Carry-on for Europe trip?
 

How many have gone to Europe for at least a week with a carry-on suitcase and maybe a large shoulder tote bag? I have. It is possible. The reason--a direct order from my husband who doesn't want to wait for the luggage or risk it being lost. I would much prefer to take a larger case which would enable me to take more of an assortment of clothing. But actually through experience, I found I usually don't wear everything I bring. The only big problem I have with a carry-on is only being able to take one pair of shoes (the ones I'm wearing) and as a woman, I need several pairs!! So how about the rest of you--travel light or is that unimaginable?

I travel light even though I'm not taking orders from anyone.

Perhaps you should leave out some of those things that you say you don't usually wear and use the space for the extra pair(s) of shoes.

Buy the shoes at your destination :D

I travel light because I'm usually on a thinner budget. I want to use the metro, or get a economy car. Large bags hinder the process, so I've always used a 22" carry on (worked great for 2 weeks in Paris/Rome, 2 weeks in Ireland, and 3 weeks in Australia).

I pack simple, dark clothes and never take more than 2 pairs of shoes. And personally, I think I look fine. Well, that is except for my recent 4 months backpacking trip. But whaddaya gonna do when you only have one pair of black ecco boots to your name, and all the clothes you have in the world are in two ziploc 2 gallon bags?

We always bring a 22" rolling suitcase each, along with a duffel bag inside for items we buy. I couldn't imagine going to Europe any other way.

We also wear the shoes we're going to wear in Europe on the plane, and bring along only one extra pair. We also do laundry while we are there, so that helps us to pack lighter.

I agree that carry-on packing has to be learned at times, after a couple of trips of overpacking.

Everyone has different philosophies about travel. After a 6-9 hour flight I don't want to look for an ATM but I don't mind waiting 10-15 minutes for my bag to come off the plane. I check it even if it's carry-on size; I prefer that to hoisting it into and out of the plane's overhead compartment.

I pack less than I used to, and I generally do wear everything I bring, and often do laundry or drycleaning during the trip. I alway go with at least one extra pair of shoes, sometimes two.

My actual carry-on tote is also my purse, plus whatever I don't want to check (medications, extra pair of undies, tickets and itinerary, etc.)

I have gone travelling both ways. Once I had a suitcase that was so heavy (72 pounds!) that it required a special warning sticker to alert the baggage handlers! But that was a very special situation. We were returning from the UK, where we had been cleaning out my MIL's house after her death, and the suitcase was filled with precious treasures. But it goes to show that if you have to travel heavy, it CAN be done. (Wouldn't recommend it, though.)

I think this is a timely question, though. We're off to Italy next Thursday, and tomorrow morning I'm going to lay out all my clothes and try everything on, and then TRY to pare the wardrobe down to the bone. And then I'm going to do a trial run packing. Having said that, lucky03, I STILL want to bring four pairs of shoes...it's going to be tough. I think I might just have to pack nothing but mini-skirts. They'll take up less room than the full length models. :P

I am a "bare necessities" packer, still I wouldn't risk it to go somewhere for at least a week with only 1 pair of shoes! At least 2! And both broken into, checked out on shorter trips on weekend hikes. To save space you can put socks or pantyhose inside.

Check the carry-on allowance for your flight..BA has a 13 # limit and your roll aboard may weigh more than that empty.And at least where I fly from they do enforce it!

The info should be on your airline's website

I'm going for 22 days starting on Sept. 18 and I am only taking a 22" carry-on and what basically amounts to a large purse. I will wear one pair of shoes and pack the other in my suitcase. I really only need these two pair . . . but, then again, my sister jokes that I'm missing the common female "shoe" gene!

Jennie :)

I would think it would be uncomfortable, as well as unpleasant, to wear the same pair of shoes every day.

Multiple pairs of shoes are not just for vanity. I had two pairs which were both comfortable when I left, but I got blisters in Europe last month, probably in part due to the heat (although I wasn't in the hottest parts and it was before the worst heat wave). I wish I had taken one more floppier pair of shoes.

Hehehe...no kidding escholtzia. Try wearing one pair of shoes for 4 months, often with the same pair of socks you've been wearing for 4 days. Disgusting, but true.

But at least they were very comfortable shoes. Never had a problem in those Eccos.

I broke down and bought a pair of sandals while in Spain. It was finally warm enough!

On 2 different occasions I went to Italy for 2 weeks with ONE carry on size suitcase and an oversized purse (like a satchel) for a small camera, books and maps. One can only do this if you don't mind wearing things more than once...or twice and if you don't have to iron or hang anything.

I've never met anyone that returned from Europe and said that they wish they had taken MORE luggage.

A friend told me that because she only does carry-on luggage, she is considered more of a security risk and has therefore been subjected to a more thorough search of herself and her bags. I

Dick--you haven't met my wife.

I have to check my bag, because I am a musician, and travel with an instrument (which is my carry-on)and, of course, a large purse! This past month, I had my bag delayed twice! Believe me, it's better to carry your stuff on! My best tip for shoes is to bring some really comfy flip flops if you are going to a very warm location. Then, wear your dressy or heavy shoes on the plane. I ended up wearing my $3 flip flops (which were intended to be shower shoes!) during my whole 5 weeks in Europe. It was SO hot in Italy, my feet swelled up like balloons, and I had to resort to wearing my foam flip flops (with comfy cloth wedges between the toes). I didn't think they'd last through sightseeing at the Forum & Colloseum in Rome, but they held up to the last day! Easy & light to pack, too. I also like the idea of buying more shoes there (and maybe throwing out an old pair that you brought from home later on in your trip). Have a great trip!

This thread is timely. I'll be leaving in a few weeks to Western Europe for 3 months. My goal is to take only 1 22" rolling suitcase, a backpack for long-weekend trips, and a purse. I'm petite and I'll have to lug this stuff around myself...so hopefully, it'll work out okay. :)

P.S. I just bought a pair of comfy Enzo sandals yesterday which'll work with skirts/dresses and pants (dressed up/down), so that'll get rid of two pairs of shoes I wanted to bring! Yay...small victory!

Craisin, three months? How neat! Where are you going? How are you managing to take so much time off?

it's a sorta study abroad program based in Florence. I've already graduated from college a couple of years ago but I'm still eligible, so I'm happy and terribly excited. It'll be my very first time in Europe!!!

I just can't wait...I'm counting the days...

p.s. How did I manage to get time off? Hmmm, I'm lucky enough to have wonderful, understanding employers!

I could if I had to, but I don't, so have no desire to travel so light I would not be dressed decently, couldn't go to nice restaurants or concerts, and had to wear the same shoes all the time. Going for one week is a very different thing than going for 3 weeks and to a variety of places and climates, also.

Nowadays, you can't carry on a 22" on some flights, anyway, or are allowed only one carryon, so even what you are discussing (a carryon suitcase and large tote bag) would not be possible.

I don't mind waiting 20 min or so for my bags upon arrival since I'm just glad to be off the plane anyway, and need a little time to figure out my plan.

I would not allow anyone to tell me what bags I can or cannot take. If I take care of them myself, which I do, it's no one else's business.

Christina, it is very possible to dress nicely while still packing light. But you are right, you are dealing with your own bags, and it's nobody's business how you pack!

Craisin, how exciting! I'm very jealous...3 months will give you all sorts of time to explore. Ideas of where you want to go, or will you decide when you get there?

Hi mina,

So far, I've planned a 9-day Paris trip and a long weekend in Venice. The others I'll decide on a whim, I guess. Actually, I've read your posts/'trip adventures' and have been very much inspired and excited to do some trips on my own! (gives me an opportunity to break away from the group a bit!) I've been trying to absorb as much info as possible to somewhat ready myself for the trips on my own...but the unexpected is part of the excitement! any tips would be appreciated though!

p.s. To stay on topic, I'm checking in my 22" suitcase and carrying on only the backpack (for film, just-in-case-clothes, some toiletries and stuff) and a small purse.

Sounds wonderful, and it's great you are packing light...

feel free to email me at [email protected] if you are interesting in chatting about budget travel. :)

Christina: I agree with CrazyMina. It is TOTALLY possible to look nice while packing light. I have combined business trips with pleasure trips and done the entire thing out of a 22" suitcase on numerous occasions. I have a black travel blazer that goes with a tailored skirt that looks very nice. No one but me knew I'd worn the same blazer and skirt to a different meeting the day before! I've also eaten at VERY nice restaurants in the same clothes. I have a tiny travel iron (about 6" long and 4" high) that I take with me to "touch-up" things between wearings if I don't launder them or have them laundered. Bottom line is, I don't feel like I'm shorting myself in the slightest to pack light . . . just the opposite, in fact. I feel much more free. But, different stroke and all that . . . what works for you, works for you. :)

Jennie :)

I'm with Christina on this one. I really have no desire to pack light. I can't remember taking a trip of over one week in length where I didn't bring at least 4 pairs of shoes! And yes, there's even been a few instances where I wished I had brought more ;-) I usually bring at least 2 pairs of daytime walking shoes so I can change shoes for comfort plus two pairs for evenings. For my upcoming trip in Nov/Dec, I'm contemplating adding a pair of boots too :-)

I've gone from the infamous 30"er we EACH had for our first trip (escorted tour) of 17 days, to a 26" + 2 backpacks, to a 22"+ backpack each, to a backpack each with a small (6x8) daybag. (unless the golf clubs come along). I sold those 30" cases a couple of years ago, to someone who wanted them for a long cruise. I'm kind of enjoying that other thread where the fiancée thinks she needs a 30" ((N))

I remember standing in line at JFK when we flew to Frankfurt two years ago. People were amazed at the small size of our (rolling) suitcases. Mine especially is very small. I wear a pair of black walking shoes and pack a pair of sandals for going out at night, and slippers too. We travel independently, on trains, buses, and ferries, so it's very handy to be so light. We share a day bag between us, and I also carry a very small purse with long straps that go over my shoulders. Like some others, I also don't want to risk losing my bag by checking it. It's great how you can let go of the need for things when you want to. When we travel by car I pack so much more stuff!

I've learned to travel light!! Stick to black, white, beige. For a 3-4 week european trip I take 4 pair of pants, a weeks supply of everything else, and a black blazer. You can go anywhere with a pair of black slacks, white shirt and blazer. Do laundry as needed, usually once a week.

We also travelled cross country for 4 months..in a very small sports car...we each had 1 backpack and 1 duffel bag...always had clean clothes,(laundrys are in every city) always dressed appropriately for the occassion. It's the old saying, keep it simple!!!! And there is a lot of freedom living so simply...

Travelnut,
How big is your backpack? I'm thinking about buying one but not sure how big it should be for a fall or winter travel of 3-4weeks.

I have packed with a rollaboard and a small duffel, essentially every time I have gone anywhere in the world. But usually, the rollaboard gets checked. More and more, there is no way to take two pieces of "carry-on" luggage, no matter what their size.

Best wishes,

Rex

We regularly travel to Europe for two weeks plus at at time. My wife and I each carry a 20" bag with no wheels and stay within the airlines' carry on limitations. (Air France is 26 pounds, and some intra-European carriers are even less.) It takes considerable advance planning, but is manageable. When we arrive, we walk right past the baggage carousels to the taxis.

Tiaw, we are only going for 9 overnights, so we have cheap/small backpacks that I bought at a Totes outlet store for $17 each. I 'practice-packed' in it and think I can make it do fine. If I were going for 3-4 weeks, I'd most likely revert to each of us having a 22"rolling carryon, and a daybag while we're out sightseeing. We used that setup last fall for train travel Ams-Bru-Paris and it was easy.

We're just trying to push ourselves this time (also train travel, Ams-Rhein-Switz)to go lighter, so we can stop between destinations to visit small towns in between. I will have to really cut it down (to maybe 3 interchangeable outfits + layering) and I might end up hating it! We'll see.

After reading this thread, I checked into a couple of carrier's weight limitations on intra-European flights for carry-on baggage - BA's limit is 6kg and Lufthansa is 8kg. For those of you who say you don't check any luggage, how are you getting by these limitations? Are you packing less than 6kg for a 2-3 week trip or do you not take any intra-European flights?

Patty:

I will be taking the train from Paris to Venice and from Rome back to Paris on my upcoming Europe trip. So I don't have to worry about European airlines' weight restrictions.

Interestingly, because of this thread, I called Northwest (the airline I'll be taking on my upcoming trip) to ask about their carry-on allowance. Someone (maybe Christina? I can't remember exactly) mentioned that you can no longer carry-on a 22" suitcase and a "personal item" (i.e. a purse, briefcase, tote bag, etc.). I was concerned so I called the airline directly. The representative I spoke with told me that you CAN still bring aboard a carry-on and a "personal item" as described above. Just fyi in case anyone else was wondering.

I am not philosophically opposed to checking luggage. It's just that I have had my luggage lost twice in the past 4 years (both times on domestic flights) and it is such a frustrating thing to happen. I just don't want to have to worry about it happening on my trip to Europe.

Jennie :)

last time our family went to Europe, the four of us got by with 8 carry ons. That was before the tightened rules. I'm sure I could still get by, but I'm not sure about the wife

When i travelled to Paris in February..2 week trip..i took a backpack and 1 carry-on bag. I'm usually an over packer..i like to have lots of clothing options when i'm on vacation, so this trip i decided to try going with less. I must say, i regretted it. I went between hostels and budget hotels, so i switched hotels alot. Even with that, i would have prefered to lug a bigger suitcase around. I got so sick of the 4 changes of clothes that i started buying clothes there, and in the end had to buy a new suitcase to accomidate all my purchases. One of my big issues was smoke...you can't smoke anywhere in Sf, and not many of my friends are smokers, so i'm not accustom to it. Even with handwashing, by the end of the trip, my clothes smelled disgusting!
my 2 cents!

If packing light, it's essential in my opinion to plan regular laundromat visits (or else have it sent out). I did not want to do laundry every 3 days, so I felt it essential to bring more than 3 outfits. Maybe I'm sloppier than the average person, but I feel miserable if I don't put on clean clothes in the morning.