What Type of Backpack and Bags to Use on Your Eurotrip

When backpacking anywhere in the world, almost everyone you encounter is wearing a similar large internal-frame pack throughout the hostels and on planes. Not only did I find these to be unsightly and as an American-unfamiliar, the thought of carrying something on my back for 6 weeks seemed unappealing. For my six week euro-trip through primarily Western Europe (with the exception of the Czech Republic and Poland) I purchased the Rick Steve's 21" Roll Aboard suitcase. The suitcase is small enough to be used as a carry, but still has a large long handle with sturdy wheels. Most backpackers would scoff at the thought of using a suitcase for the frequent train travel, packing and repacking required for the quick and unpredictable nature of travel. Yet, I found this suitcase to be light enough, at 7.1 pounds, to pick up and carry onto or into anywhere I needed and small enough to fit in any hostel locker or train compartment. The wheels were sturdy enough for all types of cobble stone streets and even to be dragged up stairs. It lasted me six weeks from Brussels to Barcelona and beyond.

The second long trip I took to Australia I decided I needed more of a backpack due to the fact that I would be traveling through less major cities and using almost entirely buses. I chose another wheeled suitcase (Eagle Creek) with an attachable backpack, but the suitcase also had backpack straps which you could hide, or use. This seemed like a genius idea, but unfortunately I found almost the entire time I used the two backpacks unattached. Once they were both filled the weight and lack of distribution of the weight was uncomfortable to carry on my back. It was clear I could not cut corners you either have to use a backpack or a suitcase, either option comes with wheels.

The day pack that I travel with I purchased to use in Europe first and I continue to use for all my trips. I cannot recommend this bag more for its security and the amount of items you can stuff in there. The Pacsafe CitySafe 200 Anti-Theft Hand Bag has slash proof shoulder straps, slashguard in lower front and bottom section of bag and tamperproof zippers. This is genius as one of the main ways people are robbed traveling is through cuts made with razor blades into the bottom of your purse or day packs. It sits comfortably across your chest.

The last bit of "luggage" that I have to recommend you bring is a waterproof shower bag with a hanger on it. You want to have all your toiletries in one bag to easily grab and run to the shower with and more importantly to keep away from the rest of the items in your suitcase.