Packing light for teen boys in Europe
Mar 22nd, 2010, 02:55 PM
#61
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2009
Posts: 869
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
You've all been really helpful--thank you.
janisj and Christina--I actually pulled out my luggage, and my carry on 23". We don't need bigger bags--not sure what I was thinking. Everything I'm taking is lightweight, so we should be fine--your advice has been great. I'll weigh everything before we go. Thanks for the tip on the dinner cruise--we'll skip the dinner
travelgourmet--my husband has to travel domestically with his bigger work laptop, and I understand how it can be a real problem. If I take one at all, it will be a tiny little acer that we'll just use to look up sites, email, etc. It fits easily in my purse and weighs almost nothing--not practical for general use, but fine for this. Thanks
janisj and Christina--I actually pulled out my luggage, and my carry on 23". We don't need bigger bags--not sure what I was thinking. Everything I'm taking is lightweight, so we should be fine--your advice has been great. I'll weigh everything before we go. Thanks for the tip on the dinner cruise--we'll skip the dinner
travelgourmet--my husband has to travel domestically with his bigger work laptop, and I understand how it can be a real problem. If I take one at all, it will be a tiny little acer that we'll just use to look up sites, email, etc. It fits easily in my purse and weighs almost nothing--not practical for general use, but fine for this. Thanks
Mar 22nd, 2010, 03:11 PM
#62
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 3,889
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
http://www.onebag.com/pack.html
You'll find everything you ever wanted to know about packing light on this site. I travel for 6 weeks at a time using one carry on bag with advice and a list adapted from this site.
Have a wonderful time planning the things you'll want to see and do. That's much more fun than packing!
You'll find everything you ever wanted to know about packing light on this site. I travel for 6 weeks at a time using one carry on bag with advice and a list adapted from this site.
Have a wonderful time planning the things you'll want to see and do. That's much more fun than packing!
Mar 22nd, 2010, 11:13 PM
#63
Join Date: Aug 2007
Posts: 26,778
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
FWIW, the OneBag also perfectly summarizes why I often check bags rather than trying to go carry-on. A few things that stick out to me:
1) Clearly, the mention of a blazer is aimed at women. A normal men's blazer, when folded, would take up a huge amount of space. Ditto for the dressy shoes for a man. And, let's face it, if you aren't taking proper dress shoes, then you don't need the blazer. I struggle to conceive of any multi-purpose shoe (despite their claims to the contrary) that doesn't dress down the blazer to such a degree that you might as well have not bothered. My favorite is where they tell you that you can find athletic shoes that look like "casual business shoes". Sure...
2) In general, I find the concept of a single bag much easier and more compelling for women than for men. This is partly due to the fact that a man's clothing probably takes up at least double the space of a women, partly due to the fact that most men sweat more (meaning more frequent/less effective washing), and partly due to the fact that many men are likely to be less concerned about handling a somewhat heavier bag.
3) Note that OneBag agrees that wheeled bags are simply not compatible with a lightweight, single-bag packing solution. They anticipate their packing list running almost 25 pounds (already afoul of the weight limits on maybe half the major international carriers), and the extra weight of a normal roll-aboard, in lieu of their recommended bags, would certainly push the weight above 30 pounds.
4) They are kidding about the sarong, right? Again, maybe for women, but they will make the average western man (including those in the picture) look like a tool. Ditto for a long t-shirt. This mention, along with the use of the term cardigan is another reason I remain relatively convinced that this list is much better suited to women.
5) Note some of the other "clues" hidden in the various texts about what kind of travel this is for. There are mentions of shared bathrooms, long-distance buses, travel spoons, flashlights, alarm clocks, door stops, etc. Yet a cell phone lands on the "specialty" list. Something tells me that this list is aimed at the hosteling crowd. Nothing wrong with that, but I think folks should assess how they travel and what you are traveling for. I travel in one bag some times, but other times, I recognize that there are trips where I need or want more stuff, or where there is simply not enough benefit to going carry-on only. If I am going to be taking a cab to a full-service hotel, where someone will bring my luggage to my room, I'm not going to worry too much about whether I can carry my bag long distances.
1) Clearly, the mention of a blazer is aimed at women. A normal men's blazer, when folded, would take up a huge amount of space. Ditto for the dressy shoes for a man. And, let's face it, if you aren't taking proper dress shoes, then you don't need the blazer. I struggle to conceive of any multi-purpose shoe (despite their claims to the contrary) that doesn't dress down the blazer to such a degree that you might as well have not bothered. My favorite is where they tell you that you can find athletic shoes that look like "casual business shoes". Sure...
2) In general, I find the concept of a single bag much easier and more compelling for women than for men. This is partly due to the fact that a man's clothing probably takes up at least double the space of a women, partly due to the fact that most men sweat more (meaning more frequent/less effective washing), and partly due to the fact that many men are likely to be less concerned about handling a somewhat heavier bag.
3) Note that OneBag agrees that wheeled bags are simply not compatible with a lightweight, single-bag packing solution. They anticipate their packing list running almost 25 pounds (already afoul of the weight limits on maybe half the major international carriers), and the extra weight of a normal roll-aboard, in lieu of their recommended bags, would certainly push the weight above 30 pounds.
4) They are kidding about the sarong, right? Again, maybe for women, but they will make the average western man (including those in the picture) look like a tool. Ditto for a long t-shirt. This mention, along with the use of the term cardigan is another reason I remain relatively convinced that this list is much better suited to women.
5) Note some of the other "clues" hidden in the various texts about what kind of travel this is for. There are mentions of shared bathrooms, long-distance buses, travel spoons, flashlights, alarm clocks, door stops, etc. Yet a cell phone lands on the "specialty" list. Something tells me that this list is aimed at the hosteling crowd. Nothing wrong with that, but I think folks should assess how they travel and what you are traveling for. I travel in one bag some times, but other times, I recognize that there are trips where I need or want more stuff, or where there is simply not enough benefit to going carry-on only. If I am going to be taking a cab to a full-service hotel, where someone will bring my luggage to my room, I'm not going to worry too much about whether I can carry my bag long distances.
Mar 23rd, 2010, 05:14 AM
#64
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 141
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Instead of the dinner cruise, check this out.
http://www.hrp.org.uk/TowerOfLondon/...ofthekeys.aspx
We attended last year. It was awesome, they take special care to make sure the children are front and center it was a highlight of our trip.
http://www.hrp.org.uk/TowerOfLondon/...ofthekeys.aspx
We attended last year. It was awesome, they take special care to make sure the children are front and center it was a highlight of our trip.
Mar 23rd, 2010, 07:06 AM
#65
Even IF you could somehow pack a carry-on bag at 40 lbbs. and that IS allowable on your airlines... you don't want to have everyone dragging around that much weight the rest of the trip anyway!! Moving around to cities, taking trains, etc. I say 25 lbs. is the max.
Mar 23rd, 2010, 07:31 AM
#66
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2009
Posts: 869
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Shangrila--thanks. The kids have the Tower of London on the top of their list, so this will be a wonderful addition to it.
Travelgourmet--I understand what you're saying. My DH travels constantly, and he takes several days clothing in his carry on. It works because he's in a field where "business casual" is encouraged--khakis, and a nice shirt are fine--he just needs one pair of dressier loafers. If he needs to dress up a little more, he can wear khakis and a navy blue sport coat(carried on the plane) with a tie. If he has to be in a suit (and bring dress shoes), he has to check his bags. The last several years he's had longer projects that require his stay in an corp. apartment vs. hotel (he flies home on weekends) so his clothing is with him. Don't know how the business travelers who live in a suit do it without checked bags. For tourist or more casual travel the one bag thing works well. Unless I need to wear structured wool suits, I could probably do it for business travel too.
Travelgourmet--I understand what you're saying. My DH travels constantly, and he takes several days clothing in his carry on. It works because he's in a field where "business casual" is encouraged--khakis, and a nice shirt are fine--he just needs one pair of dressier loafers. If he needs to dress up a little more, he can wear khakis and a navy blue sport coat(carried on the plane) with a tie. If he has to be in a suit (and bring dress shoes), he has to check his bags. The last several years he's had longer projects that require his stay in an corp. apartment vs. hotel (he flies home on weekends) so his clothing is with him. Don't know how the business travelers who live in a suit do it without checked bags. For tourist or more casual travel the one bag thing works well. Unless I need to wear structured wool suits, I could probably do it for business travel too.
Mar 23rd, 2010, 07:35 AM
#67
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2009
Posts: 869
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I have too much going on and I must be brain dead--we don't need to carry 40 lbs for little over 2 week trip. I was a foreign exchange student in high school (a million years ago) and if I remember correctly, I could only pack 40 lbs for a YEAR visit. I bought clothing there and shipped it home, but lots of kids didn't.
Mar 23rd, 2010, 12:19 PM
#68
Some of the 'one bag' site's info is on the silly side -- but most, especially the 'bundle' method is very useful.
And packing a man's blazer or sports coat works just fine and it doesn't wrinkle when bundled. Not that one needs to take one on all trips.
Don't take the site totally 100% literally/nit-pick the info. Everyone has different specific needs/wardrobe issues and has to modify the contents to fit their individual requirements. But the general packing in one bag and bundling instructions absolutely DO work . . . .
And packing a man's blazer or sports coat works just fine and it doesn't wrinkle when bundled. Not that one needs to take one on all trips.
Don't take the site totally 100% literally/nit-pick the info. Everyone has different specific needs/wardrobe issues and has to modify the contents to fit their individual requirements. But the general packing in one bag and bundling instructions absolutely DO work . . . .
Mar 23rd, 2010, 12:54 PM
#69
Join Date: Aug 2007
Posts: 26,778
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Don't take the site totally 100% literally/nit-pick the info.
I don't think it is nit-picking. I think that a lot of the advice is, frankly, kind of misleading. I don't dispute that one can pack in one bag, but I fundamentally disagree with a lot of the stuff on these sites. I especially disagree with the way they make it seem that everything can serve double duty. The reality is that they often can't. I mean, there simply are no athletic shoes that would work as business attire anywhere but the most casual offices, and in those offices (like if you work for Nike) wouldn't require you go to even that effort. I mean, I work in an office where jeans are perfectly acceptable and still don't see sneakers. Ever. Well, that is a lie, we did have one degenerate alcoholic that would show up in sneakers and flip-flops, but he (surprisingly) no longer works for us.
I also think that they are flat-out unrealistic with the weight. I threw the recommended wardrobe packing list (excluding hat, gloves, walking shoes, parka, long underwear, socks, and umbrella) in an over-the shoulder bag and it came in at 24 pounds. I would also note that the blazer and dress shoes took up at least 1/3 of the bag. My one-liter carry-on approved toiletry kit adds another pound. Throw in the typical laptop and you are at 30+ pounds. Camera, two books, some of the "tools" they recommend, and a daypack, and you are definitely pushing 40 pounds.
I think one bag packing is possible, but for a man, I think it requires either a single-purpose trip (if you have to pack two suits AND casual wear, you are sunk) or significant compromises in what you wear. It is up to each individual to determine if they are willing to accept those compromises, but I think this site and others like it gloss over the compromises to such a degree that they border on the dishonest.
There is a lot of good stuff on these sites. I just think it is a shame that they let their zeal start to dabble in dishonesty.
I don't think it is nit-picking. I think that a lot of the advice is, frankly, kind of misleading. I don't dispute that one can pack in one bag, but I fundamentally disagree with a lot of the stuff on these sites. I especially disagree with the way they make it seem that everything can serve double duty. The reality is that they often can't. I mean, there simply are no athletic shoes that would work as business attire anywhere but the most casual offices, and in those offices (like if you work for Nike) wouldn't require you go to even that effort. I mean, I work in an office where jeans are perfectly acceptable and still don't see sneakers. Ever. Well, that is a lie, we did have one degenerate alcoholic that would show up in sneakers and flip-flops, but he (surprisingly) no longer works for us.
I also think that they are flat-out unrealistic with the weight. I threw the recommended wardrobe packing list (excluding hat, gloves, walking shoes, parka, long underwear, socks, and umbrella) in an over-the shoulder bag and it came in at 24 pounds. I would also note that the blazer and dress shoes took up at least 1/3 of the bag. My one-liter carry-on approved toiletry kit adds another pound. Throw in the typical laptop and you are at 30+ pounds. Camera, two books, some of the "tools" they recommend, and a daypack, and you are definitely pushing 40 pounds.
I think one bag packing is possible, but for a man, I think it requires either a single-purpose trip (if you have to pack two suits AND casual wear, you are sunk) or significant compromises in what you wear. It is up to each individual to determine if they are willing to accept those compromises, but I think this site and others like it gloss over the compromises to such a degree that they border on the dishonest.
There is a lot of good stuff on these sites. I just think it is a shame that they let their zeal start to dabble in dishonesty.
Mar 23rd, 2010, 01:14 PM
#70
You disagree - no problem. However - in 'real life' it is VERY possible to meet the weight requirements, to manage "double purpose" trips -- male or female, and overcome almost all of your objections. You don't like doing carry on - you've made that clear on many threads over the years. And that is fine. But to say it is dishonest or deceptive is goofy. I've taught packing classes for years and both men and women - business and/or leisure trips - manage.
I've helped an entire orchestra that needed to do a 2 week trip w/ carry on only, and were required to include casual clothes, business attire AND tuxedos (long dresses for the women) all in that carry on.
You can't visualize it -- OK. But to say it isn't possible is simply wrong.
I've helped an entire orchestra that needed to do a 2 week trip w/ carry on only, and were required to include casual clothes, business attire AND tuxedos (long dresses for the women) all in that carry on.
You can't visualize it -- OK. But to say it isn't possible is simply wrong.
Mar 23rd, 2010, 01:25 PM
#71
Join Date: Aug 2007
Posts: 26,778
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
But to say it is dishonest or deceptive is goofy.
We will agree to disagree. As I noted, I packed less than the recommended clothing on the one-bag site and it came out to be roughly the same as their claimed maximum that includes items beyond just clothing. Moreover, even if you take the best case assumptions, that packing a laptop + a light bag will consume probably 8 pounds, or one-third of a 24lb weight allowance. So, yeah, I feel pretty comfortable in calling a 25 pound weight maximum deceptive.
We will agree to disagree. As I noted, I packed less than the recommended clothing on the one-bag site and it came out to be roughly the same as their claimed maximum that includes items beyond just clothing. Moreover, even if you take the best case assumptions, that packing a laptop + a light bag will consume probably 8 pounds, or one-third of a 24lb weight allowance. So, yeah, I feel pretty comfortable in calling a 25 pound weight maximum deceptive.
Mar 23rd, 2010, 01:38 PM
#72
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,834
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
For 2 weeks in Europe last summer, my sons (ages 11 and 13) each took one roller bag and a backpack. They took 4 pairs of microfiber zip-off pants, 4 short sleeve microfiber or polo shirts, 2 long sleeve microfiber shirts, a fleece pullover or jacket, a rain jacket, a couple of tshirts and shorts to sleep in, socks and underwear (we took the almost too small/wearing out socks and underwear and threw it away as we traveled so that the boys gained space to buy soccer jerseys and other souvenirs), a pair of gym shoes and a pair of slip on merrells. All clothes fit in the roller bag. Most of their clothes had been purchased at REI. The backpacks carried books, ipods, cameras, etc.
We knew we wouldn't eat anywhere that would require a jacket and tie. We had very nice meals in Paris in spite of that limitation.
We knew we wouldn't eat anywhere that would require a jacket and tie. We had very nice meals in Paris in spite of that limitation.
Mar 24th, 2010, 08:22 AM
#73
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2009
Posts: 869
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
padams421--glad to know it worked out well--that's exactly how I'd like to pack for our trip too.
As far as the bundling method--I tend to wear "softer" clothing so it hasn't been as much of an issue for me, but I'm going to try it. I emailed the link on it to my DH and he said he's willing to give it a try with a suit jacket if he packs a spare--thanks! The advice has been wonderful and I really appreciate all the help.
As far as the bundling method--I tend to wear "softer" clothing so it hasn't been as much of an issue for me, but I'm going to try it. I emailed the link on it to my DH and he said he's willing to give it a try with a suit jacket if he packs a spare--thanks! The advice has been wonderful and I really appreciate all the help.
Mar 24th, 2010, 12:17 PM
#74
I think it is fantastic that a 'light' thread like 'packing light for teen boys' can generate such a heavy response.
Do you dare inform the boys in question about what is going on? Do teen boys even know that they should be packed for, rather than packing themselves?
Do you dare inform the boys in question about what is going on? Do teen boys even know that they should be packed for, rather than packing themselves?
Mar 24th, 2010, 12:20 PM
#75
And, may I add? -- 15 months ahead of time!
Should we not all have replied to huskermom "ask us again in about 12 months?" But no, we all played right into her hands. As punishment, I think that the trip should be moved up to summer 2010 instead of summer 2011!
Should we not all have replied to huskermom "ask us again in about 12 months?" But no, we all played right into her hands. As punishment, I think that the trip should be moved up to summer 2010 instead of summer 2011!
Mar 24th, 2010, 01:52 PM
#76
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2009
Posts: 869
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Didn't intend for anyone to "play into my hands." I'm pretty surprised myself. I expected one or two answers, but instead I got tons of helpful advice on lots of different aspects of the trip. I'm grateful for that--everyone's been very kind. Lots of you are really funny. I like this board--nice people.
LOL on moving the trip--I wish I could. I unfortunately bit off way more than I could chew between work projects I committed to starting this summer, grad school, and planning this trip along with another one. I had a little free time now to work on organizational stuff, so I asked. The goal is to make a shopping list now and fill it in leisure later, get the itinerary squared away so we can shop for travel deals, etc. It keeps the frazzled mom aspect to a minimum--ripped out hair isn't a good look for me.
On shopping for the boys--lol--sometimes you just have to limit choices. The oldest boy in question would pack everything he owns, and the youngest would take one pair of shorts (and every game he owns) if left to their own devices (this is an actual camp packing experience from last summer). They actually do a pretty good job of taking care of themselves normally, but in this situation I'm going to be the one dealing with dirty laundry and stinky boys on a schedule. Sometimes executive decisions are a good thing.
Thanks again for your help--I've really appreciated it.
I'm pretty surprised myself. I expected one or two answers, but instead I got tons of helpful advice on lots of different aspects of the trip. I'm grateful for that--everyone's been very kind. Lots of you are really funny. I like this board--nice people. LOL on moving the trip--I wish I could. I unfortunately bit off way more than I could chew between work projects I committed to starting this summer, grad school, and planning this trip along with another one. I had a little free time now to work on organizational stuff, so I asked. The goal is to make a shopping list now and fill it in leisure later, get the itinerary squared away so we can shop for travel deals, etc. It keeps the frazzled mom aspect to a minimum--ripped out hair isn't a good look for me.
On shopping for the boys--lol--sometimes you just have to limit choices. The oldest boy in question would pack everything he owns, and the youngest would take one pair of shorts (and every game he owns) if left to their own devices (this is an actual camp packing experience from last summer). They actually do a pretty good job of taking care of themselves normally, but in this situation I'm going to be the one dealing with dirty laundry and stinky boys on a schedule. Sometimes executive decisions are a good thing.
Thanks again for your help--I've really appreciated it.
Mar 25th, 2010, 05:47 PM
#78
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 246
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My kids are better packers than we are. They have been packing for themselves since they were in grade school. S went to Taiwan for a month & was able to put everything into a small rollaboard and a very small daypack. He was even able to squeeze some of his sister's stuff in. D also was able to pack most of her stuff (with brother's help and comments on whittling things down).
They are used to camping and layering. Both like the virtues of dark clothing that doesn't show dirt (much). They actually don't like microfiber, so mostly they don't own much of it, tho it is a spacesaver & does wash & dry well.
When we travel, we generally spend a bit of time doing laundry with a washer/dryer rather than doing much hand washing, but it's personal preference. Usually we only need to do laundry once or twice in a three week trip and can travel light.
They are used to camping and layering. Both like the virtues of dark clothing that doesn't show dirt (much). They actually don't like microfiber, so mostly they don't own much of it, tho it is a spacesaver & does wash & dry well.
When we travel, we generally spend a bit of time doing laundry with a washer/dryer rather than doing much hand washing, but it's personal preference. Usually we only need to do laundry once or twice in a three week trip and can travel light.
Mar 26th, 2010, 02:49 AM
#79
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 146
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
"and the youngest would take one pair of shorts"
This made me laugh as my 20 year old son left for 6 months in Australia (semester abroad and travel after) and took less clothing than I would take for a week's vacation.
Well, I guess he knows how to use a washing machine.
This made me laugh as my 20 year old son left for 6 months in Australia (semester abroad and travel after) and took less clothing than I would take for a week's vacation.
Well, I guess he knows how to use a washing machine.
Mar 26th, 2010, 03:41 AM
#80
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2009
Posts: 869
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Mine handle day to day fine, but they don't have the packing thing down yet. They're young though--right now 11 and 14. They'll get it eventually. We do some camping and hiking but it's usually local and at the most, overnight, so we don't have to worry about hauling tons of gear/provisions. I like microfiber--especially if you're caught out in the rain or heavy dew--it dries so fast. I hope I don't have to wash much in the sink, but I'm worried about what the dollars going to do this year, and we may be staying in pretty utilitarian accommodations. I know the kind of clothes they like, and I rarely get it wrong, so they're ok with me shopping for basic things for them. And paadams421 is right--lots of men I know wear what their wives buy for them anyway. My husband does his own shopping, but he's not the norm among his friends.
Ignutah--where did your son go in Australia? I spent a year there as a high school exchange student and then did some wandering around after the program was over. It's an amazing place, and the people are wonderful. I was in a tiny coastal town in southern NSW, but I spent quite a bit of time in Sydney with friends who went to Uni there. I bet he loved it!
My husband does his own shopping, but he's not the norm among his friends.Ignutah--where did your son go in Australia? I spent a year there as a high school exchange student and then did some wandering around after the program was over. It's an amazing place, and the people are wonderful. I was in a tiny coastal town in southern NSW, but I spent quite a bit of time in Sydney with friends who went to Uni there. I bet he loved it!
