Discussions

Hey everyone. I am wanting to do a 2-3 week trip to Eastern Europe, seeing at least a few countries during that time. I have never been before and I'm trying to decide if I would be OK with a suitcase or if I should invest in a travel backpack. Any opinions would be welcomed!

I would vote for the backpack, depending on the nature of your trip (lots of moving around to new places, traveling by trains, staying in hostels, etc). I did a similar trip to Europe with friends, and two of us had suitcases, while the other two had backpacks. While the two of us with suitcases managed ok, we did wish we had the backpacks when we saw how much easier the other two had it compared to us.  
 
Many of the hostels we stayed in didn’t have elevators, so we had to lug our suitcases up many flights of narrow stairs (most buildings we stayed in were built before elevators were a thing), while our friends carried their backpacks on their backs without issues. Also, I remember some crowded commutes on the train and what a hassle it was to stow the suitcase. Not only that, but the cobblestone sidewalks make for a rough (and noisy) commute while you walk from A to B.  
 
You’d manage fine either way, although I think you’d be happier with a backpack. Especially if you end up with the travel bug and do a similar adventure later on down the road (and if not, you could sell it on eBrandon).

It all depends on the places you're going and the activities you will be doing, if you're going to stay in big cities and mostly museums and all touristic area a suitcase will do, but if your going to the country side and do some outdoors or walking or some adventures definitely a backpack. Anyway, have fun!

I’ve backpacked 26 countries over the last 4 years and strongly recommend a backpack vs a suitcase. Lots of older buildings don’t have elevators, there are often cobblestone streets, and if your taking public transit it’s just so much easier to get around with a backpack vs lugging around a suitcase. How are you getting between cities? Much cheaper to do a carry on vs checking a bag. Are you doing hostels, Airbnb or hotels? Most have laundry facilities available for cheap to wash clothes so you don’t need to pack much. I do recommend buying a good quality one to ensure you don’t get a sore back. Mountain Equipment Co in Winnipeg has people who will fit you and give you great advice - at least in my experience. If you have any more questions on anything I’d be happy to share some of my experiences! Safe travels!

A carry on sized suitcase with wheels and a normal backpack. Both can be taken on the plane.  
 
You can place the backpack on top of the suitcase while walking long distances. There’s no need to carry anything heavy.  
 
Edited by Hey!, 2020-01-04 19:40:51

Very few elevators or escalators over there. Also, I took way too much. Ended up dumping stuff in order to lighten my load. Take 2 or 3 quick dry tops and rinse out along the way. Also one jacket that is wind and water proof and small bottles of anything you can buy over there. Enjoy your trip.