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Packing for a trip to Europe can be intimidating. Never fear. Your favorite European travel packing expert has created an easy guide to help you find the best luggage for your trip to Europe.
Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. If you purchase a linked item, I will make a commission, at no extra charge to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Updated July, 2024.
Shopping for luggage for your trip to Europe?
Paris, France (SPC)
Packing for a trip to Europe is an exhilarating, exciting, and, occasionally emotionally exhausting. But before you can put all of your carefully selected items into the suitcase, you need to find the perfect suitcase for your trip. And finding the suitcase that fits the bill is no small order. Your suitcase, both a carry-on and a checked bag, if you have both, will need to make you comfortable and be convenient in the airport, survive the flight and, if checked the brutal baggage, potentially at multiple ports of call, and fit your needs in your European hotel room and potentially for travel within Europe, including train stations.
A bit about my personal luggage struggle...
(SPC)
After spending hours drooling over a full Louis Vuitton set (pure Emily Gilmore), before our first trip to London, I got back to reality and went to the nearest discount store and bought the most attractive, matching, hard-sided roller set I could find (a carry-on and a large roller to be checked).
Not only was repeatedly wheeling two bulky rollers through various start-and-stop customs lines a horrendous experience, but with fairly heavy use (several international trips per year, in addition to work travel)...they quickly fell apart. In fact, one of the suitcases actually *cracked* and met its demise on its second voyage. Clearly a solid investment. So, I've created the solution..
I've rounded up the 6 things you need to look for when shopping for the right luggage for your trip to Europe. And while you're here, I sincerely hope you'll take some time to explore the many resources for Europe travel that I've created for Americans over my years as a travel blogger! Using the navigation at the top, you can explore the many country-specific resources, which include travel tips, hotel reviews, etc. I also have a number of posts on general guidance around packing:
Frequently Asked Questions about Finding Luggage for Europe
How much luggage can I take with me on a flight to Europe?
If you are flying from the U.S. to Europe on a major carrier on a "main cabin" ticket, you'll generally be allowed one personal item (purse/backpack), one carry-on item (another purse/backpack or a small roller bag), and one checked bag. If you're in "basic economy," you'll generally have to pay for that checked bag, but in the "main cabin," it's normally included in the price of your ticket.
The luggage weight limit is the same on international flights as for our domestic flights (we always fly on major US carriers), but if you're on a budget airline, I would be sure to check their website if you are planning to load up that suitcase! How much luggage should I take with me to Europe?
Well now we're getting personal!
I would encourage you to bring only items you truly feel you will wear/absolutely need and resist the urge to bring too much stuff. You'll have limited storage space in your European hotel. My husband and I each always check a bag, as we've found that's the easiest way to manage everything. I bring a tote bag to carry both of our books, headphones, etc. Pro tip: If you are thinking of taking a roller carry-on AND checking a bag, just remember that you will need to wrangle those bags for a while, including through immigration control and potentially on public transit when you arrive in Europe. I'd recommend either/or Can I access my luggage on my flight to Europe?
You will be able to access the 2 bags you're allowed to bring onto the flight with you, unless you're forced to gate check a roller bag. But it's not necessarily very easy access. If in-flight access is important to you, I'd put the items you'll need in a tote bag or cabin bag, either of which you could access during your flight more easily than a big roller bag.
What shouldn't I put in my checked bag for my trip to Europe?
Do not put anything you even remotely may need either during your flight or once you arrive in Europe into your checked bag. I've actually never had a checked bag lost on a long haul flight (it's less likely because they have more time to get your bags on to the plane), but it is always possible. Additionally, obviously, you will be separated from your bag for many hours with no possibility of getting it back. You may or may not be reunited with your bag at the same point of each travel journey, depending on the airport and country. For example, certain Canadian airports do not require/allow Americans to grab their bags and take them through customs, which is usually the case when you land in the States. (If you land at Newark from Rome, you pick up all of your bags and haul them through customs with you and then re-check the big one). Instead, in Toronto, for example, you are just reunited with your bag when you get home, as would happen on a domestic flight.
So, never include these items in your checked back for your flight to Europe:
What is a cabin bag?
I've already mentioned them once and I'll probably mention them again because I find them fascinating. A cabin bag is a medium sized, soft-sided bag that opens with a zip across the top. It generally has handles, and is just one compartment. Many have a pocket on the back so that they can slip over the handle on your roller bag, and they're often sold as a set. I adore my set from London Fog. I use the cabin bag as my little girl's suitcase, so her items are easily accessible.
Want to know more about how to prepare for and what to expect on your flight to Europe? Check out 6+ Easy Tips for Surviving a Long Haul Flight in Economy and The Ultimate Guide to Dressing for a 10-Hour Flight to Europe Should I buy packing cubes for my trip to Europe?
Yes! Nothing keeps me organized when I'm packing for Europe quite like packing cubes. They don't have to be expensive or anything fancy - a pack of Amazon Essentials packing cubes will do just fine!
I use packing cubes to keep my bag organized for departure, I often leave my clothes in them when I pseudo unpack at a hotel, and, most importantly, they allow me to know what's what when I return home and keep dirty clothes and much dirtier shoes away from clean items. While the existing compression straps in a suitcase do help add some extra space, the better organization (and minimal compression) of packing cubes does help me fit a lot more into each bag, for longer trips. 6+ Easy Tips: How to Find the Ideal Suitcase for Europe
Alright - let's dive in. I'll walk us through the six attributes you are looking for when you shop for luggage, and I'll include links to some examples I find to point you in the right direction as you search for the best suitcase for Europe travel.
"Large" hotel room in Spain
Moderately priced
To kick things off...price point. There are a lot of luggage options available, from the very flimsy and cheap to the eye-wateringly expensive sets that, admittedly, always initially catch my attention.
You want to use this luggage for many trips to Europe, which means your first instinct is to buy an expensive (potentially even flashy) set. But, let's be honest - unless you're flying private (in which case - get the aforementioned Louis Vuitton and let me know how great it is), it’s going to get ruined and eventually you’re going to have to throw it away - thanks, Fiumicino baggage handlers! And if it’s expensive and something happens to it, you’ll be understandably devastated when it gets ruined. If you're wanting something higher-end, I'd focus your spend on a carry-on and matching cabin bag, as those are more likely to stay with you and not ride on the dirty airport baggage carousel of doom. That said, if the luggage is too cheap, it’ll almost undoubtedly die on its first trip, which isn't exactly helpful either. For most, the "sweet spot" is approximately $75-$200 per piece. Soft-sided
The trend in suitcases for the last 15+ years has absolutely been toward hardsided material/polycarbonate shell that zips / unzips so that it splits and opens like a butterfly. While this might be fine for occasional domestic travel, there are two reasons why I BEG you not to go to TJ Maxx and purchase this style of suitcase before your international travel.
First, a hardside suitcase at this price point cracks on repeated impact. I've had a suitcase like this last ONE TRIP to Europe. Think how many points of call the suitcase could be going through. And even for a carry-on which you are more likely to be able to keep with you on an international flight (the overhead bin is bigger and there's just more space all around), the risk you'll have to check it is just too high. Second, European hotel rooms are tiny. A hardside suitcase that is open like a butterfly will take up your entire room and all of the available floor space. Yes, you could fully unpack it and put it in the closet, if you have a closet it will fit into. But why take the risk. In fairness, the one major risk of a softside suitcase, in my experience, is moisture. I have had a couple bags gets inexplicably damp in transit. The moisture didn't get onto my clothes inside, thank goodness, but it is something to consider. One way to attempt to prevent against this, with minimal effort, would be using plastic packing cubes to store your items inside your suitcase. Lift, zip-top enclosure
As we've discussed, hotel rooms in Europe are microscopic, even at a high price point. Hard-sided bags only open one way - you unzip the entire thing and both sides need somewhere to sit. If you prop one hard side against the wall, all of the contents that were stored on that side must be removed. Additionally, there often isn’t even enough room to fill drawers and store all of your suitcases (4 if both people in a couple have 2 rollers) in one of the tiny closets.
So, you’re stuck with the suitcase open on the floor, even in a nice hotel. It's far better to be able to cut the amount of suitcase in half, and push it against the wall. Let's talk wheels
There's no type of wheel that's going to save you from the annoyance of dragging your suitcase over uneven surfaces, or even cobblestone streets, once you reach Europe, but I may be able to save you some hassle in the transit process.
"Back in the day," "roller bags" came in one style - the 'tipped' forward onto their two wheels and you dragged it behind you through the airport. Now, there are tons of bag with spinner wheels. Admittedly, most of those with spinner wheels are hard-sided, but, I promise, if you search, you can find a soft sided one with spinner wheels. Why do wheels matter? In addition to the walking around the airport that you're used to, a trip to Europe involved a lot more standing in line than a domestic trip. Spinner wheels allow your suitcase to stand, without risk of falling over, even with a tote bag perched on top, while you wait in sometimes lengthy immigration and customs lines. My first trip to Europe, I had a "traditional" carry-on two-wheeled bag that you lean to walk and wow was that immigration line long. Spinner wheels. You'll thank me. FAQ: Should I buy a lock for my suitcase for my trip to Europe?
There is such a thing as a TSA-approved lock that some travelers will opt to place on their checked baggage for a flight. Many suitcases come with one. I've never had my bags gone through on a trip, but if you'll be traveling with valuable items that you aren't able to keep on your person (keeping them with you being the ideal option), it's worth looking into.
If you'll be leaving your suitcases at train stations, or checking them in other storage locations during your trip to Europe, I would definitely invest in a lock. Not that Europe is less safe than the US, but thieves do tend to target tourists, wherever you are. If you don't want to worry about a lock, at least avoid putting items into the exterior pockets of your luggage, both for risk of theft and because items packed in that exposed area in search of extra packing space are most easily damaged. Let's talk about suitcase color...
Of course, there's a reason that the vast majority of suitcases are black. Black shows the least amount of wear and tear and allows your bag to look newer and cleaner for longer. That said, of course black bags are easily mixed up. Be sure to label your bag with your name and address in multiple places.
FAQ: Should I buy a non-black suitcase?
If you want to branch out for bright colors, go for it! Avoid anything light like white or tan, as classy as they do look. I generally go for a green.
Finding the right purse/"personal item" for a flight to Europe
In addition to your checked or carry-on bag, you are allowed one "personal item" on the flight with you, just as you are on a domestic flight. Though I strongly recommend against the use of tote bags as your day-to-day purse when you're exploring Europe (too big, and too accessible for pickpockets), I do generally use a tote bag on the transatlantic flight. This way, you have everything you need at your fingers tips, without having to put it into the overhead compartments. Then, when we arrive in Europe, I just fold it up and keep it in my suitcase until the return home. I use my small, crossbody bag that I will carry once we're there as my "wallet" within the tote. There are just a few too many items that I need to keep track of on the plane/want to have access to, to skip the tote bag for long trips.
Best Luggage for European Travel
I've rounded up my top picks of the different types of luggage I recommend, at various price points, so you can see some examples of ideal travel bags for your European adventure.
Luxury Suitcases: Briggs & Riley Mid-Range, High-Quality Luggage: TravelPro Budget friendly travel suitcase: American Tourister, London Fog Best Carry-on Luggage for EuropeBest Checked Bags for Europe
Best Purses & Totes for EuropeThanks for stopping by!
Thank you so much for joining me to talk about finding the perfect suitcase to help you start packing for your trip to Europe. There's nothing I love more than helping Americans prepare for a trip 'across the pond.' I know you'll have a phenomenal time. Lean in, learn a bit of the language, walk a lot, stay up late, eat local food, make friends, and enjoy.
And while you're here, I hope you'll subscribe to my newsletter and take some time to explore the website, which includes the many, many free Europe travel resources I've created over my more than half a decade as a Europe travel blogger. Bon voyage!
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2 Comments
1/3/2019 02:59:35 pm
Lovely blog ... FYI London Fog is not British. Has always been an American company. Now owned by Iconix, another American firm. I wore London Fog raincoats for years because they were made in the US 1/3/2019 03:05:12 pm
Thanks! :) And wow I had no idea! Guess that's what happens when I assume! I will fix that! :) Your comment will be posted after it is approved.
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