Thank you for sharing your packing list. Our family are thinking about taking just a carry-on suitcase for our 2-week vacation in Europe. This is a great reference and reminder. Thank you for helping us out.

Thanks for the great list. What did you wear the short blazer with?

Great packing! Wish you would post a photo of your qt-size liquid bag. i can't imagine getting all that stuff into one bag. The liquid issue is what keeps me from doing all carry-on.

Gold star for you tinabina!!

crckwc1: That amount in a 1 qt baggie is definitely doable. As long as the bag will still zip, it is legal. You may be imagining big bottles, but most of those items are tiny. I teach a packing class and my 'demo' quart bag holds twice as many products -- I include things like nail polish/remover, ear/eye/nose drops, body butter, campho phenique, tiger balm, lipgloss, and more. There are 31 different items in all. But most are in the .5 to 1.5 oz range. Only the mouth wash is 3 full oz

You can do it . . .

ps: When traveling I usually have between 10 and 14 items in the baggie, but my demo is more for 'what is possible'

This is just the booster I need--we bought 2 new carry ons this year as we no longer go thru the misery of check-in and wait-wait-wait! Bought "world's lightest luggage", so they claim at 4.6 lbs for 22" carry on. Your outfits give me some good models--had actually planned to wear grey skinny knits on plane too--with tank/sweater/ jacket and a baggalini. I am taking a microfiber backpack too and hope they won't be too picky about the 1 personal carry-on--if so can stick the baggalini in the suitcase to get on the plane and take it out once we are situated. Thank you so much for your list--I shall start the effort this weekend--although I trust it will be significantly warmer in Provence in May than in Switzerland in April.

We made it though a month in Italy and Prague last September with just carryons and personal "bags" Did have to buy a couple extra warm weather items in Rome as it was much hotter than we expected, but didn't have a problem at all. When it was colder than expected at the end (in Prague) we simply layered. We also stayed 2 weeks in a rental with laundry facilities, which helped considerably.

I'm going to try this for my trip to Germany in July. I'm sick of my luggage taking another flight, which has been happening at least once per trip lately!

tina, congrats on joining the ranks of light packers--I try to get there but seem to lose sight of my goal when I'm in the final packing stages

Your list is an inspiration however, so maybe I'll pack a little lighter for my 3 week trip to Germany next week. I'm approaching that dreaded final packing stage when I start tossing in the "might need" stuff that keeps me from my packing light goal!!

Loved all your clothing choices. Deborah

janisj, I didn't know you could put so much into one bag. I always thought the containers had to be clearly visible and not stacked one upon another. I would love to see a photo of your packed qt. bag (but I guess I would have to be in one of your classes for that info?) The only 3 oz I might have is shampoo. The others are mostly 1 oz (month-long trips) and a few .5 oz. Maybe I should give this another try. Thanks.
k

How did your data and text plan work with AT&T. I signed on for the text plan but, they discouraged me from getting the data plan.

Some years back we my brother did an European delivery on his BMW sports car and we took a 12 day tour covering Munich, Prague, Vienna & Salzburg, with each couple sharing a carry-on. I'd never have thought it possible, but we did pretty well, especially since it was early May and quite chilly, though of course I've never been able to replicate it afterwards!

I didn't realize you could carry a disposable razor onto a plane. That's good to know!

Well, this list obviously only will work for 'skinny' people!

"Well, this list obviously only will work for 'skinny' people!"

Not true. I took 13 friends on a 2 week trip to the UK and because of car issues, everyone was limited to a 21 inch carry-on. 9 women from size 0 to size 22, and 4 men from 5'9" 150 lbs to 6'4" 280 . . . and every one of them managed.

I taught them a version of my packing class and no one had any problems --well except for one who gave up and I had to go over an pack for her

Here's a non-skinny female who has been carrying-on since the
80's when my luggage went on a separate vacation from me - not
the first time that happened but I vowed the last time.

Leaving for 23 days in Italy on the 17th taking a 21" hard-
sized wheelie and a attachable matching under-the-seat bag.

I like clothes and shoes and I'm fitting in 4 pairs of pants;
9 tops; rainjacket, swimsuit/cover-up, nightgown, undies, etc.
rain jacket, 2 pairs dress sandals, Keens; netbook, ereader,
camera, all the chargers, plus the full complement of assorted
'stuff' needed for a lady of a certain age. Wearing trail
runners, jacket on flight. Whole sheebang weighs 22 lbs. and
is manageable by me and me alone.

This will take me from iffy weather in the Dolomites to Umbria
- where it is hoped it will be warm and sunny.

I'm only OCD with my packing - and I start planning and adding
and weeding out months ahead. Hey, it's a hobby!

janisj -- have you ever thought about making and selling a DVD on packing light? I'm serious. I'll be your first customer and I'll bet lots of fodorites will join me.
k

Nah -- You aren't allowed to advertise/sell on Fodors

I usually soft pedal the classes because it is a sort of side business along w/ giving other travel programs. (except one fodorite who mostly posts in the Lounge accuses me of pushing it . . . Huh? I've never announced a program on here)

But there are videos places like youtube that do give hints and pointers. Unfortunately most do the 'roll' method while I prefer the 'bundle' method. This one is sort of 'dorky' but if you stick w/ it (or maybe turn off the sound ) it gives a bit of an idea how it works http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mdRl3dBGxRs

janisj, we're been using the bundle method since I read about it on fodors some years back, probably in one of your posts. Thank you! We've found that this method works really well to prevent wrinkles.

The guy in the video you linked to didn't take advantage of the inside of each shoe to pack small things. And, if he'd put each shoe in a separate plastic grocery bag, he could have spaced them around the edge of the bag. The padded shoe bag took up too much space, and why would shoes need padding--well, except for golf shoes.

Coquelicot: Yeah - doesn't it work great!? I love arriving at my destination w/ nothing wrinkled.

You have to understand about Jon (the guy in the video) -he is in the business of selling luggage and travel gadgets so he shows shoe bags and organizers and extra gizmos. Mostly - semi-useless IME/IMO. Every 'organizer' takes up valuable space better filled w/ clothes and important 'stuff'.

Who knew the bundle method had a name and a Youtube video? I've been using it since my mom taught me about it 25(!) years ago - she was a travel agent and travelled a lot. It does a great job of keeping clothes wrinkle free.

Bundle method....I need to know more about that! YouTube the best way to learn???--dunia123
Using packing cubes & packing envelopes (Eagle Creek)...do you think I am defeating the efficiency needed??
My biggest dilemma are the TOILETRIES...& the "in case of emergency "/laundry/misc items.
AND keeping the weight down....I do not like HEAVY suitcases/carry-on's/purses etc.
We travel for a MONTH--pack for a WEEK--rotate the "outfits"--do laundry ASAP, either in rental w/washer/dryer or local laundry facility--carrying everything in a 22" suitcase (each) + carry-on.
My goal for each trip is HOW can I make it EASIER & carry less weight.....Will appreciate any tips on this subject--janis
tinabina--LOVED your clothing list !!!
Thanks for any additions to the original post + my questions !!!

Wait, are you packed to the hilt? Can you buy anything and fit it in the suitcase?

misha2: Who are you asking? I personally never totally fill a 21 inch rollaboard -- and often just use a 19 incher. Neither usually weigh more than 20 - 22-ish lbs. Definitely not filled to the gills.

If I know I'm going to do a lot of shopping I'll sometimes take a space bag or two (empty) to use on the return flight to compress the clothes and make more room in the suitcase. Of course, then the bags will weigh significantly more. I don't use the space bags on my out going flights - no need.

My 21" expands. If I shop it can get checked going home

yep -- If I get really carried away I can always expand and check it coming home. But that is only my last resort. I really hate checking a bag

An advantage to travelling when lighter clothes are needed. We plan 3 wks in Sept/Oct & will need heavier clothes, even layered. I keep telling hubby we should get lighter bags; he's not yet convinced, as we have a real assortment. Guess I need to check out youtube! =)

Just watched Jon's video (in the luggage store!). I agree that he doesn't use all the nooks/crannies I generally do; I can get quite a bit into a pair of shoes! He got a lot more stuff in that bag than I expected.

Anyone -- how does the rolled method compare to the bundled, as far as wrinkles & space go?

IME - rolled nets about the same space but more wrinkles. Not as wrinkled as individually folded garments -- but more than bundling.

When I did a LOT of business travel w/3-piece wool blend suits (Slacks/skirt/jacket) and blousesd, I never needed to press anything.

I have been in Paris four days and we did laundry in the apartment, hate the wrinkles from that machine though. I have the ironing board out now. I rinse things out in the sink and hang up to dry. Razor, fingernail clippers and small sissors are allowed. Cork screw, just make sure there is no knife attached. I save the small containers from sample make up and put face cream in. I bought shamphoo here and did not bring any make up but sample size ones. You know how mags have a samples every now and then? I got the lancome one from two More magazines. Plenty in there for several days.

That's an amazing amount of items! Tina, I wonder why you decided to pack so many clothes? I think with a little encouragement you could have reduced what you brought- even though it fit in the suitcase! I have never been a travel with one pair of undies person but could see that two bras would suffice. And then you had two black cashmere sweaters. Wouldn't the single black cardi have been sufficient? Two scarves instead of three? One of each of the shortsleeve tops instead of two each? You had many pair of pants- how about only three? Microfiber tops can easily be washed in the sink and hung to dry.

You did not seemed stressed by the quantity and we all pack differently. When I travel for two weeks I take along what I need just for one week and mix and match on week two. But I always get bogged down by the toiletries and electeonic devices, cords, chargers and items to have along for IF we get ill etc.

I am also going for two weeks to Europe but have to pack even lighter than this. I am limited by my Ryanair flight which allows only one piece of luggage 21 inch carry on and no more, not even a purse. So, everything has to fit. It has always been easy for me to avoid checking in with that second personal item allowance.

What is the name brand of the "world's lightest luggage" at under 5 lbs?

These posts fascinate me. My "what-if" essentials seem to me the death of me, like Band-Aids, anti-itch ointments etc.

I bring what if items also, but only a tiny amount of each to hold me over until I can get to a pharmacy over there. They fit into a tiny ziploc bags and then I can stuff that anywhere there is an open space in my suitcase.

So I wonder if I can pack my things and my husbands for 18 days in Scotland in one larger checked bag, 1 carry on upright (I think it's 20"), 1 backpack and then our two personal items? Looking for encouragement!

I think we've normally checked two large bags in the past and then had a backpack and a smaller tote as carry ons.

Space is always an issue in my in-laws car though when they pick us up, and we might go straight to touring instead of to their house, so they will have their overnight bag as well.

We are leaving Thursday for six weeks. We are each bringing a 21' carryon and a small backpack or purse. Trust me, if I can do it. You can do it. I am REALLY looking forward to the freedom of less luggage. We brought too much the first time we traveled and won't be making that mistake again.

Ncounty, the suitcase that weighs so little is landor hawa. You can find them at Marshalls. I have one and it is just ok. I don't pack a lot of clothes. I brought two pairs of shoes and one was old and left behind to make room for what I bought. I only brought two pairs in case I had rain soaked ones that needed drying out. I did get tired of black and grey this last trip. I can mix and match every item I bring. I would like to say be careful with those washer dryer combo units in the apartments. I ruined two tops. They get very hot. We had apartments on the 4th floor, hotel rooms on the third and no lifts till we got to the Hilton at Gatwick. You want those suitcase light!

amelia: "So I wonder if I can pack my things and my husbands for 18 days in Scotland in one larger checked bag, 1 carry on upright (I think it's 20"), 1 backpack and then our two personal items? Looking for encouragement!"

OK -- I'll encourage you . . . to do better than that

No need for a large suitcase. I leave at 0-dark:30 tomorrow morning for 3.5 weeks and I'm taking is a 21 inch rollie and a medium sized handbag -period.

And this trip will have a little bit of everything from boating, to walking in the Borders, to Hadrian's Wall, to a posh dinner at a michelin starred place to the Chanel Islands to a fancy event in London for the Jubilee. Sort of everything except for full on formal.

janisj is my hero

Janisj- I hope you had a wonderful trip! Now when you get home please let us know what you packed in that carryon. Did you have too many things/not enough?

This discussion is amazing! I'm now convinced that I will be taking one carry on for five days in London. After reading all this, I would be ashamed to carry more! Love the bundling idea. And amelie, I challenge you to do this as well. We had a comedian who did a stand-up routine about how we have too much "stuff." And he was right. I like the idea of taking just a bit of "just in case items", knowing that one can buy more if needed. Brilliant! We had a friend who would take three suitcases for a week of travel and had to hunt down valets and carts and schlep all these belongings, trying to keep up with the group. Not to mention the problem of the luggage not arriving! Thanks for all your wisdom everyone!

I have to agree this thread is very encouraging. I "informed" my husband that we are going to aim to only take carry-ons for our 10 day trip to London/Paris in a few days.. to general astonishment I normally have a 4 day rule to check a bag. Test run tomorrow!

I just ordered two new pieces of carry-on. Thanks for the tip, flbap. searching that name led me to this:

http://www.irvsluggage.com/International-Traveller-It01-UltraLightweight-205-Carry-On-Brown-Circles/IT-118820-BROWN

4.4 lbs, 20.5 by 7.77 by 14.2 inches, and only $47.

Once you do carry-on only, you almost never go back, lol.

I taught my sister and her whole family does that now and travels extremely light.

I was usually guilty of taking too much OTC stuff for every possible eventuality. You know what...you can get all you need locally even in Cambodia!

Is it as easy to keep a suitcase/bag light when packing for 3 wks in early fall? We tend to wear mostly jeans w/sweaters over T's; light layers provide only so much warmth before they can get too bulky for comfort..or movement. I'm not much on the 'snowman look'! = )

What a great thread. Must give it a re-read when I pack for my trip next month!

I can't find camera equipment mentioned anywhere. Do you carry one?
GEsssa

I'm so bad about overpacking, and I hate schlepping my bag through airports so much that I've given up. But this thread has inspired me anew!

Reading it also reminded me about some very comprehensive threads on this subject from a few years ago. There are so many threads on packing here, and all have good tips. These are a few I've bookmarked in the past. (janisj I know you probably remember some of these! Maybe some others do too...)

* Therese's series of "what to wear/pack" threads. There's a lot of them; I think every time she went on a significant trip, she'd make a new, updated list. This appears to be the last one, from May 2010, which includes a link to the previous (which links to prior and so on): http://www.fodors.com/community/europe/what-to-wearpack-part-9.cfm

* There's even a "synopsis" of Therese's threads by another member! http://www.fodors.com/community/europe/packing-light-an-index-of-thereses-what-to-wearpack-posts.cfm

* One started by the Fodor's editor Doug_Stallings: http://www.fodors.com/community/travel-tips-trip-ideas/how-to-be-a-carry-on-traveler.cfm

* One I'd bookmarked for some of the useful tips on luggage size and weight: http://www.fodors.com/community/europe/how-much-luggage-for-19-day-trip-for-2-people.cfm

* And at the opposite end of the spectrum, the everything-and-the-kitchen-sink list. Not remotely packing light, but so comprehensive that maybe it will remind you of something you might have missed:
http://www.fodors.com/community/travel-tips-trip-ideas/packing-checklist.cfm

As for me, I always have the best of intentions, then scramble at the last minute and end up tossing in way too much junk. In reading this and reviewing some of the other threads, it reminds me to not be such a procrastinator! I have 3 months until my next big trip. Ready, set, go!

Any one ever tried Ziplock Bags? I have and they are great!

We are doing a Paris two day, 6 day in Avignon area, 8 day river cruise, fly from Lyon to Barcelona for an overnight and then pick up a cruise of 14 nights to New Orleans for 3 nights and return home. Think I can do this with just a carry on.

I find ziplock bags work especially well when packing for my kids. Now that the older one is as big as I am, it's not as helpful. But I used it a lot when both of them were younger. Packing in a strong ziplock (one that really seals so you can squeeze the air out and fit a lot in your bag) is also a good way to keep outfits together, which in turn helps make younger ones more self-sufficient, and gives you a place to put the stinky socks or spilled-on shirts if you can't rinse them out right away.

I had almost resigned myself to checking a bag on our next trip, but this has reinforced my resolve to pack smart. Thanks!

I'd forgotten the name Therese until ggreen mentioned it above. She wrote some really great packing threads, discussing the special needs for each trip, comparing different ways to solve a travel need, how to combine clothes and gear for work and relaxation. It always started a lively discussion. Where is she now?

I have used a carry on only for a 5 week trip to Italy. I've also used only a carry on for a week in Rome in winter and for a week in Vienna in winter, and London in the fall...so it is doable to pack winter clothes into a carry on and survive nicely. I may check the bag on the return flight and use a totebag for purchases I don't wish to check as my carry on item, and usually throw in a change of undies and toiletries in case I'm stranded somewhere.

I haven't quite mastered the bundling. Most of my clothes are knit so they don't wrinkle. I am not skinny and manage to fit everything I need in a carry on only quite well. It's amazing what you can squish into small areas in your bag. And you can buy anything you need just about anywhere you go.

For a couple of trips with a friend who checks a huge bag and pays for the cab from airport, I've gone ahead and packed a larger back and checked it as well. I discovered I packed way too much and regretted dealing with the hassle of checked luggage.

I'm still on the search for the holy grail of the perfect sized piece of luggage. Some people can't pass a shoe store without going in...I hyperventilate when I see luggage.

I always love to read packing posts because it gives me great new ideas.