Packing Way Too Much!
 

Some folks refuse to heed the warning from veteran travelers about 'Packing Light' - especially if taking public transporation - i witnessed one graphic example of one backpacking college-aged girl retreiving her humongous backpack from a luggage locker and when she put it on she fell over backward! Hit the floor with the baggage attendance chuckling. Unhurt except for looking so ridiculous in public the girl should have taken the old adage : take twice as much money and twice as fewer clothes - and the advice to pack your bag then leave half of the stuff at home. I mean some folks pack like they're going on a four-year cross Sahara trek?
And then there was the guy on bike trips i once ran - sans sag wagon (baggage carrying vehicle in bike lingo) who collected rocks from every city we stopped in - on a six-week trip he was fully loaded before it was over!
Any other funny overloading baggage experiences?

Those overpackers really are beneath contempt, aren't they?

No but you have to learn by experience - sometimes a humiliating one.

So, how much is too much? I'm off to my first European trip in a couple of months, and this is my first post -- I'll be in England for two weeks. What should/shouldn't I take?

Well i wouldn't take you dog for sure!

Well, I can tattle on myself. I tend to overpack which is fine if you have help carrying luggage, are staying in one place or have a car or a pack mule.

One time that will stay with me forever as a grimacing memory was when I tried to put my oversized suitcase on a train during the few minutes it was stopped at a small station in Switzerland.

I got it over my head and then there were the moments where I teetered in slow mo. People behind me watched as the suitcase would swoop close to the top of the steps and then swoosh back precariously over the top of their heads. You could almost hear the group ohhhhh and ahhhh with each movement.

I don't know how I held it up for so long and then it crashed to my feet. I let the people behind me get on the train and then I tried it again as the train started to rev up to leave. A fleeting thought came to me to just leave the burdensome lump on the platform and let others pick through it after I left. I took a deep breath and gave it one more try, I got it to the bottom step! I got on the step and pulled it up another step. Then I kicked and pushed it onto the floor and kicked it over to the other luggage and then kicked it again for good measure.

I didn't even watch it when the train stopped at different stations, I figured if someone would go to the trouble of lifting it off, they couldn't get very far with their new hernia.

Did I quit over packing, not really, I just hardly ever take public transportation with luggage now.

My parents will be taking their first European vacation this summer, joining me and DH for a couple weeks. When they received their packing list in the mail from me, Dad phoned to say that his shoes alone would take up one whole suitcase. Yikes! So, enter the Luggage Nazi (guilty...me), who calmly told him that 2 pairs are all that's allowed.

DogLover:
For UK packing light is trickier because you have to prepare for all types of weather - rail, cool - even in 'summer'. Tips: don't buy a huge backpack or suitcase - and always something with wheels on it and good wheels that won't break down - ones with inline skating type wheels and then just leave it 1/3 empy so you can buy stuff as you go along. Take things you can wash out easy in a sink - shampoo works great as a soap - try just one pair of shoes. Take things you can throw out - an old sweatshirt or sweater - layering is great against the cold. A sweater you wouldn't mind giving to a homeless guy on a street if you don't need it. UK has a ton of cheap charity shops selling secondhand stuff.
Don't do like my friend's son's girlfriend - take over 30 types of facial creams, each in a sizable can and several pairs of shoes (incredible i know but it happened) - the guy had to lug it all around of course.
Two weeks is not that long - two pants and a couple of T-shirts, sweater, depends on what you're doing - even London plays many folks are very casually attired. If fancy restaurants then you have to pack different i guess.
Anyway i hope others will give you light packing tips.

The tour package arrived 4 weeks before the tour, and it said clearly: one piece of luggage, one piece of carry-on.

We had a pair with 3 pieces of luggage and numerous carry-ons. They were, pardon my French, pissed off at the tour guide who said she'll charge them additional fee for that suitcase.

I don't think anybody in our group was on their side.

The key to packing light is to have all your clothing reversable, this way you can wear it twice, LOL (no, I would never do that!!)

It is absolutely required that you overpack on your first trip to Europe. After you lug your too-heavy suitcase around 17 cities in 12 days, you'll never overpack again.

PalQ, thanks... that is a wonderfully informative answer! That helps me put a lot of things into perspective -- though I don't think I could bring ratty stuff to throw away.

Upon my arrival in London, I saw exactly what people were talking about "packing light" when I emerged from Victoria Station Tube stop, only to see a poor waif of a woman (she must have been 5 feet tall and 90 lbs. soaking wet) carrying a super jumbo suitcase, whose only redeeming quality was that it had wheels on it.

After watching her be led around by this thing as it flopped about in a construction area where pedestrian space was limited to single-file travel, I just said to myself "thank god I'm not her". She ran over someone's foot as she tried to get the unwieldy thing under control, and all I could do was feel sorry for her, and glad that for once in my life, I listened to someone else's advice -- the Rick Steves mantra "Pack light. Pack light. Pack light."

I still struggled with my bag up stairs and it bumped along cobblestone streets in Florence, but at least it was only 20 lbs, not the bohemoth that woman was trying to lug around.

Jules

Marilyn, you're right on the money! I overpacked once, caused a public spectacle of myself when my wheeled luggage tipped over the curb in a driving rain and I threw a king-sized hissy fit and now, never again! I go carry-on, or as close to it as humanly possible.

I did it on my first trip to Europe, as a college student, and back in those dark ages we didn't even have wheeled luggage. Oh the misery. The things you thought you couldn't live without soon become things you can't wait to be rid of.

Now I don't even try for carry on only, but I do make sure I can manage my stuff by myself. One wheeled case (about 23"), a carry on tote that slips over the handle of the suitcase so they can be wheeled together, and a daypack on my back. That still leaves me one hand free for doors, fishing out a ticket from a pocket, and beating off thieves. (And I never take less than 3 pairs of shoes.)

DogLover, if you really want some tips, there are plenty of threads on the subject. Or tell us when exactly you will be there, where you are going (just London, or countryside?), and what sorts of activities you will be doing, and we'll be glad to help. The contents of your suitcase will differ depending on whether you are dining out in 4-star restaurants every night or walking through the dales every day.

Well, we're going in September, and aren't the 4* restaurant sort. We like comfortable cafes and people watching, and hiking. I know I'll be bringing some good walking shoes and socks, but likely not a fancy dress and heels.

Oh, forgot where -- we're not sure yet! We have never been, but want to stay south for now. Perhaps London/Bath?

My last overpacking adventure was to Florida. Hauling the huge suitcase to the second level condo ended overpacking for me.

When I was in Germany, for various day trips, I would take the train. Most of the time it stopped at the Frankfort airport. One time I saw a poor husband lifting 4 huge suitcases (I'm guessing 26-28" each) onto the train, while his well-presented wife watched. At least there's an elevator at the airport. Would have loved to seen the scene at the small town train station or when they checked into that quaint b&b and their room is on the 3rd floor (4th to Americans) of a building without an elevator and a cramped staircase. Heck, even if the place had an elevator it would take at least three trips because it seems the standard size of a European elevator is the size of a shoe box. And then, what would the well-presented wife do when her husband is in the hospital with a hernia?

My funny overloading baggage experiences are simply sitting around train stations and on trains watching people struggling with their way too much stuff. Also at airport luggage claim when people keep grabbing one more then one more big bag off the conveyor belt.

The cure is as Marilyn suggests, travel solo one trip with a heavy and large suitcase or backpack, include a lot of train transfers and 5th floor hotel rooms with no bellhops or elevators. Throw in a vaporetto and bus ride or two.

This is a fairly painless cure for overpacking, guaranteed to last for many trips to come.

doglover,

we're taking our first trip to london in september, too! we're going sept 6th-sept 15th; when will you be there?

i've been thinking a lot about what to pack, as well, because (well, no need to list the reasons...the people who understand will understand without a list of reasons, and the folks who think it's a silly thing to think about will keep that opinion no matter what reasons i give.)...anyway, i'm a diehard carry-on only traveler; i've spent too much time in too many places without my luggage to ever want to check another bag!

the unpredictability of english weather is legendary, and fall is a tricky time of year a *lot* of places (even here in kentucky, september temps can range from 45F-80F). i'm planning to wait until a week or so before the trip to decide exactly what to take (after checking the extended weather forecasts!), but it's going to go *something* like this:

*1 pr. jeans
*1 med. weight structured jacket
*3 3/4 sleeve tops (lightweight knit)
*3 camisoles/tanks (1 a little "dressy")
*2 skirts, 1 long-ish, 1 knee-length (to dress up or down)
*1 pr walking sandals
*1 pr closed-toe shoes
*socks/underwear (only a few of each; i'll hand-wash in the hotel sink)
*1 pr lightweight pj pants
*accessories (jewelry, scarves, belts)
*toiletries, etc. (travel size, and i'll only have to pack 1/2, because she's packing the other 1/2!)

everything will coordinate for easy layering & mix/match.

if i looks like it's going to be exceptionally cool, i might add a cardigan, a couple pr. of tights, and another pr. of jeans. (and yes, all that *will* fit into 1 carry-on bag, and 1 small daypack/purse.)

like you, we're not planning any 4* dining experiences; mostly we'll be sightseeing, visiting friends, & soaking it all in. still, one never knows, so i plan to have one outfit that can be dressed up, if needed.

i know that at some point we'll have to spend several hours at a local laundromat, but that's not a big deal to me.

i'll wear the bulkiest items on the plane (jeans, jacket, bulkiest shoes). i'm also taking a lightweight nylon duffle-type bag (empty, squished into a corner of the suitcase) to fill w/ dirty clothes for the return trip, so i'll have room in the carry-on for the goodies i'm sure to buy while there. i'll check the extra bag on the return flight; if it gets re-routed or delayed, it won't really matter...i'll be home at that point, and probably in no hurry to wear any of those clothes again for awhile anyway! ;)

i know that's an extensive answer, but i hope it helps!

OK, DogLover, here's what I would pack (roughly). Adjust for your own taste.

1 pair black jeans
1 pair other daytime pants (could be jeans, could be nicer, color to coordinate with your wardrobe, but I'd want something other than black. Gray, taupe, dark brown?)
1 pair nice black pants for evening
3 longsleeve "Tshirts" (black, cream, one brighter color)(could be cotton, or a rayon/tencel/blend. I'd want to be able to wash them and hang them dry in my hotel.)
jacket (leather, blazer, whatever)
raincoat that can be worn over jacket
2 sweaters (at least 1 cardigan, both cashmere, 1 black, 1 whatever other color you like)(Note: if sweater is nice, can be worn with good pants for evening out.)
1-2 longsleeve button front shirt(s) that can be layered over the T's or worn alone, with sleeves that can be rolled up if it's warm.
Depending on when in September, maybe a couple of short sleeve Tshirts and maybe not.
(Note: when I say T, I do not mean something you'd wear to muck out the stables. I just mean a cotton knit type of shirt, that doesn't wrinkle and is washable in the sink.)
Shoes: 2 pair you can walk in, one for the country/bad weather, and one a bit nicer. I always take a 3rd pair of slip on's, like Merrells, for comfort, for the plane, and because I like to change my shoes. Many people are happy with 2 pair of shoes. I like 3.
The necessities: underwear, socks, pj's, thin silk robe.
All cosmetics, toiletries, etc, to be in smallest possible containers. Only take what you need. Check out how much shampoo you actually use in 2 weeks -- it's probably less than you think.
My indulgence is to wear comfy travel clothes on the plane also work for lounging around my hotel or my friends' houses.

Of course, putting together a list like this for someone else requires being generic. If you like to wear skirts, substitute one for a pair of pants. Etc. Good luck. The most important thing is that you can handle your possessions by yourself if necessary. Can you get out of a taxi, into a train station, purchase a ticket, and get on the train with all your stuff in tow?

PS Yes on scarves! And I take a tiny, lightweight travel umbrella.

pixielily I'd lose the sandals in favor of another pair of closed shoes. Rain is more likely than heat in England in Sept.

I will add a few suggestions based on my experience: a) living in London; and b) travelling a lot for work and fun.

1) Packing for London is also complicated by the fact that the temperatures vary a lot from environment to environment. It can be very muggy and stuffy in the Tube, some restaurants and live theatres. But it can be fairly cool if you're going through a stroll in the parks. Your best friends are twinsets (I have about 10 from Ann Taylor), which allow you to strip down or layer up (and the pieces do double duty under other jackets, or as top layers for dresses). Pack 1 or 2 neutral ones (black, cream, grey, beige, brown, depending on the colours in your wardrobe).

2) Pick a colour scheme and stick to it for key pieces (pants, skirts, jackets, shoes and at least some tops). I have a black-based wardrobe (which can mix with blues, brights and neutrals)and a brown-based wardrobe. I only pack one; it reduces the number of shoes you have to take and increases the mix and match potential.

3) Your other good friends are: a) the neutral, simply designed polarfleece zip up (I have one in black that goes under lightweight jackets if it's cold, or over tshirts); and b) a pashmina or two (one way to introduce fun colours). Your pashmina serves as the blanket for the upper half of your body on the plane (who wants that icky airplane blanket near your face), a scarf if it's cold, and a shawl over lightweight dresses. It's also a good lightweight throw if you're napping in your hotel room. I have a few silk/cashmere ones that are superlightweight.

4) Seriously, consider packing some ancient, tossable undies and socks, and then replace them at Marks & Spencer (so you have clean stuff for your second week).

5) For London, avoid white or cream trousers, skirts and cardigans (the odd tshirt or camisole is ok). There's a lot of dirt from pollution and you'll end up looking quite filthy fairly quickly, unless you're one of those people who miraculously repel dirt and can wear white anywhere.

6) Simplify your cosmetics and personal products. Hotels have shampoo and soap and often have body lotion and shower gel. If you're hooked on a few essential products (moisturizer or a special shampoo or conditioner), decant the products into smaller containers (Sephora might give you sample pots for face creams). Simplify your make-up, too, by focusing on a few key items. And then stop at Muji in London to scoop up their selection of empty travel bottles and containers - one of my favourite stores (they also have wonderful "school supplies").

Nothing like getting old to pare down your luggage. Now in my early 60s, with a few missing or semi-relocated disks, I just came back from a 15 day trip to Greece with my husband where we got EVERYTHING we needed for the trip (including packing a good-sized carry-on plus a smaller one for purchases) in two roll-aboards and two reasonably-sized "personal item" bags disguised as a camera bag and a purse. (With the current state of the dollar, we only needed the larger carry-on for purchases and had to repack the smaller one. :-) )

When we got to Athens, we hopped onto the Metro without waiting for luggage and were in the city quickly. There we did have a bit of challenge when we discovered that the half kilometer or so from the Metro to the hotel was a highly traveled street largely without sidewalks (and where there were any, they were covered with construction debris or parked cars). But we made it without mishap, just some grumbling. And if the escalators had been broken (like London often), we could have carried the stuff up.

I admit that I take Rx meds in daily pill containers, not in the huge bottles my mail-order 90 day supplies come in, and that's a gamble but I've never been searched, questioned. Like everyone else, I snitch a few shampoo, hand lotion and mouthwashes from the upscale hotels to take when I'm staying in not such upscale places. And I discovered a great source of cheap plastic bottles for small quantities of other liquids like rubbing alcohol (which I needed for the first time on this last trip), insect repellent, hair gel - those 12-packs of bubble solution that they hand out at weddings. Take out the wand, wash, and refill. Tight snap caps, very small, and cheap. (Probably want the plain caps, though, not the ones with wedding bells and stuff on the top. Got mine at a dollar store that didn't even have the fancy ones.)

I find that shampoo doesn't always do the washing job I want, so I carry some powdered detergent in a zip lock bag - which also gets smaller as you go along. I liked the idea about expendable clothing when I read about it some years ago and do usually pack a few things I could live without if there were something I really HAD to buy, though I've never had to throw anything out yet. (Not sure it would work for me to take things slated for Goodwill since I tend to get rid of it only when it becomes an embarrassment.) My neighbor used to pack up her dirty clothes and send them home UPS, though that would be rather costly from Europe.

After a bad experience in '71 when my husband and I spent 11 wks. in Europe on a super-budget trip, I'd never take one pair of shoes, though. He wore through the soles of his custom hand-made (hippy days) leather shoes and couldn't find another pair to fit his large feet in southern Europe. Had to wait till Denmark where he had a pair of clogs made to finish out the trip. Apart from the inconvenience of having to buy shoes if something goes wrong with the pair you have, would you really want to break in a new pair on a trip? I wear the biggest ones (even if they're less convenient to take off at security) and pack the smaller ones. And no dress shoes anymore, just something more decent than athletic. (If we eat in a nice place, I dress up something basic black with a piece of fancy jewelry and I keep my feet tucked under my chair.)

Didn't manage quite that light for a Dec. trip to London last year, what with a couple of sweaters being fatter and my husband needing a business suit. I have several silk undershirts and long johns (including tanks, knee length) that I use to make my FL clothes work in other parts of the country, so I take selected of those to more northern European places. Had to take a somewhat larger wheeled bag last Dec.(with an expansion zipper which we are always careful to keep closed so we'll have some extra space coming back there, too), but it still wasn't awfully big and we both packed in it. But I have been in London in late Aug. and/or early Sept. 3 times in the last 5 years (and two of those times in Scotland also) and managed with a lightweight raincoat, a cardigan and maybe one long-sleeved cotton knit shirt. I found it was usually reasonably warm during the day, and when I was outside I was walking at a brisk enough pace most of the time to stay plenty warm even in a short-sleeved T, though I often carried the sweater or raincoat, especially in Scotland. You don't need to pack the coat, it makes a good wrap if you need something extra on the plane. And my experience in London in the late summer or early fall is that there are seldom downpours of any long duration. (And none of them match Florida downpours.) It's mostly just misty, drizzly stuff, so a multi-purpose coat is fine, you don't generally need super rain-proof. I'm not terribly cold-natured, even with "thin FL blood" as they say, and I found myself being a bit warm more often than a bit chilly in London in late summer, early fall.