I'm traveling to Paris in the end of March with my Grandparents. I'm only 18 and I haven't done much travelling in my life, but they are very seasoned travelers and they seem to be very concerned that I will lose my checked luggage between changing planes in Salt Lake City. It's not a matter of the cost of checking my bag because on Delta the first bag is free.

Do you think it is even remotely possible to pack heavy winter clothes for a week (plus room for things that I will purchase there) in a carry on? (The limit for Delta is 22x14x9, which seems extremely small).

And how common is it really for luggage to be lost between flights? Should I be more concerned than I am?

Thanks!

It's difficult during the winter, but possible if you know how to pack. Practice packing your carry-on so you decide on what you want to take with you on the trip. But quite frankly, it's not something you need to worry about. Take a change of clothes in your carry on and check the rest.

Yes, definitely pack 2 days worth of clothes in your carry-on in case your bag makes it a day or two after you do! But honestly, we have never had to wait more than a day for misplaced bags (and that has happened often) - but the airline usually delivers the bag to the hotel.

Take an expandable bag that you pack in your carry on and then check a bag on the way back. It's much more palatable to be without your clothes etc. when you're coming home than going there.

I recently bought a duffel bag that folded up into a small pouch while in Paris at one of the department stores but don't recall which one (although could figure it out if need be). REI carries some good ones though.

Also, wear all your heaviest stuff on the plane leaving more room in your carry on.

Lastly, you're allowed a carry on and a personal item. I have a carry on which is just to the limit and also carry a backpack that I pack all my tech stuff, as well as any extra stuff I couldn't fit in my other bag.

And don't forget you can always wash stuff in the sink. Oh, and using not being able to bring enough to wear is an awesome reason to go shopping!

I guess I'm obviously pro carry on only.

I'd say the odds are slim, assuming the time between flights is small. My experience with lost luggage happened when my first leg landed late and bags could not make next flight.

not bad idea to have bascs in carry on. Sin@e you will already be wearing winter coat, only need few shirts.

'Heavy' winter clothes?

Yes, it is definitely possible to pack clothes for a week (or a month) in a 22" carry-on, and I highly recommend it. Travel is so much more enjoyable when you are mobile, and not burdened with a giant suitcase. The earlier that you learn that in life, the happier you 'll be on your travels.

Also, traveling without checked luggage makes you much more flexible. Last summer, our connecting flight was delayed for 24 hours because of the volcano and we were easily re-routed because we had only carry-ons. I don't even know how we would have retrieved checked luggage at that point.

You can find lots of info on the internet and YouTube about packing light. Take coordinating clothes that layer. Make good use of the space in the bottom of the suitcase between the roller frames - it's amazing how much will fit in there! I am a big fan of the Eagle Creek pack-it folder for saving space and minimizing wrinkles. Your hotel will have a hair dryer, so leave yours at home. And definitely bring that packable duffel to carry home your purchases!

I have done 26 days with a carry on,, so a week is nothing. You will wear your heavy coat,, and wear your heaviest shoes.. so packing isn't going to be that much different for warmer season,, long sleeve shirts instead of short,, and one extra pair of pants(instead of shorts or skirt). Its only one week. Carry on is WAAAY easier,, you get through immigration and then LEAVE the airport, no looking for luggage ,, waiting for luggage etc.

PS ,, you won't really need "heavey" winter clothes you know, a small portable umbrella and a normal rain resistant coat will do.. its not freezing cold generally,, and may even be decent( but do pack for wet and cool just in case)

"<i>Do you think it is even remotely possible to pack heavy winter clothes for a week </i>"

Of course it is. You can do 2 days, 2 weeks, or 2 months in a carry on. Or- you can take 3 gargantuan steamer trunks for the same trips.

Your choice. Carry-on only is my choice. (I haven't checked a suitcase in at least 16 years -trips up to 7 weeks)

• you don't need heavy winter clothes - even if it is cold. You take layers so the same clothes work for nice weather or nasty weather.

• You don't need to pack for a week - pack enough mix/match outfits for 3 or 4 days and wear things more than once.

• If things get soiled - do laundry once or twice

• you should have plenty of extra space for your new treasures

If you do decide to use carry-on only, don't forget that any liquids you pack must be in three ounce or smaller containers and carried in a one quart baggie that you remove when you go through security.

I usually check a bag when I travel, and my experience is that the very few times the bag has not ended up on my flight with me, it catches up with me a day or two later. I do always bring enough clothing for two days in my carry-on, as well as anything important such as medicine, camera, and any electronics.

If you have only one destination, and are staying some place in Paris for your entire trip, you won't have to carry your bag around much. The more you are traveling, the more you will appreciate having just a carry-on bag.

I just returned from 8 days in Paris in COLD, rainy weather with my husband. We each took only a carry on, plus I had a small tote for the plane. I put a tiny purse in the tote so that I would only have a carry on and a "personal item" on the plane. As usual, I didn't miss bringing anything. In fact, my husband and I both said we could have easily brought less!

I wore my long quilted coat on the plane and used it as a pillow. I also brought a short, unlined hooded parka that I wore over layers. My layers consisted of leggings, black skinny jeans, long sleeved tees, big sweaters, and 2 soft warm scarves. I also brought a pair of knee high boots and a pair of short boots. All of it fit easily in my 21" carry on.

When it rained, I pulled on the hood. When it was particularly cold, I wore my long coat. I packed all of my cosmetics/bathroom items in small plastic zip lock bags. I only brought the absolute necessities.

Listen to the experienced travelers who have posted that they only travel with a carry on. If you can become a carry on only traveler, your travel experiences will be so much easier and more enjoyable.

I wrote an article about traveling with only a carry on that has some great tips. If you want to read it go to http://bit.ly/zWdQno.

My husband and I spent two weeks in Italy in November, traveling with carry-ons only, with no problems at all. Just pay attention to all the good tips in the posts above.

By the way, we took our then-18-year-old granddaughter to Paris last year and we all had a wonderful and unforgettable time!

I know you will all have such fun.

Byrd

If you are just going to Paris, what's the big deal? If your luggage misses the connection it'll come within a day or two and they'll bring it to your hotel. If you were leaving Paris maybe it would be more of a pain, but just pack some underwear and a clean shirt in your carryon, and worst case u get your luggage a day later.

If you're travelling with your grandparents and they want you to do this, do it. Are they also travelling carryon only? This will speed your getting through customs and getting on with your trip.
As others have said, wear your bulkiest clothes onto the plane. And bring layers. Prepare for WET weather, always, in Paris.
The idea of an expandable is really good--we love ours. You can check it coming home. I have also bought a small sort of duffel for coming home--put dirty clothes in it, and more breakable souvenirs in the suitcase.
AND on one trip, it turned cold, and DH bought a really good looking sweater. Have fun.
AND I will say that on a trip DS took, he DID lose his HUGE backpack that was going on to Russia with him. It travelled back and forth from NYC to TelAviv and back to NYC before getting to him in Paris!! But I basically agree with those that say IF your luggage was delayed it would be a day, but it is just a hassle.

Also, if you're with your grandparents, You'll be responsible to drag any behemoth bag you bring.

I'd rather spend more time thinking about how I can pack lightly than carrying any of my luggage around Paris.

You can do it...........as advised, just be prepared to wear things more than once and layer for the cold. If you're worried about being cold, get a pair of silk long johns to wear under your other clothes.

It is perfectly possible to lose you luggage. However I have been to europe about 90 times - almost all with checked luggage - and nothng has ever been lost.

For that time of year I would take a moderate checked bag to have enough warm clothes (like a 24") and just be sure y ou have one change in your carry-on. (Even if lost almost all luggage is retrieved within 24 hours.)

saving this for later

A winter coat or perhaps a raincoat w/ a warm lining .... clothes? ... layers, rather than too many heavy weight clothes. Certainly bring scarf, hat, gloves, which go a long way towards keeping you warm and don't take up alot of suitcase space. Do be aware at the time of year you'll be visiting Paris has an average daytime highs around 40 - 44 degrees (March) and will be colder at night.

BUT depending upon where in the US you're coming from, that may 'feel' as cold .... or if you're from down south, then those temps might sound frigid to you! I remember being in Paris several years back in mid-April .... and gee, was I glad I opted for a raincoat w/ lining, along w/ my hat/gloves/scarf.

Rather than packing for a week, organize just 3 days worth outfits .... after all, nobody knows you in Paris and it'll be fine to wear same clothes during 1 weeks time.

Also, good to bring washable clothes (vs. dryclean only items). Check w/ grandparents .... staying in a hotel? apt? Do they travel w/ clothes which they handwash in sink? Or do they use laundry services @ hotel?

Something else to consider . . . Your grandparents are taking you to Paris and <i>they</i> want you to do carry-on only. Besides the fact it is easy to manage (you are only going for a week after all) - it seems to be a specific request by your grandparents. Some have suggested - "go ahead and check a bag, it probably won't go missing and even if it does it will only be for a day or 2". But if you checking a bag concerns your grandparents, I'd do my darndest to carry on.