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If there’s one truism about planning a trip to Europe, it’s that most travelers try to pack as much as possible into their trips.

It’s understandable — traveling to multiple destinations allows you to make the most out of your trip.

BUT MOVING FROM ONE DESTINATION TO ANOTHER REQUIRES CHECKING OUT OF ACCOMMODATIONS AND MOVING YOUR LUGGAGE FROM PLACE TO PLACE.

Where to store luggage when traveling in Europe might seem like a daunting question, especially if you’re traveling with valuables like laptops or personal mementos.

LUCKILY, THERE ARE NUMEROUS AFFORDABLE AND SECURE OPTIONS FOR STORING LUGGAGE THAT EXIST ACROSS EUROPE.

They’re especially useful if you are staying in short-term rentals like a VRBO or an Airbnb.

Here are my tips for storing your bags like a travel pro.

Luggage Lockers in Europe: How to Store Your Bags

Storing Your Luggage at the Hotel

The first and easiest place to store your luggage when traveling is with the hotel itself.

One of the reasons that I more often stay at hotels rather than short-term rentals like VRBO or AirBnB is due to the convenience of storing luggage directly with the hotel.

IT'S ESPECIALLY USEFUL WHEN I STILL HAVE SOME SIGHTSEEING TO DO ON THE DAY OF MY DEPARTURE.

The process for storing luggage with the hotel is very straightforward: while checking out, mention to the hotel staff that you’d like them to hold your baggage until later in the day.

THEY WILL TAG YOUR LUGGAGE AND STORE IT IN A SECURE ROOM UNTIL YOU'RE READY TO PICK IT UP.

This service is usually included in your hotel stay at no extra cost.

Be sure to hold onto the luggage tag or ticket.

It can feel like a formality if you've been staying at the same property for more than a few days and have gotten familiar with the front desk staff.

But keep in mind that the morning staff will likely be gone by the time that you come to pick up your bags later in the evening.

I’VE BEEN VERY FORTUNATE WITH THIS METHOD OF STORING MY LUGGAGE.

It’s the one that I feel most comfortable with — storing luggage with the hotel staff feels very safe to me.

If you really think about it, though, luggage stored at a hotel isn’t entirely secure.

Bags are usually placed in a small closet or even a dedicated luggage storage room close to the check-in area.

Now at really good hotels that door is locked, it requires a key, and hotel staff are not going in there for anything else.

But I've also stayed at hotels where that luggage storage closet was a rotating door, the security of which relied solely on the honor system.

As with everything, assess the situation presented to you — if your hotel’s luggage storage system feels insecure for whatever reason, then ask the front desk about storage alternatives in town.

Luggage Storage at Train Station

If you're not staying at a hotel, then you’ll need to find an alternative for storing your luggage.

One of the best luggage storage options can be found at the train station.

BUT FIRST, A BIT ABOUT THE CULTURAL DIFFERENCES OF LUGGAGE STORAGE AT TRAIN STATIONS.

Luggage lockers are uncommon in the U.S. due to a mix of security concerns and the cost associated with maintaining lockers at low-traffic train stations.

By contrast, luggage lockers are very common at European train stations due to their convenience and the high amount of daily traffic.

In many tourist destinations, the luggage lockers at train stations fill up so quickly that an entire industry of dedicated luggage storage companies have sprung up to meet the overflowing demand.

In my experience, storing your luggage at the train station is actually kind of paradoxical.

Since you’re storing your bags in their own dedicated locker, with a dedicated code, it’s typically more secure than leaving it with the hotel.

BUT LEAVING YOUR THINGS IN A PUBLIC PLACE CAN MAKE YOU FEEL A LITTLE ANXIOUS OR WORRIED.

Some train stations in Europe might not be located in the best neighborhoods, either, with adds to the angst.

I’ve never had a problem with luggage lockers, though.

To use luggage lockers at train stations, first confirm if your station has them with a quick Google search.

Most large European train stations, like those in Paris, Vienna, or Berlin, have in-station storage lockers.

The luggage lockers are usually in tucked-away spots, such as near bathrooms or downstairs from the main concourse.

THE PROCESS IS SIMPLE: CHOOSE A LOCKER SIZE ON THE AUTOMATED SYSTEM AND PAY FOR HOW LONG YOUR BAGS WILL BE STORED.

Payment is usually by card, though the length of the locker rental can vary by location.

Some are available for hours long blocks, while others default to a full day.

Next, store your luggage, secure the locker, and set a passcode.

REMEMBER, DON’T LOSE THE PASSCODE! IT’S YOUR KEY TO RETRIEVE YOUR BAGS.

Another helpful tip 💡 — arrive early in the morning to store your baggage, as the luggage lockers often fill up by midday.

Dedicated Luggage Storage Companies

As I mentioned, a network of dedicated luggage storage companies have popped up in popular destinations throughout Europe to meet the overflow demand.

Unfortunately not all are created equal.

First, the best choice - dedicated left luggage facilities.

THESE COMPANIES OFFER FIXED-LOCATION FACILITIES WITH SELF-SERVICE LOCKERS FOR QUICKLY AND SECURELY STORING YOUR LUGGAGE.

I used Stow Your Bags in both Bologna and Madrid this summer and really enjoyed the experience.

Each location was easy to find and located close to the train station.

The facility has around the clock surveillance and staff assistance via intercom should anything go wrong.

Even better, you’re able to reserve locker space online, ensuring that you’ll have a spot for your luggage.

There are similar dedicated left luggage facilities throughout Europe.

When searching Google for an option in your destination, read reviews and be sure that the location is clearly marketed before schlepping your luggage.

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RESERVE NOW

The other kind of dedicated luggage storage companies are services that partner with local businesses to provide luggage storage services.

I DON’T LIKE THESE AT ALL AND WOULD RECOMMEND YOU AVOID THEM.

While their own customer service reviews look amazing, those on third-party sites like TrustPilot tell another story.

Storage locations can be hard to find.

The local businesses providing the storage area may have little to no security for your things.

And the low, low hourly rates often come with hidden fees for things like insurance.

If you’re a big fan of the sharing economy, then you will probably disagree with me on this one.

BUT I NEED SOME LEVEL OF PEACE OF MIND WHEN STORING MY LUGGAGE, AND THESE SERVICES CAN’T REALLY PROVIDE THAT.

Conclusion

In the end, finding a reliable and secure place to store your luggage while traveling in Europe doesn't have to be stressful.

There are plenty of options to keep your belongings safe, from leaving your bags with your hotel to train station lockers, to dedicated self-service facilities like Stow Your Bags.

JUST BE SURE TO RESEARCH AHEAD, AVOID SERVICES WITH QUESTIONABLE SECURITY, AND ALWAYS HAVE A BACKUP PLAN IN CASE LOCKERS FILL UP.

With the right preparation, you can enjoy your day luggage-free and explore with peace of mind!

Until next time!

xx,

Angela

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