3.5 Weeks in Europe with no luggage
Sep 22nd, 2014, 12:08 PM
#21
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This person will have NO time to do laundry, and barely enough time to rinsed things out in the sink in order for it to dry before she has to be off to the airport for their next 1.5 day city visit.
Yes, OP, you can travel in a 22" carryon with wheels. Not a backpack, which has to GO on your back.
Yes, OP, you can travel in a 22" carryon with wheels. Not a backpack, which has to GO on your back.
Sep 22nd, 2014, 12:17 PM
#22
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I travel often for two weeks or more, and I almost never take luggage that isn't carry-on size. That doesn't mean that I never check it, because if I have layovers, I don't like to lug even a small bag around the airports en route.
My favorite configuration is a small, squarish roller bag that will fit under the airline seats, with either a large purse, or a small day pack or duffel, that will perch on top of it. I have one small duffel that has a band for fitting over the roller handles, so it doesn't fall off as I'm rushing around.
With this combination, I can go for two weeks without doing laundry. In the winter, I wear slacks three or four times, and tops at least twice, often three times. In the summer, I need more clothing, but it's lighter and takes up less space. I make sure that everything matches everything else, and that especially the slacks are in neutral colors that will go with everything.
There are lots of tricks for the actual packing. Some people say to roll everything, but I find that a combination of rolling and folding works best.
I start with the slacks, in the following manner: I lay the slacks across the bottom of the empty suitcase, in a sort of U shape, with the waistband along the left end, as high as the side of the suitcase, then fit along the bottom, up the opposite side, and the legs hanging out. The next pair of slacks is laid out the same way, but on the opposite side, with the legs hanging out the other side.
I then roll all the knit tops and lightweight sweaters, and line them up on top of the slacks. (You have to be careful when rolling things not to roll creases into them.) I pack these in tight, putting some crosswise to fill space. Then, I stuff underwear and socks into any little spaces that remain. On top of this, I put any woven shirts that I'm taking, folded nicely, and an extra sweater in the winter. In the summer, I usually take just one, and wear it on the plane. The final step is to fold the legs of the slacks over the other clothing, tucking the ends down the opposite side if necessary. This makes a nice neat bundle and the slacks don't get creased.
In the other little bag, duffel or whatever, I put an extra pair of shoes, sometimes two pairs, as well as some of the socks and underwear. (Stuff socks into the shoes, which saves space and protects the shape of the shoes.) I also put at least one spare top, my toiletries (which are minimal), medicines, and pajamas (rolled up tight). This way, even if I check the suitcase, I have the essentials to last me a few days if the suitcase goes astray. If I'm planning to carry on both bags, my normal, smaller, shoulder bag has to go in here, too.
I usually take a 7-inch tablet (Nexus 7) with me, as well as a charger or two, small camera, and extra battery. These fit into an outside pocket, either of the suitcase or of the duffel bag. This way, they're handy for airport security. I don't take my DSLR camera unless we'll be mostly staying in one place, or traveling entirely by car, when it's not so important to travel light. I also take one good guide book, and maybe some pages ripped out of other guide books. Other reading material is on my tablet, where I have a Kindle app.
Since both my pieces of luggage are small, I can easily carry them up stairs, one in each hand, and lift them into the overhead compartment on the plane or train. I don't have to worry about all the overhead bins being occupied, because the larger of my bags will actually go under the seat in front of me, if necessary, and there's always room for a little duffel bag in the overhead bins.
On a recent trip to Scotland and northern England, I had to do laundry three days before the end of the trip. This is the first time I've done laundry en route in over fifteen years, and it was only necessary because it was unusually hot this past June, and I hadn't brought enough summer-weight clothing, and too much heavier clothing and rain gear. I brought my square roller bag and a large purse, and my husband brought a spinner of about the same volume, and a very small day pack. We had several things we never wore because they were too heavy for the temperatures we experienced. (It was hotter in Scotland than it was at home in Italy!) Our luggage was all within Ryanair's strict limits for carryon luggage, some of the most rigid in the industry.
My favorite configuration is a small, squarish roller bag that will fit under the airline seats, with either a large purse, or a small day pack or duffel, that will perch on top of it. I have one small duffel that has a band for fitting over the roller handles, so it doesn't fall off as I'm rushing around.
With this combination, I can go for two weeks without doing laundry. In the winter, I wear slacks three or four times, and tops at least twice, often three times. In the summer, I need more clothing, but it's lighter and takes up less space. I make sure that everything matches everything else, and that especially the slacks are in neutral colors that will go with everything.
There are lots of tricks for the actual packing. Some people say to roll everything, but I find that a combination of rolling and folding works best.
I start with the slacks, in the following manner: I lay the slacks across the bottom of the empty suitcase, in a sort of U shape, with the waistband along the left end, as high as the side of the suitcase, then fit along the bottom, up the opposite side, and the legs hanging out. The next pair of slacks is laid out the same way, but on the opposite side, with the legs hanging out the other side.
I then roll all the knit tops and lightweight sweaters, and line them up on top of the slacks. (You have to be careful when rolling things not to roll creases into them.) I pack these in tight, putting some crosswise to fill space. Then, I stuff underwear and socks into any little spaces that remain. On top of this, I put any woven shirts that I'm taking, folded nicely, and an extra sweater in the winter. In the summer, I usually take just one, and wear it on the plane. The final step is to fold the legs of the slacks over the other clothing, tucking the ends down the opposite side if necessary. This makes a nice neat bundle and the slacks don't get creased.
In the other little bag, duffel or whatever, I put an extra pair of shoes, sometimes two pairs, as well as some of the socks and underwear. (Stuff socks into the shoes, which saves space and protects the shape of the shoes.) I also put at least one spare top, my toiletries (which are minimal), medicines, and pajamas (rolled up tight). This way, even if I check the suitcase, I have the essentials to last me a few days if the suitcase goes astray. If I'm planning to carry on both bags, my normal, smaller, shoulder bag has to go in here, too.
I usually take a 7-inch tablet (Nexus 7) with me, as well as a charger or two, small camera, and extra battery. These fit into an outside pocket, either of the suitcase or of the duffel bag. This way, they're handy for airport security. I don't take my DSLR camera unless we'll be mostly staying in one place, or traveling entirely by car, when it's not so important to travel light. I also take one good guide book, and maybe some pages ripped out of other guide books. Other reading material is on my tablet, where I have a Kindle app.
Since both my pieces of luggage are small, I can easily carry them up stairs, one in each hand, and lift them into the overhead compartment on the plane or train. I don't have to worry about all the overhead bins being occupied, because the larger of my bags will actually go under the seat in front of me, if necessary, and there's always room for a little duffel bag in the overhead bins.
On a recent trip to Scotland and northern England, I had to do laundry three days before the end of the trip. This is the first time I've done laundry en route in over fifteen years, and it was only necessary because it was unusually hot this past June, and I hadn't brought enough summer-weight clothing, and too much heavier clothing and rain gear. I brought my square roller bag and a large purse, and my husband brought a spinner of about the same volume, and a very small day pack. We had several things we never wore because they were too heavy for the temperatures we experienced. (It was hotter in Scotland than it was at home in Italy!) Our luggage was all within Ryanair's strict limits for carryon luggage, some of the most rigid in the industry.
Sep 22nd, 2014, 12:27 PM
#23
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<Yes, OP, you can travel in a 22" carryon with wheels. Not a backpack, which has to GO on your back.>
What? Is the OP now going into the bag with her clothes? Onto her husband's back in the bag?
Between this and the Michelin Man layers, this has become farce, despite there being some really good advice given as well.
What? Is the OP now going into the bag with her clothes? Onto her husband's back in the bag?
Between this and the Michelin Man layers, this has become farce, despite there being some really good advice given as well.
Sep 22nd, 2014, 12:53 PM
#24
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I wouldn't sweat it about the laundry. If you go to a laundromat every five days, then that's only three times during your trip. It makes for some nice downtime, which everyone needs on even the fastest paced trip. Just pencil 'laundry' into your itinerary every five days.
Including the stuff you wear, you need five changes of sox and undies and short sleeved tops (over which you can wear a long sleeved overshirt and/or sweater, cardigan, etc.); you can handwash the stuff you wear to the laundromat. At the laundromat, after you've figured out the directions for machine use (part and parcel of learning how to travel) one of you babysits the clothes, the other shops for picnic stuff, or whatever; then you can switch if you want, or munch a sandwich in the laundromat, catch up on your journal, write postcards, organize your photos, collect your thoughts about what you'll do the remainder of the day, etc. etc. We've done this dozens of times, literally. When no laundromat is readily available we've even thrown everything in the hotel room bathtub and agitated it with our feet, grape-squishing style, and dried it partly by air, partly with a hairdryer. Laundry is simply not an issue.
By the way, we check our rollaboards and only take on a daypack apiece with essentials. Regardless, assume that if the plane is full, overhead bin space will be heavily subscribed.
Including the stuff you wear, you need five changes of sox and undies and short sleeved tops (over which you can wear a long sleeved overshirt and/or sweater, cardigan, etc.); you can handwash the stuff you wear to the laundromat. At the laundromat, after you've figured out the directions for machine use (part and parcel of learning how to travel) one of you babysits the clothes, the other shops for picnic stuff, or whatever; then you can switch if you want, or munch a sandwich in the laundromat, catch up on your journal, write postcards, organize your photos, collect your thoughts about what you'll do the remainder of the day, etc. etc. We've done this dozens of times, literally. When no laundromat is readily available we've even thrown everything in the hotel room bathtub and agitated it with our feet, grape-squishing style, and dried it partly by air, partly with a hairdryer. Laundry is simply not an issue.
By the way, we check our rollaboards and only take on a daypack apiece with essentials. Regardless, assume that if the plane is full, overhead bin space will be heavily subscribed.
Sep 22nd, 2014, 12:59 PM
#25
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Thank you for all the tips and suggestions especially to bvlenci, nytraveler, adrienne, isabel, greg, dwdvagamundo, AnaBelen, justineparis and many others!
Lots of great tips! I'm learning a lot from this community!
There are some whose comments sound like we just made a huge mistake planning this trip. Maybe.. you are right. But then again, it's not like we're going to war right? I'd rather be optimistic and atleast enjoy the madness!
Lots of great tips! I'm learning a lot from this community!
There are some whose comments sound like we just made a huge mistake planning this trip. Maybe.. you are right. But then again, it's not like we're going to war right? I'd rather be optimistic and atleast enjoy the madness!
Sep 22nd, 2014, 01:03 PM
#27
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On your other thread you said that you want to stay in cheap hotels. These hotels often do not give you soap and certainly don't have shampoo available.
For hand laundry I use Purex sheets cut into quarters. Each quarter sheet is enough for a basin of hand washing.
For hand laundry I use Purex sheets cut into quarters. Each quarter sheet is enough for a basin of hand washing.
Sep 22nd, 2014, 01:12 PM
#29
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Hi Adrienne - if it will do the trick, I am down with Purex!
Yes some hotels we're staying at are cheap. Most of them are under $200 a night...
Paris - Hotel St Pierre
Amsterdam- Waterfront Hotel
Brussels - Hotel Exe Grand Place
Rome - Navona Luxury Suites
London - Victoria Apartments ( although we would like to change this for sure)
Yes some hotels we're staying at are cheap. Most of them are under $200 a night...
Paris - Hotel St Pierre
Amsterdam- Waterfront Hotel
Brussels - Hotel Exe Grand Place
Rome - Navona Luxury Suites
London - Victoria Apartments ( although we would like to change this for sure)
Sep 22nd, 2014, 01:14 PM
#30
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I recently returned from a 17 day trip to Europe with the ebags Motherlode mentioned by sparkchaser as my only luggage. For help with planning I would recommend onebag.com and snarkynomad.com for excellent tips regarding packing lists and gear. You will do laundry, but it will all be in your bathroom sink or shower (10 minutes per night tops). This will require some attention to the fabrics you choose (quick dry shorts and pants, merino wool socks, poly shirts, Airism undies, etc) and is clearly not for everyone. But, with no waiting for checked bags, no pulling bags up metro stairs, etc I am glad I made the switch. I am not a backpacker, but the weight was totally manageable for me. We took 3 flights in Europe on Adria, InterSky and EasyJet and the bag fit in the overhead compartment with no issues.
Do your homework and determine if this is the way to go for you.
Do your homework and determine if this is the way to go for you.
Sep 22nd, 2014, 01:17 PM
#31
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I think it is gross that people wear their clothes more than once without washing them. I don't do that at home and I certainly would not do that when travelling, Washing clothes in a hotel sink is also gross, laundromats are not clean. I have read threads where posters are discussing washing their clothes with shampoo. Now I read about washing clothes in a hotel bath and "agitated it with our feet, grape-squishing style, and dried it partly by air, partly with a hairdryer." Sounds like something a university student would do in a cheap hostel. I would rather pay for excess baggage so I could have clean clothes at minimum on a daily basis than perform these rituals and waste any vacation time in a laundromat.
Sep 22nd, 2014, 01:23 PM
#32
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<I think it is gross that people wear their clothes more than once without washing them. >
You are clearly a germaphobe, which is a handicap for which I pity you, because you spend time and money assuaging baseless anxieties. I, on the other hand, skip blithely across continents in the selfsame sweater, secure in the knowledge that a touch of BO never hurt anyone.
You are clearly a germaphobe, which is a handicap for which I pity you, because you spend time and money assuaging baseless anxieties. I, on the other hand, skip blithely across continents in the selfsame sweater, secure in the knowledge that a touch of BO never hurt anyone.
Sep 22nd, 2014, 01:23 PM
#33
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Another solution might be to go to those flea markets close to the city and buy those cheap souvenir t-shirts. That would be hilarious if all our photos would have names of the places we're visiting.
Say a t-shirt that says ROME in it and just behind us is the Vatican! lol!
Say a t-shirt that says ROME in it and just behind us is the Vatican! lol!
Sep 22nd, 2014, 01:35 PM
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@Judy - if it's cheap enough- will toss it. Although this option might be the least likely as I have learned a great deal from the replies -- We might do the layer thing to a point, and then pack clothes but do a little bit of laundry in the hotel washroom @ night then if the AC is clean enough, hang it there to dry.
Sep 22nd, 2014, 03:29 PM
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Odin.. wow.. you seriously have issues.. my condolences. I doubt you look better groomed them me ,, I doubt you have better health.. but boy.. you must have higher anxiety.
Just out of picking a scab curiosity.. do you really wash a pair of jeans each time you wash them?? I can't imagine my body being filthy enough that I would need to do that.. lol
And washing clothes in sinks is gross?? Why? I have used hotel shampoo myself.. but a few years ago discovered a product called Forever New.. get it in the lingerie departments at stores. Its a very concentrated powder so easy to pack in carry on.. washes clothes with minimal agitating,, and rinces out easily. .
Just out of picking a scab curiosity.. do you really wash a pair of jeans each time you wash them?? I can't imagine my body being filthy enough that I would need to do that.. lol
And washing clothes in sinks is gross?? Why? I have used hotel shampoo myself.. but a few years ago discovered a product called Forever New.. get it in the lingerie departments at stores. Its a very concentrated powder so easy to pack in carry on.. washes clothes with minimal agitating,, and rinces out easily. .
Sep 22nd, 2014, 06:36 PM
#39
