What tips can you give about packing?
Apr 26th, 2017, 02:28 PM
#21
Some people roll -- I find that wrinkles things too much.
As the others say -- The 'technique' doesn't really matter. The amount of stuff and crap is what makes a difference. If things are color coordinated (I don't mean everything has to be the same color) and mix/match, one can easily get 20+ outfits into a 20 inch rollaboard
I teach packing classes, and using a variation of the 'bundle method' I actually can get nearly 30 outfits into that small bag but that is overkill and mostly for a training demonstration.
3 to 4 'bottoms' (Slacks, jeans, skirts, dress) and lots (or few) tops (shirts, blouses, sweaters, jackets, etc) -- as long as everything layers and mixes you have a boat load of outfits in a very small bag that weighs between about 20 and 25 lbs. That includes the quart bag of liquids, all toiletries, shoes, accessories, etc.
One can easily manage w/ much less but this is a practical amount that gives you a LOT of choices of what to wear.
One other tip . . . Don't try to pack out of your closet. Just too many garments and too many options. Just gives too many opportunities to cram too much in the suitcase.
Get an over door garment rack and hang things as you decide they make the short list. Then edit from that group.
Like one of these
http://www.stacksandstacks.com/images/otdhange.jpg
https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon....SR160,160_.jpg
As the others say -- The 'technique' doesn't really matter. The amount of stuff and crap is what makes a difference. If things are color coordinated (I don't mean everything has to be the same color) and mix/match, one can easily get 20+ outfits into a 20 inch rollaboard
I teach packing classes, and using a variation of the 'bundle method' I actually can get nearly 30 outfits into that small bag but that is overkill and mostly for a training demonstration.
3 to 4 'bottoms' (Slacks, jeans, skirts, dress) and lots (or few) tops (shirts, blouses, sweaters, jackets, etc) -- as long as everything layers and mixes you have a boat load of outfits in a very small bag that weighs between about 20 and 25 lbs. That includes the quart bag of liquids, all toiletries, shoes, accessories, etc.
One can easily manage w/ much less but this is a practical amount that gives you a LOT of choices of what to wear.
One other tip . . . Don't try to pack out of your closet. Just too many garments and too many options. Just gives too many opportunities to cram too much in the suitcase.
Get an over door garment rack and hang things as you decide they make the short list. Then edit from that group.
Like one of these
http://www.stacksandstacks.com/images/otdhange.jpg
https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon....SR160,160_.jpg
Apr 26th, 2017, 02:34 PM
#22
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,645
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I take a small rolling suitcase and a carry-on bag that fits on top. The purse I use while on vacation is a flat crossbody purse that I pack in the bottom of my carry-on bag, so technically the carry-on bag is my "personal item."
I wear my bulkiest pair of shoes on the plane so they don't take up room in my luggage. I wear layers on the plane (including my coat) and then simply fold it up and put it on top of my suitcase in the overhead bin. I also have a duffel that folds flat that goes in the bottom on my suitcase. At the end of the trip I fill it with dirty clothes and check it - I don't care if it doesn't make it home directly. Then all of my purchases go in my suitcase on the plane with me.
I wear my bulkiest pair of shoes on the plane so they don't take up room in my luggage. I wear layers on the plane (including my coat) and then simply fold it up and put it on top of my suitcase in the overhead bin. I also have a duffel that folds flat that goes in the bottom on my suitcase. At the end of the trip I fill it with dirty clothes and check it - I don't care if it doesn't make it home directly. Then all of my purchases go in my suitcase on the plane with me.
Apr 26th, 2017, 03:17 PM
#23
I do a combo of roll and packing flat. I bought the Eagle Creek Compression cubes. Super light weight but got three pair of pants, three tees, three undies, two bras and three socks in one cube. I put a nice shirt folded flat in the top zipper compartment of my suitcase which is 20 inches with a nice thin sweater. I take a second pair of light shoes. I wear my heaviest shoes, jeans, warm wool socks,and usually a light hoodie. I bring something old to sleep in and leave behind. I pack an umbrella, zip lock bags and zip ties. We do laundry and will wash things out in a sink if need be. I always wear what I bring. I get tired of the same old thing but it is easy for train travel. I always have room for items to bring home.
I have a small tote bag that I put my cross over bag in. In the tote I have my goose down jacket in the small compression cube. We are flying space available next month on a cargo plane so need a warm jacket. I put that with my meds, headphones, few cosmetics because I like buying when I get there. Kindle, phone and chargers. I keep my bags as light as possible because that way we can fly whatever plane is available. Some have weight limits.
I drive my friends nuts because they lug so much crap when I do girl trips. I am never struggling with my bags. I just can't deal with it anymore and my husband isn't hauling my stuff. I end up helping one freind. She brings so much we had to rent a larger car once. When you are changing trains it is not fun.
I have a small tote bag that I put my cross over bag in. In the tote I have my goose down jacket in the small compression cube. We are flying space available next month on a cargo plane so need a warm jacket. I put that with my meds, headphones, few cosmetics because I like buying when I get there. Kindle, phone and chargers. I keep my bags as light as possible because that way we can fly whatever plane is available. Some have weight limits.
I drive my friends nuts because they lug so much crap when I do girl trips. I am never struggling with my bags. I just can't deal with it anymore and my husband isn't hauling my stuff. I end up helping one freind. She brings so much we had to rent a larger car once. When you are changing trains it is not fun.
Apr 26th, 2017, 04:34 PM
#24
Join Date: Nov 2004
Posts: 7,160
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
bvlenci: <<I take one pair of slacks for each four (three) days, and one top for each three (two) days. The numbers in parentheses are for warm weather. >>
But don't you sweat in hot weather? I find I need to wash out things more often then. But those items tend to dry quickly. So I have more items in the summer, bulkier items in the winter.
For warm weather we each take a packable hat to protect us from the sun.
But don't you sweat in hot weather? I find I need to wash out things more often then. But those items tend to dry quickly. So I have more items in the summer, bulkier items in the winter.
For warm weather we each take a packable hat to protect us from the sun.
Apr 30th, 2017, 06:51 AM
#26
Join Date: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,061
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
60=, female, 1 carryon for 1 month and actually for every trip. We had a transatlantic trip for 21 days and then land for another 10 in May/June. Went from Tampa to Bermuda to Spain to Paris to Dublin so needed shorts to jackets, tank tops to you get the idea. I don't do fancy and I sometimes travel without my husband, so no need. If going to a church concert try to have a scarf that will dress up the outfit a little.
Paris 10 days, maybe 2 pants, 3-5 tops and make sure they all mix and match. Depending on when you are going 1 jacket, print or solid that the pants and top work with, wear the heaviest shoes on the plane, and I have galoshes with a pair of shoes that could be the 2nd pair. If it's sandal weather 1-2 pair, closed toe and ankle strap for security. I buy 2-3 $1 rain ponchos just in case especially if gone for a while but you could probably check the weather for the 10 days you will be gone to eliminate the galoshes.
I started out with a pair of blue, purple and green Lands End sneakers and bought purple and blue pants, blue, purple and green shirts and a purple sweater and have done the same for about 30 years,
Paris 10 days, maybe 2 pants, 3-5 tops and make sure they all mix and match. Depending on when you are going 1 jacket, print or solid that the pants and top work with, wear the heaviest shoes on the plane, and I have galoshes with a pair of shoes that could be the 2nd pair. If it's sandal weather 1-2 pair, closed toe and ankle strap for security. I buy 2-3 $1 rain ponchos just in case especially if gone for a while but you could probably check the weather for the 10 days you will be gone to eliminate the galoshes.
I started out with a pair of blue, purple and green Lands End sneakers and bought purple and blue pants, blue, purple and green shirts and a purple sweater and have done the same for about 30 years,
Apr 30th, 2017, 07:41 AM
#27
Join Date: Mar 2013
Posts: 528
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Packing cubes. It compresses the clothing some.
Space bags are good too.
Use your compression straps in your suitcase, of course.
For ten days, just take two pairs of shoes - wear one to the airport.
Do not take heels or dress shoes. I just took a pair on a three-week trip and never even unpacked them. Everyone in Europe (in the tourist areas anyway,
) seem to be wearing more comfy shoes, with comfy soles, but still stylish. Dress the rest of your outfit up with a nice wrap/sweater/scarf...
If taking jeans, wear them on the plane. Just take one additional pair (jeans take up loads of room in a small suitcase).
Pack clothing that folds up small, or can be rolled up without wrinkling a lot; lightweight fabrics that are quick-drying.
Take a few packets of Woolite and do laundry in the sink at your hotel.
For ten days, I'd take a weeks' worth of tops, underthings, and only 2-3 bottoms.
I just went on a three-week trip, with my carry-on size suitcase and a smaller "under the seat" bag. That's it. I also over-packed believe it or not, did not wear everything I took. I packed the carry-on to the limit and checked it.
We took individual packets of Woolite to wash clothes in the sink. It worked out very well. You can also buy travel clotheslines at REI and other places. They pack very small. Take a couple carabiners to hook it to things...
Take minimal makeup and jewelry (in fact, I never travel with jewelry, just too much trouble and it always gets tangled.)
I always take a small, fold-up tote too, in case I buy enough stuff on the trip that I need to check an extra bag - but I've never used it. But it takes up minimal space and is there if I need it.
I generally won't buy something unless it fits in my suitcase I came with.
Space bags are good too.
Use your compression straps in your suitcase, of course.
For ten days, just take two pairs of shoes - wear one to the airport.
Do not take heels or dress shoes. I just took a pair on a three-week trip and never even unpacked them. Everyone in Europe (in the tourist areas anyway,
) seem to be wearing more comfy shoes, with comfy soles, but still stylish. Dress the rest of your outfit up with a nice wrap/sweater/scarf... If taking jeans, wear them on the plane. Just take one additional pair (jeans take up loads of room in a small suitcase).
Pack clothing that folds up small, or can be rolled up without wrinkling a lot; lightweight fabrics that are quick-drying.
Take a few packets of Woolite and do laundry in the sink at your hotel.
For ten days, I'd take a weeks' worth of tops, underthings, and only 2-3 bottoms.
I just went on a three-week trip, with my carry-on size suitcase and a smaller "under the seat" bag. That's it. I also over-packed believe it or not, did not wear everything I took. I packed the carry-on to the limit and checked it.
We took individual packets of Woolite to wash clothes in the sink. It worked out very well. You can also buy travel clotheslines at REI and other places. They pack very small. Take a couple carabiners to hook it to things...
Take minimal makeup and jewelry (in fact, I never travel with jewelry, just too much trouble and it always gets tangled.)
I always take a small, fold-up tote too, in case I buy enough stuff on the trip that I need to check an extra bag - but I've never used it. But it takes up minimal space and is there if I need it.
I generally won't buy something unless it fits in my suitcase I came with.
Apr 30th, 2017, 08:17 AM
#28
>>I generally won't buy something unless it fits in my suitcase I came with.<<
I don't usually let that stop me. The merchants can usually ship anything to big (or too valuable that needs insuring) and the VAT comes off the top so the shipping charges are negligible.
I don't usually let that stop me. The merchants can usually ship anything to big (or too valuable that needs insuring) and the VAT comes off the top so the shipping charges are negligible.
Apr 30th, 2017, 08:23 AM
#29
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 2,911
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
<i> What tips can you give about packing?
Posted by: Edward671 on Apr 26, 17 at 1:19pm</i>
I lay it all out on my web site at http://www.enjoy-europe.com/hte/chap05/clothes.htm, with photos.
Posted by: Edward671 on Apr 26, 17 at 1:19pm</i>
I lay it all out on my web site at http://www.enjoy-europe.com/hte/chap05/clothes.htm, with photos.
Apr 30th, 2017, 08:54 AM
#30
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 3,214
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
In our family, the one who managed to squeeze most items into one suitcase was the hero. This was the idea about packing that I was brought up with. Usually the winner was Grandpa because he had learned packing in the army.
It took me many years to understand that, if the weight limit is 20 kgs, the suitcase is not necessarily required to weigh 20 kgs. It may weigh less!!!
Nowadays I usually pack clothes for four days, plus washing detergent and a travel clothes line. My suitcase should be light enough for me to handle it myself, including carrying it up and down staircases and lifting it onto overhead racks. There should be room in it for a few purchases.
It took me many years to understand that, if the weight limit is 20 kgs, the suitcase is not necessarily required to weigh 20 kgs. It may weigh less!!!
Nowadays I usually pack clothes for four days, plus washing detergent and a travel clothes line. My suitcase should be light enough for me to handle it myself, including carrying it up and down staircases and lifting it onto overhead racks. There should be room in it for a few purchases.
Apr 30th, 2017, 12:38 PM
#31
>>My suitcase should be light enough for me to handle it myself, including carrying it up and down staircases and lifting it onto overhead racks. There should be room in it for a few purchases.<<
Bingo!
Bingo!
Apr 30th, 2017, 04:24 PM
#33
Join Date: Apr 2013
Posts: 4,290
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
DH and I choose the suitcase we want to take and then pack accordingly.
For our most recent trip (two weeks in Singapore), we each took a full size suitcase and carry-on roller. We also took one very lightly packed spare mid-sized suitcase that would hold dirty laundry and purchases on the way back. We were going to one place, flying business class, and taking a taxi from the airport to the hotel. So we did not palaver about worrying whether we could lift the bags over our heads or carry them up and down staircases (for the record, yes, DH and I could have done so if needed).
Even though we were going to a hot weather destination, we packed more than usual because we knew we'd be changing clothes more often in the tropical heat. DH also took along various electronic devices. We did not use packing cubes, everything fit in fine without them.
IMO, the guiding rule is can you take what you want and still manage your luggage yourself? If yes, then it's your decision whether your luggage is small, medium or large. There is no one right or wrong way to pack or travel.
For our most recent trip (two weeks in Singapore), we each took a full size suitcase and carry-on roller. We also took one very lightly packed spare mid-sized suitcase that would hold dirty laundry and purchases on the way back. We were going to one place, flying business class, and taking a taxi from the airport to the hotel. So we did not palaver about worrying whether we could lift the bags over our heads or carry them up and down staircases (for the record, yes, DH and I could have done so if needed).
Even though we were going to a hot weather destination, we packed more than usual because we knew we'd be changing clothes more often in the tropical heat. DH also took along various electronic devices. We did not use packing cubes, everything fit in fine without them.
IMO, the guiding rule is can you take what you want and still manage your luggage yourself? If yes, then it's your decision whether your luggage is small, medium or large. There is no one right or wrong way to pack or travel.
Apr 30th, 2017, 04:57 PM
#34
Join Date: Sep 2003
Posts: 706
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
We never go anywhere where we need to dress up, so no Michelin star restaurants for us.
That means, for moderate climates, like Paris, I bring two pairs of jeans--which I can wear the entire two weeks--and layers like camisoles and long-sleeve t-shirts and sweaters (all of which I can wear more than once). Then we bring a week+ worth of socks and underwear, counting on either renting an apartment or finding a wash & fold halfway through the trip.
My husband only brings the shoes he wears, which tend to be black sneakers. I bring two pairs of shoes--one I wear on the plane and the other being ballet slippers, plus bedroom slippers. We both also each bring hats that can be flattened.
For hot climates or "active" trips like Iceland, I use the kind of travel gear that is easy to wash & dry in the sink. Otherwise, the rest still applies.
For toiletries I only bring carry-on sizes, and figure if I need more I'll just find a local market or pharmacy.
That means, for moderate climates, like Paris, I bring two pairs of jeans--which I can wear the entire two weeks--and layers like camisoles and long-sleeve t-shirts and sweaters (all of which I can wear more than once). Then we bring a week+ worth of socks and underwear, counting on either renting an apartment or finding a wash & fold halfway through the trip.
My husband only brings the shoes he wears, which tend to be black sneakers. I bring two pairs of shoes--one I wear on the plane and the other being ballet slippers, plus bedroom slippers. We both also each bring hats that can be flattened.
For hot climates or "active" trips like Iceland, I use the kind of travel gear that is easy to wash & dry in the sink. Otherwise, the rest still applies.
For toiletries I only bring carry-on sizes, and figure if I need more I'll just find a local market or pharmacy.
May 2nd, 2017, 07:44 AM
#36
I think a person weighing 100 pounds and five ft has it much easier than a 200 pound tall person. My husband's pants take up a lot more room than mine. He has gone to thin dry pants and that helps.
May 2nd, 2017, 08:29 AM
#37
Join Date: Sep 2016
Posts: 2,302
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Well my wife is just back from Florence and she had taken a nice dress that she put the last night since we were going to a nicer restaurant. It was not necessary, but she likes it, and that is why we are always overloaded. I had taken myself a few extra clothes to look a little bit smarter just in case.
May 2nd, 2017, 08:49 AM
#38
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,331
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
No fair, WoinParis. You don't have to do a trans-Atlantic flight to get there.
Rick Steves has his summertime packing list for men here: https://www.ricksteves.com/travel-ti...s-packing-list
There may one for women elsewhere on his site.
Rick Steves has his summertime packing list for men here: https://www.ricksteves.com/travel-ti...s-packing-list
There may one for women elsewhere on his site.
May 2nd, 2017, 08:50 AM
#39
>>I think a person weighing 100 pounds and five ft has it much easier than a 200 pound tall person. My husband's pants take up a lot more room than mine. He has gone to thin dry pants and that helps.<<
One would think so but actually not --
In general, women's clothes are indeed smaller, but they take more items. Men's apparel is larger but they (in general) take many fewer items.
In my long version packing class I pack two wardrobes - one for a woman and one for a man. The man's shoes are size 11 (one pair in the carry on and one pair worn on the plane. The woman's are size 7 - two pair in the carry on and one worn on the plane.
One would think so but actually not --
In general, women's clothes are indeed smaller, but they take more items. Men's apparel is larger but they (in general) take many fewer items.
In my long version packing class I pack two wardrobes - one for a woman and one for a man. The man's shoes are size 11 (one pair in the carry on and one pair worn on the plane. The woman's are size 7 - two pair in the carry on and one worn on the plane.
May 2nd, 2017, 12:33 PM
#40
Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 47
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I travel with a friend who takes the smallest bag you can imagine on all trips no matter the length of the trip. It is positively magical what she pulls out of that wee bag. The secret; she rolls everything! She takes as much as I take with me in my huge suitcase yet manages to get it all in that one tiny carry on.
