why do you travel light?
Apr 24th, 2007, 09:42 AM
#41
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I'm about to go on a 2-week trip to Europe. I am trying my hardest to pack light. But, I'm still ending up with a 24' roller bag, that will be checked. It's also expandable if I need more room later...Our flight is direct LAX to LHR, so I'm not too worried about lost luggage. If I had connections it would be more of a worry....I still don't think I could do a 22'. I have too many toiletries. And I like to have the usual stuff I use, and be prepared, instead of spending vacation time looking for something I need....
Apr 24th, 2007, 10:17 AM
#42
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Doing two weeks with carry-on (whether you carry-on or check your small bag) is entirely feasible, haydeedoll, and the link below is a description of a trip I took a couple of weeks that describes the worst possible scenario: one week of work, one week of holiday, hot climates (much worse than cold weather, as you go through clothes more quickly), no access to laundry facilities. And believe me, I don't skimp on toiletries.
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34689133
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34689133
Apr 24th, 2007, 10:31 AM
#43
Therese: "<i>much worse than cold weather, as you go through clothes more quickly</i>"
I totally agree w/ you. So many people say something like "I could do it to the beach, but there is no way you can pack light for a winter trip"
I actually take MORE clothing (individual garments) on a warm weather trip than I do in the winter. But in either case a 19" or 21" works great.
Haydeedoll: 24" is pretty light - compared to some of the behemoths you see at check-in. The main advantage to 18-22 inches is not having to check them. But even a 24 incher is very easy to handle, get on/off trains etc. So you are doing well . . . . .
I totally agree w/ you. So many people say something like "I could do it to the beach, but there is no way you can pack light for a winter trip"
I actually take MORE clothing (individual garments) on a warm weather trip than I do in the winter. But in either case a 19" or 21" works great.
Haydeedoll: 24" is pretty light - compared to some of the behemoths you see at check-in. The main advantage to 18-22 inches is not having to check them. But even a 24 incher is very easy to handle, get on/off trains etc. So you are doing well . . . . .
Apr 24th, 2007, 10:37 AM
#44
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I can carry it on. I have two small children to keep track of. I can handle everything myself. I can make the quick connections - be it by airplane or train. No one can lose my stuff. Why take stuff you don't need ? Typically we stay in apartments, you can do a couple of loads of laundry, yes ?
Apr 24th, 2007, 10:44 AM
#45
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I take a 22" plus a nice-sized carry on. I would like to eliminate the carry on but so far I've not been able to do that!
I used to think that if I wasn't going to be moving around, I could take whatever I wanted. Well, I did that (took a 26" and 22"
on a cruise, and on the way home I said NEVER AGAIN. I don't care where I'm going. It was just too much of a hassle to handle them.
On the other hand, I've always checked the 22" because I can't lift it into the storage compartment. So far, I've been lucky.
I used to think that if I wasn't going to be moving around, I could take whatever I wanted. Well, I did that (took a 26" and 22"
on a cruise, and on the way home I said NEVER AGAIN. I don't care where I'm going. It was just too much of a hassle to handle them.On the other hand, I've always checked the 22" because I can't lift it into the storage compartment. So far, I've been lucky.
Apr 24th, 2007, 10:52 AM
#46
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I haven't read all of the posts yet but I wonder how many of us preach packing lite but don't always do it.
I'm great at packing light until it comes to shoes. I looooove my shoes. I can pack three little jersey knit dresses that I can wad up in a suitcase and wash and wear over and over but I have been known to FILL my suitcase with shoes.
I'm great at packing light until it comes to shoes. I looooove my shoes. I can pack three little jersey knit dresses that I can wad up in a suitcase and wash and wear over and over but I have been known to FILL my suitcase with shoes.
Apr 24th, 2007, 11:01 AM
#47
Because it makes life so much easier. I have never, ever once wished I'd had more stuff with me. I have, though, occasionally wished I'd taken less.
About 15 years ago, on a European trip, we actually sent home a box of unnecessary stuff on the second day of our trip.
One of the joys of traveling, for me, is the freedom of living with only absolute essentials.
About 15 years ago, on a European trip, we actually sent home a box of unnecessary stuff on the second day of our trip.
One of the joys of traveling, for me, is the freedom of living with only absolute essentials.
Apr 24th, 2007, 11:34 AM
#49
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I have nothing to add to what <b>ripit</b> has already said. Except, perhaps, what <b>StCirq</b> said.
If I can't fit everything I need into a 22" rollaway and a backpack...it's time to repack!
If I can't fit everything I need into a 22" rollaway and a backpack...it's time to repack!
Apr 24th, 2007, 12:23 PM
#51
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I used to do carry-on only quite a bit, but I gave it up in August 2006 with the liquids issue, when for a short time carry-ons were extremely restricted.
I found a 24" suitcase works better than 22", because with the 22" I have to take so much care to make sure everything is reduced to a small size, whereas everything fits very easily with a 24". I like having a lot of books, I like having a couple pairs of shoes at least, I like having lots of underwear and socks, and I like having at least four or five separate outfits. I know it's possible to get along with less, but I find it less comfortable.
I found a 24" suitcase works better than 22", because with the 22" I have to take so much care to make sure everything is reduced to a small size, whereas everything fits very easily with a 24". I like having a lot of books, I like having a couple pairs of shoes at least, I like having lots of underwear and socks, and I like having at least four or five separate outfits. I know it's possible to get along with less, but I find it less comfortable.
Apr 24th, 2007, 01:24 PM
#52
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Along with my 24' I'm also thinking of taking this gym/duffel bag along. Because I have a day bag, which is fine for walking around, even carrying a few books. But, it's not big enough to be my "carry-on", cause I want to have my neck pillow, change of clothes. I'd also be able to stuff my day bag in it.
Anybody else bring a small duffel along with thier suitcase...Does it cause problems getting aroung?
Anybody else bring a small duffel along with thier suitcase...Does it cause problems getting aroung?
Apr 24th, 2007, 01:34 PM
#53
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To be honest, I sometimes question the packing light idea myself. A big suitcase is no harder to wheel than a small one. And unless it's so heavy you risk a hernia the few times you have to lift it up a couple steps on the train, I don't get the emphasis.
I'd rather do a little extra lifting a couple of times on the trip than spending my vacation washing out clothes in the sink including socks and underwear every couple of days and having them hanging all around my hotel room living like Ma and Pa Kettle. No thanks. That's not a pleasant way to travel for me -- neither is wearing the same underwear, socks, or shirts for a couple of days. I like clean clothes when I travel, and since it's mostly in the summer, that means several changes!
I'd rather do a little extra lifting a couple of times on the trip than spending my vacation washing out clothes in the sink including socks and underwear every couple of days and having them hanging all around my hotel room living like Ma and Pa Kettle. No thanks. That's not a pleasant way to travel for me -- neither is wearing the same underwear, socks, or shirts for a couple of days. I like clean clothes when I travel, and since it's mostly in the summer, that means several changes!
Apr 24th, 2007, 02:23 PM
#54
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I had a lost bag once - not "delayed," but actually lost (it never turned up). The airline kept stringing me along, it's on the next flight, just wait for it; oh, it'll come in tomorrow, we'll send it to your hotel; it'll be delivered sometime before you leave the city; etc. Finally, I had to take up valuable vacation time shopping for clothes - that may sound like fun, but it wasn't. I am short and have trouble finding petite sizes in my home town, let alone in a foreign country where I don't know the shops or speak the language. I also don't like to wear clothes without washing them first, so that took up some more valuable vacation time.
The bag never showed up. You don't know tha hassles the airline gave me over proving the value of the bag and its contents. From then on, I only take carry-on if it's at all possible.
The bag never showed up. You don't know tha hassles the airline gave me over proving the value of the bag and its contents. From then on, I only take carry-on if it's at all possible.
Apr 24th, 2007, 02:27 PM
#55
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Haydeedoll - I use a 20" duffle as my carry on and usually a 24" checked. I haven't had any problems.
My duffle holds my camera beltpack (filled with several lenses, camera, etc.) plus book, wallet, scarf, etc. and still has a bit of room left over. On my return trip, I take out the camera beltpack and fill the duffle with purchases.
As long as the duffle handles fit smoothly over the handle of the rollerboard, you shouldn't have any problems carrying both. Use the small handles not the shoulder strap otherwise the duffle swings around and throws off the suitcase's balance.
My duffle holds my camera beltpack (filled with several lenses, camera, etc.) plus book, wallet, scarf, etc. and still has a bit of room left over. On my return trip, I take out the camera beltpack and fill the duffle with purchases.
As long as the duffle handles fit smoothly over the handle of the rollerboard, you shouldn't have any problems carrying both. Use the small handles not the shoulder strap otherwise the duffle swings around and throws off the suitcase's balance.
Apr 24th, 2007, 02:33 PM
#56
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It's all the reasons you mention. Travelling light is really just less of a hassle. I let my hair go and just use a headband, rather then worry about flat irons or curlers. If I wear the same jeans or black slacks 3 or 4 Xs with different tops no one cares but me & my hubby and its just less to lug around and I don't have to decide what to wear. I just wear the top that's still clean. Why wouldn't you want to pack light? What real advantage is there to bringing half your closet? The only time I can't pack light is when we're going to a celebration out of town. Then I need different outfits for each occasion and for me, that's a pain. Discloser, I'm obviously not a fashionista. Black, khaki and denim are the basis of my wardrobe in town or away.
Apr 24th, 2007, 03:33 PM
#57
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Thanks toedtoes! I just figure with all the limitations now, might as well have a little more room. Plus, I'm flying easyjet while in England. So, if the luggage is overweight, I can pull something out and stuff it in the duffel......
Apr 26th, 2007, 12:43 AM
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I've lived in Europe for nearly 10 years. Dressing to FIT IN with your hosts, and not simply for your own comfort/speed is polite. Travel is not just about you, but it is about the places you go, and the people who live there. It may mean taking a larger suitcase and checking it, (especially so you can have a full array of toiletries). Travelling cheaply was fun in its time, but I've enjoyed moving on to travelling elegantly. There's no point in wasting 35 minutes schlepping luggage to save $10. If you're over 25 years old, you have to admit that 30 minutes could be much more interestingly spent in a cafe and be more valuable than $10?
