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Carry on for 10 day trip?

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Old Apr 12th, 2009, 09:28 PM
  #21  
 
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Check or don't check - That is 100% your choice.

But I get really tired of 'check luggage types' saying things like "I could never wear the same thing every day for two weeks" or "I prefer not to smell" or "I'm not a slob - I need to take more clothes", or whatever other slam you direct at those who do carry on.

Sheesh - talk about holier than thou. One can be just as clean, just as stylish, out of a 21 inch bag as out of a 28-incher. Just because you can't figure out how to do it doesn't mean perfectly normal/well dressed/experienced travelers can't manage.

On some airlines I have to check my 21 inch rollaboard since full it weighs more than 6 kilo. But that doesn't mean I take more stuff just because I'm checking it. I use the same size bag if I'm away for 4 days or 4 weeks (or 4 months for that matter). I do not wear dirty clothing, I do not smell, I do not wear the same outfits over and over. I can easily get 30-40 unique outfits out of a 21 in carry on - which I'll bet many of the giant suitcase brigade can't manage. I even attended a formal event (really REALLY formal since it was in the presence of Queen Elizabeth II) during a 2 week trip, out of my trusty little bag.

So go ahead and check - that is not a crime. Just give the rest us the benefit of the doubt. (BTW - shoe size does not make much of a difference)
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Old Apr 13th, 2009, 01:04 AM
  #22  
 
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Face facts, Janis..if you STINK, you are NOT the least bit holy!
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Old Apr 13th, 2009, 01:24 AM
  #23  
 
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With regards to the right-sized bag, you really have to go to the individual airlines. The European airlines do tend to have less generous allowances, and this includes the legacy carriers. They are not always enforced, but I have seen them enforced with at least some regularity.

I actually find the weight restrictions to cause more of a problem than the size of the suitcase. On SAS, for example, the max weight is 8kg. A standard roll-aboard + laptop will likely run you 6kg. And the airline's know this. On those occasions when I have had my carry-on weighed, it was a roll-aboard. They are basically a red flag, should the airline choose to enforce the rules.

At the end of the day, I don't think it is possible to use a roll-aboard on most European carriers (BA being a notable exception) with a carry-on that actually meets the published requirements. That isn't to say that you can't get away with it, but to me it means that I wouldn't stress too much whether it is a 19" or 21" carry-on. If they want to make you check it, they will have plenty of latitude to make you check either bag.
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Old Apr 13th, 2009, 03:16 AM
  #24  
 
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Here is a mish mash of travel tips that suit me ,a 56 year old Australian woman, which you might get ideas from. It would cover ten days. Perhaps not suitable for summer though light weight equivalents would be easy to replace what I have recommended. this is what I have taken to Italy in the past.

Always carry your medication with you and spare scrips as well. If you have too much medication to pack with your carry on luggage at least keep a few days supply with you. Carry a small first aid kit with painkillers,diahrea and constipation remedies, some antibiotics ,band aids ,ear plugs, pain relief massage oil/cream such as A Little Bit Of Relief (Mum's favourite)or Goanna oil.(Or what is available in your country) and ,very importantly , tea tree oil or some other similar product such as germ killing mouthwash. Gargle frequently with the diluted tea tree oil, especially on the plane when you have a rest room break as it will help protect you from airborne viruses that are rampant when you get so many people together. Wipe your hands with the tea tree oil as well. Carry this with you and wipe hands frequently especially if some of the public toilets leave something to be desired as far as hygiene! Some moist towelettes are also very refreshing and you can put a little tea tree oil on them as well. You can also put a little tea tree oil around your mouth and nose for added protection. Take moisturiser on board and apply frequently as it is a very dry atmosphere. Some moisturisers contain tea tree oil or you can add some to your regular cream. I also like to have a herbal calmer with me. I prefer Bach Flower Crisis drops. Really handy if you are too excited to sleep or they really calm you down if something happens that's a little upsetting and they are safe for all the family too. You have to roll with the punches when you travel as it can be a bit of a culture shock in another country when you can't understand the language. But it is also so exciting to be somewhere so different and exotic so the drops come in handy for both occasions! You probably will bring most of your first aid kit back with you but will be very glad you took them if needed!
Don't carry a handbag if possible. A small waist bag is the best bet to hold your plane tickets, passport and money. Better still , keep your passport and spare cash in a leather pouch worn around the waist or neck. Keep them with you at all times. Or if you are wearing a coat with large pockets keep odds and ends in your pockets. For added security pin the coat pockets together if you feel that would be safer. It's unnecessary to be too paranoid though! I have never had any problems. My sister has been hassled by the Gypsies so I make it a rule to only give money to beggers who are elderly or disabled as they can't chase you for more!
If you can fit everything in your carry-on bag , the better. These days it's safer and you don't have to worry about lost luggage or long waits in Customs. But it's generally not possible to just have carry on when returning home. Too many souvenirs! If you buy a lot of souvenirs you can buy a cheap, rigid, lockable suitcase and book this in on your return trip. Anything that is valuable and important , keep it with you. Carry a change of clothes in your carry-on bag if you have to check some luggage in. Keep a photocopy of all important documents in a separate bag.
Take the minimum of clothes .
I would take apart from my on-board outfit which would be the heaviest or bulkiest clothing the following-
1 long length warm coat in a solid dark color or tweed that doesn't show the dirt. This doubles as a dressing gown and even a bathrobe and a spare blanket! Carry on board.
2 pairs of black or dark slacks. You can wear one pair on board. Fleece if you feel the cold.
1 black or dark longish skirt. Velvet is a good choice as it is warm and dressy for dinners out yet not too dressy for day wear. I would even consider making or having made a skirt , cardigan and slacks in black velvet if I didn't already own them as they are so practical. An old, clean pantyhose foot which can just be kept in your pocket and slipped over you hand makes a great fluff remover for velvet .
Dark Cardigan or velvet jacket to match skirt to wear under coat if very cold. More practical than bulky jumpers. Most places in Europe are air conditioned and walking around can get very hot even in Autumn.
Apart from the blouse you wear on board, take 1 or 2 light weight, NO IRON blouses that you can rinse out at night.
1 more dressy blouse that will go with your long dark skirt for more fancy occasions or a simple blouse that you can dress up with nice jewellery. Don't take expensive jewellery though.There is so much nice costume jewellery available and you can also buy some as small , lovely souvenirs overseas.My Mum once thought she lost all her good rings such as her engagement,wedding and eternity rings in a hotel.She only takes her "Fabulous Fakes" now!
If you can get a black crocheted or similar lacy top that goes with your skirt, that will take you anywhere, even the Opera!
1 pair of comfy closed in shoes . I am taking plain black boots that are comfortable for walking and will wear them with both my slacks and my skirt. Take a spare pair if not waterproof.
1 pair of plain court shoes if necessary. I will dispense with these and only take my boots.
1 pair of flip flops or slip ons shoes for wearing to the bathroom etc. Very dressy jewelled ones can even be worn out to dinner.
2 thick socks instead of slippers.
3 or more changes of undies that are quick dry.
Long sleeve spencers and thick pantyhose if you feel the cold. It will be getting a bit cold in October but no worse than winter here in Australia.
2 light weight nighties.
A nice wooly hat or beret and matching or toning scarf is great for travel. If the scarf is a light weight shawl or Pashmina, all the better as it doubles as a wrap when sitting up in bed . The hat is great for when you can't be bothered with your hair.
Don't forget , you can buy virtually anything you want if you forget something.
I always carry a small inflatable neck pillow and another small inflatable pillow as a spare pillow . Two old pillowcases are good, one for temporaily storing your dirty washing and the other to make a spare pillow if I need it. You can just put some of your spare clothes in to pad it out. Most places have plenty of pillows but some are very hard. The neck pillows are often quite comfortable to wear in bed and are a must for the plane. When Mum travels,we also take a single bed size piece of foam to make any bed more comfy. It doesn't have to all that thick and can be rolled up quite small but if you have any back pain it is a must have. Something like campers use or a yoga mat may be the go or you could even invest in a piece of memory foam. A hot water bottle or two is also a must . While good heating is everywhere, electric blankets are not that common in Europe and a hot water bottle is very soothing.
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Old Apr 13th, 2009, 04:47 AM
  #25  
 
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"We all smell like lemons and olive oil over here."

This is awesome. Glad I logged into Fodor's today. =)
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Old Apr 13th, 2009, 05:53 AM
  #26  
 
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Yes, and almond blossoms this week.
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Old Apr 13th, 2009, 06:57 AM
  #27  
 
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There's a LOT of wiggle room between at 52 pounds suitcase(yikes!) and going carry-on only in a 19" for 10-days.

Why not a compromise?

I use a 22-24" rolling suitcase, that I check thru, which when packed weights approx. 25 lbs.
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Old Apr 13th, 2009, 07:14 AM
  #28  
 
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"I stopped checking bags years ago, whether for a weekend trip or a month-long one. I don't smell, either, and always take pride in looking well put together. It's just not that hard. You have to learn to mix and match things well, use accessories, and plan to wash things once in awhile if it's an extended trip. Two pairs of shoes is my max (one on the feet while on the plane - same with any outerwear)."

ditto!

I have a LIGHT soft bag ( no wheels) I can lift , and carry around . If the bag does not weight a ton empty, you can pack a few more things.
I found that several bottoms ( I prefer skirts),tops, nice accessories, and fast dry undies will do.
A friend and I went to Barcelona 3 weeks ago for only 5 days - I with my bag, she with 2 suitcases .
We went to exp. restaurants, a concert, and walked around a lot. She did not smell or look any better in spite of her numerous outfits !
My husband ( also size 12 feet) has found a nice looking shoes (also comfortable for walking) - so what he has on his feet is it. Saves a lot of room in his carry on.
We don't go to formal dinners or business meetings , but also don't wear " tourist" garb.
All it takes is looking for the right clothes and shoes,
and knowing how to wear them.
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Old Apr 13th, 2009, 07:36 AM
  #29  
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Just so you know, if you get a <b>21"</b> suitcase, it may still be too big as a carry-on. A lot of so-called 21" are actually 22-23" if you include wheels and handles, and will not be allowed as a carryon by strict guidelines.

Last year, I actually downsized from a 21" (which was 22.5" when measured from end-to-end) to a 19" so that I won't have trouble bringing it on board.
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Old Apr 13th, 2009, 07:57 AM
  #30  
 
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Kerryajs1's waist bag is NOT advised as it is easily pickpocketed or cut off. I'm a great believer in a money belt, whichever style you prefer.

And those jeans are heavy to carry and hard to get dry in European dryers. Takes hours.

I'm kind of intrigued by zeppole's summer clothes with long underwear. Though that might work better in Italy than farther north.

And, I too, only take 2 pairs of shoes. In warmer weather one pair of walking sandals, black, nice enough for a good restaurant, and one pair of closed shoes for rainy days (which do occur in the summer too). But my feet get so tired, I can't imagine not having another pair of shoes to switch to. Lots and lots of walking in Europe.
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Old Apr 13th, 2009, 09:08 AM
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Packing list for a recent 8 night trip to London. Anything from very cold to very warm to very cold to very rainy conditions considered. Variety of casual and less casual events involved (but no work this time). Laundry facilities in the apartment we rented, but I didn't bother doing any for me. My suitcase is a rolling model that's 19" tall and weighs about 6 lbs empty (which is quite light---many described at "ultralight" are at least two pounds heavier).

Worn on outbound flight:

Brown corduroy A-line dress (worn to work that Friday)
Brown and suede leather boots (knee high, low heel)
Brown fleece swing coat
Knit scarf (orange, pink, teal, white)
Brown fleece gloves
Teal leather handbag
Teal umbrella

Packed:

Brown leather boots (knee high, high heel)
Brown gore-tex boots (moderately high heel, ankle high)

(so if you're counting that's THREE PAIRS OF SHOES, and not particularly small ones as they're boots with high heels)

Brown knit dress with 3/4 length bubble sleeves and empire waist
Aqua knit dress with 3/4 length lantern sleeves and empire waist

Brown (and tiny bit white and aqua/teal) tweed jacket with 3/4 length sleeves
Brown print (purple, teal, gold, apple green) jacket with mandarin collar and leg o'mutton sleeves
Brown cardigan with white polka dots

Brown bootleg jeans
Blue bootleg jeans
Brown knee-lenght cotton skirt with white embroidery at the hem

Brown, teal, and pink paisley wrap-front knit top
Teal print knit top
Purple knit top
White knit tops (x 3)

Nightgown (traveling with my children, so needed something to throw on in the AM)

Stockings, socks, bras, panties, slips, etc. sufficient for the week

Toiletries (which I won't list, but believe me when I say I'm high maintenance)

Hair dryer, flat iron, camera, iPhone (doubles as my computer when I travel), pillow (yes, an actual pillow). Paperback guidebook and paperback novel.

I didn't bother to weigh my bag, as I was traveling Delta, but typically a packed bag of this size, packed pretty densely, will come in at just under 25 lbs.
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Old Apr 13th, 2009, 09:25 AM
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We take more than 1 pair of shoes too - I don't think it is good for the feet to wear the same pair that many days in a row. Feet need a change, shoes need to air out.

My husband usually takes hiking sandals, black shoes, and tennis shoes.

I take tennis shoes, hiking sandals, ballet flats, and strappy sandals.

Those serve us well for light hiking, biking, sightseeing around town, nice dinners, nights out, etc.
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Old Apr 13th, 2009, 09:29 AM
  #33  
 
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As I said, we have two stops and two plane changes, more than one airline, and I am afraid that the luggage will go missing. You have given lots of good advice (my favorite is taking Goanna oil!!!) Thanks!
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Old Apr 14th, 2009, 06:03 PM
  #34  
 
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zeppole makes me want to go smell some Italians.
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Old Apr 14th, 2009, 06:28 PM
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I can't imagine packing even half the stuff KERRY recommends. I'd need a steamer trunk for all that. Most of it isn't necessary. And some of the suggestions, like the waist pouch for money, are downright dangerous.
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Old Apr 14th, 2009, 06:45 PM
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I admire all of you who can travel with a 19" or 21" suitcase.
I am leaving for a two weeks stay in London and I just finished packing my two 29" suitcases.

Happy trip to everybody!
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Old Apr 14th, 2009, 06:50 PM
  #37  
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cafegoddess - Do you travel with a porter, or a bodybuilder by any chance?
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Old Apr 14th, 2009, 07:02 PM
  #38  
 
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No, hey at least I am not taking the 32". I have a hard time deciding what to wear.
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Old Apr 14th, 2009, 07:56 PM
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Kerry, the poster has advised that she is travelling to Italy in June - your list is not relevant as most of it is cold weather stuff. As a fellow Aussie I hope that other posters don't think that all Aussies are quite so paranoid about germs on planes - good grief!!

I agree with Mimar and November_Moon about having a couple of pairs of shoes - it makes a difference to pressure points if you can change shoes at some time during the day. I take one pair of low heeled leather ankle boots, 1 pair walking shoes, 1 pair sandles, 1 pair thongs (flip flops).

When we went to Italy/France last year my bag weighed 12kgs when it was checked in, my HB was gobsmacked. I was very pleased with myself as I could easily haul it around airports/train stations. I had enough clothes to only have to wash every few days, and wore everything I took with me. I had also packed my own hairdryer as I hate hotel hair dryers. I also had a couple of books and plenty of hair care/cosmetics/skin care etc. Coming home I had some breakables I wanted to take on the plane with me, so I bought another bag in Paris that I now use as a gym bag.

Cafegoddess - I really admire your honesty!! Can we have a photo of you dragging your cases up some underground steps please!!
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Old Apr 14th, 2009, 08:09 PM
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'Cafegoddess - I really admire your honesty!! Can we have a photo of you dragging your cases up some underground steps please!! "

LOL

I have seen women ( traveling without a porter or a bodybuilder) doing just that, or constantly depending on the "kindness of strangers".
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