

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The choice really comes down to style and price and how much flying you intend to do. Overall, I recommend medium-sized, hard case luggage. But travelling with hand luggage only is great if you can manage it.

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The main drawback is that hard-shell luggage can't be twisted to fit into a small space. Hard-shell suitcases also require a lot of room to store at home, making them less convenient in this sense.

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International luggage size standards are mostly weight based. 50 pounds is the usual weight limit. The largest checked international luggage size allowed is 62 linear (total) inches. Typically, a standard checked luggage size wavers around 27 x 21 x 14 inches.

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The Best Ways to Pack Your Clothes
  1. Pack Wrinkle-Resistant Fabrics. ...
  2. Roll and Fold Items. ...
  3. Arrange Clothing Thoughtfully. ...
  4. Cover the Pile With a Dry-Cleaning Bag. ...
  5. Follow the Rule of Three. ...
  6. Have Your Shoes Do Some Work. ...
  7. Place Shoes Into One-Gallon-Size Resealable Bags. ...
  8. Group Similar Products in Sealed Resealable Bags.


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Hard-shell luggage is the way to go for durability and maneuverability, but soft-shells often pack more easily.

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Hard shell suitcases can crack, which causes them to fall apart more rapidly than soft luggage. To avoid this concern choose a suitcase made from polycarbonate ABS that stands up to the rigors of travel. The FERGE brand makes a TSA-lockable suitcase on wheels using polycarbonate ABS.

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Liquids, gels, and/or aerosols are not permitted, with the exception of one resealable, clear, 1-litre plastic bag that may contain liquids, gels, and/or aerosols in packaging of 100ml or less per item.

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Your clothes are a dead giveaway. The stereotype is true: American tourists stick out like a sore thumb when they travel, making them prime targets for pickpockets. Instead of throwing on a T-shirt to rep your alma mater, try to dress like the locals.

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