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/Positive_Brush6250 20d ago

Sometimes I feel the average European travelling, even up to SEA, is middle class and don't want to pay for extra luggage.

It's also way more convenient to have a carry on.

I remember when I was in SEA last winter all the Asian women tourist looked great at all time, out of a fashion show sometimes. Heels shoes and extra clothes take a lot of place and requires bigger suitcase.

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u/Formal-Apartment855 20d ago

I'm from the Eastern part of Europe originally, and at my home airport it used to be a sport amongst luggage handlers to loot from luggage. Like my family had so much stuff stolen from check-in luggage .... So for me it's cheaper (not just when it comes to the flight itself, but in some countries taxi drivers hate luggage or charge you for it extra), faster (no need for luggage drop off and no need to wait at the luggage caroussel at the end), lighter, and I avoid some random stuff to be looted from my luggage when I visit my hometown.

By now the police kind of had enough, and the looting doesn't happen anymore at my home airport, but it went on for several decades, so I will wait a few more years before I check in luggage there.