This Is the Biggest Mistake American Tourists Make When Traveling to Europe

Travel + Leisure

17-07-2025

In December, I visited Vienna. It's a beautiful city, especially around the holidays. The imperial architecture, cobblestoned streets, and twinkling Christmas lights made me feel like I was in a fairy tale. But the fairytale sensation was disrupted by the rattle of my oversized carry-on clacking against the paving stones. Not just for me, as I half-dragged, half-rolled the luggage ... it was an earache for everyone. As I walked from the train station to my hotel, I noticed that I was getting judgmental looks from many Viennese people. My luggage made me stand out—I was sure of it.
It turned out that my assumption, that I was getting the side-eye from locals because of my big suitcase, was correct. In a viral video on TikTok, which has been viewed more than seven million times, the woman behind the account @​​GreeceTravelSecrets said packing large suitcases are a common big mistake for Americans who travel Europe.
She then went into the reasons why this makes tourists stand out. First, there are far fewer elevators in Europe, meaning you'll be huffing up multiple flights of stairs holding your heavy, cumbersome bag. Second, Vienna is one of many cities in Europe with ancient cobblestoned roads that are poorly suited for tiny suitcase wheels. Third, European buildings are much more petite than their American counterparts. As showcased in the video below, it can be hard to fit larger bags through the narrow doorways and hallways that are common in older cities.
Aside from the logistical challenges, there's also the judgment factor. Overpacking is seen as a distinctly American behavior in Europe. The spectacle of it—the large suitcases, the struggling, the maximilist tendencies—it's going to draw eyes.
It's become such a trademark of American travelers that some have said that they've been approached by Europeans about it. 'I had a European lady in the airport tell me she knew I was immediately American because of the amount of luggage,' one person on TikTok wrote. There are dozens of viral videos on the platform documenting the experience of bringing a bulky bag on your Euro summer.
But, all things considered, the judgment isn't entirely fair. Americans are traveling further, and typically for longer, for their European vacation. Most people are packing for two-week-long trips, and are having to be prepared for a variety of activities.
It really comes down to what you want to prioritize: convenience and subtlety, or your stuff? Do you want to blend in, or do you want to have six outfit options for your museum tour and rooftop dinner? One commenter firmly declared she'll always opt for overpacking.
'I don't care if I look like a tourist,' the TikTok user wrote. 'I am one. It's fine.'