Let's talk about packing for Paris, please
Jun 12th, 2012 | 06:14 PM
#61
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 210
Likes: 0
Tentek and Sydney
I tried the wherever but, as you say, too complicated. I actually tried both, it didn't like either one. If you arent very tall, order it in petite. The fabric on them is great, just didn't like how they looked on me.
I did see a skirt today by Horny Toad called the Chanel Skirt that I really liked. I'm also back to looking for travel dresses. Packing for two different places is tough.
I tried the wherever but, as you say, too complicated. I actually tried both, it didn't like either one. If you arent very tall, order it in petite. The fabric on them is great, just didn't like how they looked on me.
I did see a skirt today by Horny Toad called the Chanel Skirt that I really liked. I'm also back to looking for travel dresses. Packing for two different places is tough.
Jun 13th, 2012 | 12:07 AM
#63
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 191
Likes: 0
Hi flygirl,
Once you get in the mindset that you aren't going to check a bag no matter what, it gets easier. Now, I don't find it any harder to pack for a month than for a week. I pack for a weeks worth of clothes and then rotate through them.
I pick a base color, like black, and another neutral, like taupe or gray. Then, I mix and match dresses, sweaters, skirts and tops in light layers. I use scarves and jewelry to dress an outfit up or down. I avoid pants, because they take up so much room. Like you, I am a sweater, tights and boots girl in the winter.
Even if I love it (like a dress in a unique color/pattern), if it doesn't mix and match, it stays at home. It helps that I live in a climate where it can be 80's during the day and 40's at night, so I normally live in layers.
I hand-wash most items and leave them to line dry. I try to pack natural fabrics, like wool and linen, that you can "air" out between wearings. In the summer months, I wash more because in the heat clothes get "ickier" faster.
Here is the Samsonite suitcase that I use (http://amzn.to/NcZFGu). I am in love with this suitcase. I spend about 12 weeks in Europe each year, so I fly a lot. And, i can pack so much more in this suitcase than others. I think because it is a simple square with no "fancy" compartments to get in the way.
I used to roll my clothes, but now I use an Eagle Creek folder (http://amzn.to/Oxpgac). I can pack six dresses, four sweaters, two skirts and a handful of top/scarves in the folder, then squeeze it into the 20 inch suitcase.
The other side of the suitcase, I use for shoes. I actually care more about shoes than clothes. Paris is pretty unforgiving on your feet. In November, I packed two pairs of ankle boots and a pair of riding boots on one side of the suitcase with the Eagle folder on the other side. I can't believe how much I can fit in this suitcase…it rocks my world
For electronics, I carry a MacBook Air, an iPad, notebook, ticket folder, 2 point-and-shoot cameras, iPhone, a Kindle, noise canceling handphones and chargers. I put all of this as well as makeup bag, etc. in a leather purse/satchel similar to this (http://bit.ly/Nd0VJZ) with strong straps. Yes, it weighs a ton.
Once I get through the bag police at security, I'll pull a Le Sportsac shopping bag ( http://bit.ly/Oxox94) out of the outside pocket of my suitcase and redistribute the weight.
I've been thinking of upgrading my camera, but I would have to start checking, because I literally could not fit another lens, etc. in my purse. So, I just stick with frequently upgrading my point and shoots.
Hope this helps. Now, I am psyched up to begin packing for my month in France/Spain leaving next week
TLDR: mix and match, layers, natural fabrics, hand wash, suitcase is key, use packing folders and stuff your purse.
Once you get in the mindset that you aren't going to check a bag no matter what, it gets easier. Now, I don't find it any harder to pack for a month than for a week. I pack for a weeks worth of clothes and then rotate through them.
I pick a base color, like black, and another neutral, like taupe or gray. Then, I mix and match dresses, sweaters, skirts and tops in light layers. I use scarves and jewelry to dress an outfit up or down. I avoid pants, because they take up so much room. Like you, I am a sweater, tights and boots girl in the winter.
Even if I love it (like a dress in a unique color/pattern), if it doesn't mix and match, it stays at home. It helps that I live in a climate where it can be 80's during the day and 40's at night, so I normally live in layers.
I hand-wash most items and leave them to line dry. I try to pack natural fabrics, like wool and linen, that you can "air" out between wearings. In the summer months, I wash more because in the heat clothes get "ickier" faster.
Here is the Samsonite suitcase that I use (http://amzn.to/NcZFGu). I am in love with this suitcase. I spend about 12 weeks in Europe each year, so I fly a lot. And, i can pack so much more in this suitcase than others. I think because it is a simple square with no "fancy" compartments to get in the way.
I used to roll my clothes, but now I use an Eagle Creek folder (http://amzn.to/Oxpgac). I can pack six dresses, four sweaters, two skirts and a handful of top/scarves in the folder, then squeeze it into the 20 inch suitcase.
The other side of the suitcase, I use for shoes. I actually care more about shoes than clothes. Paris is pretty unforgiving on your feet. In November, I packed two pairs of ankle boots and a pair of riding boots on one side of the suitcase with the Eagle folder on the other side. I can't believe how much I can fit in this suitcase…it rocks my world
For electronics, I carry a MacBook Air, an iPad, notebook, ticket folder, 2 point-and-shoot cameras, iPhone, a Kindle, noise canceling handphones and chargers. I put all of this as well as makeup bag, etc. in a leather purse/satchel similar to this (http://bit.ly/Nd0VJZ) with strong straps. Yes, it weighs a ton.
Once I get through the bag police at security, I'll pull a Le Sportsac shopping bag ( http://bit.ly/Oxox94) out of the outside pocket of my suitcase and redistribute the weight.
I've been thinking of upgrading my camera, but I would have to start checking, because I literally could not fit another lens, etc. in my purse. So, I just stick with frequently upgrading my point and shoots.
Hope this helps. Now, I am psyched up to begin packing for my month in France/Spain leaving next week
TLDR: mix and match, layers, natural fabrics, hand wash, suitcase is key, use packing folders and stuff your purse.
Jun 22nd, 2012 | 10:40 AM
#72
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 17,106
Likes: 0
i still like spaarne's original advice better:
<i>Just go naked with your tooth brush and buy all those other essentials when you get there.</i>
I tend to do much longer trips overseas than a week and my carryon suitcase is always a 20"- 21", very lightweight, 4-wheeler. The trip could be from north to south, from cold weather to the tropics, but everything has to fit into that one suitcase, plus a backpack...and my scottevest (I can hear the groans already )
I've learnt to have mix-and-match in basic colors (black, grey, brown) with blouses and scarves to add color. Everything is wash and dry (wash in wash basin at night, dries by morning). One pair of formal black shoes to go with everything, one pair of sturdy shoes, a washable pair of slippers. My one big luxury item tends to be socks. I'm a long-time hiker and I need those good socks to buffer my feet, regardless of the season. The socks usually weigh the most and take up the most room for any one item. One one-piece swimsuit (I'm much too old for a two piece!). Long ago, in India, I picked up a shalwar kameez which consisted of a beautiful lightweight long black "jacket" top and a pair of plain black pants. The pants are long gone, but the top is my formal/not-so-formal outer wear over a blouse. It's feather weight.
In other words, everything I carry has to be lightweight and has to be "classic" - to not stand out anywhere in the world, but - if it is a formal - isn't inappropriate or dodgy-looking. Oh, and everything has to be VERY comfortable.
My toiletries have been reduced to a small bag that was a complementary airline toiletries bag. It's 2"x3"x5", and has even some small packs of medication, like Neosporin, in it. That, plus the liquids bag, which is usually only 1/2 full.
You CAN do it - travel light and carry all your needs with you. I do encourage you to think out ahead of time on what color scheme (two dominant colors), how much weight each item will be, and what you can eliminate, eliminate, eliminate.
Either that or do as spaarne has suggested.
<i>Just go naked with your tooth brush and buy all those other essentials when you get there.</i>
I tend to do much longer trips overseas than a week and my carryon suitcase is always a 20"- 21", very lightweight, 4-wheeler. The trip could be from north to south, from cold weather to the tropics, but everything has to fit into that one suitcase, plus a backpack...and my scottevest (I can hear the groans already
) I've learnt to have mix-and-match in basic colors (black, grey, brown) with blouses and scarves to add color. Everything is wash and dry (wash in wash basin at night, dries by morning). One pair of formal black shoes to go with everything, one pair of sturdy shoes, a washable pair of slippers. My one big luxury item tends to be socks. I'm a long-time hiker and I need those good socks to buffer my feet, regardless of the season. The socks usually weigh the most and take up the most room for any one item. One one-piece swimsuit (I'm much too old for a two piece!). Long ago, in India, I picked up a shalwar kameez which consisted of a beautiful lightweight long black "jacket" top and a pair of plain black pants. The pants are long gone, but the top is my formal/not-so-formal outer wear over a blouse. It's feather weight.
In other words, everything I carry has to be lightweight and has to be "classic" - to not stand out anywhere in the world, but - if it is a formal - isn't inappropriate or dodgy-looking. Oh, and everything has to be VERY comfortable.
My toiletries have been reduced to a small bag that was a complementary airline toiletries bag. It's 2"x3"x5", and has even some small packs of medication, like Neosporin, in it. That, plus the liquids bag, which is usually only 1/2 full.
You CAN do it - travel light and carry all your needs with you. I do encourage you to think out ahead of time on what color scheme (two dominant colors), how much weight each item will be, and what you can eliminate, eliminate, eliminate.
Either that or do as spaarne has suggested.
Jun 25th, 2012 | 09:35 AM
#73
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 57,091
Likes: 5
Grandmere, once you check in, nobody cares how many pieces of carry on you have.>>
tentek - sadly not true. easyjet will check how many pieces [and you may only have one plus any duty-free] and the size, at the gate. i know, because i was forced to check a bag which was one cm too big.
tentek - sadly not true. easyjet will check how many pieces [and you may only have one plus any duty-free] and the size, at the gate. i know, because i was forced to check a bag which was one cm too big.
