Italy for 12 days - Carry-on Only
Mar 9th, 2007, 06:27 PM
#41
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Check out www.minimus.biz . It has a pretty good selection of individual sized items.
Those Americans that can't do without their ranch dressing or corn flakes will be happy.
I use it for individual packets of Woolite and whatever else strikes my fancy.
Those Americans that can't do without their ranch dressing or corn flakes will be happy.
I use it for individual packets of Woolite and whatever else strikes my fancy.
Mar 9th, 2007, 07:33 PM
#42
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We did 13 days in Italy with carryon - in July when it was hot and sweaty! We just packed items that washed and dried easily and did laundry every other day in the hotel. We did splurge half way through and had some items laundered. Since we traveled by train I was so glad we did it that way. I saw so many people struggling with large suitcases on the trains. We did buy a some pottery in Le Marche, but just bought an inexpensive bag to bring it back and checked our luggage on the way home.
Mar 10th, 2007, 12:32 AM
#44
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This will be a concise list of suggestions for packing for any trip.
1. Your shoes MUST be comfortable. If at all possible have one pair, not two. Try to have a pair that can work as semi-dress and yet be as comfortable as tennis shoes. I use a tan pair of walking shoes that can go with tan slacks or levi's.
2. Take only those small samples of toiletries that you simply must have. Buy anything else after you arrive. The experience is easy and can be enlightening.
3. To keep things organized use 1/2 or 1 quart size baggies, but try to keep them flat so you can stack them and customs officers can see all that is in them.
4. To prevent clothes from wrinkling (much) lay them flat on a bed or table, fold shirts with the sleeves first over the sides of the shirt (length-wise top to bottom) then again in thirds into the middle. For pants, fold so your crease is reinforced but tuck the buttock and fly sections inward like you see in many clothing shops on pressure clip hangers. NOW put two pair of socks and your underwear at the end of the garment where wrinkles are acceptable (top of pants, bottom of shirts) and roll them inside the length of the garment. This gives bigger rolls and less wrinkles. Don't try to stuff them into baggies. That will make more wrinkles.
4. Take a few gallon size baggies to put dirty clothes in.
5. Make sure you pack things in order or their importance of removing from your bag or pack.
6. Place any hard things that could break, dent or crack between the softer clothes.
7. By taking the above ratio of clothes, 3 to four pairs of stockings, two underwear to each set of clothes and wearing one and carrying one or two with you, you can easily get everything into a single carry on with room to spare. Plan on doing a little hand washing when you can on your trip. You can use any soap for this.
8. You can easily plan a trip around two sets of clothes if you don't try to go from hiking and river running to the opera the next day. Plan your trip based on what clothes you can take. If you have to choose to leave an activity out consider buying a remembrance of the trip in the form of a piece of clothing you can use for the exceptional activity (bathing suit, shorts, shawl, sweater, etc.). If you only have a bulky coat, consider wearing a warm sweater on the flight and buying a coat after you arrive.
9. One very important thing. After you've packed your pack or bag, carry it around your block twice without putting it down. If you think it's heavy now, think what it will be like trying to run across a big airport or chasing a cab or bus or carrying it with you while you're between hotels, cabs, trains, etc. If you don't like the weight, start thinking what you can do without.
For example, I leave my normal overnight kit at home and only take those few things I can't get elsewhere (my favorite toothpaste and brush, my medications, etc.). If you like to listen to music, get an iPod instead of taking a CD or MP3 player with you. Get ear buds instead of ear phones. On the other hand, I ALWAYS take a fold up three legged metal folding stool with me. I hate standing up for the sometimes hour or more necessary for customs, entrance to attractions, or from just plane walking all day. That stool is well worth the weight to me. I do have a folding seat cushion I sometimes take if I feel I won't be needing the stool much.
10. Prepare for the plane or train ride by getting an inflatable neck pillow (two are even better). You'll be surprised how often you use them and how creative you can get in using them as filler in your bag, extra seat comfort (low inflation), extra padding against a wall or corner, or even a foot rest.
11. If you have a choice of luggage get a combination back pack, roll around. They are a little hard to find but well worth it. If not, I prefer a back pack with a good carrying handle. I keep the weight down and have better control of it. Wheels are fine on hard flat surfaces but miserable elsewhere. If necessary, I'd prefer two smaller bags rather than one large one. This gives balance when I have to carry both.
12. If you do get wheels, make sure the bag is well balanced and not top heavy with larger then average wheels. They roll better, cross cracks and rocks easier and last longer. You should try to have one that is within the space limits posted by the airlines but has the wheels in the wide edge, not the long edge. Most pull-alongs are like this but I've seen some that had tiny wheels on the narrow hinge back of the suitcase such that it stood upright and kept tipping over every time someone went around a corner.
13. Finally, if you need the extra space coming home for all your souvenirs consider buying a quick bag the day before you return or buy a fold up piece for the bottom of your carry on before you go. You can always ship things home, too.
Good luck and enjoy your traveling. I travel all over as an air courier and space and weight make a huge difference.
Dr. Ken Rich
1. Your shoes MUST be comfortable. If at all possible have one pair, not two. Try to have a pair that can work as semi-dress and yet be as comfortable as tennis shoes. I use a tan pair of walking shoes that can go with tan slacks or levi's.
2. Take only those small samples of toiletries that you simply must have. Buy anything else after you arrive. The experience is easy and can be enlightening.
3. To keep things organized use 1/2 or 1 quart size baggies, but try to keep them flat so you can stack them and customs officers can see all that is in them.
4. To prevent clothes from wrinkling (much) lay them flat on a bed or table, fold shirts with the sleeves first over the sides of the shirt (length-wise top to bottom) then again in thirds into the middle. For pants, fold so your crease is reinforced but tuck the buttock and fly sections inward like you see in many clothing shops on pressure clip hangers. NOW put two pair of socks and your underwear at the end of the garment where wrinkles are acceptable (top of pants, bottom of shirts) and roll them inside the length of the garment. This gives bigger rolls and less wrinkles. Don't try to stuff them into baggies. That will make more wrinkles.
4. Take a few gallon size baggies to put dirty clothes in.
5. Make sure you pack things in order or their importance of removing from your bag or pack.
6. Place any hard things that could break, dent or crack between the softer clothes.
7. By taking the above ratio of clothes, 3 to four pairs of stockings, two underwear to each set of clothes and wearing one and carrying one or two with you, you can easily get everything into a single carry on with room to spare. Plan on doing a little hand washing when you can on your trip. You can use any soap for this.
8. You can easily plan a trip around two sets of clothes if you don't try to go from hiking and river running to the opera the next day. Plan your trip based on what clothes you can take. If you have to choose to leave an activity out consider buying a remembrance of the trip in the form of a piece of clothing you can use for the exceptional activity (bathing suit, shorts, shawl, sweater, etc.). If you only have a bulky coat, consider wearing a warm sweater on the flight and buying a coat after you arrive.
9. One very important thing. After you've packed your pack or bag, carry it around your block twice without putting it down. If you think it's heavy now, think what it will be like trying to run across a big airport or chasing a cab or bus or carrying it with you while you're between hotels, cabs, trains, etc. If you don't like the weight, start thinking what you can do without.
For example, I leave my normal overnight kit at home and only take those few things I can't get elsewhere (my favorite toothpaste and brush, my medications, etc.). If you like to listen to music, get an iPod instead of taking a CD or MP3 player with you. Get ear buds instead of ear phones. On the other hand, I ALWAYS take a fold up three legged metal folding stool with me. I hate standing up for the sometimes hour or more necessary for customs, entrance to attractions, or from just plane walking all day. That stool is well worth the weight to me. I do have a folding seat cushion I sometimes take if I feel I won't be needing the stool much.
10. Prepare for the plane or train ride by getting an inflatable neck pillow (two are even better). You'll be surprised how often you use them and how creative you can get in using them as filler in your bag, extra seat comfort (low inflation), extra padding against a wall or corner, or even a foot rest.
11. If you have a choice of luggage get a combination back pack, roll around. They are a little hard to find but well worth it. If not, I prefer a back pack with a good carrying handle. I keep the weight down and have better control of it. Wheels are fine on hard flat surfaces but miserable elsewhere. If necessary, I'd prefer two smaller bags rather than one large one. This gives balance when I have to carry both.
12. If you do get wheels, make sure the bag is well balanced and not top heavy with larger then average wheels. They roll better, cross cracks and rocks easier and last longer. You should try to have one that is within the space limits posted by the airlines but has the wheels in the wide edge, not the long edge. Most pull-alongs are like this but I've seen some that had tiny wheels on the narrow hinge back of the suitcase such that it stood upright and kept tipping over every time someone went around a corner.
13. Finally, if you need the extra space coming home for all your souvenirs consider buying a quick bag the day before you return or buy a fold up piece for the bottom of your carry on before you go. You can always ship things home, too.
Good luck and enjoy your traveling. I travel all over as an air courier and space and weight make a huge difference.
Dr. Ken Rich
Mar 11th, 2007, 01:09 PM
#45
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I'm still a little confused with this carry-on luggage thing. Going from Washington DC to Munich and then on a seperate reservation from Munich to Florence, can we carry a carry-on bag and another smaller bag/purse since we originated in the US or are we allowed only one bag each total to carry on?
Mar 24th, 2007, 07:30 AM
#47
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<font color="red"><b>Only 11 lbs (5 kg)</b></font> is allowed for the 1 carry-on on Eurofly. We are flying from JFK to Rome and this is from their website http://euroflyusa.com/US/euroflyfaq.asp :
Carry on Baggage
We wish to advise all passengers that, for safety, security and space limitations, carry-on baggage will be STRICTLY limited to one per passenger for a maximum weight of 11 pounds (5kg) and a maximum total dimension (height + width + length measured one time each) of 45 inches (115 cm).
They do allow 2 checked pieces of luggage, with a heavier allowance for each bag in Business Class.
Carry on Baggage
We wish to advise all passengers that, for safety, security and space limitations, carry-on baggage will be STRICTLY limited to one per passenger for a maximum weight of 11 pounds (5kg) and a maximum total dimension (height + width + length measured one time each) of 45 inches (115 cm).
They do allow 2 checked pieces of luggage, with a heavier allowance for each bag in Business Class.
Mar 24th, 2007, 11:33 AM
#49
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What great recommendations on this post ! I am traveling to Italy for 3 weeks in June. Here's the catch in regarding packing.. I am traveling with two children 3 and 5. Can I see manage with a carryon ? Is it silly that I want to bring my laptop top too for internet connections and downloading photos ?
Is there any new airport rules regarding a stroller?
Is there any new airport rules regarding a stroller?
Mar 24th, 2007, 11:43 AM
#50
hi, pmuzzy,
one solution to the carry-on/checking luggage question is to carry on into europe, and check your luggage on the way home, when time is not at such a premium.
of course, this won't work if you are changing planes within europe.
if it helps you decide, we have travelled extensively within europe in the last few years, and never waited longer than 30 minutes for the lugggage to come through, sometimes far less.
so if you have to check, it's not a disaster.
regards, ann
one solution to the carry-on/checking luggage question is to carry on into europe, and check your luggage on the way home, when time is not at such a premium.
of course, this won't work if you are changing planes within europe.
if it helps you decide, we have travelled extensively within europe in the last few years, and never waited longer than 30 minutes for the lugggage to come through, sometimes far less.
so if you have to check, it's not a disaster.
regards, ann
Mar 24th, 2007, 01:44 PM
#51
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IM, I would be impressed if you could do that all with carryon! I have three kids, but I don't know if I could even do it with two.
But maybe it would work. I'd do one bag of airplane entertainment for the kids, one bag with their clothes, and one bag for yours. If they have rolling backpacks, the kids can pull their own bags (at least the 5 yo).
But maybe it would work. I'd do one bag of airplane entertainment for the kids, one bag with their clothes, and one bag for yours. If they have rolling backpacks, the kids can pull their own bags (at least the 5 yo).
Mar 26th, 2007, 05:43 AM
#52
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Annhig,
Thank you. I was thinking that even if I check an almost empty piece of luggage going to Italy, I would have plenty of room for any purchases on the way home. I could even use the checked luggage to store bubble wrap, etc.
So - to clarify, as of April 17th we are only allowed ONE carry-on inclusive of everything? Air France does not have an update to this effect yet.
Thank you so much!!
Thank you. I was thinking that even if I check an almost empty piece of luggage going to Italy, I would have plenty of room for any purchases on the way home. I could even use the checked luggage to store bubble wrap, etc.
So - to clarify, as of April 17th we are only allowed ONE carry-on inclusive of everything? Air France does not have an update to this effect yet.
Thank you so much!!
Mar 29th, 2007, 08:37 AM
#53
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I haven't taken any flights since the 1 quart baggie rule went into effect. I'll be flying from the US to Europe and then some flights within Greece.
I try to travel with only carry-on luggage.
I've read the TSA rules on their website, but I'm still confused.
What about stick deodorant? Does that have to be 3 oz or less? Does that have to go inside the baggie?
What about moistened hand wipes or make-up remover wipes? Does this have to go inside the baggie?
What if I buy a bottle of wine at a winery and want to bring it home. Is there a way to do this in carry-on luggage?
Thanks for the help.
I try to travel with only carry-on luggage.
I've read the TSA rules on their website, but I'm still confused.
What about stick deodorant? Does that have to be 3 oz or less? Does that have to go inside the baggie?
What about moistened hand wipes or make-up remover wipes? Does this have to go inside the baggie?
What if I buy a bottle of wine at a winery and want to bring it home. Is there a way to do this in carry-on luggage?
Thanks for the help.
Mar 29th, 2007, 07:09 PM
#57
"<i>What about stick deodorant? Does that have to be 3 oz or less? Does that have to go inside the baggie?</i>"
Yes - go to any drug store/Walmart/Target and get travel/sample sized deodorant.
"<i>What about moistened hand wipes or make-up remover wipes? Does this have to go inside the baggie?</i>"
Yes - eye makeup remover, towelettes, etc go in the baggie. Again - travel/sample sized packages are widely available
"<i>What if I buy a bottle of wine at a winery and want to bring it home. Is there a way to do this in carry-on luggage?</i>"
No - you can however take wine you buy after clearing security at the airport. But this doesn't work if you have a connecting flight.
Yes - go to any drug store/Walmart/Target and get travel/sample sized deodorant.
"<i>What about moistened hand wipes or make-up remover wipes? Does this have to go inside the baggie?</i>"
Yes - eye makeup remover, towelettes, etc go in the baggie. Again - travel/sample sized packages are widely available
"<i>What if I buy a bottle of wine at a winery and want to bring it home. Is there a way to do this in carry-on luggage?</i>"
No - you can however take wine you buy after clearing security at the airport. But this doesn't work if you have a connecting flight.
Mar 29th, 2007, 07:39 PM
#60
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Personally, if I don't have multiple airports to deal with, I like checking the bag. I LOVE not dragging it around the airport, and having a smaller one to carry on with just the minimum. And that bag can be your day bag on outings if you need one. Frequently now you are surprised at the gate and have to check a rollaboard anyway, so.
That said, there are ways to reduce the baggage and also make the edited wardrobe last longer.
Like many here, my favorite colors for travel weeks are definitely black and white. Black won't show each little smudge from various tourist sites and restaurants (don't you love starting the day with a little coffee spill or splash of mud at a street corner?) and white can be washed clean with a little bleach (take one of those new bleach pens). Toss in one or two colored shirts for variety. Washable knits of course are also handy - don't need ironing, just a little flattening or maybe fluffing with the hairdryer.
One hint long used by business travelers: if you will be taking dress shirts, patterns such as stripes and windowpanes don't show suitcase wrinkles as much as a solid color shirt.
Plan to wash out socks and underwear at least once and dry them in your room. (Hairdryers, again, can save the day if you wait too long about that ... Don't go out wearing damp socks, you'll get blisters.) But even if you're used to a sockless look, know that walking miles in city streets or country roads without socks can cut your stamina in half!
Many people now travel with some kind of "wet-wipe" hand cleaner - I do anyway - since we never know what restroom facilities will be like, or whether there will be a place to wash up before a snack (and it can feel great to towel off your face and neck in the middle of a hot afternoon.) I get the single ones in packets and toss 'em in before closing my bag, filling every empty space. Well, many of those products are GREAT for quick clothing cleanups. Especially the LEMON ones, for some reason. (Check it out on a part of the garment that "doesn't show" as they say, to be sure you don't damage it.) Otherwise, those towelettes can save what you're wearing for another day if you get hit by a little tomato sauce, chocolate or olive oil. (Businesswomen turned me on to this - the smart ones carry a canister of wet wipes in the glove compartment in case of business lunch accidents. Sounds anal? hey, it beats looking like a slob.)
Something many people would call a splurge I consider a necessity: sending a shirt or two to the hotel laundry. Five dollars a shirt? Not what I'd do on a weakly basis, but if it makes me feel and look fresh for a night out, I'm all for it. There is nothing quite like coming back to your room and finding clean laundry ... and nothing makes it easier to pack light!
By the way, many hotels that have no laundry service will connect you with a local laundry and help make sure you get fast service. Sometimes it's worth it on arrival just to send out the clothes you wore over, which of course look like you slept in them.
Lastly, on the shoe subject: I usually take two pair besides the ones I wear on the plane. My feet are a lot happier if they change shoes, and since I'm going to be on them ALL the time while traveling, I try to be good to them. The shoes I pack are stuffed to the rim with socks and underwear, also odd toiletries etc that fit in. Batteries, etc are also good candidates for filling shoes. All this stuff helps the shoes keep their shape while occupying virtually the same space in the bag. Instead of traveling with shoe bags to protect the clothes from dirt on shoes, I use plastic grocery bags than can double for dirty laundry on arrival.
Packing well and small is kind of like living in a studio apartment - or on a boat - everything needs to do two jobs.
That said, there are ways to reduce the baggage and also make the edited wardrobe last longer.
Like many here, my favorite colors for travel weeks are definitely black and white. Black won't show each little smudge from various tourist sites and restaurants (don't you love starting the day with a little coffee spill or splash of mud at a street corner?) and white can be washed clean with a little bleach (take one of those new bleach pens). Toss in one or two colored shirts for variety. Washable knits of course are also handy - don't need ironing, just a little flattening or maybe fluffing with the hairdryer.
One hint long used by business travelers: if you will be taking dress shirts, patterns such as stripes and windowpanes don't show suitcase wrinkles as much as a solid color shirt.
Plan to wash out socks and underwear at least once and dry them in your room. (Hairdryers, again, can save the day if you wait too long about that ... Don't go out wearing damp socks, you'll get blisters.) But even if you're used to a sockless look, know that walking miles in city streets or country roads without socks can cut your stamina in half!
Many people now travel with some kind of "wet-wipe" hand cleaner - I do anyway - since we never know what restroom facilities will be like, or whether there will be a place to wash up before a snack (and it can feel great to towel off your face and neck in the middle of a hot afternoon.) I get the single ones in packets and toss 'em in before closing my bag, filling every empty space. Well, many of those products are GREAT for quick clothing cleanups. Especially the LEMON ones, for some reason. (Check it out on a part of the garment that "doesn't show" as they say, to be sure you don't damage it.) Otherwise, those towelettes can save what you're wearing for another day if you get hit by a little tomato sauce, chocolate or olive oil. (Businesswomen turned me on to this - the smart ones carry a canister of wet wipes in the glove compartment in case of business lunch accidents. Sounds anal? hey, it beats looking like a slob.)
Something many people would call a splurge I consider a necessity: sending a shirt or two to the hotel laundry. Five dollars a shirt? Not what I'd do on a weakly basis, but if it makes me feel and look fresh for a night out, I'm all for it. There is nothing quite like coming back to your room and finding clean laundry ... and nothing makes it easier to pack light!
By the way, many hotels that have no laundry service will connect you with a local laundry and help make sure you get fast service. Sometimes it's worth it on arrival just to send out the clothes you wore over, which of course look like you slept in them.
Lastly, on the shoe subject: I usually take two pair besides the ones I wear on the plane. My feet are a lot happier if they change shoes, and since I'm going to be on them ALL the time while traveling, I try to be good to them. The shoes I pack are stuffed to the rim with socks and underwear, also odd toiletries etc that fit in. Batteries, etc are also good candidates for filling shoes. All this stuff helps the shoes keep their shape while occupying virtually the same space in the bag. Instead of traveling with shoe bags to protect the clothes from dirt on shoes, I use plastic grocery bags than can double for dirty laundry on arrival.
Packing well and small is kind of like living in a studio apartment - or on a boat - everything needs to do two jobs.
