Strategies to comply with the "one-bag" rule, weight limits, etc
 

As the current thread about taking only carry-on proves, there are plenty of people who prefer to travel without checking luggage. If you aren't one of them (us) please stick to that thread (it's actually great reading). But for those of us who do want to travel with only carry on, it's getting harder and harder with the "one-bag" rule in the UK (and a few other places I've heard of), very low weight limits on some European carriers, and the fact that once you get to the check-in desk, it doesn't really matter what exactly they post on their website, they can be (and sometimes are) stricter than they say and there's not much you can do about it.

Or is there? So I hope people will share their strategies for packing to comply with all this. I'm not talking about "cheating", but I've been on both sides of the situation where one person is allowed past with alot more than another person is. It often depends on the gate agent.

So here's my latest strategy. I have two mesh packing bags (about 10x14x3inches) into which go my clothes, separated by outfits. So each bag has a few complete outfits. Then there's the toiletries bag (with the liquids in a ziplock inside it, ready to be pulled out at security). Then there's a very thin fold up tote bag. In my purse (also very thin material and squishable) go my cameras, chargers, cell phone, ipod, etc plus guide book info, reading book, journal, etc). And then there's my rain jacket into which I've added a couple of extra interior pockets.

Everything fits into the 20x14x9 suitcase if it has to. If it's over weight I put on the raincoat and load the pockets with the heavy stuff (electronics, books). If some gate agent decides I can't take my 20 inch bag (it happened last year in Paris checking in for an easy jet flight, and one other time in Venice on my way to Prague) then I pull out the tote bag and stuff my purse and one of the mesh clothes bags and the toiletries bag into it. That's always light and small enough to count as carry on. In that case I'm only checking an almost empty suitcase with some extra clothes.

It may sound complicated but with most stuff in bags, repacking at the airport takes only about a minute, and I know where everything is.

So what are your strategies.

Isabel I fully respect your "restrictions" on this post as as someone who recently actually traveled with only carry-ons for the first time ever I can appreciate the convenience, etc.

But, I still would like to know what the "strategies" are for laundry that people like you use, especially if you are gone for two weeks?

This has been one of the biggest limiting factors for us.

<<< But, I still would like to know what the "strategies" are for laundry that people like you use, especially if you are gone for two weeks? >>>

I find washing powder, a hand basin & water works quite well

Im with Alan..I traveled for 4 month when I was back packing as a student with one bag. I only used a machine once. I still travel with a hand wash policy. It is very easy if you plan properly. All of my tops can be hand washed. I always do my good undies in the sink anyway (I must confess a jelaby addiction and they dont go in the machine). My trousers are dark colored so they last a day or 2 longer and they too can be washed. Another trick to help re packing in general is I never ever carry full size anything (except mascara and lip stick). I use samples and have small travel containers which I keep full with products I cant live without, I am off this pm to the UK and still not sure where else (business so the office tells me wish it were the other wa round). I have to pack not being sure re the second stop..oh and on a Lear so the bag is about 18x12x9.

Re the laundry issue - I actually wash out some things in the shower - using shampoo. Or else I use the sink. My travel companion on my last trip actually washed jeans in the tub, as well as other items. I know lots of people don't want to "waste" travel time doing laundry, but on a two or three week trip I actually need some downtime once in a while in the room and don't mind doing a little laundry.We're only talking abouat 15-20 minutes or so. On a trip of a week or less you might not want to "waste" the time, but then on that short a trip you won't need to.

I'm still interested if others have strategies for getting through check-in, security, etc. - ways of packing that give you more flexibility.

Regarding laundry. I travel solo and stay mostly at B&B's. I have found that if I ask the owner if I can wash out a few items by hand, they often respond by saying they will do a batch for me at no extra cost. Perhaps they take pity on an older retired guy.

Thanks for the tip about packing separate outfits in separate cubes. You are a lot classier than I. Two years ago my sister and I ran into a low cost flight where they told me my carryon was too heavy and I would have to check it. I had a couple plastic grocery store bags so I pulled out one and rummaged around for change of underwear, fresh top, toothbrush and camera and jammed them into the bright yellow "Price Chopper" bag.

My sister rolled her eyes and quickly took off. Once settled on the plane, she said, "I didn't know what was worse; to walk with a bag lady or to let you put that thing in my tote."

I have to say, I really don't understand the whole washing all of your laundry in the sink thing. Why wouldn't you just bring it to a same day or next day full service laundry? Are you trying to save money? Can you not find any where you are staying? I usually travel light (22" backpack), even if I don't carry on. I just bring 1 weeks worth of cloths and take my laundry to a full service laundromat once a week. It usually runs €10 - €20. I have never had difficulty finding one. Usually I try to find out where there is one near where ever I am staying 1, 2, 3 weeks, etc. into my trip. I can't imagine wasting time washing my underwear in the sink to save €20.

ripit - don't know about others but I don't wash things out in the sink to save money, it's more like if I end up wearing a few items more than I planned and/or they got dirty faster then I just wash out those few items. Not worth bothering finding a laundromat and spending the time to do a whole load of wash. That I only do on a long trip. A couple of light items every few days is just easier in the sink.

I still hope someone has some clever ideas to share about ways of packing, etc to comply with the one-bag and weight rules. Anyone?

ripit

Main reason is that I never have too much to wash at any one time. On a 2 week trip it's mostly underwear & socks that get washed. Most of my other clothing dries overnight & I would never take jeans on a holiday as they are a pain to dry in under 24 hours without outside assistance

And anyway it only takes 5-10 minutes to do a couple times a week. I spend more time than that waiting for a kettle to boil

Hi, y'all

"I find washing powder, a hand basin & water works quite well"

well, what else are bidets for?

regards, ann

Not with my back - besides I know what people do in bidets, putting MY smalls in the same place is not my idea of fun

Isabel,
It sounds to me like you have the best plan. We just finished a 2 week trip with only carry on bags. I did a similar thing with the tote, but we weren't flying to the U.K.

I found a small nylon (lightweight) duffle and stuck my purse inside it along with a book, chargers, phone and few other odds & ends. Then I cinched up the ends of the duffle to make it look as small as the top of my rollaboard.

If you're worried about the weight, you should start with the lightest weight bag you can find and pick clothes that don't wiegh very much.

Some toiletries, like lotion & shampoo & stuff you can buy when you get there or use the hotel stuff. Things you can't live without like makeup, take only enough to see you through your trip.

You'll do fine.

Some of them you've mentioned --

I wear my sweatshirt (bulky + heavy for carryon) -- or tie it around my waist. I make sure I'm wearing the 'heaviest' pants, shoes, etc. most times, you can even hand carry an extra sweatshirt or sweater or coat as necessary.

I buy the liquids that I need that are too big for my quart bag -- shampoo, conditioner. I find its fun to go on a 'search' mission for those things and if you make a mistake, it won't bankrupt you.

If its winter and I'm taking a coat, I use my Columbia coat with lots of pockets. I fill those pockets with heavy things -- cell charger, battery charger, etc. Small books can fit in the pockets, too. I realize that my coat may target me as an American, but I find the pockets invaluable. You could probably buy cargo pants and load the pockets too :)

Since I weigh significantly less than a full bodied male, I feel justified adding 15 or so lbs. and off-loading my carryon...

Carryon only person here - on one trip, halfway through while staying in San Gimignano, we had our used clothes dry cleaned overnight. Worked great - you're right about it being a "strategy" now. I also take individual packets of Woolite to handwash smaller, lightweight items which would be inappropriate to dryclean.

ripit: I very seldom have enough laundry to go to a launderette. Just a few undergarments, socks maybe a blouse. Takes 3 minutes in the bathroom basin. If I did have a ton of laundry, then I would use a wash/dry/fold service at a neighborhood launderette.

But for 3 or 4 things that easily dry overnight it is just faster and more convenient to do it myself.

My best strategy is to use those mesh packing cubes. The standard set of three: two small and one larger exactly fit in my carry-on bag. I use the smallest for underwear and a set of pajamas and maybe socks, the other small one for tanks/tees and an electrical adapter and the largest for my bottom skirts/pants. By this point there is barely room for my small toiletries case (squoosed almost flat since I have to wait to fill it until after security)and a pair of flip flop sandals for the hotel and shower. I scatter some Woolite and Shout wipes packets here and there and can usually add my first aid kit and a flat expandable tote for shopping. (On the trip home I sometimes stuff this with what is now laundry and ship it through, using the carry-on for the souvenirs or breakables bought on the trip.)Sticking to the rule that if can't fit in the cubes it can't come forces me to streamline my wardrobe choices. I am really fastidious but when traveling have no problem wearing the same bottom piece at least three times in a row. This way you pack the same for one week as for longer- hand wash the undies and tees if you can, and do-or pay for- laundry on a day when you aren't on the move. If I am traveling for more than two weeks I like to have a day to sleep in, do the laundry, and then do something later in the day. That's my strategy: try the cubes and stick to only one week of clothes- about three tops and three bottom pieces. Oh- and you can't take a lot of shoes! My method means wearing my heavy pair on the plane and my ugly Crocs in the suitcase..

When I was younger I could travel anyplace with a pair of black jeans and wear them, well, A LONG TIME. After a week or so I'd go to a laundromat.

Now, I do Chicos stuff - the synthetics that dry really quickly.

When my hubby and I went to Ireland last month, we only took carry-ons. Granted, we were only gone for a week, but hubby is 6'1, 250 lbs so his clothes are probably larger than average. Our strategies were:

l. Only take clothes that can be layered & mix/matched. For us, 3 prs jeans/slacks each, 4 colored Tshirts each, 3 camisoles for me, 4 pr thin socks each, 4 shirts for DH, 2 sweaters for me, 1 lightweight jacket for me, rain jackets for each, 2 prs shoes each and a week's worth of underwear each. This list included what we were wearing when we boarded the plane.

2. We have found the packing light method works best for us. http://www.packinglight.net/plight/text_1.asp?tx_id=90 We once traveled from FL to NJ for our son's wedding and even packed a suit and long gown using this method. Everything arrived wrinkle-free.

3. We only used travel size everything.
(toiletries, umbrellas, etc)

HTH!

I had always hated the idea of wasting time doing laundry while on a trip. My mom, on the other hand, considers it a necessity. In recent years I have become more flexible.

On a recent two-week trip the the UK, mom and I actually stopped twice to do laundry-once in England and once in Scotland. I found it to be a nice break, and it gave us the opportunity to chat with the locals. I did not consider it to be a waste of time at all. Plus, having freshly laundered clothes was a big bonus.

Doing laundry is an interesting cultural experience and a great way to talk with the locals.

I wish had more tips to share but I think that Isabel has mastered the system.

Barbara - thanks for your confidence. I just spent the afternoon packing and repacking (and I don't even leave for 5 more days) - trying to have a contingency for every possible senario. I guess I do have to admit to being a bit compulsive about this. But I really really don't want to have to check anything - even though I personally haven't ever had a bag lost (but then I rarely ever check bags) I know so many people who have lost luggage and that's not how I want to spend my vacation.

I'm confused. Are we allowed to answer about what we carry-on, if we also check a suitcase?

I'm with Barbara about doing laundry at a laudromat being a great cultural experience. I have posted a story about those experiences in the past. The Let's Go set of guide books usually list laundries, both self and send out. I usually try to get a week's worth of clothes in my carry-on, and then I plan to do laundry at about five to seven days. Works great. I am always sorry when I decide now to check bags and end up with a bunch of stuff to cart around. PJK

ditto on the full service laundry best $ we ever spent on our recent trip to Quebec. 2 adults and a toddler's worth of clothes for less than 30 bucks! They were open late---and she repacked it into our suitcase for us! We have also decided that we can purchase basics when we arrive since we aren't pinching pennies as much these days when we travel. Esp with a baby--diapers take up a ton of space!

I limit shoes as well...one pr brown slip on merrells to wear and 1 pr black walking shoes and I pack clothes that coordinate. I might love that cute top but if it doesn't mix/match well--I leave it home.

I agree about using packing cubes. I bought a set of three for both my husband and I about 10+ years ago and I cannot begin to tell you how many times we have used them. We both travel now only with a large backpack, which has a detachable daypack. My purse, small packing cube, Ziploc bag and a book usually go into the small daypack, which I keep detached. The two larger packing cubes hold all my clothes, etc. and shoes, hair dryer (if I do bring one) and a raincoat (which is also packable in its own pocket). We travel at least six or more times per year and haven't checked luggage for years. I also agree with Isabel - I am a bit compulsive about the packing thing. I am always thinking of how I can reduce what I take, what to pack, etc. It is almost kind of a game for me in some ways! I know it sounds weird, but I do love to travel!! Even with all this, I overpack sometimes. I am still working on perfecting what I take on a trip. We also traveled in April to a wedding and only traveled with our backpacks. I had a long, fancy gown I kept in a dry cleaning bag and just rolled in the bag. It was surprisingly unwrinkled when I arrived for the wedding. My husband carried his suit in his backpack and it also arrived in great shape. Just our experience. We are 50 and 51, so not your average 20 something backpackers, either. We just decided after traveling both with checked luggage (years ago) and with just carry-ons, that the carry-ons were a lot easier. We do wash undies, etc. out in a hotel sink if need be and that works well. We even have just used clear shampoo for our detergent and that works great. Suave sells a cheap clarifying brand that works great. It is fun to buy your own toiletries in another country also. An experience we got a big kick out of actually! My next trip is in September, but we are both hoping to travel to Europe again next fall. I enjoy reading the experiences of others on this forum.

Isabel,

Could you please tell me the company that makes your fold up tote bag? I was looking on line yesterday and found one company that makes them but would like to know if there are others.

Thank you.

iloveto travel18- Can you give details about the large packpack you use instead of rollerboard? Brand, size? Sounds like something I would like to try.
Thanks!

More nonsense..."I don't have time to wash my socks". "I can't wait for checked baggage". "I have to change my 'outfit' every four hours". "Why can't I wear what I want into a church". "Will they laugh at my loveable obese husband in his shorts and white sneakers?". "Should I carry an umbrella if its going to rain?". Add some more!

Whether I'm traveling with only a carry-on or with additional checked luggage, I always wear my black vest with 29 pockets of varying sizes, shapes, zippers, magnets, etc. At the very least, I can carry everything I would normally carry in a handbag, and it's so convenient on the plane not to have to deal with a purse. If I really want to make use of all those pockets, I can carry a guidebook, cell phone, sweater -- you name it. Of course I look ridiculous, waddling around with those bulging pockets, but it does solve the problem of the one-item rule, and so far I've not been weighed. This is really handy on the low-cost European airlines which allow very little weight for carry-ons.

TOSS IT! My strategy is packing items I can use and throw away. After numerous trips that ended with luggage that “magically” doubled in size, I had to do something. I like to shop and learned that I needed to purge items along the way in order to have room to bring back the goodies.

Toiletries – I bring a disposable razor, just enough makeup, shampoo, etc. If I run out of something -even better! That’s an excuse to go and buy some Italian shampoo or French soap!! At the end of the trip, toss those empty and nearly empty bottles away. I was shocked at how much room this opened up in my suitcase.

Clothing – This might sound strange, but pack the undergarments, t-shirts, etc. that are getting older, have holes, stains, etc. and take them to sleep in, etc. Instead of washing them out, throw them away after you have worn them!! As a trip approaches, I start to set items that I don’t wear anymore but don’t have the heart to throw away. Taking this approach not only saves some time washing items but also clears up room in the luggage as you go. It also makes room for NEW clothes on the trip!!

It really works!!

Don't take any toiletries, except travel size toothpaste, etc. Buy them at your destination, and use hotel shampoo, etc. Toiletries tend to weigh a lot. I guess I'm lucky that I don't need contact lens solution, or anything like that!

Guide books weigh a ton. Read before you go, and take a few print-outs of important info, if needed. Bring maps, but get in-your-pocket guides at your destination. They will have basic info.

Electronics = lightweight camera, cell phone charger, travel clock. Period. Buy batteries there.

I wear my heaviest items (or carry my jacket) on the plane. Of course, it's easier in the summer, but even when it's cool, I can find light-weight sweaters to bring & keep the weight down. Shoes can be a problem, too, so flip flops are a major life saver in the summer!

I try to stay in a place with a washer & dryer. Some things just turn out better when they go in the machine. Or, I just take things to the cleaners. Usually doesn't cost much.

Also, pack a light nylon bag in your carry-on or luggage. If you end up buying stuff on your trip, you can check one bag, or even two, and carry another on.

Even with the restrictions, I am amazed at the luggage people manage to get on the plane. Some women I've seen can't even lift their bag into the overhead compartment. If it's that heavy, how the heck did they get it that far? One time I saw a Japanese guy try to carry a TV in a cardboard box onto the plane!!! The flight attendant just looked at him like he was crazy (which he was) and said he would have to check it. I can't believe the box even fit through the aircraft door!!

Bookmarking. Great tips, thanks

While not quite as adventurous as the "Positano Post Office Fiasco", my "Sorrento Laundry Night" actually turned out to be fun! There are very nice people at the laundry! You make fast friends when someone can tell you which dryer is hot and can tell you how the darn things work.

I also use packing cubes and also use eagle creek packing folders - properly folded clothes take less room and always look great. I wear my coat, sweater, jeans, heaviest walking shoes and bring a folding bag to stash the shoes. My coat becomes a pillow and the sweater is stuffed along the window since i like window seats but hate cool air blowing on me at night.
I have a favorite lightweight pair of flats that take up little room - that's my back-up pair of shoes.

I take a few medications and ask my MD for samples to last thru the trip. and i throw away the boxes and keep as little of the original packing as possible.

My 20 inch bag has an expandable zipper - I can stuff my purse/personal item in there to get thru security, then pull it out so i have access to what i want during the flight and stash the carry-on in the overhead bin. I use a wrist security wallet - http://www.beltoutlet.com/armwalbyen.html

Since i like to drive to explore my destinations I need a good map - I buy a Michelin map and make a copy enlarged to 139% - an 8x10 section prints out around 11x17 - much easier to read if you are my age. I find that that size is just about as far as i want to drive in one day so I make copies of segments of the map for each travel day. I cut and paste info about destination and must-see spots as well as where I plan to stay/reservations. I print this on the back of the 11x17 map...no need for guidebook and everything for each day is on a single page, which I can toss as I go.

And i bring a novel that is set in the location I am visiting...fun to read while I'm travelling and i write little notes about the trip around the margins of the first page of each chapter, making a uniquely personal souvenir/notebook.

My most important travel piece is a 20 year old Liz Claiborne small leather purse with a long strap. My passport, change wallet(for credit card & Euros)foldup reading glasses, kleenex, gum, lip gloss, mirror and pen all fit great, and its about the size of a large slice of sandwich bread, and only a bit thicker. My suitcase is a 19 inch $10.00 from K Mart that weighs practically nothing. I don't stuff it and since I don't check it, I'm not afraid that luggage attendants will break it, tossing it around. I stick to light weight stretch jeans and Chico's black slacks witha black cardigan. Assorted sleeveless tees and a few blouses that work as a jacket unbuttoned or as a shirt. my flats and clunky sandals which is what I'm most comfortable in, also go in and I wear my sneakers and a terry or jersey black sweat suit. I don't do laundry on vacation so I do take enough undies and bras so I can change each day and those take up the most room. No robes either and I sleep in a tee. I do check my backpack through because I always take coffee and a heating element and the rest of the stuff is things I want, but won't go crazy if the airlines lose it, like makeup and umbrella. My meds I keep with me. I haven't used packing cubes, just giant zip locks and those seem to make my suitcase heavier. I don't know why, and it may just be my perception. I haven't actually weighed them. And I do pack one of those really cheap plaid plastic bags to ship home dirty laundry or newly purchased treasures. Everything I take is travel size or lightweight, except for the clunky comfortable sandals. In case anyones interested, they're Wolkys.