Carry on for 10 day trip?
Apr 14th, 2009, 08:32 PM
#41
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We just returned from a ten day Italy trip. We purchased two 21" cases that had an expanding zipper. We also took two square type rolling cases as carry on. Big mistake. Our 21" bags were lost in Rome, though we did get them delivered to Florence early the next morning. We easily packed what we needed in them, it was silly taking the others. The only advantage was sometimes if you bring back some foods, it seems easier if it is checked through. If we were going again, I'd take a big beach type bag on the plane that my purse would fit into, and take the 21" as my carry on. BTW, I didn't wear most of the tops I took with me, and I didn't wash any clothes. One pair light wt jeans, 3 pairs docker twills, rain jacket, sweaters x 2, one nicer pant and top for "dress" in case, one pair low black heels, and one pair walking shoes. Too many tops.
Apr 14th, 2009, 08:48 PM
#42
I recommend a look at http://www.onebag.com/ -- some great tips imo.
Bag checkers, glad it works for you.
As for me, I have traveled 2-3 weeks with carry on and messenger bag. I have used Rick Steves 21' bag with wheels, but I think I am going to convert to non-wheeled, lightweight, handle and backpack straps carry on for Italy this June. I may see what Eagle Creek has or check the onebag site.
Shoes: I wear the walking shoes, pack Teva sandals and lightweight ballet flats or dressier sandals (both are lighter than the walking shoes and take up less room). They're a pain in the security line is all.
Clothing: I take microfiber, fast drying for all layers. One thin soft black jacket serves for light cover and going out; then I have a windbreaker (folds up tiny) if ever needed. Black slacks, top, skirt, aforementioned soft jacket; tops to interchange; more casual pants (1 black 1 khaki), couple more tops. Of course socks, undies, etc.
I wash every day or two with Woolite; my best tip is HANG UP and air out all outer clothing overnight (in interior doorways) if you will wear it once more before washing. I haven't had a "scent" problem though I can't claim lemon scent.
Other tips (wearing heaviest stuff on plane, small amounts of toiletries) have already been covered.
The OP is going to Venice; I would hate to have more than carry on there!
Bag checkers, glad it works for you.
As for me, I have traveled 2-3 weeks with carry on and messenger bag. I have used Rick Steves 21' bag with wheels, but I think I am going to convert to non-wheeled, lightweight, handle and backpack straps carry on for Italy this June. I may see what Eagle Creek has or check the onebag site.
Shoes: I wear the walking shoes, pack Teva sandals and lightweight ballet flats or dressier sandals (both are lighter than the walking shoes and take up less room). They're a pain in the security line is all.
Clothing: I take microfiber, fast drying for all layers. One thin soft black jacket serves for light cover and going out; then I have a windbreaker (folds up tiny) if ever needed. Black slacks, top, skirt, aforementioned soft jacket; tops to interchange; more casual pants (1 black 1 khaki), couple more tops. Of course socks, undies, etc.
I wash every day or two with Woolite; my best tip is HANG UP and air out all outer clothing overnight (in interior doorways) if you will wear it once more before washing. I haven't had a "scent" problem though I can't claim lemon scent.
Other tips (wearing heaviest stuff on plane, small amounts of toiletries) have already been covered.
The OP is going to Venice; I would hate to have more than carry on there!
Apr 14th, 2009, 10:21 PM
#44
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<i>I don't bother stangers or depend on the "kindness of strangers" with my luggages. I take the black cab.</i>
Yep. As long as you are willing to spring for the occasional cab, then taking a larger suitcase or two simply isn't that big of a deal. Even if you take public transit, it often isn't a big deal either, depending upon the setup of public transit.
Take a commute I do often, Switzerland to Copenhagen. I walk to the train station, get on the train in Switzerland, usually switch trains in Zurich, get off the train, go upstairs, check bags. Get off the plane in Copenhagen, grab my bags, walk with them to the metro, take the metro to Kongens Nytorv, walk to the bus stop, get on the bus, get off the bus, walk to the apartment. The total lifting time for such a trip, despite a couple of connections is maybe 1-2 minutes, with no single lift taking more than perhaps 15 seconds. I often travel it without anything more than a small bag, but I don't find it much less onerous than when I am taking a full, 50 lb, 26" suitcase.
I've done similar trips before flying all over the world. Sure, some places I usually take taxis (Singapore, Boston, and New York come to mind), but I wouldn't fuss with public transit in any of those places even if I was only wearing the clothes on my back.
The point of all this, of course, is that I just don't see that much advantage to taking a small vs a large rolling bag. To save 15-20 minutes at the airport? To minimize lost luggage? I mean, I have lost luggage before, I will lose luggage again, but rarely has it been a big deal. Only once that I can recall were my bags misplaced for more than a couple of days.
Yep. As long as you are willing to spring for the occasional cab, then taking a larger suitcase or two simply isn't that big of a deal. Even if you take public transit, it often isn't a big deal either, depending upon the setup of public transit.
Take a commute I do often, Switzerland to Copenhagen. I walk to the train station, get on the train in Switzerland, usually switch trains in Zurich, get off the train, go upstairs, check bags. Get off the plane in Copenhagen, grab my bags, walk with them to the metro, take the metro to Kongens Nytorv, walk to the bus stop, get on the bus, get off the bus, walk to the apartment. The total lifting time for such a trip, despite a couple of connections is maybe 1-2 minutes, with no single lift taking more than perhaps 15 seconds. I often travel it without anything more than a small bag, but I don't find it much less onerous than when I am taking a full, 50 lb, 26" suitcase.
I've done similar trips before flying all over the world. Sure, some places I usually take taxis (Singapore, Boston, and New York come to mind), but I wouldn't fuss with public transit in any of those places even if I was only wearing the clothes on my back.
The point of all this, of course, is that I just don't see that much advantage to taking a small vs a large rolling bag. To save 15-20 minutes at the airport? To minimize lost luggage? I mean, I have lost luggage before, I will lose luggage again, but rarely has it been a big deal. Only once that I can recall were my bags misplaced for more than a couple of days.
Apr 14th, 2009, 10:26 PM
#45
I didn't take two 29 inchers when I <u>moved</u> to the UK for 5 years. Cannot possibly imagine why one would need that much luggage for a simple vacation. Are you really that high mainenance - and how the heck do you even get all that from arrivals out to the taxi rank at LHR?
Apr 15th, 2009, 01:39 AM
#46
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I fully agree with travelgourmet. For most of my travels, taking a medium sized suitcase isn't much more of a problem than a carry-on.
Personally I find not having to continously wash clothes in a hotel room well worth the effort of lifting a somewhat heavier suitcase a few times.
Personally I find not having to continously wash clothes in a hotel room well worth the effort of lifting a somewhat heavier suitcase a few times.
Apr 15th, 2009, 01:56 AM
#47
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I don't continuously wash clothes when I do carry on. Underwear doesn't take up any space, and I guess I must be lucky that I don't spill a lot of food on myself or sweat a lot (or when I do, I sweat lemon juice and olive oil).
But I will agree that if you don't mind waiting for your luggage at the carousel, and spring for taxis and luggage carts, hauling a checked bag around isn't any more difficult than hauling a carry on.
But I will agree that if you don't mind waiting for your luggage at the carousel, and spring for taxis and luggage carts, hauling a checked bag around isn't any more difficult than hauling a carry on.
Apr 15th, 2009, 02:00 AM
#48
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janisj - You do see the disconnect between your complaint that the checkers are high and mighty about not smelling and being better dressed, and then stating, "Are you really that high mainenance", right? "Sheesh - talk about holier than thou."
And, to answer your question, it simply isn't that difficult to wheel two bags to the taxi rank at LHR. I mean, how hard would you imagine it to be? That is why they have wheels and why most airports have luggage carts.
I can see the benefits of carry-on only and do it often. But I also don't really see the point of going out of one's way to do it. Lost luggage isn't that common, and, for a longer trip, the amount of time spent actually dealing with the luggage is so minor compared to the length of the trip. This is particularly true when compared to the suggestion of washing things out along the way. I mean, if given the choice between spending 10 minutes per day washing my clothes in the sink or 10 minutes of wheeling/lifting luggage, I'll take the wheeling and lifting.
And, to answer your question, it simply isn't that difficult to wheel two bags to the taxi rank at LHR. I mean, how hard would you imagine it to be? That is why they have wheels and why most airports have luggage carts.
I can see the benefits of carry-on only and do it often. But I also don't really see the point of going out of one's way to do it. Lost luggage isn't that common, and, for a longer trip, the amount of time spent actually dealing with the luggage is so minor compared to the length of the trip. This is particularly true when compared to the suggestion of washing things out along the way. I mean, if given the choice between spending 10 minutes per day washing my clothes in the sink or 10 minutes of wheeling/lifting luggage, I'll take the wheeling and lifting.
Apr 15th, 2009, 02:05 AM
#49
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Isn't it obvious that people who pack differently from others harbor odd fantasies about those other people?
travelgourment,
I don't spend 10 minutes per day washing clothes when I travel. I don't wash clothes at all in most cases. The rare exception is long silk underwear, and I wouldn't have to do that if I would stop being so cheap and buy 10 more pairs of it. Why would I be washing clothes all the time? I can fit 3 weeks of underwear into my suitcase and still have enough clothes to travel on a vacation for two or three weeks.
Please not I'm saying I can do that. I'm not saying you can. I'm saying I can. I look fine when I walk around and I'm clean. I look exactly the same as when I stay at home in fact. I don't have two wardrobes.
travelgourment,
I don't spend 10 minutes per day washing clothes when I travel. I don't wash clothes at all in most cases. The rare exception is long silk underwear, and I wouldn't have to do that if I would stop being so cheap and buy 10 more pairs of it. Why would I be washing clothes all the time? I can fit 3 weeks of underwear into my suitcase and still have enough clothes to travel on a vacation for two or three weeks.
Please not I'm saying I can do that. I'm not saying you can. I'm saying I can. I look fine when I walk around and I'm clean. I look exactly the same as when I stay at home in fact. I don't have two wardrobes.
Apr 15th, 2009, 03:20 AM
#50
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zeppole, I'm not saying you need to do it, but I would need to do it. If I were to pack 3 weeks of underwear, socks, and undershirts, and a second pair of shoes, I would have no more room left in a carry-on. I simply can't wear a shirt I wore for walking/sightseeing more than once. Jeans/pants I can wear a couple of times, provided I'm not walking that much or it isn't overly hot. Heck, I often change my underwear before going out to dinner.
I'm just trying to put the "hassle" of checked luggage in perspective, as some of these comments make it seem like you will be waiting hours for your bags at the carousel and then having to carry it (not roll it, of course) for miles at a time, uphill, both ways. I don't think it takes 10 minutes per day to wash clothes, but it also doesn't take 10 minutes per day dealing with checked luggage, either. The point is that both options have trade-offs. Every individual will have to decide on their own what works for them.
I'm just trying to put the "hassle" of checked luggage in perspective, as some of these comments make it seem like you will be waiting hours for your bags at the carousel and then having to carry it (not roll it, of course) for miles at a time, uphill, both ways. I don't think it takes 10 minutes per day to wash clothes, but it also doesn't take 10 minutes per day dealing with checked luggage, either. The point is that both options have trade-offs. Every individual will have to decide on their own what works for them.
Apr 15th, 2009, 03:50 AM
#51
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I agree with everyone! I almost always check luggage with no problem and I am also one who HATES wearing dirty clothes. BUT I want to try and do this with a carry-on for once. There is really no point in argument. I mean, a person could throw a pair of undies in their pocket and go and then brag about how easy it is to pack light. Or you can tell everyone that you are Jackie Kennedy and need your 6 bags to look swell at every destination. Although, I lean more to the Jackie Kennedy school of thought, I am going to try to do that thing I hear about so much - "packing light." Now I may come back here the day before we leave and tell you that I'm checking a steamer trunk but we shall see......
Apr 15th, 2009, 06:54 AM
#53
travelgourmet - I asked about "high maintenance" because cafegoddess is taking two huge suitcases. One 29 incher is one thing and perfectly normal for many people. But two of them? They would present more issues than just cabs. Many European hotels rooms simply don't have the space for 2 massive suitcases - and very few will have closet/drawer space for that much clothing.
So that is what I meant - checking and handling a big roller is w/i most people's capabilities. But dragging two of them around - not so much.
So that is what I meant - checking and handling a big roller is w/i most people's capabilities. But dragging two of them around - not so much.
Apr 15th, 2009, 07:07 AM
#54
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To be honest, I don't even think I own enough clothes to fill up TWO 29" suitcases, esp when you're talking about Spring clothings which aren't particularly bulky.
If this is for winter travel, I suppose I can bring 4 different winter jackets/coats and 4 pairs of boots...
While a 50lb suitcase is no big deal for 6' males to lift and haul around, I am assuming cafegoddess is a female, and the idea of her carrying two 29" suitcases on this trip makes me wonder if she's traveling with a porter (remember m_kingdom???).
For me, I don't think I'm capable of lifting a fully-packed 29" suitcase from the baggage claim carousel onto the luggage trolley; or from the trolley into the trunk of a black cab... without potentially injuring myself.
If this is for winter travel, I suppose I can bring 4 different winter jackets/coats and 4 pairs of boots...
While a 50lb suitcase is no big deal for 6' males to lift and haul around, I am assuming cafegoddess is a female, and the idea of her carrying two 29" suitcases on this trip makes me wonder if she's traveling with a porter (remember m_kingdom???).
For me, I don't think I'm capable of lifting a fully-packed 29" suitcase from the baggage claim carousel onto the luggage trolley; or from the trolley into the trunk of a black cab... without potentially injuring myself.
Apr 15th, 2009, 08:00 AM
#55
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Because of a tight connection at CDG (65 min.), we decided the safest solution would be to carry our bags with us. Since we have always checked with larger luggage, we were a little worried about living out of one small suitcase for a month. But, now that we're home, we've decided that the ease of travel far outweights the wardrobe limitations.
We each had one 21" bag and we shared a laptop bag. Of course we did laundry, and we certainly didn't smell...or at least it didn't seem that way to us. The one problem we didn't plan on, however, was that we got tired of our clothes. But then, that happens at home, too.
--Annie
We each had one 21" bag and we shared a laptop bag. Of course we did laundry, and we certainly didn't smell...or at least it didn't seem that way to us. The one problem we didn't plan on, however, was that we got tired of our clothes. But then, that happens at home, too.
--Annie
Apr 15th, 2009, 08:11 AM
#56
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Oh please. The wife and I have flown with 4 large (70 lb) suitcases and 2 full cases of wine when we moved. It was barely any more trouble than traveling with one bag. You lift the bag (or box) off the carousel and onto the luggage cart. You wheel the bag to the taxi stand. You help the cabbie get it in the trunk if need be.
Right now, the wife is on a 3 month work trip involving two separate climates and manages two suitcases clocking in at 20kg a piece on her own. The bags weigh almost as much as her, but she isn't helpless. We laugh about it, and we both know that she could probably get by with just one bag, but why? It simply isn't that much incremental hassle to carry two bags rather than one, and she would prefer to have more clothes, shoes, etc, rather than saving herself 3 minutes of additional lifting on travel days.
I fail to understand how this suddenly becomes some absurd thing, or requires a porter and a forklift. Just as the claims that people who travel with only a carry-on must smell are silly exagerations, so too are these comments about the average person (man or woman) being unable to wheel two suitcases at the same time. I mean, you have two hands and they have wheels!
Right now, the wife is on a 3 month work trip involving two separate climates and manages two suitcases clocking in at 20kg a piece on her own. The bags weigh almost as much as her, but she isn't helpless. We laugh about it, and we both know that she could probably get by with just one bag, but why? It simply isn't that much incremental hassle to carry two bags rather than one, and she would prefer to have more clothes, shoes, etc, rather than saving herself 3 minutes of additional lifting on travel days.
I fail to understand how this suddenly becomes some absurd thing, or requires a porter and a forklift. Just as the claims that people who travel with only a carry-on must smell are silly exagerations, so too are these comments about the average person (man or woman) being unable to wheel two suitcases at the same time. I mean, you have two hands and they have wheels!
Apr 15th, 2009, 08:35 AM
#59
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None of the people who use carryons only 'smell'... Samuel Johnson the lexicographer was seated next to a woman at a dinner party. Dr Johnson was not known for his meticulous personal grooming...
"Doctor Johnson", she sniffed, "You SMELL!"
"NO madame", he replied, "I STINK and YOU SMELL!"
"Doctor Johnson", she sniffed, "You SMELL!"
"NO madame", he replied, "I STINK and YOU SMELL!"
Apr 15th, 2009, 09:03 AM
#60
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This is so interesting ! We are taking our 6th trip to Italy next month, and I will be checking my bag in for the first time, and only because we are going to just one place (Rome) for 12 nights ; no buses or trains to deal with. We got so sick and tired of pulling our 19" carry-ons in Dec., along with another big bag all thru the airports (we both have arthritis and I have back troubles). I have always taken with me those travel Tide packs for sink laundrey, and also Febreze
for laundrey and sprayed my shirt or bottoms at night and then
they would air-out and smell fresh in the morning.
Have any of you ever heard of bed-bugs in the cargo-hold of a plane? A woman next to me on the plane told me her husband was an exterminater and that there was awful bed-bug infestation due to all the luggage. I just don't know about that, all I know is I want to carry my big purse thru the airport and that's all, and hopefully not itch that night.
Happy travels to all
.
for laundrey and sprayed my shirt or bottoms at night and then
they would air-out and smell fresh in the morning.
Have any of you ever heard of bed-bugs in the cargo-hold of a plane? A woman next to me on the plane told me her husband was an exterminater and that there was awful bed-bug infestation due to all the luggage. I just don't know about that, all I know is I want to carry my big purse thru the airport and that's all, and hopefully not itch that night.
Happy travels to all
.
