Packing Light --any tips, suggestions or hints?
 

Our family of four will be taking a week-long vacation to Arizona / Grand Canyon / Sedona / Las Vegas in early August. We don't want to have to lug big heavy suitcases around all week and so want to try to pack light. Would like to fit entire family into two suitcases. Any suggestions or tried and true ideas from all you seasoned travelers?

You have to basically get into the packing mindset of, "Can I get along without that?" rather than the "Is there any chance I'll need that?"

1. Create a packing list for each person and stick with it.

2. Take travel sizes, and only one each of sharable things (toothpaste, shaving cream).

3. TWO pairs of shoes per peson, no more; your most comfortable walking shoes (or sneakers, whatever) and a second pair depending on what you'll be doing.

4. Also limit anything else bulky to the absolute minimum; at this time of year, one sweater or other warm layer should be sufficient.

5. Choose dark colors that won't show dirt, especially pants/shorts and sweaters.

6. Stick to neutral colors for pants, shorts, warm layers; choose colorful tops/shirts so you won't get bored.

7. Try to choose less-bulky items, especially pants; jeans are comfy but bulky to pack and take forever to dry.

8. Wear your bulkiest stuff (especially shoes) on the plane, and take a medium-sized carryon that will hold enough to get you through 24 hours if your luggage goes astray, including toiletries and a change of clothes. As well as, of course, valuables, medicines, etc.

You might consider back packs for each family member. Rick Steves sells these great backpacks, which my wife & I took to Italy last year. We were gone 12 days and only had a pack each.

My husband swears by those space bags. He works overseas & goes every other month with a carryon & backpack. The space bag type bags really help his clothes compact so that there is room for other stuff.

A question.. how old are the family members? That makes a big difference in packing. If you will have transportation then I would suggest not taking anything that you can buy there (extra shampoo, food,etc). On our recent trip to Jamaica all 4 of our family had backpacks to keep up with.That gave us more freedom to take less suitcases.If your family members are old enough then have each one pack their own & tell them that they have to carry what they bring.

Did you read Fodors "How to pack almost any bag-3 easy tricks"? You can access it on the home page. One thing (you may already know this)is to never have any empty space. Example: stuff shoes with socks. I couldn't believe how much more I got in my suitcase using the roll method.

If you are going for 7 nights, pack for 3-4 nights and do laundry halfway through your trip. I pack for 4 people and we each bring one small-medium duffle type bag and it works out well.

Mwessel---this is a timely question! We are doing the same trip the last week of July (flying from East Coast and renting a van) but 2 of my 3 children are teenage girls who cannot fathom going anywhere without half the wardrobe (gotta look good hiking around the canyons!) We have always had the rule when traveling that you are responsible for anything you bring--no one will help, carry, etc. That has pretty much kept them in line, but it does seem like a difficult trip to pack for. We will be doing the Walmart thing as soon as arriving for cooler, water, etc.

Zip-off pants (pants that convert to shorts)are great for outdoor activities in the summer. I always start with the minimum shorts/pants requirements, then add tops that coordinate. For a week, you should be able to get by with 3 bottoms and 8 tops/undies/socks, one sweatshirt (dark!) and a raincoat. Have one decent outfit, the rest rugged outdoor wear. Wear your casual stuff on the plane ride out; it will get dirtiest the fastest. Wear your dress outfit on the plane ride home, since it is likely the cleanest thing you have.

These ideas have worked for our family of four on trips to Europe, Canada, Latin America, as well as across the US.

1. Forget jeans, unless you plan to do some heavy duty activity where they are required. They take up too much room, weigh too much, and will never dry if you figure out how to wash them out in a hotel sink/tub.

2. Pack easy wash and dry materials.

3. Everything you bring should match everything else you bring. Bottoms in navy, black, or khaki would match just about every color top.

4. Pack underwear and socks in ziplock bags. When packing a bunch of people in one suitcase, it makes finding each persons items a lot easier plus you can press in air out and condense the size of the packed items.

5. Whenever possible use multipurpose and layered items. A large t-shirt can double as pj's and a bathing suit cover-up.

6. As hard as this may be for many of us: limit shoes. I have a pair of Ecco walking shoes that can also be worn with a skirt for dressier needs. No they are not what I would choose at home but they work.

7. If you are flying, with everyone's stuff in each suitcase, a lost suitcase could impact everyone. Make sure to pack one full change of clothes for each person and toiletrees in a carry on tote. I just put a change for each of us in a gallon size ziplock bag. Last year it was finally (or unfortunately) worth the precaution when my daughter's suitcase was lost for three days on our way to Mexico.

Have fun on your trip.

All great tips. I can add one. I don't have space bags but instead use 2 1/2 gallon zipper loc plastic storage bags. I put three or four shirts in one, sit on it to get out air, and then zip it up. You will be amazed how much more you can get in your suitcase with the air expelled. Other bags for undies, etc. I pack pants with the layering method.

I apologize if someone already mentioned this, haven't time to read all the posts b/c off to BBQ. Just be careful trying to fit everything in two bags. I did this last year and was very proud of myself that I had room to spare in both suitcases only to find out at the airport that I exceeded the weight limitation. They would have "let it go" if I paid $25 bucks more, but decided to take out stuff and place in everyone's backpack to reduce the weight. When I returned, home I returned that suitcase to the store because it essentially left too much dead space and was useless. So, I thought I outsmarted myself that trip...not!

When my spouse and I travel, we take one standard "roll-on" for each of us. We've learned that if it doesn't fit in that we just don't need it. Use the following hints and you can't go wrong: Step 1 - Set out all the clothes you think you'll need. Step 2 - put half of them back in the closet. Step 3 - Pack the rest. Step 4 - Bring more money. Seriously, most people who are not regular travelers tend to bring way too much. As one of the previous posters said - thing about what you'll really need not what you might need. The other posters have given you great hints - doing laundry (Laundy service at hotels is a bit pricy but you're on vacation so why fret) and using space bags. Also, remember, it's doubtful anyone is going to notice, or care, if you've worn the same outfit for dinner several times during your trip.

Great tips!

No matter how many times I've travelled, I still bring too much!

Lay everything out on the bed and reduce by half, as suggested. It'll still be too much.

Remember that about 1/3 of your luggage space will be taken up with things that are not clothes: toiletries, camera, favorite film, first aid kit, medicines, (sun)glasses, tour books, maps, CD player and CDs (for the kids), etc. etc.

Use the roll method for clothes as suggested. Keeps most clothes fresh looking AND takes up less space.

For a one week trip, I can't imagine you will need more than two pairs of pants, one to be worn on the plane over; 3/4 shirts/blouses/T-shirts per person; and a like amount of underwear per person. Midweek, find a laundromat (this is the US where laundromats are plentiful), and spend a couple of hours doing several loads of laundry at once. The laundromats have dryers too! It shouldn't take you more than a couple of hours getting a fresh set of clothes!

Handcarry your jacket/sweater onto the plane with you. It does not count as an extra piece of luggage and, most times, it get very COLD way up there, so the jacket/sweater comes in handy. If it were me, I'd make that a light windbreaker with a hood - altho the chances of it raining where you are going is almost nil.

The individual backpack suggestion is an excellent one. Let each person carry his/her own change of clothing (in case of lost luggage) in his/her own backpack. Try to get a good sized backpack. I see people with those teeny-weeny backpacks that are really purses. They are ridiculously useless. Rick Steves also sells a wonderfully feather-weight backpack that has three zippered compartments. It's small enough to double as a daypack. Weighs next to nothing.

Get a good miner's light which will double as a flashlight AND as a night reading lamp. It's wonderful as a night reading lamp, because you wouldn't have a groaning partner trying to sleep with the lights on while you are wide-eyed and bushy-tailed at 2am in the morning! Don't get the basic one if you are planning to do any long term reading at night because the cheaper ones tend to go dim after a short time.

If you pack really light, you can make do with two 18"/20" instead of huge 24" on upward monstrosities.

Check this Fodors forum for a lot of wonderful suggestions on things to do in Arizona.

Have a great trip! :)

These are all wonderful ideas!

I got so used to using the "roll method" when I traveled more, that I started rolling things at home before putting them away, instead of folding. T-shirts are rarely ever too wrinkled to wear.

Also, I remember reading somewhere about an idea of packing older, imperfect or less-favorite clothes, undies, socks, etc., especially for activites like hiking and camping. When you are finished wearing them, you supposedly throw them away. As a matter of fact, I can think of a couple pair of my son's jeans that need to go for just that reason.

WendyLynn: Did you re-read #4 in your post? "When packing a bunch of people in one suitcase ..."

That might save on plane tickets, but I wouldn't exactly call it packing light. :) LOL!

Donna

Thought of another tip for traveling with a family: pack things like the pajamas together, and all the swimwear and sandals; have one backpack with everyone's raincoat, and one case with the dressier clothes. That way, when you hit a situation that needs a change of clothes, you can get ready much faster.

Author: MelissaBeckoff
Date: 07/04/2004, 07:15 pm
Message: i have a off beat question
we are going horseback riding out west and my children wish to bring their helmets
can they wear them on the plane?

thanks

Packing pajamas and raincoats? Try living without the PJs. And, though this is admittedly personal preference, I haven't had a raincoat since discharge from the USAF a long time ago...

Speaking of raincoats, we have been taking those $1-$2 poncho things on our last couple of trips. They are great for hiking--no weight and take up very little room in a backpack. We've found they keep you dry and you can reuse them although you can't get them back into the packs easily.

My well travelled adult children have taught me well - take 1/3rd of what you think you'll need!
We are going to the UK and Portugal for 2 weeks in July - I'm taking one med-large checked bag and a back pack.
I have to bring my tux/dancing pumps, etc. for my son's wedding in that stuff.
M

I condensed packed for years, (one large back pack 1-3 months trips, carryon upright 2 weeks every where else)gets exhausting. You won't be lugging around extras but you will be spending unnecessary time at the laundry mat. Listen to some of the great ideas here but be honest about what you don't want to be without.

role clothes, limit shoes, $$ money for what you will replace on the road because you overly ambitious in packing light. Just a thought.

Wow! What terrific ideas. I appreciate all the suggestions. It never would have occured to me to pack a change of clothes in a carry-on in case of lost luggage.

I was thinking of trying to use our "foodsaver" machine to extract the air from bags of clothes to fit more in, but those bags are pricey and I think everything would be pretty wrinkled. I guess I'll stick with the "sit on the ziplock bags" method.

Our girls are 13 and 11 so they will definately have backpacks with them. They'll be leaving the fashionable part of themselves at home so I'm hoping packing light will be easier.

I groan at the idea of having to do laundry on vacation, but I guess thats the trade off. How do they price laundry services at hotels and how long does it take?

A lot of great tips here. I often work out of town so packing light is not new for me. I am likely to run to a Walmart for sox or underwear rather than do laundry. Although I rarely send clothes out for cleaning at a hotel I have found a lot of laundramats that will wash, dry and hang clothes and charge by the pound.
I get travel size containers of shaving cream, shampoo and the like. I use the roll method for packing and when flying I will wear my jacket on the plane and save room in my case. Good luck.

Great tips! I think everyone needs their own bag simply because we all need our own "space," if you know what I mean. If any of you are wear flip flops, they are really easy to fit in and can give you some variety of color, etc. without taking up much space. Also great for going to the pool, etc.

I also usually pack one of folding fabric tote bags for any number of occasions (like a spontaneous market or shopping trip). It doesn't take up much room and comes in handy for all kinds of situations.

I tried something new this year that worked out great for me. I took one of those little billfold purses (with a shoulder stap) and carried it as my billfold (with credit cards, ID, cash, etc.) inside my backpack. When we went to dinner or anywhere I didn't want to carry a bulky purse/pack, I simply wore that instead.

I'm going to copy this thread and keep it. The ideas are great! I have a couple of things to add, maybe more specific the the SW.

Since you will be traveling in the SW, you can count on dry air almost every day. That makes washing things out in the sink a really good plan. I tend to travel with nylon shorts and pants (I like the zip-off legs, too) and just wash them out in the sink in the evening, if needed. Even cotton underpants are completely dry in the morning. I bought a nice little pair of nylon cargo shorts at Zion NP last summer. (I also saw them at GC in April, 2004). I wear them a lot at home now, and have taken them on every trip since I bought them. They stuff into their own pocket.

I couldn't stand the idea of spending any time at a laundromat, given the trip you are going to be taking. If you use nylon bottoms and tee shirts for tops, you can do sink washing thing with no problem. That can bring you down to about 2 bottoms and 3-4 tops for each person. If you plan to buy everyone a tee shirt as a souvenir, you can decrease your requirements even further. Don't forget to bring a small container of liquid soap.

I do think you need some sort of rain protection, because you are travelling during the "monsoon season" in the SW. What this means is that you are likely to be caught in an afternoon shower while hiking. The rain tends to be cold, and subjects you to the risk of hypothermia, especially when any cotton you're wearing gets wet. A Gore-Tex windbreaker would do very well, but so would a cheap poncho or even a large garbage bag. (Tear a hole at the top and put it over your head, then use your hat to shed the water.) My husband and I each have Gore-Tex, but we take ponchos (or garbage bags, in a pinch) for the kids, since they're still growing. Everyone needs one light fleece jacket or sweatshirt.

When we take trips like yours, hiking boots, poles, hats, fleece jackets, and other equipment take up about half the room in our suitcases. The nylon stuff takes very little room. When I take weekend trips that don't involve hiking, I can get by with just a tote bag.

Some thoughts on laundomats...
Sometimes I've enjoyed my trips to the laundry. Don't laugh. Depending on the mood you are in, it can be some quite down time away from the others where you get to read a book or write some postcards. Or you might meet an interesting local who can give you some good tips about the town, restaurants, etc.

One motel we stayed at in Lander, Wyoming had a washer and dryer in the same facility as the hot tub, so you could soak while you did the wash.

It's easy to have fun when you are on vacation, no matter what you are doing!

I didn't read all the replies, but when we take a trip for 14 days, we pack clothes for 8 days and, on the 8th day we take dirty clothes to a coin laundry which offers dry and fold service.

For your 7-day trip, you might pack for 4 days.

Typically laundries with this service charge $1 a pound. Laundry delivered in the morning can be picked up in the afternoon.

I use one-line yellow pages to locate a laundry and call ahead to find out which one provides the service we want.

If traveling by plane everyone should pack at least one outfit in every suitcase you bring. When you get to your destination, you can swap the clothes around so everyone gets their own suitcase. This worked out for my wife and I a few years ago when only one suitcase made it to Spain with us. We each had enough clothes to last until it caught up to us.

As for laundry, look for a motel with a laudramat every few days. We bring detergent packaged in cubes so we don't have to worry about measuring or carrying a large container. Don't forget the quarters.

Instead of PJs, we always use a pair of shorts & t-shirt, or in colder weather, sweats. Then you can always use them outdoors if you need to.
Love all the tips. They're great.

Buy toiletries at your destinations. Toothbrushes/pastes,floss and soap can be bought anywhere. I wouldn't wear dark clothing, I'd wear breathable clothing (linen, cotton & silk) and get everyone 2 basic neutral colors (beige/black) and mix and match clothing, tops and bottoms with these colors. I'd allow 2 pr of shoes (one casual, 1 dressy, plus hiking boots,

pressed the post button too soon. Just another recommendation, buy/bring a wide brimmed hat since August in a desert is hell on Earth.

Bring your oldest, grungiest socks. I once made the mistake of bringing new, white socks on a hiking trip in Utah. The red dirt there ruins them. It just doesn't come out. Throw out your socks at the end of the day. I do the same thing with old underwear, slightly stained t-shirts, and old shoes...all stuff that needs to be thrown out anyway. Then I have more space in my luggage for souvenirs - yay!

I also suggest those pants that convert to shorts by zipping off the legs. I have one pair, and often it's the only bottoms I bring on a trip. The great thing is that you can easily wash the pant legs (which get dirty when the rest of the pants don't) in the sink. If they're not 100% dry in the morning, it's not so bad because it's only the bottoms. They dry soon enough from your body heat.

Actually, since the area you are going to is so dry, you shouldn't have a problem washing things in the sink at night and having them totally dry by the next day.

To wring excess water out of clothes, lay them on a towel, roll up the towel and wring it. It works fantastically!

Bring only what you can carry up 3 flights of stairs (in one trip). Any more than that and you have too much.

Two ideas that really helped us:

1. Pack for occasions not time on the road. Decide what type of clothes you will need on your trip - hiking, dressy, casual, beach, restaurant, flying, museaum, etc. Pack one outfit for each occasion and wear it repeatedly. Who cares if you wear the same thing to the beach each day?

2. Keep track for a week at home of how much shampoo, toothpaste, hairspray, etc. you actually use. I was surprised at how far one little sample bottle would actually go.

All the other suggestions are great and really work; like ziplock bags, two pair of shoes, sharing, layers and mix & match clothing. We've packed for three weeks in Europe in roll-aboards.

Remember, any luggage over 50 pounds and you get charged a fee. Anything over 70 pounds and you really get penalized.

I think you are much better off with 4 suitcases than just two. Even if the kids can carry a small backpack and a small pullman you are much better off than two big bags.

Another vote for each person bringing a day pack for a carryon and a small rolling suitcase for checked baggage.

The change of clothes in the carryon is essential.

Also, you might consider stuffing an empty duffle bag into one of the suitcases for your souveniers. Then someone can carry it on the plane for the trip home.

OK TC, how in the heck did you pack for 3 weeks in Europe in roll-on bags? Seriously, my son is going to Europe in a week. He will be performing with a musical group and needs black dressy slacks, black shoes, black socks, and a minimum of 2 polos for that. I bought him some really comfy KEEN sandals and I think he can wear those most of the time. I also bought him sone travel socks that dry overnight and ditto the briefs (3 pair).

What really worries me is that he is a gadget hound and wants to take camera, video camera, and laptop. HELP! They are limited to one suitcase and a small backpack because they will each also have an instrument.

Hi, Elcheapo. I like your name!

My (then) 13 year old daughter went to Europe for 2 weeks last summer with just a rolling backpack (small-medium carry-on size) and a medium sized purse. I got a real kick out of the fact that kids who took more than twice as much luggage still ended up borrowing things from her. We laid out everything she planned to take and refined and deleted items over the course of about 2 weeks. We packed mix and match outfits in ziplock bags. Other than 2 disposables, she didn't take a camera because she knew herself well enough to realize that there was a 50/50 chance she'd end up losing it.

In your son's case, besides what you have mentioned, I think he could get by with a couple of pairs of convertible canvas or nylon pants/shorts and another 3 or 4 shirts.

The only way I would have allowed my daughter to take the gadgets your son wants to take would be if we agreed in advance that she would pay to replace anything that got lost or broken. Since she cleaned out her savings for the trip, we knew she couldn't afford to replace anything. Your son might benefit from talking with the sponsors or chaperones about his ideas of gadgets to take. Interestingly, my daughter is going on a trip to Florida next week for a design competition. Among 12 students and 2 chaperones, no one is willing to take a laptop or printer. They have planned to ship this equipment ahead of time because, after 8 years, the sponsor has yet to make one of these trips without breaking a laptop.

I hope your son has a great trip and that his performances go well.

You really have to think in terms of what do I absolutely need that I can't purchase along the way. In my opinion, the two biggest packing mistakes are taking along anything and everything that might possibly be needed AND thinking that you have to have fresh, unworn clothes everyday for every occasion. At home, we wear items more than once before washing (depending on the activity of course) but on holiday too many people pack as though it would be a crime to repeat any article of clothing. I'm not too proud to be found in the same pair of black pants with a different top over and over again. I travel with a basic black wardrobe that can be dressed up or down with a few accessories. I have a hair style that doesn't require a suitcase full of appliances or products. I've collected lots of double-duty accessories - like a large thin linen scarf to use as a dressy shawl or a swim cover, sandles that are both dressy and comfortable, a small handbag that can be dressy or casual, etc.

Many things can be purchased IF the need arises; like an umbrella, small first aid items, a sweatshirt if the weather turns cold. Every little bit helps to lighten the load.

Two pair of pants (or shorts, depending on your destination) and five shirts, plus plenty of underwear and deorderant can take you a long way.

1. I go to Old Navy and spend $100 on 10 plain v-neck t-shirts that I live in. One per day, and toss them in the garbage at night. Makes for lots of room in the suitcase for buying chatchkas. The shirts come in several colors and look even better when i wear ....

2. My travel vest. All those pockets leave more room in the backpack. I keep my tickets, maps, digital camera, sunglasses, tissues, lip balm, and small wallet on me all the time. I reserve the backpack for granola bars, binoculars, guide books, hat, wet wipes, etc. No pocketbook.

3. Instead of pocketbook, I have a fancy longchamps makeup bag with a handle. I just dump out the makeup in the room and use the bag as a handbag.

4. patagonia duffle bag instead of tumi suitcase. much more stuffable. and narrower for moving quickly down eurostar aisles.

5. toiletries. I pack one set of samples for each hotel. For example, a set will include packets of bath gel, makeup remover, moisturizer, toner, cleanser, shave cream. Each set in a 3oz baggie snack bag. Go on ebay. you can buy large lots of samples to have on hand for trips.

6. zip off pants are a godsend.

7. never bring a book. bring all those skinny (not vogue or instyle) magazines you never get to look at. chuck them along the way. time magazine is pretty thin.

8. fold up tote bag is great to bring to the beach, or to put last minute gifts purchased at the airport.

9. bring extra plastic bags of all sizes--never be caught without. great for wet bathing suits, croissants lifted from the buffet, and for dirty laundry.

10. bring a positive attitude.