Thanks very much lmn_82, much appreciated to get advice from someone who's done a tour recently.

Yep, my suitcase does have a zip to expand so that could come in handy

I will have to agree with Jason. They are super strict about dimensions and weight. I do however feel that they were stricter about weight just because of laws in Europe for coach weights and more importantly because the coach driver can only lift so much. If you are a little off on the dimensions, it is not that big of deal. Just don't bring a huge bag that is the correct weight, because then there won't be enough room for everyone's luggage underneath the coach. Also, remember to leave room in your bag for stuff you pick up along the way.

quote:

Originally posted by _______:

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

If by hockey bag you mean a bag that could carry a hockey stick and all your gear then kinda yes... Crcket bags are long but not very high so probably 1m long 40cm high and 50cm width... Is that ok?

Moderator

If it's like a duffle bag (ie: no frames anywhere) and is under 20 kg. the it shouldn't be a problem. It can get tossed in as filler after all the suitcases are loaded. Probably not good for handling anything fragile though. Remember to travel light and if you are, your bag will not even be 1/2 full. With regards to weight, yer prob gonna start the tour with maybe 15 kg tops.

So they are getting strict with the dimensions? I see conflicting advice in here.

Has anyone one actually seen them take a tape measure ... think about it, they weigh your suitcase during the morning of departure. And you're not the only bus with 50 ppl on board, there are 2 or 3 other buses departing the same day. If it's too heavy - easy solution
take stuff out, maybe put it in your day bag or store it at the basement. Problem solved. But what about dimensions? If you sit on the suitcase, it's not as wide anymore. Or what if it's long, but not as wide ... etc. Where are you gonna go to run out and buy a suitcase at 7 am before the coach leaves ?!?!? What if everyone's suitcase was right at the size limit ... they'll be measuring and arguing give or take about legal sizes for ages. Weight is instant and fast and no disputing. So if anyone has seen them actually measure suitcase size, we'd really like to know. That side, your suitcase should be around the limit size. And if your travelling light, that'll be plenty of extra space !!!

- Vic

This message has been edited. Last edited by: ptooma,

Thank you...

Just wondering, this has probably been answered 1,000,000 times before, but for the camping trips (18 days) would a suitcase and a day pack be ok? (withing weight and size)
Or do you think a 'pack' would be better. Just wondering.

Cheers

Okay, I have an ex-large rolling duffle bag from LL Bean. Measurements are below:

17in. High x 34in. Wide x 15in Deep

Contiki wants our bags to be:
73cm x 50cm x 25 cm
or
28.7in x 19.6in x 9.8in

(I'm not sure what order it went in...Height, width, depth)

I've seen some posts that said size is not a problem, but weight is strictly enforced. And some say weight and size is strictly enforced. I would hate to get there and they tell me my bag is not acceptable. Any thoughts?

quote:

Originally posted by Explorer1095030:
Okay, I have an ex-large rolling duffle bag from LL Bean. Measurements are below:

17in. High x 34in. Wide x 15in Deep

Contiki wants our bags to be:
73cm x 50cm x 25 cm
or
28.7in x 19.6in x 9.8in

(I'm not sure what order it went in...Height, width, depth)

I've seen some posts that said size is not a problem, but weight is strictly enforced. And some say weight and size is strictly enforced. I would hate to get there and they tell me my bag is not acceptable. Any thoughts?

You'll be fine.

im going on the European discovery, and im a bit worried about the baggage thing. i would have been on echange for three months before so i actually have three bags (normal hand luggage and 20kg backpack) but i also have my laptop.. i have to bring it on the tour because im getting off in France, but is it going to be safe (and fine having an extra bag)?

Ja, no worries, a lap top bag will be fine, take care of your lap top!!

Can someone who has been recently let me know if they are really strict on the dimensions. My suitcase is about an inch off on the height, and about 2 inches off on the width. Will this be a problem?

No, they are not super strict on the dimentions, the weight is a European Union law/regulation to help regulate/keep in check the weight of the buses (50 people with massive luggage = super heavy (illegal) bus) - size is more of a space issue - if 50 people bring massive suitcases, they simply won't all fit in the luggage hold of the coach. A few inches here and there is not going to hurt, the general volume (space your bag takes up) should be the main concern here. Huge bags also not practical as 20 kg (44lbs) of luggage can only take up so much room. No one is going to get out the tape measure on your luggage.