Recent travel research and social media trends converge in highlighting a common, yet often overlooked, mistake made by American tourists in Europe: overpacking and bringing oversized suitcases. The issue, brought into focus by a widely shared Travel + Leisure article, underscores not only logistical challenges but also cultural differences that set travelers from the United States apart in the eyes of Europeans.
For tourists from Thailand, who are themselves part of a vibrant and ever-growing international travel community, understanding the pitfalls of overpacking is crucial, especially as more Thai travelers embark on multi-country tours through Europe. These lessons resonate in our interconnected world, where social media shapes travel norms and etiquette.
The core issue, as described by the article’s author based on her own experience in Vienna, is that lugging around large bags draws skeptical glances from locals and can derail the experience of navigating Europe’s historic streets. The viral TikTok video referenced in the article, which has reached over seven million viewers, points to three key problems for tourists with large suitcases: a scarcity of elevators, notoriously bumpy cobblestoned streets ill-suited to wheeled luggage, and the compact nature of heritage European buildings featuring narrow doorways and winding staircases. American travelers often find themselves struggling physically with their baggage while also standing out due to these bulky bags, often seen as a marker of “maximalist” and typically American tendencies.
Many Europeans view overpacking as a signal of inexperience or a lack of travel savvy. As highlighted in several viral videos, Americans report being spotted and even approached by locals simply because of their oversized luggage. Quotes from these viral moments include one traveler recounting, “I had a European lady in the airport tell me she knew I was immediately American because of the amount of luggage.” This phenomenon is now so well-known that it has spawned its own genre of online commentary, with travelers sharing both the judgment and humor witnessed at airports and train stations across the continent.
The cultural underpinnings of this mistake are multifaceted. Americans, in general, tend to pack for longer trips given the distance and cost of travel between the US and Europe. They may prepare for a variety of climates and social situations—hence the need for multiple outfit options and specialty gear. As the article notes, the stereotype of the “overpacked American” is not entirely unfounded but not completely fair either; many are genuinely trying to prepare for the unknowns of extended itineraries. Still, the practical inconveniences—lugging a heavy bag over cobblestone, navigating old city apartments, and feeling self-conscious under local scrutiny—often overshadow these attempts at preparation.
From a Thai perspective, these observations offer several meaningful takeaways. The Thai travel market has seen a boom in both European tourism and backpacking culture among young people and families alike. Thai travelers, inspired by both Western and regional trends, face similar logistical obstacles, especially in cities with historic charm and less modern infrastructure. In fact, Bangkok itself stands as a testament to how urban design impacts visitor experience, with its own blend of modern malls and traditional sois (alleys) that challenge those carrying heavy or cumbersome luggage.
For experts in travel behavior, the viral nature of the “overpacking American” stereotype signals a growing awareness among international tourist populations about fitting in and respecting local customs—an increasingly important aspect of “sustainable tourism.” According to tourism industry analysts, packing efficiently and opting for lighter luggage not only allows tourists to move smoothly but also demonstrates cultural sensitivity. “Tourists who pack light are often viewed as more experienced and respectful of local norms,” according to a prominent Southeast Asian tourism educator, who regularly counsels outbound tour groups from Thailand.
Moreover, the conversation has implications for travel safety and health. Lighter baggage reduces the risk of physical strain and injury, a concern raised by health professionals specializing in travel medicine and musculoskeletal conditions. According to travel health experts, dragging heavy luggage over uneven surfaces can lead to sprains and back pain—issues that can dampen any holiday experience and even escalate into emergencies in less accessible locations.
Another dimension is the emotional well-being and confidence of tourists. Feeling singled out—whether in Vienna, Paris, or Prague—can lead to self-consciousness and anxiety, particularly for first-time international travelers. The sense of belonging—or standing apart—has been shown in academic studies to impact overall satisfaction with travel experiences (source: Frontiers in Psychology). This insight is especially relevant for Thais, for whom the concept of “face” (maintaining a good public image) is important both at home and abroad.
The historical context of luggage habits reveals a unique intersection of globalization, commerce, and cultural psychology. The explosion of wheeled luggage was in part driven by the American market, where retail giants promoted “travel as lifestyle.” However, Europe’s urban landscapes—with their medieval old towns, historic walk-ups, and antique public transport—have always been less accommodating to such baggage. For Thai tourists, who may be more familiar with the megamalls and wide corridors of Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport or downtown shopping areas, this European difference is often a surprise.
Travel industry professionals in Thailand, such as outbound tour operators, regularly advise travelers to “pack for mobility”—echoing advice from both Western and Eastern travel experts. This includes using backpacks or smaller, versatile wheelie bags, and investing in multi-purpose clothing, echoing a minimalist approach that is in line with both global sustainability goals and the practical realities of navigating ancient cities. In interviews with education-focused tour leaders, the trend toward lighter, more functional packing is already noticeable in group trips organized for Thai students and young professionals.
As global tourism continues to recover and evolve post-pandemic, the lessons of efficient packing and cultural awareness grow even clearer. Thai travelers, now among the top group of visitors to cities like Paris, London, and Rome (Tourism Authority of Thailand statistics), can learn from the American overpacking experience—not only to avoid physical and social discomfort but to enhance their sense of belonging and adventure.
Looking forward, increased connectivity and social media sharing will likely accelerate awareness of packing norms and best practices. Young travelers in Thailand are already sharing tips across Instagram, TikTok, and travel forums, comparing strategies for packing efficiently—including capsule wardrobes, compression cubes, and smart, modular gear. This peer-to-peer learning is, in itself, a form of cultural adaptation, accelerating the blending of Western and Asian travel habits.
For Thai tourists planning their next European adventure, practical recommendations include selecting smaller, lightweight luggage, planning outfits that can multi-task across settings, and researching accommodation access (stairs versus elevators). Additionally, seeking out local perspectives—whether through online travel communities, expert blogs, or conversations with European friends—can help anticipate culture-specific expectations and avoid the pitfall of feeling like the odd one out.
In the end, blending in while still enjoying travel to the fullest is a balance of practicality, self-expression, and mutual respect. While some travelers firmly declare they’ll “always overpack,” the consensus among seasoned globetrotters is that traveling light opens up cities—both physically and culturally—in ways heavy bags simply cannot. For Thais, as for the rest of the world, the takeaway is clear: smart packing is the key to a smoother, richer, and more connected journey.