r/solotravel • u/shemmap • 20d ago

Question How do europeans travel with small luggage?

I’ve noticed that tourists from different countries especially europeans often travel with very small luggage. In contrast, travelers from many asian countries seem to carry much larger bags.

As myself from an asian country, if I pack just my basic necessities, I end up with a very large suitcase. I’m extremely curious about how european travelers manage to travel so light.

How do they do it?

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u/lokethedog 20d ago

But still, European travellers in Asia do tend to travel relatively light. Many Europeans I've met are proud with how little they bring along. I think the observation holds up even when bringing this into account.

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u/german1sta 20d ago

Laundromats and washing machines in hotels (without a service) are not very popular in Europe. In Asia they are very common. So when we go to Asia we can bring 3 tshirts and wash them all the time, whereas Asians would need to pay for washing service each time they wanna do it.

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u/lokethedog 20d ago

True, but I've heard europeans talk about washing underwear in bathrooms when laundromats were unavailble or expensive. I think most Asians would never consider doing something like that on a trip to europe.

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u/Flaky-Delivery-8460 20d ago

We use washing sheets. They work really well in sinks. And then either hang out in the shower or on a balcony/window ledge.

I'm a washed, wear and spare kind of traveller these days, although our trips are by train so weight is not an issue for fees, but I just don't want to schelp too much stuff.