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Post by bluechigger on Nov 3, 2005 16:17:34 GMT -5
I am preparing to travel to Europe in the spring and am wondering about life in hostels. Should I definitely squeeze everything into a backpack or is a suitcase an option. thanks for all of your great insight!
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Post by LHR02 on Nov 3, 2005 16:20:08 GMT -5
It's a personal preference...but I would never consider going with a suitcase if I were planning a visit to several cities. A Backpack is just easier to manage.
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Post by Jules80 on Nov 3, 2005 16:28:45 GMT -5
i tend to agree... just imagine trying to go up stair cases in train stations and with a suitcase... if you're in venice... lots of stairs up and over bridges... made me very happy to have a back pack and not a suitcase... a 50 or 60 L pack can hold a lot of stuff and is plenty.
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Post by Eagle on Nov 5, 2005 1:00:18 GMT -5
I strongly agree with the others! A Backpack is much preferred to using a Suitcase. If you have to walk any distance from the train to your lodgings, you will soon realize the benefits! There are also the cobblestone streets to consider, and the lack of elevators in many older buildings.
I believe it's safe to say that most on this Board favour the Eagle Creek line of Backpacks. There are lots of good packs on the market, but the EC models are excellent quality and feature a panel load design that seems to be a bit better for "travel" (as opposed to trekking). If you haven't bought one yet be sure you are properly fitted according to your torso length. Most of the weight should rest on your hips, not your shoulders. It's also a good idea to try it out fully loaded for a couple of hours (some shops will allow this if they have an imprint of your credit card) to see if the fit works well for you.
Good luck!!!
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dougj
Senior Travel Member
Posts: 205
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Post by dougj on Nov 7, 2005 8:27:22 GMT -5
if I was going back to Europe and visiting cities I'd take a wheeled suitcase over a backpack. my pack killed my back after a couple of weeks.
I like asolo packs myself.
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Post by me on Nov 7, 2005 14:52:33 GMT -5
unfortunately for wheeled bag users, Europe has few of the smooth concrete sidewalks that are so common in North America. cobblestones are more common. and, these cobblestones make for a very rough ride on small wheels. also, Europe has no ADA <Americans with Disabilities Act> so there are lots of places with just stairs, no elevators. [is there a Canadians with Disabilities Act?] do as you wish, but i'd advise going with a backpack. |
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Post by Jules80 on Nov 7, 2005 15:00:53 GMT -5
there may be laws in place for new buildings but there are a lot of inaccesible buildings in old quebec and old montreal. not the most friendly of places if you're i a wheel chair...
jules
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Post by WillTravel on Nov 7, 2005 15:38:04 GMT -5
I know lots of people have problems with cobblestones and suitcases, but mine held up to walking two miles in Florence over cobblestones (plus much more altogether in all the times I've used it). I don't think it makes a big difference most of the time, although both my kids much prefer backpacks. If you are actually trekking from place to place, then a backpack is absolutely necessary of course. Test your comfort with whatever luggage you use by walking up and down numerous flights of stairs (this will be necessary with Europe's public transit system), going over curbs, and so forth. You never want to be in a situation where you have more than you can comfortably carry on your own, no matter how you transport it.
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Post by LHR02 on Nov 7, 2005 15:45:10 GMT -5
The first two times I was in Venice I had a backpack. My last trip there I was only visiting 3 cities so I took a wheeled suitcase, thinking it would be just as easy if not more so. However, the day of departure found me at San Marco's waiting to get a vaporetto to the train station.....only to find out there was a strike going on. Having to lug that suitcase over Rialto, plus a dozen or more smaller bridges and stairs was no fun. I've done it both ways, packs just seem to work easiest and best for me.
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Maricat
Senior Travel Member
Posts: 52
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Post by Maricat on Dec 8, 2005 8:57:41 GMT -5
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