Anonymous
Post 07/09/2025 13:27     Subject: Backpack on Family Europe Trip
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:One other thought is whether your husband is really gojng to be willing to carry water bottles toe the whole family? I definitely am not so I encourage water bottle slings for the family if we are going someplace we want wayer bottles. Or those cheap nylon string backpacks. But I like a water bottle sling.


A lot of you probably think this is weird or gross, but we carry 1-2 water bottles for our whole family and we share. One for DH and me and 1 for our kids.


How much water do you drink during a hot day?
Anonymous
Post 07/09/2025 13:04     Subject: Backpack on Family Europe Trip
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:I’m surprised so many people are refilling water bottles from random taps in Europe. You’re not getting sick? This is basically the only time I buy plastic water bottles.

I got a bunch of those foldable nylon totes that fold down into a tiny square and I bring one or two of those in my purse to carry oir sweaters if it gets hot or to carry any purchases. I did use a backpack for some longer day trips though where we wanted more stuff but don’t use it for just like walking around the city.


It's Europe not Mexico there are water fountains everywhere and it is very clean and safe.


I know the water is safe but I had always heard that it takes your stomach a bit of time to adjust to the different bacterial composition in another country’s water so it’s not uncommon to get travelers diarrhea even from very safe water. I’m a big consumer of tap water at home but I just never want to risk it traveling! But I don’t worry about stuff like brushing my teeth or washing fruit like I do in Mexico.



There should not be any bacteria in water in first world countries where water is tested and treated. Traveled all over Europe in the 90s and never got sick drinking tap water.
Anonymous
Post 07/09/2025 12:46     Subject: Backpack on Family Europe Trip
The pickpocket thing is really overblown. Watch yourself on public transit. Don't do stupid things like stand unaware watching a street performer.

Backpacks have utility, especially if weather might turn. I wouldn't carry a backpack just for water bottles.

Backpacks also can be pretty annoying at museums where you may have to store them either onsite, or find somewhere else.
Anonymous
Post 07/09/2025 12:34     Subject: Backpack on Family Europe Trip
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:I’m surprised so many people are refilling water bottles from random taps in Europe. You’re not getting sick? This is basically the only time I buy plastic water bottles.

I got a bunch of those foldable nylon totes that fold down into a tiny square and I bring one or two of those in my purse to carry oir sweaters if it gets hot or to carry any purchases. I did use a backpack for some longer day trips though where we wanted more stuff but don’t use it for just like walking around the city.


It's Europe not Mexico there are water fountains everywhere and it is very clean and safe.


I know the water is safe but I had always heard that it takes your stomach a bit of time to adjust to the different bacterial composition in another country’s water so it’s not uncommon to get travelers diarrhea even from very safe water. I’m a big consumer of tap water at home but I just never want to risk it traveling! But I don’t worry about stuff like brushing my teeth or washing fruit like I do in Mexico.


That’s not real. Water is local in the US so that would happen when you went to a different county/state if it were real (which it isn’t).
Anonymous
Post 07/09/2025 12:30     Subject: Backpack on Family Europe Trip
Anonymous wrote:One other thought is whether your husband is really gojng to be willing to carry water bottles toe the whole family? I definitely am not so I encourage water bottle slings for the family if we are going someplace we want wayer bottles. Or those cheap nylon string backpacks. But I like a water bottle sling.


A lot of you probably think this is weird or gross, but we carry 1-2 water bottles for our whole family and we share. One for DH and me and 1 for our kids.
Anonymous
Post 07/09/2025 12:16     Subject: Backpack on Family Europe Trip
Anonymous wrote:Its super hot in Europe, you should be thanking him for carrying the water bottles.

+1
Plus your sweater if the museum is cold.
Anonymous
Post 07/09/2025 12:14     Subject: Backpack on Family Europe Trip
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:I’m surprised so many people are refilling water bottles from random taps in Europe. You’re not getting sick? This is basically the only time I buy plastic water bottles.

I got a bunch of those foldable nylon totes that fold down into a tiny square and I bring one or two of those in my purse to carry oir sweaters if it gets hot or to carry any purchases. I did use a backpack for some longer day trips though where we wanted more stuff but don’t use it for just like walking around the city.


It's Europe not Mexico there are water fountains everywhere and it is very clean and safe.


I know the water is safe but I had always heard that it takes your stomach a bit of time to adjust to the different bacterial composition in another country’s water so it’s not uncommon to get travelers diarrhea even from very safe water. I’m a big consumer of tap water at home but I just never want to risk it traveling! But I don’t worry about stuff like brushing my teeth or washing fruit like I do in Mexico.


What? No. Asia, sure. Not in Europe.
Anonymous
Post 07/09/2025 12:13     Subject: Backpack on Family Europe Trip
Anonymous wrote:PS I have also started packing a string type packable backpack also because you get charged for every plastic and paper bag you buy in major European cities and.


Have you not noticed that you get charged for that here as well?
Anonymous
Post 07/09/2025 12:12     Subject: Backpack on Family Europe Trip
One other thought is whether your husband is really gojng to be willing to carry water bottles toe the whole family? I definitely am not so I encourage water bottle slings for the family if we are going someplace we want wayer bottles. Or those cheap nylon string backpacks. But I like a water bottle sling.
Anonymous
Post 07/09/2025 12:10     Subject: Backpack on Family Europe Trip
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:I’m surprised so many people are refilling water bottles from random taps in Europe. You’re not getting sick? This is basically the only time I buy plastic water bottles.

I got a bunch of those foldable nylon totes that fold down into a tiny square and I bring one or two of those in my purse to carry oir sweaters if it gets hot or to carry any purchases. I did use a backpack for some longer day trips though where we wanted more stuff but don’t use it for just like walking around the city.


It's Europe not Mexico there are water fountains everywhere and it is very clean and safe.


I know the water is safe but I had always heard that it takes your stomach a bit of time to adjust to the different bacterial composition in another country’s water so it’s not uncommon to get travelers diarrhea even from very safe water. I’m a big consumer of tap water at home but I just never want to risk it traveling! But I don’t worry about stuff like brushing my teeth or washing fruit like I do in Mexico.
Anonymous
Post 07/09/2025 11:50     Subject: Backpack on Family Europe Trip
Anonymous wrote:I’m surprised so many people are refilling water bottles from random taps in Europe. You’re not getting sick? This is basically the only time I buy plastic water bottles.

I got a bunch of those foldable nylon totes that fold down into a tiny square and I bring one or two of those in my purse to carry oir sweaters if it gets hot or to carry any purchases. I did use a backpack for some longer day trips though where we wanted more stuff but don’t use it for just like walking around the city.


It's Europe not Mexico there are water fountains everywhere and it is very clean and safe.
Anonymous
Post 07/09/2025 11:48     Subject: Backpack on Family Europe Trip
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:If he’s going to carry the backpack, what do you care??


I’ll probably end up carrying it too but more importantly I’m worried it could invite theft or pickpocketers but yes we’ll get the kind that is meant for international travel if we get one.


I wouldn't put any valuables in it, but who cares if someone steals water bottles?
Anonymous
Post 07/09/2025 10:36     Subject: Backpack on Family Europe Trip
Anonymous wrote:I’m surprised so many people are refilling water bottles from random taps in Europe. You’re not getting sick? This is basically the only time I buy plastic water bottles.

I got a bunch of those foldable nylon totes that fold down into a tiny square and I bring one or two of those in my purse to carry oir sweaters if it gets hot or to carry any purchases. I did use a backpack for some longer day trips though where we wanted more stuff but don’t use it for just like walking around the city.


No, never. We did buy a lot of bottled water in Thailand and Hong Kong last year, but never in Europe.
Anonymous
Post 07/09/2025 10:16     Subject: Backpack on Family Europe Trip
Anonymous wrote:I think a backpack is a good idea. We use them all the time on our vacations, Europe included.

1 vote for your husband…and stop bossing him around.


Same. You can carry your own bag with whatever you need and he can carry a backpack. We do take with us the smaller water bottles (16-24 oz) and keep refilling them. I like that I can buy a big bottle, fill for everyone and then we have cold water for a long time. Also, many cities have water fountains, so helps to have water bottles.
Anonymous
Post 07/09/2025 09:42     Subject: Backpack on Family Europe Trip
DH is right. We just came back from Paris. It's a good idea to carry around water in the summer. It's hot and lines for museums and tourist sites are in the full sun. We didn't see any pickpockets while there. At the end of the day if they steal your water bottle is that a big deal? I think you are overthinking it.