Tips for Packing Light

Take less clothes, bring more money. Seriously, in our early travels my spouse and I found we overpacked and ended up not wearing everything we brought along. In the beginning it's hard to pack because you think "I'm going to need this or that" but in reality you can get by with a lot lees than you initially think. A few days before your trip, put out all your clothes - admire them for a day or so then put half of them back in the cloest or drwaer - you won't need them. Keep in mind, there's nothing wrong with wearing the same thing to dinner several nights - no one but you will notice what you are wearing - the waiter in the restaurant you eat at tonight won't know you are wearing the same outfit you had on last night. You don't need 15 shirts and 15 pairs of underware - plan on doing laundry once or twice during your trip. Most hotels have same day or next day service - yes, you pay a bit of a premium compared to back home for this service but it will save you plenty of space. Take small travel size toiletries and unless you are planning to go to the Palace Ball you won't need lots of make-up. You can buy a product that resembles large resealable sandwhich bags (sorry the brand name escapes me) where you put your clothing then squeeze out the air. The clothes are compressed allowing extra room. My spouse and I routinely travel for 7 to 15 days at a time and rarely bring anything thing more than one suitcase each - more often than not we do it with carry-on only. You have to get in the proper mindset. Good luck!

I believe Therese is the reigning queen of light packing. Here is the thread where she lays down the law of how to pack light. http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=2&tid=34689133

I know a lot of people don't like Rick Steves -- for whatever reason, but there is an entire file on the graffiti board dedicated to packing light. I got a lot of interesting tips from there.

On a recent US trip, we bought WAY too much, and ended up at a Walmart late on a rainy night looking for extra pieces of luggage. We actually found something quite useful: A full sized duffle bag in which the ends zip together so that when not in use, it takes up a bit less room than a Frisbee. (I think it was $9.95). We put our precious breakables into our harder-sided carryons, and filled the new duffle bags up with dirty clothes and checked them. You may want to bring along a couple of these types of bags for this purpose.

Consolidate purchases at a post office. Purchase parcel containers. Mail home! It is not easy to 'haul' excess baggage. Try an exercise at home; preload your trip gear, clothing, etc.; move it up and down the stairs, load the automobile, haul it through a supermarket...How about a weekend trip with the same luggage? Don't neglect security, you need to load everything into the car trunk. You shouldn't leave anything in the passenger compartment.

Thanks for the responses!

Keep them coming!

Check out www.onebag.com

We no longer check our bags, but use small, rolling backpacks, even for two week trips. I find that I don't ever wear the "dress up" clothes, so I bring only a nice sweater, both for layering and for those few occasions when I need to look nice. I wear my only pair of shoes - some people need two pair, but no more than that. I take one or two paperback books, and then when I am finished reading them, I just leave them in the hotel room or B & B for the next English-speaking tourist. We also have a fold-up duffel for hauling home our dirty clothes at the end of the trip - and use the suitcase for sourvenirs.
I buy clothes soap in big tablets (can't remember the brand) and stick the soap in odd corners. We usually find a laundromat at some point on the trip, but I don't know if you will easily find a laundromat in Portugal.

I have the same problem as Bailey. We will spend 9 days in Brittany, Normandy and the Loire Valley in B and B's. I don't know what to expect as far as drycleaning or laundering. I don't want to take 14 of everything (total 14 day trip). Advice for this area please?

Remember that clothes can be reworn, with either sink washing or just with some airing out (particularly pants; there's no reason not to wear a pair of pants several times while travelling).

One place you can really save space is with cosmetics and toiletries. Collect minature or sample sizes, or put your own into small plastic bottles, just enough to last the length of your trip. Don't bring full size anything. Get creative for anything your husband & you might be able to share.

bailey
We will be doing about the same trip at the same time. I hope to have a coin laundry in the hotel in Lisbon (but I never trust the descriptions) but many tour books tell where laundries are in some towns. That is always one of my searches in guide books. We have had some great laundramat experiences on our travels!

So you can bring fewer clothes and by the time you go home your carry on can be all souvenirs because you do not have the worry about checked luggage getting lost with your dirty clothes!

I also take some bubble wrap so my suitcase is fuller and then I have it for packing stuff I may carry home.

Maybe see you in Portugal! Or at least on the Things to Do thread.
Barbara

I bring things that I can mix and match and wear with only black shoes. My DH only brings stuff that goes with his brown shoes. We usually only bring one extra pair of shoes and enough clothes for half the trip plus an extra shirt, underwear, and socks. We bring this bag with us:

http://travelstore.ricksteves.com/catalog/index.cfm?fuseaction=product&theParentId=8&id=38

to ensure we have space for all our souvenirs. It packs up small when not in use and makes a great laundry bag. I only carry toiletries that are necessities (leave the hair products at home except for travel size shampoo and conditioner). Not only is it less of a hassle to pack lighter, but the more you leave at home, the less time you have to spend deciding what to wear and getting ready to go out (not as many toiletries to use).

All: Thanks so much for the wonderful tips!

Barb: I'll see you around the Things to do thread. Perhaps we can organize a dinner get-together. The recent restaurant reviews have peaked my interest!

Thans again!

Somehow I missed the Therese mentioned by youngandrestless. Thank you for bringing it up.

There are also many websites with packing lists. Do a google.com search for "packing list for europe" and you'll have a handful of good information.

Also, try to stick to one color palette, and bring neutral pants/skirts. For example, on my recent Italy trip I brought a non-wrinkling black skirt, one pair of semi-casual black pants, and a pair of jeans. I then just mixed-and-matched a few different shirts and was covered for two weeks.

ttt

One idea I have not tried but seen posted here is if you have a set of suitcases, pack the smaller one, and put it into the next size up for your trip over. Then you have an entire large empty suitcase for your purchases. Whether now having 2 suitcases to deal with in your rental car is a good idea, or not, I'm not sure, but it's a thought.

Also you can mail things home part way through you trip. I do not know Portugal but other places have gone to the post office, purchased a box from them, and packed it with dirty clothes, guidebooks I don't need, a few purchases and mailed it to myself, clearing way in my suitcase.

The folded duffle is also a fine idea. It ends up with your dirty clothes and the suitcase can be used for new purchases.

For something breakable and heavy, like the pottery you mention, I would see if the shop(s) you buy from offers shipping services, and pay for them send it directly home for you.

Thank you so much for all of the wonderful ideas!

bookmarking

Wow. Put a packed suitcase inside a slightly larger suitcase. Viola! An empty suitcase to fill with souvenirs. That would be more than all the souvenirs I've brought home in my life. (Would you see the sights or just shop?)

Seriously, I think there would be a price to pay to the airlines on the return trip. They have all gotten very stingy with luggage weight allowances. Check with your airline to understand what it could cost to show up with another piece of luggage filled with pottery and/or other heavy items.

I've done the smaller suitcase within a larger and it works fine. I don't spend all my time shopping either -- One stop at a pottery shop to buy two or three pieces. Wrapped in bubble wrap in a 19- or 20-inch suitcase they weigh far less than the 13 pounds allowed in a carryon.
One year it was less than 9 pounds including the weight of the suitcase, my camera and a few other items, and the pottery arrived home unbroken. The one time I had two pottery pieces shipped by a store both were broken.

There are other recent posts on this.

I mentioned this on another thread recently, I look for small and/or lightweight souveniers. That easily slip into my normal suitcase. Things like local calendars, hankies, scarves, lace, frig magnets, ashtrays, pens, coin purse, etc.

I pack little woolite packets and in a pinch hand wash lingerie or lightweight items. Wring, roll in a towel to take anymore excess moisture, hang on the shower rack and voila! Next morning clean undies.

Some people are too persnickety (sp?) but, I also carry a small travel size bottle of Febreze. Again in a pinch, a few sprays the night before and outerwear is freshened for one more day.

I also carry the little zip-into-a-bundle duffle bag that someone else mentioned. I've bought far too many extra backpacks and duffle bags on trips before, so now I carry my own extra.

I am in the throes of packing light as we speak! I'm leaving for my 2 1/2 week vacation tomorrow morning! My packing-light aspirations are being sorely tested! At least I have Kristina's tip of putting every thing in ziplock gallon bags. Getting all the extra air out really helps to condense (and organize). I'm just afraid all the rezipping of bags will slow me down during all the repacking episodes. We shall see. This will be a learning experience. 19 days of travel out of a 22 inch carryon (and a large laptop backpack) will be a feat to crow about.

7 underwear
1 pair of sneakers or hiking shoes
1 pair of sandals
1 pair of jeans or steardy khaki pants
4 pair of socks
1 raincoat or windbreaker
4 shirts or polo t-shirts
Small bottle of clothing detergent
Small travel size bag of toilettries

take care with your use of ziplocks. first time i did this i ended up with a small but *really* heavy suitcase!

When you get home from a trip, take everything out of your suitcase that you didn't wear and say to yourself, why did I carry all of this stuff around on my trip when I didn't need to. Packing takes practice. Never pack something that you have never warn.

Good points Suze and Wally. Just because I CAN fit it into my little carryon, doesn't mean I should. I'll keep that in mind.

When I travel, I usually just go with a carry-on suitcase and an empty duffle bag for my shopping . My suitcase has a zipper to allow for 3" more, which I use on my return flight. I'd rather have my suitcase when I fly over and not have to worry about it being lost. When I fly home, I use the duffle bag for my shopping items (usually ceramics) and let the airline put the suitcase in the belly of the plane.

As for clothing, I bring:
3 pairs of pants (usually lightweight, never jeans); 4-5 tops to mix/match with the pants. I usually go with neutral colors (beige/tan/olive greens/black), rather than bright clothing; 2 pairs of walking shoes that are nice enough for when I'm dining out in the evenings. I don't go to restaurants where a formal outfit is required; 3 pairs of socks (washing each pair at the end of the day in the bathroom); 3 bras (ditto); 3 panties (ditto); Shampoo in the travel size bottles; minimal makeup and other toiletries, no hairdryer on my upcoming trip, as all hotels have hair dryers; a light jacket for the cool mornings or evenings, sometimes a cardigan if that's all I'll need.

Of course, I have my digital camera, accessories; travel information; large zip lock bags, bubble wrap for my ceramics or other breakables; journal (although on this next trip I'm taking my PDA); travel alarm clock; mini umbrella (but I might take my jacket that has the removable hood).

Monica

PS: Of course when it comes to a cruise, it's a different story!

I'm not saying this will happen to you in Portugal, but I will post this for folks traveling to other parts of the world who may pull up this thread:

If you are traveling to a very humid part of the world (e.g., a rain forest) do NOT think that you can pack light and then just wash out a few things...they will not dry. In Costa Rica, our swim suits were still wet 2 days after wearing them, even though they had been towel blotted and hung.

youngandrestless-

if you are planning to carry your carry-on on the plane, there may well be a weight limit as well as size limit.

weigh your packed bag by standing on the bathroom scale, then lifting it up held close to your body.

my 22" was denied by British Air and had to be checked the first (and only) time I used the ziplock bag method for clothing.

Go over with hand luggage, containing the necessities and a few of your A+ clothes.
That way you get a quick and easy start to your vacation.
Within the first couple of days go to a flea market or whatever and buy the rest of the stuff that you will need like shirts, shorts, socks etc.
Also buy a cheap suitcase.
On the way back, wrap the souvenirs in the flea market stuff.
Stuff it into the cheap suitcase and get on the plane.
No problemo.
It drives my wife nuts, but that's what we always do, and it works very well.

g

I'll have to look up the weight limits, because i'm traveling on AA from the US and then on Vueling and Myair within Europe. This is all so complicated! I may have to fall back on guaranteed's advice. But, I am packing a duffel bag (very small now, but big when taken out of it's carrying case) for the way home.

During our trip to France and Italy in Sept., 2005 I found that a Grande Zip Lock bag (1-2 gallon) makes an excellent "washing machine". Just put your clothes in, add water, use some Woolite (small individual packs) - zip up and squish away. Used same bag for dirty clothes on the way home.

There has been no mention of OTC medications to be packed. Buy smallest size available at least for stomach and headaches and maybe something to ward off a cold. My travel partner scoffed at me for packing such and then changed her mind when a drugstore in Paris wanted 12Euro for a small box of cough drops - she ended up using mine, which I gladly shared.

where can i buy those woolite packs? I think that would help a lot. Otherwise i'm going to have to bring my tiny victoria's secret delicates liquid detergent. but i would rather have the individual packets.

I've seen them in luggage shops, or drug stores that have travel accessories section. Also have seen tiny Woolite bottles.

Myself, I just use the little hotel shampoos.

Magellans Travel Supplies sells them for $4.25/10 packs. Call up www.magellans.com and search for Woolite. Sometimes I see them at Target but they are hard to find.

Bailey:
The first step to packing light is deciding what kind of clothes you'll take.

If you must have well-pressed linens...well, break out the larger bag. On the other hand, if you choose blended fabrics, wrinkle-free, easily washable, you can get along with just 3 or 4 outfits. I took 5 pair of pants on my last trip...only wore 2 (rayon/spandex stretchy pants from Chico's that dried overnight---granted, with help from the towel warmer). Take a little travel clothesline. Once you've decided to take easy-care clothes, you'll realize how few things you really need.

Various tips:
Most suitcases today come with those plastic pouches in the lid and on the sides. If yours has them, take them out and see how much lighter your bag is! Use ziplocks for anything that might leak. Use the space in your shoes to pack undies, socks and other small items.

Lastly, on the night before you leave you'll be struck with an irresistible urge to throw in the "kitchen sink"...just in case....

Don't do it! You'll be ever so much happier if you don't have that heavy suitcase to lug around.

Have fun!

BTW, those Chico's pants aren't the "slinky" ones. They're regular pants with a waist band, zipper. I couldn't believe how quickly they dried.

Always remember: you will conform to your luggage, so leaving stuff behind does not mean you are screwed, just that you won't use it.

I found those little Woolite packets at a Long's drugstore near us. They were *great* and much much easier than a small travel bottle full of Woolite. I'll just use them from now on.

I like Chicos things as well for travel--usually a button down shirt that can double as a lightweight jacket over a tank.

I bring 2 slacks, lightweight dark shirt, a couple of tops, and wash/driable undies from Vic Secret or Travelsmith. For this summer I'm getting some of those tropical weight drawstring pants at a place someone posted here for sunblock fabric clothing, forgot the name. Always, one carry-on, one "personal item" tote bag that the small purse can go into.

I use the shampoo from the hotel to wash clothes...works great! Great souveniers are art prints..a nylon tote works well and can be folded into nothing.

<<BTW, those Chico's pants aren't the "slinky" ones. They're regular pants with a waist band, zipper. I couldn't believe how quickly they dried.>>

I had the same experience with the Chico's cotton/rayon/spandex blend pants, both the long with zipper as described above and some drawstring waist capris. Both dried overnight with no wrinkles. They're lighter weight than the Travelers "slinky's" too.

I'd like to put in a good word for wrinkle free 100% cotton. I don't know how it is done but I have shirts from 4 different companies and they work out great. While traveling you can wash in sink and let it dry on hanger overnight and you are ready to go! I wear them all the time as I HATE to iron! lynda

ttt

A few tips on washing. Some towns have drop off "wash, dry, and fold" laundramats. They're great if you and your DH have a fair amount to do.

Otherwise, for day to day stuff...a few tips:

Cottons can take a while to dry, depending on the weather, so make sure they are lightweight. Jeans take forever, and take up room in your suitcase. Khakis are better, and can be dressed up or down.

Synthetics, such as nylon (which you'll find in a lot of running/work-out gear and undergarments) dry fastest--within a few hours. Oh, if any place you stay in has a hair dryer, it'll do in a pinch.

Lastly, dark clothes show less dirt!

Fabric is everything! Warm-weather trips are easy, at least for women, because we have so many lightweight choices in rayons, cotton/lycra/polyester blends and the like. Roll, don't fold, and line up the rolled items inside one of those thin plastic bags that you get with your dry cleaning. This lets the little rolls "slide" against your bag and makes for fewer packing wrinkles. Travelsmith sells wonderful, 100% cotton wrinkle-and -stain-resistant shirts. Eagle Outfitters makes a lightweight shirt folding system that packs very flat and and keeps shirts looking great. Scarves are the best travel accessory - very light and lots of ways to change an outfit. Shoes weigh a lot and take up a lot of space. I can usually get away with one pair of walking shoes and some cute, versatile low-heeled sandals with rubber soles. Higher heels and smooth leather soles are suicide shoes in Europe. Think "wet cobblestones"! I always carry on -- had a bad experience once with a lost bag and ended up waiting in Frankfurt for 2 days while the airline tried to locate it. I had one change of undies and a clean shirt! Finally I gave up and spent a few hours shopping, bought the bare necessities (no pun intended), and went on with my trip. From this experience I learned that I could travel much lighter and have been doing so ever since. I would much rather rinse out a few things after a lovely day of sightseeing than spend valuable travel time waiting for missing luggage.

JeanneB...resist the urge to throw in the "kitchen sink" LOL..guilty as charged!! Such good advice. Make your plan and stick to it!

bookmarking

I am sure I will be labeled a heretic, but one way to make life easier is don't shop. Having downsized twice and had to clear 3 estates I am an expert in dispossessing, and it is a very sad and frustrating process. My current theory is it is better not to buy it in the first place! Lots of you gave good advice that less is more when you travel. I am here to say apply this to every phase of your life. Really, what happens to all those trinkets that you buy as gifts? How many times have you received trinkets like that only to wish you hadn't? You have no real need for them, but keep them out of sentiment. Think of all the time it took to buy them, and lug them around? My advice, concentrate on taking really good pictures! If you feel a need to give someone a gift, take your best photo and have it blown up to 8x10, mat it and frame it. Meanwhile take the money you didn't spend on junk and put it towards your next trip.

Dear Hotzim: You are SO right. Why buy souvenirs when you can order the same thing over the Internet when you get home, if you really want it? I love the cork-backed placemats from England, but didn't want to lug them home. I ordered them when I returned home.

Hi Hotzim, I agree with you a 100%. After downsizing about 5 years ago I was almost sick with guilt with all the items I got rid of. Things I had purchased, gifts etc.

But the guilt has faded away and I so enjoy what I do have now without trying to figure out where to put items I really didn't need.

I do very little shopping while travelling. And actually do very little shopping at home except for when I really need something (like replacing the vegtable peeler that must have accidently been thrown in the garbage). Less is more! Simple is good, LOL!

And I don't think anyone has ever wished they had more stuff to lug around while on vacation.

hotzim, I absolutely agree about the value of cutting the clutter.

Choosing consumables for gifts & souveniers, like local specialty foods, chocolates or coffee, stationary or cards, cigarette lighters, pens, works nicely.

Oh, I feel packing light is really the only way to go. I generally only pack a few outfits--a pair of khaki type pants, one pair of jeans, and a pair of gaucho pants (or something like that that's comfy for walking lots and looks good dressed up) plus a handful of shirts (whatever will fit in 1 1/2 packing cubes). I also have a small spray bottle I fill with febreeze so I can wear my pants/shirts a few times before washing them if I feel like it. I only bring one extra pair of shoes (all black New Balances crosstrainers) and wear a black leather cushioned shoe that can be worn with or without socks. My clothes are usually all very basic, typically blue and black, but I have bright colorful jewelry and a scarf belt for around the waist or neck to jazz things up.

I put all toiletries (lots of mini bottles) in a Jansport foldup: http://www.rei.com/product/47599440.htm?vcat=REI_SSHP_TRAVEL_TOC

This is my pack (can be carried on a plane) and has a detachable daypack:
http://www.rei.com/product/47991312.htm
(I absolutely ADORE it)

This year I'll be going to Switzerland where it's a bit cooler, so I'm planning on adding in a pair of adidas running fleece pants and using a compressor bag (just for them).

I usually have room left in my bag for souvenirs or I mail them home . I only bring one travel book, no pleasure books...

I like the idea of sending home 'dirty laundry' half way through a long trip to make room for new purchases. Does anyone know if it is expensive to mail an average-size package of clothes or souvenirs from Italy or Greece to Canada or the US?

Hi mact, a few years ago I mailed a large box (about 30"X20"X20") from Italy, via the PostOffice. I sent it by land, not by air. It took a couple of months to arrive at my house. It was all clothes (long story, don't ask, LOL). It cost me about $70.00US.
I am sure the average person sending home clothes would not begin to have as much as I had to send home.

Pack one or two of the super absorbent fast dry travel towels (cheap car clothes work too) to help wring clothes dry after being washed in the sink or shower. I pack baggies of laundry soap--its easily proved to be soap and nothing more harmful by customs agents and I've never had a problem--and wash underwear and socks ever night.

Chicos Travellers line of clothes also wash and dry quickly as do thin cotton tops or ones with a bit of lycra (also helps tops to keep shape after handwashing).

In summer, not including what I wear when I leave, I usually take 2 pairs of underwear, 2 pairs of socks, 1 pair of pants or skirt, 1 pair of shoes, 2 nice cotton-blend tshirts , 1 dressier top, 2 camisoles for layering/sleeping in, nylon shorts to sleep in, and a light sweater and a rain jacket. Less than 3 minutes of laundry every other day gets the job done without paying for a laundry service (I don't pack enough for even half a load anyway).

Since you addressed "Summer", let me make a Winter note for those who may come across this thread later.

Though winter clothes are heavier, you can still plan on their drying overnight. Remember: in winter you'll have radiators and towel warmers to speed the process along.

LoveItaly, I remember that story, it's great. I think you should tell it again for those who missed it. Only if you want to, of course.

Ashields, thanks for the suggestion about the super absorbent towel. That's going on my packing list.

Hi, I just love Downey's Wrinkle release--use a small spray bottle--takes out odors and wrinkles.

Mix and match clothes
Two pairs of shoes
travel size everything

I use my shampoo as detergent if I need to wash anything. I used to bring shout wipes with me (got pooped on by a Parisian pigeon one trip and that darn shirt would NOT come clean with shampoo) but last trip I spotted the Tide to Go instant stain remover--it's a pen and freakin' brilliant. I carry it in my purse everyday now.

Definitely mail stuff back home. It is so worth the trip to the Post Office and when you get home you keep getting presents from your vacation!

I must admit that I ignored all these rules on my March trip to Paris. The trip was a present to myself for my 30th birthday and I figured after saving for a year and a half I was going in style. Stupid, stupid Jenny! I was miserable lugging that crap around. Never, ever again. I will shop for clothes if I get tired of what I brought along before I ever pack that much again. I should have put that in my trip report as I think it was quite possibly the most valuable thing I learned on that trip. (Aside from finally mastering the Subjonctif.)

Nycjenny - what a great lesson you learned - I'm trying to learn it for my upcoming trip. I am absolutely going to take only a 21" roller and a flight bag, but do you have any suggestions how to convince my 20-y-o daughter that she should do the same?

Are you going to a big city? If so I'd bribe her with some cash to buy some new clothes while there! Or tell her that if she can pay for the cabs to and from airports, train stations, hotels, etc she can bring as many suitcases as she wants. The threat of having to spend her own money usually works on my younger sister in any situation!

Maire- I say let your daughter pack whatever she likes, just let her know she will be carrying it herself. Maybe have her do ye ole test of packing her bags then walking around the block a few times at home with everything (age old pre-trip advise).

Believe me, that's the best cure for overpacking. I notice the women who are self-proclaimed overpackers here, freely admit they have a husband to tote and fetch for them -LOL.

Good idea, Suze. I'll make her do that!