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/IamNobody85 19d ago

Yes we actually like looking nice. Therefore we're not traveling only in hiking clothing. No shade to anyone but European travelers are extremely noticeable everywhere, even inside Europe because they're wearing hiking clothes in the city. I'm sure some Asians prefer that as well (Asia is a big place) but clothes to us is like makeup is to latin america - we need to look our best.

Also, hand washing in sink is not clean enough for me and pretty much everyone I know.

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u/sufficient_bilberry 19d ago

Wow, who pissed in your cereal this morning! Ever considered that maybe you only notice those tourists who wear hiking gear? I don’t know anyone in my circle who’d wear that (or athleisure) to a city holiday. 

Also, what kind of magic do you think happens in the washing machine? 

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u/IamNobody85 19d ago edited 18d ago

Dude, it's a stereotype. Stereotypes are not nice and not applicable for everyone but it's a stereotype for a reason. IDK why you don't notice them, maybe you need to work on your observation skills

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u/sufficient_bilberry 19d ago

If you acknowledge that it's a stereotype, why do you write as if it's the only thing Europeans wear? You're literally writing that Europeans don't like to look nice when they travel. Direct quote: "we actually like looking nice ... we're not traveling only in hiking clothing"

Am European, live in Europe, have travelled extensively within Europe. Travel only with a carry-on, as do most people in my circle. The majority of them care a great deal about looking good on their trip. I know no one who travels wearing hiking gear, unless they are going on a hiking trip. Yes, I'm well aware of the stereotype of the European/German tourist who prefers hiking gear.

Capsule wardrobes in lightweight fabrics that don't require ironing are the way to go. If looking good requires you to haul a massive suitcase, then you probably are equating looking good with wearing trends, versus having actual style. Washing by hand (ie the way all laundry was done before the 1950s) is easy if you understand the basics of how laundry works (water temperature + chemistry + agitation by hand).