Should I check my luggage or just use a carry on?

This is a difficult question. It depends on how much time and effort are you willing to spend hauling around large, heavy bags AND is there an alternative?  By the time you arrive at your destination dealing with extensive luggage may be a significant burden. Figuring out how to get from the airport to your hotel by navigating the train and bus system when you are jet lagged is not fun. If your itinerary includes multiple hotels it may be an even greater problem.

Many subway/metro/underground stations utilize turnstiles at the exits. These are cumbersome to get through with smaller luggage. Larger, heavier luggage, strollers, wheelchairs, etc. may require the staff to open a special gate to allow you through.  During early or late hours the exits may not have an attendant to open the gate.

If an escalator is available it may be a single one thereby assisting travelers in one direction only . Also, as with any government facility, one cannot assume an escalator will be functional (we saw several non-functional escalators on our last trip).

TIP:  Not all train/subway stations have elevators or escalators in Europe and the UK. 

TIP:  See the Hotel Section for determining where your hotel should be located to lessen the burden of carrying luggage.

TIP:  Although it may sound a bit crazy a better alternative might be better to only pack a carry on, even if you are staying for two or three weeks, Strategically picking a hotel near a laundry and spending a couple of hours sipping coffee and eating a pastry while your clothes wash may be MUCH better than standing in line to check you bags — both coming and going, plus the frustration of trying to get large luggage onto and off crowded trains, up and down numerous staircases, across cobblestone streets, etc. Vacation should be fun and easy, not a lot of work.  Pack a plastic garbage bag or keep the bags from your purchases to carry your clothes to and from the laundromat.

TIP:  Checking your luggage for your European flight and not having it arrive at your destination can all but ruin your vacation. If you can afford it invest in luggage tracking devices to help locate lost luggage.

TIP:  Be aware of the carry-on size differences between us vs. European carriers – you may end up having your bag checked at the gate. This is more prominent on non-American air carriers.

TIP:  If, on your return trip home you have to make a connection at a US based airport you will have to gather your luggage, clear customs, possibly change terminals, recheck your luggage,  and clear security before you can proceed to your gate.

TIP:  Riding InterCity trains with large luggage can be difficult due to lack of room for storage and smaller overhead bins – on trains that are not too crowded you may be able to store the luggage around you. If you have large luggage or you are worried about leaving your luggage in the designated storage space near the doors, select seats near the end of the train car so you can keep an eye on them. Also, the steps up into a train car can be very steep making heavy bags a real burden.

TIP:  Be careful dragging luggage across cobble stones.  Some of the gaps between the stones can be very large and possibly break a luggage wheel. The heavier the suitcase the greater potential for damage.

TIP:  Sign up for the Frequent Flyer Club app for your airlines.  In addition to receiving updates on your flight, it will allow you to rebook a different flight quickly if yours is cancelled. Also, many airlines assign members of their club to earlier boarding groups than those who are not members.  On crowded flights earlier boarding is not only more convenient, it also increases the chance for finding an overhead bin for your luggage.