Neil_Oz

We returned to Australia today from a 6-wk visit to the US and Canada, and as the limits were more generous than the 20 kg we're used to, we were pretty relaxed about shopping for gifts etc, to the point that we had to buy another bag. By the time we left SFO our baggage was as bulky and heavy as we could manoeuvre. We were surprised to find that the lot weighed in at 46 kg for the two of us. I can't imagine trying to handle any more, and we certainly stayed comfortably within the 20 kg limit during our 3 weeks in China.

I've noticed that more experienced travellers tend to pack light.

althom1122

I agree that more experienced travelers tend to pack light. I seem to go lighter every time. There have been so many times that I've taken clothing that I don't even wear - and it's a pain to lug around extra stuff. It's not just the weight. For me, it's about keeping my things organized. I hate it when I can't find something in my suitcase. I've never wished I'd brought along more. And only once in a great while did I wish I'd brought along a particular item that I chose to leave at home. Still...I agonize before every trip as to what to pack.

Lia

I met a couple in SE Asia recently who are travelling around the world with just their carry-on luggage! They left right around the time of the London arrests and had been travelling through ANZ and EUR for weeks. They had a couple of outfits, basic toiletries and medications and bought everything else along the way. They both agreed it was the best travel decision they ever made, except that it made it hard to shop for souvenirs since whatever they bought, they had to carry or ship. Don't know if I could manage that, but it sounds like a great way to go!

EllenLM

I encourage you to take an extra pair of shoes, no matter what else you do or don't take. Western sizes are very hard to find in China and if you step in the mud, lose a heel, or otherwise can't use the shoes you wore on the plane or sandals, you're stuck. Here's a hint for washing out laundry: I use the hotel-provided soap to lather up and soak my clothes in the sink or bathtub, then rinse thoroughly and wring them out. I then wrap the clothing in a towel so even more moisture is removed before hanging them over the shower rod to dry. By morning, almost everything is dry; what isn't can be dried with the hair dryer. BTW, I found the prices of laundry at major hotels in major Chinese cities to be very costly; guess there's no such thing as a local Chinese laundry to use while in China, LOL.

Shanghainese

travelbuddies06: You can buy in the U.S. nice-looking clothes that barely weigh anything and wash/dry fast, I have stretchy tops (long/short/sleeveless) that can crunch in my palm. You can wash them with shampoo. Pants have to be comfy, no stretchy leggings for me! Cotton knit cardigans take up too much space, you can buy cashmere ones in China that are really cheap. Quality might not be like Tse but at that price one doesn't care.
Happy Travels and Shopping!

Shanghainese

TBS06: Don't pack your jacket, carry it on.

Neil: wow, 6 weeks in US & Canada, where is your TR posted?

Neil_Oz

Hi, Shanghainese - hey, I'm still in jetlag mode, but I'll post on the US and Canada forums when I get my head together.

LostinChina

travelbuddies06,
I'm planning a trip to China for 2 weeks in June. I have the same problem about packing heavy. HOw did your trip work out? Did you make the luggage limit ok or did you get charged extra? How much was the extra charge? Did you feel like you packed enough? Too little?

Thanks!

LostinChina

Boy I just read thru the web site from thursdaysd. That was thorough for the packing list and also the squat toilets instructions. Thanks so much!!

thursdaysd

Hi LostinChina - thanks - hope it helps. Let us know what you get your luggage down to!