First time Travel to Europe – information about luggage and space on trains.

Exploring Europe for the First Time: Essential Tips on Luggage and Train Storage

Traveling internationally for the first time can be both exciting and overwhelming, especially when it comes to packing and navigating transportation logistics. Recently, my wife and I spent 15 memorable days exploring Germany and nearby regions, which provided valuable insights into practical travel considerations—particularly regarding luggage and train arrangements.

Our Journey Overview

Our trip began in Munich, from where we traveled by train to Zurich, Strasbourg, Stuttgart, and then returned to Munich. To prepare, we each packed a larger suitcase measuring just under 62 linear inches (~157 cm), weighing approximately 50 pounds. Additionally, we carried backpacks to accommodate essentials and layers, as we anticipated colder weather. Surprisingly, the weather was quite pleasant throughout our journey, and in retrospect, a medium-sized suitcase might have sufficed. Nonetheless, having extra space and clothing options provided peace of mind, ensuring we weren’t caught unprepared during our travels.

Packing Tips

For first-time travelers, it’s often tempting to overpack—for fear of not having enough clothing or essential items. Our experience suggests that careful planning can reduce luggage size. Pack versatile layers, and consider the climate forecasts, but don’t hesitate to bring some extra clothing if it makes you comfortable. Remember, most European cities have shops and stores where you can purchase additional items if needed.

Luggage Storage on European Trains

One of the primary concerns I had was how to manage luggage onboard trains, especially since visual references can be scarce online. To help fellow travelers, I documented and photographed our experiences with luggage storage during different segments of our trip.

Train Compartments and Luggage Racks

Our journey included traveling on high-speed ICE trains operated by Deutsche Bahn (DB) and on EC trains via the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB). During our Stuttgart to Munich trip on an ICE train, I noticed that the luggage racks were sturdy and capable of supporting larger suitcases. Although our suitcase extended past the rack’s edge, it was slanted and remained stable throughout the trip, even during stops. Furthermore, the racks’ design allowed for the suitcase to be secured at an angle, preventing movement.

On our Zurich to Strasbourg ride on an EC train, the luggage racks were similarly robust. In both instances, train conductors and staff onboard confirmed that our placement was appropriate, and we encountered no issues with luggage storage, even during the busy Christmas market season when trains were at medium capacity