Traveling can be stressful, especially if you have luggage to manage. If you’re wondering how and where to store luggage safely and conveniently during your trip, you’re in the right place. This article will guide you through the best options for luggage storage, from hotels and airports to retail locations and storage apps.
A single person or a couple on their own might be willing to go sightseeing while pulling their luggage behind them, especially for a short visit on a layover, for instance, but mix in 3 boys in our family, and we’re quick to find somewhere to put their luggage so they have their hands free to hold their ice cream and are not too tired to explore the city we’re visiting.
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Where to store luggage: Quick Thoughts
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Plan ahead to find affordable luggage storage options near major attractions or transportation hubs, making your sightseeing easier.
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Hotels and airports are convenient spots to store luggage, allowing you to maximize your time exploring without carrying heavy bags.
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Luggage storage apps offer user-friendly platforms with flexible pricing and often no size restrictions, making it easy to store bags while you enjoy your trip.
Finding Affordable Luggage Storage Locations
Finding the right luggage storage locations requires some research, but it’s worth it. Planning ahead can save you time and hassle. Imagine arriving in a bustling city with your family and wasting precious sightseeing hours searching for storage. Not fun, right? Research reliable luggage storage services before your trip.
Luggage storage is especially useful when traveling with kids. It allows everyone to focus on the adventure rather than the burden of carrying heavy bags. We’ve found that storage options are easy to come by in most major cities, especially at airports and hotels. Multiple times during an extended layover, we’ve left our luggage stored in a secure spot at the airport or hotel and explored the city without worries.
Deciding how many pieces of luggage to store versus what to carry with you can help reduce costs. It’s about balancing convenience and budget. A bit of homework can help you find luggage storage near popular attractions or transit hubs, making it easy to drop off and pick up your bags without straying from your itinerary. Small luggage is often the best luggage for kids and it will allow you to have reduced costs for storage spaces that charge based on luggage size or weight.
We found the best luggage for our kids that they could manage, but storing luggage to explore is much easier than asking them to pull it around.
Store Luggage at your Hotel
Hotels are often the most convenient option for luggage storage, especially if you arrive before check-in or plan to sightsee after checkout. This has been a lifesaver for us countless times.
For example, our flight arrived in Amsterdam before check-in time, so we took the shuttle to the hotel, left our suitcases at the hotel’s storage facility and spent the day exploring the city. By the time we returned, our room was ready, and we simply picked up our bags and settled in for the night.
In Berlin, we had a similar experience. After checking out, we stored our luggage in a room off the lobby and enjoyed a full day of sightseeing before our evening flight. Most hotels offer this service for free or a nominal fee, making it a cost-effective solution. We did the same in Paris (that time, picking up our luggage before taking a train) allowing us to visit Palais Garnier:
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Before you rely on hotel storage, it’s a good idea to check their policies and potential costs. Some hotels might require a booking confirmation to use their storage facilities, while others may have size restrictions on the bags they can store. Always ask ahead of time to ensure a smooth experience.
Store Luggage in an Airport or Train Station
Airports are another fantastic option for luggage storage, particularly during layovers. We once had an 8-hour layover in Rome on our way from Boston to London to go housesitting in England. Instead of sitting around the airport in Rome, we stored our luggage and took a train into the city to enjoy some quick sightseeing. It was a great way to make the most of our time without the hassle of dragging our bags along.
Plan your time carefully. Remember, you need to return to the airport to retrieve your luggage and pass through security before your next flight. Allow ample time for these steps, as this process can take only a few minutes to avoid any last-minute rushes. Missing your flight because you underestimated the time needed to collect your stored luggage is the last thing you want. (Note; If this is your first time flying with kids, here are our favorite tips!)
During our 8-hour layover in Rome where we stored our luggage:
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Hour 1: Getting off the plane, retrieving our luggage and getting to the airport storage
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Hour 2: Getting into the city from the airport by train
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Hour 3-4: Wandering in Rome (we bought some pastries, ate gelato, took some pictures outside the colleseum, and found a pizza restaurant where they charge you for your pizza by weight!)
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Hour 5: Taking the train back to the airport
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Hour 6: Retrieving our luggage from storage and going through security
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Hour 7-8: Waiting and boarding our flight
Many airports offer secure, accessible luggage lockers and storage services, usually located near the main terminals. Drop off your bags, get a receipt, and explore the city without worries.
A little jetlagged but a lot of memories. We stored our roller luggage and wore our backpacks.
We snuck in a visit to Rome by using a layover. Here’s how we snuck in multiple ‘bonus’ countries during our visit to Europe.
Store Luggage at retail locations
In tourist-heavy cities, some retail stores offer luggage storage services. This can be incredibly convenient if you’re planning to visit popular attractions or need a place to store your bags for a few hours. For instance, in cities like New York, you can find luggage storage spots near major transit hubs like Penn Station.
Retail locations and local businesses are great if you’re arriving by train so you won’t be at the airport, and not staying overnight, so you can’t leave luggage at your hotel.
One advantage of using retail locations is their proximity to key areas. Finding a storage spot near the train station you’re using makes drop-offs and pick-ups seamless.
These retail locations are often less than the service at the airport, but it does mean you need to bring your luggage into town and we’ve never found the cost difference to be beneficial, plus the chance there’s no availability so you have to spend your sightseeing time looking for somewhere to store luggage.
While convenient, check the security measures in place to ensure the location is reputable and your belongings will be safe. Many of these services also allow online booking, making it easier to securely store a storage spot in advance.
Luggage Storage Apps
In today’s digital age, luggage storage apps have revolutionized the way we find and book storage services. These apps provide a user-friendly platform to locate and reserve storage spots in various cities around the world. We’ve found them to be incredibly convenient, especially when plans change on the go.
The flexibility of these apps is their main appeal. You can find luggage storage locations near major attractions, transportation hubs, or local shops, allowing you to adapt your plans without carrying your bags. Many apps offer secure payment options, so booking luggage storage is hassle-free.
Popular luggage storage apps often include features like real-time availability, customer reviews, and flexible pricing options, making it easier to book luggage storage for your needs. Whether you’re storing a small backpack or a large suitcase, these apps have you covered.
Flexible Pricing Options
A standout feature of luggage storage apps is their flexible pricing options. Depending on your needs, you can choose between hourly and daily rates. For instance, LuggageHero offers hourly rates, which can be more economical for short visits. This flexibility allows you to pay only for the time you need, making it budget-friendly.
Payments are typically made online using major credit cards, ensuring a seamless and secure transaction process. Some services even offer discounts for advance payments or longer storage durations, adding to the cost-effectiveness. This is particularly useful when storing multiple bags for an extended period.
Different apps have various pricing structures, so it’s worth exploring your options. Some, like Bounce, charge based on 24-hour periods, simplifying the pricing. Others might offer discounts for smaller bags, making them more affordable for travelers with less bulky items.
Luggage Storage Size Restrictions
Another advantage of using luggage storage apps is the lack of size restrictions since you’ll have many different locations with many different storage sizes available. Many services allow you to store bag storage of all shapes and sizes, from everyday backpacks to oversized items like ski gear, bicycles, or surfboards. This versatility ensures you can find a suitable storage option regardless of what you’re carrying.
For example, Bounce does not impose size restrictions, although large items may require prior approval. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for families traveling with various types of luggage. Whether you have a bulky stroller or valuable photo equipment, these services can accommodate your needs.
In addition to accommodating different sizes, these services are available in various regions, including South and Central America, Europe, and North America. This broad coverage makes it easier to find reliable storage options no matter where your travels take you.
Convenient Luggage Storage Services
Convenience is key with luggage storage services. These services allow travelers to explore cities without carrying their bags, making the entire experience more enjoyable.
Thanks to user-friendly apps and websites, booking a storage spot is often quick and easy. Many services offer 24/7 access, accommodating any travel schedule. However, check the opening hours of your chosen storage location to ensure it fits your itinerary.
The peace of mind of securely storing your belongings cannot be overstated. Knowing that your bags are safe lets you focus on enjoying your trip. Plus, with various pricing plans, you can choose an option that suits your budget and storage duration needs.
Tips for Using Luggage Storage Services
Using luggage storage services effectively requires planning. Consider time constraints to avoid missing flights or tours. It’s always better to have buffer time when retrieving your luggage, just in case of delays.
Always get a receipt that matches an identification code on your luggage to avoid mix-ups or confusion when picking up your bags. Most reputable services follow this practice, especially at airports and hotels, but it’s worth double-checking.
Finally, know the hours of operation for your storage location. Knowing when the storage location opens and closes can save you from surprises. By following these simple tips, you can ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience with luggage storage services.
Understanding Payment Methods
Understanding the payment methods accepted by luggage storage services is crucial. While many services accept major credit cards, checking in advance is always a good idea. This can help avoid surprises, especially if you don’t have local currency during a layover.
Asking ahead of time about the availability of cash or card payments can save a lot of hassle. Some services may also offer online payment options, making booking and paying for storage in advance easier.
By being prepared, you can ensure a smooth and convenient luggage storage experience while keeping your belongings in a luggage safe.
Choosing the best luggage for kids
Choosing the right luggage for kids is crucial for a hassle-free travel experience. The best luggage should be durable enough to withstand the rigors of travel and storage. Hard-sided luggage is often the best option, providing better protection against bumps and shuffling. Be sure your kids’ luggage has wheels to make it as easy as possible to move around.
Size is another important consideration. Smaller luggage is easier for kids to manage, fits more easily in overhead compartments, and often costs less to store with luggage storage services. This can make a significant difference, especially when traveling with multiple pieces of luggage. Bigger isn’t always the best option for kids’ luggage.
Selecting the best luggage for your kids can make their travel experience more enjoyable and less stressful. Durable and manageable luggage ensures that everyone can focus on the adventure rather than the burden of carrying heavy bags.
If you don’t want to read another article, here’s the Samsonite luggage we would recommend for kids:
Samsonite luggage we would recommend as the best for kids
If you’d like to dig into the specifics on how we chose this luggage or explore some alternatives:
Where to Store Luggage: Summing it up
In conclusion, efficient luggage storage is a game-changer for family sightseeing trips. Planning ahead and choosing the right storage options allows you to enjoy your travels without carrying heavy bags. From hotel storage to innovative apps, plenty of solutions suit your needs and budget.
Remember to consider location, pricing, and payment methods to ensure a smooth experience. Whether you’re storing a small backpack or oversized gear, the right luggage storage service can enhance your travel experience and allow you to make the most of your time exploring new destinations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common luggage storage locations?
The most common luggage storage locations are airports, hotels, train stations, and retail stores in tourist areas, providing easy access for travelers. So, consider these spots for your bags next time you’re exploring a new city!
How do luggage storage apps work?
Luggage storage apps work by helping you find and book nearby storage spots in different cities, letting you select your location and duration before paying online. They’re super convenient, often featuring real-time availability and customer reviews to guide your choice.
Are there any size restrictions for luggage storage?
Most luggage storage services don’t have strict size restrictions, meaning you can usually store anything from small bags to larger items like ski gear. Just be sure to call beforehand if you have something particularly oversized to confirm availability.
How much does it cost to store luggage?
Storing luggage rates can vary depending on the provider, where you visit, and how long you need the storage. Some charge by the hour while others for any amount of time up to 24 hours. It’s always a good idea to check for any discounts if you plan to store for a while.
What should I consider when choosing a luggage storage or luggage locker location?
When picking a luggage storage spot, focus on its closeness to attractions or transport, security features, and flexible hours. This will make your trip much smoother and hassle-free!
