After thinking that a suitcase was one thing I didn't need to buy for my upcoming trip, I've just re-read the measurements in the Contiki brochure.

The maximums they say are 73cm x 50cm x 25cm and my case is shorter and narrower but it is deeper (actual measurements are 67cm x 46cm x 27cm). The depth is mainly because of pockets on the front which I don't usually put things in.

Does anyone know how strictly the suitcase dimensions are enforced? Is the weight (under 20kg) more important?

Any advice much appreciated, I'm having a little panic!

Jo

Size? what size ? There are sizes? Think of sizes like speed limits - everyone breaks them. Some are under the speed limit and some are over. Some are wider, some are thinner ... But 20kg is like a fire alarm - you don't mess with that!! If looks like a regular suitcase/backpack and is under 20 kgs... yer good to go.

- Vic

Great, thanks very much for clarifying that. So they weigh the suitcases but don't get out the tape measure?!

EastBoca.

I was thinking of using my cricket bag. Do you know what I'm talking about and if that would be ok?

what's a cricket bag? like a large duffle equipment bag ... ie: hockey bag ... then no probs !!!

-Vic

So if you're traveling after and want to bring a back pack, that's ok? Just as long as it's under the 20kg?

Janine

As long as total weight of backpack and contents at the beginning of the trip does not exceed 20 kgs.
You could use an industrial strength 3mm commercial garbage bag if you so desired provided it doesn't weigh more than 20 kgs with contents when departing London ... you get the idea

- Vic

ps: As an aside, those industrial garbage bags are friggin tough. Maybe tougher than some suitcases!!! I had that thing loaded up with carpet we removed and was tossing it out the 3rd floor and not one bag busted (out of 20). Needless to say, neighbours were wondering what all that noise was !!!

what about the overnight bags? i bought a smaller suitcase with a overnight bag and was wondering if the have a size limit?i read somewhere that there was a 5kg max but no measurements.and is it safe to leave your overnightbag on the coach and just take a smaller day bag with you. . . .

You are only allowed 2 bags; your main luggage and your day bag.
The overnighter is a small duffle bag meant to be stored in your main luggage.

See #18: http://www.eastboca.net/EuroPan/BeforeYouGo.

- Vic

quote:

Originally posted by _______:
You are only allowed 2 bags; your main luggage and your day bag.

is this enforced? i was going to take my suitcase, a backpack to use as a day bag (which ill also use for the overnight bag), and a smaller pacsafe bag to carry with me during the day off the bus. would this be acceptable, i think i could squeeze the smaller bag in the backpack if needed...

i think im gonna take a suitcase, backpack for the overnight ferry to greece (n souveniers when not being used), n for during the day just a regular large leather handbag that i would use at home.
ive read heaps of travelogues and poured over this site for advice for the last few months n i think from what ive read thats preety acceptable.

quote:

Originally posted by joa_r:

quote:

Originally posted by _______:
You are only allowed 2 bags; your main luggage and your day bag.

is this enforced? i was going to take my suitcase, a backpack to use as a day bag (which ill also use for the overnight bag), and a smaller pacsafe bag to carry with me during the day off the bus. would this be acceptable, i think i could squeeze the smaller bag in the backpack if needed...

A single bag rule is only for your comfort since there is not much space inside the coach cabin. If it is enforced, stuff the little bag in the big bag.

canty Chick
I just completed the European Discoveryy and i would suggest a suitcase, not a bag as it does not stack i nthe bus as well.

Also when it comes to the measurements, i found thtat hey were strict on that, like they didn't measure the size of everyone's suitcase, BUT they do weight the bags before they go on the bus and if it is over the 20kg they will make you take stuff out of your case to make it under the 20kg.

Advice, weight the bag before you leave then that way you know you are safe. Although through out the tour you buy presents and other things, you can unzip the expander on your bag (if it has this) and your bag can weigh anything for the rest of the tour...

I started with a bag the same dimensios as yours and weight 12.8kg when i started and it ended up at the end of the tour weighting 23.9kg.

I hope this helps

They check those size and weight very strickly. The most important reason is because your driver will be loading and unloading that buss each day so the weight is important to not tire them out. The dimensions are important because the coach can only hold so much. Safe travels!

Jason, did u see a tape measure ?