So much to do so little time

[bs1313]

Alright I have everything ready to go planning wise but I still don't have a backpack and I don't know what I am bringing. I leave in about a month, so i'm thinking that I am starting to run out of time. I still don't know exactly what is a "good" backpack. I don't need anything SUPER sturdy because we will only have it out between hostels and on the plane. I want to carry it on and I checked the airline restrictions but I am still having trouble finding one that fits those restrictions. Does anyone know of any sites that have pretty sturdy backpacks at a decent price? I don't need anything too expensive because again It wont be out of the hostel that much. Thanks.

Bret

[Eagle]

Bret, I couldn't tell where you're located from your Profile, but you might have a look at the Eagle Creek website, to see if they have a stocking dealer in your area. They have several models that should be small enough for carry on. However, one problem is the fact that you haven't decided yet on what you will be bringing, and therefore it might be difficult to select the proper size pack.

Taking only one Backpack as carry-on luggage is something that many travellers try to accomplish. However, these days the airlines are tightening up the regulations somewhat, so the sizes they allow for carry-on have been "shrinking" somewhat. So far I've always had to check my main Pack, although the spec's indicate that it's "approved for carry on with the Daypack detached" (I suspect the airlines haven't read the manufacturer's spec. sheet!).

You might try a "test run" with all the items you think you'll be taking with you, to see how much room you might need. The next month will pass quickly, so you want to get this sorted quickly! One final point, when selecting a Backpack, make sure you are properly fitted for torso length. Also, if you think you might have to check it, make sure the straps can be "stowed" so these aren't damaged by airport conveyor systems.

Good luck!

[bs1313]

I wouldn't mind checking my bag, the problem is I have had trouble in the past with airlines losing my luggage. I would hate to get to london and my bag not be there. Then again I guess I could take a change of clothes on the plane just in case. Then it wouldn't really matter what size our bags are. One more thing...my girlfriend and I both got one of the things that goes around your neck that you keep money and your passport in and stuff, since we both have one of those is there a need for a money belt?

[WillTravel]

With a neck belt, you just have to be sure the straps aren't visible, because it has happened that people cut the straps and run off with it. That's not common, of course.

[bs1313]

That is a good point. Maybe I an think of a way to disguise them a little. Scam artists come up with the most creative things to scam people. Speaking of which out of the 3 cities that we will be going to which one will we have the most difficult in with scams and thieves? London, Paris, or Rome?

[WillTravel]

It's difficult to say. I've personally heard the most problems from Madrid, Barcelona, Rome, and Paris, but those are also very visited cities. I've been to all (except Barcelona) and not had any problems. So the odds are definitely in your favor, but taking precautions will help even more.

[googleygoo]

If you're in the US, try www.sierratradingpost.com or www.campmor.com if you want to buy your backpack online.

Luckily I've never had an airline to lose my backpack but I always make sure I have decent travel insurance, in case I need to make a claim!

[bs1313]

Okay I found an Eagle Creek backpack that is 62L with a daypack that is 19L. I think this will be enough and I think I may even be able to carry it on. Is 62L pretty normal for a 3 week trip?

Thanks. Bret

[googleygoo]

I think 62L is more than enough for 3 weeks! Although 19L seems pretty large for a daypack, leaving you with less room in the main compartment. I think it really depends on your travel style and what you pack. I used to have a backpack with an attached daypack, but I ended up never detaching the daypack because I preferred to use a messenger bag with a shoulder strap.

But the daypack is helpful if you're going on a day hike or if you're leaving the main pack at the hostel to do a side trip somewhere.

Eagle Creek is good though- sturdy AND lifetime warranty! I've bought 2 Eagle Creek packs and have been happy with them.

[bs1313]

Alright I bought the 65L with 19L daypack. Do you all think that this is small enough to carry on the plane? That would be the easiest for us to do, so we don't have to worry about our luggage being lost. Now my other question is, I was looking up some places to do laundry in Europe and there were a lot of places that you like give them your laundry and it is pretty expensive, aren't there places where you can just do your laundry yourself like a self service type place? I'd rather not do it at the hostels because I have heard some stories. Thanks. Bret

[pointofnoreturn]

You'll be lucky if you get to carry anything on the plane at all. My travelling partner had one of these backpacks and it was within size limits and she wasn't carrying any liquids (I was - in my checked rolling luggage). At all airports, she was forced to check her bag regardless.

[WillTravel]

There are lots of self-service laundries in Europe, just like the US and Canada. If you say what cities you are looking at, I will find some there, most likely.

But why are you afraid of the hostel laundries? So long as you keep an eye on your stuff, just as you would at a public laundromat, it should be okay.

[googleygoo]

I've never had any problems getting laundry done at hostels. If you're on vacation, the last thing you want to do is sit in a hot laundromat to do laundry. Once I did my own laundry in France but I have to admit that it was sort of comforting to do something that reminded me of home. I was traveling by myself for two months and there was one day when I just didn't feel like being a tourist. Another time, on a different trip, I went to a laundromat in Spain, but it was really crowded, and two men were arguing over a dryer. I decided that it wasn't worth waiting around for a set of washer and dryer to open up, especially if people were already arguing over it. Ended up going to a laundromat.

[bs1313]

I guess I have just heard some stories about people doing their laundry at hostels. I'm not sure if my hostels have the laundry option but I guess if they have that option it will probably just be easier to do it that way.

[pointofnoreturn]

I only did my laundry three times in one month - all of which were are laundromats. Two of them were self-serve and one of them was a full service. It was about 6-8 euros total for a wash/dry (including fold in the full service).

Most of the laundromats were pretty empty so I had no problems securing myself an available washer/dryer to use. I don't think you should be worrying about this - it's not a big deal.