***cransplash***

[hazel]

I saw in another thread you asking about luggage for an international trip. I have an older model of this www.ospreypacks.com/en/product/convertible_wheeled_packs/meridian_2260l

My husband uses an older model of this bag: shop.eaglecreek.com/switchback-max-22/d/1021_c_116

We bought them specifically for a trip to Germany 4 years ago because they can be converted to backpacks. It was really helpful since we used trains to get everywhere and walking to our hotels usually took about 10-15 minutes from the main line. It was nice to have to not have to roll them. We went to France about 2 years ago and they were helpful then too.

My husband's luggage has a detachable smaller backpack which we use during the day to carry around our jackets, foods, camera, etc. It's nice to have. Although, the bag is very big when he attaches the smaller backpack and carries it all on his back.

Both of our trips were about 12 days. We washed our clothes in the hotel room during our trip to Germany, but when we went to France, we just planned a trip to the laundrymat midway through the trip. We have also found rolling clothes maximizes space when packing. We also haven't brought jeans on either of these trips because they are so thick and bulky.

Oh and before we bought our luggage we went into REI and looked at what we liked and tested them out. I think we did end up buying mine from REI since it was on sale, but we bought my husband's from an online retailer since it was cheaper.

[cransplash]

Thank you! When we took a family vacation to Europe while I was in high school (my parents + 3 kids total), we flew into Rome and toured around Italy, made our way up to Lyon/Dijon/Paris, and then took the Chunnel to London before heading back home. Needless to say, I do remember us going to the laundromat midway through.

I guess that is what we're going to have to do. Carrying large luggage isn't feasible (I do remember everything there being compact), so I know we needed to look for more compact suitcases/luggage. I guess wheeled backpacks are the way to go...

Thanks for the links!

eta: Were you able to carry a laptop and all clothes for a 12-day stay in Germany on the backpack alone, or did you carry/use anything else?

[hazel]

haha I'm laughing at myself because I kept wondering why I was getting spell-checked for laundrymat. Because it's laundromat.

Anyway, when we bring a laptop it fits just fine in the day backpack that my husband carries. That's also where we usually carry our cameras, anything of value, or things we we want easy access to because we'll keep it under our seat during flights.

I haven't carried a purse before while traveling internationally, because it annoys me to carry one around all day. Although, I do bring one when we travel domestically, but I guess that's because the flights/travel time aren't as long and we have a different travel pace/style internationally than domestic trips. I'm considering getting a cross-style purse for our next trip to see how I like that. It would be nice to have another option to carry to our camera around, a light jacket, etc., without having to carry the backpack. The backpack is better for the daytime when we are out sight-seeing, but a smaller bag would be nice for when we go out after dinner.

All our clothing fits in the regular luggage, but we both tend to wear clothing that's easy to mix/match for different outfits. I like to bring 3 pants total, 4-5 shirts, a jacket, and a sweater. Since I wear one of those shirts/pants/jacket during travel, everything fits fine in the luggage. This is also why I prefer to travel in slightly warmer months if we can because our clothing isn't as heavy and rolls up smaller.

[cransplash]

Wow, so you just carry that one backpack for your 11-12 day trip in Europe? I am so impressed!

I have a cross-body purse and it was great for my 3-week trip around Japan last year. Like you said, if it's a domestic trip, I'll bring a regular purse. If it's international, I'll bring a cross-body. So much easier on your shoulders too. DH likes to carry a backpack so that's what he does.