Luggage and weight limits

Airline baggage allowance

Most travelers will have one checked bag and one carry-on bag included with their Ultimate Break flights. For itineraries with on-tour flights, the baggage allowance may be limited to one checked bag and one personal item depending on the airline. This also applies to tours with train transfers. Some destinations, like Latin American and domestic tours, don't include checked luggage.

Always check with your airline for the baggage allowance on your flights, including on-tour flights. Airlines charge for oversized and overweight luggage, so contact the airline directly or refer to their website for detailed information regarding baggage policies and weight limits.

Packing and handling luggage

We recommend packing on the lighter side and only bringing a carry-on bag when possible to avoid delayed or lost luggage. We kindly ask that you bring no more than one checked bag and one carry-on bag with you on tour, as travelers must be able to handle their own luggage and space under the bus is limited. 

Read more about packing for tour.

Traveling by train

Some tours have train transfers between destinations and may have more restricted luggage requirements. Please consult your tour's Know Before You Go for more specific instructions on packing for these tours. 

Note: The Japanese bullet trains do not allow checked luggage for our groups. Anything larger than a personal item will be taken to the next city via a private porter service. This means that you will need to pack a day bag will all essentials, including medication, that you will need for the next 24-36 hours. 

Additionally, travelers should be prepared and equipped to board trains quickly and efficiently, because most will only stop for a few minutes. In this amount of time, the whole group must board and store their luggage before heading to their seats. You may also need to walk a considerable distance to reach the train platform with your luggage in hand.

Safari tours

Safari tours have unique and strictly enforced luggage requirements due to storage limitations on safari vehicles and on-tour flights (if applicable). On these tours, travelers are limited to one checked bag and one small carry-on bag. The checked bag must be a soft and flexible duffel bag (without hard bottoms or wheels is best). Hard suitcases or bags with hard sides will not be permitted. Carry-on bags must also be soft and flexible, such as a backpack or small collapsible duffle bag.