How many outfits do you really need. My rule is that I have to wear everything 3 times otherwise I don't pack it. You can wash out things in the sink or find a laundry mid way through the trip. Leave all unnecessary things behind.

I went to Italy for 3 weeks with a 21 inch plus a small soft-sided bag that hung off the roller bag. I thought I was doing good until I met some folks from New Zealand who each had less than I did and they were traveling for 6 weeks. It's amazing how little you really need to carry with you and how freeing it is to not be burdened with a lot of luggage.

Buy the suitcase and try packing for 10 days. You can always return the suitcase.

Well, as a guy I manage with a gym bag that once packed weights no more than 10 pounds. You can do better as your undies weigh less than my heavy cotton ones. Best of luck.

Until we had to add medicine a carry-on worked and we travel for 2 weeks. Wear your bulkiest clothes and shoes on the plane and pack 2 changes that are light-weight and easy to wash/dry by hand if necessary. Travel in warm weather so you don't have to pack heavy sweater!

Wear same outfit more than once. Wait and buy toiletries (and other supplies) at your destination. Carry a large purse!

Hotel laundries are expensive but free up your time to tour. On the other hand, one does meet people in laundry mats!

Or, take one change of pants (or skirt) and 3 or 4 different shirts.

First - the carry-on rules for european airlines are stricter than they are in the US. So look at the rules for the local airline, and realize that the size includes the wheels and the handle - and they may well enforce it. (I have seen people have to gate check carry-on that were fine in the US at the Zurich airport.) To be safe you really need a 19" that's not too deep.

Second, I frankly see no reason to try to live for 10 days out of an oversize handbag. I always check a bag (sometimes a large bag if the trip is both business and vacation and I need 2 different wardrobes) if it's more than a 3 day trip. As long as the bag has sturdy wheels it should be easy enough to pull - and that way you don't spend you vacation as a laundress - or wearing dirty, sweaty clothes.

My question is how you could pack 52 pounds in a 25" suitcase? Was it all gold bars? I've taken 26" lots of times and it didn't begin to weigh that. Are you taking lots of shoes? That may be the problem in terms of weight.

I can't answer your question about the max bag size, but wanted to offer a little encouragement: You can do it! Unless you're a fashionista or will be staying in 5-star hotels and are very concerned about looking "perfect" every day, pack your bag then take out several items of clothing. Leave with a bit of room in your bag, because you will never pack as well as you did that first time (and you'll probably shop), and you don't want to be fighting with your luggage every time you have to move to a new hotel. I'm just about to finish a 2-month trip (Feb-Apr, bulkier clothes) with an Eddie Bauer backpack with wheels (I don't know the measurements), and a messenger bag. Many times I found a laundry service and dropped off every item of clothing except what I was wearing at the time, and for well less than 15 euros it's usually done in a couple of hours (or you can do it yourself for less). You should only have to do that once-max-during your trip. One tip...if possible pack similar colors so you can put everything in one load. I tend to wear mostly black, but have several light gray t-shirts now because I didn't want to pay to do a very small load of whites. Good luck, and enjoy your trip!!

TWO questions ALWAYS enter my mind when I read about people who travel for WEEKS at a time "with one carry-on."

First: how many pairs of shoes and how BIG are they. My own size 12's take up a LOT of space.

Second: are you wiling to do laundry along the way and if so, how often?

Sure, it can be done but there are many considerations including whether or not the bag you do take is sturdy, has good wheels, and if you can piggy-back something else onto it.

I don't take a change of shoes, however, I have a pair of light weight slippers that wear while at the B&B. I have clean underwear and socks daily, however I do wear a shirt twice prior to washing. I have had good luck for the past 20 years in getting the B&B to do a batch of wash for me.
No wheels on my bag, it is light and if necessary I could carry it all day. Then if I need something I just buy it.

Lastly, if I were to be staying in one spot I too would take more, but being on the go, I don't.

I've always been a checked bag kinda girl. I HATE wearing dirty clothes and I like choices. But this time we have several plane changes and are going to be schlepping bags in Venice so I thought smaller would be better. But I gotta say that I don't get how you can have more than one pair of shoes, a jacket/sweaters (we are going to the Dolomites), and everything else in those little bags. I am going to try it, though. I agree that it can be easier to just check the bag and that has always been my philosophy but.......Oh, the 52 pounds in my bag? The bag was my husband's and it was heavy to begin with and then I bought stuff in SF and squashed it in but it really was mostly clothes! Crazy, huh? Thanks for the good advice....I gotta think about this.

After 6 trips to Europe..
I NEVER TAKE MORE THAN I CAN CARRY

I only do carry-on.
I took this to Europe for 3 weeks in 2006.
http://reviews.qvc.com/1689/H96588/reviews.htm?pageNumber=18
Some reviews said the handle broke. Mine is still in fine condition as is my sisters.
I will use it again in fall to Holland and Paris.

I pack the same for 1 week as I do for 3 weeks.
IMO...You really only need 4 pants and 4 shirts. 1 dress or skirt. I make sure everything matches everything.

I suggest you pack then take the suitcase around the block or on city bus to see if you can manage it.

Also if traveling by train, make sure you can lift it above your head.

Yes, it can be done, and it isn't too difficult. The longest we have gone with just a carryon was 3 weeks, in the winter. Our last 10 day trip to France, the 3 of us (myself, teenage DD, and my mother) all managed with just a carryon. My old bag was 22", but with the wheels and handle it was just a touch over the requirements and I didn't want to chance it. So we each bought new 21" bags that worked great. We got the rolling Rick Steve's bags which are lightweight and actually extremely durable. Trust me...my DH is very hard on luggage and he swears by this now, lol.

Anyway, we each had 3 pairs of shoes total, one we wore and two packed. Granted, two of us have tiny feet, so they didn't take up much room. But you can always tuck socks or underwear into the shoes to save room. I use a lot of small ziploc bags for my smaller items to keep them together, so you can do that and know whatever goes in your shoe won't come out smelly

Take only the amount of toiletries you will need. For me, I use contact lens cases which are tiny but hold the right amount of foundation and moisturizer. Then 1 oz bottles of shampoo and conditioner and hair product.

For clothing, take things that are easily washable and dry quickly. I rarely have to do laundry on our trips as I tend to take items that take very little room, such as sheer blouses and shells. Color coordinate your items and that right there will help immensely.

I do wear my jacket on the plane, and when we travel in winter, I wear my sweater as well.

Well - I won;t travel with "a" jacket and "a" sweater. Wearing the same thing 14 days in a row is not how I dress. (How can things not smell if you wear them every day - winter or summer?) And I'm not about to spend the cost of washing/cleaning that hotels charge (the cost to wash a pair of panties is often as much as I paid for them - and I don;t feel any washed by hand are really clean).

Frank;y I've never found a checked bag to be a problem. Easily maneuverable with wheels, and we do always take a cab or car service from the airport to the hotel. (I do public transit all the time in cities - but NOT with luggage.)

To me there is no real benefit in having practically nothing to wear and stuffing it into a tiny bag versus just checking a normal size bag (NOT a 30" body bag). Plus, my carry-on is then small and light, just an oversize shoulder bag, with cosmetics, book, camera and sweater or jacket for the plane. (I am always sorry for people struggling with overpacked wheelies that lose a wheel or won;t move evenly - or, even once, broke open since it was so overpacked.)

Hubby and I always try to just pack in one carry-on each, and can usually pack the same for 5 days as for 2 weeks. We learned the hard way that foreign airlines are pretty strict with their weight limits, though -- Lufthansa wouldn't let us carry on standard roll aboard bags because they weighed more than 15 lbs each, so we got stuck waiting 45 minutes for luggage to get unloaded after arrival, but at least they didn't get lost. I've had friends who always check luggage have luggage on a non stop flight get lost for three days (apparently the bag made a side trip to Germany). Long way of saying that I agree that it is always best to TRY to carry on. That said, I firmly believe in those vacuum pack bags to fit more stuff in the suitcase (they really work), but it doesn't help you cut down on the weight. As long as you plan to wear each outfit 2-3 times, color coordinate, and don't take more than 2 pairs of shoes (okay, you can have three as long as the third is a little pair of flats or sandals that take up very little room and weigh nothing), it can be done.

Obviously people who don't want to do just carry on have gotten pretty defensive about checking bags!

I'm close to six feet and wear size 12 shoes. I never check a bag. I live in Italy, not is super-sudsy, beat-your-clothes-to-death-in-a-turbo-machine America, so I already handwash a lot of my clothes, and they come clean. They certainly don't smell. This isn't New York city! We all smell like lemons and olive oil over here.

I prefer light to heavy clothes (this is Italy!), but I also favor dark clothes (sexy Milanese black). I keep warm with silk underwear if I'm not traveling in summer, while wearing summer clothes. I hate heavy luggage above all. And I hate waiting by baggage carousels.

But other people are different. I'm so glad the airlines are making them pay to check their bags, however, instead adding the costs of their phobias and crankiness to my ticket.

rbnwdln,

You should look at the website of WinterSilks for the Dolomiti section of your trip. You shouldn't be packing sweaters. You can wear the silk underwear as pajamas after your trip.

We have been successful with carry-on only as well. Usually take a 20" suit case each plus a messenger or flight bag. We do laundry part way through the trip if we need to. I'd rather pay for laundry service than cart around extra luggage - I don't mind checking luggage, I just don't like lugging extra luggage onto trains and so on. For an upcoming trip, we are renting a flat with a washer and dryer, so we can wash our own. We wear some things more than once, but we certainly don't go around in dirty, smelly clothes - LOL.

Here's my list for an upcoming trip:

Bottoms:
Dark jeans
Black cotton pants
Flowy cotton skirt
2 pairs cotton capris (one black, one brown)
Black yoga pants

Tops:
2 cardigan sweaters (1 black, 1 print)
2 sleeveless sweaters (1 black, 1 blue)
2 cami tanks
4 tees ( 2 white, red, light blue)
2 blouses (black and white, red floral)
1 light blue fleece sweatshirt
1 light jacket

Shoes:
Tennis shoes
Black strapy sandals
Black ballet flats
Tan hiking sandals

I just returned from Italy and France April 8 and I did carry-on only. I don't have a choice because I often have short time connections. I took a rolling computer bag and another computer bag that would slide over the handle of the rolling bag. I packed 2 pairs of jeans and 5 tops, a lightweight cardigan, and of course the usual underwear and socks and an extra pair of shoes that I never put on. This did not include my clothes that I wore including a wool sweater and a lightweight hoodie.I always freeze on the plane. I also took makeup, the necessary toiletries, curling iron, and a hairdryer because one hotel did not have a hairdryer and a laptop(7in.), 2 books, and a goodie bag of snacks for the flight.

I stopped checking bags years ago, whether for a weekend trip or a month-long one. I don't smell, either, and always take pride in looking well put together. It's just not that hard. You have to learn to mix and match things well, use accessories, and plan to wash things once in awhile if it's an extended trip. Two pairs of shoes is my max (one on the feet while on the plane - same with any outerwear).

For me it's the things like books and maps and toiletries that make the bag weight go up, not the clothes. I just can't travel without three or four books (I generally leave them at hotels as I finish them). I have learned over many years to cut back on the toiletries, even though my instinct is to carry every moisturizer, vitamin, lipstick, eye cream, shampoo, and deodorant on the planet with me, not to mention far too much jewelry (not the good stuff, but I'm an earring whore), that I just don't ever wear it all or use it all, and I can buy it onsite if need be.

I really am a minimalist these days, but one who likes to dress well. I guess that's why it takes me two weeks to pack for even an overnight (see Lounge thread).

I spent a month in South America in 2006 - I have arthritis in most joints so for me it's about having a bag I can manage - light and with wheels. My hand luggage consists of my medication and that's about it.

My bag is probably at the 20" limit, I didn't smell, I did do laundry services - not the hotel ones.

My tips are - roll your clothes, don't fold them
pack inside shoes
Don't pack anything that doesn't go with three other things you are taking - I mostly wear black so not much of a problem.

Hey, I checked in a 26-inch bag full of stuff and I lugged it on buses, trains and hydrofoils, up the Capri funicular (lot of steps), over stone roads which were not level.

And I still had to do laundry at least once during a 2-week trip.

My carry-on had no room for clothes. It was taken up by laptop, camera and other electronic gear.

And I packed at the last minute.

Check or don't check - That is 100% your choice.

But I get really tired of 'check luggage types' saying things like "I could never wear the same thing every day for two weeks" or "I prefer not to smell" or "I'm not a slob - I need to take more clothes", or whatever other slam you direct at those who do carry on.

Sheesh - talk about holier than thou. One can be just as clean, just as stylish, out of a 21 inch bag as out of a 28-incher. Just because you can't figure out how to do it doesn't mean perfectly normal/well dressed/experienced travelers can't manage.

On some airlines I have to check my 21 inch rollaboard since full it weighs more than 6 kilo. But that doesn't mean I take more stuff just because I'm checking it. I use the same size bag if I'm away for 4 days or 4 weeks (or 4 months for that matter). I do not wear dirty clothing, I do not smell, I do not wear the same outfits over and over. I can easily get 30-40 unique outfits out of a 21 in carry on - which I'll bet many of the giant suitcase brigade can't manage. I even attended a formal event (really REALLY formal since it was in the presence of Queen Elizabeth II) during a 2 week trip, out of my trusty little bag.

So go ahead and check - that is not a crime. Just give the rest us the benefit of the doubt. (BTW - shoe size does not make much of a difference)

Face facts, Janis..if you STINK, you are NOT the least bit holy!

With regards to the right-sized bag, you really have to go to the individual airlines. The European airlines do tend to have less generous allowances, and this includes the legacy carriers. They are not always enforced, but I have seen them enforced with at least some regularity.

I actually find the weight restrictions to cause more of a problem than the size of the suitcase. On SAS, for example, the max weight is 8kg. A standard roll-aboard + laptop will likely run you 6kg. And the airline's know this. On those occasions when I have had my carry-on weighed, it was a roll-aboard. They are basically a red flag, should the airline choose to enforce the rules.

At the end of the day, I don't think it is possible to use a roll-aboard on most European carriers (BA being a notable exception) with a carry-on that actually meets the published requirements. That isn't to say that you can't get away with it, but to me it means that I wouldn't stress too much whether it is a 19" or 21" carry-on. If they want to make you check it, they will have plenty of latitude to make you check either bag.

Here is a mish mash of travel tips that suit me ,a 56 year old Australian woman, which you might get ideas from. It would cover ten days. Perhaps not suitable for summer though light weight equivalents would be easy to replace what I have recommended. this is what I have taken to Italy in the past.

Always carry your medication with you and spare scrips as well. If you have too much medication to pack with your carry on luggage at least keep a few days supply with you. Carry a small first aid kit with painkillers,diahrea and constipation remedies, some antibiotics ,band aids ,ear plugs, pain relief massage oil/cream such as A Little Bit Of Relief (Mum's favourite)or Goanna oil.(Or what is available in your country) and ,very importantly , tea tree oil or some other similar product such as germ killing mouthwash. Gargle frequently with the diluted tea tree oil, especially on the plane when you have a rest room break as it will help protect you from airborne viruses that are rampant when you get so many people together. Wipe your hands with the tea tree oil as well. Carry this with you and wipe hands frequently especially if some of the public toilets leave something to be desired as far as hygiene! Some moist towelettes are also very refreshing and you can put a little tea tree oil on them as well. You can also put a little tea tree oil around your mouth and nose for added protection. Take moisturiser on board and apply frequently as it is a very dry atmosphere. Some moisturisers contain tea tree oil or you can add some to your regular cream. I also like to have a herbal calmer with me. I prefer Bach Flower Crisis drops. Really handy if you are too excited to sleep or they really calm you down if something happens that's a little upsetting and they are safe for all the family too. You have to roll with the punches when you travel as it can be a bit of a culture shock in another country when you can't understand the language. But it is also so exciting to be somewhere so different and exotic so the drops come in handy for both occasions! You probably will bring most of your first aid kit back with you but will be very glad you took them if needed!
Don't carry a handbag if possible. A small waist bag is the best bet to hold your plane tickets, passport and money. Better still , keep your passport and spare cash in a leather pouch worn around the waist or neck. Keep them with you at all times. Or if you are wearing a coat with large pockets keep odds and ends in your pockets. For added security pin the coat pockets together if you feel that would be safer. It's unnecessary to be too paranoid though! I have never had any problems. My sister has been hassled by the Gypsies so I make it a rule to only give money to beggers who are elderly or disabled as they can't chase you for more!
If you can fit everything in your carry-on bag , the better. These days it's safer and you don't have to worry about lost luggage or long waits in Customs. But it's generally not possible to just have carry on when returning home. Too many souvenirs! If you buy a lot of souvenirs you can buy a cheap, rigid, lockable suitcase and book this in on your return trip. Anything that is valuable and important , keep it with you. Carry a change of clothes in your carry-on bag if you have to check some luggage in. Keep a photocopy of all important documents in a separate bag.
Take the minimum of clothes .
I would take apart from my on-board outfit which would be the heaviest or bulkiest clothing the following-
1 long length warm coat in a solid dark color or tweed that doesn't show the dirt. This doubles as a dressing gown and even a bathrobe and a spare blanket! Carry on board.
2 pairs of black or dark slacks. You can wear one pair on board. Fleece if you feel the cold.
1 black or dark longish skirt. Velvet is a good choice as it is warm and dressy for dinners out yet not too dressy for day wear. I would even consider making or having made a skirt , cardigan and slacks in black velvet if I didn't already own them as they are so practical. An old, clean pantyhose foot which can just be kept in your pocket and slipped over you hand makes a great fluff remover for velvet .
Dark Cardigan or velvet jacket to match skirt to wear under coat if very cold. More practical than bulky jumpers. Most places in Europe are air conditioned and walking around can get very hot even in Autumn.
Apart from the blouse you wear on board, take 1 or 2 light weight, NO IRON blouses that you can rinse out at night.
1 more dressy blouse that will go with your long dark skirt for more fancy occasions or a simple blouse that you can dress up with nice jewellery. Don't take expensive jewellery though.There is so much nice costume jewellery available and you can also buy some as small , lovely souvenirs overseas.My Mum once thought she lost all her good rings such as her engagement,wedding and eternity rings in a hotel.She only takes her "Fabulous Fakes" now!
If you can get a black crocheted or similar lacy top that goes with your skirt, that will take you anywhere, even the Opera!
1 pair of comfy closed in shoes . I am taking plain black boots that are comfortable for walking and will wear them with both my slacks and my skirt. Take a spare pair if not waterproof.
1 pair of plain court shoes if necessary. I will dispense with these and only take my boots.
1 pair of flip flops or slip ons shoes for wearing to the bathroom etc. Very dressy jewelled ones can even be worn out to dinner.
2 thick socks instead of slippers.
3 or more changes of undies that are quick dry.
Long sleeve spencers and thick pantyhose if you feel the cold. It will be getting a bit cold in October but no worse than winter here in Australia.
2 light weight nighties.
A nice wooly hat or beret and matching or toning scarf is great for travel. If the scarf is a light weight shawl or Pashmina, all the better as it doubles as a wrap when sitting up in bed . The hat is great for when you can't be bothered with your hair.
Don't forget , you can buy virtually anything you want if you forget something.
I always carry a small inflatable neck pillow and another small inflatable pillow as a spare pillow . Two old pillowcases are good, one for temporaily storing your dirty washing and the other to make a spare pillow if I need it. You can just put some of your spare clothes in to pad it out. Most places have plenty of pillows but some are very hard. The neck pillows are often quite comfortable to wear in bed and are a must for the plane. When Mum travels,we also take a single bed size piece of foam to make any bed more comfy. It doesn't have to all that thick and can be rolled up quite small but if you have any back pain it is a must have. Something like campers use or a yoga mat may be the go or you could even invest in a piece of memory foam. A hot water bottle or two is also a must . While good heating is everywhere, electric blankets are not that common in Europe and a hot water bottle is very soothing.

"We all smell like lemons and olive oil over here."

This is awesome. Glad I logged into Fodor's today. =)

Yes, and almond blossoms this week.

There's a LOT of wiggle room between at 52 pounds suitcase(yikes!) and going carry-on only in a 19" for 10-days.

Why not a compromise?

I use a 22-24" rolling suitcase, that I check thru, which when packed weights approx. 25 lbs.

"I stopped checking bags years ago, whether for a weekend trip or a month-long one. I don't smell, either, and always take pride in looking well put together. It's just not that hard. You have to learn to mix and match things well, use accessories, and plan to wash things once in awhile if it's an extended trip. Two pairs of shoes is my max (one on the feet while on the plane - same with any outerwear)."

ditto!

I have a LIGHT soft bag ( no wheels) I can lift , and carry around . If the bag does not weight a ton empty, you can pack a few more things.
I found that several bottoms ( I prefer skirts),tops, nice accessories, and fast dry undies will do.
A friend and I went to Barcelona 3 weeks ago for only 5 days - I with my bag, she with 2 suitcases .
We went to exp. restaurants, a concert, and walked around a lot. She did not smell or look any better in spite of her numerous outfits !
My husband ( also size 12 feet) has found a nice looking shoes (also comfortable for walking) - so what he has on his feet is it. Saves a lot of room in his carry on.
We don't go to formal dinners or business meetings , but also don't wear " tourist" garb.
All it takes is looking for the right clothes and shoes,
and knowing how to wear them.

Just so you know, if you get a 21" suitcase, it may still be too big as a carry-on. A lot of so-called 21" are actually 22-23" if you include wheels and handles, and will not be allowed as a carryon by strict guidelines.

Last year, I actually downsized from a 21" (which was 22.5" when measured from end-to-end) to a 19" so that I won't have trouble bringing it on board.

Kerryajs1's waist bag is NOT advised as it is easily pickpocketed or cut off. I'm a great believer in a money belt, whichever style you prefer.

And those jeans are heavy to carry and hard to get dry in European dryers. Takes hours.

I'm kind of intrigued by zeppole's summer clothes with long underwear. Though that might work better in Italy than farther north.

And, I too, only take 2 pairs of shoes. In warmer weather one pair of walking sandals, black, nice enough for a good restaurant, and one pair of closed shoes for rainy days (which do occur in the summer too). But my feet get so tired, I can't imagine not having another pair of shoes to switch to. Lots and lots of walking in Europe.

Packing list for a recent 8 night trip to London. Anything from very cold to very warm to very cold to very rainy conditions considered. Variety of casual and less casual events involved (but no work this time). Laundry facilities in the apartment we rented, but I didn't bother doing any for me. My suitcase is a rolling model that's 19" tall and weighs about 6 lbs empty (which is quite light---many described at "ultralight" are at least two pounds heavier).

Worn on outbound flight:

Brown corduroy A-line dress (worn to work that Friday)
Brown and suede leather boots (knee high, low heel)
Brown fleece swing coat
Knit scarf (orange, pink, teal, white)
Brown fleece gloves
Teal leather handbag
Teal umbrella

Packed:

Brown leather boots (knee high, high heel)
Brown gore-tex boots (moderately high heel, ankle high)

(so if you're counting that's THREE PAIRS OF SHOES, and not particularly small ones as they're boots with high heels)

Brown knit dress with 3/4 length bubble sleeves and empire waist
Aqua knit dress with 3/4 length lantern sleeves and empire waist

Brown (and tiny bit white and aqua/teal) tweed jacket with 3/4 length sleeves
Brown print (purple, teal, gold, apple green) jacket with mandarin collar and leg o'mutton sleeves
Brown cardigan with white polka dots

Brown bootleg jeans
Blue bootleg jeans
Brown knee-lenght cotton skirt with white embroidery at the hem

Brown, teal, and pink paisley wrap-front knit top
Teal print knit top
Purple knit top
White knit tops (x 3)

Nightgown (traveling with my children, so needed something to throw on in the AM)

Stockings, socks, bras, panties, slips, etc. sufficient for the week

Toiletries (which I won't list, but believe me when I say I'm high maintenance)

Hair dryer, flat iron, camera, iPhone (doubles as my computer when I travel), pillow (yes, an actual pillow). Paperback guidebook and paperback novel.

I didn't bother to weigh my bag, as I was traveling Delta, but typically a packed bag of this size, packed pretty densely, will come in at just under 25 lbs.

We take more than 1 pair of shoes too - I don't think it is good for the feet to wear the same pair that many days in a row. Feet need a change, shoes need to air out.

My husband usually takes hiking sandals, black shoes, and tennis shoes.

I take tennis shoes, hiking sandals, ballet flats, and strappy sandals.

Those serve us well for light hiking, biking, sightseeing around town, nice dinners, nights out, etc.

As I said, we have two stops and two plane changes, more than one airline, and I am afraid that the luggage will go missing. You have given lots of good advice (my favorite is taking Goanna oil!!!) Thanks!

zeppole makes me want to go smell some Italians.

I can't imagine packing even half the stuff KERRY recommends. I'd need a steamer trunk for all that. Most of it isn't necessary. And some of the suggestions, like the waist pouch for money, are downright dangerous.

I admire all of you who can travel with a 19" or 21" suitcase.
I am leaving for a two weeks stay in London and I just finished packing my two 29" suitcases.

Happy trip to everybody!

cafegoddess - Do you travel with a porter, or a bodybuilder by any chance?

No, hey at least I am not taking the 32". I have a hard time deciding what to wear.

Kerry, the poster has advised that she is travelling to Italy in June - your list is not relevant as most of it is cold weather stuff. As a fellow Aussie I hope that other posters don't think that all Aussies are quite so paranoid about germs on planes - good grief!!

I agree with Mimar and November_Moon about having a couple of pairs of shoes - it makes a difference to pressure points if you can change shoes at some time during the day. I take one pair of low heeled leather ankle boots, 1 pair walking shoes, 1 pair sandles, 1 pair thongs (flip flops).

When we went to Italy/France last year my bag weighed 12kgs when it was checked in, my HB was gobsmacked. I was very pleased with myself as I could easily haul it around airports/train stations. I had enough clothes to only have to wash every few days, and wore everything I took with me. I had also packed my own hairdryer as I hate hotel hair dryers. I also had a couple of books and plenty of hair care/cosmetics/skin care etc. Coming home I had some breakables I wanted to take on the plane with me, so I bought another bag in Paris that I now use as a gym bag.

Cafegoddess - I really admire your honesty!! Can we have a photo of you dragging your cases up some underground steps please!!

'Cafegoddess - I really admire your honesty!! Can we have a photo of you dragging your cases up some underground steps please!! "

LOL

I have seen women ( traveling without a porter or a bodybuilder) doing just that, or constantly depending on the "kindness of strangers".

We just returned from a ten day Italy trip. We purchased two 21" cases that had an expanding zipper. We also took two square type rolling cases as carry on. Big mistake. Our 21" bags were lost in Rome, though we did get them delivered to Florence early the next morning. We easily packed what we needed in them, it was silly taking the others. The only advantage was sometimes if you bring back some foods, it seems easier if it is checked through. If we were going again, I'd take a big beach type bag on the plane that my purse would fit into, and take the 21" as my carry on. BTW, I didn't wear most of the tops I took with me, and I didn't wash any clothes. One pair light wt jeans, 3 pairs docker twills, rain jacket, sweaters x 2, one nicer pant and top for "dress" in case, one pair low black heels, and one pair walking shoes. Too many tops.

I recommend a look at http://www.onebag.com/ -- some great tips imo.

Bag checkers, glad it works for you.

As for me, I have traveled 2-3 weeks with carry on and messenger bag. I have used Rick Steves 21' bag with wheels, but I think I am going to convert to non-wheeled, lightweight, handle and backpack straps carry on for Italy this June. I may see what Eagle Creek has or check the onebag site.

Shoes: I wear the walking shoes, pack Teva sandals and lightweight ballet flats or dressier sandals (both are lighter than the walking shoes and take up less room). They're a pain in the security line is all.

Clothing: I take microfiber, fast drying for all layers. One thin soft black jacket serves for light cover and going out; then I have a windbreaker (folds up tiny) if ever needed. Black slacks, top, skirt, aforementioned soft jacket; tops to interchange; more casual pants (1 black 1 khaki), couple more tops. Of course socks, undies, etc.

I wash every day or two with Woolite; my best tip is HANG UP and air out all outer clothing overnight (in interior doorways) if you will wear it once more before washing. I haven't had a "scent" problem though I can't claim lemon scent.

Other tips (wearing heaviest stuff on plane, small amounts of toiletries) have already been covered.

The OP is going to Venice; I would hate to have more than carry on there!

I don't bother stangers or depend on the "kindness of strangers" with my luggages. I take the black cab.

I don't bother stangers or depend on the "kindness of strangers" with my luggages. I take the black cab.

Yep. As long as you are willing to spring for the occasional cab, then taking a larger suitcase or two simply isn't that big of a deal. Even if you take public transit, it often isn't a big deal either, depending upon the setup of public transit.

Take a commute I do often, Switzerland to Copenhagen. I walk to the train station, get on the train in Switzerland, usually switch trains in Zurich, get off the train, go upstairs, check bags. Get off the plane in Copenhagen, grab my bags, walk with them to the metro, take the metro to Kongens Nytorv, walk to the bus stop, get on the bus, get off the bus, walk to the apartment. The total lifting time for such a trip, despite a couple of connections is maybe 1-2 minutes, with no single lift taking more than perhaps 15 seconds. I often travel it without anything more than a small bag, but I don't find it much less onerous than when I am taking a full, 50 lb, 26" suitcase.

I've done similar trips before flying all over the world. Sure, some places I usually take taxis (Singapore, Boston, and New York come to mind), but I wouldn't fuss with public transit in any of those places even if I was only wearing the clothes on my back.

The point of all this, of course, is that I just don't see that much advantage to taking a small vs a large rolling bag. To save 15-20 minutes at the airport? To minimize lost luggage? I mean, I have lost luggage before, I will lose luggage again, but rarely has it been a big deal. Only once that I can recall were my bags misplaced for more than a couple of days.

I didn't take two 29 inchers when I moved to the UK for 5 years. Cannot possibly imagine why one would need that much luggage for a simple vacation. Are you really that high mainenance - and how the heck do you even get all that from arrivals out to the taxi rank at LHR?

I fully agree with travelgourmet. For most of my travels, taking a medium sized suitcase isn't much more of a problem than a carry-on.

Personally I find not having to continously wash clothes in a hotel room well worth the effort of lifting a somewhat heavier suitcase a few times.

I don't continuously wash clothes when I do carry on. Underwear doesn't take up any space, and I guess I must be lucky that I don't spill a lot of food on myself or sweat a lot (or when I do, I sweat lemon juice and olive oil).

But I will agree that if you don't mind waiting for your luggage at the carousel, and spring for taxis and luggage carts, hauling a checked bag around isn't any more difficult than hauling a carry on.

janisj - You do see the disconnect between your complaint that the checkers are high and mighty about not smelling and being better dressed, and then stating, "Are you really that high mainenance", right? "Sheesh - talk about holier than thou."

And, to answer your question, it simply isn't that difficult to wheel two bags to the taxi rank at LHR. I mean, how hard would you imagine it to be? That is why they have wheels and why most airports have luggage carts.

I can see the benefits of carry-on only and do it often. But I also don't really see the point of going out of one's way to do it. Lost luggage isn't that common, and, for a longer trip, the amount of time spent actually dealing with the luggage is so minor compared to the length of the trip. This is particularly true when compared to the suggestion of washing things out along the way. I mean, if given the choice between spending 10 minutes per day washing my clothes in the sink or 10 minutes of wheeling/lifting luggage, I'll take the wheeling and lifting.

Isn't it obvious that people who pack differently from others harbor odd fantasies about those other people?

travelgourment,

I don't spend 10 minutes per day washing clothes when I travel. I don't wash clothes at all in most cases. The rare exception is long silk underwear, and I wouldn't have to do that if I would stop being so cheap and buy 10 more pairs of it. Why would I be washing clothes all the time? I can fit 3 weeks of underwear into my suitcase and still have enough clothes to travel on a vacation for two or three weeks.

Please not I'm saying I can do that. I'm not saying you can. I'm saying I can. I look fine when I walk around and I'm clean. I look exactly the same as when I stay at home in fact. I don't have two wardrobes.

zeppole, I'm not saying you need to do it, but I would need to do it. If I were to pack 3 weeks of underwear, socks, and undershirts, and a second pair of shoes, I would have no more room left in a carry-on. I simply can't wear a shirt I wore for walking/sightseeing more than once. Jeans/pants I can wear a couple of times, provided I'm not walking that much or it isn't overly hot. Heck, I often change my underwear before going out to dinner.

I'm just trying to put the "hassle" of checked luggage in perspective, as some of these comments make it seem like you will be waiting hours for your bags at the carousel and then having to carry it (not roll it, of course) for miles at a time, uphill, both ways. I don't think it takes 10 minutes per day to wash clothes, but it also doesn't take 10 minutes per day dealing with checked luggage, either. The point is that both options have trade-offs. Every individual will have to decide on their own what works for them.

I agree with everyone! I almost always check luggage with no problem and I am also one who HATES wearing dirty clothes. BUT I want to try and do this with a carry-on for once. There is really no point in argument. I mean, a person could throw a pair of undies in their pocket and go and then brag about how easy it is to pack light. Or you can tell everyone that you are Jackie Kennedy and need your 6 bags to look swell at every destination. Although, I lean more to the Jackie Kennedy school of thought, I am going to try to do that thing I hear about so much - "packing light." Now I may come back here the day before we leave and tell you that I'm checking a steamer trunk but we shall see......

travelgourmet, I was saying the same thing. I forget to mention I often change my underwear before lunch. And after dinner.

Can we stop now?

travelgourmet - I asked about "high maintenance" because cafegoddess is taking two huge suitcases. One 29 incher is one thing and perfectly normal for many people. But two of them? They would present more issues than just cabs. Many European hotels rooms simply don't have the space for 2 massive suitcases - and very few will have closet/drawer space for that much clothing.

So that is what I meant - checking and handling a big roller is w/i most people's capabilities. But dragging two of them around - not so much.

To be honest, I don't even think I own enough clothes to fill up TWO 29" suitcases, esp when you're talking about Spring clothings which aren't particularly bulky.

If this is for winter travel, I suppose I can bring 4 different winter jackets/coats and 4 pairs of boots...

While a 50lb suitcase is no big deal for 6' males to lift and haul around, I am assuming cafegoddess is a female, and the idea of her carrying two 29" suitcases on this trip makes me wonder if she's traveling with a porter (remember m_kingdom???).

For me, I don't think I'm capable of lifting a fully-packed 29" suitcase from the baggage claim carousel onto the luggage trolley; or from the trolley into the trunk of a black cab... without potentially injuring myself.

Because of a tight connection at CDG (65 min.), we decided the safest solution would be to carry our bags with us. Since we have always checked with larger luggage, we were a little worried about living out of one small suitcase for a month. But, now that we're home, we've decided that the ease of travel far outweights the wardrobe limitations.

We each had one 21" bag and we shared a laptop bag. Of course we did laundry, and we certainly didn't smell...or at least it didn't seem that way to us. The one problem we didn't plan on, however, was that we got tired of our clothes. But then, that happens at home, too.

--Annie

Oh please. The wife and I have flown with 4 large (70 lb) suitcases and 2 full cases of wine when we moved. It was barely any more trouble than traveling with one bag. You lift the bag (or box) off the carousel and onto the luggage cart. You wheel the bag to the taxi stand. You help the cabbie get it in the trunk if need be.

Right now, the wife is on a 3 month work trip involving two separate climates and manages two suitcases clocking in at 20kg a piece on her own. The bags weigh almost as much as her, but she isn't helpless. We laugh about it, and we both know that she could probably get by with just one bag, but why? It simply isn't that much incremental hassle to carry two bags rather than one, and she would prefer to have more clothes, shoes, etc, rather than saving herself 3 minutes of additional lifting on travel days.

I fail to understand how this suddenly becomes some absurd thing, or requires a porter and a forklift. Just as the claims that people who travel with only a carry-on must smell are silly exagerations, so too are these comments about the average person (man or woman) being unable to wheel two suitcases at the same time. I mean, you have two hands and they have wheels!

Yuh-oh. Worms. Let's get those worms back in the can! I am the OP and I say meekly, "Never mind".

rbnwdlr,

I am sorry, I didn't think an innocent comment would caused so much problems.

Have a wonderful trip!

None of the people who use carryons only 'smell'... Samuel Johnson the lexicographer was seated next to a woman at a dinner party. Dr Johnson was not known for his meticulous personal grooming...

"Doctor Johnson", she sniffed, "You SMELL!"

"NO madame", he replied, "I STINK and YOU SMELL!"

This is so interesting ! We are taking our 6th trip to Italy next month, and I will be checking my bag in for the first time, and only because we are going to just one place (Rome) for 12 nights ; no buses or trains to deal with. We got so sick and tired of pulling our 19" carry-ons in Dec., along with another big bag all thru the airports (we both have arthritis and I have back troubles). I have always taken with me those travel Tide packs for sink laundrey, and also Febreze
for laundrey and sprayed my shirt or bottoms at night and then
they would air-out and smell fresh in the morning.
Have any of you ever heard of bed-bugs in the cargo-hold of a plane? A woman next to me on the plane told me her husband was an exterminater and that there was awful bed-bug infestation due to all the luggage. I just don't know about that, all I know is I want to carry my big purse thru the airport and that's all, and hopefully not itch that night.
Happy travels to all .

It's not just clothes which requires checking in a bigger suitcase.

I pack a bunch of dried food for snacks, even a couple of bottles of vitamin water.

Then some of the other photo gear like a tripod. Once, I was forced to take the tripod out of my carryon and put it in my checked bag.

So there are some items which a security screener may not let you take on board. I had to give up a small Leatherman once too.

travelgourmet-- the wife (that's me) travels for 6 weeks at a time, involving 2 (or more) separate climates, with a single carry-on. I know that I could probably get by with two suitcases clocking in at 20kg apiece, but why?!

I mentioned "kindness of strangers" because my (tall) husband has been asked numerous times (by women) to help them lift their luggage on or off the train.
It is much easier to travel with a lot of luggage if one does not take trains or public transit . Or those tiny elevators in European hotels!

To each their own!

If you are not going to be using a lot of public transportation, it is not as imperative to pack lightly. However, I do remember our first trip to Europe which was a 17 day tour. I was so worried about taking enough "outfits" that we each took a 29" suitcase. Granted we didn't have to schlep it around, but trust me, I was so sick of that suitcase full of dirty "outfits" by the end of the tour, that I learned my lesson. Now we pack much lighter and do hand laundry which is no big deal. We look better and enjoy not having so much "stuff" to pack and repack.

I know that I could probably get by with two suitcases clocking in at 20kg apiece, but why?!

Why not? What, really, is the benefit of packing light? Literally, it is maybe 3 minutes less lifting on the days that you travel. That is even if you are taking public transit. Why would you forgo choice and flexibility in your wardrobe to save yourself having to lift a bag a total of 5-10 feet maybe twice a week?

I just don't see the point for most travel. I mean, I have backpacked in places where you have to trek in your own water, where ounces make a huge difference, but why the fuss over wheeling a suitcase when going to Italy? I've done both, with some regularity. Those tiny elevators in Europe? Well, there is one right outside my door. Trains? I take them all the time. Even when you factor those "hassles" in, you are still talking about minute amounts of time and effort spent dealing with the suitcase. Is it really worth forgoing even that one "perfect outfit" that you might wear once? Not to me, and I think it important to point out just how little many folks "gain" from going carry-on.

To each his own, travelgourmet.

I can tell you why a 19" carryon works for me.

1) I take public transportation from my house to the airport. This involves walking 15 minutes on sidewalks to the bus station, lifting my suitcase 3 steps onto the regular city bus (no luggage rack to store it). After I get off the bus, it's another 7-min walk to the subway station, on sidewalks that don't have ramps. From the subway station, I take the subway to the airport (that's the easy part).

2) Last Sept, we stayed at the Hilton Financial District in SF. We took BART from SFO to Montgomery Station. From the BART station, it is a 10-min walk uphill to the hotel.

3) Last October, the hotel we stayed in Brussels is a 10-min walk from Centraal Stataion. The entire route is on old cobblestoned streets. It was so difficult to pull the suitcase that I carried it half of the way.

4) In Europe, I frequently stay at guesthouse/B&Bs that have no elevator, so this involves carrying my suitcase up 2-3 flights of stairs.

I can go on and on with more personal examples, but for me, I prefer having a small suitcase which I can handle and can carry without difficulty - and to me that means walking 15-20 mins or up 2 flights of stairs.

What, really, is the benefit of dragging my entire wardrobe with me? I've got all the choice and flexibility I could possibly want (in terms of my wardrobe) and have additional choice and flexibility when it comes to my travel plans.

Flight cancelled, but there's an alternate leaving in 20 minutes that I can make but nobody else will because I'm carry-on only? Sure, and I've been in precisely that position, and felt badly for those poor souls who got to cool their heels in the Prague airport for an extra six hours, but that's the way it works.

Circuitous award ticket flight departing within 20 minutes of the direct flight, and a polite inquiry as to availability of a last minute switch to the direct flight for myself and my children? "Sorry, not possible, ma'am. Bags already loaded on the other flight." "But we're carry-on only..." "Oh? Really? Please wait in the gate area for me to call your name."

I've got lots more of these instances. If you check your bags routinely you won't be aware of the potential gain. I fly lots and every time I walk by the luggage carousel I feel happy inside.

I've got lots more of these instances. If you check your bags routinely you won't be aware of the potential gain. I fly lots and every time I walk by the luggage carousel I feel happy inside.

I fly lots too. I logged maybe 200k miles last year and will hit 75k miles by the end of this month. I feel happy inside when I tailor my packing list for the trip that I am taking, rather than forcing every trip into a "I only carry on" standard.

I love these conversations! And I love the lemon & olive oil comment...fabulous.

I agree that it is entirely a personal choice, but I like to "carry it on" when possible.

A lost suitcase for almost my entire trip to Egypt years ago convinced me to carry on. The underground luggage-gone-missing labyrinth at the Cairo airport is a sight I will never forget.

I did a month in late May-early June to Italy and Spain with a carry on roller bag and a large shoulder bag. I did check the (expanding) roller bag on the trip home.

I won't bore you with my entire packing list, but my travel items included:
-pair of jeans
-pair of capris
-pair of lightweight pants
-skirt
-jean jacket
-very lightweight Gortex rain jacket
-pair of shorts for hiking
-assorted "nice" t-shirts (nothing white or pastel, but I wasn't all in black, either)
-bathing suit
-large patterned scarf that served as a beach sarong, a shawl, and a light blanket on train rides for naps
-three pairs of shoes - cute comfy sandals I could wear to dinner and still walk in, sturdier walking sandals, lightweight hiking shoes since we planned some dayhikes
-on the overnight plane I wore comfortable long 'yoga' pants and nice-looking zipped hooded sweater.

Had to check this bag for the London-Venice Easyjet flight.

We stayed one place for 7 days, so we all did laundry then. I bought a few more summer tops in Madrid, and washed things out in my hotel since it was warm and dry - the cotton pants dried overnight. I always take a few little clothes pins and an inflatable hanger with me, and use laundry soap packets (or just the hotel shampoo).

I don't smell, or look sloppy, either!
Good luck with the packing.

"I fly lots too. I logged maybe 200k miles last year and will hit 75k miles by the end of this month. I feel happy inside when I tailor my packing list for the trip that I am taking, rather than forcing every trip into a "I only carry on" standard."

In the end I think it's just whatever we're used to, and if you've been so lucky as to avoid any really hideous snafus then that's great news. I routinely return home with unworn, clean clothing and generally shop while I'm away as well. So if I have a larger bag (and I have done this on occasion) I just pack waaaay more than a single person could wear (including different ensembles for day and evening), and shop until the credit card companies consider calling an intervention.

I agree - it is definitely a matter of personal choice and what you are used to. I am a light packer, but I am also someone that rarely uses the phrase "the perfect outfit". I like to look nice and appropriately dressed for the occasion, but I am not one to try on different outfits or spend a lot of time thinking about what to wear. As long as I've got good stuff in my suitcase that fits well and will be appropriate for where I am going and what I am doing, I am perfectly happy.

There are many women who would really wish that they had brought a particular blouse, skirt, pair of shoes and not having that item would bother them. Or they don't care for planning a wardrobe ahead of time to make sure everything goes with everything else - they are more spur of the moment, which is fine. They just pack more stuff and plan accordingly. As long as you have a good time, then I don't see a problem with either method.

My wife and I, nine weeks in Venice over Christmas, two suitcases at 22KG each plus a small carry on bag and a small day pack. We seemed to have enough stuff – pair of cameras, lenses, laptop computer and keyboard, water colours, tripod, lots of books, pepper grinder, and some clothes.

I think that I wore about two thirds of the clothes that I took.

I'm a recent convert to carry on, but so far only week-long trips. My H & are planning to carry on for a 2 week trip to Italy in a couple weeks, because of water bus/train/metro travel.

We have had delayed checked luggage as well, which in the Caymans reached us wet & dripping. I rather like knowing I'm the one handling my luggage.

What could be more fun than buying that one "perfect outfit" in Paris !

My two cents: I bought a new, very lightweight 22 inch roller for a trip to Rome last month. I planned all along to check the bag, as my carry on, a roller/backpack, has to carry what I would normally carry in a purse, plus a DSLR camera with extra lens and equipment, extra underwear and blouse, just in case, medications, travel documents, flashlight, a book, a shawl, and a pillow.
My main reason for the smaller, lighter suitcase was that my back has started bothering me when lifting or handling heavier bags. I found I could take enough for 8 days with no trouble at all. I had a choice with the carry on to roll it, attach it to the 22 inch, or wear it as a backpack, and I did all three at various times during the trip. I could manage those bags in every situation without asking for any help from anyone. My friend, who brought a large bag and a large carry-on, was very impressed with my arrangement and vows to do the same next year.
So, for me it wasn't a matter of checked or carry-on, it was a matter of not having muscle spasms while traveling, and the lighter bag made all the difference. I'm not sure I can take my camera equipment plus the clothes in the 22 inch bag for an international flight. As for buying toiletries and such at the destination, I'd rather take the small bottles and have them immediately when I arrive, nothing feels better than a shower and fresh clothes after flying for hours and hours. If it was a longer trip then I'd take small amounts and buy more, but I'd definitely want at least a starter set of things.

There's already lots of good advice here for anyone who wants to learn to pack light and travel with carry-on only. I do that even for trips to Europe lasting 4 to 6 weeks. The big pluses to me are that my bag is never lost, I can stay in hotels without elevators, and if the escalators don't work, I can carry my bag up or down all those stairs. Truly, the more I travel, the less I want to carry.

" I think it important to point out just how little many folks "gain" from going carry-on."

Not having done it yourself ,how can you point out what someone gains (or not)from traveling with carry on only?

sorry, you said you have done it.
I did not see it right away.

As long as you have a good time, then I don't see a problem with either method.

Best statement in the entire thread.

I did not read the entire thread - but most of it. However, you have mentioned Venice and I hope someone has let you know that a rolling bag will have to be carried over the canal bridges - some just a few steps up and many more than that. They are in the process of ramping some of these for wheelchairs but most are not and you will be lifting a bag often.

have always traveled with one small bag - we went to Australia for 30 days with school size backpacks. Just wear your bulky clothes on the plane - jacket/sweater can be carried. Toiletries can be purchased at the other end. Purchases can be mailed home.

Good luck.

My 6-yr-old and I almost never check things. We each have our own wheelie (his looks like Thomas the train) and that "one personal item". For him for 10 days I'd probably take 5 pairs of pants and 8 shirts, some LS some short, and 2 sweaters. Mine would be a variation on that with skirts and dresses replacing some pants/shirts. We just took a 3-week trip with 4 stops in a couple different climates using that luggage, and did laundry twice.
You DO need a change of shoes, and both should be good for walking. Pack your socks, or undies, or something else small, in them.
Use hotel toiletries for stuff you don't care about.
Accessorize--a couple of necklaces can make a lot of difference.
Granimals. Neither of us wears them, but the mix-n-match works for us.
If your meds take you over the 3 oz in a baggie rule, don't worry about it--there is an exception in the rules on the TSA website.
Don't stress about it--enjoy your trip!

Start by thinking about the types of things you'll LIKELY do during your trip (you can always buy the ballgown if needed.)

Assuming a leisure trip, and an absolute minimum:

Build your wardrobe around your shoes since they take up so much space. Personally, I can't stand to be in the same shoes all day, day after day. I have my comfortable shoes for during the daytime sightseeing. For me, this means flats of some kind with a cushioned lining. I always pack a little pair of "dress up" shoes with a low heel that don't require much space that I use in the evening.

The biggest space is required if you take any athletic shoes -- real work-out of hiking shoes, or even snazzy sport lace-ups. Wear those on the plane or traveling if you have to have those.

I also need a little evening bag, but these pack to nothing. But that's my lifetyle -- sooner or later I find myself in a nicer restaurant or cocktail lounge, and I enjoy the experience more when I dress this way.

Then, everything needs to match with the shoes. I don't like wearing clothes that aren't clean, so if I can't plan to do a load of laundry in transit, I plan enough packable tops and one or two extra bottoms. I pack an evening dress or outfit. The key for me is very packable fabrics, and multiple tops that feel fresh, not wearing the same thing every day.

To be honest: I prefer to check a bag, but I CAN do carry-on when neessary, e.g. tight flight connections, and when I'm unsure about the local logistics arrangements. I've taken enough trains in Europe where the train station requires going up a looooong flight of steps to reach the station. I can still do this with a larger suitcase, but it can't be too heavy (and god bless wheeled suitcases!).

I don't need a giant suitcase, but I like to make myself comfortable when I'm traveling. Even when I thought I've had an enormously heavy 24" suitcase, it's still under the weight limit by a few pounds. Unless you're hardcover transporting books or gold....

Also: Town and Country Magazine had an article about how to pack for a 5-day trip in a carry-on. The wardrobe reflects more of a trip with some professional commitments, someone who who is fashion-conscious and "of a certain age," but it is easily adaptable. Frankly, it reflects more of my lifestyle and travel preferences (well, I don't feel the need for the athletic cord for easy exercises.)

Hotlink:

http://www.townandcountrytravelmag.com/print-this/travel-packing-tips

hey i just watched the modern butler way of packing a suitcase
im certainly not going to use tissue paper for my sort of attire but i am going to fold my socks rather than roll them into balls!
thanks for the link madamex!
i cant imagine layering the clothes with bits of them hanging out - that is fine if youre only going to a onestop destination like a resort but not if youre hopping from one town to another
still
very useful demonstration
it is a 40 minute video by the way!

my wife and I spent 16 days in japan and only took a pack each. Look for a pack that has backpack straps and a detachable day pack - that way you can put your bigger pack in the overhead and detach the smaller pack and put it under your seat. The backpack straps will allow you to carry your bag as one unit while you go from place to place. i wouldn't get a pack with wheels - it just adds to the weight, and it might be a problem rolling your bag through crowded areas. the detachable pack is perfect to take with you everyday as you walk around. Also, get a pack that is 'soft-sided" - you'd be surprised how much more things you can fit in it. You really need to only take 3 sets of clothes (including the one you're wearing) i.e., 2 pants, 2 shirts, 2 socks, 2 underwear, a jacket. Purchase "travel" clothes...made of quick-drying material, like coolmax, nylon, polyester, microfiber...NO Cotton and NO Denim (Jeans). Jeans takes up too much space and take too long to dry. You need clothes that you can wash in your sink and hang-up and it will be dry the next day. Another idea is to use those packing cubes...you can fit a lot of clothes in this, if you roll the items up. I was able to fit 10 clothing items my cube.

We all have a rick steves 21 inch roll aboard that we take on trips now. I just went to Florida for a week and took too much. I didn't wear half of what was in my bag.
I think take a few bottoms/skirts that go well with everything. Take lots of tops and underwear. Wear sneakers or comfortable walking shoes. Pack a second pair of nicer, but comfortable walking shoes. Wear the sweater on the plane. Taken an extra lighter weight sweater packed.
I also have a rick steves day bag. This is where I stick my small purse and cosmetics and other stuff.
You can do it!!!
We all did carryons last year going to europe and threw on two rolling duffels with extra stuff. All the bags made it. We did fly on Luftansa from Paris to Munich and had to check the bags. That was fine. Everything made it. It is the overseas part that I worry about.

Oh I forgot to say that the reason for purchasing the rick steves bags is they weigh only 7 pounds empty.

Hi all,
I travel with my grandsons, so I only take carryon. That way, I am not watching for luggage while trying to keep track of my 7 and 11 year olds. The boys are great, and are not the type to run off, but to try to drag luggage, and keep a handhold in a country where we perhaps do not know the language is very important. We have traveled from the US for 2 weeks in England, and Scotland and we have also spent 2 weeks in Cambodia and Korea. Both times the 3 of us needed only a small backpack each and one 22" roller bag to share. We do wear our jackets and heaviest clothing on the plane, but still we try to leave room in our backpacks for souvenirs. I do carryon only when traveling with the grandkids so that I am not overburdened with bags. I usually need to take subways and other public transport in order to save money on these trips. I only take 2 pairs of shoes each, and usually pick up a couple of t shirts along the way for the boys to wear and keep as a reminder of their travels.

We have the 21" rollerboard Rick Steves bags too - bought them 3-4 years ago and really like them. They are quite light and very durable. Last year I bought a smaller rolling suitcase and a flight bag. Those are good too.

I always travel with a carry-on but most of my trips are domestic-US. I will be going to Europe next month and I am concerned about my Barcelona-Rome Alitalia connection.
Their stated weight limit is about the weight of my bag!
I called the airline and they said not to worry, its only the size of the bag that counts. The woman was very insistent that this was the case. Does this seem possible?
THanks.

go to RickSteves.com and follow his instructions for packing. My husband and I spent 2 weeks in Germany using his packing list. One of the highlights of our trip was a trip to the washeteria where they spoke very little English. They not only washed our clothes but helped us make reservations to one of the nicest places we stayed our entire trip. His roll-on bag also weighs only 7 lbs and is extremely well made. Have a great trip!

I was in Italy in September. It was 8 day trip and I was able to do it with carry on only. I had one small rolling bag and a brief case size tote bag. It would really well.

It was so nice to avoid baggage claim (not to mention the worry of delayed luggage which happened to me in South America).

Well, I bought the carry on bag. A Delsey helium from TJ Maxx. When I got home and opened it on a bed in a guest room I laughed my behind off. TINY! Shoes, clothes, toiletries, jacket, flat iron, etc. How in heaven's name??? Hahahaha

well, how many pairs of shoes do you need for 10 days?

They sell shampoo in Italy. Take the jacket on the flight.
It can be done, but if you are not comfortable - don't do it.

"Well, I bought the carry on bag. A Delsey helium from TJ Maxx. When I got home and opened it on a bed in a guest room I laughed my behind off. TINY! Shoes, clothes, toiletries, jacket, flat iron, etc. How in heaven's name??? Hahahaha"

It seems like a tall order until you've actually done it. Scroll up this thread and see what I brought to London in a 19" rolling bag two weeks ago. Compare what you're planning on bringing with my list and if it's anywhere in the ballpark you can definitely do it.

Not only do I take several pairs of shoes, but I routinely shop for shoes while traveling and still fit them in. Fabrics are very compressible, and the more tightly they are packed the less they will wrinkle (so long as you have packed them without creases, and there are some tips to help you do this if you're interested).

go to RickSteves.com and follow his instructions for packing.

The Rick Steves list is precisely why I am so cool on the idea of going carry-on for a trip of any length. I mean, 2 pairs of pants, and one of them are "travel pants"? 5 pairs of underwear and socks? One pair of shoes? A single sweater or fleece? I'm simply not looking to rough it like that.

My favorite part of the whole list (and I don't want bash the guy too much, because I think he gets a bum rap from many on this board) is this:

Tie or scarf. For instant respectability, bring anything lightweight that can break the monotony and make you look snazzy.

Is this a joke? I would say yes, but Rick doesn't seem like he would be the type to notice. I cannot think of any scenario where having a tie will be the make or break item when you are wearing "lightweight cotton pants", a poly-cotton blend shirt, and well-worn shoes with "good traction".

Ties are the last piece in dressing up, not the first. I would never put one on until I already had nice shoes (proper dress shoes, none of this Vibram-soled walking shoe nonsense), a well-pressed shirt in nice cotton, nice slacks (preferably wool, but well-pressed cotton or a nice linen or seersucker is fine for summer afternoons and in tropical climatess), and a jacket. Then, if the occasion requires it, I would put on a tie.

Wearing a tie with the items Rick has in his packing list only serves to make you look like a rube. And a rube without a TV, at that.

Clothes don't normally take up much weight or space. It's things like shoes, toiletries, electronics and books that cause the problems. So when I'm doing carry-on only, the digital SLR and lenses becomes a small zoom digital camera that fits into my pocket, the books become guidebook and A.N. Other that also fit into my coat and the toiletries are things I buy at the far end.

So 2 pairs of shoes (one pair on) and a 40l Lowe Amazon Carry-on bag later, I find that I have lots of space for clothes plus a couple of treats

<<< Oh I forgot to say that the reason for purchasing the rick steves bags is they weigh only 7 pounds empty. >>>

You are kidding aren't you? My CHECKED bag weighs less than that empty and 7lbs for carry-on means that at least a third (except for Easyjet) of your carry-on luggage allowance has already gone. On some European airlines that would be two-thirds your carry-on allowance. The bag mentioned above that I use weighs about 2.5 lbs so giving me 20lbs of hand luggage items for most non-US airlines

travelgourmet: I don't use R Steeves as an expert on much of anything but especially not for packing. I mean - have you ever SEEN the man on his TV shows?! The same light blue shirt and khaki pants every single time. Boooooring. Yes - his packing list is a joke for the way most people like to dress.

I teach packing (yes - folks pay to learn how to do it) and in class I pack between 30 and 40 outfits in a carry on. Not 30 or 40 garments - but 30 or 40 unique outfits, which is easy w/ 3 or 4 bottoms (skirts/slacks) and all sorts of mix/match tops, sweaters, jackets etc. And the number of outfits increases when you include the garments worn on the plane. Usually I pack 2 pair of shoes and wear a 3rd - but sometimes cheat and squeeze in a 4 pair. But it all still fits in a 21 inch or smaller rollaboard.

And not a single blue broadcloth shirt or pair of khaki pants in the lot . . . . .

One week trip to Rome - in addition to what I was wearing - shirt, trousers, jacket, waterproof (did not use), shoes, underwear, socks

Shoes (1)
Socks (7 pairs)
Underwear (7 pairs)
Trousers (4 pairs)
Short Sleeve Shirts (3)
Long Sleeve Shirts (3)
Book (1)
Guidebook (1)
Radio / MP3 player (1)
Shaver (1)
Toothbrush (1)
Mobile Phone (1)
Emergency Charger (1)
Camera (1)
Torch (1)
Batteries (8)
Handkerchiefs (4)
Jacket (1) - didn't use it
First Aid Kit (1)
Soap (1)
Loo paper (1)
Carry-on Bag (1)

TOTAL weight 7kg, the bag weighed 1.5kg

alan,
it seems most people like a hard carry on with wheels - no wonder it wights a ton empty.

We have something similar to your bag : light, soft Bree ( German company) bags . They weigh nothing, have a shoulder strap ,and are made of flexible material.

'Ties are the last piece in dressing up, not the first. I would never put one on until I already had nice shoes (proper dress shoes, none of this Vibram-soled walking shoe nonsense), a well-pressed shirt in nice cotton, nice slacks (preferably wool, but well-pressed cotton or a nice linen or seersucker is fine for summer afternoons and in tropical climatess), and a jacket. "
Then, if the occasion requires it, I would put on a tie.'

I agree.
Mephisto has several models of dress shoes ( for men) also comfortable for walking. They cost quite a bit
but...

Janisj, I'd take your class! alanRow - No way you fit all that stuff in a carry-on bag.

I just packed for 8 days in a small backpack. I rolled my clothes and squished them into ziplock (1 gallon) bags. I brought very small amounts of toiletries as I know I can get everything I need once there, and am not particular to any brand. I brought two extra pairs of shoes, one of which was flip flops, in case of a foot emergency (i.e. heel blister) which I ended up wearing for most of the trip (I did get a huge heel blister). A couple of travel books, my journal, an energy converter and that was pretty much it! I did also bring a small flashlight and a fold-up duffle bag which I filled with the crap I bought along the way and checked on my way back to the US.
Happy Travels!

rbnwdln - it was quite easy, I even had space left over

To me, the ability to pack light totally depends on how bulky your clothes are. My son's size 13 shoes take up 1/2 of a carry on. When we went to Italy I packed a couple of pairs of tropical wool or other lightweight pants and a few jersy-like ts. When folded, my entire stack of clothes was smaller than one pair of my husband's huge bulky cargo pants. (Funny thing, he's always the one nagging about packing light, and it's his size XXL clothes that take up so much room!)

DH and I always limit ourselves to carryon. It has its plusses and minuses. On our last trip the airline restricted us to one piece of carryon - not a purse and suitcase, just one item under a certain weight - period. That was a challenge for a week in Europe. Since it was winter, I had to wear a coat, so I bought an extra large size and added a couple pockets on the inside. One large one, one just the size of my wallet (a repurposed money belt). Everything that would have gone into my purse, went into my coat pockets. No airline weighs coats, or measures them. You can pack a surprising amount in large pockets. I also took along a couple of the jumbo sized ziplock storage bags (the kind you store blankets in). We used them for coats, shoes, etc, when going through security so we didn't have to worry about anything falling out of our pockets and getting lost. It simplifies that hectic procedure by letting you grab just two things at the other end and not worrying about forgetting to pick up something. It also was useful on the plane for stuffing our coats under the seat, keeping them clean, and not losing the little stuff. I also took along a few old items that were ready to be discarded (underwear, umbrella). Leaving them behind at the end of the week gave me a little more space and weight for souvenirs. I also put my heaviest items into my big coat pocket for the return trip. On the trip, the large pocket was useful for stowing my hat, gloves, guidebook, etc. Keeping my wallet hidden inside my coat made it virtually pickpocket proof. I won't win any awards for looking svelt and fashionable, but it doesn't matter to me. Everyone has to weigh appearances versus inconvenience and make their own decision about what's more important. As for body odor, keep in mind that Europeans are not nearly as obsessed with it as Americans are. Your manners are really what they'll be noticing.

bookmarking

Kerry here, Sorry folks - Got too carried away about seeing my name in print again and most of my post was not necessary for the question asked. But I have to clear up my seeming obsessive germ phobia! A bit un Australian perhaps? I am actually a real slob at home -sitting here right now smothered with germs and totally couldn't care less but, the first time your trip gets wrecked after suffering a bad case of vomiting, diarrhea and excessive snot after sitting for 12 plus hours next to some unfortunate with the Plague, you tend to get a bit finicky with subsequent trips.

And all my stuff does fit into carry on even for 6 weeks in Europe. After losing half my luggage in Vietnam, getting it back busted open and someone else's things stuffed in my bag, I would not use check-in if I could help it. You live and learn and I will learn not to post just for the sake of it. I'm a bit bored , got itchy feet and too much time on my hands!

Oh, and I mean by waist bag a small flat bag (easily made) that is worn under your jeans ( And even under your undies if you are really worried!)rather than a bum bag. Never had any problems losing anything and probably won't unless someone wants to undress me first. Might be fun - worth losing a few dollars for even!

Even if I packed all the clothes I owned (for a single season) it would fill two gigantic suitcases. Y'all must have a better wardrobe than I do

sheez... woud NOT fill...

OK, Alan, I believe you. Can you come over and help me pack??

alan, if your bag is so light, can you tell us what brand name and size it is? I found every bag heavier than 7 pounds that is 22 inches in size. Rick Steves had the lightest I could find. Enlighten us.

Alan's bag is not a rolling bag, but a soft bag that you carry over your shoulder or backpack-style. It's not difficult to find these bags, and they weigh very little.

This style bag is much more appealing to men, as women's smaller frames and relative lack of upper body strength make them harder to handle, especially for long periods of time. Men don't typically mind the weight, and like the fact that they're even more mobile than they would be with a rolling bag.

If you really want to pack light, or are forced to do so by a particularly exigent airline, then you won't be using a rolling bag.

It is possible, by the way, to find rolling bags that weigh less than 7 lbs. They are often the least expensive rolling bags available (look at Target for a brand that you don't recognize) and are very simply constructed, without any (completely unnecessary) expanding compartment, separators, exterior pockets, etc. Always take a tape measure with you when you buy luggage, and a small scale (like a travel scale) if you've got one. The latter won't be perfectly accurate, but is useful for getting a rough idea of the weight.

"This style bag is much more appealing to men, as women's smaller frames and relative lack of upper body strength make them harder to handle, especially for long periods of time."

Being a woman with a small frame , I find it easy to carry the bag over the shoulder. I have taken my soft (BREE) bag
on many trips. It is also much easier to lift (and store) on the flight.
I looked at some rollons, but I could barely lift them
EMPTY.

Two of us did it for a 21 day trip, including cool Paris and Switzerland and hot Rome. We were VERY glad we did.

You wouldn't want to stick laptops and camera gear into a soft bag.

And if you have to move around, like say hit a couple of cities before returning home, you want to be able to roll the luggage.

"You wouldn't want to stick laptops and camera gear into a soft bag.

And if you have to move around, like say hit a couple of cities before returning home, you want to be able to roll the luggage."

I must admit ,I never take a laptop or camera gear (or anything that heavy).
We easily moved from Barcelona to Granada , then to Madrid with no rollons, also from Sydney to Melbourne to Christchurch and Sydney again .

danon, do you know how heavy your bag is, loaded? Or the dimensions of the bag? Some of carry-ons that come equipped with backstraps (but aren't true backpacks) are very close in size to rolling bags, and those I find quite difficult to manage (and I'm 5'6", female).

RBN,

Has anyone answered your question?

Yes, it is possible to do it in one carry on bag. It is even possible look stylish while abroad with all your possessions in one carry on bag. Especially if you sweat lemony.

If you are having trouble, could you post a list of what you are bringing? I noticed, for example, you mentioned a flat iron; they make travel sizes of those, you know.