europe travel?

Question

I am planning to go Europe for 28 days.. only 7 stops by using eurail.. I am not sure which one i should use backpack or wheel suitcase.. help me!

Answer 1

i personally traveled all over w/europe w/ a wheeled suitcase. this had its advantages and disadvantages. I too went to europe for a month. I traveled via rail, plane and car. I have a bad back so I didnt want a heavy backpack on it for that long and i think it was easier to store my stuff and shove the stuff i gathered along the way in. on the minus side it was a pain in areas that contained steep steps like subway areas but that only lasted when i first arrived and then left an area usually bc i left my wheeled baggage at my hotel. i think suitcases on wheels r easier in the long run. u can push them or pull them. nothing u can do w/ a backpack.

Answer 2

I also prefered using a wheeled suitcase, but I know other people who like using backpacks.
My reasons FOR wheeled suitcases is I don't have to lug them everwhere and they are easy to put down and I can even attach my little backpack to the handle on top and wheel that too.
Its easier access to my stuff ie I don;t have to take everything out to get to the bottom.

Things not always so great...I ended up being in Sienna for a couple of hours and could not find anywhere to store my case so had to drag it along the cobbled and hilly streets and into shops etc, however I was still glad I didn't have to carry it over my shoulders especially when it was heavy ( i had this bag and 2 very heavy bags over my shoulders when I arrived and had to go up and down the steps in the tube in london for hours..my shoulders were sore for days!)
Another thing is taking it up and down staircases, it can be a bit bulky.
But overall I prefer it...sometimes I feel its easier for stacking or putting into racks on trains, but people with backpacks may disagree. I think its personal preference and what you like.

Answer 3

If at all seven of your stops you are getting a hotel in which you can leave your suitcase at go with the wheel suitcase for sure... But if you are going to have to carry your luggage around with you alot go with the backpack.

Answer 4

My opinion, a backpack.

Advantages: portable, ready-to-go, easy to take on and off trains or trams, no need to check in luggage, can be place on top luggage rack or under seat, less noticeable as a tourist when trying to blend in, no wheelie noises that sometimes attract unwanted attention, less of a theft target, easily move up and down stairs in train stations and subway, no bulky box like things to pull or push.

Disadvantages: size is very compact, can be heavy when walking for long duration, can be huge, can't buy too many souvenirs or items - unless you are near the end of your trip which in case you can buy those canvas-throw-everything-in-there-bags, clothes are more likely to be wrinkled, always finding yourself squishing to make more room.

So base on you planning on using Eurail, you are probably planning to use public transportation to and from these train stations or walking, not a taxi or limo. Backpack is a good choice because of its flexibility and mobility in these areas. Who knows, suddenly you might find out your train might change platform the last minute and you find yourself walking down 2 flights of stairs (no elevator or esculator nearby to be seen) through a long tunnel, perhaps, kinda wet, and back up another 2 flights of step, dash through a train station mall which is super-crowded full of people.. you might in this situation, thank yourself that you have a backpack.

Answer 5

wheeled backpack
Victorionox makes them. A little less packing room for the size but otherwise, perfect.