Do you know the easiest way to spot an American traveling in Europe? Look for multiple, oversized pieces of luggage.
I can laugh about it now, but I used to be that traveler. As a 19-year-old studying abroad in Italy, I actually tried lugging two 50 lb. suitcases up a massive flight of stairs—only to walk right back down them when I realized I was at the wrong binario (platform). Ah, Italian train stations…
Overpacking for Europe usually ends in a backache, tears, or both. On that same trip to Italy, one of my classmates started crying on our first train because she couldn’t manage her suitcases by herself. And that’s assuming your checked bag even arrives—because nobody wants to shop for an emergency wardrobe and makeup in a foreign country while running on zero sleep!
Since then, I’ve been a total carry-on convert—thank you to every European traveler who showed me the light! But finding the right carry-on for a family was a whole different project… until we found Level8.
Our Level8 carry-ons are ultra-lightweight, indestructible, glide smoothly over European cobblestones, and actually keep our family organized so we aren’t wasting precious travel time.
🏷️ My Exclusive Discount: Use code theflyingmum10 at checkout for 10% off your order at [Level8 Official Site].
At a Glance: Pros & Cons of Level8 Carry-Ons
| Pros | Cons |
| ‘Glide-ability’: Ultra-smooth 360° wheels save your wrists, prevent drag, and let you move much faster through crowded airports. | TSA Lock Learning Curve: Built-in locks take a minute to set (though you don’t have to lock them if you prefer not to). |
| Dual-Zipper Interior: Full enclosures on both sides keep clothes from dumping out in tight hotel spaces. | Non-Expandable: Deliberately structured to keep you compliant with strict airline limits (and avoid crazy fees on Euro hopper flights). |
| Ultra-Lightweight Base: Saves precious weight allowance for European airlines (8–10 kg caps) and the kiddos can manage them on their own! | — |
| Durable & Scuff-Free: Shell stayed scratch-free even after floor sliding, and doubles as a seat (or slide, or stepping stone, or whatever game the kids come up with!). | — |
Why Backpacks Didn’t Cut It (And Why We Switched to Level8)
At first, I swapped my giant rolling suitcases for a travel backpack. I thought keeping my hands free would make it easier to manage our little ones while on the move.
The reality? It was way too much strain on my back and shoulders. Beyond the physical discomfort, I hated how flimsy it felt. Trying to stay organized in a soft backpack mid-trip was a constant battle. As a travel mama, that becomes three bags that have to stay organized, not just my own!
Moving back to wheels with Level8 carry-ons, my back and shoulders are thanking me as these bags practically glide themselves through the airport—letting us zip through crowded terminals and catch tight connections without breaking a sweat (well, except the time we only had 10 minutes to get across Copenhagen’s airport!).
Why Level8 Carry-Ons Won Us Over for European Travel
1. Wheels Made for Speed & Cobblestones
Level8’s 360° spinner wheels glide seamlessly across airport thresholds, hotel carpets, and even on cobblestone. With these light bags and great wheels, our kids are actually keeping up now pushing their own bags without asking for help—this is huge when hopping from hotel to hotel for 2–3 weeks!
2. Dual-Zipper Interior (No More Dumping Clothes!)
Most hardshell suitcases only feature a zippered divider on one side, leaving the other side exposed with a basic strap. I don’t know how many times I’ve opened other bags from the wrong side, and then everything spills out! Level8 designed full zippered enclosures on both sides, keeping every item fully locked in place so it is much easier to stay organized.
On our last trip we changed hotels every 1-2 days, and this feature saved us.
3. Preserving Precious Airline Weight Limits
European airlines (even full-service carriers like Lufthansa or Air France) are notorious for enforcing strict cabin weight limits. Because the Level8 shell itself is so lightweight, it preserves your weight allowance for actual clothes and gear rather than the bag itself.
4. Built to Last (And Sit On!)
With airports feeling more crowded than ever—seriously, whatever happened to the “shoulder season”?—seating can be hard to come by.
These shells are durable enough to double as a seat for any family member, no matter how big or small.
Or, in true kid fashion, a temporary ride! (Disclaimer: Not officially advised for safety reasons, of course!)
5. They look so stylish!
The Level8 Carry-Ons are definitely the most stylish, high-quality bags I’ve ever owned. They look like high-end luxury luggage—but without a ridiculous price tag (or I wouldn’t own them).
My son loves his vibrant yellow and black bag, while the olive version looks even better in person—and won’t show dirt! Plus, because the colors are so unique, you won’t have to worry about accidentally grabbing someone else’s bag off a belt (if you do end up checking them).
A couple things to be aware of:
At first I was a bit concerned about the locks, because the kids were so excited with our new luggage, they were playing with them before we read the instructions and figured them out. I was worried they were going to lock us out of them!
The carry-ons also don’t expand, so the size you get is the size you get! I recommend compression packing cubes if you need to fit a 3-week wardrobe or bulky winter clothes and don’t want to do any laundry while traveling.
But here’s why I’d really try to make it work…
3 Reasons Carry-On Only is Essential for Europe
If you’re on the fence about ditching your checked bag for your next European trip, here is why you should make the switch:
- No Lost Luggage or Waiting at Baggage Claim: Skip the nightmare of lost bags entirely. When you land, you walk straight off the plane, through customs, and into the city while everyone else is waiting around baggage carousels.
- European Hotel Rooms and Elevators Are Small: Square footage comes at a premium in major cities like Paris, Rome, and London. Historic hotel elevators barely fit two people, let alone giant suitcases. One of my clients was barely able to shove her giant suitcase under her bed because it wouldn’t fit anywhere else in the room! Our 20” Level8 bags fit into tight European hotel rooms no problem.
- Navigating Transit is Simple: From quick train transfers over cobblestone streets to carrying bags up historic staircases, sticking to a compact carry-on makes moving place to place so much easier.
Final Thoughts
Once you experience the freedom of rolling past baggage claim and hopping straight onto the train (without straining your back), you’ll never go back to oversized luggage.
Case in point: about half the hotels we stayed in during our last trip to Italy had zero elevators to our room. You can imagine how relieved I was to carry our family’s lightweight Level8 carry-ons up and down those historic staircases. I had it totally under control—no tears this time.
Ready to streamline your next trip?
Rollin’ fast and in style
