I Didn't Think I Could Do Carry-On for a Week in Paris, But I Can!
Jan 1st, 2005, 06:35 PM
#41
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I've got to ask, why is it that whenever someone says they're packing light, one of the first thing they say they're going to bring less of is Underwear! I don't know about you, but my underwear doesn't take that much space and that's the last thing I would think about cutting back. The hassle of washing underwear in a sink, which let's be honest is never that good, vs the room that underwear takes, makes no sense to me.
Anyway, I hope you'll have a wonderful time and I hope you'll write a trip report. I'm planning my first trip to Paris for either this Spring or this Fall (depending on work schedule) and I look forward to hearing about it.
Anyway, I hope you'll have a wonderful time and I hope you'll write a trip report. I'm planning my first trip to Paris for either this Spring or this Fall (depending on work schedule) and I look forward to hearing about it.
Jan 1st, 2005, 07:25 PM
#42
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Interesting thing about the underwear, isn't it? I honestly don't mind washing it out (same with socks). I would bring more underwear but most of mine is cotton, not synthetic. You wouldn't expect such little things as undies to take up space and weight, but they do unless they're the little synthetic thongie thingies that my sixteen year old daughter wears and I most definitely do NOT!
And now that I've started talking undergarments (why stop when I'm on a roll) I bought a new Spanx brand bra, which is made of pantyhose material and has no hooks or other metal. Part of the selling catch is that it's "airport friendly." It's supposed to be extra comfortable--everyone I know who has one raves about it. Hmmm, we'll see how it pans out in Paris.
And now that I've started talking undergarments (why stop when I'm on a roll) I bought a new Spanx brand bra, which is made of pantyhose material and has no hooks or other metal. Part of the selling catch is that it's "airport friendly." It's supposed to be extra comfortable--everyone I know who has one raves about it. Hmmm, we'll see how it pans out in Paris.
Jan 1st, 2005, 07:31 PM
#43
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dln, "airport friendly bra", now that is a winner!!
About lingerie (oh gads, how bored the fellows must be regarding this post)
I always wash my lingerie out in the sink in Woolite. I never use the washing machine. But I love frilly - well you know! Honest dln, you are packed (at least mentally) do not change your plans. Honest, it sounds perfect. But do wear a coat on the plane so you have it for Paris.
About lingerie (oh gads, how bored the fellows must be regarding this post)
I always wash my lingerie out in the sink in Woolite. I never use the washing machine. But I love frilly - well you know! Honest dln, you are packed (at least mentally) do not change your plans. Honest, it sounds perfect. But do wear a coat on the plane so you have it for Paris.
Jan 1st, 2005, 07:32 PM
#44
I have no business starting an answer tonight, but can't resist. I'm jet lagged and dealing with a rotten cold, caught...I know the precise moment and person who infected me....standing in line to get into the Jacquemart-Andre museum Tuesday! That big snuffling idiot directly behind us in line let out a huge sigh and I knew instantly as I felt his dratted hot breath on my cheek, that we were doomed...and we were. 3 days, almost to the hour, later, we both began dripping and coughing too!
It's sooo cool about your trip! You'll have a wonderful time no matter what, but the critical issue is the rain. Be prepared with a lined raincoat, long if possible, and shoes that are good in mucky walkways and wet streets. No leather soles if you can avoid it and still look smart. We were extremely lucky this year with only one really rainy day, but it was predicted every day we were there. Once it poured during the night then cleared in the morning. It rained the day we arrived and the day we left, but we had honest to goodness sunshine this year, and everyone was commenting on how unusually nice it was. It surprised us too. We were there last year at this time too and in one week had 6 days of rain, and one 1/2 day (if that) of sun. Generally it was soft rain, but rain none-the-less, and streets were pretty goopy, even this time, so think practical boots...those that won't get hurt in water and will keep your feet dry. Have a nice warm scarf. It is cold and damp, but then too, consider the source here. I'm used to FL weather! Few people wore hats I noticed. I had one I'd found just before leaving that was great on the colder days, and it did get down into the upper twenties during some nights, and 30's and 40's in the day. The sunnier the day, the colder. One of you should have a good sized collapsible umbrella, which you both can share if the skies really open up. Gloves. Silky long underwear, and you'll wear it daily.
As for a lot of clothes...I originally thought getting it all into a carry-on would be impossible too (I didn't even try), but assessing what I brought and what I actually wore or knew I could have gotten by with this time, I've changed my mind. It would be tight for sure, but I could do it. Remember 99% of the time you'll be walking around with a long coat covering your clothes--hardly a soul will know what you have on beneath that coat, and even if they could see, the odds of you seeing the same people twice and them remembering what you wore, are almost nil. When going into a cafe or bistro, it's crowded and most people sit down with coats on, then take them off while still sitting, leaving them on the chair. Whatever top you are wearing will be seen then and only then! I easily could have gotten by with two pair of black slacks, plus the pair I wore for traveling. I had two black sweaters, one heavier and one thin cashmere that I wore twice each, and with different scarves...not that the scarves mattered as no one but I knew I had them on!
One other top and I'd have been fine, but I had several others. The thin ones I never wore at all. I brought a thin long skirt that took up practically no room and which I did wear the night we attended a concert at the Madeleine--but I was one of only a few women with a skirt on, even for a Christmas concert. Most were in slacks.
dln, did you succumb to the urge to buy the Longchamp pliages bag on your last trip? I know you thought about it. If you are doing much shopping these are fantastic. You may remember Last year I had a Prada backpack that I stuffed with travel guides, umbrella, gloves when not in use etc. It was nicknamed "Truck" and carried all our supplies for the day. This year I got the large size Longchamp tote that folds into a little purse (and when empty, fit into Truck) and dubbed it "double truck" (the "double" given the French pronunciation, mais oui.) That would solve the problem (maybe) of just barely fitting all your things into one carry-on going...but then you plan on shopping while there and you'll have to get it home. That bag came in so handy. I tried to fill it daily to justify the purchase. I used that and our carry on to get our fragile purchases home (and we still had two checked bags!)
Checking bags isn't much of a problem going, but it has been one returning both our trips. Neither time has our checked luggage made the 2nd leg of our flight after we clear customs in Miami, and this time it didn't arrive until a day later. At the end of the trip it doesn't much matter, but you do have to wait around at the end until the last bag has gone around 3 times and the carousel finally is turned off...then you can go file the claim...not what you want to be doing after 15-20 hours of travel time!
Oh the baby clothes I looked at their! Wonderful things...my husband was so thankful we didn't yet know the sex of our little grandbaby, due in July. Even so, I could do some significant damage in that dept. Had I known, I could have easily had him/her outfitted for the next 2 years.
You all have a fabulous time. Go mentally prepared for lots and lots of rain, so when you get nice days it will be a pleasant surprise, and the rain won't bother you as you knew it was going to happen. Genneraly it isn't heavy but it sure is frequent...and like England...never leave home without that umbrella as it can turn on a dime!
It's sooo cool about your trip! You'll have a wonderful time no matter what, but the critical issue is the rain. Be prepared with a lined raincoat, long if possible, and shoes that are good in mucky walkways and wet streets. No leather soles if you can avoid it and still look smart. We were extremely lucky this year with only one really rainy day, but it was predicted every day we were there. Once it poured during the night then cleared in the morning. It rained the day we arrived and the day we left, but we had honest to goodness sunshine this year, and everyone was commenting on how unusually nice it was. It surprised us too. We were there last year at this time too and in one week had 6 days of rain, and one 1/2 day (if that) of sun. Generally it was soft rain, but rain none-the-less, and streets were pretty goopy, even this time, so think practical boots...those that won't get hurt in water and will keep your feet dry. Have a nice warm scarf. It is cold and damp, but then too, consider the source here. I'm used to FL weather! Few people wore hats I noticed. I had one I'd found just before leaving that was great on the colder days, and it did get down into the upper twenties during some nights, and 30's and 40's in the day. The sunnier the day, the colder. One of you should have a good sized collapsible umbrella, which you both can share if the skies really open up. Gloves. Silky long underwear, and you'll wear it daily.
As for a lot of clothes...I originally thought getting it all into a carry-on would be impossible too (I didn't even try), but assessing what I brought and what I actually wore or knew I could have gotten by with this time, I've changed my mind. It would be tight for sure, but I could do it. Remember 99% of the time you'll be walking around with a long coat covering your clothes--hardly a soul will know what you have on beneath that coat, and even if they could see, the odds of you seeing the same people twice and them remembering what you wore, are almost nil. When going into a cafe or bistro, it's crowded and most people sit down with coats on, then take them off while still sitting, leaving them on the chair. Whatever top you are wearing will be seen then and only then! I easily could have gotten by with two pair of black slacks, plus the pair I wore for traveling. I had two black sweaters, one heavier and one thin cashmere that I wore twice each, and with different scarves...not that the scarves mattered as no one but I knew I had them on!
One other top and I'd have been fine, but I had several others. The thin ones I never wore at all. I brought a thin long skirt that took up practically no room and which I did wear the night we attended a concert at the Madeleine--but I was one of only a few women with a skirt on, even for a Christmas concert. Most were in slacks.dln, did you succumb to the urge to buy the Longchamp pliages bag on your last trip? I know you thought about it. If you are doing much shopping these are fantastic. You may remember Last year I had a Prada backpack that I stuffed with travel guides, umbrella, gloves when not in use etc. It was nicknamed "Truck" and carried all our supplies for the day. This year I got the large size Longchamp tote that folds into a little purse (and when empty, fit into Truck) and dubbed it "double truck" (the "double" given the French pronunciation, mais oui
.) That would solve the problem (maybe) of just barely fitting all your things into one carry-on going...but then you plan on shopping while there and you'll have to get it home. That bag came in so handy. I tried to fill it daily to justify the purchase. I used that and our carry on to get our fragile purchases home (and we still had two checked bags!)Checking bags isn't much of a problem going, but it has been one returning both our trips. Neither time has our checked luggage made the 2nd leg of our flight after we clear customs in Miami, and this time it didn't arrive until a day later. At the end of the trip it doesn't much matter, but you do have to wait around at the end until the last bag has gone around 3 times and the carousel finally is turned off...then you can go file the claim...not what you want to be doing after 15-20 hours of travel time!
Oh the baby clothes I looked at their! Wonderful things...my husband was so thankful we didn't yet know the sex of our little grandbaby, due in July. Even so, I could do some significant damage in that dept. Had I known, I could have easily had him/her outfitted for the next 2 years.
You all have a fabulous time. Go mentally prepared for lots and lots of rain, so when you get nice days it will be a pleasant surprise, and the rain won't bother you as you knew it was going to happen. Genneraly it isn't heavy but it sure is frequent...and like England...never leave home without that umbrella as it can turn on a dime!
Jan 1st, 2005, 07:39 PM
#45
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LoveItaly, that is a condundrum, isn't it? Most pretty lingerie (I do have a fair share of that now that I think of it) isn't made for walking miles of city streets! That leaves you with either sensible cotton or polyester "big mama" underwear, neither of which is very enticing, but I figure since it's the least viewed wardrobe item, I can stand it. I'd rather load up on pretty tops and scarves given the choice between one or the other.
Jan 1st, 2005, 07:44 PM
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I wish I could pack light but there is no way. I try, but I just can't do it. I pack, and cull, and repack, and take out, and add somthing else. I never can decide on what shoes, so I end up with at least 4 pair and usually wear only one or two pairs. I even have trouble taking just one coat, fearing it will be too cold or not too cold, or rainy, or too dressy. As you can tell I have packing issues.
Jan 1st, 2005, 07:57 PM
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Dearest OO! I was waiting until you recovered from jetlag before sitting down and writing you a good long e-mail about your Paris trip. Now you've beaten me to it!
Thanks for all the good tips. Marcy and I will be bringing boots, but perhaps we should tuck in some extra socks, since it looks like we'll be getting our feet wet sooner or later! I guess it would be an excellent idea to give our shoes a coat of waterproof polish, though. We both have the Cuddleduds long johns and cammies, so we're all set in the thermal department. I'm bringing my Prada messenger bag, the one that looks like yours, and it will haul all the goodies back home after the sales. But I am on the outlook for a Pliages!
OO, a huge congratulation to the grandparents-to-be. I know you and your dear sweet husband are so excited. And by the way, I know of an excellent children's toy shop near the Madeleine...if you're interested!
Thanks for all the good tips. Marcy and I will be bringing boots, but perhaps we should tuck in some extra socks, since it looks like we'll be getting our feet wet sooner or later! I guess it would be an excellent idea to give our shoes a coat of waterproof polish, though. We both have the Cuddleduds long johns and cammies, so we're all set in the thermal department. I'm bringing my Prada messenger bag, the one that looks like yours, and it will haul all the goodies back home after the sales. But I am on the outlook for a Pliages!
OO, a huge congratulation to the grandparents-to-be. I know you and your dear sweet husband are so excited. And by the way, I know of an excellent children's toy shop near the Madeleine...if you're interested!
Jan 2nd, 2005, 07:52 AM
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LoriNY-
Our hotel does have hairdryers, and I never take one, but with two women vying for time in front of the bathroom mirror in the morning to get ready, I figured it might be a good idea.
I found a little dual voltage one at Walmart for $7, and I'm considering it "disposable" and leaving it at the hotel at the end of the trip.
Our hotel does have hairdryers, and I never take one, but with two women vying for time in front of the bathroom mirror in the morning to get ready, I figured it might be a good idea.
I found a little dual voltage one at Walmart for $7, and I'm considering it "disposable" and leaving it at the hotel at the end of the trip.
Jan 2nd, 2005, 09:36 AM
#52
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Congrats on doing carryon only. I haven't read most of the responses, but once you get used to packing light, you'll never go back. I remember my last 'packing heavy' trip, I don't know how I lugged that suitcase around, and I don't know what all I took (except it was a lot of stuff).
My one suggestion would for you to wear the twill pants on the flights and leave the Chico's for Paris. Also wear a natural fiber shirt on the plane. My reasoning behind this is most Chico's clothing is made of synthetic material and if (horror of horrors) there is a fire on the plane, the pants will melt onto you. Please only wear natural fibers on the plane. Prepare for the worst, expect the best and have a wonderful trip to Paris.
My one suggestion would for you to wear the twill pants on the flights and leave the Chico's for Paris. Also wear a natural fiber shirt on the plane. My reasoning behind this is most Chico's clothing is made of synthetic material and if (horror of horrors) there is a fire on the plane, the pants will melt onto you. Please only wear natural fibers on the plane. Prepare for the worst, expect the best and have a wonderful trip to Paris.
Jan 2nd, 2005, 10:13 AM
#53
I consider myself a light-packer but I don't actually <carry-on> anymore. It started with British Air, where my usual 22" roller was over their 13 lb. limit; had to check it. To my surprise what I experienced was relief! It really is a pain dragging even the best packed suitcase around airports, while you get coffee, into the restrooms (necessary when traveling solo), down that skinny plane eisle, lifting into overhead bins, etc.
So although I am still a dedicated light-packer I am a reformed carrier-oner, and happily surrender my bag to the airline system and hope for the best.
Never fear, I am still an obsessive packer and planner... what I take in my carry-on tote is another post entirely!
So although I am still a dedicated light-packer I am a reformed carrier-oner, and happily surrender my bag to the airline system and hope for the best.
Never fear, I am still an obsessive packer and planner... what I take in my carry-on tote is another post entirely!
Jan 2nd, 2005, 12:24 PM
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>>i would forget the hairdryer, most hotels have them<<
The problem with that is that most hotel hairdryers are the worst. I would have to get 4 hours earlier to get my hair dried. I think most hotel hairdryers are made for people with barely any hair or the thinnest hair in the world.
The problem with that is that most hotel hairdryers are the worst. I would have to get 4 hours earlier to get my hair dried. I think most hotel hairdryers are made for people with barely any hair or the thinnest hair in the world.
Jan 2nd, 2005, 12:29 PM
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Hi dln. I just had a thought for you two. What if you and Marcy checked one smallish but empty piece of luggage when you leave for France. Than you would have a suitcase there.
When you two are ready to come home you could put the dirty clothes in that suitcase and check it in for your flight home. What ever purchases you and Marcy made could be put in your carryons.
The thought came to me because I kept wondering what you two would do if you buy things in Paris (and would imagine you will).
When you two are ready to come home you could put the dirty clothes in that suitcase and check it in for your flight home. What ever purchases you and Marcy made could be put in your carryons.
The thought came to me because I kept wondering what you two would do if you buy things in Paris (and would imagine you will).
Jan 2nd, 2005, 12:49 PM
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LoveItaly, we're covered on that one! I'm bringing my Bagallini tote and in it I'm putting my handbag (microfiber & very light). Otherwise, it's completely empty and ready for goods. Although I have to say that unless the sales are really, really good, I probably won't be buying much. Marcy is tucking an empty folded tote into her carry-on. Neither of us is bothered about checking in our luggage on the way back home if we come back laden with Parisian goodies that require the purchase of an extra bag or two!
Elaine and Suze, I'm looking at this as a grand experiment. I might be completely sold on doing carry-on from now on in, or...I might say "Never again!" Either way, you'll hear about it from Marcy and me via our post-Paris trip reports. We'll see which way the cookie crumbles.
Elaine and Suze, I'm looking at this as a grand experiment. I might be completely sold on doing carry-on from now on in, or...I might say "Never again!" Either way, you'll hear about it from Marcy and me via our post-Paris trip reports. We'll see which way the cookie crumbles.
Jan 2nd, 2005, 01:56 PM
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Din- Bravo! It's a double-challenge, not just to pack light, but to get the fabrics right.
Yes! Warm jammies next to the skin much more effective than pils of blankets. For walking, Coolmax is the best!
NO! to synthetic fabrics -Europe can be quite humid in the winter, acrylic leaves me soaked to the skin. I would for that reason choose silk knits, lightweight wools- and oh that I could afford all the cashmere. Have a wonderful time! Wish I were going back.
Mari5- yes, a little paranoia goes a long way. I lost my larger 26" checked suitcase when it never even made it out of the departure airport, and I had to take a 7-day cruise with no luggage (luckily I had thrown a bathing suit & a few items into my carry-on). The bag & contents were never located. I pack light, but do not always carry-on, try to consider that lost luggage an exception.
Yes! Warm jammies next to the skin much more effective than pils of blankets. For walking, Coolmax is the best!
NO! to synthetic fabrics -Europe can be quite humid in the winter, acrylic leaves me soaked to the skin. I would for that reason choose silk knits, lightweight wools- and oh that I could afford all the cashmere. Have a wonderful time! Wish I were going back.
Mari5- yes, a little paranoia goes a long way. I lost my larger 26" checked suitcase when it never even made it out of the departure airport, and I had to take a 7-day cruise with no luggage (luckily I had thrown a bathing suit & a few items into my carry-on). The bag & contents were never located. I pack light, but do not always carry-on, try to consider that lost luggage an exception.
Jan 2nd, 2005, 02:08 PM
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There have been other threads similar to this which have introduced the notion of taking clothes to throw away as you go. No need to give me grief about wearing sloppy or stained clothing. I simply take things I am beginning to tire of anyway. Actually, when I head for Italy and France in April, I will take a couple of nice pair of black slacks which I have had several years but look far better on me than the Chico's traveller black pants which I also own. It is a way to pack light and also make room for purchases abroad. I think this is my fourth carry-on and throw-away trip to Europe. PJ
Jan 2nd, 2005, 02:41 PM
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just had to add, regarding the "robe" issue . . .
though i wear a big chenille robe at home, i recently picked up a silk robe on sale. and found that it is great for travelling! takes no space in the luggage.
we often are visiting friends, so having a robe is nice to have for hanging out in the morning and evening.
though i wear a big chenille robe at home, i recently picked up a silk robe on sale. and found that it is great for travelling! takes no space in the luggage.
we often are visiting friends, so having a robe is nice to have for hanging out in the morning and evening.
