3.5 Weeks in Europe with no luggage
Sep 24th, 2014, 10:58 AM
#82
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According to most weather sites.. weather in Rome will not be warm in Feb.. unless you consider 8-9 C degrees warm. That's not cold.. but its certainly not warm.
Have you googled weather averages for your dates of travel , very easy to do .
Remember.. its not warm tropical year round in south of Europe.. many people seem to think that its always beach weather in the south.. but its most definitely not, some of the greek islands basically close down from November to April-May.
Have you googled weather averages for your dates of travel , very easy to do .
Remember.. its not warm tropical year round in south of Europe.. many people seem to think that its always beach weather in the south.. but its most definitely not, some of the greek islands basically close down from November to April-May.
Sep 24th, 2014, 11:48 AM
#83
Back to your original question, you need to figure out what kind of bags you will use. You need to check with the specific airlines you will be flying and find out their dimension and weight regulation... then make sure your bag fits those.
As mentioned by a few, if you can go with a soft bag like a duffle bag, it will weigh less empty than a roller suitcase (because the handle, frames, wheels, all add weight and size) then you'll have room for more clothes.
No don't try to layer all your clothing on your body. Sorry but that's just silly. DO be ready to wear the same (outer) clothes *without washing* over and over again.
As mentioned by a few, if you can go with a soft bag like a duffle bag, it will weigh less empty than a roller suitcase (because the handle, frames, wheels, all add weight and size) then you'll have room for more clothes.
No don't try to layer all your clothing on your body. Sorry but that's just silly. DO be ready to wear the same (outer) clothes *without washing* over and over again.
Sep 24th, 2014, 05:53 PM
#84
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Everybody had great suggestions. We did a 16 transatlantic with 2 more weeks on land with one carryon each. We are leaving next month for a 18 day Med/Adriatic cruise with 5 extra land days.
Simply--wear my heaviest footwear on plane (sneakers)for very rough streets, bring a pair of good sturdy sandals with straps and $1 flip flops for ship. Since chances of rain are good for this trip bringing rain shoe covers (the sandals fit and as they have no toe separator, could wear socks if cold and wet). Wearing jeans and LS tee with patterned jacket on plane and bringing 3 SL tees and cullotes that go with jacket and tees.
Bringing a shawl for dinner wrap. We do fancy dining or any night activities for dressy clothes. One pair of shorts for boat that'll go with the tees. Temps will be about 55-70 and I like it cold, so this will be T shirt weather for me.
Hubby bought some sort of nylon Ts and nylon athletic briefs at Walmart. I cut the legs the length of his BVDs. He hand washes. Buy 3 $1 ponchos at dollar store the size of a 3x3 post it pack for rain coverage.
On transatlantic trip as we flew both rynair and aer lingus, they had very restrictive carryon bag requirements and HEFTY fees, so did wear a few extra Ts to make sure bag did not puff out. Took off on board and stuffed in bag.
After transatlantic trip, on return to US, we were the first at Customs and upon exiting, agents thought we had forgotten our checked bags as we just had the carryon.
That is really why we love the cruising for lengthy European trips, we just have to make it on board, and all our personal grooming stuff disappears over the course of the cruise.
You Can do it with a bag on wheels! Good luck.
Simply--wear my heaviest footwear on plane (sneakers)for very rough streets, bring a pair of good sturdy sandals with straps and $1 flip flops for ship. Since chances of rain are good for this trip bringing rain shoe covers (the sandals fit and as they have no toe separator, could wear socks if cold and wet). Wearing jeans and LS tee with patterned jacket on plane and bringing 3 SL tees and cullotes that go with jacket and tees.
Bringing a shawl for dinner wrap. We do fancy dining or any night activities for dressy clothes. One pair of shorts for boat that'll go with the tees. Temps will be about 55-70 and I like it cold, so this will be T shirt weather for me.
Hubby bought some sort of nylon Ts and nylon athletic briefs at Walmart. I cut the legs the length of his BVDs. He hand washes. Buy 3 $1 ponchos at dollar store the size of a 3x3 post it pack for rain coverage.
On transatlantic trip as we flew both rynair and aer lingus, they had very restrictive carryon bag requirements and HEFTY fees, so did wear a few extra Ts to make sure bag did not puff out. Took off on board and stuffed in bag.
After transatlantic trip, on return to US, we were the first at Customs and upon exiting, agents thought we had forgotten our checked bags as we just had the carryon.
That is really why we love the cruising for lengthy European trips, we just have to make it on board, and all our personal grooming stuff disappears over the course of the cruise.
You Can do it with a bag on wheels! Good luck.
Sep 24th, 2014, 07:20 PM
#86
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We traveled six weeks with a carryon each. I brought a tiny water spray bottle. I would spritz the wrinkles out of the clothes I would wear each day. Just spray and shake. Kept laundry at bay a bit longer. If you are moving often you will definitely appreciate the smaller luggage. Once you travel with a carry on only you will never go back.
Sep 24th, 2014, 07:31 PM
#87
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Continental Drifter
It's funny, isn't it, the range of comments that can crop up about laundry. Such a simple task.
You have a great comment on perspective, but using a laundry service isn't always an option for various reasons. The hotel or village doesn't offer the service, or one plans to leave within 24 hours (often 24 hours is the time specified by the service to discharge the contract) or whatever.
Plus: we really don't mind, truly, about doing laundry. As I pointed out, it needn't take one's full attention, one can do other things at the same time. Others' mileage may vary, but we really don't feel doing this task detracts from our vacation in any way.
But I appreciate that people have their own strategies about managing travel wardrobes. There's no one right way to approach this.
It's funny, isn't it, the range of comments that can crop up about laundry. Such a simple task.
You have a great comment on perspective, but using a laundry service isn't always an option for various reasons. The hotel or village doesn't offer the service, or one plans to leave within 24 hours (often 24 hours is the time specified by the service to discharge the contract) or whatever.
Plus: we really don't mind, truly, about doing laundry. As I pointed out, it needn't take one's full attention, one can do other things at the same time. Others' mileage may vary, but we really don't feel doing this task detracts from our vacation in any way.
But I appreciate that people have their own strategies about managing travel wardrobes. There's no one right way to approach this.
Sep 25th, 2014, 07:37 AM
#88
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<As I pointed out, it needn't take one's full attention, one can do other things at the same time.>
Very very true. My husband found the best little wine shop in Venice, where you bring and fill your empty 2 liter bottle, while we were doing laundry. You would have thought he found a gold mind.
Very very true. My husband found the best little wine shop in Venice, where you bring and fill your empty 2 liter bottle, while we were doing laundry. You would have thought he found a gold mind.
Sep 25th, 2014, 08:12 AM
#89
He did! (find a gold mine at the little wine shop)
Each time I see the title of this post... I keep picturing MsWorthy getting off the plane with only her purse in hand! Truly "no luggage".
I've read about people who do that, travel with almost nothing. Could be an interesting experiment. Closest I've come was 3 wks in Europe one summer with only a gym-bag sized duffle bag & boy was i sick of those clothes before the end of the trip!!
Each time I see the title of this post... I keep picturing MsWorthy getting off the plane with only her purse in hand! Truly "no luggage".
I've read about people who do that, travel with almost nothing. Could be an interesting experiment. Closest I've come was 3 wks in Europe one summer with only a gym-bag sized duffle bag & boy was i sick of those clothes before the end of the trip!!
Sep 25th, 2014, 08:40 AM
#90
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Thanks Suze, and to all for the tips and suggestions!
Based from the responses, it seems to me some people like to travel with only carryon, some wants to have their bags checked in
All good.
As for us - my husband and I are leaning towards no checked in luggage - maybe only a small duffel bag as carryon for each- and if we need to do laundry eventually, then we will.
I will probably do a couple of layers - maybe I'll wear 3 yoga pants and a fleece sweatshirt under a winter jacket. We'll see how it goes. I'm short and I tend to look very 'thick' with multiple layers of clothing - but this will not stop me unless my husband starts laughing at me for my appearance. ;P
Based from the responses, it seems to me some people like to travel with only carryon, some wants to have their bags checked in
All good.As for us - my husband and I are leaning towards no checked in luggage - maybe only a small duffel bag as carryon for each- and if we need to do laundry eventually, then we will.
I will probably do a couple of layers - maybe I'll wear 3 yoga pants and a fleece sweatshirt under a winter jacket. We'll see how it goes. I'm short and I tend to look very 'thick' with multiple layers of clothing - but this will not stop me unless my husband starts laughing at me for my appearance. ;P
Sep 25th, 2014, 08:48 AM
#91
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@ Continental_Drifter - thank you for putting things into perspective. You are right, laundry costs would be miniscule compared to the total costs we are already putting in to flights and hotel.
I guess we're trying to see where can we cut costs -- and it seems like laundry is the easiest thing to take out, if ever.
Husband and I are doing the math and it seems like ON TOP of flights (already paid for) and hotels (budgeted separately), we are probably still going to spend $3000 for food and tours?
I guess we're trying to see where can we cut costs -- and it seems like laundry is the easiest thing to take out, if ever.
Husband and I are doing the math and it seems like ON TOP of flights (already paid for) and hotels (budgeted separately), we are probably still going to spend $3000 for food and tours?
Sep 25th, 2014, 01:16 PM
#92
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You are going to be very warm and uncomfortable on the plane wearing layers of clothing. Will you be wearing them as you transfer from hotel to hotel, city to city too? Bring a bag big enough to hold your clothes.
Sep 25th, 2014, 01:32 PM
#93
PLEASE don't wear 3 pair of yoga pants on the plane
That is just ridiculous. First off you don't need 3 of the same item (one trick to packing light, why do you need more than one pair of "yoga pants") and 2nd... well it's just crazy -haha.
If you want to go carry-on only, find a nice 19-21" roller suitcase and pack only as much of your normal clothing as fits into that. It's really not hard.
And yes $3000 sounds about right. A generic generally accepted rule-of-thumb is $100 per person per day for food, drink, admissions, local transporation, a few souveniers.
That is just ridiculous. First off you don't need 3 of the same item (one trick to packing light, why do you need more than one pair of "yoga pants") and 2nd... well it's just crazy -haha.
If you want to go carry-on only, find a nice 19-21" roller suitcase and pack only as much of your normal clothing as fits into that. It's really not hard.
And yes $3000 sounds about right. A generic generally accepted rule-of-thumb is $100 per person per day for food, drink, admissions, local transporation, a few souveniers.
Sep 25th, 2014, 10:16 PM
#94
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I would say you could do this on less than $100/per person/per day (not including hotels and flights), but it is a good figure to keep in mind. Often I spend much less, than "ruin" it by buying a 30-Euro concert ticket (but it would be silly to come all that way and spend all that money and not take advantage of local culture). And of course more is very, very easily possible.
Sep 26th, 2014, 03:15 AM
#95
I ALWAYS travel w/ just a carryon sized bag. Sometimes I check it but usually not . . . But never ever do I need more than a 21 inch roll aboard. And I never EVER have to wear multiple layers of pants/sweaters on a flight. You'll just end up looking like a hill billy and be very uncomfortable. Plus you don't need to do anything goofy like that. For one thing, why multi versions of the same garment? One pair of yoga pants (good to wear on the plane), one pair of black slacks (to dress up or down), one pair of jeans . . . And you are good to go. Take all sorts of tops/t's/sweaters but you'd only need the 3 'bottoms' and mix/match/ layer everything else.
Sep 26th, 2014, 08:58 AM
#96
I agree you can possibly do with less than $100/day per person but I think it's a reasonable figure for planning purposes. It's not even all that generous really.
janisj is a packing whiz. Follow her advice. And please don't wear those 3 pair of yoga pants on the plane, i'm sorry but you've had me laughing since yesterday about that one!!
janisj is a packing whiz. Follow her advice. And please don't wear those 3 pair of yoga pants on the plane, i'm sorry but you've had me laughing since yesterday about that one!!
Sep 26th, 2014, 09:24 AM
#97
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Me too, janisj. I completely agree. I'm a big travel light person also. Pick two colors and a few layering pieces. Select a couple of accessories or scarves to dress up/down your outfits. Pick up a beautiful scarf or pashmina in a market and wear it while you are there. You'll love the momento when you return.
I feel the same way about buying a new fragrance one of the first days I'm traveling and they wearing it the rest of the time on my trip. Then, when I wear the fragrance at home, it completely connects me back to the trip experiences. You know what they say about smells connecting you? It totally works for me.
And no, there is no reason to layer three pairs of yoga pants on the plane.
I feel the same way about buying a new fragrance one of the first days I'm traveling and they wearing it the rest of the time on my trip. Then, when I wear the fragrance at home, it completely connects me back to the trip experiences. You know what they say about smells connecting you? It totally works for me.
And no, there is no reason to layer three pairs of yoga pants on the plane.
Sep 26th, 2014, 03:38 PM
#99
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PS: Even if a skirt isn't fleece, if you wear a longish skirt over warm knit paths, plus good knee-high socks, it's like having a blanket over your lower body
http://www.sierratradingpost.com/str...colorFamily=02
http://www.sierratradingpost.com/str...colorFamily=02
Sep 27th, 2014, 09:12 AM
#100
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Good lord in heaven, now I have seen it all. How cold need it be for a floor-length fleece skirt over tights to become necessary?? Good for hiking glaciers, perhaps, but not so good for being indoors at all.
