Thread: Lufthansa vs. Air Berlin

If you can get by without checking bags, do that. Maybe this is the fact that I'm male, but shoes are going to take a LOT of luggage space. Stick with a comfortable pair of walking shoes and maaaaaybe a pair of dress shoes IF you are absolutely positively 100% sure that you will NEED them (that is, you have plans already in place that would REQUIRE it, not just "nice to have"). Rick Steves (Europe master. If you haven't heard of him, go to your library and get a few of his DVDs, especially in the region you're traveling) has a really good guide on how to mentally prepare yourself: Pack Smart and Travel Light by Rick Steves - you can always find a laundry facility in Europe, just avoid whatever your hotel may have (they're probably going to cost a lot of money)

If you absolutely must check a bag flying home (such as for some stuff you buy abroad) that's not so bad. If something happens where your bag gets delayed, you've probably got some clothes at home anyway. You can survive much better than if you have absolutely nothing else in a different country. Just remember that you'll have to wait for the bag to come around the baggage carousel at customs, which can be a pain. Especially when you have to wait behind everyone who *didn't* check a bag, and those who got their bag before you did. It's also good to know that even if you have a carry-on size bag, they're a lot more picky about the bag's weight outside of the US. So they may just say that it's too heavy, you have to check it. I've been caught in that a couple times now.

A GOOD carry-on bag is worth its weight in gold. I spent $150 on the bag I've got, and it's still in excellent shape. Lots of pockets, expandable, and you can even fit a suit in the flap! It's meant for flight attendants (who obviously will use it a LOT) but I can try to help you find one if you'd like (too bad you aren't in Denver, the company store below my office sells them). Let me know if you're interested. When I worked the ramp, this is the bag that I always envied, and I was thrilled to treat myself to one.