Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Choosing the Best Luggage for Your Travel Style
A backpack isn't the only luggage option for traveling around Europe. Some people prefer us-
ing rolling luggage. Each option can be viable and this section will give the pros and cons of
both options.
TRAVELING WITH A BACKPACK
Benefits of using a backpack
Hands-free travel. Having full use of your hands makes navigating European streets and pub-
lic transportation much easier.
Easily navigate stairs and streets. Traversing cobblestone roads and myriad stairs are
made easy with a backpack. Don't expect to find escalators and elevators in all European pub-
lic transportation. I've seen numerous people in the Paris Metro trying to lug a huge suitcase
up its multiple flights of stairs. It isn't fun.
Comfort. A backpack can actually be pretty comfortable—assuming it fits well and isn't
over-packed.
Ease of movement. Walking through crowds and tight spaces is much easier with a back-
pack.
Easy to store. Hostels usually have personal lockers and a backpack will fit in those fine.
Most of the time, a suitcase is too large so you'll need some other way to secure your stuff.
Drawbacks to using a backpack
Airline travel. Between the baggage handlers and the conveyor belts used to route luggage,
the airlines aren't exactly known for being gentle on backpacks. Most backpacks have a lot of
straps that can get caught on the conveyor belts and sometimes they get ripped off (not fun). I
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