esj

Hi,

For those who travel with carry-on only (especially in Europe) for more than 1 week (2-3 weeks or more), how did you do it? Please share your experiences if you don't mind!

Would like to know:

- which bag/suitcase are you using/used?
- how much does it weight when packed?
- what did you pack?

Thanks in advance!

november_moon

I pack for 1 week and then do laundry - either find a laurdromat or send it out, depending on costs and time. So that way it doesn't matter how long the trip is.

uhoh_busted

I use a standard carryon with wheels, and carry a large handbag with my electronics (iPad, phone, mini speaker and camera stuff, cosmetics, Rx, and toothbrush). Most other "products" are going to be available where you are traveling in Europe, so don't waste space packing those.

Everything should be washable, and layer-able. Bring things you are comfortable in, style wise, but don't worry about others' opinions as long as you are happy with what you wear. You are a tourist. Not someone seeking marriage with a head of state.

uhoh_busted

It is easiest if you are going to stay in one place for a while -- because you can stay in a flat with laundry facilities (hopefully) or at least be someplace long enough to suss out a good laundry.

crosscheck

Mr. Crosscheck imposes strict carry on rules, even on multiple-climate trips with a mashup of dressy and outdoorsy activities (see my trip reports). He has me so well trained that I now use carryon, even on solo business trips when he's not around to police me.

For one or two (or three) weeks I take 3 day outfits and 3 night outfits plus a jacket, sweater, pajamas, a workout outfit, bathing suit, 3 pairs of shoes (including sneakers) plus some scarves.
I usually wear black (w/ some grey, khaki or white), so I have no problem coordinating. We use hotel laundry, especially when traveling for business, but on our last trip to Europe we stayed in several airbnbs w/ washer-driers.

My luggage of choice is the ultra-lightweight Lipault 22" 4-wheel spinner:

http://www.amazon.com/Lipault-Paris-.../dp/B004BB0ID8

For my personal item, I use an old Timbuk2 laptop backpack or the 19" Lipault weekend bag - both easily fit my purse, laptop, kindle, toiletries (all sample size - dermatologist offer stellar products in packets), plus cashmere scarf for cold flights.

There is an ongoing thread on this forum where people list the extraordinary amount of stuff you can get into the Lipault:

http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...lt-luggage.cfm

The Lipault is French, so it fulfills European requirements, including budget airlines. I took it to India for 3 weeks where they have even stricter guidelines and never had to check it. The only issue is if you're a shopper - hard not to be in Europe. So, much to Mr. C's chagrin, we often end up checking on our way home. For extra purchases we take the Eagle Creek folding duffle. Good luck...and hope you don't become as smug as my husband.

ribeirasacra

I thought you had your answer in your previous thread, no?

http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...ht-dilemma.cfm

vincenzo32951

- which bag/suitcase are you using/used?
Anything lightweight with wheels, plus a shoulder-strap carry-on.

- how much does it weight when packed?
Have no idea. Light enough for me to lift it.

- what did you pack?
Depends on the season. I wear my heavier, bulkier clothing on the plane.

A friend of ours tried an experiment to see the difference between rolling and folding your clothing. She swears that rolling takes up less space.