SAFETY concern: 1 female w/ 1 backpack+ 2 suitcases at gare du nord.....
Aug 8th, 2006, 04:12 PM
#41
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You've been given some excellent advice. Considering you're petite, that is an even better reason why you should NOT be toting so much with you. By that I mean, small sizes take up little room, especially summer clothes. Summer clothes like linen drawstring capris and layered tank tops take up very little room. Choose color themes when deciding what clothes to bring. For example, limit your wardrobe mostly to white, black, tan, and turquoise (or whatever 4 colors). Choose tops that will go with your jeans as well as your capris and even with that cute skirt. You can pack much less than you think.
Someone here wrote something like, "If you pack enough for one month, you've packed enough for 4 months." I agree. I spent 4 weeks in Italy from mid September to mid October. I used a 19" carry-on and a messenger bag. Most everything I packed went with everything else I brought. I had a good selection of clothes, and I still had room to buy some GREAT new clothes while there. With a 19 INCH BAG!
On my 2nd trip to Italy I brought a HUGE suitcase filled with stuff. At the time, it seemed like a good idea. I ended up feeling idiotic.
I really have a feeling that if you schlep all that, you'll be saying, "What am I, NUTS???"
Someone here wrote something like, "If you pack enough for one month, you've packed enough for 4 months." I agree. I spent 4 weeks in Italy from mid September to mid October. I used a 19" carry-on and a messenger bag. Most everything I packed went with everything else I brought. I had a good selection of clothes, and I still had room to buy some GREAT new clothes while there. With a 19 INCH BAG!
On my 2nd trip to Italy I brought a HUGE suitcase filled with stuff. At the time, it seemed like a good idea. I ended up feeling idiotic.
I really have a feeling that if you schlep all that, you'll be saying, "What am I, NUTS???"
Aug 8th, 2006, 04:23 PM
#42
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It wasn't funny at the time Suze, believe me! It is a wonder I didn't end up with a hernia, lol. Seriously, at the airport (SFO) when I was going to depart I thought "OMG, what have I done?" There was a good reason, but honestly I still cringe everytime I think about those two horrible heavy and large suitcases. Thank goodness for lovely gentlemen that did help me. And one gentlemen conincidently at the Venice airport turned out to be one of my Italian friends lifelong friends. Small world!!
Anyway roundbunny, do take the minimum. Do what ever you have to do to avoid taking all the luggage you original thought of taking. You will thank us!!
Anyway roundbunny, do take the minimum. Do what ever you have to do to avoid taking all the luggage you original thought of taking. You will thank us!!
Aug 8th, 2006, 04:42 PM
#45
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No, no Suze, I know! But I always cringe when posters talk about their 22inch luggage for 3 to 4 weeks. I have always tried to pack light (I have been gone for 2 months with a 27 inch) not light but better than most of my friends. But Suze, roundbunny's thread reminded my of the most miserable, humiliating experience I have ever had travelling luggage wise, lol! I cringe to this day. You would have died laughing if you had been travelling with me..or probably your would have wanted to kill me actually.
Starrs..the luggage situation was due to all my darling and enthusiatic friends in Italy. But it is a wonder there wasn't some chopped up bodies in the luggage if the truth be known!!
I really am going to buy a 22inch piece of luggage. Think about it..if you can't fit it into a 22inch do you really need it? And if you need to buy something in Europe, well gosh they do have stores, right? Happy travels you two dears!!
Starrs..the luggage situation was due to all my darling and enthusiatic friends in Italy. But it is a wonder there wasn't some chopped up bodies in the luggage if the truth be known!!
I really am going to buy a 22inch piece of luggage. Think about it..if you can't fit it into a 22inch do you really need it? And if you need to buy something in Europe, well gosh they do have stores, right? Happy travels you two dears!!
Aug 8th, 2006, 05:25 PM
#46
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hehe...especially after reading loveitaly's horror story, i swear i won't overpack.
im going to try starrville's suggestion (looping a duffel over handle of my rolling bag). shipping is something that isn't really 'worth it' to me, so i will try my best to minimize my wardrobe
thanks for all the help!
im going to try starrville's suggestion (looping a duffel over handle of my rolling bag). shipping is something that isn't really 'worth it' to me, so i will try my best to minimize my wardrobe
thanks for all the help!
Aug 8th, 2006, 06:05 PM
#47
LoveItaly: "<i>No, no Suze, I know! But I always cringe when posters talk about their 22inch luggage for 3 to 4 weeks.</i>"
Guess I'll just have to start converting Solano County My last class up here had 87. So 87 more "pack light disciples"
"<i>I really am going to buy a 22inch piece of luggage.</i>"
That is your first big step - sort of like a 12 step program "My name is LoveItaly and I pack too much"
Guess I'll just have to start converting Solano County
My last class up here had 87. So 87 more "pack light disciples""<i>I really am going to buy a 22inch piece of luggage.</i>"
That is your first big step - sort of like a 12 step program "My name is LoveItaly and I pack too much"
Aug 8th, 2006, 06:42 PM
#48
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But for a 12 step program to be successful doesn't one have to WANT to change? I,for one, don't! (want to change)
I gladly, happily, proudly check baggage. In 20+ years of traveling regularly, my baggage has never been lost and has been delayed only twice. I have learned (by others' mistake) to wear something on the plane that I COULD present in if needed. But, other than that, I happily pack a big suitcase and check it.
Where/ how in the world have we equated "only carryon" as a superior way to travel?
If I were getting paid for the classes, I'd be happy with 87 customers too. I'd also be curious how many completely change their packing habits. Do some just incorporate good tips and continue to check bags? Just wondering...
I gladly, happily, proudly check baggage. In 20+ years of traveling regularly, my baggage has never been lost and has been delayed only twice. I have learned (by others' mistake) to wear something on the plane that I COULD present in if needed. But, other than that, I happily pack a big suitcase and check it.
Where/ how in the world have we equated "only carryon" as a superior way to travel?
If I were getting paid for the classes, I'd be happy with 87 customers too. I'd also be curious how many completely change their packing habits. Do some just incorporate good tips and continue to check bags? Just wondering...
Aug 8th, 2006, 06:46 PM
#49
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suze, the above is light-hearted in attempt. I hope it doesn't sound otherwise. Just the "You can lead a horse to water" slant on the topic.
I so happily pack and check, I had room for a coffee table book in the outside pocket of my big suitcase! I love "Above Paris" so much I wanted to look at it at night after wandering through the streets I dreamed about for so long. Now, THAT's NOT traveling light!
I so happily pack and check, I had room for a coffee table book in the outside pocket of my big suitcase! I love "Above Paris" so much I wanted to look at it at night after wandering through the streets I dreamed about for so long. Now, THAT's NOT traveling light!
Aug 8th, 2006, 06:49 PM
#50
It isn't just a matter of checking/not checking. <b>Many</b> people who check their bags still pack light -- because the flight is JUST the beginning. W/ big luggage you need larger rental cars, have trouble getting on off trains, get squeezed in small European hotel rooms, have to schlepp them through train/bus stations, on the tube/metro.
There are LOTS of advantages besides just being able to carry on.
There are LOTS of advantages besides just being able to carry on.
Aug 8th, 2006, 11:13 PM
#52
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I noticed that roundbunny said she was flying Air Canada. If she's Canadian, then she'll be used to cool temperatures and likely will find Compiegne in Nov-Dec to be balmy - no need for a heavy winter coat.
As for needing summer clothes, one thing I've found in London and Paris is that temperatures seem to cool down here a little earlier from peak summer highs, but then stay at the pleasant, moderately warm temperatures for longer. In Toronto, I was accustomed to finding August significantly (or at least consistently) hotter than July, while September varied between rather hot (e.g. 25-32) with some cooler days (e.g. 15-30) and a cold snap (5-12C) as early as Thanksgiving. In London and Paris, by contrast, I've found that August is somewhat cooler than July (20-25, with only a few days higher than 25), and September-mid October temperatures usually in the range of 15C-low 20s.
This means that you don't really need to pack for 3 seasons (summer-fall-winter), as you might if you were going to most places in Canada for Sept-Dec. You only need a few items that will work for very hot days (e.g. sleeveless tops that could layer under other items) and a few warm items to layer onto existing clothes for the limited number of cold days you're likely to experience before the end of December.
As for needing summer clothes, one thing I've found in London and Paris is that temperatures seem to cool down here a little earlier from peak summer highs, but then stay at the pleasant, moderately warm temperatures for longer. In Toronto, I was accustomed to finding August significantly (or at least consistently) hotter than July, while September varied between rather hot (e.g. 25-32) with some cooler days (e.g. 15-30) and a cold snap (5-12C) as early as Thanksgiving. In London and Paris, by contrast, I've found that August is somewhat cooler than July (20-25, with only a few days higher than 25), and September-mid October temperatures usually in the range of 15C-low 20s.
This means that you don't really need to pack for 3 seasons (summer-fall-winter), as you might if you were going to most places in Canada for Sept-Dec. You only need a few items that will work for very hot days (e.g. sleeveless tops that could layer under other items) and a few warm items to layer onto existing clothes for the limited number of cold days you're likely to experience before the end of December.
Aug 9th, 2006, 04:53 AM
#53
roundbunny - Will you be living with a family or staying in an apartment? My daughter was required to live with a family and the family was to feed her breakfast and dinner and do her laundry. She had no say over when her laundry was done and sometimes the lady would take it and not get it back to her for a week or longer. So she would have a week or more of dirty clothes in the laundry basket and then it would disappear for a week or more. If you are doing a homestay, just be prepared for not having clothes for awhile.
My daughter is 5'1" and was able to manage a large rolling duffle, large rolling suitcase, backpack and computer case. She wears her backpack, her computer case hooks onto the large suitcase so she is pulling 2 cases. The biggest problem would be getting on and off the train. Everywhere else you should have a luggage cart.
She divided her clothes (summer/winter/undies) between the suitcases so if one was lost she would still have some from both seasons.
If you decide to buy sheets there, Carrefour would be a cheap option.
My daughter is 5'1" and was able to manage a large rolling duffle, large rolling suitcase, backpack and computer case. She wears her backpack, her computer case hooks onto the large suitcase so she is pulling 2 cases. The biggest problem would be getting on and off the train. Everywhere else you should have a luggage cart.
She divided her clothes (summer/winter/undies) between the suitcases so if one was lost she would still have some from both seasons.
If you decide to buy sheets there, Carrefour would be a cheap option.
Aug 9th, 2006, 05:00 AM
#54
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I know I am late to this, but you seem young so: 1) Just bring enough clothes for a week or so...you can do laundry. A good friend, before I left for my first Europe trip, told me "Lay out everything in front of you...leave it alone for a night...than take out 1/2." I thought he was NUTS...and now I realize he was spot on. YOU WILL BUY STUFF THERE...trust me. You think you need the perfect this and perfect that right now, but you don't.
2) I would suggest a monster backpack (my aussie traveler friends who often travel for a year at a clip, including solo females, always use these things). They are a bit larger than your standard backpack but can be worn the same way. VERY GOOD TO HAVE. You dont want to truck around that much hand luggagge.
3) DO NOT BRING A SLEEPING BAG UNLESS YOU ARE CAMPING OUT. As a friend of many hostel owners and a traveler of many hostels, HOSTELS RARELY allow sleeping bags because of BUG ISSUES. Some do, but more often than not they do not. They will provide you with sheets in 99% of the places.
The best hostel site (and I have been to them all), is hostel.com. You can pre-book them and then cancel if need be, for a 5 buck security charge.
Any other questions, feel free to ask.
ENJOY!!!
2) I would suggest a monster backpack (my aussie traveler friends who often travel for a year at a clip, including solo females, always use these things). They are a bit larger than your standard backpack but can be worn the same way. VERY GOOD TO HAVE. You dont want to truck around that much hand luggagge.
3) DO NOT BRING A SLEEPING BAG UNLESS YOU ARE CAMPING OUT. As a friend of many hostel owners and a traveler of many hostels, HOSTELS RARELY allow sleeping bags because of BUG ISSUES. Some do, but more often than not they do not. They will provide you with sheets in 99% of the places.
The best hostel site (and I have been to them all), is hostel.com. You can pre-book them and then cancel if need be, for a 5 buck security charge.
Any other questions, feel free to ask.
ENJOY!!!
Aug 9th, 2006, 05:30 AM
#55
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Hi R,
Re tickets.
You can buy your tickets online at www.voyages-sncf.com
You will get a confirmation.
Your choices are to pick up your ticket at a vending machine at the train station, at the ticket desk at a station, at a SNCF boutique.
Re tickets.
You can buy your tickets online at www.voyages-sncf.com
You will get a confirmation.
Your choices are to pick up your ticket at a vending machine at the train station, at the ticket desk at a station, at a SNCF boutique.
Aug 9th, 2006, 08:16 AM
#56
Actually I use a 24" these days (which is a lot more comfortable to me than my 22"
and I check-it on the plane.
To my mind, the importance of the issue depends on how much you are going to be moving around once you arrive. Roundbunny, just has to get there (she's not dragging this load all over Europe on daily train treks)...
So while her original plan didn't sound so great, I think one large wheeled suitcase, with a duffle riding on it, plus backpack/carry-on should do just fine.
Understanding if it's not worth it to pay shipping, it's probably not worth the effort to pack-mule it yourself -lol.
p.s. I still think she should buy sheets in France
and I check-it on the plane.To my mind, the importance of the issue depends on how much you are going to be moving around once you arrive. Roundbunny, just has to get there (she's not dragging this load all over Europe on daily train treks)...
So while her original plan didn't sound so great, I think one large wheeled suitcase, with a duffle riding on it, plus backpack/carry-on should do just fine.
Understanding if it's not worth it to pay shipping, it's probably not worth the effort to pack-mule it yourself -lol.
p.s. I still think she should buy sheets in France
Aug 9th, 2006, 08:23 AM
#57
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Thanks ira, however, I dont' think I can pick it up from the booths or vending machines because on the sncf website it says something about bank cards...? I heard that we need to use their special bank cards in order to be able to do this. Can someone please confirm if this is true?
yes, suze is right. i'm just bringing this to compiegne and i'm staying there! (of course i'll be taking some weekend trips but i will bring a small bag).
kybourbon: i will be living at a school residence, so i will be able to do my own laundry whenever i please
thanks again to everyone for your help!
yes, suze is right. i'm just bringing this to compiegne and i'm staying there! (of course i'll be taking some weekend trips but i will bring a small bag).
kybourbon: i will be living at a school residence, so i will be able to do my own laundry whenever i please
thanks again to everyone for your help!
Aug 9th, 2006, 10:28 AM
#59
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You are correct, I've never been able to pick up a ticket at the SNCF automatic machines due to my American credit card.
That really doesn't solve much anyway, in terms of your problems -- it would just be getting it at the machine instead of the ticket window. There might be shorter lines at the machines (not always), but you'd be just as much a target of things out by the automatic machines--probably more of a target, actually.
That really doesn't solve much anyway, in terms of your problems -- it would just be getting it at the machine instead of the ticket window. There might be shorter lines at the machines (not always), but you'd be just as much a target of things out by the automatic machines--probably more of a target, actually.
Aug 9th, 2006, 10:37 AM
#60
I know you are starting to think about taking less stuff - but just one other minor consideration: I'll assume you are sharing accomodations - maybe not but that is very common. European lodging doesn't usually have a fraction of the storage space as you might be used to in the States. Often no closets at all. More often either stand alone cupboards or wall shelves and hooks. If you haven't already, you need to check what size type of room you'll have. Especially if you are sharing, you can't be assured there will be room for a lot of extra stuff.
