Survival Packing
Jul 25th, 2008, 09:16 AM
#42
Ackislander: Most of those factors really don't limit one to checking luggage.
1. Gender: Not really an issue. Most (but not all) women are smaller - but they generally want/need more options/garments/accessories so total volume is about a wash.
2. Size: Yes, an XXXL person has bulkier clothing than a size 2 petite. I cover that in my classes. If I use really small sizes the bag is about 2/3 full and if I use plus sized garments it is full but not close to bulging.
3. Purpose of trip: I use a carry on whatever the type of trip. The "bundle" method means even wool/wool blend business suits or even tuxedos will not wrinkle and there is usually plenty of room.
4. Velocity (how often you change locations): Makes no difference to me since on the average 3 week trip I wouldn't wear the same exact outfit twice - that's the benefit of planning mix/match.
5. Climate: Again - not really. A winter trip requires thicker clothing, gloves, scarves, etc. A tropical trip means lighter clothing - but one may change clothes several times a day. So again, the total volume is about the same.
6. Place: Where one travels shouldn't mean they need larger luggage.
7. Days between laundry: In general the only things that need regular laundry are lingerie/underwear/socks. And if one doesn't want to wash them out every night - none of those things take up much space so you can take as many changes as you want.
Now - I'm not a "carry-on only nazi". I personally carry on - That is the point of the classes and is what they want to learn. But even cutting back to a manageable 24 inch bag that must be checked is MUCH easier than schlepping huge luggage around from place to place, on/off trains, up/down stairs etc.
1. Gender: Not really an issue. Most (but not all) women are smaller - but they generally want/need more options/garments/accessories so total volume is about a wash.
2. Size: Yes, an XXXL person has bulkier clothing than a size 2 petite. I cover that in my classes. If I use really small sizes the bag is about 2/3 full and if I use plus sized garments it is full but not close to bulging.
3. Purpose of trip: I use a carry on whatever the type of trip. The "bundle" method means even wool/wool blend business suits or even tuxedos will not wrinkle and there is usually plenty of room.
4. Velocity (how often you change locations): Makes no difference to me since on the average 3 week trip I wouldn't wear the same exact outfit twice - that's the benefit of planning mix/match.
5. Climate: Again - not really. A winter trip requires thicker clothing, gloves, scarves, etc. A tropical trip means lighter clothing - but one may change clothes several times a day. So again, the total volume is about the same.
6. Place: Where one travels shouldn't mean they need larger luggage.
7. Days between laundry: In general the only things that need regular laundry are lingerie/underwear/socks. And if one doesn't want to wash them out every night - none of those things take up much space so you can take as many changes as you want.
Now - I'm not a "carry-on only nazi". I personally carry on - That is the point of the classes and is what they want to learn. But even cutting back to a manageable 24 inch bag that must be checked is MUCH easier than schlepping huge luggage around from place to place, on/off trains, up/down stairs etc.
Jul 25th, 2008, 09:23 AM
#43
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There's nothing "snobby" in the carry on idea. Where in heavens did that come from? If anything, we're more basic than those who take a complete change for each day of a 3 week vacation.
The trick to carrying on (a wheeled piece of luggage) is to roll your clothes. You'd be surprised how much you can fit when you roll instead of fold.
Aside from the good feeling of having my luggage with me at all times during transit, we breeze by the baggage claim carousels, can take the inexpensive way into town (usually the tube/metro) and manage trains and cobblestoned streets with ease.
Those who say they'll "take a chance" on the "slight" possibility of having their luggage delayed/lost will change their mind after it happens! Better to have the three or four outfits in my carry on than the one change of clothes when luggage is lost/delayed.
By the way, we each have the four-wheeled spinners, which make a HUGE difference in toting them around.
The trick to carrying on (a wheeled piece of luggage) is to roll your clothes. You'd be surprised how much you can fit when you roll instead of fold.
Aside from the good feeling of having my luggage with me at all times during transit, we breeze by the baggage claim carousels, can take the inexpensive way into town (usually the tube/metro) and manage trains and cobblestoned streets with ease.
Those who say they'll "take a chance" on the "slight" possibility of having their luggage delayed/lost will change their mind after it happens! Better to have the three or four outfits in my carry on than the one change of clothes when luggage is lost/delayed.
By the way, we each have the four-wheeled spinners, which make a HUGE difference in toting them around.
Jul 25th, 2008, 09:26 AM
#44
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I agree with Janis. It's amazing how little I can get by with. For a 3 week trip to Italy a few years ago we would be taking buses, trains, rental car, steps in hotels/ apartments. I scaled back to a 21 inch plus a small softsided for toiletries rather than taking a 24 inch plus small duffel. It wasn't carry on but very manageable and I didn't need anything I didn't pack. There was room in the bag for some souvenirs as well. Plus I used my "wear and throw out" method to create more room.
I learned not to carry so many books to read as I'm too tired at night to do much reading. Also there's so much to see and do that I never had much reading time on vacation.
Rather than carry guide books I take info from several guides plus from the internet and create my own homemade guidebook that I throw out as I go along or at the end of the trip. This is from a file I have on my laptop so I can always reprint or refer to the file.
I learned not to carry so many books to read as I'm too tired at night to do much reading. Also there's so much to see and do that I never had much reading time on vacation.
Rather than carry guide books I take info from several guides plus from the internet and create my own homemade guidebook that I throw out as I go along or at the end of the trip. This is from a file I have on my laptop so I can always reprint or refer to the file.
Jul 25th, 2008, 09:30 AM
#45
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First I think men generally need fewer clothes, shoes and electronic gadgets. Hence, on my annual Great Britain trip lasting about two weeks, I pack my gym bag until it and the my stuff weights 13 #'s. I mostly stay in B&B,s and most often, when they see my small bag they often offer to wash a batch for me. If that doesn't happen, it is not a problem to use the sink. I do have a change of socks and shorts for each day, but wear the same shoes, one sweater and jacket. Now, having said that, when I travel with my wife, all of the above goes out the window and we check bags.
Jul 25th, 2008, 09:40 AM
#46
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"Plus a full 3-1-1 baggie w/ more than enough product for the average 3 week trip. That is much more than I'd normally take myself..."
Ditto. I often throw away small, nearly empty containers for my return trip, and typically end throwing away a bit of leftover product, as I've overestimated my use. If I've way overestimated I bring it home, of course.
Ditto. I often throw away small, nearly empty containers for my return trip, and typically end throwing away a bit of leftover product, as I've overestimated my use. If I've way overestimated I bring it home, of course.
Jul 25th, 2008, 10:04 AM
#47
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I think that for people who can use the toiletries provided by the hotel or use whatever they find at a local store, then the liquid restriction isn't an issue. For myself though, I have sensitive skin, so I have to use my own products. And even though I don't use a lot of different products, I have trouble fitting them in the quart sized bag for trips more than a week and a half.
Jul 25th, 2008, 10:12 AM
#48
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I never, ever use hotel products (except perhaps for hotel shampoo to wash out stockings and hotel lotion to prevent static electricity with a skirt). Itchy skin, weird hair---not my idea of a good time. But I still manage, even with a lot of products.
Jul 25th, 2008, 10:32 AM
#49
Another contrarian:
I agree for some trips it's nice to travel real light. If I'm going hiking for instance I bring one change of clothes a few extra socks and some flip flops for when I take off my hiking boots. I wash everything in the sink each night for the next day and I do just fine.
Otherwise, I am with Eliza and just don't get the big deal with waiting maybe 20 minutes at most (which I usually spend in the ladies and then making a 'safely here' phone call) getting my bag. I travel at least once a month and so far I've only had one bag go missing and it was just for a few hours and was delivered to my hotel room that evening so no big deal.
My husband travels every single week and never loses his luggage.
Okay, I know I'm asking for hell from the gods of luggage by my umbrage here, but seriously, it's really nice checking your luggage IMO. No overheads to worry about (I'm short) and no worrying about your liquids etc. Heck, you can even bring some baked goods from one continent to the other to enjoy with your coffee on arrival. I did that just Monday.
It makes sense sometimes, but otherwise relax and people watch at the luggage carousel. Enjoy having a few extra outfits, some great reading material, and your nice lingerie along with you.
gruezi
I agree for some trips it's nice to travel real light. If I'm going hiking for instance I bring one change of clothes a few extra socks and some flip flops for when I take off my hiking boots. I wash everything in the sink each night for the next day and I do just fine.
Otherwise, I am with Eliza and just don't get the big deal with waiting maybe 20 minutes at most (which I usually spend in the ladies and then making a 'safely here' phone call) getting my bag. I travel at least once a month and so far I've only had one bag go missing and it was just for a few hours and was delivered to my hotel room that evening so no big deal.
My husband travels every single week and never loses his luggage.
Okay, I know I'm asking for hell from the gods of luggage by my umbrage here, but seriously, it's really nice checking your luggage IMO. No overheads to worry about (I'm short) and no worrying about your liquids etc. Heck, you can even bring some baked goods from one continent to the other to enjoy with your coffee on arrival. I did that just Monday.
It makes sense sometimes, but otherwise relax and people watch at the luggage carousel. Enjoy having a few extra outfits, some great reading material, and your nice lingerie along with you.
gruezi
Jul 25th, 2008, 10:51 AM
#50
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6 weeks.
They do have laundromats in Europe. It's not hard to find them.
I've never traveled with any bag larger than carry-on size. EVER.
Since the liquid restrictions, I do end sometimes check the bag, but it's still carry-on size. I can't imagine ever traveling with anything larger, and I really don't understand why anyone would, unless they were packing for two in one bag or something, or needed to pack some unusual items.
They do have laundromats in Europe. It's not hard to find them.
I've never traveled with any bag larger than carry-on size. EVER.
Since the liquid restrictions, I do end sometimes check the bag, but it's still carry-on size. I can't imagine ever traveling with anything larger, and I really don't understand why anyone would, unless they were packing for two in one bag or something, or needed to pack some unusual items.
Jul 25th, 2008, 11:25 AM
#51
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Theresa and Adrienne, thank you for the clarification. I was just curious. I definitely don't donate socks, underwear or bras.
Those things take up such little space in my suitcase though that it doesn't seem like it would make much of a difference if I threw them out as I went along or not. I guess it just depends on how long one is gone. I unfortunately can never take vacation for longer than a week or two or else apparently the office will fall apart without me
Tracy
Those things take up such little space in my suitcase though that it doesn't seem like it would make much of a difference if I threw them out as I went along or not. I guess it just depends on how long one is gone. I unfortunately can never take vacation for longer than a week or two or else apparently the office will fall apart without me
Tracy
Jul 25th, 2008, 11:34 AM
#52
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My underwear takes up very little space as well, Tracy, but men's tends to be fairly bulky. My husband likes knit boxers, for instance, the bulkiest possible option, and men's socks are often pretty bulky.
I just stuff them in his enormous shoes and don't worry about it.
I just stuff them in his enormous shoes and don't worry about it.
Jul 25th, 2008, 11:41 AM
#53
november_moon: "<i>For myself though, I have sensitive skin, so I have to use my own products</i>"
That is really no problem at all. You can but empty travel-sized bottles and jars everywhere - Target, Walmart, Longs, Nordstrom Rack, Linens N Things, luggage shops, drugstores, etc. etc. Then just decant your own products into those containers and put them in the ziplok bag.
That is really no problem at all. You can but empty travel-sized bottles and jars everywhere - Target, Walmart, Longs, Nordstrom Rack, Linens N Things, luggage shops, drugstores, etc. etc. Then just decant your own products into those containers and put them in the ziplok bag.
Jul 25th, 2008, 11:45 AM
#54
I would not want to wear old underwear and bras on a trip! If they are worn out enough to be left behind... they are no longer comfortable imo.
I wear my nicest clothes, not my worst, when I am lucky enough to get to Europe.
I wear my nicest clothes, not my worst, when I am lucky enough to get to Europe.
Jul 25th, 2008, 11:45 AM
#55
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Therese, you are absolutely right. Maybe I'll try it on our next trip with DH, since his undergarments definitely take up more space.
I have sensitive skin too and just do as Janis mentioned. I use Kiehl's products, and I just ask for sample sizes when I buy my full sized products. When I don't have sample sizes I just buy the smaller containers from Target and fill them up. Full sized toiletries can quickly weigh luggage down, so I never bring them along.
Tracy
I have sensitive skin too and just do as Janis mentioned. I use Kiehl's products, and I just ask for sample sizes when I buy my full sized products. When I don't have sample sizes I just buy the smaller containers from Target and fill them up. Full sized toiletries can quickly weigh luggage down, so I never bring them along.
Tracy
Jul 25th, 2008, 10:57 PM
#56
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Even better than buying the travel sized containers of products you are going to throw away and replace with your own ~~~~ you can buy empty travel containers in sizes varying from an ounce to three ounces. You can choose screw-on tops or pointy ones that you can squeeze to dispense whatever you have in them.
I find them at Long's Drugs or Rite-Aid, but I would imagine most similar stores carry them. They're usually a little more sturdy than the ones you get travel stuff in, and they're reusable.
Another of my favorite finds is at the Dollar Store: they sell fold-up net hampers that can easily fit in carry-on. They pop open and stand freely to hold dirty clothes.
I find them at Long's Drugs or Rite-Aid, but I would imagine most similar stores carry them. They're usually a little more sturdy than the ones you get travel stuff in, and they're reusable.
Another of my favorite finds is at the Dollar Store: they sell fold-up net hampers that can easily fit in carry-on. They pop open and stand freely to hold dirty clothes.
Jul 25th, 2008, 11:48 PM
#57
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It took me a few minutes to figure it out but I LOVE the balloon idea!! We always have checked luggage and like another poster we use soap or shampoo to rinse out clothes. At some point we usually stay in an apartment with a washing machine for a few days. We carry a portable pegless washing line that we can rig up in the bathroom and have made good use of heated towel rails when available. I don't wear jeans on holidays, mainly because we travel in the summer and they are too hot. The post has been hijacked a bit!!
Jul 26th, 2008, 07:25 AM
#58
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6 weeks out of a small backpack. Easy breezy.
But honestly, carry-on isn't as necessary to me anymore as is the need to avoid overpacking and just bringing loads of stuff that is not needed. I'm always amazed at the 5 huge suitcases that a family of four brings on just a week long trip to Orlando. But that's just me.
But honestly, carry-on isn't as necessary to me anymore as is the need to avoid overpacking and just bringing loads of stuff that is not needed. I'm always amazed at the 5 huge suitcases that a family of four brings on just a week long trip to Orlando. But that's just me.
Jul 26th, 2008, 07:38 AM
#59
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I agree with dexters-- there are many more advantages to packing light besides simply not checking bags. With less stuff, it's so much easier to deal with subway, trains, stairs, broken elevators, possible strikes.... Sometimes I pack just an 18" carry-on size bag but end up checking it anyway. (And I'm obsessed with clothes).
