jettagirl

I just wanted to know anyone's opinion or maybe someone else has been successful with packing this light for a 2 week trip to Europe. I want to know if it's possible and if anyone has any space-saving suggestions for packing. I dread the thought of worrying about my luggage getting lost if i check it. (it's happened to me before)......It just seems so much simpler if I could carry it all on the plane with me.......hope I'm not crazy.

WillTravel

Some people would think you are overpacking with that. My opinion is that should be fine. Just arrange to do laundry as needed, and make sure you have at least two pairs of shoes.

StCirq

Well, I've gone with a 22" roll-on and a small backpack or large tote for up to 5 weeks, so I don't think so. But there are people who wouldn't think of going to Europe for a week without the equivalent of a few steamer trunks - I've seen 'em waiting for trains and at the baggage collection points in Europe.

Whatever works for you, but just remember, you'll need to carry it.

Thyra

Sweatheart.. In one trip I went to New York city to party in Manhattan, on Safari to Africa for two weeks and then an additional couple of days having Euro fun in Amsterdam. I took just one 17 inch roll on carry-on and a medium sized purse. My secret, roll items, and black clothes that all match in different combinations.. except of course for Safari where you need to have khaki things that won't scare the animals.. but how many times really do you need to change clothes.. just bring 1 weeks worth of undies and you are good to go... oh be sure to condense shampoos and lotions into two week sized bottles. Have fun.

Tess_Durberville

If you think this is crazy, then call me Ms. Wacko, cuz I've made four trips to Italy --- all with my 22" roll-on and a carry-on piece. Granted, I've gone during the temperate weather seasons of spring & fall; it may be a bit more challenging if you're going during January (heavier & bulkier clothes), but even then folks do it.

SalB

No problem. We've gone to France for six weeks with a carryon and a backpack each. Just remember, they have stores in Europe. If you run out of shampoo (or underwear), you can always buy more.

As advised above, roll items tightly. In cooler weather we wear our heaviest items on the plane so we don't have to pack them. Plan on layers and keep to a very neutral color scheme.

Mentioned above and worth repeating . . . be sure to take two pairs of shoes. My husband didn't once and got caught in a horrible rainstorm on foot. It took three days for his only pair of shoes to dry out. He did a lot of walking in wet shoes for three days!

You can do it. Go and have fun.

grosenb

I took my first 2-week trip to Itlay two years ago . We went with another couple who said only bring carry on. I thought they were nuts and didn't think I would be able to bring all the clothes I needed and be happy. Well, I rolled, stuffed and folded my clothes in a 21" bag. Along with a small tote, I was able to have enough clothes and then some! In addition, was also able to bring three pairs of shoes, a camera, 5 books and I didn't have to wash my underwear in the sink!

My eyes were opened and since that time, whenever I travel, its always carryon. Carryon saves you time by not waiting for your lugguage and eliminates the fear of loosing your luggage.

I am going back to Italy again in May and will have my carryon, nothing larger.

Bon voyage!

cigalechanta

You are just fine! But leave some room to take things back. Unless you have a house there.

janis

The largest bag I EVER take is a 22 inch rollaboard - and no extra back pack (I just don't like them but for some folks a back pack works out fine). I only use the 22 incher for 4 - 6+ week trips. On trips less than 4 weeks, I use either an 18 or 19 inch case.

No pack, no add'l carry-on other than a medium sized handbag.

Personally taking more than that is more trouble that it's worth - especially when travelling on your own . . .

Jocelyn_P

Traveling light sounds great; so do you take a travel iron/steamer along for those rolled clothes? Go wrinkled? On our upcoming trip we have tickets to a concert at La Fenice in Venice--extra pair of dressier shoes and I'm sure wrinkles would be frowned upon! How do you deal with that? Going in May.

Anonymous

Your travel iron is probably incompatible wtih Euro electricity anyway -- just use the one that belongs to your hotel! Or take knits, or hang things up in a steamy bathroom.

Jocelyn_P

Will the more budget-wise hotels (140E in Venice, 100E in Verona) typically have irons? I guess I can always ask them, huh?

wondering

you have just the right amount of luggage, but leave a little spare room for some purchases!

janis

Some folks swear by the "roll" method. I use the "bundle" method and things (except linen) simply don't wrinkle. Well, light silks might a little - but the wrinkles hang out very quickly.

I have had two travel irons and have not packed either one in over 8 years. If something just has to be pressed the hotel/B&B can loan you an iron - - or laundry services are pretty cheap so you can send it out for pressing.

For dressy events I take things that just don't wrinkle (or that are supposed to wrinkle like some of the "scrunchy" fabrics). For instance, for a Royal Command Performance in London I wore a crushed velvet skirt and a beaded top.

isabel

I never take more than a 19" roll on and a medium size backpack sytle purse and I've never regretted it. (I do bring a folding tote bag in case I buy too much - in which case I put the dirty laundry in it and check it and carry on my treasures.)

blh

Agree with everything said about packing light. Works great! The thing that helps the most are ziploc bags. Pack the bag and squeeze out the air. It compacts everything and allows you to pack more. It also allows you to separate items - put underwear in one, socks in one, etc. I use medium size (l gal) for the small items, and large (2 gal) for clothes. You can buy plastic bags for packing, of course, but I find that ziplocs do just fine. Also is good if they go through your bags at the airport - they can see through the plastic and don't have to rumage through your clothes. I find it helps me keep my bag straight if I am living out of the suitcase - as in moving from place to place every two or three days. I pack a collapsible duffle bag to use on the trip home for the items I buy on the trip. I pack all makeup items in small travel size containers - makes a big difference. We carry a backpack to use as a day pack while sightseeing.

rex

I agree with no MORE than that. And I would sbstitute a very lightweight duffel for the backpack. My rule in general is: start with luggage that doesn't weigh much EMPTY to end up with luggage that doesn't weigh much PACKED - - no more than eight pounds for your "main" bag ("roll-aboard&quot and no more than eight OUNCES for your second bag (nylon duffel).

Best wishes,

Rex

Jocelyn_P

What's the maximum sized carry-on? Is it the same for most airlines?

cigalechanta

jettigirl, lugguge takes alot of abuse and I have my 22 inch Christmas shop luggage I bought 7 years ago and it is the lightest and strongest of any I've seen after travel. Friends have bought very expensive stuff, the wheels went. Mine are still intact.Just dont carry one of those typical ugly American HUGE backpacks that bumps into everyone.

Woody

I would also recommend checking with your specific airlines for their weight limits for carry-on luggage. Many European airlines have weight limits that are much stricter than U.S. carriers.

Air France, for example, has a 12 kg (26 lb.) limit for one's carry-on AND personal item. Also, connecting flights within Europe are sometimes even stricter (due to the small overhead bins).

I use a 20 inch carry-on, without wheels to save weight. With much planning, I find it adequate for two week trips to Europe.

Woody