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re: Backpacking in Europe vs. Asia?
Posted on 9/30/15 at 10:26 am to FenrirTheBeard
Posted on 9/30/15 at 10:26 am to FenrirTheBeard
I just don't think a backpack is necessary unless you are moving every day or 2, or are going hiking somewhere.
A small carry on suitcase is much more convenient. You can wheel it around, it's less bulky, and if you want a shirt/jeans/different pair of shoes, it can be a huge pain in the arse digging to the bottom of a backpack. Ultimately you'll find that you carry your luggage to/from the hotel, train station, taxi, airport. You shouldn't be walking miles every day with it, which is when a backpack would help you.
A small carry on suitcase is much more convenient. You can wheel it around, it's less bulky, and if you want a shirt/jeans/different pair of shoes, it can be a huge pain in the arse digging to the bottom of a backpack. Ultimately you'll find that you carry your luggage to/from the hotel, train station, taxi, airport. You shouldn't be walking miles every day with it, which is when a backpack would help you.
5
Posted on 9/30/15 at 10:55 am to TheIndulger
I went with the Osprey Farpoint 55.
LINK
The Main Pack is technically slightly bigger than most domestic airline regulations, but always fits overhead. I never get stopped with it. I had researched that before buying and every one said the same thing. Looks like they have some packs now that can convert to being rolled which is cool. Osprey site, but there are other backpack companies you should check out
The little daypack becomes my man purse while traveling. I'll load it up with my camera, souvenirs we buy, sanitize wipes each day.
The main pack I usually can fit a pair of dress shoes, flip flops, and a bunch of clothes while I wear my walking around shoes on my feet when flying. I use these for every trip I take now domestic or abroad. Domestically I don't bring the day pack usually.
I've gotten my wife down to one travel backpack or suitcase herself for 10 day trips to India and Spain, and we're going to Thailand/Cambodia this December. You can get your clothes washed while over there. Can't understand bringing your whole house on vacation in huge suitcases.
Having a backpack while they have a suitcase allows you to help move their stuff too if you are the gentlemanly type.
And yes, European dimensions are even smaller and whatever suitcase you bring you're going to get "the eye" from the local passengers. But they haven't stopped my wife yet for her suitcase which is American normal sized. I don't know how the Euros go anywhere with their little suitcases.
LINK
The Main Pack is technically slightly bigger than most domestic airline regulations, but always fits overhead. I never get stopped with it. I had researched that before buying and every one said the same thing. Looks like they have some packs now that can convert to being rolled which is cool. Osprey site, but there are other backpack companies you should check out
The little daypack becomes my man purse while traveling. I'll load it up with my camera, souvenirs we buy, sanitize wipes each day.
The main pack I usually can fit a pair of dress shoes, flip flops, and a bunch of clothes while I wear my walking around shoes on my feet when flying. I use these for every trip I take now domestic or abroad. Domestically I don't bring the day pack usually.
I've gotten my wife down to one travel backpack or suitcase herself for 10 day trips to India and Spain, and we're going to Thailand/Cambodia this December. You can get your clothes washed while over there. Can't understand bringing your whole house on vacation in huge suitcases.
Having a backpack while they have a suitcase allows you to help move their stuff too if you are the gentlemanly type.
And yes, European dimensions are even smaller and whatever suitcase you bring you're going to get "the eye" from the local passengers. But they haven't stopped my wife yet for her suitcase which is American normal sized. I don't know how the Euros go anywhere with their little suitcases.
This post was edited on 9/30/15 at 11:02 am
Posted on 9/30/15 at 10:55 am to FenrirTheBeard
Europe is much easier to backpack through. Asia is very difficult. You have to know the language in order to do it properly. Usually when you are living in China for a year and wish to test out your skills, you go backpacking. I did it, and it was the best experience of my life, but this would be incredibly challenging to someone who didn't speak the language.
Asia will be a much more frustrating experience, but it has much more beautiful countryside than Europe does. Europe is easy, but the places you'll go in Asia are more rewarding. That's my advice to you.
Asia will be a much more frustrating experience, but it has much more beautiful countryside than Europe does. Europe is easy, but the places you'll go in Asia are more rewarding. That's my advice to you.
Posted on 9/30/15 at 10:55 am to TheIndulger
quote:
TheIndulger
Fair point. We'd probably stay a few days in each city so maybe a small suitcase would work better.
Posted on 9/30/15 at 10:58 am to TheIndulger
quote:
just don't think a backpack is necessary unless you are moving every day or 2, or are going hiking somewhere.
If you're actually backpacking and frequently moving around, stick with a large backpack. A large piece of luggage can't be stored nearly as well in a hostel, and people will look at you weird if you bring a carry-on. Go with the backpack if you're staying in hostels.
This post was edited on 9/30/15 at 11:01 am
Posted on 9/30/15 at 11:03 am to Teddy Ruxpin
I have this same pack and have enjoyed the hell out of it for all types of domestic and international travel.
Posted on 9/30/15 at 11:12 am to UGATiger26
quote:
What exactly does it mean to "backpack through Europe?"
Typically, it means traveling by train or bus from place to place and walking from the train station to a hostel.
Long explanation: Being able to put everything on your back and walk several miles, ahem, kilometers, is invaluable, hence the backpack instead of a suitcase. Every once in a while you will end up missing a train in Cerbere and sleeping the on train station steps waiting for the early morning train to Barcelona or sleeping in a park after arriving in Aix-en-Provence in mid-June or Pamplona in early July to find that no hotel rooms are available because you didn't plan so well or that tip that the Norwegian guy gave you about a room didn't pan out, or other random stuff like that that makes you have to carry your stuff long distances and makes you really appreciate a backpack.
Posted on 9/30/15 at 11:15 am to lynxcat
(no message)
This post was edited on 10/28/15 at 6:00 pm
Posted on 9/30/15 at 11:15 am to FenrirTheBeard
Europe. I got treated like a sideshow attraction when I was in China.
But I'm black, so maybe that was a factor.
But I'm black, so maybe that was a factor.
Posted on 9/30/15 at 11:18 am to OMLandshark
You don't have to get a large suitcase. I just went to Europe with a carry on bag and a booksack and it was fine.
Posted on 9/30/15 at 11:18 am to TheIndulger
quote:
I just don't think a backpack is necessary
In Europe especially, a backpack is the way to go. There are way too many steps, cobbles, etc. for a rolling suitcase.....unless you cab it everywhere. We usually use mass transit to get to airports and train stations so being able to have both hands free is great.
quote:
and if you want a shirt/jeans/different pair of shoes, it can be a huge pain in the arse digging to the bottom of a backpack.
Get packing cubes. They make finding stuff in a backpack much easier.
Posted on 9/30/15 at 11:20 am to Zappas Stache
(no message)
This post was edited on 10/28/15 at 6:00 pm
Posted on 9/30/15 at 11:22 am to UGATiger26
quote:
Serious question I've always wondered...
What exactly does it mean to "backpack through Europe?"
Like walking across several countries Appalachian Trail style? Or catching rides from city to city?
Typically it means staying in hostels and jumping on trains. In short, it is jumping from city to city across the continent.
Posted on 9/30/15 at 11:31 am to LordSaintly
quote:
Europe. I got treated like a sideshow attraction when I was in China.
But I'm black, so maybe that was a factor.
Same thing happened to us in India. While we may see Indians and Chinese people every day, they don't see white and black people.
I now know why a celebrity would be very annoyed.
My wife and I are probably in about 2,000 Indian Facebook profile photos
This post was edited on 9/30/15 at 11:32 am
Posted on 9/30/15 at 11:33 am to Zappas Stache
I've thought about getting some packing cubes and just haven't for my pack.
Sizable difference?
Sizable difference?
Posted on 9/30/15 at 11:36 am to Teddy Ruxpin
quote:
My wife and I are probably in about 2,000 Indian Facebook profile photos
Posted on 9/30/15 at 11:39 am to TheIndulger
quote:
Ultimately you'll find that you carry your luggage to/from the hotel, train station, taxi, airport.
Most of the cities are fricking huge.
We did a shite ton of walking coming out of most of the main stations.
But we were also cheap with cabs and hardly knew where we were going. This was iphone 3 days and europe data plan cost a fortune.
Posted on 9/30/15 at 11:43 am to Teddy Ruxpin
quote:
I've thought about getting some packing cubes and just haven't for my pack.
Sizable difference?
It makes a huge difference. I put t-shirts in one cube, underwear and socks in one...etc. It takes only seconds to find something in the bottom of the pack.
Posted on 9/30/15 at 11:44 am to STLhog
(no message)
This post was edited on 10/28/15 at 6:00 pm
Posted on 9/30/15 at 11:45 am to STLhog
and as far as the locals go. Just treat every stop like an SEC away game.
Be ready to make fun of your own country, tell them how much respect you have for their city and country and that you just want to have a good time.
Be down to try anything and if you're conservative, leave that shite at the hotel. It's better to just pretend than to get fricked with.
Most Europeans are super down to party, are cool with USA as long as you aren't an arse and will generally show you hospitality. Buy them drinks and vice versa will happen.
I don't know anyone cool that has had a negative experience over there. It's generally close minded yuppies that treat it like the movies/going to disneyland or Florida.
Be ready for change and even the more developed places not having all the amenities we have. Ice water, Dr. Pepper, Drinkeable tap water etc. Its nothing unbearable but it will leaving you craving some shite by week 5 or 6, thats for sure.
Be ready to make fun of your own country, tell them how much respect you have for their city and country and that you just want to have a good time.
Be down to try anything and if you're conservative, leave that shite at the hotel. It's better to just pretend than to get fricked with.
Most Europeans are super down to party, are cool with USA as long as you aren't an arse and will generally show you hospitality. Buy them drinks and vice versa will happen.
I don't know anyone cool that has had a negative experience over there. It's generally close minded yuppies that treat it like the movies/going to disneyland or Florida.
Be ready for change and even the more developed places not having all the amenities we have. Ice water, Dr. Pepper, Drinkeable tap water etc. Its nothing unbearable but it will leaving you craving some shite by week 5 or 6, thats for sure.
This post was edited on 9/30/15 at 11:49 am
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