Whether you're criss-crossing Europe on a grand tour or visiting a few different countries on a single trip, travelling to multiple destinations can be a great way to see Europe. But it can also be a bit of a logistical nightmare, especially when it comes to packing and luggage. Here are a few tips to help make your multi-destination trip a little easier, from choosing the right luggage to packing efficiently and staying organized on the go.
Planning your trip to know how to pack for multi-destination travel
Before your travel you need to figure a few things out. It will help you plan your packing. Here are the essentials...
- Dates – When are you planning your multi destinations holidays ? this will impact the tourist affulence, climate and accommodation for sure. Crowd in public transport, Prices and weather will definitely impact your travelling decision.
- Location and modality of transport – where you stop will impact how you get there : car, train, flight ? Depending on how multi-modal you are, you need to consider which luggage solution is best.
- Transfer details – how will you transfer from one location to another ? city to city or country to country ? Have you decided yet ? Will you be doing country hopping for a weekend where you don't need all your belongings ? If your are city or country hoping, you may need lugagge lockers, which can be a struggle if you don't plan.
- Hotel/accommodation details – are you choosing hotel accommodation, airbnb, hostels ? You will see through this article, we have a view on what to take or not, based on your preference.
- Travel legislation – Whether or not a visa is required, make note you may be subject to different leglislation depending on the country. How many luggage, what can you bring with you through custom, so on and so forth. Will you need space in your suite case or not accordingly to what you wish to bring back ?
What type of accommodation will you take to choose your luggage
Depending on the accommodations will choose, luggage can be important.
Choosing your luggage depending on the presence of a lift or not
In Europe, buildings can be old and without lift. This is the charm of the old continent however it can be a struggle. Lifting up luggages multiple times through stairs is feasible but you need to be prepared for it. In that case, prefer a Backpack as much as possible. In addition, your hands will be free to take another bags with you at once, especially if you are travelling with children or seniors.
Choosing your luggage if you travel in a Hostel or stay in a small room
Where to put your luggage in a room IS important, not to make a mess out of your accommodation in 5 seconds. The smaller the bag is, the more tidy your room will be. Many times when I traveled, i thought my accommodation as only a bed to sleep at night. However, overtime, it became clear it is part of the travelling experience. You may end-up coming back and forth to rest or take a quick nap before hitting another visit. In that case, you'd like to have a cosy place to stay in and not look at the mess around.
In Hostels, you want as well to have small luggage that fit into a locker or under a bed. Not that thief is a common thing, it happens but its rare, however hiding or locking your bags may be a good idea to rest assured.
Choosing your luggage depending on your need for luggage storage
During a multi destination travel, it might be handy to put your luggage in a locker for a few days or a few hours. Bear in mind, XL sized lockers are rare because they are usually taken, and you will not know their availability before you get there. In such cases, it is disappointing not to have the space you need and be stuck with your luggage. Your plans go astray. The smaller the better, prefer soft (flexible) shell, to fit in small lockers.
The big "plus" to that is, the smaller your bags are, the more you may be able to fit into one locker and save money.
Choosing your luggage depending on the means of transport
From airports or train stations, you may end-up using public transports. Europe is not "big" on car mobility as in the US for instance. We like to keep it as eco-friendly as possible. Therefore, you will find that bringing large suitcases with you may be a problem. How many luggages can a Taxi fit for instance may be a question to answer. Check our article about it.
Same problem with metro or trains. You don't have a limit of luggage per say, however escalators and lifts are not found in all stations. This means dragging up and down the suitcases and bags, over a certain distance. If you want to know all the reasons why it is an important thing to consider, check out this article about "traveling the metro or train with suitcase".
By foot, on busy streets, same pain ! Sorry to write that down, but as I travelled multiple countries for years and years...Busy streets with wheeled suitcases is a night mare and don't get me started with paved streets or hills. Awful...Paris and other major capital in Europe I'm afraid, are not suitcase friendly.
Conclusion on how to choose the right luggage for your multiple destinations trips
If you are considering travelling different cities across Europe, choose your luggage size and type accordingly to:
- Size of your accommodation : the smaller the room, the messier it gets. What doesn't seem important before you go, will have an impact on your confort.
- Type of accommodation : hostels are usually shared space. You may want to be able to lock your bags in a cabinet or put it under your bed.
- Equipement of the accommodation: apartments and accommodation in Europe are not all equiped with a lift. Be aware you may have to lift and drag your belongings up and down multiple stairs.
- Luggage storage : if you plan on leaving your luggages in a storage, the size of your suitcase may become a problem. XL sized items space are limited and they may all be occupied. Downsize your luggage and fit multiple in one locker, you'll save money as well as troubles !
- Means of transport : make sure you choose your luggage size accordingly to your means of transport. For taxi, make it fit into one car. For metro or trains, keep in mind you'll not have lift and escalators everywhere, you'll have to carry and drag your bags with you. On foot, streets may be paved, busy and steep. Quite an effort if you travel heavy.
How to choose the type of bags or suitcase for a multi-destinations travel in Europe
Whenever you travel, it is important to make sure that you have the right luggage with you. This is even more important when you are traveling to multiple destinations, as you need to be able to pack everything you need into one bag. Here are some tips to help you choose the right luggage for multi-destination travel.
If you travel by trains, metro, subways or public transport after arrival in Europe
If you are to choose public transport over taxi or private chauffeur AND you do multiple destinations across Europe, I highly advise a large BackPack.
Of course, this recommendation applies only in two cases :
- for transiting between trains station or airport to hotels/accommodations. For example : Flight or train > train/public transport to transit > accommodation.
- if your luggage is over 15KG.
Why this recommendation ? because of the stairs and streets you may cross. Wheeled suitcases may be a fuss to carry around and keep close (especially on peak hour in subways/trains/metros). A Backpack will be way easier than a regular Suitcase.
If you travel by taxi, Uber or bus after arrival in Europe
If you choose taxi or private chauffeur during your transit between place, then do as you please, no problem ! Suitcases are to be prefereed as they keep your clothes and items inside better organised and protected than a Backpack.
How many luggage should you take for a multi-destination travel in Europe ?
How many luggage for a week travel in Europe
We recommend from experience you take one suitcase (small or middle size and 15kg) plus one small back pack. You won't need more than that and it will be easier to carry around. Ideally, if you are ready to make concessions on what to bring, take only a Cabin luggage. It fits everywhere (lockers, train or plane racks, you don't have to check them in and doesn't take space). We all tend to go crazy on packing...reality is, we use 40% of what we bring and we don't have, eventually, we can buy for a special occasion.
How many luggage for a two weeks in Europe
This duration of multi-destination travel is the trickiest of all. This is where we tend to pack 2 suitcases for each traveler and get stuck with many belongings to travel around.
It is alright to do that but you have different options you may to consider first to limit the size and weight of your lugagge.
Option 1 : Make a laundry during you holidays
Wether you stay at a hotel OR Hostel OR Airbnb, you will have access to laundry for sure. How much do you think cost a laundry service compared to check-in bag ? It is cheaper if not equal in average. That is a good option, except for the fashionista. No judment there of course, everyone travel the way they like. However, if you seek an easy travel, that is for sure the best option.
Option 2 : Choosing a Backpack will be the easiest option
Although the bag itself is not the most glamorous choice to make, it is the most convenient. For two weeks, if you do your bag right, a 65L backpack will do the trick. On your back, your hands are free. You could even consider to carry smaller items like a carry-on. Their soft fabric make then easy to fit in small places.
Recommendation on the number of bags for two weeks travel
1) 1 XL suitcase + 1 carry-on if needed
2) 1 Large backpack (65L)
2) 1 Middle size Suitcase and you do laundry
How do you travel with multiple pieces of luggage ?
If you are travelling with multiple piece of luggage across Europe, and you are unsure how to transfer them from one place to another, you can use a Luggage Van or Luggage delivery service.
In France for instance, Alfred travel offers this service in or from Paris to anywhere in France (same day delivery). Book here or get info in case you are interested.
Packing your suitcase for a multi destination trip in Europe
Deciding what to pack for a multi-destination trip can be daunting. You need to pack smart. Start by making a list of everything you need to bring with you. Then, try to condense it down as much as possible. Only pack the essentials and make sure to leave room in your bag for souvenirs.
How to Pack your suitcase for Multi-Destination Travel in Europe
Make a list of the essentials
First, make a list of the items you will need for each destination. This will help you to ensure that you don't forget anything important.
What you can buy in Europe, eventually don't take in your suitcase. Buy it only if you absolutely need it instead of cluterring your suitcase with "just in case" items.
Packing to accommodate climate
Next, consider the climate of each destination. Make sure to pack clothing that will be suitable for the weather conditions at each destination.
A good habit, if you are unsure, is to choose clothes you can mix and match to accommodate any climate.
A legging for instance is a good option for "mid warm" climate as a stand alone, but also for hard winter temperature, worn under a pant. Do the same with upper clothing. Once you have your two or three "survival mix and match" sets of clothes (in case it is colder or hotter than expected), the rest can be packed without giving too much thoughts.
Packing to accommodate the activities you want
Of course, imagine the activities you will do, to adapt clothings choices and gear.
Again, best advice is to apply the mix and match strategy. Running shoes ? sandals ? Heels ? Flip Flop ? What are the items that will best fit 80% of my need or suitable to any situations ? Pack those and leave the rest at home.
Packing to suit the trains or flight luggage limitations
One of the most important things to remember when packing for a multi-destination trip is to pack light. Not only will this make it easier to get around from place to place, but you'll also avoid having to pay for excess baggage fees. Instead of packing a separate bag for each destination, try to pack everything into one carry-on bag and one personal item.
Also, remember that in trains in Europe, you are allowed two suitcases maximum and some company allow only one. Better travel light.
Practicle tips for packing
Labelling luggages
Make sure to label your luggage. Include your name, contact information (with Phone number !), and itinerary inside your luggage in case it gets lost. You may also want to consider investing a travel insurance in case your bag is stolen.
In Europe, it is absolutely forbidden to forget his suitcase anywhere. If you do, the police and a bomb squad will come and destroy your luggage where you left it. Indeed, if the luggage has been left unattended for too long and without the possibility of contacting its owner, it is considered dangerous.
Conclusion : label your luggage with a phone number you will answer.
Avoid empty space
An old trick is to Roll your clothes instead of folding them to save space and put heavy items at the bottom of your bag. It works for suitcases and backpack. Simply but efficient piece of advice.
Toiletry items management
Tip 1 : Don't bring anything, you can buy cheap at destination. Especially if you are looking for a few pounds or kilos to save on the the weight of your luggage.
Tip 2 : If you travel solo, forget this one. For the others, split the essentials between the people you will be traveling with. Classic example is Sun Lotion. If not coordinated, for a group of four, you may bring four sun lotion when really, it is not necessary.
Tip 3 : keep the toiletry as reachable as possible if you decide to pass it through with you carry-on luggage. It is easier for security control.
Tip 4 : Legislation is quite strict in Europe, if you mis-manage your toiletry, your carry one bag will be put aside and you will end-up throwing away a few expensive items. A few examples.
Example 1 : If you bring a 100ml liquid item that is half full, it means you are carrying 50ml. Which should be OK for any airport in Europe. However, security will only look at the container label. They don't care how full or empty the item is, you will have to throw it away.
Example 2 : If you bring daily contact lens with you, you must know a liquid is inside the daily contact lens packaging. In UK, these items are considered Liquid all together, and must be put into the "liquid bag". If, your liquid bag is full already, you will have to chose what item to throw away...to make room, as they will not allow you to pass security above limitation. Such cases in France for instance, do not apply.
Conclusion : make sure you manage your toiletry before going, having in mind legislation may differ from a country to another.
Do not lift your luggage with the carry-on handles
If you want your luggage to live another 100 trips, do not ever, lift it through the handle used to roll/carry it.
The sole purpose of this handle is to help you drag it and roll it, so you don't have to bend over. If you use it to lift up your luggage, you'll break it for sure. We all tend to do that, but when it breaks, it really is annoying.
Where to store your luggage while flight or train hopping
If you are visiting Paris for instance and wish to do a quick stopover in London, you may wish to travel light and not bring everything with you.
A common pain for multi destination travel, is that there is only limited options to choose from to store luggage between two flights or two trains.
If you are in such situation, a solution exists combining best of storage locker and luggage delivery service : Alfred Travel.
The big inconvenient about storage locker in airports, is that you have to drop them off and pick them up. It takes time, especially if the luggage locker is opposite direction to your terminal. Second issue is the uncertainty the locker has sufficient space to take your items. Third issue, making sure you'll have sufficient time to jump in your plane before or after pickup. Last one...The opening hour. What to do if luggage locker is closed when you need it ? Quite an effort, isn't ?
Alfred in such case will pickup your luggage whereever you want and deliver it the day, place and hour of your choice.
What to do if your luggage allowance excess the train or flight limit
If your luggage allowance is exceeded on a flight in Europe, worse case scenario to pay the excess luggage fee. However, it may be quite expensive.
However, it may be problematic for trains. If you bring one suitcase more than you are allowed, you may not be in trouble apart from finding sufficient space. In case you bring 6 luggages, then...You may be fined by travel agent or unable to travel at all.
An alternative solution to luggage allowance excess in a flight or a train in Europe, is to use a luggage van and ship your luggages. It may even be a cheaper when adding total costs. Ask Alfred for advice, we can help.
Conclusion
Multi destination travel is quite a big adventure. Planning and arranging your trip as you go, should be the main worry in your mind instead of luggage management.
This article has been written by frequent travelers working at Alfred, and they hope they provided all the tips you need to travel worry free.
