I note one big difference in the packing styles... perhaps BillT's and my packing habits have to do with the taking of things for other people, be it family or friends? Are those of you who pack light(ly) bringing along "stuff" for others, or is your bag filled with only things you yourself need? Just curious. NOT trying to start anything here...

Also, do those of you who pack light(ly) always take just a carry-on bag? If you look at discussions about overhead bin bags vs check bags, you will see that some people almost refuse to check anything w/their respective carrier. Again, just curious... not stirring the pot in any way!

C

I'm in the pack lightly brigade, and no, I only take stuff I need for the trip. And I do check my backpack - Swiss army knife, metal nail file, more liquids than allowed. More to the point, I don't want to lug it around the terminal building. It usually weighs in at around 10 kilos. Also, I hate shopping! (Although I love markets.) If I buy at all it's usually at the last stop on a trip, and things like jewelry and scarves.

thurs... I'm a market shopper also, but I bring home lots of items, not just a few. I love shopping! I love finding new and unique hand made items. I can easily fill a spare bag with purchases (and have done so, many times).

Oh Carol, this thread is about MUCH, MUCH more than packing light. It just depends on how you read it. For me, it's a glimpse into a parallel universe; really, really interesting, strangely moving and kinda spooky - all at the same time.

I am BillT's greatest fan. I see nothing but goodness.

That Carol would lug books, bottles of wine, a portable stove and a baby Chiwawa stuffed in a box of Cornflakes across the globe for her friends says a lot about HER big heart, too.

As I do absolutely NONE of the above - from the beginning of the thread till now - I realise I must be a mean, hateful creature with grubby underpants and rather suspect moral values. To me the issue has never been WHAT you pack - but WHY? What assumptions drive this Samsonite frenzy? To prove what to WHO?

So this is all fascinating to me.

I only commented because I take issue with the concept that <b>all</b> women must take too much "stuff". That's just simply not true. I really don't care how anyone packs, but I do want people to know it's possible to pack lightly and yet not be grungy. To each their own.

I also think there's a huge difference between packing a suitcase full of gifts and 2 suitcases full of clothes because one just can't decide what to bring, so they bring everything.

I used to be in the camp of carry on only, never checking a bag, but lately I've been more along the lines of thursdaysd, and I check my 22" rather than take it on the plane and through multiple security checkpoints. I also don't buy a lot when I travel so there's no need for extra luggage on the way home. Even on our Vietnam trip, where we bought quite a bit and I had a winter coat made, I still managed to fit it all in my bag for the trip home.

Oh, and Downunderjack, no, I don't think I'm a "better and smarter traveler", just less burdened by stuff I won't need. To me, having more than I can possibly wear in the number of days I'm traveling <b>is</b> a burden.

Dogster, if you are in India now, will you be providing us with some amusement soon?

dog... will you be travelling to BKK as well????? I'm going to be back there (think Haagen Dazs at Central World) soon!

BTW, I have a washing machine in "my" apartment in BKK, so I can travel with only about 5 days worth of clothing when I go there. Leaves space on my (3) bags for soooooooo much more (like the portable stove and baby Chiwawa... LOL)

C

Sure will, Kristina - but not while I'm on the road. Unless I get sooky - then communicating with you guys is a real life-saver. This is turning out to be a most unexpected voyage, indeed.

Perhaps that's why I'm over-using capital letters. lol.