BootsnAll Travel Community

Hey Guy,

I'm off on my first european adventure, Monday. My plans are to fly into Paris, check in to a hostel, and explore the city and maybe the surrrounding area.
I have a daypack, and a small 18" upright suitcase.(You know the ones with wheels, commonly used by airline attendents). But all the research I done has suggested that a backpack is the way to go. I don't want to blow any unnessacery money. Should I think about getting a backpack? Do you thing the upright is okay? Has anyone travel with one before? What to you do you think?

Thanks In Advance.

A.

Come as you are...

Paris? You will be fine.

For your next trip, think about getting a travel pack. You will find that the wheelie works fine for smooth surfaces, but would be crappy on cobblestones or dirt paths. That's why we carry travelpacks.

Plenty of skilled pickpockets on the Metro, so make sure that you only have 'walk-around' money in your pockets. Don't ask me how I learned this.

Joe, how did you learn this?

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[Still Wandering] [Halcyon Climbing]

I'm with Joe on this - you will be fine if you are simply going to Paris (or most other places if you are staying more or less at the same place). But if your next trip may involve less developed areas or a lot of place to place, look at getting a travel pack or backpack in the future.

One thing you may want to do is look at some while you are in Europe - there isn't quite the selection of travel packs in the states, though you can find a reasonable selection of backpacks.

- Dave

I went to paris with a duffle style bag with a single shoulder strap. It was supposed to be a more relaxed trip so I took some nicer clothes and things I wouldn't normally have taken. We ended up having to walk around to find a hotel and within 20 minutes I was wondering what the hell I was thinking. My shoulder was killing me and I swore I'd never travel without a backpack again.

If you know exactly where you're going and plan to take cabs or buses to the hostel then your suitcase will be fine, otherwise, even a cheap backpack would be better if you have any walking to do. (in the long run you'll regret buying a cheap pack for just one trip though)

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[Still Wandering] [Halcyon Climbing]

I agree with markus on both points.

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ServeYourWorld.com
"How to Volunteer Abroad"

check check, and might I add, no matter how stylish you want to be in Paris, do not wear cute little mary jane shoes in lieu of comformable walking sneaks.

Thanks everyone for the great advice.


A.

Come as you are...