Luggage, Carry-Ons, Purses, Oh My!

There is a lot to think about when planning a trip to Europe, especially when it comes to packing and toting around your personal items. What kind of luggage should I bring? How much can I fit in my carry-on? What should I use to carry my camera and money once I arrive?

I'm here to help! Below I've highlighted some of the basics to get you started.


Luggage

• My favorite brand is Samonite, but depending on your style there are many many great values out there to be found. A set of 5 pieces for $120 may sound too good to be true, but for the casual traveler this quality of luggage is just fine. As for size and number of bags...



• Remember, you may find yourself roaming the streets of a city with your luggage, and no airport trolley to be in sight. Even if you plan to take a taxi to or from your hotel, you may find yourself without. A quick story from when Brian and I traveled to Vienna…we road the rail to Vienna from Prague and tired from the trip we decided to take a taxi, as we wanted the fastest way to get to our hotel (although the subway system in Vienna is excellent!!). We informed the driver of the name our hotel and away he went. 15-20 minutes later we arrive at a beautiful hotel, exit the taxi and make our way to check-in, only to find we do not have a reservation. Turns out, there are several hotels in the city with the same name and our driver took us to the wrong one!! Our hotel was about 10 blocks away. The very friendly concierge gave us a map and pointed us to the closest subway. Too tired to be mad, we laughed and walked out of the 4 star hotel. Turns out the subway system is fantastic and we only ended up walking about 3 blocks in total. BUT it would have been horrendously difficult if we hadn't recently purchased two great rolling suitcases. Both of us only had one suitcase and a small tote to carry. Moral of my long-winded story? My recommendation is to go as big as you can with your main piece of luggage and only travel with one bag. You can always pack a duffel if you plan on buying a lot on your travels for use on the trip home. Make sure your luggage is relatively light to start, because with the 50lb weight limit on most airlines you're much more likely to go over with one huge heavy bag.

Backpacks

• I've personally never used one, and don't think I could ever fit all of my belongings in one. And if I did fit everything, it would be so heavy there's no way I could carry it on my back! But if you are a light packer and/or backing around Europe, this is your best option.
  
• Checkout REI.com for a great selection of backpacks, and some great customer reviews to help you decide on the right backpack for you. http://www.rei.com/category/4500001_Backpacks?cm_mmc=ps_google_CH-_-Category%20-%20Camp%2fHike-_-Camping%2fHiking_BackPacks_General-_-backpackbackpack&mr:adGroup=343975865&mr:ad=3255043685&mr:keyword=backpack&mr:referralID=NA&gclid=COn3v7-SwJwCFQJD5godHFBVnQ

Carry-On

• Most airlines allow 1 carry-on bag and a personal item including briefcase, computer bag, purse or small tote.
  
• Size regulations - each airline specifies a size limit, but I've never seen anyone turned away unless the bag is really above and beyond the norm. If you're really worried about it and want to measure, the standard sizes are around 22" x 14" x 9" (British Airways, Air France, United, Virgin Atlantic)
  
• Prohibited items - To name a few, box cutters, knives, scissors are allowed in checked bags only, not carry on. For a full list see the TSA's website : http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/permitted-prohibited-items.shtm
  
• Liquid Carry-On - 3:1:1 rule - 3 ounces or smaller containers of liquids or gels; 1 quart size plastic, zip top bag holding 3 oz or smaller containers; 1 bag per traveler placed in the security bin. For a full details on liquid carry-on rules please see the TSA website here: http://www.tsa.gov/311/index.shtm
  
• More and more people are using larger carry-ons, which is forcing those boarding later in line to check their larger bags due to overhead compartments being full. The last 2 or 3 flights I've flown have been this way, both domestic and overseas. - Just something to be aware of.


• Carry-on luggage doesn't need to be as sturdy and durable since it won't be thrown around as much, so I recommend investing in your checkedluggage opposed to the carry-on. You can find great deals at your local Target or Walmart, which are probably better than any online store so you can avoid shipping charges. Of course a lot of retailers are offering Free Shipping so if you can find a great deal, go for it!

Purse / After arriving in Europe

• Anything with a zipper opening and not too large for someone to easily grab and keep running. At least one inner pocket with a zipper is ideal as well, to keep money and a copy of your passport out of reach from potential pickpockets.

Money Belt

• This is something every traveler can't live without! A money belt! And better yet, a Rick Steves' money belt! (for those of your unfamiliar with Rick Steves look our for future posts, I'm sure we'll get to him eventually). This handy belt is similar to fanny pack but goes under your clothes and is literally undetectable and also comfortable. One problem is when you do need to pay for something, you need to reach under your shirt for your money and it basically blows your cover.




• http://www.luggagepros.com/mpb/IID15232.shtml?zmam=6548955&zmas=1&zmac=22&zmap=IID15232

There you have it! I hope this guide is helpful, and let me know if you've come across anything that you can't live without when packing or traveling.