How to pack next time
Oct 22nd, 2008, 12:52 PM
#1
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How to pack next time
My husband & I just returned from a 30 day trip to Switzerland & Italy during which time we traveled by train. We each had a 22" rolling bag plus each had a smaller rolling bag. We checked the 22" bags. My husband has bad knees & all the steps were difficult for him. He says that we (I) must pack much lighter next time, even though I handled my own bags nearly all the time. He thinks that I should check the 22" bag & just use a tote bag as a carryon. I assume that if I check a bag that it might not arrive with me. He thinks no big deal! I would prefer to carry on the 22" bag & thus not have to have a "back-up" bag. He says there will not be room on the plane to carry on a 22" bag. I do know that I took too much of some things. He even says that a first aide kit is unnecessary. If we need something just go buy it. Help us with this "debate"!
Oct 22nd, 2008, 12:57 PM
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1) Were there things that you packed on this trip that you never used at all? If yes, leave those home next time.
2) And yes, I agree with your husband that IF you need a first aid kit next time, you can buy it there.
3) I don't have bad knees or anything, but recently I downsized from a 22" to a 19". This way, I don't have to worry about checking my luggage, and the 19" is much easier for me to handle.
4) I have never, ever, packed a first aid kit on my (many) trips abroad. And I have yet to need one. (I did buy a small box of bandaid from a convenience store in London once.)
2) And yes, I agree with your husband that IF you need a first aid kit next time, you can buy it there.
3) I don't have bad knees or anything, but recently I downsized from a 22" to a 19". This way, I don't have to worry about checking my luggage, and the 19" is much easier for me to handle.
4) I have never, ever, packed a first aid kit on my (many) trips abroad. And I have yet to need one. (I did buy a small box of bandaid from a convenience store in London once.)
Oct 22nd, 2008, 01:30 PM
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I think 2 rolling bags are difficult to manage. For train trips I bring a 21 inch bag and a small soft-sided bag that hangs off the hangle of the roller bag (not heavily packed).
When you load luggage on a train one of you should be at the top of the steps and one at the bottom of the train steps and just hand the bags up so you're not walking up the steps with the bags (easier on the knees).
Re the first aid kit - just bring a few band aids, something for your stomach in pill form either Immodium or chewable Pepto and a small tube of ointment and whatever other meds or over the counter items you need, i.e., aspirin (in small sizes). This doesn't weigh much but you have it if you need it at night or during the weekend.
I think we're so used to seeing a closet full of clothes at home that we think we need to bring a lot of things on vacation. It's amazing how little you need since your focus is on the sights, eating, etc. so you don't need other amusements nor a lot of clothing. Pack a couple of skarves or a shawl for diversion.
When you load luggage on a train one of you should be at the top of the steps and one at the bottom of the train steps and just hand the bags up so you're not walking up the steps with the bags (easier on the knees).
Re the first aid kit - just bring a few band aids, something for your stomach in pill form either Immodium or chewable Pepto and a small tube of ointment and whatever other meds or over the counter items you need, i.e., aspirin (in small sizes). This doesn't weigh much but you have it if you need it at night or during the weekend.
I think we're so used to seeing a closet full of clothes at home that we think we need to bring a lot of things on vacation. It's amazing how little you need since your focus is on the sights, eating, etc. so you don't need other amusements nor a lot of clothing. Pack a couple of skarves or a shawl for diversion.
Oct 22nd, 2008, 01:34 PM
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The first aid kit for me is a must,
If we have any kind of stomach upset or problem during a trip, I want to know that I have remedies that I know will work.
Our first trip to France we both caught colds the last day we were there and since we were flying out of Milan very early on a Sunday morning there was no opportunity to talk to the pharmacist to get a decongestant for the plane ride home, we both had a very uncomfortable time because the only decongestant we could find at the airport, didn't work very well.
My first aid kit is a relatively small and light clear plastic makeup type bag. It doesn't take up enough room for it to make the least bit of difference and we've used the contents enough that we both consider it to be a necessary item.
we usually travel with my husband riding his bike, so for those trips I take a heavy duty first aid kit that could take care of more common biking injuries such as road rash because if we are waiting for the Tour de France on a mountain top, the chance of getting to a doctor or pharmacist is pretty low.
If we have any kind of stomach upset or problem during a trip, I want to know that I have remedies that I know will work.
Our first trip to France we both caught colds the last day we were there and since we were flying out of Milan very early on a Sunday morning there was no opportunity to talk to the pharmacist to get a decongestant for the plane ride home, we both had a very uncomfortable time because the only decongestant we could find at the airport, didn't work very well.
My first aid kit is a relatively small and light clear plastic makeup type bag. It doesn't take up enough room for it to make the least bit of difference and we've used the contents enough that we both consider it to be a necessary item.
we usually travel with my husband riding his bike, so for those trips I take a heavy duty first aid kit that could take care of more common biking injuries such as road rash because if we are waiting for the Tour de France on a mountain top, the chance of getting to a doctor or pharmacist is pretty low.
Oct 22nd, 2008, 01:43 PM
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Yes, I also agree you should not have 2 rolling bags each. Each person should have just one rolling bag plus a day bag max.
Another question for you is how heavy is your 22" when it's empty? There is a huge range of weights out there, from the ultra-lightweight to ultra-heavyweight. The new lightweight models these days only weigh 6-7 lbs or so when empty.
My parents travel a lot (they're in their 60s & 70s) and they pack very light. I mean, they each has a small rolling backpack (~16"
and it's good for any duration of trips, be it 2 weeks or 8 weeks. The rolling backpack advantage is you can carry it on your back if you're faced with lots of stairs to climb.
Another question for you is how heavy is your 22" when it's empty? There is a huge range of weights out there, from the ultra-lightweight to ultra-heavyweight. The new lightweight models these days only weigh 6-7 lbs or so when empty.
My parents travel a lot (they're in their 60s & 70s) and they pack very light. I mean, they each has a small rolling backpack (~16"
and it's good for any duration of trips, be it 2 weeks or 8 weeks. The rolling backpack advantage is you can carry it on your back if you're faced with lots of stairs to climb.
Oct 22nd, 2008, 01:46 PM
#7
I, too, take a first aid kit, although it's smaller for Europe than for Asia (no need for anti-malarials!) It's small and light, and means that if I need something in the middle of the night, it's right there.
I also wouldn't take two rolling bags. In fact, I don't even take one - I take a convertible backpack and a day pack - I find it's easier to have the bag on my back with my hands free. If you get a good bag the waist belt takes most of the weight. But packing light and hand-washing your clothes is key.
I also wouldn't take two rolling bags. In fact, I don't even take one - I take a convertible backpack and a day pack - I find it's easier to have the bag on my back with my hands free. If you get a good bag the waist belt takes most of the weight. But packing light and hand-washing your clothes is key.
Oct 22nd, 2008, 01:52 PM
#8
As you've found, two bags both with wheels don't work (for 1 person).
I take a 24" wheeled bag that I check thru, and a non-wheeled carryon tote that can ride on top of it when I have both together.
If you really want to go carry-on only you'll likely need a 19-21" bag. 22" fully loaded is too big for most airlines these days (you need to check your specific carrier as the rules vary somewhat). It can be done, just depends how much you are willing to wear the same clothes over & over and/or do some laundry along the way.
I take a 24" wheeled bag that I check thru, and a non-wheeled carryon tote that can ride on top of it when I have both together.
If you really want to go carry-on only you'll likely need a 19-21" bag. 22" fully loaded is too big for most airlines these days (you need to check your specific carrier as the rules vary somewhat). It can be done, just depends how much you are willing to wear the same clothes over & over and/or do some laundry along the way.
Oct 22nd, 2008, 01:54 PM
#9
Also I don't travel with a first aid kit (for Europe) just a couple snack sized ziplocks with things like a few bandaids, a couple OTC meds, tweezers, nail clippers, etc.
When you're traveling thru major European destinations it's easy enough to find a pharmacy (or even a doctor) if something goes seriously wrong.
When you're traveling thru major European destinations it's easy enough to find a pharmacy (or even a doctor) if something goes seriously wrong.
Oct 22nd, 2008, 01:59 PM
#10
I used to take too much also. Then last year, the airlines lost our luggage and we didn't get it back until 3 days after we got home. We were in France 3 wks.
We were in luck because we had a washer/dryer in our apt. in Paris. When left there to drive on, I made sure everything was clean and we were fine.
What I learned was that I didn't need all that "stuff".
This year on our trip to Paris(again in an apt. with washer), all I packed was a carry on for both of us. It's very nice not having so much to chose from.
So the airline taught me something, plus gave us a large voucher for lost luggage, which put a huge dent in our budget this year.
Re the first aid kit. We used to take one. Now we take my husband's meds, plus Advil and a couple band-aids. You can buy everything you need in the stores, if you need it.
We were in luck because we had a washer/dryer in our apt. in Paris. When left there to drive on, I made sure everything was clean and we were fine.
What I learned was that I didn't need all that "stuff".
This year on our trip to Paris(again in an apt. with washer), all I packed was a carry on for both of us. It's very nice not having so much to chose from.
So the airline taught me something, plus gave us a large voucher for lost luggage, which put a huge dent in our budget this year.
Re the first aid kit. We used to take one. Now we take my husband's meds, plus Advil and a couple band-aids. You can buy everything you need in the stores, if you need it.
Oct 22nd, 2008, 02:19 PM
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We do carryon only. Our bags are the 21" rollaboards. On our last trip to France, we were gone 10 days and did not have to do laundry or wear things over and over. If you pack light fabrics, they do not take up much room at all. I do not take a first aid kit with me, but I do pack a couple bandaids, a bit of moleskin, and a couple pepto tablets just in case. If I need anything else, I can buy it there. But this is enough til I get to the pharmacy.
Oct 22nd, 2008, 02:24 PM
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Your assumption that your checked bag might not arrive with you is really not right. I"ve never understood how people can carry on such huge heavy bag, lug them overhead, and leave very little room for everyone to put a carry on, laptop or smaller bags.
We lived overseas, traveled a lot since moving back, and have never lost a checked bag. It is so much easier. Yes, yes, I know there is a first time for everything like this...and there will be a lot of posters here that have lost bags...but I think it is a VERY small percentage.
I carry on a rolling back pack...medicines, makeup, camera, book,(a few "first night things, in case, and important papers, etc etc.
It will fit on top my 22 or 24 inch checked
We lived overseas, traveled a lot since moving back, and have never lost a checked bag. It is so much easier. Yes, yes, I know there is a first time for everything like this...and there will be a lot of posters here that have lost bags...but I think it is a VERY small percentage.
I carry on a rolling back pack...medicines, makeup, camera, book,(a few "first night things, in case, and important papers, etc etc.
It will fit on top my 22 or 24 inch checked
Oct 22nd, 2008, 02:27 PM
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I have a Riley&Briggs expandable which can be carried on when not expanded. So, on the way out, when I have the most concern over lost luggage, it does fit in an overhead. However, it has to be checked on the budget intra-Europe flights.
On the way back to the US, it's usually expanded 3" due to purchases, and I check it, but am not as concerned if the bag is delayed. I've never had one permanently lost but it's just a matter of luck; I know many people who have had it happen.
I have a second small bag that meets the budget airlines carry-on requirements. It does have wheels which have come in handy as its crammed with books, laptop, medicines, etc. It BARELY fits in a Flybe overhead compartment, but it makes it. For train travel and when I'm dealing with both bags, it also attaches to the larger case.
After nine weeks I wanted to burn all my clothes ,but on the trip I had enough for about 10 days between washings.
On the way back to the US, it's usually expanded 3" due to purchases, and I check it, but am not as concerned if the bag is delayed. I've never had one permanently lost but it's just a matter of luck; I know many people who have had it happen.
I have a second small bag that meets the budget airlines carry-on requirements. It does have wheels which have come in handy as its crammed with books, laptop, medicines, etc. It BARELY fits in a Flybe overhead compartment, but it makes it. For train travel and when I'm dealing with both bags, it also attaches to the larger case.
After nine weeks I wanted to burn all my clothes ,but on the trip I had enough for about 10 days between washings.
Oct 22nd, 2008, 02:33 PM
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Suze--True. I mentioned it though to show if you pack the correct items, you can pack a lot in and not have to do laundry every couple days. We did a 3 week trip to Europe (in the winter) once and we each had just a 22" bag. We had laundry done at the hotel once.
Oct 22nd, 2008, 02:35 PM
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OOPS...what happened?,,,continued:
LIGHTWEIGHT checked bag. Husband does something similar.
We almost always have a rental car, which makes a difference. We usually fine a local laundrymat after a week.
As someone mentioned a long time ago I use ziplocs ziplocs ziplocs.Security can see through for makeup, etc....and I also use BIG ziplocs for tops, slacks, underware. (sometimes security singles out a suitcase to "hand check".
My husband and I have bad knees/ankles also, and the less to carry, the better. With the train you will have further to walk however. A zip lock does fine for a "first aid" kit. (quart size perhaps)
You idea of checking a 22 inch bag and carrying on a tote sounds great.
LIGHTWEIGHT checked bag. Husband does something similar.
We almost always have a rental car, which makes a difference. We usually fine a local laundrymat after a week.
As someone mentioned a long time ago I use ziplocs ziplocs ziplocs.Security can see through for makeup, etc....and I also use BIG ziplocs for tops, slacks, underware. (sometimes security singles out a suitcase to "hand check".
My husband and I have bad knees/ankles also, and the less to carry, the better. With the train you will have further to walk however. A zip lock does fine for a "first aid" kit. (quart size perhaps)
You idea of checking a 22 inch bag and carrying on a tote sounds great.
Oct 22nd, 2008, 02:42 PM
#17
"<i>We lived overseas, traveled a lot since moving back, and have never lost a checked bag.</i>" Congratulations. But the fact that you have not lost a bag is of little comfort for the millions who have.
30,000 were lost at LHR on just one one day . . . .
It took 2 - 3 weeks for most to be returned -- and several thousand were never seen again.
30,000 were lost at LHR on just one one day . . . .
It took 2 - 3 weeks for most to be returned -- and several thousand were never seen again.
Oct 22nd, 2008, 04:09 PM
#18
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Traveling by train is probably not the best option for someone with bad knees/problems walking.
I think you would find travel by car a lot easier. Not toting luggage around - and you can get a lot more than you're describing into the trunk.
Plus you can usually drive much closer to where you want to be - even if it mean the other person drops you off and then goes back to park the car.
(This is the travel portion naturally. In cities if the trains aren't convenient just grab a cab.)
I think you would find travel by car a lot easier. Not toting luggage around - and you can get a lot more than you're describing into the trunk.
Plus you can usually drive much closer to where you want to be - even if it mean the other person drops you off and then goes back to park the car.
(This is the travel portion naturally. In cities if the trains aren't convenient just grab a cab.)
Oct 22nd, 2008, 05:34 PM
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I'm also a proponent of Ziplock packing. In my carryon everything is packed into Ziplocks of varying sizes. Outfits are put together in 2 1/2 & 1 gallon sizes with underwear, socks and misc items in smaller ziplocks.
Every single time we fly, we have been pulled out of line for a special hand check of our bags. It's so much easier if the baggage inspector can just take out the ziplocks to examine everything. It makes repacking at the security checkpoint so much easier.
As to lost luggage, for the last 10 trips that we have taken our luggage has been delayed or lost 4 times. From anywhere from 1 to 4 days. At one point my DH turned to me at the baggage carousel and said I don't know why we bother coming here at all we should just go directly to lost luggage, our luggage is always lost.
Every single time we fly, we have been pulled out of line for a special hand check of our bags. It's so much easier if the baggage inspector can just take out the ziplocks to examine everything. It makes repacking at the security checkpoint so much easier.
As to lost luggage, for the last 10 trips that we have taken our luggage has been delayed or lost 4 times. From anywhere from 1 to 4 days. At one point my DH turned to me at the baggage carousel and said I don't know why we bother coming here at all we should just go directly to lost luggage, our luggage is always lost.
