Hi,

I will be travelling through East and Central Europe from April to June and I was wondering what kind of suitcase/backpack I should bring. I just bought a large piece of luggage and a friend informs me not to bring anything too big because you can't take it on the train, or it's a hassle. She says to bring a medium piece of luggage and a back pack. The problem is, I have back problems and don't want anything too heavy on my back.

What are your recommendations?

Thanks!

T

I'm certainly no medical expert, but I would have thought backpacks would be better for someone with a bad back than a heavy suitcase.

I have a bit of a back problem, following a fractured spine a quarter of a century ago (nothing too serious - sounds worse than it is) but I find that trailing a heavy, wheeled case tends to make my back more painful than carrying a heavy pack - and I do both fairly regularly.

Might be worth trying out a modern backpack with a hip/waistband. I use a Karrimor Jaguar which was state of the art in about 1981. It's still excellent and with the belt most of the weight sits on my hips, rather than my back. There are bound to be better modern alternatives. Also much easier if using public transport.