saacnmama

My 6-yr-old and I almost never check things. We each have our own wheelie (his looks like Thomas the train) and that "one personal item". For him for 10 days I'd probably take 5 pairs of pants and 8 shirts, some LS some short, and 2 sweaters. Mine would be a variation on that with skirts and dresses replacing some pants/shirts. We just took a 3-week trip with 4 stops in a couple different climates using that luggage, and did laundry twice.
You DO need a change of shoes, and both should be good for walking. Pack your socks, or undies, or something else small, in them.
Use hotel toiletries for stuff you don't care about.
Accessorize--a couple of necklaces can make a lot of difference.
Granimals. Neither of us wears them, but the mix-n-match works for us.
If your meds take you over the 3 oz in a baggie rule, don't worry about it--there is an exception in the rules on the TSA website.
Don't stress about it--enjoy your trip!

madameX

Start by thinking about the types of things you'll LIKELY do during your trip (you can always buy the ballgown if needed.)

Assuming a leisure trip, and an absolute minimum:

Build your wardrobe around your shoes since they take up so much space. Personally, I can't stand to be in the same shoes all day, day after day. I have my comfortable shoes for during the daytime sightseeing. For me, this means flats of some kind with a cushioned lining. I always pack a little pair of "dress up" shoes with a low heel that don't require much space that I use in the evening.

The biggest space is required if you take any athletic shoes -- real work-out of hiking shoes, or even snazzy sport lace-ups. Wear those on the plane or traveling if you have to have those.

I also need a little evening bag, but these pack to nothing. But that's my lifetyle -- sooner or later I find myself in a nicer restaurant or cocktail lounge, and I enjoy the experience more when I dress this way.

Then, everything needs to match with the shoes. I don't like wearing clothes that aren't clean, so if I can't plan to do a load of laundry in transit, I plan enough packable tops and one or two extra bottoms. I pack an evening dress or outfit. The key for me is very packable fabrics, and multiple tops that feel fresh, not wearing the same thing every day.

To be honest: I prefer to check a bag, but I CAN do carry-on when neessary, e.g. tight flight connections, and when I'm unsure about the local logistics arrangements. I've taken enough trains in Europe where the train station requires going up a looooong flight of steps to reach the station. I can still do this with a larger suitcase, but it can't be too heavy (and god bless wheeled suitcases!).

I don't need a giant suitcase, but I like to make myself comfortable when I'm traveling. Even when I thought I've had an enormously heavy 24" suitcase, it's still under the weight limit by a few pounds. Unless you're hardcover transporting books or gold....

Also: Town and Country Magazine had an article about how to pack for a 5-day trip in a carry-on. The wardrobe reflects more of a trip with some professional commitments, someone who who is fashion-conscious and "of a certain age," but it is easily adaptable. Frankly, it reflects more of my lifestyle and travel preferences (well, I don't feel the need for the athletic cord for easy exercises.)

Hotlink:

http://www.townandcountrytravelmag.c...l-packing-tips

lanejohann

hey i just watched the modern butler way of packing a suitcase
im certainly not going to use tissue paper for my sort of attire but i am going to fold my socks rather than roll them into balls!
thanks for the link madamex!
i cant imagine layering the clothes with bits of them hanging out - that is fine if youre only going to a onestop destination like a resort but not if youre hopping from one town to another
still
very useful demonstration
it is a 40 minute video by the way!

deano808

my wife and I spent 16 days in japan and only took a pack each. Look for a pack that has backpack straps and a detachable day pack - that way you can put your bigger pack in the overhead and detach the smaller pack and put it under your seat. The backpack straps will allow you to carry your bag as one unit while you go from place to place. i wouldn't get a pack with wheels - it just adds to the weight, and it might be a problem rolling your bag through crowded areas. the detachable pack is perfect to take with you everyday as you walk around. Also, get a pack that is 'soft-sided" - you'd be surprised how much more things you can fit in it. You really need to only take 3 sets of clothes (including the one you're wearing) i.e., 2 pants, 2 shirts, 2 socks, 2 underwear, a jacket. Purchase "travel" clothes...made of quick-drying material, like coolmax, nylon, polyester, microfiber...NO Cotton and NO Denim (Jeans). Jeans takes up too much space and take too long to dry. You need clothes that you can wash in your sink and hang-up and it will be dry the next day. Another idea is to use those packing cubes...you can fit a lot of clothes in this, if you roll the items up. I was able to fit 10 clothing items my cube.

girlonthego

We all have a rick steves 21 inch roll aboard that we take on trips now. I just went to Florida for a week and took too much. I didn't wear half of what was in my bag.
I think take a few bottoms/skirts that go well with everything. Take lots of tops and underwear. Wear sneakers or comfortable walking shoes. Pack a second pair of nicer, but comfortable walking shoes. Wear the sweater on the plane. Taken an extra lighter weight sweater packed.
I also have a rick steves day bag. This is where I stick my small purse and cosmetics and other stuff.
You can do it!!!
We all did carryons last year going to europe and threw on two rolling duffels with extra stuff. All the bags made it. We did fly on Luftansa from Paris to Munich and had to check the bags. That was fine. Everything made it. It is the overseas part that I worry about.

girlonthego

Oh I forgot to say that the reason for purchasing the rick steves bags is they weigh only 7 pounds empty.

lsdourte

Hi all,
I travel with my grandsons, so I only take carryon. That way, I am not watching for luggage while trying to keep track of my 7 and 11 year olds. The boys are great, and are not the type to run off, but to try to drag luggage, and keep a handhold in a country where we perhaps do not know the language is very important. We have traveled from the US for 2 weeks in England, and Scotland and we have also spent 2 weeks in Cambodia and Korea. Both times the 3 of us needed only a small backpack each and one 22" roller bag to share. We do wear our jackets and heaviest clothing on the plane, but still we try to leave room in our backpacks for souvenirs. I do carryon only when traveling with the grandkids so that I am not overburdened with bags. I usually need to take subways and other public transport in order to save money on these trips. I only take 2 pairs of shoes each, and usually pick up a couple of t shirts along the way for the boys to wear and keep as a reminder of their travels.

november_moon

We have the 21" rollerboard Rick Steves bags too - bought them 3-4 years ago and really like them. They are quite light and very durable. Last year I bought a smaller rolling suitcase and a flight bag. Those are good too.

hellokittie

I always travel with a carry-on but most of my trips are domestic-US. I will be going to Europe next month and I am concerned about my Barcelona-Rome Alitalia connection.
Their stated weight limit is about the weight of my bag!
I called the airline and they said not to worry, its only the size of the bag that counts. The woman was very insistent that this was the case. Does this seem possible?
THanks.

netmartin

go to RickSteves.com and follow his instructions for packing. My husband and I spent 2 weeks in Germany using his packing list. One of the highlights of our trip was a trip to the washeteria where they spoke very little English. They not only washed our clothes but helped us make reservations to one of the nicest places we stayed our entire trip. His roll-on bag also weighs only 7 lbs and is extremely well made. Have a great trip!

PDXWineauxs

I was in Italy in September. It was 8 day trip and I was able to do it with carry on only. I had one small rolling bag and a brief case size tote bag. It would really well.

It was so nice to avoid baggage claim (not to mention the worry of delayed luggage which happened to me in South America).

rbnwdln

Well, I bought the carry on bag. A Delsey helium from TJ Maxx. When I got home and opened it on a bed in a guest room I laughed my behind off. TINY! Shoes, clothes, toiletries, jacket, flat iron, etc. How in heaven's name??? Hahahaha

danon

well, how many pairs of shoes do you need for 10 days?

They sell shampoo in Italy. Take the jacket on the flight.
It can be done, but if you are not comfortable - don't do it.

Therese

"Well, I bought the carry on bag. A Delsey helium from TJ Maxx. When I got home and opened it on a bed in a guest room I laughed my behind off. TINY! Shoes, clothes, toiletries, jacket, flat iron, etc. How in heaven's name??? Hahahaha"

It seems like a tall order until you've actually done it. Scroll up this thread and see what I brought to London in a 19" rolling bag two weeks ago. Compare what you're planning on bringing with my list and if it's anywhere in the ballpark you can definitely do it.

Not only do I take several pairs of shoes, but I routinely shop for shoes while traveling and still fit them in. Fabrics are very compressible, and the more tightly they are packed the less they will wrinkle (so long as you have packed them without creases, and there are some tips to help you do this if you're interested).

travelgourmet

<i>go to RickSteves.com and follow his instructions for packing.</i>

The Rick Steves list is precisely why I am so cool on the idea of going carry-on for a trip of any length. I mean, 2 pairs of pants, and one of them are "travel pants"? 5 pairs of underwear and socks? One pair of shoes? A single sweater or fleece? I'm simply not looking to rough it like that.

My favorite part of the whole list (and I don't want bash the guy too much, because I think he gets a bum rap from many on this board) is this:

<i>Tie or scarf. For instant respectability, bring anything lightweight that can break the monotony and make you look snazzy.</i>

Is this a joke? I would say yes, but Rick doesn't seem like he would be the type to notice. I cannot think of any scenario where having a tie will be the make or break item when you are wearing "lightweight cotton pants", a poly-cotton blend shirt, and well-worn shoes with "good traction".

Ties are the last piece in dressing up, not the first. I would never put one on until I already had nice shoes (proper dress shoes, none of this Vibram-soled walking shoe nonsense), a well-pressed shirt in nice cotton, nice slacks (preferably wool, but well-pressed cotton or a nice linen or seersucker is fine for summer afternoons and in tropical climatess), and a jacket. Then, if the occasion requires it, I would put on a tie.

Wearing a tie with the items Rick has in his packing list only serves to make you look like a rube. And a rube without a TV, at that.

alanRow

Clothes don't normally take up much weight or space. It's things like shoes, toiletries, electronics and books that cause the problems. So when I'm doing carry-on only, the digital SLR and lenses becomes a small zoom digital camera that fits into my pocket, the books become guidebook and A.N. Other that also fit into my coat and the toiletries are things I buy at the far end.

So 2 pairs of shoes (one pair on) and a 40l Lowe Amazon Carry-on bag later, I find that I have lots of space for clothes plus a couple of treats

alanRow

<<< Oh I forgot to say that the reason for purchasing the rick steves bags is they weigh only 7 pounds empty. >>>

You are kidding aren't you? My CHECKED bag weighs less than that empty and 7lbs for carry-on means that at least a third (except for Easyjet) of your carry-on luggage allowance has already gone. On some European airlines that would be two-thirds your carry-on allowance. The bag mentioned above that I use weighs about 2.5 lbs so giving me 20lbs of hand luggage items for most non-US airlines

janisj

travelgourmet: I don't use R Steeves as an expert on much of anything but especially not for packing. I mean - have you ever SEEN the man on his TV shows?! The same light blue shirt and khaki pants every single time. Boooooring. Yes - his packing list is a joke for the way most people like to dress.

I teach packing (yes - folks pay to learn how to do it) and in class I pack between 30 and 40 outfits in a carry on. Not 30 or 40 garments - but 30 or 40 unique outfits, which is easy w/ 3 or 4 bottoms (skirts/slacks) and all sorts of mix/match tops, sweaters, jackets etc. And the number of outfits increases when you include the garments worn on the plane. Usually I pack 2 pair of shoes and wear a 3rd - but sometimes cheat and squeeze in a 4 pair. But it all still fits in a 21 inch or smaller rollaboard.

And not a single blue broadcloth shirt or pair of khaki pants in the lot . . . . .

alanRow

One week trip to Rome - in addition to what I was wearing - shirt, trousers, jacket, waterproof (did not use), shoes, underwear, socks

Shoes (1)
Socks (7 pairs)
Underwear (7 pairs)
Trousers (4 pairs)
Short Sleeve Shirts (3)
Long Sleeve Shirts (3)
Book (1)
Guidebook (1)
Radio / MP3 player (1)
Shaver (1)
Toothbrush (1)
Mobile Phone (1)
Emergency Charger (1)
Camera (1)
Torch (1)
Batteries (8)
Handkerchiefs (4)
Jacket (1) - didn't use it
First Aid Kit (1)
Soap (1)
Loo paper (1)
Carry-on Bag (1)

TOTAL weight 7kg, the bag weighed 1.5kg

danon

alan,
it seems most people like a hard carry on with wheels - no wonder it wights a ton empty.

We have something similar to your bag : light, soft Bree ( German company) bags . They weigh nothing, have a shoulder strap ,and are made of flexible material.