WillTravel

For the hormone cream, if it's a medical necessity you may be able to bring it on board if you have a prescription. Double-check the appropriate airport security web sites. I'd probably try to have one jar in checked luggage and one jar in carry-on to guard against the possible loss of your checked luggage.

I'd recommend the following:
Tote bag with reading material, one change of clothes (I also like to put an extra pair or two of underwear and socks in addition, because that's what you'll miss most if your luggage is lost), and your hormone cream, if the rules allow, and a 3 ounce size of eyedrops.
One checked 24" suitcase, with 24" being the maximum size that would be comfortable, IMO.

Maybe your hormone cream is available in a 3-ounce size, which would be great if so.

ekscrunchy

I realize her post is more than a year old but I am interested in learning of the special new techniques for filling small plastic travel bottles to insure that they do not leak. I had bad luck with one from Container Store on a recent trip. I am leaving the country again in two weeks and need to begin thinking about packing a few liquids (shampoo, conditioner).

Anyone know a trick to filing these so they do not leak..I tried squeezing out the air but it leaked anyway..

JaneRebecca

ekscrunchy; Have you tried nalgene bottles? I purchased an assortment of travel size nalgene bottles from a sporting goods store and they worked well and did not leak. The company supposedly guarantees that they won't leak. If I am using the regular plastic bottle I squeeze the air out and put a small piece of plastic wrap over the opening while squeezing the bottle and then the lid. If there's any doubt the bottle will then go into a very small sandwich size ziplock and then into the toiletry bag and then that goes into a big ziplock until after the flight . Sorry but it's true. I've had too many accidents to not do it that way anymore. It can take me many hours to prepare toiletries for a long trip but it's always worth it. I see people traveling with jumbo size shampoo and mouthwash and can't believe they want to carry that all around with them.

To respond to someone's comment about shopping in your Europe for cosmetics. I don't think anyone is saying that all these things don't exist in stores there but having to shop for them from the get go is not what I want to be doing when I arrive. That's not to say I don't shop drugstores in Europe, I do, and I love to, but usually not until I've been there for a little while.

By the way, this thread changed my whole way of packing and traveling and if you scroll down from the top you will see my post after the trip to Italy last year, giving the update of the new lightweight traveler that I became. I will never do it any other way again. I love Fodors forum people.

gomiki

I didn't realize this was an old thread till the end! But I will add my comment regarding a tote. I have one on wheels which is about 14"x16"x8". I cannot carry anything on my shoulder and this is perfect to wheel around the airport with my travel necessities. It holds my travel pillow, noise cancelling earphones, reading material, a small ziplock w/toothpast/brush, eyedrops etc., maybe a sweater, and undies/extra top in case the suitcase is lost.

It sits on top of my 22" suitcase when I arrive and is one of the best travel items I have.

And welcome to the world of packing light!

janrantoo2

I bought my 3 oz bottles at Wal-Mart. I found them next to the trial size bins for the bargain price of $1 per bottle. They have made multiple plane trips over the last year to Hawaii, Colorado and Minneapolis. They work great and haven't sprung a leak yet! I also place my liquids in heavy duty freezer zip locks just in case.

GSteed

Research. What are the maximum limits the airline permits? Cabin and Checked. Any travel vest will accommodate eye drop bottles as well as other such items.

AmyKW

Do not take that much luggage...I know it seems impossible to limit but it can happen! I am a notorious over-packer...like to have options so pack too many clothes, etc. I am still amazed at myself for packing 2 weeks worth of stuff in ONE carry-on rolling suitcase and a backpack (and we were going to three countries with varying weather - Switzerland, Italy and France).
How did I do it? Compression bags. Go to Target. They are $11 for a 4 pack (2 large and 2 medium - by the luggage). You don't need a vacuum, you just press on them and it sucks down to a third of the size. They are amazing and we will never travel without them again. They are also good for organizing your suitcase - dirty vs. clean clothes).
We also would wash things in the hotel room sink with shampoo and hang them to dry so we could re-wear them.

And even the smallest suitcase will start to feel TOO LARGE when you are schlepping it through train stations and trying to drag it over cobblestones.

CarolA

I took a group of teens on a trip to Europe a few years ago. In spite of my instructions only ONE of them packed in less then a 24" suitcase. By the second transfer they were ALL telling me "I am never bringing" this much stuff again.

I second the pack it up and drag it around method discussed. Looking back that really is what I should have done to the kids. (I will say that I warned them that NONE of the adults would TOUCH thier luggage and we only violated that rule once. One girl got ill and I dealt with her luggage, but she was the ONLY one who had packed in a 22" so I got lucky!)

JaneRebecca

Amykw; Amy, you need to read the whole thread! It's over a year old!
jane

wombat7

I wrap the small bottles in plastic wrap as insurance just in case one leaks. Works as well as putting in a large ziplock with the advantage that you have several liitle bottles to pack in nooks in the suitcase. The plastic wrap can be re-used if you are traveling from place to place but it does have its limitations

Momliz

bookmarking...

Julie_Hurst

I'm surprised that so many folks use a tote rather than a backpack. With a tote or any kind of 2nd bag, we find it very inconvenient & uncomfortable when loading/unloading on train racks, buses, & vaporettos. With a backpack, we have both hands free & don't have to disconnect a piggyback bag & handle it while lifting the larger bag. Same while climbing up the stairs in those quaint Italian hotels & apartments with 1st floors on the 2nd level!

We found a very nice, lite weight, wheelie backpack -I think at Walmart, but not sure. After checking our larger bag, we can wheel the backpack around the airport.

Important not to overload it & cause too much weight on the back. However, I find it easier to carry weight balanced on my back & both shoulders than unbalanced on one shoulder or hanging from my arm.

Realize this is a long ago started thread, but it is a very good one.

Julie

jngrant28

bookmarking

suze

This thread is old enough (from 2006) that some of the advice given above may no longer be correct. Especially if it concerns airport security regulations.

Gretchen

You have 'way 'way too much luggage. You can coordinate outfits, layer for needed warmth, if any. You will be much happier with less luggage. Take a soft duffel that you can pack for your carry HOME things--put dirty laundry in it, and pack the breakables, etc. That much luggage on trains will be a nightmare. Think about whether you personally can take care of yours by yourself. And extra charges for checked bags may be the order of the day also.

palatine

I will be flying from LAX for the next Menton citrus festival. This thread has been so helpful. For 2 1/2 weeks, I will be staying half-pension at L'Orangerie (so as not to wear out my welcome), and the rest of the time with friends there. My short trips throughout the state on various transport have been great practice for this. Most recent trips abroad have been to children on military bases ("little America&quot, so I am spoiled. For carry-on choices, I am considering 2 sizes of good-looking adjustable-size black Similac diaper bags, a roomy Everest waistpack with comfortable wide strap (the tiny insulated Similac bags fit great in this), and/or a small khaki Gap knapsack that matches a floppy sunhat, along with my HP backpack (not taking laptop) as the "large" carry-on. I'll be sending a large gift afghan ahead, along with clothing to make the postage worthwhile, as well as an empty soft bag in case I want to carry that clothing and any purchases back (I may mail them). My dvd of this year's parade shows a warmly dressed crowd alongside scantily dressed marchers. My colors are black and gray with yellows and corals, and a few beige pieces. I'll check in next year with what actually was used. Anyone been there in Feb./March? and how did you dress for the festival events? Also, it looks like Iberia via Madrid to Nice for cheapest ticket; should my friends meet me at Nice or, again trying to be a good guest, is there a best quick way to and from Menton by myself?