Packing....Newest Option
 

This is my newest method to solving my "over" packing issues

Before I go on vacation I go to my local Thrift Shop and buy t-shirts, sweaters, or whatever I may need .....(maybe $25.00 for a week's worh of clothing..some even with the tags still on them)....then when I get to my destinations, I leave the clothing there, which allows me to have lots of room in my suitcase to bring home many other wonderful items....I did this in South Africa, on my last cruise, and plan to do it when I go to India.

See long discussion at http://www.fodors.com/community/smar...re-freedom.cfm

Why do you think it's a good idea to contribute to the planet's garbage problem by throwing out perfectly good clothing - and to do so in someone else's country?

Since I already responded to this on another thread, I'll just repeat it here:

Gizmo - I've heard others talk about doing that (or wearing old clothes that you're going to get rid of anyway).

My biggest issue with this is that I know folks who can't afford to buy clothes anywhere BUT the thrift store - if I go in and buy up the nicer pieces to wear once and dump, I'd feel like I was taking away their best chances of having nice clothes for nothing more than so I can buy even more stuff.

toedtoes, that's an interesting view. I've never thought of it.
Actually, I don't have that many clothes but the pieces that I have fit well and are in colors that suit me and I want to wear clothing I like on vacation.
Besides, throwing away clothing that I've spent good money on bothers me.

LSky - I never did either until I became friends with a woman who was trying to get back on track. She could only afford to buy her clothes at places like Goodwill and it was very hard for her to find stuff that was nice enough for the office. Most people around here take their nicer clothes to the consignment shops and she couldn't afford them AND clothe her kids.

We often take our stuff to a women's shelter, but that only helps women who have been abused and need the shelter. There must be a better way to make sure women who need nicer clothes can get them.

I've been cleaning out kitchen cabinets today, sealing the countertops and thinking about getting some neighbors together for a garage sale. I'll mention the clothes issue while I'm organizing the sale. Thanks, toedtoes. And btw,it really nice what you did on the other thread with the restaurant thing.

We set up a "clothing exchange" at work. It was a less obvious way of helping out the one woman, but it worked well. Every few months, we each brought in quality clothes that we no longer wore (wrong size, didn't like, etc.) and we would do an exchange - each person taking another's cast off's. We'd go through the one person's stuff and then make a second switch after keeping what we liked, and so on until we had all gone through each person's bunch of clothing. We actually had it "fixed" in that we made sure the nicest stuff made it's way to the one who needed it the most. It worked out nicely.

There are some charity places set up that provide career clothes for folks who need them. They get the clothes from donations, and they give them to those in need (rather than selling them to whoever walks in). If you can find an organization like that in your area, it's a great option.

Thanks. :)

The poor will always be with us. Are we to stay home and not use the fuel to travel because a poor family has no heat for the winter? Are we to eat only crackers and drink water when we travel because there are children starving in Africa? Are we to walk barefoot when we travel because there are children without shoes in the slums of South America?
Travel when you like and where you like. Eat what you want. Wear what you want and if leaving articles of clothing behind suits your travel style, do so.
For my personal needs I buy thriftshop casual clothes for traveling (mostly knit pullovers). What the thriftshop does not provide I purchase in the appropriate store. My purchase at the thriftshop funds the work of the sponsoring organization. My purchase at the regular store funds poor working families making clothing in many countries. I sometimes buy all new underwear before a trip; take my old undies with me and discard it as I go. Please help yourself to the rubbish bin if you like.

Keltic - no one has said don't travel. No one has said don't buy thrift shop clothes and dump them as you go. We're simply pointing out some of the negatives of doing so.

Personally, I would rather find room for my purchases in another way than to buy clothes my friend needs for work and toss them as I go. Just like I prefer to not waste food and water because there are kids starving in Africa.

Wearing something once and throwing it out is a waste. If you don't have a problem with that, then that's fine, but to make it out like the rest of us are somehow being ridiculous in our beliefs is, well, as ridiculous as suggesting that someone stop wearing shoes because other go without. Wearing them once and throwing them out would be ridiculous.

I agree with you keltic that the poor will always be with us blah blah blah. And I agree with toedtoes that buying something to throw away seems like a huge waste of time, (searching through thrift stores to find the darn things) and money.

You certainly have a right to where what you want but I can't figure out why anyone with enough money to travel wants to show up wearing some stretched out and faded cast off?
If my underwear is so uncomfortable that I'm going to throw them away, I'll do it the moment they get the first hole in them. Why wear a rag?

How much junk do you buy when you travel that you need room in the suitcase?

I hate the idea of leaving underwear, clothes, etc. behind. I pack exremely light and bring home everything I start out with. I think of it like camping... "leave things cleaner than you found them". I just can't wrap my mind around (assuming Americans) leaving stuff behind. I can't get beyond picturing by worn out baggie underwear in a landfill in Mexio. Not good.

The "disposable" clothing idea just doesn't appeal to me. I like my everyday cloths which fit me and are comfortable.

I always wonder how big people's underwear can be that it leaves that much space in their suitcases.

I never got the leaving the clothes thingy either. I do seriously think it's a waste of money. I am a thrift shopper and a thrifty no-nonsense solo traveler. Although I know it is honorable to help the needy, I think leaving my old clothes, especially my unmentionables would be a tad bit humiliating (my own personal opinion).

I shop at thrift shops all the time and love the bargains I find there and since I travel to Europe often, I never overpack and I never leave anything (not intentionally).

I pack the day before and I pack enough for up to 6 days worth of travel (even though I may travel for 9 days). I roll my clothes up military style which are mostly street clothes and one dress item (with shoes). I take one pair of walking tennis shoes (no need to pack them, I wear them on the plane) and one of my 6 days worth of clothing I'm actually wearing on the plane as well.

In total I pack 3 pants, 3 shirts, 3 pairs of socks, one dress and up to 7 days worth of umentionables (sorry, gotta change my undies daily). My flight clothes becomes item #4.

I take 1 carry-on suitcase on board and an overnight bag (purse). I store my documents, meds, money, passport, one change of clothes, etc in my purse and secure it with a lock and key while on board. I have a flight bag that I keep with me in my seat for things I will need to have handy inflight.

I have never gotten the idea of trying to pack everything you own for a trip to anywhere. It's too much of a struggle and it makes you a target. I am a fan of wearing things more than once and yes, I have traveled 9 days with the amount of clothes mentioned above.

My rule, 1 carry-on suitcase, 1 overnight travel bag and a purse. Thats it!

LOL about the size of the underwear. My husband wears Hanes knit boxers, which end up taking up a fair amount of space. I have tried to get him to try ones that are made of a thinner material - then they wont take up as much space in the suitcase and they would dry in a matter of hours after handwashing - but those types are always expensive and he cannot bring himself to part with that kind of money for underwear - LOL.

Let me be real clear...I never said that I throw the clothing away, but gave it away to individuals who appeared to need it in the various places that I went to...for which they were very grateful. Lastly, they clothing was never old clothing that I bought at the Thrift Stores, but fairly new clothing.

Somehow what I thought was a helpful suggestion, really got off the track!

Buy clothing items at thrift stores.

Wear them to travel.

Leave them at a thrift store abroad.

I don't see problem.

the

gizmo, I'm sorry, I apologize, my post should not have been so harsh. I'm a finen idea for some people. For me I'd rather just pack and wear (and bring home) my regular clothes. plus I probably wouldn't feel comfortable giving out clothes to strangers along the way. just a 'different strokes' kind of thing.

Gizmo - as I said before, I don't have a problem if folks do this, however, I wanted to point out that there is an issue with doing so. For me, that issue is too close to home, so this option isn't viable for me - I just can't buy thrift shop clothes and get rid of them (regardless of how) after one use when my friend can barely afford them as her real wardrobe.

gizmo

I like your idea a lot, and thank you for posting it. I have bought and enjoyed many clothes from thrift stores and will check them out for my trip although I find that it's pretty hit and miss. And, I see no issue in leaving or giving away new or used clothing as you travel. I enjoy planning for my trip and buying clothes that are light and will fit into my travel plans -- I consider it a challenge to get just the right things. Thanks for the idea!

dd tripper

I used the throw away technique on a trip to England/Ireland several years ago. I wore pants that were just slightly frayed, old underwear and socks that were good for about 1 more use, two pair of shoes that were also on their last legs, several shirts that had small tears, a long sleeve shirt with a hole in the elbow (all shirts were covered with a new jacket as this trip was in the spring). I returned with the set of clothes that I wore on the plane and just a little in my backpack. My traveling companion bought several books and his rolling dufflebag weighed about 50 pounds at the end of the trip!

I wouldn't worry about going to a thrift store and buying so many clothes that the needy no longer have a decent selection. I shop thrift stores about every week and there are plenty of clothes. I went to one this week that had a full rack of perhaps 20-30 very nice, dressy dresses for $3.00 each.

almost-2-year-old thread ...

I just noticed there's a similar thread over on the Rick Steves site. I find it fascinating that something so benign should warrant such negative responses(both here and there).

FWIW - I take my own old clothes, things that are a wear or two away from "that's it, this must be tossed." When a piece of clothing of mine gets to that stage, I have a special bin in my closet labeled "disposables." When packing for a trip I usually take a number of pieces from the bin to help me spread out my laundry days. I do wear special travel clothing that can be washed easily and dries overnight. But if I don't take a few of the disposables I'd have to do laundry every night. This buys me a couple of days during the trip when my schedule is tight and I don't have time/feel like washing. These clothes are going to get tossed anyway. I don't donate rags.

That said, when we were on safari I didn't take disposables. It would have been a burden to make extra trash for those remote locations. But in a city - please.

Yes, this is an older thread but what's wrong with that? If more people would use the SEARCH function instead of posting every thought, we'd have fewer <i>"How do I get from CDG to the hotel?"</i> threads.

No information in this thread is out of date.

I agree with the "one last use" school of thought -- the trick is to anticipate when an item is nearing it's end of useful life before it actually gets there.

We do this every trip but usually go through my own closet. I think housecleaning must think I am forgetful but hope they enjoy the clothes. Room for my gifts and saves me a trip to Goodwill.

I travel very light to begin with but we stay at one place in Germany that we need to bring towels, cups, plates, etc for eating in our cottage. I layer clothes and always have items in my closet that I don't wear so can leave behind. Germany does not have plastic cups, forks, plates in the stores so don't mine bringing those things from home. I bring but leave for next guest or give to other campers. first trip bought items there from a second hand store. I wish we were like that here. Bravo Germany!

29FEB, I agree, nothing wrong with reviving a thread no matter how old, it might have info someone else can use!

I've ended up doing this once or twice without planning to, for ex., leaving a wearable rain jacket on a hook at the train station of our last stop, hoping it makes its way into lost and found or to someone who can benefit.

I think there are arguments for either position, but it rapidly gets into an argument ad absurdem -- thrift shop items aren't always worn out and messy, etc. People should live--including travel-- in a manner as respectful to society and our world as possible, however that translates for them.

When I travel, I don't want to look like I buy my clothes at Goodwill...if I can't afford to wear what looks ok and is comfortable, I should maybe consider staying at home. I'm learning to pack lighter....because I do like to shop when traveling, but I usually pack a lightweight bag to hold my purse and some souvenirs upon returning.

Victoria, Vacation is the only time my husband and I take photos of one another. I'm not going to be dressed like a goon for that. You're totally right.

LSky - traveling is the only time my husband and I take pictures of each other! Since I have specialized travel gear (pants, outerwear, shoes, etc.) that I've been using for years, our vacation pictures often look like I photo-shopped myself in to pictures of famous global destinations!

When I travel, it's never about what I'm wearing - everything is about ease of travel (clothes must be quick-drying or disposable or they don't make the cut).

The larger size zip lock bags work best for me. I use a few - lingerie and socks in one, all tops in another, one for pants and one for dressier stuff. Makes packing and unpacking a snap - just place the bags in the dresser drawers. I make a ziplock bag sandwich in the suitcase - a layer on the bottom, shoes - toiletries etc, in the middle and a ziplock layer on top.

I love that my original thread is still getting remarks...I still am traveling around the world and still recycling my well designed, attractive clothing from resale shops to various people from India to Aruba!

The Large Zip Lock Bags (the largest one available....) are great for packing....I put all my shorts in one, tops in one, and then you squeeze out all the air, and it makes for more room in the suitcase.

I have been traveling for forty years, but unfortunately still havent learned the skill of packing light or mixing and matching the perfect coordinations.

But there is no better site than Fodor Travel Forum to help me with my travel needs.

Gizmo, I'm glad it's still being discussed too as packing is so general to all of us, unlike extremely specific questions.

But this school of thought is, at the very least, uninformed:
<i>"When I travel, I don't want to look like I buy my clothes at Goodwill...if I can't afford to wear what looks ok and is comfortable, I should maybe consider staying at home."</i>
-OR-
<i>"I'm not going to be dressed like a goon..."</i>

If one is willing to look, Goodwill stores have amazing things, often donated by wealthy people who gained a pound or two perhaps or are weary of last year's purchases. The items I choose look great and are extremely comfortable and appropriate. The money I save is spent on airfare and hotels.

And our regional Goodwills have even been advertising, to dispel the old notion that it's only for the needy. There was one classic ad showing the "perfect little black dress" in the back of the Goodwill truck.

I think that being able to find good stuff at thrift stores is a regional thing. I have rarely had any luck with thrift stores and clothing. In my area, a popular hobby is for people to go to the thrift stores, buy things, and then sell them at yard sales. Some people have yard sales every weekend. My MIL used to work for Goodwill and there are groups of people(mostly women) who go from store to store to buy up the good stuff as soon as it comes out.

Thank You 29Feb. for your positive comments.

I have found many "perfect little black dresses" in Goodwill Stores, Thrifts Shops and Resale Shops.

I'm not one for packing lightly - I try to, but it never works out as intended, and I'm definitely one who likes to buy souvenirs and stuff while away, so I am always a little over the weight limit on the return leg.

On my last trip I wore one pair of jeans for almost two weeks straight - I was going to give these to the thrift shop before I left as they had gotten slightly too small for me, but then I decided to wear them and then leave them - which is what I did and it worked out well.

I also had a great pair of boots, which had seen me through a Canadian winter trip and a previous winter trip to Europe - they literally fell apart on my last trip to Europe, so these too got left behind, along with a top which developed a hole.

I too like to look nice while travelling, but generally take some older clothes as well that I don't mind throwing away if the need arises (eg if I need more room for souvenirs).

I think the idea of leaving your grotty underwear behind is revolting. House cleaning in hotels is a tough enough job without adding that to the mix.

I pack lightly but I do like to take my own things that I know are going to fit me properly and shoes that I know are comfortable.