Don't those of you who brag about just taking a carry-on take any "stuff" other than clothes?
Jul 12th, 2007, 06:07 AM
#263
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We just got back from 10 full days in France. We did change our bags a bit last minute. Instead of the 19" inside a 22", we bought new 21" bags. It was DD (16), myself and my mother. We each just had just our 21" bag and a purse. AF has a weight limit, and ours came in under it so we were able to do carryon, which was our goal.
I am only 5'1" and I am the one who put each bag up in the bins on both flights. I would have put them at our feet, but we were in exit rows so that was not an option.
We did shop, a lot, but we knew we would and so just shipped the stuff home. France has a very easy method for that, and so far the boxes have arrived home in exactly one week from mailing.
I am only 5'1" and I am the one who put each bag up in the bins on both flights. I would have put them at our feet, but we were in exit rows so that was not an option.
We did shop, a lot, but we knew we would and so just shipped the stuff home. France has a very easy method for that, and so far the boxes have arrived home in exactly one week from mailing.
Jul 12th, 2007, 06:08 AM
#264
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Sorry, I meant to mention that the new bags we bought were the 21" rolling bags by Rick Steves (lol!).
My 22" bag was 3 cm too large for AF carryon, and I didn't want to risk it, so the 21" was perfect. We bought them at the AAA store for something like $116 each. They held up great and weigh just 7 pounds.
My 22" bag was 3 cm too large for AF carryon, and I didn't want to risk it, so the 21" was perfect. We bought them at the AAA store for something like $116 each. They held up great and weigh just 7 pounds.
Jul 12th, 2007, 09:50 AM
#265
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Bashamj - that is the real question, isn't it.
I buy inexpensive because I like having choices. So, instead of buying one 22" wheeled softside and ALWAYS using it, I buy one 17" wheeled softside, one 20" duffle, one 24" wheeled softside, one 22" wheeled softside, one 28" wheeled suitcase, one wheeled backpack and one 22" wheeled duffle. Then I rotate what I use between trips depending on my needs. I don't worry about brand names, but I always check them out in person (I don't buy them online unless I've seen them in a store).
The items that I have to have in a wheeled suitcase are:
-solid extending handle (don't want it breaking while your wheeling your bag through the airport)
-larger inline wheels
-at least one outside pocket for easy to reach access
-handle on the bottom of the bag for putting in a car, etc.
requirements for duffles and backpacks:
-enough interior compartments to hold and protect smaller items
-maleable enough to put under the seat
-comfortable handles and straps
-enough exterior compartments to hold items I need quickly
I buy inexpensive because I like having choices. So, instead of buying one 22" wheeled softside and ALWAYS using it, I buy one 17" wheeled softside, one 20" duffle, one 24" wheeled softside, one 22" wheeled softside, one 28" wheeled suitcase, one wheeled backpack and one 22" wheeled duffle. Then I rotate what I use between trips depending on my needs. I don't worry about brand names, but I always check them out in person (I don't buy them online unless I've seen them in a store).
The items that I have to have in a wheeled suitcase are:
-solid extending handle (don't want it breaking while your wheeling your bag through the airport)
-larger inline wheels
-at least one outside pocket for easy to reach access
-handle on the bottom of the bag for putting in a car, etc.
requirements for duffles and backpacks:
-enough interior compartments to hold and protect smaller items
-maleable enough to put under the seat
-comfortable handles and straps
-enough exterior compartments to hold items I need quickly
Jul 12th, 2007, 01:29 PM
#266
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I dunno...I spent 2 months abroad last summer and did it all with a 22 inch carry-on.
I did a lot of buying, too, but I did ship some clothes home midway. My fave tip is to travel with several small travel size shampoo/soap/mouthwash and throw away as they are depleted.
I did NOT bring dishes, my phone, binoculars, or anything like that.
I did a lot of buying, too, but I did ship some clothes home midway. My fave tip is to travel with several small travel size shampoo/soap/mouthwash and throw away as they are depleted.
I did NOT bring dishes, my phone, binoculars, or anything like that.
Jul 12th, 2007, 02:53 PM
#267
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On our trip we met a young man who traveled lighter than anyone else I have met. He had just graduated from high school and was spending 6 weeks traveling around. He was well kept, and his only bag was a large messenger type one. I assume he had just a change of clothes in it. We spoke enough that I know he didn't have bags waiting for him anyplace, but I didn't have to nerve to ask if he only had 1 change of clothes with him ( but I suspect that was it).
