Sorry janisj. I know you are a fan of packing light and carry-on only. But there is no way I could do that for my Mexico trips. My Zumba/dance gear alone would fill your rollaboard.

Really!?! I've never been attacked by someone else's wheeled case, and I don't believe I've ever hit anyone else's feet or ankles with mine. Quite in contrast, as someone who routinely takes a metro that is ridden by people on their way to an airport, I rarely go more than a few days without being smacked (quite inadvertently!) by a backpack.

Yes really kja. We flew from London to Bologna yesterday and I got whacked once at Gatwick and again in Bologna. The problem being that people drag these cases behind them often without a thought to where they are going, especially when turning corners and half the time are possibly not even aware of the problems they are causing behind them. With backpacks I find the problems arise when people insist upon putting them on immediately they are up and out of their seats in the aircraft. If only people would be a little more considerate and aware of their surroundings.

Oh, I can see how people with rollers could cause the problems you describe! I often marvel at the distance people allow between themselves and their bags.

The problems I encounter with backpack wearers aren't necessarily from their getting up or out (but yes those moves can cause problems!), but also when they step in front of others (even inadvertently), and particularly stepping in front and then stopping -- growl!

Really, it all comes down to being mindful and considerate, doesn't it?

BTW, I'm sure that Mr. & Mrs. crellston are very careful and are not among those who make my life miserable.

Yes, when people cut over in front of you and forget they are pulling something behind them! Last trip I knew weather would be bad so only wore my boots. I did ok. I took two pairs one trip to Spain and never wore but one pair. I was moaning at the space those took up in my suitcase. If nice weather flip flops are always packed. Sanuk are my favorites.

I think that choosing the right clothes for a trip and packing them is a very important thing. Because this will determine the comfort of your trip. I use a rise gear suitcase that has collapsible shelves that fit inside bag and can be conveniently hung up at your hotel. In the hotel, I don't need to put things in the wardrobe. It is very convenient that clean and dirty things are not mixed during the trip. It's a miracle suitcase. I recommend it for travelling and business trips.

This is really useful. Thanks for sharing such amazing tips with us.

Yes, I liked this list and use the same space-savers for my own, which nonetheless is in a 24" rolling suitcase. I pack a pair of silver Crocs slingbacks which look very nice and are light as a feather, and which work well as rain shoes as they dont absorb the water but roll off/out. Never travel w heels anymore, just dressy flats or sandals. We are too old to lug backpacks, rollers do it for us. However, I must state that on our last trip, I QR-scanned and then put my maps into "File Manager" app on my iPhone and they worked perfectly here at home (USA) and in Italy, but while in Monaco, they were "offline" and not accessible at all, nor when we crossed into France! Frustrating. We regret not ripping the page out of our driving atlas, as we also forgot the car charger that day so were quite inaccessible to maps (including Waze) for the day. Have any of you experience with such? Yes, for hot weather skirts and light dresses are so much more comfy than slacks, only wore mine 1 day out of 16 and capris only once too. I do also include a "suitcase bungy" to secure my tote atop my roller when dragging it over uneven paths, it works very well and stays put.

I travel with only a carry-on but 90% of my clothes are day dresses. I feel so comfortable in them. I will frequently hike in them. The other 10% are leggings and tank tops. A pair of shoe that is getting more and more indispensable are water shoes that can be also used for walking in small towns or trails. If we go to a colder country, I will throw in one long sleeve and a pair a jeans.

THANK YOU. For discussing this topic.

Great post.

I am an intermediate level packer. I can do it, but I am not speedy.

I have thought about making a list that is more detailed to me, maybe laminated note cards for each category. One example is medicines. I have sinus issues so the Ocean drops, menthol cough drops and some decaf tea are some things I want the night I arrive. But at home things l take for granted are not in one spot and I find myself wandering around my kitchen and bath collecting it all.

Another tip for others: The PureLens brand of saline for contacts is available on Amazon. It is 4 oz, not 3oz, but it does not stress the TSA out like my old brand. And yes--contact solution has an exception on size limits according to their own website, but my personal experience is that the actual agents are poorly informed and make me throw out larger bottles.

I also use the travel size of ClearCare contact cleaner, which is 3 oz or less and is a "TSA approved" box. I am only able to find it at Target.

​​​​However, having said that, it's only occasionally I can forego checking a bag. With kids, there's often a reason to check at least one. Young children may need diapers. High schoolers going to a camp or other program usually need a sleeping bag.

The best way ever is to go to a nudist camp. Very light packing.

Great list!
My first impression = COLOR!
I love all the color. No "uniforms" of navy, black and/or taupe.
Most of the time I travel with just a carryon roller with a tote that holds purse, reading materials, etc. on top.

I got slammed several times yesterday by a woman wearing a backpack as she continually turned in the aisle of the plane, waiting to deplane. AND she bopped me on the arm with her heavy roller as she took it down (okay it mostly fell). I think she just had no spatial sense.

Someone mentioned to us that notifying multiple companies and people that you are going to be gone can alert thieves. We used to have a neighbor pick up our paper and other deliveries if they came. Our mail went into a drop box into our garage so that wasn't a problem.

Now with devices like Ring you can record who comes to your front door and actually see who is there via your cell phone.

crellston, great blog!