carry on during bullet train trips
Unclear if we can take an "carry on" actual roll on besides our Tauck duffle with us? HELP. We leave to start our pre Tauck travel in 2 days! Thanks
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Unclear if we can take an "carry on" actual roll on besides our Tauck duffle with us? HELP. We leave to start our pre Tauck travel in 2 days! Thanks
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A duffle is what we took as well as the others on our trip to Japan. Whatever you bring, you are responsible for taking on and off the train. The trains in Japan are on time with very little time to board and depart the train. Somewhere around two minutes I think. Our TD always instructed us to stand and line up just before the train reaches the station. You would be surprised how quickly the time goes by during the boarding and exiting process as there are many people trying to do the same. I hope this helps.
What Mimitravels said is also true in Germany. You better get on or off quickly because the door is going to close.
I haven't read the Tauck guidance, but if you are restricted to a duffle, I find it hard to believe you will be allowed a rolling carry-on as well since you travel everywhere by train unless luggage is transported separately by truck. As Mimi said, loading luggage on a train that may not stop very long can be problematic, I know it is in Europe as well. My suggestion is fill each duffle, but carry extra stuff in a backpack.
This past spring I did the Essence of Japan tour. It was one of my favorite tours. You only use the Tauck duffle when you go to Gero Onsen for one night. Tauck does not want any carry-on roller bags on the train as everyone needs to board and depart quickly as Mimitravels stated. On days you travel by train all luggage except handheld items such as a purse or small backpack are forwarded to the next hotel via truck. This includes your large checked piece of luggage and any rolling cabin bags.
Bring a small duffle with you for the train ride. It’s the one night stay at the Onsen. As someone noted, the train doors open and close very fast, so don’t wait until the train stops to retrieve your bag. Get it when the TD tells you and stand up ready to move!! Enjoy.
According to our personal travel documents, Tauck is supposedly send travelers a Tauck duffle bag 2 weeks before your tour. The problem I have with it is that it is bigger than most normal carry-ons at 24"x12.5"x13" (49.5" linear) and many airlines are getting very restrictive on their carry-on dimensions, which tend to be a standard of 22"x9"x14" (45" linear).
We looked at something we could use on a regular basis. As United has the most restrictive limits for a personal item / under-seat bag at 17"x10"x9", we bought a couple in that size. They actually can carry a whole weekends worth of clothing if necessary. We're both using them as our personal item to stick under the seat on our flights. And they will be perfect for the overnights on the tour.
While I haven’t taken this specific tour, I have taken quite a few where Tauck sends you bags and they expect you to use them. They usually come in compact form and we have always put them in our checked suitcase. I think it might be a good idea to speak to Tauck and see what they say.
We were on a 20 or was it 23 day tour in Japan two years ago and had to pack for several days for bullet train travel. A small backpack was sufficient.
Tauck politely says the following
Packing an overnight bag on these occasions will ensure the safe and timely arrival of your luggage at your next destination, and we appreciate your cooperation in this matter.
Luggage, such as it is, has to go in overhead racks so you have to get it there and down again. They aren't nearly as large as overhead bins on planes. The small duffle that Tauck provided on our very similar Bridges tour fit well and was sufficient for the overnight away from our bags. Also remember that Tauck will have a block of seats reserved together so you are competing for rack space with the rest of the group. Five across seatings (3-2).
We just returned from this trip. Many used the Tauck duffle but just as many used a roll on. Depends on dimensions. There were few stairs so I wish I brought my roller instead of a backpack.
I guess it depends on location. The TGV in France has luggage racks and we traveled with full size luggage. Boarding could have been an issue, but our fellow travelers were very helpful in the process.
When we were in Japan, there were many stairs in the train stations. I would not have liked coping with a roll along on that trip. A simple backpack was all we needed for overnight stays without our main luggage. All hotels provided everything from toothbrushes to hairbrushes and pajamas. Which was helpful in reducing carrying toiletries.
Tauck does not provide Duffle Bags for this tour (Japan) anymore. I just spoke to Tauck regarding something else but did ask.
we are going on the May 30th trip this year - please could you advise - as we are on the older side - although active - exactly how much walking is involved daily - and if necessary, can you opt out of strenuous walks?
second question - I also saw no duffle bag - so what is the option - bring a roll on or your own duffel bag? thank you
Lugging a duffel bag is almost more difficult than a roll along as at least you can drag it when you are not on stairs. I highly recommend a small backpack so you also have two hands free for holding the handrails in the busy train stations
I can’t comment on the Tauck tour because we went with another company. Have you asked Tauck what is involved and what are their activity numbers for this tour?
This tour is rated a 3 (out of 4) for Pace and Activity. We took it in October of 2024 and loved it. There is significant walking, sometimes with steps, inclines, etc. I encourage you to review previous posts in this section of the forum to get a feel for the tour from past travelers. There are sights at which you may be able not opt to wait at a cafe near the entrance while the group tours, if that is what you want to do.
We just received this zippered nylon tote bag and small insert bag for the Essence of Japan tour we are taking in March. It is 17"x13"x6".
Nice looking bags - both of them.
That bag is not just for the Japan tour. They are the latest ‘gift’ from Tauck. We got them just before our New Zealand tour. A couple of the women on the tour used them. And no, you didn’t have to have completed a certain number of tours to get one.
Ah, it did say it was for your upcoming tour. We're on the Viet Nam, Cambodia, Thailand right before Essence of Japan and we just assumed it was for the overnight in Japan. Thanks, British for the info on this being the latest "gift".