How to Explore a New City Without Dragging Your Luggage Around

You’ve just landed in a new city—adventure awaits, the streets call, the food tempts, and your excitement is through the roof. But there’s one problem: you’re dragging your suitcase behind you. Clunky wheels over cobblestones, navigating crowded cafes with a backpack the size of a small child, or sweating through your shirt because your Airbnb check-in is still five hours away. Sound familiar?

Traveling is thrilling, but dealing with luggage during that awkward window between arrival and check-in (or after check-out and before a flight) can quickly dampen the experience. Luckily, there are smart, simple ways to ditch the baggage—literally—and make the most of your time. With platforms like Stasher.com, you can safely store your bags at trusted local spots and enjoy hands-free sightseeing.

Whether you’re a solo backpacker, a digital nomad, or just on a quick weekend getaway, here’s your complete guide to exploring a new city without dragging your luggage around.

1. Use Luggage Storage Services

One of the easiest and most popular ways to get rid of your bags for a few hours—or a whole day—is to use luggage storage services. These services allow you to drop off your belongings in a secure location, typically near major transit hubs, tourist areas, or city centers.

Popular Luggage Storage Apps & Services:

• Bounce
• LuggageHero
• Stasher
• Nannybag
• Vertoe

These platforms work similarly: search your city, find a nearby partner location (hotels, shops, cafes, etc.), book your spot online, and drop off your bag. Most charge by the hour or day, with rates starting around $5-$10 per bag for 24 hours.

Pro Tips:

• Always check the hours of operation—some locations close early or are not open on weekends.
• Opt for places with insurance coverage for extra peace of mind.
• Book in advance during peak travel seasons to secure a spot.

2. Ask Your Hotel or Airbnb for Early Check-In or Late Luggage Drop

Before you shell out money for a storage service, check with your accommodation provider.

For Hotels:

Most hotels will hold your bags for free before check-in or after check-out, even if your room isn’t ready. Just swing by the front desk and ask politely. They’ll often give you a claim tag and store it in a secure area.

For Airbnb or Vacation Rentals:

This can be trickier, but it’s worth messaging your host in advance. Some hosts are flexible and will let you leave your luggage before check-in. If they can’t accommodate, ask if they can recommend a nearby luggage storage facility.

3. Use Train Stations or Airports

Many major train stations and airports offer secure lockers or left luggage counters. This is especially handy if you’re passing through for a day or have time to kill before a flight.

What to Know:

• Lockers are often coin- or card-operated and available in small, medium, and large sizes.
• Staffed counters (like in European cities) may charge by the hour and size of your bag.
• Security checks may apply, especially in busy transit hubs.

This is a great option if your exploration is centered around downtown or if you’re transitioning between cities.

4. Travel Light with a Day Bag Strategy

One of the best ways to avoid the luggage problem entirely is to pack smart. If you’re staying in the city for only a short time, consider traveling with just a carry-on and a packable day bag.

Here’s how to do it:

• Use a compressible backpack that can fold into your main luggage and be pulled out for city exploration.
• Pack multi-purpose clothing to reduce volume.
• Leave room in your itinerary for a stop at a café or co-working space where you can take breaks.

This method won’t work for everyone (especially long-term travelers), but for weekend trips or stopovers, it’s a game changer.

5. Use a Hotel Day Pass or Coworking Space

Many travelers don’t realize this, but you can pay to use hotel facilities even if you’re not staying there. Some hotels offer day passes that include luggage storage, Wi-Fi, lounge access, and even gym or pool privileges.

Apps & Services to Try:

• Dayuse: Book a hotel room for a few hours to rest and store your luggage.
• Workfrom or Croissant: Find nearby coworking spaces that allow drop-ins.

These options can give you a place to both store your bags and recharge before you hit the road again.

6. Plan Activities Around Luggage-Free Zones

Being strategic about what you do while you have your luggage is a major plus. Plan your itinerary so that luggage-heavy periods are spent in places where bags are either acceptable or can be managed easily.

Ideal Luggage-Friendly Spots:

• Large museums (some have coat checks or lockers)
• Shopping malls
• Cafes with ample space and friendly staff
• Libraries or public lounges

Avoid tight, busy walking tours, rooftop bars, or boat rides during these windows—unless you’ve stored your luggage beforehand.

7. Ride-Share or Taxi Storage Hacks (Use Caution)

This is not the most secure method, but some experienced travelers with short stopovers will leave their luggage in the trunk of a trusted ride-share or taxi while running a quick errand or grabbing a bite. If you know the driver and feel confident, this can work—but it’s not recommended for long periods or if your items are valuable.

8. Use Smart Luggage with GPS Tracking

If you must carry your luggage for part of the day, consider investing in smart luggage with GPS tracking and built-in charging ports. While it doesn’t eliminate the burden, it makes managing your gear a little more convenient—and safer.

Popular Smart Luggage Brands:

• Away
• Samsonite Evoa Tech
• Horizn Studios
• Travelpro Platinum Elite

Having peace of mind about your belongings, especially when you’re on the move, makes the load feel lighter—even if it’s not.

Final Thoughts

Exploring a new city should be exciting, freeing, and full of discovery—not spent scanning sidewalks for somewhere to park your suitcase. With the rise of luggage storage networks, flexible accommodations, and smarter travel habits, you really can enjoy those in-between hours without being weighed down.

So next time you land early or have a few hours before your train, don’t stress. Store that bag, grab your camera or phone, and hit the streets hands-free. You never know what kind of magic you’ll stumble into when you’re not dragging 30 pounds behind you.

Happy exploring—light and luggage-free!