Tricks for Packing Light: 2005
Share your creative tricks to fit your world into a small bag for a European trip.
discarding clothes
Hi, all - in defense of the poster who planted the suggestion of leaving clothes behind, and then got sharply criticized ... if done right, it's not a bad idea. Perhaps more applicable to someone staying a while in one place (i.e. students living abroad for a semester) rather than just-passing-through travelers, b/c you have an opportunity to get to know the area and figure out where to make charity donations (church, social organization, etc.) Also, it allows you to free up space in suitcases - any time you stay somewhere, you accumulate way more stuff than you brought! (I guess that's true of travel in general). One of the best things I did at the end of my semester abroad was abandon the shoes that I'd worn to death. (I still miss 'em, though - *snif*)
Kelly
Grafton, ND USA Sat 12/31/2005
Packing Roulette
While it may be true that the TSA allows this or that, the rules allow indiv airport security personnel to be stricter and ban what TSA allows. It is still a ludicrous crapshoot that does nothing to prevent or deter anything. We dont fly to Europe, so we dont deal w that nonsense in its rawest form. Buy the corkscrew or any object that might not pass, over there.
Paul n Sara
USA Thu 12/29/2005
Packing light Amy
Wendy,
considering the risks involved with checking baggage, I would buy a cork screw in Europe before I would check a bag. However, that is no longer a concern; the TSA now allows you to carry on a corkscrew. Happy carrying on.
Lee
USA Thu 12/29/2005
Packing light Amy
When my cousin and I were going to Europe I told her she could only take a carry on bag for 1 month. She would have to carry it on the train, up stairs at the hotel etc. Her reaction when I gave her the news was total shock that she had to take that small of a bag. She did not think she could do it. In the end she did it and thanked me frequently for making her take a small bag that she was able to handle and managed by herself. It is expandable to hold all the stuff we pick up on the trip. And we bring an extra bag to fill also. I always check my bags because I want my bottle opener for picnics, and cannot carry them on. So far I have not had any problems. When you're going over put on the name tag the address you are going to be at. Not your home address. That way the airlines know were you are. Then flip the information over for the return trip. Even though this trip you are going to be staying in one place you might want to go back. Once you're hooked that is it. Maybe exchange your larger bag for a small carry on and a fold up bag that will go over the handles and sit on top of the suitcase. Eagle creak has a wonderful selection. I am sure your daughter would rather you had something you might use more often. Also back to my cousin, after learning to pack light she has never used her 24 inch suitcase again.
Wendy <email>
Brooklyn Park, MN USA Wed 12/28/2005
Amy - World Cup trip
Pack what you need, especially if you will be in one place for a while and/or will have a rental car. The problem with bigger, heavier bags is the moving between cities on buses or trains.
And yes - you CAN pack a carryon of less than 15 lbs especially in summer -lighter clothes and shoes. Just don't pack several pairs of shoes and jeans! It helps if you don't much care about accessorizing everything, or wearing the same outfit nore than once, or wearing the same pants with 3 different tops for 3 different looks. You get the picture...
FL USA Wed 12/28/2005
Bigger bag
It sounds like if you are going primarily for the World Cup, you will be staying mostly in one place? I would think that would make a big difference. If you are going straight to your hotel from the airport and staying put for awhile, even if your checked bag takes a day or two to catch up with you, you'll still be reunited! Whereas, if you are always on the move, a new place every day or two, and lots of public transport, then smaller would be better. Regardless, make sure to take a change of clothes and some mini toiletries, just in case.
Karen
Seattle, USA Mon 12/26/2005
Checking Bags
Amy-we also check bags and like being in the terminal with a true (small) carryon or, in my husband's case, nothing but the camera. We have had bags delayed twice and no, it wasn't fun, but they caught up with us after a day or two, even in small cities. Having said this, I'll tell you that we do pack only one large suitcase for the two of us, so are still "packing light" in terms of the amount of clothing. On a 3 week trip I'd do laundry twice so pack for 7-8 clean days at the most. This usually means 3-4 different bottoms (skirts/pants) and probably 7 different shirts. Lightweight clothing (if traveling in warm weather) allows you to bring more items, so leave the jeans at home. My teenage daughter loved her expandable Rick Steves bag when she traveled around Europe this past summer. She did carryon on the ay over, then did the expansion and filled it with souveniers and checked in on the way home. Best tip is, no matter how big (or small) your bag is, you should be able to handle it yourself, so weight is important. If you can't handle the larger bag comfortably then you should consider bringing something smaller.
USA Mon 12/26/2005
Amy : checked baggage
Amy we check luggage. I think last trip I packed about as light as i could....we went with a duffle bag on wheels, a smaller one, and a 21 inch roller bag. We each had a carry on two small backpacks.
that was fine. I think for shorter trips I could pack light but never pack so light that I never check anything. With airlines being so picky over what you can bring on I think in the near future you will more and more people checking their luggage because they are going to have little choice
bluedenim
canada Sun 12/25/2005
Amy - Bigger Bag
Having just received a Rick Steves bag for xmas, I used to have a large bag and a smaller bag when I travel. The last time I travelled in the US, my checked bag was lost for a few days and boy, was I upset not having basic things! In Europe, however, I have a tendency to take as little as possible and then buy clothes there! I prefer to buy cheap clothes there and that way I feel less like a tourist. Amy, do what makes you happiest! It is your trip and if you want to bring a bigger bag, then do! My friend brings 2 shirts for every day of a trip, but that is the only way she feels comfortable travelling. I like to do a combination!
Maia <email>
Chapel Hill, NC USA Sun 12/25/2005
Amy- bigger bag
Amy, if it's any consolation. my husband and I travel to Europe about every other year...we take our tandem bike with us and luggage. We end up with 4 bags..2 each. Two of these are for our bike, and they are pretty big, but not too heavy. We obviously check all our bags. I take a backpack as carry one and a small guide bag for daily use. We've never had problems with our checked luggage. (knock on wood) Even with several connections, all our luggage has appeared at the other end.
Don't over think the size of your bag. 24" is fine. Just make sure you don't over pack on the way over...leave room for some souveniers. Also, I hope the suitcase itself isn't too heavy. You will be in charge of carting that thing around, even with wheels, suitcases can get heavy.
We've managed to get our bike cases and our luggage on trains with a little bit of hassle, but have always made it (but don't ask about the late train in Chuisi- that's another story!)
Everyone travels differently, that's why we like to give our ideas on this board. I can tell you, in my opinion, it's not that much of a hassle to get your luggage at the other end...and it's nice to just get on the plane and get into your seat quickly.
Ellen <email>
Centennial, CO USA Sun 12/25/2005
Light packers
For Amy: I think you should keep in mind that most "posters" here are "packing light" gurus and firm believers- I enjoy getting new tips (regardless of if you check your beautiful new gift bag you will get great ideas to save space in it) and have even more fun when real experts battle over who packed less ounces- I still chuckle about someone who picked up a twist- tie off the street when the "argument" was over whether bread package plastic thingees were lighter and hence preferable to portable hangers for drip- drying clothes!
USA Sat 12/24/2005
My trip to Europe June/July 2006
My daughter bought me a very nice Samosonite rolling 24" suitcase for my trip this summer. After reading these postings I am afraid she shouldn't have purchased such a large bag. Does any one here check luggage? I am going to be gone for 24 days during the World Cup and can't believe that no one on this site checks luggage. Am I just that out of touch?
Amy
Irvine, CA USA Sat 12/24/2005
Healthy Back Bag
I think that by Better Back Bag you mean the Healthy Back Bag, also known as the Ameribag? I got one in black leather, in the largest size and I love travelling with it. It holds a lot comfortably and is so much more stylish than a backpack/daybag. I haven't had problems with losing things. I'm sorry that it doesn't seem to work well for you.
Just a Traveller
USA Wed 12/21/2005
What's a BBB reply
Better Back Bag
USA Sun 12/18/2005
Better Back Bags
On a trip to London I borrowed my Mom's BBB, and I hated it. It was akward to carry, and the only good way to get into it is to either sit down with it on your lap, or rest it on some flat surface. I lost three metro cards because I would stick them in random pockets instead of having to hassle with that devil bag in a busy metro station. While spending a summer in Africa I used a black webbing shoulder bag from Jansport, and it was perfect. Not to big, not to small, water resistant, a thick webbing shoulder strap, and when hung across your chest it stays right at the front of your hip; easy access, but safe from purse stealers. If it made it through East Africa, it will make it through Europe.
Linsey
Kent, OH USA Sat 12/17/2005
Cold weather trick
Hot Hands from Wal-Mart are a lot cheaper than Therma Cares - 50 cents each or less. And they come in toe-warmer sizes, too.
USA Thu 12/15/2005
Weather in France in May/June
Debbie, I have been to France twice in late May/early June and the weather is a bit like it is in my home state of Texas. One day it will be cold and rainy and then the weather clears and it is sunny. It is not necessarily hot (but hot to me is 90-100 degrees). I once even had to go to a Gap in Paris and buy a sweatshirt. We backpack so we don't take a lot of stuff. I would suggest taking a light jacket maybe with a fleece lining (like a light Northface Jacket) and water resistant. I would pack mostly pants or capris and throw in some tanks and lightweight cardigans.
Ivy <email>
TX USA Wed 12/14/2005
Clothes to wear in Provence
My girlfriends and I will be traveling to Provence France during late May/early June 2006 (we rented a villa)(we are in our 50's). I am unsure if it is best to bring spring (short sleeve shirts/long pants) or summer clothes (tanks/shorts) for the trip. I understand it can be quite warm that time of year. Thanks for any advice!
Debbie
California USA Tue 12/13/2005
cold weather trick
Try taking the "pain relief patches" (ThermaCare, Ace, CuraHeat. Not the medicated Aspercreme brand). They are like a stick-on heating pads and they last for 8 hours. They come in a variety of sizes for all different parts of your body. I like the Neck to Arm or the Back wraps. Chances are these 2 places tend to need TLC while on vacation. If you wear them on your upper body (Neck or back)they make your whole body feel warmer!
USA Tue 12/13/2005
winter travel
I agree that cold hands and feet can make you miserable. I personally like the light weight socks by Smart Wool. Found mine at REI. They are black and approx the same weight as dress socks but much warmer and dry overnight. I also use silk long underwear bottoms as pajama bottoms, lighter weight than flannel and warmer. I like lined leather gloves for my hands. Throwing a few "hand warmers" (REI)into the luggage isn't a bad idea either!
BJD
Minneapolis, MN USA Sun 12/11/2005
Silk undies are a must in cold weather
It's amazing how light weight they are and how warm they keep you as layering pieces. I bring four of them along--a silk camisole, a three quarter length sleeve scoopneck, a long sleeved mockneck, and a combination silk and cashmere crewneck. The mockneck and crewneck are heavy enough (and nontransparent enough!) to be worn as the main top under a jacket or can be layered for additional warmth. Total weight of all four pieces--just about 1 pound!
JER
USA Sun 12/11/2005
Bulky stuff
Those compressison bags are very useful, whether purchased through the RS store or elsewhere. They come in different sizes. Sweaters smush down to a flat and packable layer. That said, just because they are compressed they are still "there", in terms of weight and taking too much stuff. Archived and previous posters talk about the benefits of layering to avoid the bulk, too. Also, consider (depending where you are going) buying a sweater when you get there. Lastly, if your feet, head or hands are cold you will feel cold! Good socks, gloves and a hat (especially the aforementioned fleece) are really important.
USA Sun 12/11/2005
For winter I depend on fleece.
It's light in weight, dries quickly and packs easily. Man made fleece, that is. I have fleece pants, a vest and a top that all together weigh in at less than 1 pound. It is harder for my husband who's pants weigh a lot more, but traveling with fleece helps a lot.
Ellen
Fort Worth, TX USA Sun 12/11/2005
Do not check bags
Flying in from Charles Degaulle into Boston. The flight was nearly two hours late. Check bags in starting at Dublin. The staff in Dublin said the bags were check through to Ohio. But Boston makes you claim the bags first before your outbound flight. With customs, security and waiting for check baggage nearly missed the next flight.
Ohio USA Sun 12/11/2005
I don't want your old clothes
OK, can we as a group agree to never again bring up the idea of leaving our old clothes behind. For goodness sake Europeans don't want your old clothes, most dress better than most of us anyway. Which brings up the idea of wearing your crummiest clothes on vacation...Really? Why in the world would anyone want to wear out of date, out of style and potentially worn out clothing on a vacation that costs thousands. And then, there is frequently a discussion on this board about how not to look like a tourist...well one way may be to not look like your wearing your own hand-me-downs. A little flair, a little pazzaz while on the streets of Paris, Rome or Vernazza.
John
Salt Lake City , UT USA Fri 12/09/2005
In place of boots
We brought totes that fit over shoes with us to Poland so we wouldn't have to carry heavy boots.
Marie
Verona, NJ USA Mon 12/05/2005
Checking luggage
As harrowing as waiting for checked luggage can be on the flight home, the flight over can be even more precarious. I have flown to Europe eight times, and on three of these trips my luggage was almost delayed or (once) nearly completely lost; none of these times were on the way home.
The latest experience involved a connection in the US to a Lufthansa flight to Frankfurt. The domestic flight was so late that we only made the connection because United met us (12 people) at the gate and took us by van to the international terminal. I am sure no luggage made the connection. On the flight were several businessmen who had checked everything. Fortunately, by that time, I had become a RS follower and everything I had was carried on. I spent that night five hours by train from FRA and at least three hours from the nearest major airport. No telling how long it would have been before I received luggage.
Delayed luggage can ruin a vacation. This would be particularly critical for anyone connecting to a low cost airline.
Lee
USA Mon 12/05/2005
I agree!
This summer, with huge crowds and nothing that even resembled a line at two of Italy's airports, the only reason we made either of our flights was because we had no checked luggage to re- collect. Although admittedly feeling a little stinky (all out of clean clothes for the trip home!) I got over that as we just grabbed our little carry- ons and sprinted for the next gate.
USA Mon 12/05/2005
Checking luggage & connecting flights in US
The delays waiting for checked luggage can be particularly harrowing when you return from abroad and have to pick up your luggage after immigration, carry it through customs, then re-check it onto the connecting flight. We barely made our connection on one of our trips (got to the gate running just 2 minutes before the door closed) because our checked bags took almost 40 minutes to be unloaded; apparently there were 3 planes landing at the same time. Once this happens, you really do not ever want to check your luggage again!
And we once did miss our connecting flight due to extremely slow immigration lines at the old Philly airport - thank goodness that area has been totally remodeled, but it can still happen if 3 planes land at the same time and then you still have to wait for your checked luggage to come out and go through customs.so think before you check in!
Tallahassee, USA Mon 12/05/2005
clothing toss
Allow me to clarify my point: Discard old socks and undies in the trash. Gently worn clothing (outerwear) can be left: either given to hotel workers, homeless people one encounters or left on parkbenches where homeless people are clearly residing. And, yes, I have done this in the US as well as abroad.
J Bianchi
St Louis, MO USA Mon 12/05/2005
Old clothes
I agree...I mean come on people - leaving your dirty old clothes on park benches? This is your idea of packing light? How about taking less clothes and doing some laundry along the way? Or if you're really dead set on leaving things behind, how about doing some research and finding a shelter or donation center where you can give your old clothes. (After doing the laundry of course). Leaving your clothes in a park just looks like littering.
USA Sun 12/04/2005
Seriously?
I'm a packing light devotee, too, but intentionally leaving unwanted/soiled/used items behind is basically littering and very rude. Would you do that in your hometown in the USA? Goodness. If it's too old and worn for you, a homeless person won't find it useful either. If you were in the middle of a rural area of Iowa, say, would you leave your old worn sweat socks on some bench outside a Denny's????
USA Sun 12/04/2005
Toss the laundry
When my husband and I take long trips, we bring our oldest socks and underwear and discard them as we travel. When traveling in rural areas, we wear old clothes and discard them too. (I leave the clothing on park benches.) That way, our bags grow lighter as we go, and there's more room for souveniers we purchase along the way.
J Bianchi
St Louis, MO USA Sun 12/04/2005
Spring in Spain
Leks--Madrid is farther north (latitude similar to New York City) and quite high in elevation (2000 feet). It can be chillier than one would expect. I froze there in early June because I took only one light rain jacket. So don't forget a fleece jacket or pullover. Fleece is great because it is light in weight and dries quickly if you do need to wash it in the sink.
USA Thu 12/01/2005
Spring in Spain
In case you can't do any wash, I'd bring some Fabrize and do a practice sink wash before you go (just to make sure what you're taking will dry quickly).
USA Wed 11/30/2005
Deflateable packing bags
I really don't see how deflateable (compressible) packing bags make your bags any lighter. In fact they are probably heavier than other packing bags (mesh) you might use.
Deflateable bags, of course, would make the bag smaller, but I have never found bag size to be a problem. Even at the max allowable weight (17.6 # on Lufthansa), my carryon bag is far from full.
Lee
CO USA Tue 11/29/2005
Packing for Spring Spain
Hey y'all!!
I'm going to Spain with my Spanish Honor Society in April, and frankly, I'm at a total loss as to what to bring with me. We are restricted to one bag and one carry-on and I'm not sure whether we'll be able to do any wash while we're there (we're there from the 13th April until the 26th/27th). Does anyone have any ideas or a general packing list that would be suitable??
Also, what is the weather like in Madrid/Southern Spain like in April?
Thanks SOOO much!! :)
Leks <email>
South Milwaukee, WI USA Tue 11/29/2005
Deflateable packing bags.
We went to Rome, Florence, Venice, France and Barcelona with another couple. It was our first trip to Europe. Their advice was to "Pack light". My wife found those bags which you can squeeze the air out of and they were GREAT!. I followed Rick's advice on 2-pants, 2-shirts, etc and it allowed us to have basic carry-on bags, utility bags and a purse for my wife.
Going bewteen trains and planes etc was fairly easy.
Edward Lear
Cincinnati, OH USA Tue 11/29/2005
You're going to carry-on what?
Just got back from Barcelona for a quick trip and our departure was delayed on Air France due to ALL the carry-on luggage. We couldn't believe it! As we left from Paris to the US, our luggage (Rich Steves' style bags) was on the ground being loaded with all the other check-IN luggage, and it looked TINY.
Go light! You will never want to travel any other way!
Our $30 Campmore bags have served us well for 18 countries and five years. But we also have a Rick Steves rolling bag, which we break out if we have to bring lots of gifts or plan to bring back lots of souvenirs.
USA Mon 11/28/2005
Limits
I don't expect to fly Air Transat, but there are other airlines with less than a 22" limit (Aerlingus is 18"). However, I don't know if that is a problem for me. Packed with 17 1/2 # of mostly clothing, my ETBD convertible carry-on bag is nowhere near full. It is kind of like Odo, the shape shifter. I think it could be made to comply with almost any dimensions requirement. I have had no problem putting it through luggage templates, ever.
That is one of the thing I like about the bag. When I put it in an overhead bin, it always fits in long dimension back to front and takes minimal width in the bin. There is even room for my jacket on the top.
Lee
CO USA Sun 11/20/2005
limits
Be careful with Air Canada vs. Air Transat, which is a Canadian charter.
AC did allow a 21 inch by 14 inch by 9 inch bag at 10kg and a smaller article at 10kg.
However, Air Transat only allows one carry on, one, that's it. This is supposed to be 20 inches by 16 by 9, slightly different dimensions...they did not allow the ETBD 21 by 14 by 9 inch bag on and I had to check it. (seems odd as it is 2 inches thinner and 1 inch longer) I had on a small waistpack too which seemed to go unnoticed.
I wish airlines would really standardize their carry on limits so we know for sure what is allowable.
When I see the limit, I try to pack slightly under it and I weigh my bags before I go to make sure they fall within the guidelines. My carry on bag (i take one) is usually about 17-18 pounds. And, as I said, I have a small waistpack.
Canada Fri 11/18/2005
security pouch
The ONLY security pouch that I will even consider is one that hangs down from your waist under your clothes along the side of your leg. I have one that can be secured to your belt, but last year I did one even better, and attached a security pouch to the interior waist bands of my skirts and pants. It's like a cloth business envelope-sized thing that opens at the top.
Just tug your waist band forward, slip in a few fingers to draw out a passport, additional money, credit card, etc. When taking out money at the ATM, we quickly did the reverse, tug the waist band, and slip the money in before you even turn away from the ATM.
I won't bother with any other kind of security belt ever again. It's cooler, more secure, and more readily used.
J
FL USA Thu 11/17/2005
New (?) Airline Carry-on Limits
I am not so sure the 8 kg limit on Lufthansa is so new. I flew to Germany almost two years ago. They weighed my carry-on, and I thought they said at the time that the limit was 8 kg. I passed. It's a lot easier to do with my older model, non-expandable ETBD bag that weighs 2 3/4 # vs. a 7 1/2 # wheeled bag!
Your time wasted at the carousels was nothing compared to what else might have happened to your bags. I checked luggage my first three trips to Europe. Once my bags were nearly delayed; once they were almost lost entirely. Since embracing Rick's carry-on philosophy, my luggage has not been a concern. However, on one of my last five trips to Europe, had I checked my bag, it would have been delayed at least a day, probably more.
So, make sure you know what the weight limit is for the airline you are flying - it is always somewhere on their website - and stay under it.
For information, at last check, Air France allows 12 kg, KLM and Swiss Air allow 10 kg. On Lufthansa and SAS, it is 8 kg. I think those limits are doable. On the other hand, British Air and Aerlingus only allow 6 kg, and Alitalia allows 5 kg. I will never fly those airlines.
According to Air Canada's website, they allow two carry-on pieces - one a traditional sized carry-on and one smaller, like a laptop or briefcase. Each are allowed to be up to 22 #.
<email>
USA Thu 11/17/2005
Carry on doesn't mean carry on everything you own!
Too bad they didn't publicize their policy change better!Thanks for the information. I travel these airlines a lot. I always check my bag, as I am too short to reach the overhead bins. I can see why the airlines are cracking down--on my last trip, I saw several people try to fit full-size bags into the overhead. I couldn't believe my eyes, and I don't understand how they managed to get them on the plane without being stopped. For me, packing light means being able to handle my bag easily once I pick it up from the carousel. I have not found the waits to be particularly long. Personally, I try to carry on only what will fit under the seat in front of me and serve as a handy foot rest, but I think I'd better weigh it before my next trip!
Carrie
Pacific Grove, CA USA Thu 11/17/2005
New Airline Carry-on Bag Limits
We just got back from Frankfurt. On the outward bound leg, we presented our carefully packed Rick Steves bags weighing exactly 10 kg (22#) each at the airline check-in and were told that they were about 5# overweight for carry-on luggage, since Lufthansa's new limit is 8 KG (17.6#). Thus, we were forced to check our bags. Same problem on the return.
This is disappointing, as we had to waste time at the baggage carousels waiting to pick up our bags. This seems to be the new reality-our travel agent told us that Air Canada has the same rule.
Mel & Dee Dear, Vancouver BC
Mel Dear
Vancouver, BC Can Thu 11/17/2005
Jacket or Sweater
2 years ago I went to Amsterdam in February. I had the goretex shell, polypro fleece sweater mentioned below and it worked great. You can also take thin polypro long underwear (they make a black turtleneck that looks sophisticated). I'd recommend thinking about hat/gloves/muffler too.
Generally I think that wearing layers is really the best, and if you can get the sweater and jacket with underarm zips they're even more flexible.
George Harvey <email>
Seattle, Wa USA Tue 11/15/2005
I think the Columbia Jacket is sold by LLBean...nice jacket - if it's the one I'm thinking of.
USA Mon 11/14/2005
Jacket or sweater
Bruce, I swear by my Columbia jacket--the kind that has the two layers that zip together--it's so versatile. I know Lands End makes something similar. The outer layer is great on its own for a waterproof, windproof jacket when necessary. The inner fleece layer is a good "sweater" looking jacket. And if you're really cold, just zip the two together and you have a great parka. I can't say enough about these jackets!
M
USA Mon 11/14/2005
Jacket or sweater?
Need help on deciding if I should pack my heavy jacket or just wear a sweater and layers for travel to Prague and Vienna. Will a sweater with layers and hat and gloves be enough for winter travel here in the next couple weeks? I plan on doing a lot of walking.
Bruce <email>
Charlotte, NC USA Mon 11/14/2005
Pants for women
I've found some great pants for women at Eddie Bauer. They are comfortable, much lighter and less bulky than jeans, look good and can be dressed up, and dry quickly after washing. They are called Bremerton "Slim Fit Stretch Pants" but don't worry--they are not tight-fitting at all. (The Bremerton line means loose-fitting, so that cancels out the "slim-fit") They have a side zip and no pockets, so no extra bulk. And they are flattering---making even curvy me look slim. 92% cotton and 8% Lycra means they are breathable and a little stretchy for comfortable sitting. I took 2 pair on our trip in September. Washed them out in the sink and they dry overnight, hanging on the towel rack (the wash tag says hang dry, no dryer). They come in several dark colors, besides basic black. And no, I don't work for EB, I just like these pants a lot and think they are great for travel.
Lorna
Bellevue, Washington USA Fri 11/11/2005
Great suggestions!
Thank you for the useful tips! Everyone is different, of course, but I found it easier to make photocopies of everything (vouchers, hotel confirmations, passports, e-tickets) vital and keep them in a plastic business- size envelope...when in transit I kept it for safety in my purse/backpack but otherwise it took up no room in the bottom of the 22 inch bag (or room safe) depending. I got rid of the copies as we used the vouchers- I made a duplicate set to keep in my husband's bag the same way just in case. For guidebooks I did the rip-out-the-pages strategy and kept each city in small zip-lock baggies- which also took very little room and kept the itinerary organized. As I got brochures or postcards (I make a big scrapbook when back) those went into that particular baggie. It's amazing how much you can forget, compared to my old strategy of dumping it all together in one bag! I used the computer to shrink emergency contacts, all the hotels, important phone numbers small enough to fit on two sides of a 3 by 5 card- I made enough of those for each of the members of my family. Lastly, I too am a packing cube convert, which I also augmented with some MORE zip-locks. It makes such a difference in keeping organized on the road, beyond the space- saving merits. Thank you!
USA Thu 11/10/2005
Packing Cubes and Good Organization
I was on a three week trip to Italy and Greece last month and because we were not staying in any city longer than 3 days, I had to pack light. I took a 22 inch expandable carry on and I swear by this technique.
I layered the pants/jeans ( 3 pairs) and a pair of shorts at the bottom. Next came the three skirts in the compression bags.Then the pjs, lounge pants and top rolled up.Then the two cashmere cardigans for layering. Next came the three packing cubes which were purchased from Magellan. I rolled all my underwear in one cube. All my socks in the other cube and in the large cube, rolled tank tops ( 3) and tshirts( 6). All three cubes fit nicely in the bag. On top of that I placed my jean jacket and another corduroy jacket. Then on top of that two pairs of sandals.I expanded my bag during the trip to accommodate the shopping purchases.
I purchased the Febreeze based on others suggestions but decided not to bring it and it wasn't necessary.
Based on a friend's recommendation I purchased a small journal and anything that was important such as a printout of a flight itinerary or a train schedule or a hotel shuttle bus schedule, I minimized on a copy machine, cut it out and glued it into the journal. I also glued in a list of names and addresses of people we wanted to send postcards to. This journal was a great way to consolidate a lot of paper. The only downside to this is you have to make sure you treat it like your wallet. If you lose it, it's a hassle.
Ann
San Francisco, CA USA Wed 11/09/2005
Cubes and Folders
I use an Eagle Creek Pack It Folder for my clothes, and one of Rick's cubes for undies and socks. It's fabulous. I did have Eagle Creek cubes, but Rick's are better -- they are deeper and thus hold more without taking up much more room, they are all mesh so lighter weight and collapse down to nothing, and they are cheaper. Can't beat that!
USA Wed 11/09/2005
Packing Cubes
Speaking of organization, I tried Rick's packing cubes this year for the first time and LOVED them!!! They made packing so much easier. I ordered a second set the day I got home.
Nancy
Hell, Mi USA Wed 11/09/2005
That depends -- did you make her carry her own big bag? (wink)
Well, that was "supposed" to be the deal, but you know how that goes. When I turned around one time in London and saw her dragging the suitcase with the wheels pointing UP in the air, I knew it was time to switch!
And, you are right about keeping your clothes neat and organized at all times. Jumbled up clothing takes up more room.
Steve
Richmond, USA Tue 11/08/2005
Simple and Organized
We are hoping to go again this Spring and I hope my wife learned some lessons from last year.
That depends -- did you make her carry her own big bag? (wink)
Something I've been meaning to add to this thread.
Some people recommend Ziplock bags. Some people recommend Eagle Creek PackIt Folders. Some people recommend vacuum bags.
I'm not sure it makes any difference which technique you use. The outcome is the same. Clothes packed straight into a bag will expand and take up more room. They'll slide around and get more wrinkled.
If you contain them in some kind of organizing system -- your choice -- they will take up less room and get less wrinkled.
But the key to this is, once you've gotten them organized and packed, you must keep them that way. I'm disorganized at home but when traveling, I fold things neatly and repack exactly the way I had them initially. If I don't, stuff expands and suddenly nothing fits in my bag.
I do take a ziplock bag for socks and undies that need to be washed, but beyond that, I fold things I've worn and pack them back as neatly as when they were clean. (If something was really muddy or smelly or soiled, I'd take the time to wash it, but I've never had that problem.)
Figure out your system, then keep to it when you're on the road, and you won't have any problems.
Patricia
Dallas, TX USA Tue 11/08/2005
Keep It Simple!
I almost hesitate to enter this as some may think it's gross, but here goes. Last Spring my wife and I spent 10 days in Europe. My suitcase was what is commonly known as a pilot's case and in it I packed 3 pairs of jeans, five long sleeve shirts, 10 pair of socks(a clean pair of socks each day is a must, naturally, and they don't take up much room) , pajama bottoms, three t-shirts, and the usual toiletries.
I brought a small bottle of Fabreze and used a little on my jeans and shirt at night and hung them up. Dirty socks went in a large zippered bag. My toiletries and other odds and ends (power adaptors for dig camera, battery charger, etc.) went in a clear plastic zippered bag that a set of bed sheets came in.
I won't go into how much my wife packed, but suffice it to say, her suitcase was MUCH larger. Since we used public transportation everywhere we went, I can tell you that the less you have to carry, the happier you will be! The tube ride from Heathrow into central London, for example, was exhausting, especially considering that many of the stations do not have elevators or escalators and we had to change lines to get to Westminster (not to mention the shuttle bus from the airport to Hatton Cross.) The RER train from deGaulle airport into central Paris, along with a change to a subway line, took over an hour. While the walk from the subway station to our hotel was only about 3 blocks, that is a long way if you are lugging heavy baggage. We had to take a bus from our hotel to Gare de L'Est to catch the train to Salzburg, and it was standing room only. Trying to manage suitcases on a ride like that - talk about herding cats!
My point is - my clothing needs were simple considering the kind of traveling we did. Since we were not going to anything formal, jeans and dress shirts were enough. Jeans are generic - if you wore the same pair for 5 straight days, who will know as long as they are clean? Shirts hung up over night are fine to wear again - who are you going to run into more than once?
Finally, my suitcase was carry-on size, my wife's had to be checked. So, why were we standing around in baggage claim in London, Paris, and Baltimore?? We are hoping to go again this Spring and I hope my wife learned some lessons from last year.
Steve
Richmond, Virginia USA Tue 11/08/2005
soap leaves or...
Speaking of soap leaves, I tried something new on our recent RS tour of Rome, Florence, and Venice. I took a package of Huggies baby washcloths, already impregnated with baby soap. I separated the cloths into two zip-top bags, and used one per day during our trip. The soap was so mild that I didn't use any body lotion during the trip! They removed eye makeup easily, too. Of course, they were a disposable item, so as the trip went on, I gained a bit of space.
My husband took a washcloth I made by cutting one of those Miracle Cloths into 4ths and zigzagging the edges. It worked very well and dried quickly.
Carol
Reston, VA USA Mon 11/07/2005
Soap Leaves
I found soap leaves at a Dollar Tree.
FL USA Mon 11/07/2005
soap
A soapy question: where can I find those packets of paper soap sheets? I've seen some that have 50 little sheets per package but can't remember where.
Thanks. :)
Margaret
USA Sun 11/06/2005
Flying BMI
Sorry, forgot to say that we did not encounter the "laptop" and do not know whether that means computer or some kind of bag.
Iain
Edmonton, AB Canada Fri 11/04/2005
Flying BMI
Just returned from Europe. Flew BMI Venice to London and London to Edinburgh. Neither time were our carry-ons weighed and they did not seem concerned about the weight of the checked luggage. Some people at Venice were asked to put their carry ons in a frame for size, but I do not believe they were weighed.
Maybe we were lucky (our carry ons were heavy)
First time we had used BMI and found their flight very good, but check in at Venice was a nightmare, did not open till 1 3/4 hrs before departues, went very slowly, security was even slower and we arrived in departure lounge 5 minutes before take off. Fortunately flight was delayed.
Check in at London was the opposite, electronic ticket at self check in and got rid of checked baggage in 2 minutes, even though airport was crowded and planes delayed and cancelled due to fog that morning.
Iain
Edmonton, AB Canada Fri 11/04/2005
laptops, literally??!
I would guess that the company means an additional "purse"- sized bag that could be held on your "lap"- not a humungous shoulder backpack or enormous briefcase- OR a laptop- sized case with a laptop in it, since so many people carry them. Maybe other posters here have actually flown with them, though! Happy travels!
USA Fri 11/04/2005
Unpacking
When you return from a trip, as you unpack, separate out every single garment, toiletry, etc that you didn't use. I just returned from a 3-week trip, and I realized that I didn't use half of what I took, a lesson for future travels. Also note any particularly useful items--comfy clothes, etc. The one thing I did forget to take was an extra foldable bag for my souvenirs.
Carrie
Pacific Grove, CA USA Fri 11/04/2005
BMI Airlines Question - Please Help!
We'll be flying BMI from LHR to AMS in about two weeks. We plan to be at or under the 7KG weight limit for the cheap tickets. However, per BMI, we are allowed one additional "laptop" carryon. I'm not sure if I'm going to take my laptop. If I don't take it, can I still carry the bag on (with other items inside, of course). I searched the BMI site and couldn't find the answer. Yes, this is a weird question ... LOL
First time European traveler, total newbie, confused ...............
Jac <email>
FL USA Fri 11/04/2005
Packing light
I learned like most--the hard way--to pack light. I swear by: the travel size compression bags that squeeze the air out by rolling (everything is tidy if you have an improptu security check--makes repacking very easy); a cashmere sweater (black) as it is thin, light, warm, easy for layering and dressy if necessary; and the idea that I can get anything anywhere (within reason--obviously, not necessary meds). I bring my make up, but a large majority of my toiletries I buy once I arrive. They take up so much space, you have the leak factor, and I find it fun nosing around in "everyday" places--for me, I find that interesting to see how folks really live. I do take a mini toothbrush and paste in my purse to freshen up in flight, etc. Additionally, when I arrive in most European cities, it is usually too early to check into my hotel so it gives me a chance to wander my new neighborhood a bit, and explore. On my way back that night, I make a stop and grab shampoo, deo and shower gel. Most hotels/motels/bnbs have hairdryers on site in the room or for the asking. I often check ahead as my hair is long and a blow dryer is a must.
USA Wed 11/02/2005
Wearing Skirts
One person suggested wearing a split skirt slip with skirts and dresses. I bought one at Kohl's recently (I believe I paid about $9) and now it is the only slip I wear under skirts or dresses. It is great! Will help prevent the rubbing thigh problem. That was one of the best suggestions I have read here. Keep the good suggestions coming!
USA Wed 11/02/2005
Packing Light
For your luggage, skirts, skirts, skirts ladies! Long, short, jean, cotton. Skirts are functional, easy to wear, and fit in with European style. (You might want a couple of pairs of biker shorts. I wore a skirt one weekend and rubbed my thighs raw.)
I found for general stuff to get a messenger bag or something similar. The best ones I've found have been in H&M department stores. Small enough to be functional, big enough to carry all you need, plus its a usable souveniour.
KC <email>
Ottumwa, IA USA Tue 11/01/2005
Margaret: better back bag
Margaret, you mentioned using a better back bag at home. I'd suggest using that in Italy. I use the BBB at home because of an old injury and it worked perfectly in Italy. The zipper is adjacent to your body--so it's great for security. Also, everywhere I've traveled, it's considered a purse and so I can keep it with me, while friends with other travel bags sometimes find they are considered a backpack or carryon--and they have to check them in museums or other venues. Mine is medium size and it held everything I needed in Italy: camera, guide book, sun glasses, hat, water, phone, small binoculars, sm notebook; before leaving home I found a tiny umbrella that fit in the outside pocket on the spine of the bag; and the other outside pockets were great for brochures, tickets, etc. So if it works for you at home, I'd suggest taking it with you. Have a great trip.
Shari
Minn, MN USA Sun 10/30/2005
Margaret - bag for Italy
i've been to Italy 4x, and each time I took the Eagle Creek Guide Bag. It's large enough for extras like my digital camera, chapstick, sunglasses, small wallet, guide book, etc. I've just tied my jacket around my waist when needed (never needed it for rain) It's stylish enough to look like a handbag, but secure enough for pickpockets..it had a loud plastic clasp, then a zipper to deter fingers.. This is what has worked for me. the guide bag is always the first thing I grab when I start to prepare for my next trip!
USA Sun 10/30/2005
thoughts on bags
For Margaret: I used Rick's Civita day bag (in black) when in Italy this summer in addition to the security waist pouch (which in your case will be the neck pouch). It really WILL be necessary to have some sort of carrying object for camera, guidebook and small purchases during the day. I found having different compartments necessary to stay organized during the long days and it also made me feel less of a "target" to not have to dump stuff out or fumble around. The bag you already own should be fine and maybe you can get one of the smush-able totes in case you purchase something larger. I took clothes with pockets (like zippered cargo pants) which I found preferable to a wallet and the worry about it. In your case, with it being spring, maybe you can use good jacket or fleece vest pockets in lieu of a purse. I only ever carried: the day's money, a charge card, license and health insurance card, a little card with all the hotel #s and emergency contact info and a calling card- not very much to fit in a secure pocket. Also, if you are staying in hotels, most of them should have room safes and you can keep your passport, tickets, moneybelt items in that during the day, which would eliminate the security pouch altogether.
Karen
Seattle, WA USA Sun 10/30/2005
I will be going to Italy (first time) for 2 weeks this spring and I am confused about what type of purse, etc. to carry during the day. I'm thinking I'll get one of Rick's neck pouches (I hate things around my middle) for the security of passport, etc., but do I then also carry some sort of purse or tote around to haul whatever I might need during the day? I have a Healthy Back Bag that could double as a purse (holding just that day's $$ in a small wallet or coin purse). I keep thinking, I might want to stow a jacket, carry an umbrella, camera, would need someplace to put the stuff I buy, etc. so I don't have bags hanging all over me.
I don't want to appear too touristy, but I also want to have some sort of 'bag' with me during the day.
Any hints and all comments greatly appreciated; thanks!
Margaret
USA Sun 10/30/2005
The advantages of a backpack
If your planning on only seeing the major cities a a rolling suitcase is the way to go. However it is really only suited for simple paved roads and is mainly akward to get around.
The two main advantages of a backpack are that you can go over practically any terran, and it automatically limits the ammount your willing to carry. This tends to cancel out the "do I really need that" impulse we all get when preparing for an unknown adventure. As soon as you have to carry it on your back the necessity of having the extra 5 pounds of summer clothing for a spring trip just doesnt seem so necessary.
nik <email>
seattle, wa USA Sat 10/29/2005
Paris in May
Ann,
I have gone to Paris many times in Paris (never been to Prague) and the weather can be between the 60's and the 80's. I always have layers and leave room so I can buy clothes there! If I expect it to be warm, it is always cooler and if I expect it to be cool, it is always warmer. Have fun!
Maia <email>
Chapel Hill, NC USA Thu 10/27/2005
Re: Paris and Prague
Ann, those are my 2 favorite cities-- only been to Prague once but currently planning my 6th trip to Paris. Email me if you want to meet in NYC bookstores to share ideas and/or travel books.
Fiona <email>
NYC, NY USA Wed 10/26/2005
Paris & Prague
I am going to Paris and Prague the last two weeks in May 2006. I am a single woman traveling with the Rick Steves tours. Does anyone have any suggestions on what clothes to bring? Has anyone gone to these two cities during that time of year and could tell me how the weather may be at that time in late May?
Ann
Staten Island , NY USA Wed 10/26/2005
weight and size
From reading these last few posts, the Rick wheelie sounds pretty good! I've looked at the luggage in Sears and their carryons are so heavy to begin with. I would like to know how much the Rick wheelie weighs once it is packed reasonably full. And, can you get the thing into the luggage sizers at the airports....that's my main concern. I've held off on getting a Rick wheelie bag as I'm not sure about things like weight and size...if they'd put more info like that on the RS website, it would help a lot.
I know they are getting stricter about size as when we were boarding in Manchester, a ticket person came up to the boarding gate door with a sizer and made sure everyone getting on was able to fit their stuff inside it...this was after going through the check in counter miles away! I know some people try to 'compact' themselves to get through the check in then 'expand' themselves again once they get to their gate...I think the airlines are picking up on that...plus there's all the stuff you can buy at the stores once you're through security that will add pounds to your load!!!
Leslie
WA USA Tue 10/25/2005
cubs/folders/
First of all we were gone for a month and I think we did pretty good for packing light. I now know we could have reduced the load slightly but overall it was not too bad.
But what I have learnt is that for shorter trips I will now be able to pack much much lighter.
We used packing cubes and I swear by them. They organize your clothes and by rollling your clothes up and using these it reduces wrinkles. Also bought an eagle creek pack it folder and that was perfect for dress clothes. I would never travel with out these items again.
They were very helpful!!
bluedenim
Tue 10/25/2005
Pack Light...Rick is right.
I bought a Rick Steves wheeled suitcase and once I started packing I thought he was nuts. There was no way I could get the stuff I needed for a month away into that thing. Because I started packing at 10pm at night, I had no other choice so I eliminated and discarded all sorts of necessitites and finally, two hours later, I was able to zip the thing closed. It was stuffed full and it was heavy too.
One Italian train ride later, I shipped a bunch of the stuff home and tossed a bunch of other stuff. It was significantly lighter and easier to manage and I was a much happier traveler.
My big lesson? Don't pack like a mom for every eventuality...trust that almost everything you might need is available any place in Western Europe and keep your load light and easy to pack.
Karan
Olympia, WA USA Tue 10/25/2005
RS's Back Door, Wheeled, Veloce Bags in action
I've loved my Back Door Bag for ten years, and never really considered a wheeled bag until a couple of friends raved about them earlier this year. I finally bit the bullet and ordered one, and promptly didn't think I liked it. Primarily, the hard sides made it more difficult for me to fit things in exactly the same process I've used in the past, and I felt like I was having to accomodate my things to the bag rather than the bag accomodating to me.
(This is the reason why I don't like bags with compartments, by the way -- because I find myself arranging and rearranging, trying to figure out how to fit things in. The large open compartments in the regular Back Door Bag and the Wheeled Bag are far superior in my opinion!)
Finally last month I took the wheeled bag on a short trip to LA and tried it out, and here are my thoughts.
I was packing bulkier items than I take to Europe, including a hair dryer and a lot more makeup/grooming items. These bulkier items would have fit in the soft side bag a lot more easily since the sides accomodate bulges. I almost switched over to my old faithful bag, but was determined to give the wheeled bag a try, so kept arranging until I had everything in. (If I'd wanted to unzip and expand it there would have been no probs at all -- but my entire purpose was to fit everything I needed in AND use it as a carryon.)
As usual, I put a few items in my Veloce bag, including my laptop and my small purse. Again, I left it unexpanded so that it would fit into "personal item" guidelines. (I've carried it that way on numerous occasions and have never been questioned about it.)
The RS Wheeled Bag wasn't even given a second look as to size or suitability as a carryon, and as usual my Veloce Bag passed with flying colors. The Wheeled Bag went into the overhead with no problems, and the Veloce bag slid under the seat in front of me so easily that I realized it would have fit even if it had been expanded. (I still would never do that -- I wouldn't risk having somebody decide it was too big and make me check bags I don't want to check!)
My reason for liking the Veloce bag so much as a personal item/laptop case is that I really do prefer the vertical orientation. I find it more comfortable on my shoulder (I'm tall, that may make some difference) and it's less likely to catch onto seats or knock things over if I walk through a tight space.
My friend in LA checked out my bags and now is seriously considering both of them, since she saw how roomy they are, how lightweight, how practical.
My final analysis is that I will still use the old faithful Back Door Bag sometimes, and in many ways I still prefer it. But the fact is that I usually have it on one shoulder and the Veloce on the other, and they DO get heavy. My way of dealing with this is to rest them on the floor beside me when I'm standing in line and hold onto both shoulder straps to keep them in my control. This has always worked out, and also I've been known to get luggage carts to move through airports, so I've always managed to handle the two shoulderbags without much problem. (I also am lucky not to have back problems or shoulder problems to begin with.)
But my experience at the Burbank airport was that one restroom was closed for repairs/remodeling, and it was a longer trek to find one that was operating. Not only was the wheeled bag a breeze to use, but I figured out that I could put my Veloce bag on top of it, wrap the shoulder strap around wheeled bag's handled a couple of times, and not have to carry anything. And not carrying anything or having anything on my shoulders is addictive!
So I think it's a matter of personal preference -- all three bags are great. If you want a wheeled bag I don't think you can go wrong with Rick's. It's really great. And I still love the original bag, as well!
Oh -- one more thing. For storage purposes, I can fit our two original Back Door Bags and all our packing aids (envelopes, zipper bags, mesh bags, toiletry bags, etc. -- most of which we don't even use any more!) into the wheeled bag. Talk about convenient! Everything's in one place, and takes up so little room!
Hope this has been helpful.
Patricia
Dallas, TX USA Tue 10/25/2005
Doing Laundry
Several posters have said they never have problems finding laundromats in Europe and that laundromats are always easy to find.
Beware! In big cities, perhaps. But in smaller cities or towns, or in some other European or non-European countries, you will NOT find laundromats, just like you may or may not find 24-hour convenience stores with freshly brewed coffee any hour of the day and night.
We usually ask around for advice from the local people, but sometimes no matter what you do, you won't find the laundromat of your dreams (Apeldoorn, Netherlands showed one in the directory, but we found out it had closed down when we got there - the public library info lady despaired of finding others!). University towns are easier and many hostels usually have small laundromats within or can help find one nearby.
As for other countries - some have lots of laundries, others few. So be prepared!
Tallahassee, FL USA Mon 10/24/2005
Tricks for Packing Light
In my mid 40's, I no longer use large backpacks for travel. I want to protect the health of my back as I age.
I go to Hawaii from NYC about every other year. I use a Delsey pullman 26 inches. It worked for 1 month in Hawaii, 3 islands. Two years ago I used its little sister the Delsey 20 inch with a carry on tote to Florence for one week. It can be touch and go on the cobble stone streets but my back can not even handle the carryon tote for too long. Pulling the tote on top of your rolling luggage can save you from back pain the following day.
Backpack or Pullman: Walk around your neighborhood block a couple of times with all the bags you plan to take full, this will curb any needs to pack heavy.
Aloha!
Hanalei
NYC, NY USA Sun 10/23/2005
Lessons I've Learned...
...about packing after two trips to Europe.
1) Pick a good bag. Think backpack with waist belt and support, or a rolling suitcase with wide wheels that seem sturdy. I took the latter on my first trip and it worked fine. I took the backpack on my second trip and I'll be using it when I go again. Lugging a suitcase (even a rolling one) can get tiring after a short while, especially if you are tall. I found a backpack molded with my body and I was able to carry it around for several hours in Italian heat with only mild discomfort (most of which was frustration at not being able to find my hotel).
2) Pack as few clothes as possible. There are laundromats everywhere. Seriously. I always found one within walking distance of my hostel when I needed one except in Venice when I had to take a vaporetto.
3) Make sure you pack sturdy clothes if you're packing light. Near the end of my second month-long trip, my two pairs of slacks were in shreds. I had to call my mom up and have her bring me jeans when she came to pick me up at the airport. Next time I'll be packing a pair of dark jeans that I know will last the trip so I won't have that problem (or maybe an extra pair of slacks).
4) If you don't do it at home, you probably won't do it on the road. The first trip I packed several skirts and dresses. I wore them, but I always felt awkward because I never wear them at home. Likewise, I packed a journal the second time I went. Nice thought, but I was too busy doing other stuff to write it in it most of the time. Next time I'll just use postcards to myself or something.
Nicole H.
Seattle, WA USA Sat 10/22/2005
Carry it on your back!
The one thing that has worked for me every trip to Europe, has been a carry on size bag that converts to a backpack.
Ease of use getting on and off trains, walking through crowds, etc. nothing beats a daypack! if you have back problems, this is not a solution for you, but if you are healthy and can carry about 20lbs on your back, this really frees you up to travel light!
I use the Eagle Creek ORV trunk. it looks like a very nice piece of luggage, carries a lot of stuff, has great compartments that adjust with your style of packing. it's fairly lightweight. Has a padded back. The backpack straps tuck away in their own zippered compartment. This is not like carrying an internal frame pack!
If you limit yourself to what you can comfortably carry on your back...then you are packing light!
Keep in mind, this is not for long hikes...this is for getting your luggage through the airport quickly (without rolling over anyone's toes!) and for those walks from the train station to your hotel and back.
Baglady <email>
CO USA Thu 10/20/2005
Aside from all the practical considerations under discussion, I noticed after my month- long Italian trip (first time with only a carry- on) that it really was also liberating to have less choice: wear what was cleanest that day, be dressed and out the door to the day's adventure. I agree about the boring aspect as the weeks went by, though- I think the idea of picking up accessories along the way is a great solution! Thank you!
Susan
USA Tue 10/18/2005
Packed light for Italy
Another report from another happy light packer after 2 weeks in Italy! I'm not strong enough to haul around a bakpack, so I carried-on a 19" wheelie bag and packed a collapsible bag for day trips and to hold souvenirs. I packed:
- 2 skirts, a pair of pants, a pair of capris
- 7 tops (less would have been fine, but I had space), a turtleneck (added a warm layer a couple of nights) and a tank top (not needed as weather was not hot)
- 1 cardigan, denim jacket, light-weight (nice looking) rain coat, a pashmina (and bought a pretty one on the trip)
- an extra pair of shoes (sandals, but should have had boots instead for the weather), a tiny purse (kept valuables in a money belt), an umbrella
- PJs, undies, socks & tights
- plus basic toiletries & make-up.
I easily navigated stairs, trains, subways and city streets with everything in my little wheelie suitcase (about 20 lbs total). But I gave in to temptation near the end of the trip and bought a few too many heavy/bulky souvenirs. Thank goodness for a good-hearted husband who was willing to carry my extras!
Canada Tue 10/18/2005
More Different, Less of the Same
After a 2 month trek through Europe last summer I only had one regret: more variety in my clothing! I definitely packed light, but packed too much of the "same" (2 of the same t-shirt, 3 of the same tank top, 2 skirts etc.). I can't tell you how many times I wished for just one sundress and a "fun" top. I bought a paschmina in Madrid and was able to spice up outfits with that--I even concocted a top out of it for an evening out in Rome! Lastly, I wish I had brought a nicer pair of comfortable but somewhat dressy sandals and a small bag for evening. Oh...and a bit of make up is definitely ok...when I was wearing the same outfit for the 25th time I was glad to have a bit of lip stick and mascara! Especially in Paris. Thanks, Rick, for a FABULOUS trip!!!
Leslie <email>
Waco, TX USA Mon 10/17/2005
tricks for packing light
while it's nice to not have to pack around a whole tome on your country destination, rick's advice to take photocoopies or selected removed pages does have a drawback or two. A) photocopies are much easier to lose, and B) should your itinerary suddenly open up to free days, you are missing your only decent english language source of information about your travel alternatives! plus, english travel guides are next to impossible to acquire abroad!!
Susan Low
Vancouver, BC Canada Sun 10/16/2005
PACKING AND ORGANIZING
I've switched from zip-lock bags to mesh laundry-type bags for packing and organizing suitcase contents. Mesh bags are environmentally friendly, are flexible and lightweight, and can be used just about forever. While mesh bags are not as see-through, I gladly sacrifice that in order to reduce the amount of plastic blighting our planet. I do carry a few Ziplocs for emergencies.
Alice <email>
St Paul, MN USA Sun 10/16/2005
Just returned from a month long trip
I just spent a month in Europe and brought one 21" roller bag and a Rick Steves backpack. I packed for hot (Italy) weather and cold (Germany, Netherlands) weather by bringing layers. I brought one lined black blazer style jacket and a black cardigan sweater which both went with everything. I did bring 3 pairs of shoes (Dansko clogs, tennis shoes and Tevas) but wore them all multiple times and was VERY glad I had options with the varied weather and activities I did.
Lisa Simonsen <email>
Napa, CA USA Fri 10/14/2005
Rick's new bag Avanti
p.s. great news about the new Avanti flight bag on Rick's site. I think it may just be what I'm looking for! If anyone has tried it let me know what you think!
Leslie
WA USA Thu 10/13/2005
SHOES: 1 or 2 pairs?
Word of caution: One pair of shoes sounds like a great idea in terms of packing. But not so great if they get wet or very muddy and you have nothing else to wear!
If your feet require anything other than a standard shoe in a standard size and width, you may be in for a rude surprise trying to buy another pair of shoes in other countries. In some it's not a problem, but in others it could be, especially if you are a woman and wear a 10WW - you may have to settle for men's shoes for the duration of your trip (true story).
FL USA Thu 10/13/2005
My thoughts
One of the things I find helps me curb my heavy packitis is just wearing a so-called 'uniform' SOunds dull, but you aren't questioning what to wear everyday and who cares if someone sees you two or three times in the same thing. I find bringing darker colours hide dirt best. I wear a pair of cargo pants and bring a couple more with me. They serve two purposes, extra storage in pockets and they are lighter and more comfortable than jeans. I choose a t-shirt colour such as navy or royal blue and bring 5-6. Though it's not always possible, I also try to bring darker undy-wear. That way, I don't have to worry about seperating my laundry out from dark and whites and only have to do one load. Believe me, I don't go around looking like a goth, I do look presentable, colourful and dress with ease everyday. I can then focus all my energies to my travels. As for shoes, I always bring an extra pair for Europe such as sandals. Domestic travel, I just wear one pair shoes. For long walks, city hiking and touring around by foot I find Adidas running shoes (Supernova) with insoles the best for my feet, otherwise my feet get sore very fast.
A sweater of some kind is always a good idea as it can get cool unexpectly and it can always be used for a pillow or place to sit on grass. Happy travels!
Leslie
WA USA Thu 10/13/2005
Packing light
I applaud Rick for encouraging us to pack as light as possible. I made it through Village Italy (17 days) total in a carry-on and a back pack. I took older underthings and discarded them along the way, otherwise I took good clothes. I want to share that I did pack wrong though after months of planning. At the last minute I doubted my judgment and went with too many things that would layer and took out most of my knit things which would have worked much better. In the end, my husband and I had to buy a duffle, fill it with our dirty clothes (we did not go to a laundry) and check the bag so we could get our souvenirs (shopping happened) in our carry-on for protection. Our duffle arrived home one day after we did. So the advice to lay your clothes out, then remove half before you pack is a good idea. Only took one pair of shoes to save room, which was a mistake. Two would have been better. Took too many toiletries for a carry-on type trip. Didn't take enough long sleeved things as the weather was cool in the evenings and early mornings. But I will continue to travel "light" from now on. Made the trip much more enjoyable for my husband who didn't have to hand all our luggage on this trip. I could well handle my own.
Gayle Wehrli <email>
St Charles, MO USA Thu 10/13/2005
Packing Light
I spent 9 days in Great Britain this year and only took a small carry on. It was my 4th trip to Europe and each time I've taken less.This was my first trip with just one bag and it was a freeing experience. But I love to shop while traveling and found my solution was a cheap folding duffle bag I took with me in the bottom of my carry on. I filled it with clothes on the way home and saved my carry on for my purchases. After I got to security at the airport for the trip home, I "locked" the zipper with an electrician's tie I fished out of the gutter under my hotel window. This way I didn't have to worry about the zipper coming undone on the trip home and it could easily be cut if security decided to look in the bag after it was checked. Next year I'll take a couple of ties with me. RS advice about cutting up his books is great - no need to carry the whole book on the trip& just took the needed chapter each day. Also Shout wipes & individual hand wipes are great.I didn't regret anything I didn't take with me and will cut down even further for my trip to Italy next year.
TWalker
Lexington, NC USA Wed 10/12/2005
Packing Light
Packing light is the only way to go. I went to Japan for 2 weeks and everything (even the homemade cookies and peanut brittle for my Navy son) fit in a carry on. It was so easy to get from the plane to the train (well, except the long line for immigration). I never take pack more than 3 pair of pants(1 jeans 2 slacks and I wear jeans on the plane), 6 tops, 6 undies and 6 socks. Every country I have visited has running water....so I wash as I go. Of course, I usually have to buy a bag to bring back souvenirs!
Ann
CA USA Wed 10/12/2005
One more thing for the list!
Wow- that's helpful and impressive! But, I would add my excellent RX zip-lock bag for any trip away from home, even in the US. In a medium- sized bag I take: a digital thermometer with covers, small topical first aid tube, small anti- itch cream, assortment of bigger bandaids and blister ones (I keep just a small pre-packaged first aid kit in my day bag), rolled gauze and tape, travel sized duct tape (from TravelSmith) and-I open the box and take just the flat foil packages of anti- diarrhea pills, ditto for some sinus headache tablets, and a few of the travel tubes (like Di) of Tylenol/Motrin. Lastly, I talk our HMO into a 10- day supply of generic penicillin. All this gets zipped shut and fits flat in the bottom of my carry-on, where hopefully I'll never need any of it! Once it's put together you just need to remember to occasionally rotate the perishables in and out, depending how often you travel. Safe travels!
USA Tue 10/11/2005
Euro Fall/Spring packing list
Prescriptions: downsized & labeled by pharmacist.
Vitamins: same as above.
Travel vial of tylenol and tylenol pm which is my sleep aide.
Homemade travel journal/guidebook made from a leather 5" x 7" (3) ring binder:
Journal section has lined writing pages amd wriitng pen. There are 2-3 clear ziplock pages for ticket stubs, postcards, momentos I want to keep.
Travel section has photocopied maps, pages I need from guidebook(s). It has a suggested daily itinerary with opening/closing - days/times, a suggested list for dining & shopping, a contact list for home-travel-bank-cc companies. It has a sleeve of selfaddressed return labels and a sleeve of family/friends addresses for mailing.
Inside the front/back binder covers I store my city map & language guide until I get to my destination.
Hotel style-special events I add:
1 black dress length 48" to knees,
1 mini evening purse,
travel alarm clock,
1 kneelength, shoulder covered, coverup with bathing suit and flip flops.
Wardrobe/travel accessories/laundry:
My clothing is an investment. I use it only for travel/vacation purposes. Everything can be hand washed and will dry overnight. I use Tilleys, Travelsmith, Rick Steves, LLBean.
Laundry:
RS clothesline, mini microfiber towel, sink stopper, mini febreeze bottle.
Do laundry prn and I send out prn.
Luggage/accessories:
I wear a black, leather, waterproof, purse/shoulder bag. It has a steel cable inside the shoulder strap. No one can knife it off and run away with it. It is also used as my every day bag.
I love and use my 'RS' wheeled bag with packing cubes and mesh bags. The additional 2" is a blessing on return flight home.
I pack a 'RS' zippered stowaway bag. I use it for shopping, picnics, sidetrips, laundry and carrying purchases home.
Safety:
'RS' key ring, TSA locks for luggage after it is screened, flexi locks for trains & buses, whistle, silk money belt, and mini flashlight.
Plane comfort and hotel sleep:
Eye shades, neck rest, ear plugs, paperback.
Paperwork:
Photocopies of all travel documents, contacts, etc store (1) in my purse, (1) deep inside my luggage (1) in my travel journal/guide.
Small digital camera or disposables.
My splurge is skin/facial care.
Total weight I carry on my shoulder is under 5 lbs.
Total weight I wheel, lift, carry up stairs is 20 pds or less.
Since I have discovered Rick Steves, my entire style and manner of traveling has changed into a more relaxed,lighter mind set.
I sprinkle my own style with his practical advice and materials, add a mix of travel references and voila! Happy Travels.
Di <email>
Boston, USA Tue 10/11/2005
Packing light
I'd like to echo Valerie's comments about packing light. Just returned from our 5th trip to Europe-Provence & French Riviera. As always, my husband and I each took a Rick backpack, and we took 1 Civita daybag. All carryon--no checking luggage. We try to pack lighter each time, and found that we even took too much this trip.
We received the same comment at least 2 or 3 times from flight crews, personnel at the customs desk, and taxi drivers: "don't forget to pick up your luggage at baggage claim." When we'd tell them "this is all we have", they are very shocked and impressed. In fact, our taxi driver in Nice said "you are the first Americans in the 7 years I've been driving taxis that have only had 1 bag each!"
Packing light definitely helps you stay more mobile on the trains and shuttle buses, and walking up all the stairs and hills you'll encounter on your European travels. Pack light-you won't regret it. If you happen to forget something, just get it there.
Lori Hopp
Rocky River, OH USA Mon 10/10/2005
Traveling Light
I have been on many international trips and have several times taken teen-age girls on 2 month trips. They are only allowed one cary on size bag, usually with wheels, and one day pack, similar to a school back pack. they are able to manage the extended stay and are thankful after the first shock of carrying all their luggage themselves at all times. When they first see the size of their luggage allowance they suffer some denial probelms but they adjust. And these girls are required to have dress clothes with them; dresses, skirts and appropriate shoes. You can only wear one set of clothes at a time. Layering is definately the answer. We usually visit at least 4 different countries and experience several climate changes.
As to carry on or checking, we do check if we have to, but prefer carry on as almost 75% of the time at least one person has had luggage delayed and one time 100% had luggage off loaded at the wrong airport. Waiting a day or two for luggage is a problem if you are moving to another country or area soon after arrival.
Jan
MN USA Mon 10/10/2005
Traveling light
I just returned from a 3-week trip in Germany. I took only Rick's Expandable Wheeled Bag and the Civitat Day Pack. I wish that I had not taken a second pair of shoes. The Propets, complete with orthodics were enough. I also could have left a skirt at home. Even attending services in the largest churches I was comfortable in slacks. Souvenirs had plenty of room as I used the expandable feature on the wheeled bag coming home. The Day Pack was under constant wear & tear & held up beautifully. We traveled by train & that meant a lot of dragging the wheeled bag up & back down again. Upon return home, I examined each bag carefully & did not find one piece of evidence that showed any wear. My companion bought luggage at Wal-Mart and one handle came off the larger bag during the first week! I am an avid reader & found the perfect place to leave the books I'd read. In Nuremberg there is a placed called the Literaturhaus cafe. It is a comfortable place to eat & read at the same time, and you can leave books behind for fellows readers, local or otherwise. Wonderful trip complete with "Chamber of Commerce" weather everywhere we went.
F.J. <email>
Brenham, TX USA Sat 10/08/2005
Digital Camera Batteries
We found buying AA batteries for our digital camera both expensive and a hassle (not to mention in conflict with our domestic modus operandi of using rechargeble). After 2 days, we walked into an electronics store in Venice and bought a charger, 2 sets of batteries for less than our projected rate of spending on batteries. We charged up every night. No worries about electrical plugs or voltage. They are a little bulky, but not heavy. Worth giving space to, especially if you take many flash shots or video clips. We travel only with our Rick Steves carry on bag.
S W & L W Kemp
Bellevue, WA USA Fri 10/07/2005
Packing light for women
I discovered one of my favorite "pack light" items on a trip to Nice last fall. For women, a pashmina-type shawl is extremely versatile. It folds up to nothing, doesn't weigh a thing, is very warm, and can be worn many different ways. On my trip, I used mine as a shawl, a neck scarf with a heavier jacket, a picnic blanket, an airplane blanket, etc. I am travelling to Istanbul in a month, and plan to also use my pashmina as a head covering in mosques.
Watch for these scarves at stores like Marshalls and TJ Maxx. I got mine for $12.
Nikki
Minneapolis, mn USA Thu 10/06/2005
So glad I followed Steve's recommendations on packing light!
I just wanted to share my experience with packing light for a trip my husband and I took to Ireland in July! It was wonderful! I procrastinated too long in ordering Rick's backpacks, so we went to Target and bought backpacks that met Aer Lingus' carry-on requirements, which are quite restrictive. I easily fit a pair of jeans, a pair of khakis, a "waddable" nice blouse and a "waddable" long dress, several T-shirts, a pair of nice sandals, and underthings and boxers for sleeping in there. For toiletries, my husband and I bought travel-sized anti-perspirant, toothpaste, and shampoo each. Our trip was only for 10 days, so they lasted nicely. We could have repeated the cycle as often as needed for a longer trip. We brought a full-sized bar of soap, and got disposable razors when we got there. When we left, all we had to do was throw away the remnants and take one travel tube of toothpaste for the flight home. I'm pretty low-maintenance cosmetic-wise, but I threw in a tube of mascara and lipstick and was good to go! We also fit electronic games and paperbacks into the pack as well.
We dropped our laundry off at a neighborhood laundromat halfway through the trip, and that was it. We also packed knowing that we were going to buy warmer clothing there. We ended up buying some gifts and some sweaters and sweatshirts. We found that on the return trip home everything we had acquired fit into two large paper store bags with handles. We didn't have any problem with those being our "one personal item" on the way home. If we were on a longer trip, we would have mailed stuff home when we had accumulated it like that, but it worked for this trip.
For me, the coolest part of packing so light was when we ended up waiting on a tram at the Chicago airport with our flight crew from London! One of the attendants asked us if we were aware that we had to get our luggage before continuing, and we said that we had all our luggage. Another one said, "You survived on THAT in Europe"?, and they were all impressed. It was also kind of neat when taxi drivers would ask if that was all our luggage when we tossed our backpacks in the trunk! I would never travel with anything more again! It was so stress-free and relaxing!
Valerie McMullen
Fayetteville, AR USA Thu 10/06/2005
A few tips
I agree with Emily. When I travel, I take my makeup when I go to Paris. I personally feel "naked" without it. I don't take a whole lot: in addition to Cover Girl foundation, I take some mark cosmetics. Mark is a line by Avon directed at younger women, but they have some good things for all ages. I have the Face Case which is a very flat and thin box with eye shadow and blush and a makeup brush. Takes up virtually no room at all. They also have these "Hook ups" which are small tubes of lip gloss and mascara that you can hook to one another. Other than those items, I take a small thin eyeliner. I don't normally wear mascara, but the lip gloss is good since I hate lipstick.
I get the small plastic bottles in the travel section of Wal-Mart and other fine discount stores. I fill these with conditioner, shampoo, body soap and facial wash. Then at the end of the trip, I throw them away. It frees up some space for souvenirs. If you want to bring makeup remover cloths, some brands offer travel packs which are small packets of 10 or so cloths. They take as much room as maybe a pair of underwear.
I also second the tip about placing a dryer sheet in your luggage to keep your clothes smelling fresh as a daisy.
Brandie <email>
KS USA Wed 10/05/2005
Tips for those motorcycling
We just got back from a 2 week trip on motorcycles through the Czech Republic, Austria and Germany. Obviously we needed to pack light. Here is what we learned:
Take 2 duffle bags, one for riding gear and your helmet, one for everything else. Bungee the bags onto the bike in the passenger position. If you are riding two up then you really must pack light! Transfer the stuff you will use only while on the bike (cable lock, rain gear, etc.) into the side cases. Take a duffle bag with what you need into the hotel and leave the side cases on the bike. Decline to rent a separate top case. Use that area to bungee on duffle bags which hold more.
You do not need waterproof duffle bags. Get water resistant ones and put trash bags inside the compartments with your stuff inside. This kept our stuff dry in monsoon type downpours.
Get a tank bag and keep your maps and things you will need while on the bike in that. Take it into the hotel at night.
Look at the weather before you leave. If daytime tenps will reach 60 deg or higher it is best to take mesh (blow through) riding gear and use your rain gear/removable layers if it gets colder or in the morning. We were way too overdressed with warm waterproof jackets and overpants! Forget the leathers -- they are bulky, heavy and hot. Armored, abrasion resistant textile clothing is lightweight.
Be sure to take ALL over the counter/prescription drugs you might need. A trip to the apothekary is the only way to get things like Tums in the countries we visited and it gets expensive! We paid E7 for a roll of antacids. To save space take the pills out of the cardboard boxes and put them in small zip lock bags. Keep prescription drugs in their original containers so there is no question about their origin or use.
Pare down your toiletries to the bare minimum. Electric razor? No, use a blade and save space. Get travel size toothpaste, etc. Take liquid soap in a squeeze bottle. If you must have a hair dryer get a VERY small one that works on 120/240 volts.
Take fewer clothes. Take long sleeved and short sleeved t-shirts, one thin sweater and thin long johns. It is amazing how layering will keep you warm. Take one shirt that is presentable for nice dining, etc. Take dark pants, black jeans work well. They do not show the dirt and are presentable to fashion concious Europeans. Either dispose of underwear as you go or simply do wash in the sink each day. I have dried socks and underwear by bungeeing them to the bike. They blow dry! Take your riding boots but make sure they are well broken in if you plan to do walking tours. Alternatively take a pair of lightweight broken in walking shoes.
Take a very small tool kit. You probably know the bike you will rent. Think through what might break down. Usually the worst is a flat tire. Carry a variety of sheet metal screws (1-1/4" works well) and some rubber cement to act as a temporary screw in tire plug to get you to the next service station. You will also need CO2 cartridges to fill up the tire.
Keep the shiny side up!
Gael
Charlotte, NC USA Tue 10/04/2005
Travel tips :)
Hi :) Just thought I'd add my comments-- My husband and I (we're 20 & 21 so I know how difficult it can be!) just returned from London and Paris for 10 days, and we each only took one bag (mine was a rolling backpack, his was a regular backpack).
**The thing that saved us THE MOST was Rick's space bags! We fit SO much clothes inside the bags, that I didn't even get a chance to wear half of them! I know I shouldn't have packed that much, but I just wanted to illustrate that the space bags were worth every penny.
**We also bought his toiletry (sp?) bag and we shared it. It's amazing how much we could fit in there!
**We bought travel shampoo, because we knew if we ran out we could just go to the store to get more, and we brought a first aid kit, medicine, make-up, etc... and it all fit in his toiletry bag.
**We also only packed one versatile coat. (Mine was a fleece rain proof North Face coat that folds easily and does double duty, and my husband had the same one.
**We also only packed one umbrella and shared all the time.
**Also, just another tip, I put one scented dryer sheet in my bag and it made my clothes smell fresh the whole time. We didn't even need to go to the laudromat!
**Oh yes, one more thing-- someone gave me this tip earlier-- if you have any old pairs of underwear or clothing that you've wanted to get rid of for awhile, bring them on your trip and just throw them away when you're done! I did this with several pairs of underwear that I had accumulated over the years that I knew I needed to get rid of, and just threw them away each day. It saved room, and I got my use out of them!
Megan <email>
Hillsboro, Oregon USA Sat 10/01/2005
Extra Bag
There are so many comments here that I don't know if this has been mentioned or not. My husband and I picked up a very cheap backpack from our local Wal-Mart during the Back to School clearance sales. (I think we paid $2.15). We were only allowed two carry on pieces on our flight so we rolled this extra bag up into our luggage. We used this backpack every day on our trip. It lightened the load from our other bags as we traveled between countries and worked beautifully as a day bag. We took turns carrying it and used it for carrying souvenirs, a change of socks each (very important if it rains...), a small first aid kit and still had room for picnic items. At the end of our trip we emptied the bag and left it in our B&B with a note that the staff should give it away to a needy student. The bag was still in very good shape, but had served it's purpose for us and we did not have room to take it home. I highly recommened this.
And also, "disposable" clothes. I know this has been mentioned before, but I can't agree more. Save up your holey underwear and those shirts you never wear and take them along. Throw them or give them away to make room for souvenirs.
Shelly
Frederick, MD USA Fri 09/30/2005
Solve the small bottle thing for good.
Anyone who has ever backpacked should be familar with the NALGENE bottles.
Nalgene, just put the word in google,and you will see a variety of spill proof small clear or translucent bottles from 1 Oz to 16 Oz sizes. They are great and your better outdoor fitness store should have them or can order for customers.
Sometime the small bottles are sold in a set, as REI use to market them that way.
Look for them in their kitchen items section and or pack it along section.
Bill
Bandon, Or. USA Fri 09/30/2005
Books on trips
Tara, is there a reason you didn't send (mail) the books back to yourself? That's if you wanted to keep them. No need to buy the books again when you got home. Unless the cost of buying them is much less than the cost of mailing them. But if the country you are in has a Book Rate it would not be too expesive. I think.
Sharon R. Johnson
Lincoln, Nebraska USA Thu 09/29/2005
I didn't want to carry Rick Steves book with us everyday while we were in Italy, so I copied the map of each city we would be in wrote the highlights of the city on the back of the copy and also stapled the confirmation for the hotel with it and just put that in my day bag. I did bring the Italy 2005 book with just for reference and kept it in my suitcase. I also wrote down the directions from the train station to each of our hotels on my map.
Jan <email>
eden prairie, Mn USA Wed 09/28/2005
Books on a trip
Reading Tara's post below, I notice that she said she "threw" her books away. I have noticed that several hotels I have stayed in in Europe have a "library" I usually make sure to leave my books there for the next traveler to enjoy.
So - I'd say if you enjoy reading on vacation, like I love to do...take your books (paperback perfered) and ask at the hotel if it has a lobby area that has books, then leave your read books there...Recycle, reuse!
OR, you could offer your read books to another traveler while you are on trains/buses. It's pretty darn easy to pick out the american, or British traveler. I'm sure one of them would love to have a new book to read and pass on!
USA Wed 09/28/2005
Less clothes, more room for souvenirs
I went to Ireland this summer and realized that even though I had only one carry-on suitcase and a back-pack for a two week trip, I had overpacked! I had a pair of jeans and a couple of shirts that I never wore. I really am a firm believer in the "don't bring it if you aren't going to wear it three times" rule (with the exceptions of underwear and socks). But also, Ireland was nice and cool so I hardly ever broke a sweat:)
For shoes, I was fine with a pair of comfy tennis shoes and a pair of flip-flops for wandering the hotel and going to the pubs/ATM/corner store.
I did have a drink spill on my favorite jeans, so I spent 8 Euros for having the hotel wash them. That seemed like the average price at most hotels for jeans and about 12-14 Euros for one load. I am really happy that I had the hotel do my wash since I was too busy seeing the sites to want to site in a laundry mat. So err on the side of less clothes with the idea that you can have the hotel wash a load for you if you have a two (or more) night stay.
Also, think about the things you will buy and want to bring back home. I bought a couple sweaters in Ireland, something I had not taken into account when packing at home. Another reason to err on the side of less clothes- it is fun to pick up souvenir clothes. I should have only packed my suitcase 2/3rd's full to leave room for the things I bought on my trip.
I also had to throw away books to make room for my souvenirs since the 3 thick books took up so much room. In the future, I will bring only one book and just buy National Geographics or the Economist for something interesting to read if I need a change, that way you don't have the guilt or high cost of throwing away good books.
Tara
San Francisco, CA USA Tue 09/27/2005
Back Door Bags
I've never used the BDB as a backpack, but have always used it as a shoulder bag with great success. If one shoulder gets tired, I shift it to the other.
Because it's softsided and has FABULOUS zippers (very strong) it will actually hold more than the wheeled bag, which comes in handy when I start stuffing in souvenirs to bring home.
I purchased a wheeled bag when it was on sale but have yet to use it. I'll be making another trip in November and haven't decided yet whether to use the wheeled or stick with my old faithful original bag.
I loaned the wheel bag to a friend who went on a trans-Atlantic cruise, around the Mediterranean and then spent a week in Rome. She loved it and immediately ordered one of her own.
I think the original bag will be my favorite as long as I can carry it (which should be a very long time) but I can see the benefit of the wheeled bag for those who would rather pull it. It's hard to go wrong either way.
USA Sun 09/25/2005
Which Rick Steve's bag to buy?
Thanks for pointing out the weight differential on the wheeled vs. carry. I'm buying this bag for European/overseas travel so I think I'll stick with the non-wheeled one.
For $99 I don't think I can go wrong.
dan <email>
USA Sun 09/25/2005
Dan - Which bag
Dan, it's a personal thing. If you are in good shape and can manage to carry your own luggage, then go with the bag without wheels. If on the other hand, you have an issue always carrying your stuff, but the wheeled version. I perfer to carry my stuff on my back. I have an Eagle Creek ORV trunk, it converts from a carried bag to a backpack with hidden straps. Love it! Carry on size, yet very very roomy. Used it for a 2 week trip this May. Wonderful organization with added packing cubes!
Suzie
USA Sat 09/24/2005
Dan, I'd go with the backpack
I've used the Rick Steves backpack for several years now, and I highly recommend it. Now that I've added packing cubes to it, it's easy to live out of for a long time and still have the contents well organized. And not having to check the bag is a major plus. However, check with your airline regarding the carryon weight limit. When I flew on Alitalia two years ago, they didn't even weigh my carryon backpack, but I've heard that Alitalia has become one of the tougher major carriers regarding maximum weight for carryons. If you find that you can't live within their weight restriction, you might as well go with the rolling case.
JER
USA Sat 09/24/2005
Packing for munchkins
I'm a confirmed believer in packing light, but when my daughter and I travelled for 2 1/2 weeks through Spain and Portugal with her two small children, we may have underpacked. We had a wonderful time, but less of it could have been spent washing clothes for the kiddies. (They spill food a lot, one of them went head-first into a fountain in Lisbon, and on one bus ride they both threw up!) Children's clothing takes up very little space, so toss in several more T-shirts, pants and socks for each child than you think you'll need.
Marilynn <email>
Willits, CA USA Thu 09/22/2005
I really want to pack light!
Hi there,
This board is one of the greatest things invented for the packing light mentality. I just love reading the tips other people have. I must admit I get excited when I start to pack as I know I'm going on a trip. Sometimes I begin a week in advance, but lately, with so much going on, I tend to pack the night before and get completely stressed because I'm one of those people who says, 'what if I need this?' By reading this board over and over, I know I can pare down my packing items. However, I am probably going to have to really look at what I pack everything in as I have old luggage (big old duffle bag from Eddie bauer) and it's like a cavern. So, I guess what I should be doing is getting a smaller bag like Rick's backpack and therefore I won't be able to pack as much. Our trip to England/Wales and Scotland this last summer was absolutely wonderful and we took a carry-on bag each and packed two duffle bags. The silliest thing was, we used what was in the carry-on and left the two duffles in the trunk of the car untouched most of the time. Only when we needed another pair of pants (mainly because of being stained) did we rifle through the duffle bags and get them. It was a sign that we could manage with less!! I wore the same jeans for 7 days, sounds like a lot, but we were sightseeing galore and didn't have to dress up or see anyone. I packed three jeans and wore two, plus a nice pair of pants I never wore. 5 long sleeve, wore 4, 2 t-shirts (wish I'd brought more so bought more at Marks and Spencer) and 10 socks, 10 undies each. Didn't need all the socks. We have great rain gear that is light, only used it a few times. Washclothes are a must, for some reason, they don't believe in them over there! Ziplock bags are a must too, I didn't bring enough, you can store used soap, wet washclothes, food, leaky things etc. We did all of Wales in a car and loved it. I would buy capri's but they always look better with sandals or flip flops and I have to wear good shoes and thick socks (Adidas Supernova) as my feet get tired easily when trekking around the ruins. The only thing I have a concern about is having to wash the undies out in the sink. I think I would bring enough to last the trip, but certainly less clothing. Our carry-on's basically had two pairs of pants, 3 shirts and enough underwear etc to last 4 days. Each bag weighed about 6kg as I looked at the readout when the ticket agent weighed them, so I could have packed more. The limit was about 10kg.
We also travelled first class as a treat on the way there and were convinced we've been missing the good life!!! It was only an extra $500 each...ouch! Plus you can take more in weight.
I recommend sticking your water bottles and heavy stuff in your jacket pockets or even in a plastic bag as we had our stuff like that in a plastic bag which didn't get weighed, and they were sticky about weighing everything...but coats and plastic bags!
karen
vancouver isl., bc Wed 09/21/2005
Travel with unmarked substances
I flew 2 weeks ago from Cleveland to Gatwick on Gatwick. I had 2 perscriptions (in original packaging) and zip lock bags of fiber, vitamins, calcuim, etc., as well as several leak proof unmarked bottles of shampoo, soap, etc. I had no problems -- I wasn't even searched.
Maybe it depends on the airline and your destination?
Stephanie
Columbus, OH USA Tue 09/20/2005
Repackaging Ideas
A lady below spoke of looking for tiny containers for homeopathic remedies, lotions, etc. Well, many of these products often come in sample/trail sizes, and many herb shops also sell individual bottles for various products.
A word of warning, the rules may have changed yet again, but the last time I flew we could not take on any bottles of pills/liquids that were not in their original containers. Not only prescriptions, but over the counter items as well. So, sample containers of shampoo, lotion, etc with labels may be best. I take the small 24 pc bottle and cram in as many pills as it will hold. That cotton takes up a lot of room that I fill with product.
Many pharmacists will also repackage your prescriptions into a smaller container if you only need a few days or weeks worth with you. This is also a good source of small containers. Perfect time to get a paper copy of your prescription for use in an emergency, and a full list of what you are taking in case of an emergency.
Kimberly <email>
Birmingham, AL USA Mon 09/19/2005
Makeup: surely its not so bad?
I totally respect the ideas of women who say that they prefer to take no cosmetics on a trip to Europe because it is liberating, but I don't agree that a good reason to do it is to save space. Seriously, how much room can they take up? The last thing I'd want to be doing in big fashionable cities like Paris is walking around feeling plain and uncomfortable as gorgeous Parisian women go by. I took some cosmetics to Europe and they weren't a problem at all. Things come really tiny these days too, and sometimes when you go to dinner, or to the theatre you feel just a little bit better with it on, and a little more dressed for the occasion. I think of it as a treat when my choice of clothing is limited.
Emily
Wollongong, N.S.W. Australia Mon 09/19/2005
I know it's a small thing, but I am saying that instead of wearing 2 items of underwear I have eliminated one. The culotte slip is a hybrid between a half slip and underpants.
Arlene
Altoona, PA USA Mon 09/19/2005
Arlene, isn't that the same as not wearing any underwear? I never found underwear to be a hasssel with regards to weight and washing.
Nancy
CA, USA Mon 09/19/2005
Double duty underwear
I like to wear skirts if I'm traveling to a warm place. I always used to wear a half slip under my skirts. Then I got a couple of pairs of what they are calling "short split-skirt slip with lace hem" from the Wintersilks catalog. One day I wondered why I was wearing underpants when these could serve as underpants as well as half slip. Silk washes and dries overnight so now I can cut down on some underwear.
Arlene <email>
Altoona, PA USA Mon 09/19/2005
Take old undergarments and toss them abroad.
I have a box at home that I save all my less than desirable undergarments in. Socks, T-shirts, Boxers, etc. go in there as I decide it is time to save the last few underwear molecules for a trip. Then when we travel, I take these along for the journey. As I wear them, I toss them in the rubbish and make room for the goodies I acquire abroad. Works like a champ and frees up valuable real estate in the case.
Santa <email>
Toronto, ON Canada Mon 09/19/2005
REI haa 2 once bottles for about .85 each...I have four of them - shampoo, conditioner, aftershave, hand cream....works well for me....2 ounces are a good size...!
USA Sun 09/18/2005
Problem Solved!
Some of the greatest tiny travel containers are the contact lens cases with screw-on lids. Perfect!!!
TX USA Sun 09/18/2005
Small Containers for Linda
The containers that bubbles that are given out at weddings in place of rice/birdseed are about the right size for the small amouts of thin liquids that Linda says she needs. All you would need to do is collect some after a wedding, either from the trash can or the other guests. Shops that sell wedding supplies might have them. I have seen them in a small box with six bottles. They come filled but blowing the bubbles could be part of the fun.
Sharon R. Johnson
Lincoln, Nebraska USA Sat 09/17/2005
packing toiletries
Unless you have really specific toiletries you have to take because of allergies I would take Rick's advice and take a small amount and PLAN to run out of something. We just returned from 2 wks. in Germany and one of the fun parts of our trip was trying to figure out what was trying to find the lotion we wanted. We forgot the sunscreen, so then we had to try to explain to the apotheke (pharmacist) that we needed something for sunburn. Word of warning: they do not have lidocaine over-the-counter, nor could we find aloe. Ask for "apres-ski".
Nancy
Vancouver, WA USA Fri 09/16/2005
Tiny containers for Linda
For really, really tiny containers, one great source is the sample sized jars that cosmetic items come in, often as so-called "gifts with purchase." They're perfect for creams and lotions, and, depending on the screw top, also work for thinner liquids. I also swear by the tiny plastic clamshell one-piece containers from Storables. (Linda from Seattle--there is a Storables at University Vilage near the Crate and Barrel...). They have several sizes, and the smallest is about the size of a nickel and the thickness of three stacked nickels. There are larger ones, too, including one the size of a fifty-cent piece and the thickness of four or so stacked coins. I've used them for skins lotions, conditioner, shampoo, and the like. I'm unsure how they'd be for really water-thin liquids. One final suggestion is to go to the cosmetic counters at department stores and ask for containers so you can travel with small amounts of makeup. I got a tiny cylindrical container with screw top(a little over an inch long and about the thickness of a pencil) from the Chanel counter for foundation. It worked fine for that, and now I've recycled it for other things.
JER
Seattle, USA Fri 09/16/2005
Tiny containers?
We're leaving in just a few days for a RS "Village Italy" tour. Planning to travel light, just a carry-on, etc. Last trip was NZ a couple years ago - brought only a small day pack on the plane and checked the rolling convertible backpack/bag. Rolling bag made an unscheduled stopover in Tahiti (without us) and I learned the lesson of making sure to have clothing and other basics in my carry-on, as it took several days before the checked luggage joined us in NZ. Ended up going to a thrift store in Auckland where they gratiously sold me a dress, shoes, 2 shirts and shorts for $10. I donated these back to another shop before returning home (except for the dress, which I still wear!) Interestingly, I found that most of the items in my "lost" suitcase I didn't miss during those 3 days - food for thought. One thing I haven't been able to find: really tiny containers for carrying lotions/liquids (I'm talking way smaller than a film canister). Any suggestions? I want them for homeopathic lotions and other items where I only need a tiny bit of something and don't want to bring the whole tube.
Linda
Seattle, WA USA Fri 09/16/2005
Exactly!
As other family members arrived for a family reunion in Tuscany the lost- luggage horror stories came, too. My group stuck with the carry- on sized only rule, and even though we had already been in Italy for 2 weeks we looked a lot fresher than some of the others who had to waste a day shopping for some clothes after two days on a plane...then, when finally their bags arrived, drive all the way to Pisa, wait for the bags there, drive all the way back...etc. I think it'd be a little more difficult in the winter, with bulkier stuff, but in hot summer climates you sure don't need very much and it all dries so quickly.
USA Fri 09/16/2005
I went on a trip this August to Italy and Germany and wanted to let everyone know it was a success! My mantra was "pack light" and it worked great. I purchased Rick's back pack interchangeable bag and carried it on the plane with my day bag. My two fellow travellers checked theirs on. Bad news - one of my friends luggage didn't arrive when we did! We did eventually get it back but he unfortunately had to tour Milan in his plane outfit. I also bought the packing cubes from Rick and shared them with my sister who accompanied me. What a life saver! Those things can really hold a lot of clothes. I managed to pack everything I needed in Rick's bag, with plenty of extra space for anything I might have picked up along the way. After my 3 weeks I could have very easily carried my luggage on still b/c it had that much room, but chose instead to check it on b/c we were so tired. Everything turned out fine and I am ready for my next trip where I will most definetely be bringing my Rick Steves' back pack and the fabulous packing cubes!
Candace
USA Fri 09/16/2005
Some things that helped me "pack light" for my trip to Italy this summer: I bought the packing cubes from Rick, 1 big and 2 small. I used the 1 big one (which held enough clothes, bras, underwear etc for my 3 week trip) and my sister used the 2 small ones for her clothes. I packed 5 interchangeable outfits 3 bras, 5 pairs of underwear, and 3 pairs of socks(and wished later it was only 4 outfits) and we brought w/ us a small bottle of Tide. Our nightly ritual was to wash our socks and whatever was dirty. This is where a clothes line and clips came in VERY handy! We also bought SHOUT wipes in individual packets (b/c we tend to be messy eaters) and they worked great to remove chocolate, spaghetti sauce, wine etc. We only brought 2 pairs of shoes (1 walking and 1 sandal)
USA Fri 09/16/2005
Cutting back just a little
One thing I've noticed that I've started to do - as a woman who wears make up - is not taking much on vacation. I find that it gives my face a break, I have more time in the morning getting ready to see Paris, etc, and no one cares if I have on blush or not! Like a poster said in the Travel Helpline....no one can tell if you have make up on in photos, so why bother? it will lighten your load too! leave all those beauty products behind if you can live without them for 1-2 weeks, I sure can!
USA Fri 09/16/2005
Jeff's Go Big is Really Packing Light
I notice the comments on Jeff's Go Big posting that were on the wall yesterday have been removed.
Jeff's choice of one large bag and one small bag for car touring is packing light for that method. I know becuase my parents have spent the past two months touring various family and friends in North America in their car with both the truck and the back seat stuffed with stuff. This meant that to take anyone somewhere the back seat had to be unpacked.
But I agree for other types of touring Jeff's method would be packing heavy.
Sharon R. Johnson
Lincoln, Nebraska USA Thu 09/15/2005
Go BIG
I tell you people, after traveling many times to Europe, if you are going for more than two weeks and are not going to sightsee carless and roomless, pack large! After too many times following the bad advise of packing small, I now take one big bag with all the clothes I need for a four week trip and a carry-on school type ruck-sack. I do not have to waste precious hours in Europe looking for (sometimes non-existant) laundry facilities. I take my bag from car (you can't explore the countryside from train!) to the hotel and then explore, or, if parking is far away, I leave my big bag in the car and pack however many days I will be in a town or city in the small bag when I park. Having done both, this is heaven!!!!
Jeff Omalanz-Hood <email>
Seattle, WA USA Tue 09/13/2005
Packing Notes from a Recent Trip to Europe
Just got back from 9 days in Scotland/London/Paris. My husband and I each took one carryon weighing less than 13lbs (Virgin Atlantic carryon requirement). After all of the walking and navigating the Tube/Metro.boy, were we glad we packed light.
I got most of the basic rules of packing from this message board. The people and ideas here are FANTASTIC! Notable rules: (1) Pack for a few days and wash as you go. TEST WASH YOUR CLOTHES BEFORE YOU GO! (2) Select "multi taskers" or things that can perform more than one function. (3) Use "travel size" EVERYTHING. Especially with toiletries.the liquid form of anything is incredibly heavy, so only take what you'll really need. (4) "What if's" are not allowed. If you THINK you MIGHT need it, you don't need it.
Here's some "notables" of what we packed. Main Bag: Campmor Essential Carryon http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=49527&memberId=12500226 We used this bag in the "backpack" configuration for most of the trip, and it was very comfortable. I'm not sure how long it will last.it's very lightweight (a plus), which necessitates using thinner materials and plastic fixtures (a minus). At $30, we felt it was a winner for our trip. It was one of the lightest carry-on bags I could find, a must for my 13lb requirement. Weight 1 lb. 12. oz
Packable Tote: LeSportSac Hideaway Tote http://www.lesportsac.com/store/7822_5202.html I used this as a purse/tote (and I wanted something to stick valuables in, just in case I was over-weight and had to check bags on the way back). Worked great, and was attractive enough for everywhere we went (I wouldn't take it out fine dining, though.it has zippers that hang off the bottom). I loved the fact that the top of the tote zipped to keep pickpockets out of my bag. Weight 4.6 oz.
My Clothes (this included what was on our body, so I wore my "heaviest" items and put the others in the carry-on. Requirements - quick dry, dark, matching, low wrinkle): 3 pairs pants (at least one of these was "convertible", next time I'm going to switch one of them out for a skirt or I might even just take 2 pants). 4-5 shirts 5 pairs each underwear and socks 1-2 bras 1 pair walking shoes, 1 pair flip-flops 1 waterproof jacket with hood (double duty - didn't need an umbrella). I wound up sewing a security pocket inside of this. 1 scarf 1 belt
Other notable stuff:
*I liked Dr. Bronner's bar soap for laundry (I cut off and only took a third of the bar). But since everywhere we went we were provided with soap and shampoo, I never used the Dr. B's for hygiene.
*I took Febreze in a 2oz spray bottle and was really glad I did. Great for freshening up my shoes and clothes (I wear my pants 2x before washing). I used it all up!
*Take a washcloth or plastic mesh scrubbie - not one place we stayed in UK/France provided this.
*Single pack Wet Wipes are lifesavers.
*Rick's UK plug adapter worked great, and was the lightest one I found.
*I didn't take travel books (most of them weigh upwards of a pound), but I did print off my own "travel guide" containing subway maps, street maps, museum locations/hours/prices, etc. I printed double side, and I discarded the pages as I went.
KB
CA USA Tue 09/13/2005
Pack like you always do
I packed very light for two weeks. My stuff easily fit in a Costco carryon rollie.
My friend took a great big suitcase.
We traveled by car and train. We both were perfectly fine.
margaret
monterey, ca USA Mon 09/12/2005
Convertible backpack
www.Ebags.com has a soft-sided, carry on (convertible to backpack) similar to the ETBD version - called the EBags Weekender Convertible. It's $80 regular price (currently on sale for $60). Many colors to choose from, although the orange I ordered is not as bright as the online photos imply. Outside pockets have nice storage. Have taken it on US trips, so far it's working well, although the outside clips seem slightly flimsy. The web site also has an intriguing flat toiletries kit.
Salem, OR USA Sun 09/11/2005
I like taking my laptop (12" Mac iBook & dig camera). Total wight of my RR's bag is 19 lbs (iBook, camera and all my cloths.
USA Fri 09/09/2005
I spent 4 weeks in Europe (London, Paris, Prague, and Rome) and carried on using an REI backpack (9"x20"). Aside from the obvious tips (wash as you go, pick pieces that mix and match easily) I found a few things that helped me in particular.
Being a 20-year-old girl, my heaviest items always seem to be toiletries. I bought travel size shampoo and condition bottles (4oz at Wal-Mart) and starting using them about two months before I left. This accomplished two purposes: 1. I was able to find out if they would last the whole trip or not and 2. I found that using the little bottles, I could actually "train" myself to use less shampoo and conditioner.
I found a great product at REI called Dr. Bronners. It worked great as a body wash, face wash, laundry detergent and to shave my legs. It can also be used as shampoo and toothpaste, but I tried that and wasn't a big fan. It comes in about a 3 oz. bottle and I used less than half of it over the course of the trip.
I brought some of the individually packaged shout wipes and took a couple in my day pack (a small canvas messenger bag). This saved me a couple of times after I spilled gelatto on my shirt.
I bought a 3 oz. spray bottle and filled it with febreeze wrinkle releaser. I sprayed it on my shirts right when I took them off which meant I could wear a shirt 3 or 4 times before I had to wash it. I am also anal about wrinkled clothes so it made me feel better when I could take my stuff right out of my back pack, spray it, and put it on looking just fine.
I packed all my clothes in the 2 gallon size freezer ziploc bags. One bag had shirts, one bag had skirts and capris, and one bag had undies, night clothes and my light rain coat. I rolled everything and pressed the air out of the bags. It was easy to pack my backpack that way and it kept everything neat.
I hope this helps!
USA Fri 09/09/2005
I keep 2 copies of everything I carry- airline tickets, rail passes, driver's lic, credit/debit cards, insurance card, passport, reservation confirmations, receipts for any prepays, important telephone and acct numbers....one copy is carried on me (not in my travel wallet) the other is burried deep in my travel bag...!
I also have 2 current pictures if I need to replace a passport....!
USA Thu 09/08/2005
Passport Copy
My favorite travel tip is to scan your passport and email it to yourself. That way if you lose your passport, you can print out a copy from any cybercafé in the world.
Todd L. <email>
Woodside, CA USA Thu 09/08/2005
A friend of mine just departed for France. All he had was: 2 boxers, 1 undeie T-shirt, 3 pr socks, 1 long sleeve shirt (solid blue), 1 short sleeve printed shirt, 1 pr cotton pants, few personel items. Everything went into a $15.00 Polo backpack that he purchased from Costco. He plans on purchasing cloths over there and having some made. His backpack weighed 12 lbs.
USA Thu 09/08/2005
Luggage Lockers?
Tanya (and anyone else): Yes, most railway stations have storage lockers that will accommodate most luggage (except those huge duffel bag types). They can run 2-4 euros for a 24-hour period. For most you insert the required currency, close the door, and you'll receive a paper receipt along with a code for getting back into the locker later (DON'T LOSE THE RECEIPT!!!). Some hotels will store your luggage in a luggage room, but it's best to check ahead if it's possible. Two summers ago a friend and I spent 10 days in London at a wonderful B&B. In the middle of our stay we were going to Paris and they let us leave our luggage (other than the one suitcase we needed for our 4 days in Paris) in their luggage room--and they didn't charge us, either. All was still intact and fine when we returned. Have fun on your trip!
Richard <email>
AK USA Thu 09/08/2005
Packing for a year
As someone else said. the tips here are for people that are on vacation, packing light is important when you are on the move. however, you will not be. i'd get the largest suitcase that will not cost you more on the airlines and take your favorite outfits. You will need to pack for all seasons, not just a 2 week trip. Take several pairs of shoes, jackets, sweaters, jeans, pants, skirts. Do plan on shopping there, however, if you are a student, I'm sure you will be on a budget, and clothing/shoes are very expensive in Europe. A 26" suitcase and a smaller one should suffice for your needs. Don't take just 2 weeks worth of clothing, you'll be way to bored! Look in your closet and drawers, put out the clothes that are your favorites and pack them!
USA Wed 09/07/2005
Staying a Year?/Packing Light
If I were going for a year, I'd be taking more than two weeks worth of clothes. On the other hand, I might be more interested in taking the "things" that I want around me, and then buying clothes over there, as has been suggested to you by others.
Most of us who talk about traveling light want to do so because it's easier to move around from one place to the next. If you're going to be in one place for an extended period of time you may have a different motivation.
And a reminder, people come here asking for tricks on packing light, and that's what they get. I realize that some people don't want to travel that "light," and may even be annoyed when those of us who really like this way of traveling give advice. But I do think it's important to remember that "tricks for packing light" IS the subject!
Patricia
Dallas, TX USA Wed 09/07/2005
WOW! Pack for day, week, month, or a year....just pack how you like to pack...if you can live with less...more power to you.....if you need more....than take more....it all depends on the type of person you are....take little or take a lot....no weight with one choice...weight with the other choice....pretty easy....I'm a less guy....if I take lesss....I don't have to be organized or worry about weight....I have extra room in my RS!
USA Wed 09/07/2005
Nan --too much stuff!
Nan, you have way too many pairs of bottoms in your mix! You don't need all those Danskin pants. 3 pairs of pants and a skirt is still a lot for just 2 weeks on the road, but pair it down a little girlfriend!
I did 2 weeks with 2 pairs capris and a skirt. Washed the pants 2x cuz I spilled gelato on them! they came out fine. I wore the skirt out at night and touring on one day. it was great, and cool, and I looked more dressed up, and felt better in it.
Reconsider the hoodies too. if you live in them here, then take one, but not two. They are bulky, and proabably won't dry well, but if you love them, then take the one.
A real lightweight nylon jacket will be fine for a light rain, or a cooler day when paired with your hoodie, or a sweater. There are jackets that fold into their pocket, very easy to pack in a carry on.
Take just 2 pairs of shoes, no more! one a little bit dressy IF you will go to nice places, if not, then just a pair of sandals and a pair of closed toe shoes is enough.
Remember - you have to schlep this stuff around, and it gets to be a pain.
simplify! simplify, simplify!!
USA Tue 09/06/2005
My list: 1 black & kaki pants, 1 long sleeve white short, 1 brick color polo shirt, 1 shorts sleave multi color shirt, 1 black T, I Cement color sweater, 1 nylon jacket (LLBean $29), 3 boxers, 1 undie T-shirt, 3 socks, camera, perssonel items, pulled apart guides, the useal passport and credit cards (I use Visa check cards)
I wear my outdoor look on the plane
Shoes are my stand-by Clarks (not sure of the model.
I take so little that I don't have to think about being organized.
USA Tue 09/06/2005
packing light
I have tried and I have tried...
my final list:
one dress pant, two dress shirts *one long sleeve one short sleeve
one casuaul pant which can be mixed with T shirts and the short sleeve dress shirt
one pair of jeans, and wear one pair
2 pairs of shorts
3 sleeveless shirts
5 t shirts, two of those can go well with with the casual pants
one light weight jacket that is nice enough to wear with the dress outfit
one nightclub outfit
one light weight rain proof jaket with hood
one walking pair of shoes
one dress shoes
and one pair of hiking boots that I can wear as walking shoes as well
I know I am probably way over packing for a month. I have reduced the load by about 6 things. I put everyting out and did the what can I NOT live without....
very though.
USA Tue 09/06/2005
Nan/Packing Light
There are several ways to approach it. One is, you have your bag, you can fit everything in it, so you've done what you wanted to do. Maybe you don't need to cull anything out.
In my case, I wear XL but I take things that aren't prone to wrinkles, and beyond that, I just don't worry about them.
If it were me, I would not be taking as many tops. I'd take some long sleeve and short sleeve and not worry about 3/4 length unless it's just a top I particularly like. I'd only take 3 or 4 tops total and a lightweight knit sweater or blazer or top of some sort to layer over if I get cool, and to stuff in my backpack if it's warm.
I'd make sure everything I took was easy-travel, meaning I'd already tested it for washing in Woolite in a sink and squeezing dry in a travel towel, then hanging to dry, so that at night I could wash things and not have to take so much.
I wouldn't take two hooded sweatshirts. I'd only take one. I don't take raincoats or umbrellas. My lightweight waterproof, breathable hooded jacket keeps me dry in the summer and warm and dry in the winter (layered over warmer clothes).
I only take two pair of shoes -- one pair of athletic shoes and one pair of "city" shoes that I've tested and know are very comfortable for walking distances. On a couple of trips those have been black leather laceups that look rather like trainers, and on other trips they've been slip-ons that are comfortable, but two pair of shoes has always been plenty.
Whatever you choose to do, have a wonderful trip!
USA Tue 09/06/2005
Weather Forecasts and Averages
For weather information in most any location around the world, try http://www.weather.com/. After looking up a city name, you can view a 10 day projected forecast, average temperatures and sunrise/sunset time for any time of the year. My husband travels frequently, and this has been a valuable tool for us in packing light so that he doesn't have to add in a lot of "what ifs" due to weather.
E
Atlanta, GA USA Tue 09/06/2005
Trying to pack lighter this week
I will be leaving for 2 weeks in Germany on Friday and I am trying to pack lighter than ever before. I've been reading all the tips here for a month. I am weighing everything and thinking light, but I know I won't come close to what most of you manage.
I've really streamlined my toiletry and hair equipment, but even still, their bags weigh 4 lb and 3 lb! In the past I took a second carryon suitcase for shoes and toiletries, but this time I plan to get everything into the 26" Kirkland bag (it's light)and no carry-on. (I know 26" sounds big, but I wear size L and like my clothes loose, so I need a bag at least 24" long to fold tops without wrinkles.) My only oversees experience is one week in Ireland last July, where I ended up wearing jeans almost every day and never used the nice clothes I took. But this trip we will spend several days in Berlin, Prague, and Munich and stay in hotels.
I plan to take 1 pair jeans and 3 Danskin nylon pants (black, khaki, and grey; lightweight and comfortable), one pair black gauchos (for warm days), and a black Chicos Traveler skirt for dressy. I am taking only knit tops, but I have set aside 4 lightwt elbow length ones, 3 nicer ones (3/4 sleeve), and 4 long sleeve med weight. (I probably should cut something if I can guess the weather!) I plan to take 2 zip-hooded sweatshirt jackets(my favorite garment; I used them daily in Ireland) and a light waterproof hooded parka. I am wondering if I should take a lightweight raincoat too (it was useful in Ireland) or if the pullover parka (over a sweatshirt jacket) will be enough.
I'm still undecided about what shoes to take for all the walking, stairs and wet slippery streets. I feel awkward in athletic shoes and I'm not used to rain outside of winter. (I usually take too many shoes but I'm getting better. Taking only black helps.) Any advice?
Things I learned in Ireland were that jeans can be worn many days, always have a waterproof jacket with you, and bring your own kleenex.
Nan
Santa Maria, Ca USA Tue 09/06/2005
Back Door Bags
This winter I had an accidental shampoo spill in my Back Door Bag. (Not the rolling kind -- the other kind.) I was at a B&B in Wales and was very frustrated as I saw the gunky soapy mess and wondered what I was going to do for the rest of the trip.
I took it into the bathroom and held it up to the sink and scrubbed with a washcloth, held it under running water, scrubbed more, held it under running water, until I figured I'd gotten out all the soap I could.
I took it back into my room and left it open on the floor, figuring the next morning I'd use my hair dryer to dry it.
The next morning it was DRY. No more probs.
When I got home I called the RS store and was told that I could machine launder the bag on low in cold water, if I took out the foam sizing. I did so, then spread it out to dry.
That bag that I've had since the early 90s looks brand new.
And it is still lighter than any other bag I own, and holds more! My very first line of offense in packing light is my RS Back Door Bag.
Patricia
Dallas, TX USA Mon 09/05/2005
washing needs
when i was in florida this past summer, i visited a K-mart that had a new product from Lander Essentials that can save space. it is called 3-in-1 bubble bath, shampoo and body wash. it is a a rather large bottle so i am putting some into a smaller leak-proof container and taking it with me the next time. it only cost me $2.67! in a pinch it could also be used as a "detergent," i suppose. its lavendar fragrance is not too strong!
harriet <email>
east orange, nj USA Mon 09/05/2005
packing light--plastic is it!
i do not bother with those travel bags that come with the luggage. when i am concerned about streamlining my belongings, i use plastic bags such as Ziploc bags than those quilted bags. (actually, i have used the zippered bags that curtains/draperies come in and i would normally discard). i do not have to worry about spillage and about how much room they take up or about how heavy they are. i only use those pretty quilted bags when i am going to be travelling by auto and the weight of my bags is not an issue.
also, in my carry on bag are all my toiletries and medicines and a change of clothing in case i am separated from my luggage due to airline error!
in order to identify my luggage as it comes off the carousel, i have bright orange tags made of heavy cardstock that i ordered years ago from a stationery company with my last name on them and business phone numbers. (i also put thse tags on the luggage of my travelling companion(s)while we are together so that we can retrieve luggage more quickly for each other.
i bought light grey luggage for the same reason and sprayed it heavily with Scotch Guard.[no one else had light grey!) the luggage was soiled but i was able to get the dirt off with a cloth and detergent quite easily.
these strategies worked for the two weeks i was in europe and for the two weeks i was in florida this summer.
harriet <email>
east orange, nj USA Mon 09/05/2005
Luggage Lockers?
We are looking to store a couple of bags for the day in London before we fly to Paris. Can anyone tell me what the best way to store luggage is? Do most train stations have luggage lockers? Do many hotels provide this service?
Thank you in advance,
Tanya
Tanya <email>
Minneapolis, MN USA Mon 09/05/2005
Disposable cameras
The disposable cameras can be snapped open at the seam with a key or nail clipper or screwdriver. Be careful not to get a shock from the battery. You can recycle the case, reuse the battery (short life) or recycle, and take the film cartridge home or develop the film locally. No lugging all the camera housing home! Try it before you go; it works.
Pat
San Diego, CA USA Sun 09/04/2005
Learning to pack light
I just returned from a 2 week vacation in Europe. One week was on a bike tour, the other just touring by train. I packed 2 pair bike shorts, 3 jerseys. 3 pairs of bike socks. Washed each night, dry the next day. For clothing I took, 5 t-shirts, 2 pairs capris, 4 pair undies. one pair socks for my athletic shoes (used for hiking) 1 skirt, 1 light sweater, one pair pj's. One pair sandals and of course my bike shoes. all this fit in an Eagle Creek ORV trunk. This is carry on size, but I checked it. I also took my Eagle Creek guide bag. This contained my digital camera, guide book, chapstick, ipod, hair comb and money/passport. I could have done the carry one, but I HATE the hassle of getting it in the overhead and carrying it down the isles of a plane. I took a small container of Woolite and used this to wash my undies/bra and the bike clothes. I didn't need to wash my capris, expect when I spilled ice cream down the front. It took just a few minutes to wash my stuff, as well as my husbands, in the sink each night. We had more than enough clothing! Dont' take your closet with you! YOu can always buy a cute t-shirt or top where you are as a souvenier!
USA Sun 09/04/2005
Just back from South Africa
I just returned from a 2 and a half week mission trip to South Africa. I did take an extra suitcase with mission supplies, but ALL my clothing and toiletries were in one rolling carry-on. I also had a backpack/purse that I carried my medications, reading material, inflatable pillow and camera in. I didn't necessarily have to separate them out. I could have left everything in the carry-on. I took three pairs of knit pants - two dark brown and one beige, five shirts, two button up shirts,and three jumper/dresses, 5 pair of underwear, 4 pairs of socks, 2 pair of brown tights, 1 warm pair of pajamas (winter in South Africa gets into the 30's and no central heat anywhere), 3 scarves, and one pair of brown clogs to wear mainly with the dresses. The rest of the suitcase was travel sized toiletries. I washed clothes once. We were in dusty/dirty conditions everyday, but the dark brown and beige never showed the dirt. I am soooo grateful for all the hints, tips and packing lite encouragement I found here. It really can be done! I was able to concentrate on the kids I was there to work with rather than lugging multiple suitcases from place to place.
Katherine
Denver, CO USA Sun 09/04/2005
packing
we are going to be away for a full month, we are doing no futher south than Paris but we are going as far north as Edinburgh.
USA Sun 09/04/2005
Packing
I am a notorious heavy packer and have learned over the years that you can get away with wearing an outfit more than once or twice. I bring along extra undies and socks as you never know when you are going to get caught by rainy weather or, like we did this time, take off into the ocean with our undies on as we were too lazy to walk back upto the car, grab our bathing wear, go change then go back down to the beach. It is very hard to wash things when you are on the move. Unless, you find a good laundromat where you are staying. I recommend taking 4 bottoms (jeans, esp. black are very durable and show no dirt and lightweight denim dries faster ), 5-7 tops, one or two walking shoes, sandals and enough undies and socks for everyday, unless you are staying for two weeks, then limit it to 10 and wash them half way through. I also recommend having a few clean undies/socks and a change of clothes ready in your bag for when you return as I have been delayed getting home and it's nice to have a clean set of clothes in case you have to spend an extra night in a hotel...it's what comes when you can miss your final connection home because the plane is late! As for the rest, the toiletries, you can bring enough to get you by or buy stuff there. I like to buy some things over there as it's fun and different. I don't tend to bring all my stuff on the plane either. I live in Canada, and the room that Canadian planes have is ridiculously small. I just retruned from the uK and was taking note of the room under the seat which is hindered by a frame so one person has to sit with their legs on either side of a metal bar. I'm 5'6'' and my knees were touching the seat in front of me!!! You could not get anything larger than a six-pack under the seat... The overhead bins were a little better, but, quite compact. Many people had small bags with them, like the ones you get as a set with a so-called wheeled carry - on. The first class was better. I walked up there to see how it was and the leg room was amazing! Where economy has three seats, they have two in the same space!! But, still quite cramped under the seat. I also like to take enough with me as the clothing over in UK is so expensive, as is everything. WE paid 14 pounds for breakfast for two at Little Chef!
Canada Sun 09/04/2005
On packing light...
You don't say how long you are going for, how many different places you are planning to stay, what time of year, etc. so it is hard to advise you about what to cut out. If you're only spending one night in each hotel, then taking along more clothing is sensible since washing socks, t-shirts, undies and so forth is less practical when you have to be out of the room in the morning. Seven seems like an awful lot of t-shirts, though; I've traveled for a month with four, and I know folks who think they can get by with even fewer. And you might think about substituting a pair of black pants for one of the sets of jeans, since they can pass for casual to dressy depending on the top you wear them with--then you can dispense with one of the dress outfits.
Bottom line is that packing light is an option, not the law. I found the first time I traveled to Europe that I was too weighed down with my stuff and the next time I went I packed a lot lighter. Each time I go I figure out how to get by with less--of course, the older I get the less enthusiatic I am about dragging heavy luggage around! But don't worry if you find that you can't travel as lightly as some others here on the list. It's all about what works for you.
JER
USA Sun 09/04/2005
bags, packing...
I am having a hard time packing light now that it comes down to it....
I am sure we are taking too many sock and underwear...and too many t shirts....each of us are taking
two dress oufits, one is more casual, some nightclub wear..all of it can be intermatached,
2 pairs of jeans
2 shorts
7 t shirts
one dress shoes
two walking shoes (one we will wear on the plane)
we will be checking in one 21 inch roller case, one 26 inch roller duffle and one regular tote bag that will be checked if the airline will not allow it on.
a camera backpack, more of a daypack backpack as carryons
I could cut down a few things here and there but I just can not seem to get it cut down much more than that.
We have tested the weight lifting the bags overhead ect and we can handle them fine.
USA Sun 09/04/2005
hard shell eyeglass case
The hard shell eyeglass case I got at Wal Mart seems to be pretty well-sealed when it is closed. My purse fell off our boat into the lake last week, and my hard shell eyeglass case was the only thing that was not wet inside. Not that anyone here is planning on throwing their purse into the Rhine, but I just thought I'd share...
M
USA Sat 09/03/2005
Sturdy storage for small items
Christina: What a great idea! You can also find glasses cases at Dollar Tree or the Dollar Spot at Target. I have also used plastic soap bar cases for the same purpose, as well as the tiny cases with dividers you can find in the fishing section or sewing areas of WalMart
Phoebe
FL USA Sat 09/03/2005
sturdy storage for small items
I've found that a hard shell eyeglass case is a fine way to carry jewelery and small items, and a copy of passport and other vital papers. It is virtually uncrushable and probably not very tempting to a thief since they assume only specs inside. Look for them at a thrift store--they can be had for just pennies.
Christina
Seattle, USA Sat 09/03/2005
Cheap travel clothes and Guidebook Surgery
I'm a long time fan of Chico's Travellers line of clothes, which I assume are similar to styles sold by Magellans, TravelSmith, and Lands End. These clothes can be pretty expensive though. However, I've recently found that Wal-Mart has a line of clothes made from the same material and every item is priced less than $20.
Also, my solution to "guidebook surgery", which I posted on the creative extras page, is to punch holes in my unbound guides, and to use small binder rings to only pack the sections I need for my trip. Each day, I change out which sections I have with me (though for a given country, I always keep introductory chapter with me). When I get home, I can still keep the whole book together on large rings.
Ashley <email>
TN USA Fri 09/02/2005
Buy two, cut one up
Not everyone wants to spend $35 - $40 buying 2 guide books - that's wasteful! And please do not assume we all spend "lots of money" on a trip. Packing light can also mean "paying light"! Save the cash for fun stuff!
USA Fri 09/02/2005
Sue - add to your comments
Good ideas...but for the novice, Fleece is great, but like you said, will smell mustly and takes a while to dry (depending on the weight) I'd suggest you still use fleece, but bring a lightweight nylon wind jacket to wear over the fleece. this will keep it dry (so you won't have to wash it) and will keep you warmer too. fleece doesn't protect you from rain or wind...but it can be warm! Perhaps a fleece vest and a nylon jacket are a better combination for people traveling in the fall/winter/spring months of the year. Remember the motto: LAYER!
Thanks for the great education, you had good points to be made!
USA Thu 09/01/2005
Packing for Business & Pleasure
I so wanted to pack light with nothing checked, but the 1st leg of my trip was for business. (1 week working in Wiesbaden + 2 weeks touring Germany & surrounding areas). I checked a large bag w/my business materials in it and used my wheeled computer backpack and a small day pack as carry-ons. At the conclusion of business, I shipped some of my business supplies back home and transferred my touring stuff to my wheeled computer backpack and my daypack. I left my large checked bag & laptop computer at a friend's house in Wiesbaden, so I didn't take it on the touring leg of the trip. I made sure that my business clothes, could double as touring clothes (skirts & light weight shirts).
Lessons Learned... Lesson #1 Skip shorts - I ended up bringing 2 pairs of shorts that I never wore (most of the trip was cold & rainy even though it was August)...On warmer days in Italy, I ended up wearing short skirts instead of shorts (mental note..next time skip the shorts altogether).
Lesson #2 - Fleece does not air dry fast. The only jacket/sweater that brought was a hooded fleece jacket and due to the coolness and rain, I wore it a lot. While I borrowed a friend's washing machine & dryer after business week 1, it needed washing again after week 2. I washed it in the sink at the hotel (like I did w/the rest of my clothes), but it took 2 days to dry & ended up smelling musty. I ended up purchasing a lighter weight jacket in France. I need recommendations on a good light weight jacket that air drys quickly.
Lesson #3 - Get a good quality bag. The wheeled computer backpack, ended up having the handle break a few days into the trip. In France, in addition to the jacket, I purchased a new carry-on size bag to use in place of the backpack.
Lesson #4 - A lightweight blanky, can help camouflage things left in a rental car. Sometimes while sightseeing, we wanted to leave things in the car. For example, I like to wear flip flops while driving, but walk in Dansko's or cross trainers. When we'd get out of the car to go sightseeing, our luggage was safely hidden away in the trunk space of the car, but we'd put a light weight blanky on the backseat floor or seat over my flip flops, maps, & tour books so it didn't look like we were tourists or had anything of interest in the car, except a blanky.
Sue <email>
Abingdon, MD USA Thu 09/01/2005
Buy two, cut up one
I always chop up my guide books and take only the parts I need to save weight and just buy a second copy for a keepsake. Come on, you're going to spend a lot of money on the trip--is it really going to break the bank to buy another guide book???
USA Wed 08/31/2005
in defense of cheap disposable cameras!
Regarding the disposable camera thing- creating elaborate "scrapbooks" after a big European trip takes me months and a lot of pleasure (personally, that is)- often I take photos just for the purpose of cutting them out later...a weird tree, a random statue. Granted you can do all that with a digital, too. But I really like not having the stress of worrying about a fancy camera, recharging batteries or the memory disk failing somewhere in the process. So, I started out with about 10 disposables, including a panoramic kind, rattling in my carry-on, it's true- but then, I used one- hour photo places as I went and could just pack them flat. I suppose you could also mail them home to yourself. It was also nice to write on the backs when it was still fresh in my mind in the hotel at night- and I put the ripped-out guidebook pages (with history, etc) right in the big envelope, too.
USA Wed 08/31/2005
Travel & Guide Books
A tip I had posted a while back: take your books to a place like Target Copy or Kinkos and have the pages cut and punched with 3 holes. Place in a small 3-ring binder if you want to keep everything neat and tidy. Take only the pages you need and save some weight - without ripping your books into shreds.
Someone else suggested having a stretchy binding put in. That sounds like a good idea, too, but harder to re-insert pages later.
Phoebe
FL USA Wed 08/31/2005
Here is useful info for selecting a dig camera and cards:
Which flash memory card is right for you?
Start by finding the right flash memory format for your electronic device. The format type (form factor) is the most important part of selecting the right flash memory card for your electronic device, but it's also the easiest because the Crucial Memory Advisor has already done this step for you! The Memory Advisor report above lists the flash cards guaranteed to be compatible with your device.
Determine the right capacity for your needs. The capacity of the card, or how many megabytes (MB) it can store, is mainly a matter of personal preference. In general, higher-capacity cards (with more megabytes) can store more data. Some people prefer larger capacities so that they don't have to worry about running out of space. High-capacity cards make a lot of sense if you plan to transfer your photos or files to a hard drive and reuse your flash card over and over. You'll also want a large-capacity card if you plan to take high-resolution photos or if you work with large files.
Some people like to buy the smaller-capacity cards and store their photos and files on the card permanently. Many people with digital cameras find that having several smaller-capacity cards makes it easier to organize their photos. You can label your cards "Joe's wedding" or "Trip to Hawaii" for easy retrieval. Some people also feel safer using the smaller-capacity cards. For example, if you store all of your photos from your trip to Europe on one high-capacity card, you'll probably be pretty upset if you lose that card. If you have your photos on a lot of smaller-capacity cards, it's less of a disaster if you lose one.
Flash for your digital camera When buying flash cards for your digital camera, remember that the higher your camera's resolution, the fewer photos a card can store. Many cameras come with just 16MB flash cards. If you take high-resolution photos, your card will fill up after just a few shots.
How many pictures can I fit on a flash card? It's only natural - we buy regular film based on the number of exposures it will hold, so we expect to purchase "digital film" the same way. But unlike film, it's difficult to predict exactly how many photos you can fit on a flash card. The file size for one photo depends on a number of factors:
Resolution. The higher the resolution, the bigger the file. Compression. Your camera may give you the option of choosing a compression format (for example JPEG or TIFF) or taking uncompressed photos. Uncompressed files are the largest, and compression formats vary in size. Colors. RGB photos (format for viewing on a monitor) are three times as big as black-and-white photos, and CMYK photos (format for printing) are four times as big as black-and-white. Your camera model and the shooting conditions. Each camera gives slightly different results, and you may even get a different number of photos per card based on the subject you are shooting and the current light conditions.
Use the chart below as a general guideline to find out how many pictures a card can hold:
By default, most digital cameras will use their highest possible resolution with best possible image quality. While this produces the best possible photos, it also means each image takes up more space on the flash memory card, decreasing the number of images you can save on your card.
5 megapixel (2,592 x 1,944)
Quality File size (kb) 64MB 128MB 256MB 512MB 1GB
High 2,503 24 49 99 209 409
Medium 1,395 43 88 177 376 728
Low 695 136 274 548 754 1,426
4 megapixel (2,272 x 1,704)
Quality File size (kb) 64MB 128MB 256MB 512MB 1GB
High 2,002 30 61 122 244 512
Medium 1,116 54 110 210 470 910
Low 556 136 274 472 943 1,726
3 megapixel (2,048 x 1,536)
Quality File size (kb) 64MB 128MB 256MB 512MB 1GB
High 1,602 38 76 154 327 655
Medium 893 68 137 276 587 1,174
Low 446 136 274 548 1,176 2,351
2 megapixel (1,600 x 1,200)
Quality File size (kb) 64MB 128MB 256MB 512MB 1GB
High 1,002 61 122 244 523 1,046
Medium 558 109 219 440 940 1,879
Low 278 217 435 868 1,886 3,772
USA Wed 08/31/2005
Tear up your Travel Books
I don't like to write in books, much less tear pages out so I was a late convert to this tip for traveling light. Bottom line is I found that I wanted the latest and greatest travel guide anyway for a repeat trip. Would I use my 2001 RS Guide to England for a trip some years in the future? No - so I did tear out 1/2 the book and 1/2 of another guide with more detail on the West Country. With all the picture books, postcards, and other souveniers, I am glad not to carry back a now out of date travel guide!
Karen
Atlanta, GA USA Wed 08/31/2005
Using the internet to travel lighter
I load up my yahoo! e-mail accounts with info before leaving for a trip. It saves time at the internet cafe, and saves weight in my bag. I can carry less paper. I save e-mails from reservations and anything else that might come in handy. Sometimes I send myself e-mails from one account to the other with needed info. My yahoo! "addresses" contains e-mail, mailing and phone info for employer, relatives, dentist, etc, so I have that if I need it.
USA Wed 08/31/2005
What is really helpful....is watching RS's 43 shows on CD....make notes as you're viewing....decide on a time line....then go and have fun....ETBD....:)
Really helps to narrow down your likes and dislikes...this in the long run will save you a lot of cash..
Another idea....buy all the RS's items you want and need....then take a short overnight trip....prcatice - practice - practice....and....we start our work and conditioning program 30-45 day before our departure....being in decent shape is good and you'll have more fun...!
USA Tue 08/30/2005
photos and towels
Went to England this summer, had a wonderful time, but packed too heavy and the wrong things. (It was blazing hot there the week before I left, then turned cool and rainy on arrival -- so all my shorts and tank tops were useless!)
I had thought to save on battery power and worry by using cheap disposable cameras, rather than a digital camera. In my case that turned out to be a mistake. What I spent on disposable cameras plus developing costs would have paid for half a cheap digital camera already, and I wouldn't have lugged a bag full of seven or eight finished cameras home with me.
I skipped the towel, but that turned out to be a bad idea when the hostel turned out not to have any! but towels are so big and heavy... :/
Elizabeth <email>
Seattle, WA USA Tue 08/30/2005
ok..
ok that is not bad...at least you save. I guess I like the copying as I can get rid of them as I go and reduce the amount of useless paper
USA Tue 08/30/2005
I do the cutting board thing when my new guide arrives....I add one more step....I file all my sections in an indexed 5 x 8 file box....ready for a trip pull out the sections you'll need.....add post-it notes on serveral pages for travel and photography notes...saves carrying a journal....used sections then are put into zip-lock bags....!
USA Tue 08/30/2005
guidebook
I dont' understand the guide book surgury....you are destroying a valuable book, one you can use again on another trip....wheat I is scan and copy the pages....if you don't have a sanner photocopy them....
USA Tue 08/30/2005
Guidebook Surgery
Tour books are so necessary, but can be heavy. I do surgery on mine and take only the parts I'll need... why should I carry a section on Provence if I'll only be in northern France? Open book on cutting board & cut with utility knife or razor blade right through the binding. The binding should stay intact & hold pages together. If it loosens put library tape around the binding. I've just reduced 5 tourbooks to 1/5 their original weight. We'll be biking in France for 6 weeks and I'm no Lance Armstrong. Last trip my total weight carried in panniers for 5 weeks was 17 lb., using the approach that on the coldest day you wear everything you brought. Packing light made the trip possible for me and wonderful fun.
Judy White
Ashland , OH USA Tue 08/30/2005
My next venture will be to take my Mac ibook loaded with 1.2 gig of ram, Photoshop Elements and my Canon A520 digital camera w/2 1 gig Crucial memory cards. I like the Canon's because they use AA's.. Crucial now offers a 2 gig memory card for the Canon. I've sent my order in :).
www.crucial.com
USA Mon 08/29/2005
Back Door Bag Packing Photos
I forgot to say, from this URL you can click through to three more pages of packing photos (and our photos from the trip, too):
http://homepage.mac.com/patriciaburroughs/Personal12.html
Patricia
Dallas, TX USA Mon 08/29/2005
Winter Travel in One Bag
I don't know about the compression bags, but having traveled in the UK in winter three times (and in March the fourth) I can say that I had no problem using the Back Door bag as a carry on, and taking one personal-sized bag as well.
The key is avoiding those bulky sweaters and things. We took the silk-weight and medium weight thermals I mentioned in a different entry. We wore them under our clothes and they kept us really warm. Even when I was in London and we went to the theater, I was wearing those thermals under a black knit easy-dry pant suit that I bought from Magellan's that year (I washed it once on the trip and hung it to dry, and it was dry the next morning). My clothes may have appeared less warm to the casual observer, but they were great.
I bought a warm wool sweater on one of the trips, not so much because I needed it (I actually didn't) but for the memory, and I admit I have taken it back with me twice, but that's because I make a point of having clothes that pack so compactly in an Eagle Creek Packit Folder, I have plenty of room to add the sweater. (I have also taken it over my arm onto the plane, and then put it on when I got off in the UK, where it was cold enough to wear it.)
I like the Eagle Creek Pack It folder a lot -- it does compress, but I've never tried the compression bags. One word of caution -- the goal isn't to stuff as much as you can into that bag and make it so heavy it's a burden and leave no room for bringing back things.
You don't have to wear bulky clothes to stay warm in the UK. I've found clothes from Eddie Bauer, Travelsmith, Magellan's, etc. for travel, but my favorites are still from REI.
My husband and I generally spend our time in the countryside and smaller villages and cathedral cities, and we've never felt out of place wearing what is essentially hiking gear (microfiber slacks that are simlar to cargo pants and guide shirts). And these are perfect for travel because they're easy to wear over a thermal layer, or alone, depending on the weather. They were created for people who are hiking and may wade through streams or get caught in the rain, and need clothes that will dry quickly and not rub and chafe and stay wet forever the way cotton -- especially jeans -- will. (I admit, we each take a pair of jeans with us anyway.)
This is the style shirt:
http://www.rei.com/product/47633778.htm?vcat=REI_SSHP_MENS_CLOTHING_TOC
And pants:
http://www.rei.com/product/47687837.htm?vcat=REI_SSHP_MENS_CLOTHING_TOC
He wears them most weekends and a friend of mine just asked me Sunday, "He always looks so put together -- why can't he just wear a t-shirt and jeans and be a slob with the rest of us?" Ha!
Anyway, everybody has different ways of handling it, but this works for us. I posted this once before -- I guess I will again. Last March I took photos of my things as I packed to show how they fit in the bag:
http://homepage.mac.com/patriciaburroughs/Personal12.html
And finally (sorry this is so long!) my experience with Magellan's, Travelsmith, etc. is that they aren't always quite as easy-care as they claim, but whenever I've been dissatisfied they have refunded my money, no questions asked. I recommend trying out things in advance. That's how I figured out what would fit well and truly be easy-care. Some of the things I've ordered through the years from Travelsmith, etc., I've kept and worn and enjoyed even though I didn't think they were as travel-friendly as I wanted. Others, I've simply returned.
Patricia
Dallas, TX USA Mon 08/29/2005
I think one of the reasons I was personally able to "do" 45 days in a small wheeled bag (with the RS soft day pack over my shoulder)was that it was summer and I could frequently hang things to dry from a chair or balcony in the sun when we stayed somewhere longer than one day. Plus tank tops and light skirts instead of bulkier sweaters. Which leads to my question: do those compression bag things really work? Once you are actually traveling, that is, versus just managing to get more stuff in the little bag.I do have to say that it was REALLY liberating to just have the one small bag to wrestle up or down the narrow metal train steps and then search for an empty compartment. Just getting from place to place is stressful enough, for me!
USA Mon 08/29/2005
Packing Lite for 45 days
My daughter and I each had a Rick Steves Expandable Wheeled Bag and an Eagle Creek Transport EXP Daypack for our 45 day trip. Thankfully, each were expandable! I took 4 outfits one of which I was wearing. If I had it to do over I would take 5 outfits.
We did send souvenirs home from time to time. All we carried around with us were our necessities.
It was not easy. When we traveled each bag was FULL. When you are traveling on trains every 4-5 days...the number of bags MUST be limited to one. It is possible to pack lite.
JB
CA USA Mon 08/29/2005
My favorite places to purchase my wardrobe: Travel Smith, LL Bean, and Cabelas. Products and service have always been number one....never any short cuts in quality or service.
USA Mon 08/29/2005
Layer, layer, layer!
The key to traveling through different climates is to layer, layer, layer. Light layers for warm weather, and add warmer layers when needed. Light weight thermals are my favorite way to address that -- whether camping or traveling in the UK in the winter.
For women, Cuddle Duds is one brand; also REI and other sporting goods places have silk-weight "long johns" and t-shirts (short or long-sleeved) that aren't visible under your clothing but truly do keep you warm. And they take up very little room, unlike bulky winter-weight clothes.
Patricia
TX USA Sun 08/28/2005
andrew...good points
packing light for a few weeks is not an issue for me but paking light for a month...now that is a different story....I am really trying my best to do this. but with two dress outfits, some warm clothing because we are hitting a few different climates...it is not easy
USA Sun 08/28/2005
Campmor Bag
I purchased the Campmor bag mentioned below 2 years ago. My teenage daughter used it for a 2 week trip around Ireland and thought it was great. I have used it myself for a few short domestic trips. My only complaint is that if you choose to use the shoulder strap and NOT use it as a backpack, it hangs in such a way as to feel unbalanced. It can hold a huge amount of clothes and other stuff but putting things like shoes, books, toiletries, etc., especially into the front pockets, really makes it fall forward. Of course, at that price, it is worth purchasing and seeing if it works for you, and again, I am amazed at how much it can hold.
Karen
Atlanta, GA USA Sat 08/27/2005
Campmore vs. Back Door?
http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=49527&memberId=12500226
Thanks for that link, Andrew. It would be interesting to see how the two compare side by side. That's a great price. I notice that it's the same size but has 325 more cubic inches interior space than the BD bag.
My BD bag has taken me to Europe four times, and made various other trips in the US in the interim, both by air and auto. And it still looks brand new. I love it without qualification.
But that Campmor looks like it might be a good alternative for someone on a tighter budget. Have you had both bags?
LA USA Fri 08/26/2005
Tricks for packing lite - men
Here's my solution for men. 1 bag similar to Rick's Bags.
Cheaper version:
http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=49527&memberId=12500226
3 plastic hangers. Carry them in the insert where the backpack straps are, you probably won't use the straps anyway.
1 pair of good walking shoes. You wear them. 2 pair of jeans in the colder months, one worn, one packed. One pair in summer, one or 2 pair of shorts. 2 pair of coolmax/other socks that are easily washable in the sink. 3 pair of boxer shorts, lightest weight fabric (poly/cotton blend for comfort/drying ability, think JC Penney). 2 or 3 T-shirts, similar fabric, wearable alone or layered (black or white, depending on your mood). 1 or 2 long sleeve shirts for colder months, for layering, of material that dries easily for best results. For outerwear, lightweight material that can layer, and which you can wear on the plane.
That's it. You can find a place to wash your jeans (and everything else if you find a good place), as needed, and if lucky you can buy fabreeze to extend the time. Wash your socks and 2 pair of boxers, hang to dry, while you sleep in the 3rd pair. On alternate days, wash and hang your t-shirts. Plan to buy most toiletries when you get there. 300 million Europeans after all exist without importing their basic needs from the U.S.
I also like to pack my clothes in a seperate minimal size duffel bag that fit's inside the bigger bag, makes it lighter to carry 2 bags everyplace but on the plane, where you can then put the smaller bag inside the large compartment of the larger bag. Lastly, insert a very light weight back pack in the larger bag (again the compartment for the back straps works fine) if you can't take a smaller carry-on on the plane, otherwise put your essentials in it and put it on your back, and stuff your outerwear into the pack once on-board.
Lite works, trust me. And, if you need it there, you can buy it, trust me. I agree with many posters, don't be an ugly American and dump your used underwear in Europe, they don't want it, including the maids. Get a grip...
Andrew Lee
Arlington, VA USA Thu 08/25/2005
Love the Backdoor Bag
Hi, Mike in TX. I think people appreciate different things in bags. I appreciate that the Back Door Bag does NOT have lots of zippers and compartments.
I kept buying all sorts of bags with compartments that seemed better thought out and more organized, but every time I tried to pack them I would find myself not able to fit my things into the compartments or a compartment had room left over and nothing the right size to fit in it. I was working a puzzle trying to fit stuff in, and it never fit. Instead of putting things in in a way that made sense, I was just having to find a way to make them fit whether it made sense or not.
I have never used the Back Door Bag as a backpack. I use it has a shoulder bag, and shift it from one shoulder to the other as needed, or let it rest on the ground with my hand still holding the shoulder strap if I'm standing still. If I were a true backpacker I might have a greater appreciation for the kinds of backpacks you recommend.
But for me, the bags with all the compartments, zippers, bells and whistles stay home and my RS bag goes everywhere with me. It doesn't waste any space with dividers, compartments, etc. It's all usable space, and my things all fit in with room left over to spare.
Patricia
TX USA Wed 08/24/2005
Daypack/tote controversy
Local people probably aren't spending the whole day walking around far from their home, needing to carry lunch, a jacket, a camera, and so forth. Travelers who are going to be walking or standing all day need to carry their things in whatever way is most practical, convenient, and unlikely to cause injury. In San Francisco, locals also use backpacks, because this is a city of walkers and bus-riders. It's all a matter of common sense. If you prefer a tote, use a tote. If you prefer a backpack, use that. Anyone who thinks less of you because of how you carry your belongings or purchases isn't worth knowing anyway.
Meg Rosenfeld <email>
Santa Rosa/San Francisco, CA USA Wed 08/24/2005
Avoid the backdoor bag
REI makes travel packs which are also carry-on size and which have detachable day-packs but are also more comfortable to wear, and better thought out that the RS bag (i.e. lots of zippers, compartments, clips & straps etc.). I granted Rick advocates using his bag for trekking around train stations and small towns not for hiking in the mountains but the bag still should have been designed with comfort & functionality in mind since it is advertised as a backpack. Also, the "Rick Steves" logos written all over his bags can be embarrassing when others see them. All the effort to not look like a tourist when all they have to do is look at your pack...
Mike
TX USA Wed 08/24/2005
Knapsack vs tote
I know a knapsack marks me as a tourist, and that a tote looks cooler, but I damaged a knee walking the Boston Freedom Trail with a tote hanging off one shoulder. The knapsack evens the load out over all my old muscles and joints.
Alice
Stoughton, WI USA Wed 08/24/2005
Dressy outfit for packing light
We just returned from 22 days in London, Germany, Venice and Rome. I packed a knee length poly crepe print skirt (they're very popular this year). This paired with a tank style sweater or short sleeve shirt and strappy dansko sandles saw me through dressier dinners. The different colors in the print matched all my tops. Itwas easy to hand wash and dried wrinkle free in a few hours.
Nanci
Seattle, WA USA Wed 08/24/2005
Scotland
I'm in Scotland as I write this. Tourists are obvious as they carry knapsacks around with them. Locals carry totes. Take vitamins in film canisters and label them. No one here wears trainers. EVERYONE in jeans, except the older set. Very blustery yet sunny and warm. A light coat/shell is very useful. Canadian charter airline will only allow ONE bag. That's it. One bag only, no personal bags/handbags. The Rick Steves bag I took is pack three qurters full and weighed about 15 pounds and it had to be checked. I was miffed. My mother tried to bring her wheeled case and tote and had to check her wheeled case.
Lots of laundry places. Cheap and effective. Buy soap here. Buy toiletries here. Bring lots of undies and socks. I wear my clothes for at least two days in a row. Do laundry and postcards at same time...otherwise, I mever get my postcards done!
USA Wed 08/24/2005
Take Ziplock bags!
Always take a few extra ziplock bags with you. They come in so handy to keep small things together, keeping damp clothes away from the dry and for throwing away a banana peel when you can't find a readily available trash can. I also use them to comparmentalize my things. For example I keep my toothpaste and toothbrush together so I don't have to search for them when I'm on the plane. I do the same in keeping my blow-up RS pillow, nightmask and earplugs for sleeping on the plane. It is also handy in keeping your film and camera together or loose postcards from getting lost in your bag. There are a million uses for them.
Brad <email>
Portland, OR USA Tue 08/23/2005
Travel is required for my job....I can go 7-9 days with the RS bag....what has worked for me....I purchased an entire wardrobe for travel ONLY...since I only meet with 1-2 clients and have 2-3 meetings (never in front of the same people or clients)...here's my list....I blue suit sport coat - you purchase the pants and jacket as seps...I wear one the plane.....2 pr of blue matching pants....also where one pair on the plane....Black dress belt.... on the plane...Black dress shoes - one the plane...2 white dress shirts (1 long sleeve with frenchies and one regular) no button downs - one on the plane...2 Blue shires...(1 long sleeve button down and one short sleeve fly away....Three ties...casual stuff: 1 pr of cargo pants, brick color polo shiret (can be worn with suit or dress pants), 1 pr of Rockport walkers (black)...4 sets of underware, socks, 1 gray undershirt and 1 white...1 T-shiret and shorts for workiing out and laying around in the room....Rockports double as a work shoe...sometime I take a Travel Smith multi-colored sweater....usually fall, winter, and early spring...I have my Mac laptop, contact numbers, pass port, credit cards, drivers lic.....
That's about all I take for 9 days or so....recently returned from 13 days out....never spent a dime on laundty....did buy a new tie and work out T-shirt
Travel lite and travel well
USA Tue 08/23/2005
Traveling in Italy
Four women and I spent two weeks in Italy last October and I used the RS carry on bag. What a surprise when I discovered I could pack for two weeks in it. I took 3 pairs of pants, several mix and match shirts, one sweater, 3 pairs of shoes (one were slip on that were easy to take off at airports), old underwear that I threw away each day, 2 bras (washed at night) and 6 pairs of socks. My makeup was simple so that fit in a seperate little bag. I did not use the RS backpack. I had my own that was very useful for my books, passport and anything else that I wanted to be able to put my hands on quickly.
Pat <email>
Glendale, AZ USA Tue 08/23/2005
The RS bag is designed to be a carry on....then....you can free your hands by converting it to limited use back pack....Steve never intended the design and configuration to be a full time REI style backpack...
USA Tue 08/23/2005
Avoid the Rick Steve's backpack
If you want a backpack avoid buying the Rick Steves bag, go to REI and get a real backpack. I have been to Europe twice with Rick's bag and have found it to be useful as luggage but lacking as a backpack. There is a lack of padding on the waist straps and no internal frame which prevents the pack from effectively distributing the weight off your shoulders and onto your hips. Also, the fact that the bag doesn't come included with a detachable daypack makes inferior to the other travel packs on the market.
Mike <email>
Denton, TX USA Tue 08/23/2005
Carry- on convert
Just back from a month in Italy with just a wheeled carry- on bag. We made our return flights ONLY because we had no checked baggage to deal with! The RS backpack was very useful- the front pocket for stuff like toilet paper (you will need it!) and hand sanitizer (ditto!), the middle one for the ripped- out guidebook pages to use that day and the largest free for the day's purchases, etc. Happy travels!
Sara
USA Sun 08/21/2005
I get ALL of my small travel storage bottles from REI....not the cheapest....but....they stock the onezies and twozies...for meds and vits...I have the DR hand write me an inventory on a single RX sheet...that list how how many I'm starting out with and the dosages....I keep this with my important travel papers.,...saves a ton of space and protects you against any questions that may be asked....!
USA Sun 08/21/2005
money
Couples (or twosomes) should consider each carrying half the money; also, we each sign half the traveler's checks, so if anything goes wrong, one still has money! Or, God forbid, if one person cannot sign the checks or go to the bank!
Gma Traveler
Tucson, AZ USA Sat 08/20/2005
Space saving vitamins
I take about 6 different vitamins/supplements a day.
If I were to pack the full size bottles, I would have NO room for clothes. So, I make a color copy of the front of the bottles (mine have a picture of the pill) put it in a little ziploc with the amount of pills I need for the trip. I have a bunch of empty plastic bags at the end of my trip that I can 1) throw away or 2)put something else in to bring home.
I have traveled to Germany and Japan and never had a problem with this. I do take my mediciations in the original containers though. Always carry medications ON the plane...not in checked luggage.
Ann
Manteca, CA USA Sat 08/20/2005
Vitamins
Several brands have small sealed single packs with several different vitamins in them to save space.
I have the pharmacy make me up Ziplocs that have my Prescription sticker on them so I can carry a small amount instead of a huge bottle if I'm just going away for a few days.
Stephanie's Tips - I too mark down when I start using a product to see how long it last for travel - I just mark it on my calendar.
I'm always testing products to see what works best, saves space and still keeps me in my comfort level.
I think all products should come in a travel/test size!!
Nalgene no leak bottles are the best - I try to leave products in the original container if possible unless its just too big.
Happy & Save Travels to all
USA 8-)
USA Fri 08/19/2005
We've found that you can also send mail to yourself at your next hotel....they already know that you'll be arriving,,,,and,,,you you already have their address and,,,,,they know your name....!
USA Fri 08/19/2005
MALING STUFF HOME
Mailing stuff home can be quite expensive. A cheaper alternative is to mail it to yourself in the city you will be departing from. If you can, find a post office close to your final hotel stay--it may be less busy than the main post office--address the mail to yourself, (you may want to include your passport number in the address), find out the local term for general delivery and the postal code for the post office you want to use. Of course, you'll want to make sure the post office will be open during the time
you'll be there!
leslie
richmond, ca USA Fri 08/19/2005
souvenirs
I tend to buy books and postcards when I travel. Local histories or guide books to historic sites are great reminders and those postcard photographers take way better photos thatn I do. Paper is heavy. So, I've started mailing stuff home. Depending where I am I may get home before my packages but it another great adventure when they arrive. I bought a new raincoat in England and mailed the one I brought with me home. And when I was in Europe in November one year I did my Chirstams shopping and sent the gifts from there. Postage varies but I found, especially in England, the postmistress is very helpful in getting your packages home the cheapest way. Remember, post offices are very leary of sending things without a return address. I used one of my relatives but that friendly B&B might work, too.
Winnie
Vancouver, BC Canada Thu 08/18/2005
These days I really don't think it's a good idea to travel with UNLABLED tablets of any description !!!
If you take prescription meds - carry them in the bottle they were packed and carry a copy of the prescription too. As for vitamins just get a "one a day" multivitamin -- or go without -- for all you know you will be OK with that and save lots of space :)
Jackie
Perth , Australia Thu 08/18/2005
Unmarked vitamins no problem leaving the US
Three times in the past two years I've brought unlabeled pills (vitamins, ibuprofen, upset tummy meds) in a divided pill box. Not once have I had them looked at or questioned. But coming back into the USA might be a very different matter.
I've always assumed that if I were questioned about the pills I'd cheerfully give them up to whatever officials wanted them. So, don't bring unlabeled pills unless you're content to have them discarded if need be. For me, the convenience and lightness of one oill container outweighs the chance that I'll lose them all and have to replace them in Europe.
USA Wed 08/17/2005
Unmarked Vitamins
I am leaving for a 22 day trip to France, Spain, and Italy on Saturday. I just realized that over this time period, I will surely have to bring quite a few Vitamins. Bringing all of the vitamins in their respective bottles just takes up too much space. I tried putting them in separate baggies and then have them grouped together in a zip lock bag. Needless to say, it looks like I am smuggling Ecstasy or something...has anyone ever dealt with this issue before? Have you traveled with unmarked Vitamins and encountered any issues?
Heather <email>
Denver, USA Wed 08/17/2005
Stephanie's Tips ;-)
Francis, OMG! That's terrible that a bag BROKE YOUR collarbone! I actually am quite small -I am under 5 ft. tall! - but I always am able to manage my own bags and put up/take down baggage from the overhead. Yes, I am the one standing on the seat so that I don't hit anyone and I can always control my bag! If I can't, I don't take it or I check it!
I always test products, "leak proof bottles, and sizes of toiletries before I leave. For example, a travel sized Degree for women deoderant lasts about 2.5 weeks with a (yes) two armpit application each day! ;-) For what it's worth. It helps me to understand what size of product I need to take with me for my trip.
I also know the amount of shampoo, facial cleanser, body, wash, and lotion that my husband and I would go through in a certain period of time. It takes us about 2 weeks to go through a travel shampoo.
It's funny -- I'm always putting different sizes in our shower so we can test it out. I write the "begin" date down on a notebook and go until we run out! Seems anal and bizarre - but we appreciate it when we travel though!
The other tip that I have is one lotion for body and face. Saves room, time, and thought process.
Everything matches either brown or black. I base my wardrobe around 1 pair of brown shoes and one pair of black sandals (both leather). Red matches both...so does blue.
I also bring lightweight shirts to layer under the (same) 2 heavier sweaters/coats/jackets (in red/black/brown). I am done with wearing my red sweater for about 3 months when I get home, but I'm happy when travelling! I usually don't do laundry, and I usually carry on. Plan well, pack well, and travel well!
I trade magazines and books with other travelers to lighten my "entertainment load".
I think that this is great conversation. Having travelled for business for years, I can't imagine a better subject than "packing light"!
Stephanie
Columbus, OH USA Wed 08/17/2005
1 bag saves lots of grief
Just returned from 3 weeks in Europe, took a internal framed backpack only, which worked great. I saw many people in Paris struggling with 3 pieces of baggage and felt very sorry for them. It's a very comforting thought, that everything you need is in your 1 backpack and moneybelt.
WA USA Tue 08/16/2005
If you pack it, move it yourself.
Stephanie is right about managing your own luggage.
A couple of years ago, a woman who apparently found some body builder to load her suitcase in the overhead dropped her gazillion pound load on me as she pulled it down from the overhead and broke my collar bone. Lucky for me, I was on my way home...this injury would have caused me some serious grief while on vacation.
Francis
PA USA Tue 08/16/2005
I'm with Phoebe. I lived overseas for about a year and had accumulated way too much stuff to haul back home. SO I donated it to the school I was at. I had shoes, clothes, shampoo, toiletries and food as well. I also got some of the other study abroad kids to donate things and it was all given to refugees.
You probably can not set something like this up but you can donate it to people on the streets that are homeless.
Just a thought!!!!
CA USA Tue 08/16/2005
Old clothes
We don't always bring back everything we take, but we do try to dispose of items NOT by tossing in the trash (absolutely the very last resort), but by giving them away to someone (after making sure they're clean!), or giving them to a second-hand store.
Someone else can usually find a good use for our things we no longer need - not just clothes, but extra books and travel guides, calculators, extra zip-loc bags or plastic containers (new), shoes, a coat, sleeping pads (we gave 2 to a campground manager)and so forth.
GIVE AWAY, RE-USE, OR RE-CYCLE!
Phoebe
FL USA Tue 08/16/2005
take your old clothes home with you
Are we really your personal landfill? Please take your grungy old clothes home and dispose of them in your own country, and don't clutter our already crowded landfill areas with your refuse.
Janice
Dublin, Ireland Tue 08/16/2005
Identification
You should also make copies of bother passport and other forms of identification to bring with you. Keep one set in the luggage of each person and another set in maybe a carron or daypack. I like the other ideas as well, but it is good to split up and not have one person carring all identification. If you are going to be over seas for any long period of time I would also reg. with the US Embassy. You can do it on-line and at the very least there is a record of where you are going to be traveling and staying in case you are traveling alone and become ill or hospitalized. I also like to try and give neighbors a copy of my itinerary and passport and id too.
Traveling is fun but better when you cross all your "t's" and dot a the "i's".
Parker
CA USA Tue 08/16/2005
Identification
You should also make copies of both passport and other forms of identification to bring with you. Keep one set in the luggage of each person and another set in maybe a carron or daypack. I like the other ideas as well, but it is good to split up and not have one person carring all identification. If you are going to be over seas for any long period of time I would also reg. with the US Embassy. You can do it on-line and at the very least there is a record of where you are going to be traveling and staying in case you are traveling alone and become ill or hospitalized. I also like to try and give neighbors a copy of my itinerary and passport and id too.
Traveling is fun but better when you cross all your "t's" and dot a the "i's".
Parker
CA USA Tue 08/16/2005
Valuables -- Identification
My husband (or friend) and I generally split carrying the identification. One of us will have both passports and the other will have both driver's licenses. We figure that having 1 form of ID is better than no forms of ID.
Stephanie
Columbus, OH USA Mon 08/15/2005
security of valuables: share
Anne H, please divide the valuables with your husband. That way in case one of you loses something, the other will be able to keep the trip going. Having a husband who insists on carrying all the valuables is not logical.
Shirley
Fort Worth, TX USA Mon 08/15/2005
Extra Pockets
I've always used zip lock bags for each tshirt, blouse, etc. Then I can flip through them and find the one I want without disrupting anything. I also sew inside pockets an all my husbands pants. (He insists on carrying the valuables) I also make a pocket that is the size of a credit card and it is sewn into the front pocket of his shirts. It's easy to get at and is not noticable. We're planning a trip to France and Italy with another couple. This is the first time for travelling by train/bus as we have rented cars before. I'm sure it will be a new experience and have found some great ideas from everyone. Thanks.
Anne H.
St. Thomas, Ontario Canada Sat 08/13/2005
packing
Essentials: zip lock bags...bring extras; you will find a use for them.
Brookstone has a simple "wallet" you wear around your neck that holds passport, boarding ticket, etc. It was great having my hands free & not having to dig for these items the 14 times you show them before boarding.
On the last two trips to Europe all hotels had hair dryers, so I only brought an adapter for my digital camera battery recharger. (Do most hotels supply adapters? I have never asked...)
I have a metal spatula w/ a serrated edge that handles most picnic fare (spreads & cuts).
I make out all my postcard address labels in advance for simplicity.
Got 2 plastic ponchos at the Dollar Store for... you guessed it.... a dollar!
Pub towels are great for picnics, washing, etc.
I bring a wash mit because I rarely find wash cloths in the hotels.
Silk long underwear takes up no room and came in handy on the cold flight and under the moody skies of Normandy.
Got some cheap glasses from Monoprix,( France's version of Target) for our wine. We did bring a wine opener, but they will open it for you at wine shops.
Pack what you want, then take half out...you won't be sorry.
It seems the two biggest mistakes most people make are packing too much & trying to cover too much territory in the time they have, so that most time is spent in transit. (very exhausting) Each time I go, I pack lighter, cover less territory and become more of an existentialist! and when I'm sorry I didn't get to all the places I wanted... I promise myself I will return! (And I do!)
kit
sacramento, CA USA Wed 08/10/2005
Packing Light
My teenage daughters and I took only carry-on and managed nicely for 3 weeks. As usual, we wore only half of what we packed. But, the best thing I packed was a thin nylon duffle. It packed flat in another bag and we used it to bring home all our purchases and gifts, since we decided to check our bags on the way home. It was a lifesaver.
Martha Thomas
Athens, GA USA Tue 08/09/2005
Packing Light
I'll elaborate a bit on what Lucille suggested. We go to Europe almost every year, for anywhere from 3 to 8 weeks. All year I save up my worn-out underwear for the next trip. I also keep shoes and clothing that will suit the season. Towards the end of the trip I start discarding what I'm not going to take home. Another strategy I've devised regards books. I like to keep the kind of guides that are mostly information, not the ones that are mostly accommodations and restaurants. Before I go, I buy enough lightweight padded mailers for my guides. As we leave an area, I mail home the guidebooks. This also works for museum guides, etc. that we acquire. I mark the mailers with the words,"used books," and have never had a customs problem. I also make heavy use of photocopying, usually of restaurant lists. As we move on, I discard the pages we no longer need.
California USA Mon 08/08/2005
Packing
Think about taking boring-to-you and tired items that still look OK - when they get dirty, toss 'em. I've left clothing (Tshirts, blouses, and old walking shoes), in several countries, and then had more space in my luggage to bring home purchases.
Lucille <email>
Stockton, CA USA Mon 08/08/2005
i always check, but
i am a major over-packer, but i have learned my lesson by painful experience. i packed a really heavy bag for germany and then had to take the train. i could not lift it myself, and my husband's arm was in a sling. if you are taking trains, pack light! Most of the storage is overhead, and it is a big step for a smaller or older person up to the passenger car. I was also knocked down by my own bag on an escalator. These are not things you think of automatically!
carrie l. roe
pacific gove, CA USA Mon 08/08/2005
It was unusually hot on our trip to Italy in late June. I took khaki and other light colored clothing, all mix and match. Shade was not always easy to find and dark colors would have intensified the heat. Also, if you are traveling during a heat wave, you may need to pack a few more clothes, or do laundry as our clothes got very sweaty everyday!
Deborah Kay Harker <email>
Waldron, IN United States Sun 08/07/2005
Packing lightly
For 3 weeks in Germany in June, I checked a 24-inch suitcase and carried a weird thing I'd gotten from Magellan's that was supposed to be a handbag/bagpack. It turned out to be neither and a big liability. I ended up sending it home and buying a small backpack that I could also sling over my shoulder if I wanted to. I found the larger, Magellan's bag invited me to overfill it, and then I couldn't find anything. My digital camera, wallet, glasses and hotel room keys all fit into the new backpack, along with maps and guidebook pages (if I folded them properly). Of course, then I had to carry any bought items separately. Trade off! I also brought along a generous-sized nylon bag that folds into itself to use as a carryon for the trip home, as I wanted to take home some wine. I had sent home a lot of clothing when the weather turned very hot, so I was worried I wouldn't have enough padding for the wine bottles, but it did work out all right. I had brought some lightweight "pop-em" sheets for wrapping and they worked just fine.
I packed much more lightly than usual: 2 skirts, 2 slacks, 1 dress, 2 sweaters (1 black, 1 navy), 6 shirts (3 short sleeved, 1 sleeveless)and an extra pair of shoes. The extra shoes had to be sent home as my feet swelled in the heat to the point where I couldn't wear them comfortably, so my Easy Spirit Motions became my only shoes. Although I took no appliances, and therefore didn't need an adapter/converter, I found that non-clothing items were still the heaviest items: the camera, the 5 paperback books, shoes, contact lens care stuff (it is NOT easy to find this stuff in Europe; I lucked out in an optical shop in Wurzburg when I ran out of saline); even traveler sized deodorant, hairspray, shampoo, etc. all add up. I did try Rick's suggestion of using shampoo for all washing purposes, and had a stash of hotel sized shampoos from previous trips to use up. As a body wash, shampoo doesn't work, but most of the hotels I stayed in did supply small bars of soap, so that was all right. And my poor Swiss Army Knife! I had gone looking for the perfect knife before I left home, found one on a trip south, remembered to pack it in my checked luggage, and then forgot to do the same on the way home. My backpack was flagged at Frankfurt Airport and I had to throw the poor thing away as I'd already checked my suitcase and the airline wouldn't let me check the knife separately. Very upsetting, as the knife came in so handy for a lot of things (like opening wine bottles!).
So I think I'm going suitcase hunting for a lighter-weight 24-inch suitcase, which is also the allowable size for a carryon should I decide to use it as such. Mine is an American Tourister and I think it weighs as much, unpacked, as my 28-inch Samsonite does!
Finally, although this isn't really related to packing light, I found that my RS clothesline didn't work in several of the hotel rooms I used. The shower stalls have been redesigned so that you can't loop the end of the line over the shower head, and some of the stalls simply had no place to tie off the other end. I did use laundromats twice, once in Koblenz, once in Wurzburg. The one in Wurzburg even had a ironing station! Ah, yes, and for clothes hangers. It had been my experience that most RS-class hotels and pensions don't supply enough clothes hangers, so I bought, from either Magellan's or Travel Smith, a set of 4 collapsible, foam-covered clothes hangers that were great not only for preventing wrinkles, but also for drying clothes. The hangers folded down (or up) for easy packing. If you wring out your wet clothes as best you can, then wrap them tightly in a dry towel for an hour or so, the towel will absorb most of the water and prevent wrinkling, then you can hang the item to finish drying.
Hilde <email>
NJ USA Sun 08/07/2005
my carry-on
I found the exact replica of my bag!
Mine is the 18 incher
here are the links:
http://www.duffelbags.com/sportsbags.htm
Shows it in bigger size:
http://www.duffelbags.com/images/sportsbags/5025big103.jpg
Lisa
Canada Sat 08/06/2005
I always check
One thing I find important is to not be loaded down with all dirty clothes on your return. Who knows what is going to happen on your return journey. It's just the same as if you were leaving. Have enough to get you by for a few days in case your return flight gets delayed, cancelled. One time the plane would not restart after stopping in Calgary and we had a huge layover and didn't know if we'd be spending the night. Thankfully, I always pack my carry-on bag, which is like one of those small sports bags, (Eddie Bauer currently makes their sports duffles a certain way and mine looks like the small version) with a few changes of clean clothing and bathroom needs. I even try to do a laundry before I come back, just in case you need some more clean cothes and then you don't have to come home, and be faced with a load of laundry when you are all tired and jetlagged!
As for carry-on vs. check...I check all the time. Sure, I've lost bags and I've learned never to pack precious things in my checked. I moved to Britain 25 years ago for a stint and lost a tonne of stuff including prized personal momentos as my checked luggage went astray for good. I had stuff stolen off the train too. I think you need to be prepared to lose something, anything. If something is that valuable to you, don't bring it, or keep it on your person. As for carry-on items, I keep my carry-on load to 13lbs as some of the charter local airlines in UK have strict limits. And I only bring ONE carry-on. It measures about 18-19 inches by about 12-13 inches by 8-9 inches depending on how packed it is. Some airlines only allow one bag. 13lbs is really all you need to pack a few changes of clothes and your toothbrush and whatever else in that category.
I must admit I've never tried the Rick Steves bag. But seeing the photos on the website of people with them on, they do look large. My idea of a carry-on is something you will actually be able to carry on and not told to check because it's too big. That's why I definitely keep under the maximum standards.
Them's my thoughts on the subject!
Lisa
Canada Sat 08/06/2005
Check it? carry it on? Be able to manage it yourself!
Check it/bring it on, I don't care as long as you can manage it yourself. I don't like these little ladies who bring a bag on and then look at my husband or a flight attendent to put it up for them. The previous poster was right -- manage it around the house/around the block before you attempt to carry it on the plane.
I'll tell you what makes me nuts...people putting their luggage sideways when it would easily fit in wheels first (end to end).
And those people who have to put their bag in the back of the plane, but expect to be able to travel to the back of the plane, collect their bag, and then come back up while everyone else is trying to get off of the plane.
Stephanie
Columbus, OH USA Sat 08/06/2005
I'm sure before long there will be more stringent measures about luggage.
Nothing is more annoying then 50 people waiting for 1 person to try and stuff a "Too Big Bag" into the over-head compartment.
Then waiting again for that person to try and remove it at the end of the flight.
I always carry a large clear bag packed at the top of my carry on with everything I could/would need during flight. Travel pillow, gum, ear plugs, lip balm, mp3, Ipaq has books & games, Kleenex, eye drops, a snack.
So I'm not digging around annoying my neighbors or struggling to find something.
I think I pack a lot I'd love to see what these people have in these small appliance size wheeled bags.
Stick with time tested items I never take "NEW Gadget" stuff unless I've tried it at home.
Nothing more miserable than new clothes you have never worn and find out how uncomfortable they are when you can't do anything about it.
Load up the bag and walk around the house, block with it - quick way to find out if you can handle it.
I always look for multi use items.
USA!
USA Fri 08/05/2005
Carry on vs. checking your suitcase
I am a woman - mid-50's and just arrived back from 22 days in Europe with my partner. (Flew London to Ams to Dublin to Edinburgh, all direct flights, and checked our suitcase very time without one problem). We flew direct on Brit Air from Seattle to London. I have the Rick Steve's roller style suitcase and even with the top not 'popped up' I think I would have a problem squeezing it into the overhead and probably have received some 'dirty looks' while I held everyone up in the aisle. (An elderly woman gave us this look when we squeezed ours in the overhead on our train from Edinburgh to London, and told uus to 'watch her rucksack please'. PLEASE check your suitcase and bring on a tote with all your emergency meds, toothpaste (in case you do not leave as planed, which happened to us, we left next day, but I had all my meds, etc. in my carry on). If you are flying direct and not making other airline changes, I guarantee you with the long lines now at the passport counters in London, your baggage will arrive way before you do. Also, concerning inter-European flights, e.g. Ryannair does not allow you bring on board anything more than a 10kg tote/carry on. Their checked luggage by the way is about 33 lbs (15 kg) that is not that much, we were two Kg. ech under, and we travel light and had mailed a large envelope with travel info and sundries home from Dublin. Easy Jet is a lot less restrictive (check out their websites to be sure). Women in Europe all wear fashionable BOOT leg jeans, straight legged only on men. You can find them at JC Penney or any other store in the US. Black capris with all styles of sandals, low to high heels are still very common. Hooded, zippered, light cotton sweaters are everywhere and practical. Yes, only Americans and Canadians (at least over 40) seem to wear white running shoes, but I have yet to see Keens on anyone from Europe. Maybe they too think they are ugly :-)even if they are comfortable. Anyway, sorry R.S. and fans, checking your luggage is a far saner thing to do, and definitly seems to be what most people in Europe do also.
Caroline
Seattle, Wa USA Fri 08/05/2005
One Carry On
Just came back from 3 weeks in Austria, Czech Republic, Slovenia and Hungary and FINALLY managed to do it with just one small carry-on. In the past I have been critized for my "all-black concept", but it works great for me....black long pants, 1 black sweater, 2 black capris, one black dress, two pairs black shoes (one Mephisto, one pr. flip-flops) microfiber underwear and a few Ts and shells (in colors!) to brighten up the outfit and give me some options. Black doesn't show stains, can look dressy, and is always appropriate....sometimes in Europe I have felt under-dressed in jeans... One bag made changing terminals in London VERY easy, taking trams in Austria and Prague very easy and running to catch close train connections very easy! I found a nice medium-size black purse that converts into a backpack when I want to be hands-free and it holds camera, hairbrush, documents, lunch, tiny umbrella, etc. and finally a tiny black round-the-neck passport wallet for money, railpasses, etc. This is the first trip that I have not had to ask my husband to carry my luggage for me (believe me, he was grateful!) though I admit I did use the pockets of his travel vest (the thing has about 20 pockets) to stash many of the small souvenirs, candy bars and other things that wouldn't fit in my stuffed-upon-return suitcase! I never thought I could do it, but now I am sold on the "less is better" concept. (My first trip to China, I took 6 pairs of shoes and 2 HUGE suitcases.....what was I thinking??)
Laurie <email>
Placida, FL USA Fri 08/05/2005
Size of bags
What the posts have been trying to say about 21x14x9 inch bags too big for under the seat is just that, they are too big, and therefore have to go overhead. However, overhead is for lighter items, not heavy carry-on bags. In other words, if you buy a 21 inch bag, don't expect it to fit under the seat in front of you. Some airlines demand your bag be 20 inches or less.
It is much easier to get out of your seat, especially in an emergency, if there is nothing under the seats in front of you. Or, at the most, a small, grocery size tote. That space under the seat does not measure 21x14x9, at best it probably measures 14x12x8
USA Thu 08/04/2005
A square of silk
One of my favorite travel tricks is a square silk scarf. I tie it to my handbag and use it when I travel for all kinds of things. I spread it out to sit on the steps of a Duomo, as a cloth for a picnic at the Leaning Tower of Pisa, for my bare shoulders at a cathedral, etc. etc. It's the handiest thing I take on a trip. I even get lots of compliments on my handbag because people think it all goes together!!
Candy
Tallahassee, FL USA Thu 08/04/2005
bags
I'm very surprised people talk about having their feet on their bags! I've had flight attendants make others put their bags up if they stick out. That is really a big no-no to have your bags etc sticking out from under the seat. Plus, as someone already said, it makes getting out harder and as we've all seen so recently, that's something rather important! I heard that Air France jet evacuated in 90 seconds, could everyone have done that if they were tripping over their, and other people's bags???
USA Thu 08/04/2005
laundry tip
One caution with doing laundry in your room-some places don't like it, plus it can interfere with maids cleaning schedules. Wash things out at night so stuff's not strung all over your room during the day. If it's still damp in the a.m., hang it in the closet. It will dry just fine in there. We had our laundry confiscated at a nice hotel in Verona; it was embarassing to ask about getting it back!
harriet hughes
Moscow, ID USA Thu 08/04/2005
What to carry during the day
Nicole, I use a nice quality tote when I need to bring a lot of things along--extra sunscreen, umbrella, picnic items, guidebook and the like. When I don't need to bring big and heavy items, I use a microfiber purse. Depends on the days activities and how easy it will be to drop by the hotel. In either case, my carry-along is nice looking (i.e. not ballistic nylon and not brightly colored) so that I don't get as easily spotted as a tourist. I've found it cuts down on street hassles a bit that way.
Janet Reed
USA Thu 08/04/2005
Bag for day to day
I have taken my older Eagle Creek Guide bag on 5 trips to Europe. It's large enough for a small wallet, my digital camera, sunglasses, chapstick and papers - like a map of the city, etc. It's small, fits over my shoulder at a diagonal so I can put it in front of me when I want to feel more secure. (like on subways in Rome - pickpockets). If you don't feel like looking like a tourist, take your regular handbag. A backpack is a give away that you are traveling - but it gives you more room for souveniers, guide books etc. There are so many nice totes available now...out of a nylon fabric, great in case you get caught in rain (not high maintance like leather, etc) Check out www.ebags.com to shop. They usually offer free shipping, and a discount on Sunday nights. Plus they have sales on items. Check under totes or travel packs.
USA Thu 08/04/2005
Rick Steves bags...under the seat?
I'm not sure that the intention of the RS bags was to fit under the seat in front of you. It seems to me, based on the luggage size, that it was designed to fit in the overhead. I have a roller bag with the same measurements as the RS bag with wheels, and it fits easily, wheels first, in the overhead of any plane but the turbo props and some of the small regional jets...
Stephanie
Columbus, OH USA Thu 08/04/2005
Bags
Some airlines have a 20 inch restriction which makes RS bags (unless you get the 20 inch model for short people) too long. I cannot get my bag I carry on with me under most airline seats and I've been on American, Canadian and British flights. It measures 19.5 inches long and I have to put it overhead or, as Ernest mentioned, it acts like a foot rest! Some bags say they measure a certain length but get them home, pack them and they mushroom into an inch or two bigger all over. I find the airplanes today are even squashier, if that's a word. No room for bodies, feet or bags!
Mike
USA Wed 08/03/2005
RS Bags
I put the Veloce bag under the seat in front of me, and the Back Door bag in the bin overhead. I don't overpack and have no problem putting my bag up there myself. It's not a hassle. I feel light when I walk off the plane and out of the airport without having to stop for anything.
USA Wed 08/03/2005
RS under the seat
I have a 2001 version of the RS non wheeled bag. I have had no problem getting it under the seat on Southwest and American. Southwest has the smallest seats I have endured.
Waxatex
Waxahachie, Tx USA Wed 08/03/2005
Jack,Tacoma, WA.
I was wondering how you manage with 2 rolling bags. I'm assuming the small bag sits on top of the larger bag once you're at your destination. Is there a benefit of having the small bag roll as opposed to a small hand carry bag.
Lisa
San Jose, USA Wed 08/03/2005
Keep the carry-ons light
I agree with Ernest. I have used the wheeled and non-wheeled Rick Steves bags and they do not fit under any airplane seat I have experienced. I too am checking my RS bag, and bringing a smaller tote to carry on, with one change of clothing and all essential items. I feel so light and free, not having to hassle with getting a larger heavier bag in the overhead -- that scenario is such a drag.
And, I always give at least some attention to the safety demo and instruction card -- especially where the exits are! It is really silly not to as yesterday's events in Toronto graphically illustrate. It was very heartening to see all the people survive.
BettyG
San Francisco, CA USA Wed 08/03/2005
Safety vs. Packing Light
I also take a carry-on bag and a checked bag. I have attempted to fit my old Steve's carry-on size bag (the kind with no wheels) under the seat and it won't fit. I don't pack it full either. I don't know how other people do it. If one is truly wanting carry-on size bags, then I think you have to go a little less than maximum legal to make it fit under the seat.
Those little flight-bags that come as a set with some wheeled carry-on bags are just right for under the seat. They measure about 14x11x10 inches. Just room enough for a change of clothes and your essentials. I don't think anything longer will be suitable as you will end up sitting with your feet on your luggage. (And, I'm only 5'8" ) And, they say those bins over us are only meant for lighter items.
In view of the horrific crash in Toronto, I think it's most important to take very little with you on the plane to prevent unnecessary things to trip and fall over in case of an accident. I can't imagine those over the head bins staying shut under such turbulent conditions, and if they are packed full with maximum legal size carry-on bags weighing in at 22 pounds or more, then that is one more unnecessary hazard. (Heavier items are supposed to go under the seat)
I understand why people want to pack light, (I tried it myself) but in reality, I think if everyone did, it wouldn't be safe.
It's a miracle those people got out as fast as they did.
In the end, it's our lives that matter the most, and I think we should do more to ensure the safety on board the plane, rather than attempting to pack light and worrying whether we will have as little clothing as possible all packed into a maximum sizeed single carry-on etc. and getting out of the airport first without waiting at the luggage carousel.
Those are my views, I'm not trying to lecture, just promote some debate on the issue which I welcome.
And read those safety cards in the seat pocket in front of you!
Ernest
USA Wed 08/03/2005
Packing Smart
I take two bags to Europe, one to check on to the flight, and one carry-on. Both are rollers, but, in my carry on, i keep a backpack for each day im in Europe. In my carry-on, i keep a few snacks, CD-Player, CDs, Cards are good to have when your traveling with a friend or relative,books, magazines,and a few extra cloths in case i get seperated from my checked bag. In my checked bag, i just put all of my cloths and other things in.
Jack
Tacoma, WA USA Wed 08/03/2005
Best Sellers
I was checking the RS travel store for their monthly specials...RS group published their best sellers...worth taking a look at:
http://travelstore.ricksteves.com/content/promo.cfm
Chuck
LA, CA USA Tue 08/02/2005
Tape and clothes pins
Two things saved the day again and again for me in Europe. Plastic clothes pins held: 1) small towels on wet hair, 2)attached wet laundry to whatever was available for drying, and 3) held curtains together that billowed out in strange ways in inappropriate places. The other item was an inexpensive tape dispenser - a great money saver. Taped up packages of half eaten anything - to be enjoyed late at night in hotel rooms or the next morning on trains.
Ann
San Francisco, CA USA Mon 08/01/2005
send gifts by mail
I sent three packages home when I was in the UK for 2 weeks to lighten my load. However, it's best to go to a local post office, buy a box, and do it yourself, adding your own customs declaration by a small sticker on the box. My Fed-Ex got held up in Newark because the shop hadn't attached a form.
Pamela Robinson <email>
Jefferson, MA USA Mon 08/01/2005
Bring a hat
I was in Italy in May...walked all over, and one thing I wish I'd brought with me...and had to buy...was a hat. Ended up with one of those really tacky toursity baseball caps walking around Pompeii. I really felt stupid! find a nice dark colored, simple,without decoration baseball cap, or better still, a bendable, foldable straw hat that can be packed. Don't be like me! You will need a hat in some spots in Europe!
USA Sun 07/31/2005
They're Better Than A Clothesline
...and I'm talking about those little plastic doo-dads that hang over the top of a door with a small hook for hanging clothes. With those, you don't have to try to find a place to hang a silly little latex cord that just doesn't work. A few coated wire or plastic hangers and some teeny-tiny, wooden spring-type clothespins (from the doll/craft section of WalMart), are all you need for hanging sink-washed clothing.
Bekka
TX USA Sat 07/30/2005
I have been on lots of trips and found inflatable hangars great --- I have ALWAYS bought new ones for each trip though ( in case 'used' ones spring a leak one night after i go on the second trip)
Jackie
Perth Australia , Australia Sat 07/30/2005
rolling tote info
Travel Pro Crew 5 rolling tote. Can't say enough good things about it. Comes in black and green and blue. You can see it on EBAGS. It is the largest, most convenient lightest rollertote around. About 6lbs. And you are guaranteed to get in on board as its only 16 x 12 x 9. Nice long handle too. Good size compartments. Travel Pro invented the rolling luggage concept so they know what they are doing, I think!
Bev
USA Sat 07/30/2005
Canadians are small
Yes, Canadian planes were made for little, thin people! I always carry a bag that is about one inch smaller all around than the max. So, with Air Transat, I take a bag that is about 19 inches by about 12 and 8 inches. Since I am a 'must take this in case I need it' kind of person, I find taking a smaller bag helps curb my overpackers enthusiam!!! I also take a tote with a zippered top. I stash all sort of things in my generously sized coat pockets too!
Jasmine
Banff, Canada Fri 07/29/2005
Canadian Planes
Just a word about size and that it does matter! On Air Transat, a Canadian charter company, they only allow 20 inches by 16 by 9. Not the usual 21 or 22 inches. So the bag can be fatter but has to be shorter. And, you are only allowed one piece. They did increase their weight limit to 10kg from 5 kg. Air TRansat planes are notorious for their sardine can layout! You wouldn't be able to fit a Back Door bag with or without wheels under the seat. Their's barely enough room under there for your feet! I'm glad Rick makes other smaller bags too for this purpose. The Veloce or Civita would just fit under the seat. And their overhead bins are very cramped too. I wish they'd make the Canadian planes a bit bigger for the comfort factor!
Bob
Canada Fri 07/29/2005
Carry and Check info
For those wondering about carry on limits etc. I found this site invaluable. As a novice packer/traveller, I learned a lot. The 'Related Articles' to the right are also informative, esp. the carry on rollable reviews. The Eagle Creek Pilot got flying colours for size and weight.
http://www.thetravelinsider.info/travelaccessories/internationalcarryonluggageallowances.htm
http://www.thetravelinsider.info/travelaccessories/carryonreviewindex.htm
Dorothy
USA Fri 07/29/2005
Food and packing light
I agree with those tote enthusiasts! It seems the ticket agents are much more willing to overlook a giant tote as opposed to a giant backpack. A tote is so much more versatile too. Laundry bag, seat cushion, rain hat! I also take a good packed lunch with me on the plane as the special meal I order never seems to materialize. A sandwich, apple and some juice usually tides me over even on long flights. Air travel these days is becoming oh so cheap as they often just throw a box of yogurt and a dried up muffin at you as 'breakfast' I find meal-wise I never know what to expect which is why I pack a lunch in my tote. Sometimes, I take a thermos too. It makes picnics nicer to have a nice cuppa! And, some biscuits, few crackers and cheese. Arriving late into your hotel you'll be grateful for the extra nibblies when the bars and pubs are closed! I also throw in a Kit Kat bar for a treat!
Midgie
Kendall, UK Fri 07/29/2005
WHEELY LIGHT!
http://www.bagsusa.com/mc21.htm
Here's my idea of the perfect, cheap bag with wheels...comments appreciated. They don't mention weight though.
The only other bags I've seen that are good, light are by Jansport at www.jansport.com like the wheeled backpacks they have are pretty light, (http://www.jansport.com/js_product_detail.php?cid=26&pid=TN89) more so than traditional wheeled carry bags which are usually around 10 lbs. Wheeled backpacks are usually about 5-6 lbs.
Although on LL Bean's website, they have kids wheeled bags made for books that are just over 1lb! (http://www.llbean.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?storeId=1&catalogId=1&langId=-1&categoryId=42882&from=GM&noDept=1&guideId=6691&moduleId=6692&parentCategory=6692&feat=ln) I kid you not! I saw this in their catalogue too! Makes me wonder how good they are for travelling, although, I think you'd have to be kind of short to use them! http://www.llbean.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?storeId=1&catalogId=1&langId=-1&categoryId=42901&from=GM&noDept=1&guideId=6691&moduleId=6694&parentCategory=6694&feat=ln This one is for the college set and is the most cubic inches with the lightest weight I've seen...and the price is good. One was made for teens kids and weighed in at about 4 lbs...I don't know what makes them so light.
Josh
USA Fri 07/29/2005
washing and drying
I love to read the comments on this site. There are all sorts of handy tips. As for the hanging laundry, i know it's hard to find areas to hang your laundry line in hotel rooms which is why i take a couple extra plastic hangers with me. i saw this post earlier too...it really helps and those extra plastic laundry clips, plastic won't get moldy or rusty. I'm not sure about the inflatable hangers as i've never tried them. i also like to bring my own soap and shampoo and i use the soap to wash my small things in the shower. i don't like to wash things in the sink as you never know who else has been there before you or if it's clean! there are those people like to fill up the sink with water and proceed to wash their face etc. and the thought of someone washing their undies in there before you is too much for me. the shower does a better job of rinsing clothes.
USA Fri 07/29/2005
Potty about my Luggage cart!
I like those wheeled totes, but they cost the earth. All they are is a small bag and a set of wheels. Luggage carts (like samsonite model) are about £20, and those totes look to be worth about £20 tops...but they are charging well over £100 for these contraptions! I prefer luggage carts over wheeled luggage as you can pack more in your bag and also take the wheels with you on board without the hassle. Wheeled bags add about 10+ pounds to the weigh of the bag without even starting to pack! A 1-3 pound bag and separate wheels makes much more sense...and, if you are travelling with your entire family, you can wheel the entire family's bags on ONE luggage cart...very handy. I find lugging those wheeled bags up stairs traumatic! And I'm only 39! I can't imagine someone a lot older trying to cope. THe nice thing is, you can take the wheels off and use them for other hauling situations, like the garbage bin or whatever needs to be moved around that is heavy. I use it to move my ginormous potted plants around, it's fantastic!
Cornwall, England Fri 07/29/2005
Be prepared to check
Just a comment about wheeled carry ons. You may have the right size of wheeled bag with the bag fitting into those templates for sizing at the airport, but that doesn't mean they will let you carry it on board. And, you may think you are packing light and staying within weight limits, but that doesn't mean you will be allowed on board with it. The reason being the plane cannot handle that volume of carry on luggage. And, the ticket agents have the right to make you check your bags if the plane is filling up with carry on luggage. That is why some are forced to check their carry on even when they have followed the rules. And with increased security, be prepared to check your luggage even more. Take as little with you on the plane but make sure to have your essentials. Always be prepared to check it.
USA Fri 07/29/2005
Clothes lines - Don't waste your money/time
Forget them. I took one, and couldn't get it to work. I tried everything to attach it in the bathroom...didn't want the wet to drip in the bedroom area, but It sagged very badly, and nothing would stay put on it to dry. I ended up just hanging my clothes over the doors and the shower rod, or the back of chairs on the balcony of our room. The clothes line was a waste of money and time (while trying to get it to stay put) I had those suction cups on either end, but they wouldn't stay attached to the wall. Just when I'd get everything on the line, it would fall to the floor.
USA Thu 07/28/2005
Bungie cords n' clothsline
Two 24" bungie cords are a must and weigh almost nothing....BC's can be used in conjunction with your cloths lines...has worked well for me....
Chuck
LA, CA USA Thu 07/28/2005
Attaching clotheslines
I took a vinyl-coated S hook for the purpose of fastening my braided clothesline, but I still could not find anything to attach it to. It was as if the hotels had gone out of their way to eliminate ways to attach clotheslines. I suspect they have suffered structural damage due to guests hanging heavy, wet garments from places they shouldn't have. A fellow traveler got creative and stretched her clothesline around the top of a shower stall, fastening it with a carabiner, and then hung her clothes from it. I had better luck hanging up wet items with the plastic tubular hangers with clips.
Bonnie
Florida USA Thu 07/28/2005
10 kg
Thanks to Rick, we took only carry-on bags for a three-week trip to Vienna, Budapest, and Prague. I've never thought I could do it and now I will not travel any other way!!! Two pairs of shoes are a must. Pant hanger was useful for drying pants without creases. I actually had a very light plastic bin that just fit in the carry-on. It didn't weigh anything and I put my clothes into it. I found it very useful for doing the laundry (some sinks don't have the plug) and... to soak my feet after hours of walking. NOTE: we flew Air Canada/Lufthansa: Toronto-Munich-Vienna. On the way there, we were allowed 10 kg in a bag, but on the way back only 8 kg. I had to do a bit of pleading not to have to check the bag! They did not check the weight of my purse though, so if you have something heavier, put it there!
Mariola
Mariola
Toronto, Canada Thu 07/28/2005
Attaching clotheslines
Bonnie's post reminded me of a tip I got from someone else on Graffiti Wall, that I've used. It's easy to attach braided rubber clotheslines (the ones with loops at each end) if you bring mini-carabiners (sold at REI or travel stores or drugstores, often as key chains) or S-hooks. You can just loop the clothesline around anything stable, and then use the carabiner/S-hook to attach the loop to the clothesline itself.
USA Thu 07/28/2005
Cuffed jean capris
Just came back from two weeks in Finland and Iceland and younger women and girls everywhere wore these. I brought a couple pairs and wore them solidly for two weeks. Just roll up a pair of straight leg jeans to mid-calf with a wide cuff and you're set. Also, cheap rubber flip flops are essential if you're staying in hostels to wear around the room like slippers and also into the shower. People also wear them on the streets.
Chris
MA USA Thu 07/28/2005
3 weeks in Great Britain
I just got back from 3 weeks in Great Britain, June 20 - July 10. A water-proof, breathable windbreaker was all that I needed for a jacket. I wore a cotton canvas hat with a brim that kept the rain off of my face and glasses. I bought a Rick Steves' 22-inch wheeled suitcase because it was 4 pounds lighter than the 22-inch suitcase that I already own. My husband and I each packed 2 plastic tubular hangers with clips on them to hang hand wash. I took a clothesline but I never found a way to attach it. The hangers worked well because I could hang them from the shower rod. I packed a couple of large, plastic clothespins that I used to hang washed items from the hotel's plastic hangers. I also packed 3 microfiber towels between my husband's suitcase and mine. I used them to blot the hand wash before hanging it. The towels dry quickly, and the clothes dry faster because excess water has been removed. I took a small box of detergent that I bought at a Laundromat and stored in a ZipLoc freezer bag; I could have used 2 boxes. My clothes made it to a Laundromat once. Otherwise, I washed slacks in the bathtub, or I washed small items in the sink. A couple of small bars of soap came in handy for when only one small bar was provided for 2 people or for when I didn't like the liquid soap the hotel offered. I took a small pump spray (1 ¼" diameter) that I filled with water that I used to mist our wrinkle-resistant pants and tops at the end of the day. The water mist helped relax the wrinkles, and the clothes looked presentable the next morning. I carried a travel-size lint pick-up adhesive roller in my purse to pick up the towel lint off of my dark pants. I took a small square of rubber throw-rug liner that I placed under my light-weight travel alarm clock to keep it from being easily knocked off whatever surface it was on. Finally, I packed a safety pin. It came in handy when I needed to coax my digital camera lens cover back into place.
Bonnie
Florida USA Wed 07/27/2005
6 Weeks in Europe
I am ending a six week stay in Europe and have been to Paris, Rome, Florence, and London. I set out to do the entire trip with one carryon. I have done all my laundry in local laundramats and have no problems. My advice is to pack solid colors, easily coordinated, no whites except underwear and socks. Jeans are worn almost everywhere and don't even think about sleeveless in a church. If you think it doesn't look good, wait until you have to wear a poncho that looks like a garbage bag into Il Duomo in Florence. Show some respect for the church, please. The only problem I have run into is buying gifts and souviners (sp?). I checked into shipping and found it too expensive so at the end I have purchased a cheap roller carryon at a street market (£5) and will check it for the return trip. Probably make my money back in a yard sale.
Andy Perry <email>
Louisville, KY USA Wed 07/27/2005
Packing Light Laundry Tips
I take a Zip-lock bag (pint) of Oxi-Clean (seems to work better than other brands) and another bag of detergent plus a gallon size bag (to use as a washing machine if necessary). Soaking really dirty cloths overnight in a sink full of hot water (1TBL Oxi-clean) or more if you're using the tub gets out blood, sauce, wine etc. as long as it hasn't been sitting for a couple days. Dirty socks (and I mean dirty), grimy pants etc. clean up wonderfully. I also take a squeeze bottle of fabric softner. Just a teaspoon (or less) in the rinse water does wonders. Beware, however, that fabric softner intefers with the wicking properties of many fabrics. Another helpful thing to take are wire cloths hangers. Great for hanging up T-Shirts etc. after washing. Lightweight and toss at the end of the trip.
Marie
San Diego, CA USA Tue 07/26/2005
Travel skirt
To J. in Fla.- Ditto on the Macabi skirt; I now have two of them and never leave home without them- I even love to wear these skirts around town. Everything you said is correct- I hiked in mine, changed shoes and went to dinner- even jumped in a waterfall in Barbados wearing it! Ladies,I urge you to check out the Macabi skirt.
Bev
McKinney, Texas USA Tue 07/26/2005
Pack light but take a dress with you
We just got back from a month trip from Europe. Rick Steves' convertible backpack was the greatest. We flew six times during the trip, and we were able to do without checking in any bag until the last day when we flew from Heathrow. Although the website of Air Canada clearly states you can have one carry-on , one personal item, and a purse, they insisted we could have only one carry-on item PERIOD. We didn't have any problem anywhere else in Italy or Spain. Not even at Stansted, England. It was so much easier and faster not to have any check-in baggage. Maybe,they were extra careful since it was after the first bombing.
I also recommend women to bring a dress or two if you are going to Rome or Venice. People dress very nice there, including other tutorists from other European countries. I felt underdressed in a tanktop and pants, and ended buying a couple of dresses in Rome. And dresses are cooler and easier to pack anyways, if you choose right materials.
Robin
Seattle, WA USA Mon 07/25/2005
Best travel skirt
The absolute best piece of clothing I took on a 4 week trip in Bulgaria was a Macabi skirt (www.macabiskirt.com). It's big pockets held camera, binoculars, guidebook, and a small waterbottle! (Granted, the pockets bulged, but I felt light and free.) The zipper pocket held my daily cash without risk. Washing was a breeze as it dried in a flash. Clipping it into "pants" mode allowed me to hike snowbanks in the Pirin Mts and clamber over rocks in the Rhodope Mts without it catching and dragging.
I did make one custom change that I am going to do for ALL my travel clothes: I sewed an extra pocket to the inside of the waist band. It was very simple: a 4"x9" envelope with a single snap to hold it closed. Into this I put my passport, credit cards, and excess cash. This is absolutely the BEST security option I've tried yet, and I've tried a lot. It is as secure as a money belt, and much more comfortable (read that cooler). It is discrete to access, even in public, by just pulling the elastic waist of the skirt out a bit, and reaching inside. We used it to get large cash withdrawals from ATM's on the street and make it quickly disappear without fuss before we even turned away from the ATM.
Normally, I'm a tightwad, and this skirt is well past my usual budget for a piece of clothing, but I'm planning on buying a few more.
J
FL USA Sun 07/24/2005
White no longer
For two weeks or two months, I take the same amount in my carry-on except for taking more of my vitamins. I took a white blouse on my first "Europe on 5$ a Day" trip. I was travelling super-light following Frommer's advice. The white blouse was grey by the time I returned. Now I travel with mostly dark clothes with a colorful tank top usually. It's boring, but saves on laundry by not showing spots.
USA Sun 07/24/2005
You can do it!
We just got back from 3 weeks in Europe with only carry-on bags! I managed to get by with 3 changes of clothes, even after getting stains in 2 of my white tops! Sink-washing, borrowing irons and hairdryers worked just fine in hostels, hotels and when staying with friends.
nancy
kirkland, wa USA Sat 07/23/2005
Carrying your important items in transit
I carry my tickets, credit cards, passport, etc. in a zippered inside pocket of my travel blazer while I'm on planes and trains. Easy to get to but still plenty secure. I use a black one in microfiber because it doesn't mind being wadded up in my pack when I don't need it but I'm instantly "dressed up" for theater, nice restaurants, etc. (Of course, when I did my first backpacking trip to Europe thrity years ago, I had no need for clothes more formal than jeans.)
Janet Reed
Seattle, WA USA Sat 07/23/2005
kp/security/waist belt
kp, I checked with my husband and he has worn the waist belt through security and never gotten stopped. But your experience has pointed out to him that maybe he should wait to put it on from now on. (He's never complained about it being uncomfortable, by the way, which may be why for him it seemed just as easy to put it on at home and then not have to worry about it any more.) Obviously I don't wear one -- he does. If I were traveling without him I would wear a waistbelt, though. Anything around my neck bothers me.
USA Sat 07/23/2005
thanks
Thanks for Security Pouch info. Points taken and appreciated. I will put my pouch in my carry on from now on and wear it when I get to wherever I'm going. I was thinking of getting the neck pouch for the ease fo use. Those ones that go around your leg look like they could fall off.
kp
Sat 07/23/2005
Wear shoes on Plane!
I have to say to the woman who wears only socks on the airplane:Don't do it! Socks are just foot sponges sucking up the germs.I was a flight attendant and the things that get on the floors (vomit, food, urine, etc) is very rarely reported to the crew for proper clean up. The bathroom alone on an International flight is pretty nasty. I bring in my carry-on these brown rubber slides (Pali Brand) that I buy en masse @ Hilo Hattie's Hawian store. The minute I reach my seat they are put on my feet. They are about $6 and My husband and 4 1/2 year old wear them too! You don't have to remove them through security either. Best foot wishes!
Shana <email>
Orlando, FL USA Fri 07/22/2005
Security pouch and security
Why would you want to wear the security pouch onto the plane? We keep our passports and money, etc in our carry on until we reach our destination, While traveling with the public in Europe, trains, metro, buses, THEN we use the security pouch. Don't be uncomfortable on the plane, and don't hassle with security. Remember, you can't even wear a jacket or your shoes through the metal detectors, all bags have to be put on the belt to be x-rays...why would you think you could wear a pack around your waist and go through security? You could have plastic explosives, etc in there. it's for all our safety to take it off.
USA Fri 07/22/2005
London
Ann,
I haven't been on Rick's London tour, but I've been on my own. For that time of year, I would just keep up with the weather reports and pack clothing that would be nice and stylish back in a US city that's also tempature appropriate. Bringing at least one dressy outfit for a trip to the theatre or a nice restaurant can never hurt.
Hallie
USA Fri 07/22/2005
Travel to London
I am going to London, early Sept, my first on a Rick Steves tour. I am a female,mid 40's, traveling alone. Has anyone gone on his London tour and if so, is there any particular type of clothing I should bring, or for that matter, anything I special I should pack for the trip. Should I bring a dress or skirt to go out in on the tour at nite?
Ann
SI, Ny USA Fri 07/22/2005
Security pouches
In that case, I'd simply take it in carryon and let authorities go through it -- once you're through that then duck into a restroom stall and put it on. I don't recall my husband being asked to take his off in security, but maybe he did. One point that can't be made too often evidently -- though you certainly didn't need to be told -- is that whether it's around your neck or waist you should not be standing in public fumbling with your security pouch, tugging it out to get out more money, etc. Take out enough money in the morning to last you awhile and carry it in a wallet that you have in a safe but easily accessible place. If you do get your pocket picked or purse snatched, they won't have gotten much. If you need more money, find a restroom where you can go into the main stash without being seen. (I'm amazing how many people say they prefer the neck pouch because they don't want to stand in public and pull the waistpack out from under their clothes -- you shouldn't be standing in public pulling ANY security pouch out from under your clothes!) (Sorry, rant mode off!)
USA Fri 07/22/2005
Secure Waist Pouches
It's with great delight that I read the Packing Light Tips. So, I thought I'd join in. I have worn my security waist pouch thru customs several times and they always detect it and ask me to take it off so they can xray it. I find it difficult to keep it hidden during security checks as I juggle my bag, passport, tickets, waist pack. Once I put everything securely away, it seems you always need to take it out again. Especially the passport and tickets.
I travel semi-light. I have a carry on style sports bag with me with lots of exterior pockets and I also usually take a bag to check as well. Depends on the length of journey. I thought the whole idea behind the security waist pouch was that no one saw it, but they always detect it on me. Perhaps it is the metal zipper? I don't know. I'm thinking of going without it and just using a regular waistpack that sits outside the clothes. If I have to rummage in public for my secure things, I don't see the point. Although, it is OK once I get to my destination where I do wear it most of the time.
kp
beautiful bc!, Canada Thu 07/21/2005
Packing cubes
I second the recommendation of using packing cubes, particularly if you use the Rick steves backpack to prevent your stuff from shifting downward into a big uncomfortable lump at the bottom of the bag. It's true that the internal compression straps in the bag are helpful in this regard, but the cubes are even better. (Incidentally, I think the Rick Steves cubes are cheaper than the Eagle Creek ones...)
Janet Reed
Seattle, WA USA Thu 07/21/2005
Baggage Allowances
On the issue of checked bags versus carryon, be sure and check your airline's baggage allowance. On my airline, for those not flying first or business class or upgraded tourist class, carry on is one 22x16x8 inch bag not weighing more than 13 pounds. Even with all the tricks of packing light, I find it impossible to pack a month's worth of stuff in a bag weighing 13 pounds only. I take a small carryon in the event of a few days loss of luggage, and check the rest. This allows you to check your gourmet leatherman for upcoming picnics. Sometimes the airlines forget about the restrictions, othertimes they enforce them stringently. The short amount of time spent in baggage claim is usually worth not having any hassles -- it makes for great people watching too.
Diane <email>
Kingston, WA USA Thu 07/21/2005
Packing Light
I finally did what my son does: I bought two pair of those cargo pants that unzip to become shorts. Got them at a sporting goods store on sale, altered the lengths and voila! I could be comfortable (shorts) or quickly convert to long pants if necessary. They are light weight and pack easily. A nice shirt can dress them up.
Rick Jones <email>
Oakland, CA USA Thu 07/21/2005
Keep them knit tops rollin'
Those cube-shaped things are great for knit tops or light pants. You just fold the garment as neatly as possible, then roll it and line up your neat little rolls inside the packing cube. You can probably get four knit tops and a lightweight nightgown (go for a sale at Wintersilks)in one cube. Ziploc bags are great for stuff that doesn't have to stay neat, like underwear and socks.
Meg Rosenfeld <email>
Santa Rosa, CA USA Thu 07/21/2005
Packing/Jeans
I know a lot of people prefer ziplock bags -- my problem with them was that they didn't really hold my clothes tightly/neatly inside, and the clothes were still able to slip around inside and get wrinkled. But enough people swear by them to convince me that they can be terrific -- just a matter of different strokes. As for what kinds of clothes -- even jeans can look neat and acceptable. Only recently I saw a Rick Steves episode where he was having a "son of a peer" show him around the ancestral estate. The gentleman was wearing a blazer over his jeans. I usually take one pair of black jeans with me (we generally travel in cooler weather), but they are literally the only thing I take that aren't fast-drying, easy care.
USA Thu 07/21/2005
What not to skimp on
First timers who are trying to pack light should be sure not to go overboard and only bring 1 pair of shoes. Yes, that 2nd pair is very heavy but your feet will thank you for having an alternate set to wear.
Also, as far as jeans go-2 exeptions to my "don't bring jeans to Europe" rule - 1)If you are traveling when/where it is cold-jeans are great as you only need one pair and they won't look dirty for ages. 2)If you are a teenager - as the mother of 2 teens I don't really care how much they bring as they are the ones who have to carry & keep up with it. They are required to bring nicer things so that we can go to dinner or the theatre but they almost always bring 1 pair of jeans, even when we traveled in Italy in the summer. I just don't think they get as hot as I do and it is not inappropriate for teens to look like other teens.
USA Thu 07/21/2005
Packing Cubes/Dressing Nice
I agree that the Eagle Creek packing cubes are great, but I have also found that the large ziploc bags are just as good. You don't need the fancy bags that squeeze the air out-just several two gallon (I think that is the size) bags with shirts in one, skirts in another. With my husbands khakis which are fairly large as he is a big guy, I put the pants inside a used dry cleaning plastic bag and fold it up. This prevents wrinkles in the pants. Then be sure you use your compression straps inside your suitcase. I have also saved zipper or snap plastic wrappers from buying linens. These are pretty heavy duty and do the same thing as purchasing the expensive packing cubes.
And to the posters who think it shouldn't matter what you wear-you must be very young and therefore naive. I agree that we are representatives of our country-travel is not a one sided affair. The European countries are not there for us to sample like a theme park. There are nice comfortable clothes besides jeans and tee-shirts. But by all means, wear your shorts everywhere and then complain loudly (as I have heard many times) when you can't get into St. Peters.
Karen
Atlanta, GA USA Thu 07/21/2005
Packing khakis & knits
I prefer packing them into an Eagle Creek Pack-It Folder -- fold them neatly, velcro the flaps over them tightly, and they don't expand and take up all the room in the case.
USA Thu 07/21/2005
Dressing down
One tip I'll pass along for those who wonder about dressing up. I find when I go to nice places for lunch or dinner, like a golf club, there is a dress requirement of no jeans, or, for that matter, no shorty shorts. And, since I tend to be around golfing areas while on holiday, I always bring a pair of pants for the pure purpose of wearing to the golf club to eat a meal. However, most of my trip is spent in jeans, shorts and brightly coloured tshirts, tanks etc. I like cotton. I plan my trip around doing at least one laundry stop. Bring enough for about a week. Do your laundry after one week is up. As for perfume, jewellry, leave it home. I agree, a hat is a must and so is the sunscreen.
Molly
Calgary, Canada Wed 07/20/2005
Regarding toiletries
I'm of two minds about toiletries. On the one hand, buying when you get there means you aren't dragging along your own, and gives you an interesting cultural experience. But you're not likely to get tiny sizes there, so if you are traveling within Europe you are stuck dragging around larger sizes than optimal or having to throw them away and repurchase in your next port of call. Also, depending on your language skills, buying toiletries abroad can be problematic. My Turkish isn't good enough to figure out whether a particular product is for dry skin or for acne. (And it was worse when I was traveling In Japan!!!)On balance, I'm happier bringing small bottle and jars of my own stuff with me. YMMV of course.
Janet Reed
Seattle, WA USA Wed 07/20/2005
folding bowl/plate for picnicing
I found a valuable picnic item at REI today. They are sturdy plastic bowls that "unfold" to make plates. Great for putting in your daypack, super thin and lightweight, can be used as a cutting board, plus they hold liquid and clean easily. Their webiste is orikaso.com I suppose you can find them at REI.com as well.
D Hoppe
Space City, TX USA Wed 07/20/2005
Sock thanks
Thanks to the post-ers who agreed my foot- protecting baggie concept was too weird! (To pack light, I'm wearing my very clunky hiking sandals on the plane.) But after reading your comments, it occured to me to rummage among our cotton sport socks/"peds" and found enough mismatched or hole-y ones to serve as disposables- so I guess it's a similar concept to those who save old underwear or clothing for the same kind of pack- light purpose. After this I am inspired to begin a travel drawer like that! Thanks again!
USA Tue 07/19/2005
Don't shoot the messenger
I agree - this is about packing and traveling light, as in weight and bulk!
Some people seem to think that this means traveling with only one carryon, but one that weighs 37 pounds and looks the size of a baby hippo!
USA Tue 07/19/2005
Socks are a good thing
Sara I agree with Susan. Just wear a pair of socks. They are great for the security checks and for the plane. Since airlines have cut back it is a great thing to bring so your feet do not get cold while on the plane and for strolling airplane catwalk. You can wash them out when you get to your destination.
Parker
Newport Beach, Ca USA Tue 07/19/2005
Don't shoot the messenger
I was told by someone in the industry that the airlines are happy to allow you to carry on any luggage that meets their specifications - that means their baggage handlers have less to deal with. I share your collective pain, but it makes sense.
Claudia
Berkeley, CA USA Mon 07/18/2005
This little piggy...
Sara, why don't you just wear socks? If you're concerned about the health issue of bare feet, why wouldn't you protect your feet on public transport as well? Something like garbage bags I think would call more attention to you, which is exactly what you don't want to do while trying to get through security in a timely way. I just wear slip-on shoes when flying, as they also accomodate the swelling that takes place on long flights(during which I take my shoes off and navigate the aisles in my socks).
Susan
USA Mon 07/18/2005
Summer Security-a good idea, or not?
Okay, this is sort of related to packing light! (I have really enjoyed reading all of the postings as I prepare for a month in Italy using ETBD philosphy and picking up tips here from all you experts.) Anyway, only folks like you will appreciate my weird question/idea! Being summer, with several airport connections on the way, both times, as I finish packing I am wondering about all the bare feet to share security with, here and in Europe! I saw that one of the travel web companies (maybe Magellan?) had these little expensive disposable packs of open- heeled foot things to protect the soles of your feet. But, since it would be dorky- looking anyway, couldn't someone (me!) just use recycled plastic bags and then pitch those each time? They fold down to almost nothing...has anyone thought of this? Is it too weird?!! Many thanks!
Sara
WA USA Sun 07/17/2005
Veloce vs Civita
Leslie and Patricia- I have both the Civita and the Veloce bags and the Back Door rolling suitcase. The civita is made of microfiber so it is flimsy and not good protection for breakables. I pack it empty in my suitcase then use it to bring back souvenirs on the way home. It's super for a day pack, but I always bring a large ziploc to put contents in if it rains.
The Veloce is much sturdier and made of the same fabric as the Back Door bag. I've use it as a briefcase for my laptop when I travel for work because there is a padded pouch in the back. It's great because you can use it as a backpack, or as a shoulder bag. Very roomy and no problem fitting under the seat in front of me. Nice mesh side pocket for water bottle or wet umbrella.
Angela
Bloomington, IL USA Sun 07/17/2005
Carry on bags
Leslie,
Since you live in Seattle, you should just hop on up to Rick's store in Edmonds, they have all the bags there for you to look at and try on before you buy them. The employees are also very helpful and may have other suggestions if you don't find one there you like.
There is also another travel store a few blocks away from Rick's store in Edmonds called The Savvy Traveler, they have loads of travel supplies as well.
Good luck!
Erika
Edmonds, WA USA Sun 07/17/2005
Leslie/Sherpina/Veloce
That's a cool looking bag, Leslie. It's hard for me to tell a lot about it, because I didn't find any measurements, but it looks a little smaller than the veloce bag. Something I neglected to mention about the Veloce is the thing that would make it less likely to slide under a seat if it's packed too full are the two pockets on front one in front of the other. They're rather "fat" if stuffed and would be the thing that blocks it from going under. When I carried my Ipod in one and camera in the other, it made them bulge. However, I didn't stuff the main compartment of the Veloce so it worked out great, and my Ipod and camera were easy to grab. I also notice that the Oli/Sherpini bag you linked to only costs 1.99 to ship by ground, which means it wouldn't cost much to just order it and put some stuff in it and try it out!
Patricia
Dallas, TX USA Sun 07/17/2005
Carry on bags
Thanks Patricia. Have a look at this site: http://sherpani.us/ProductDetail.cfm?Catalog=128&ID=92 It is the bag I've been thinking of getting. It says it makes a good carryon. I like the choice of colors too. I looked at the sleeves and cases you suggested and thought that's a good idea to protect your techie stuff. I put my CD player in a baggie! Shudder! The Civita looks kind of flimsy to me and not able to protect things well unless you are sure to wrap them up. I'm about to explore the world of MP3 players. I know nothing, but I'm tired of carrying my heavy CD case and player around with me. It actually adds about a pound to my load.
I like to have my tunes with me on the flight esp. when the inflight movie is BAD!
Leslie
Seattle, WA USA Sun 07/17/2005
Traveling as the Non-Tourist Tourist is the Best!
I've been a world traveler for the past 20 years of my life,..was lucky enough to do my first "parentless" euro trip at 15 years old. I can say with all my traveling experiments and experiences, the best way to travel (at least as a woman) is not to look or feel like a tourist. I understand comfort is a consideration, but why stand out like a sore thumb with your shorts and Tevas in Rome? Would you go to a museum in shorts and Tevas in the US? I'm sporty and enjoy those Alpine hikes and I DO bring my comfy tennies along, BUT, I also bring my absolute NICEST and most "trendy" clothes on European vacations! Why look like a tourist shlep when it only draws the wrong type of attention to you? Contrary to what you hear, I've experienced that you are more likely to be bothered and mugged if you look like a scruffy tourist than if you look like a well-dressed local, especially as a woman traveling alone. So I recommend to women to bring your high heels, cute walking sandals, skirts, pretty blouses, sundresses and a nice purse!I've always had more memorable and pleasant trips this way, then decked out in tourist-combat gear! The locals are more helpful if you look nice. The service is better. And, if you are nicely dressed, you are more apt to be invited to nice places, by nice people. (also, more people may offer to carry your luggage! ha ha)Although I hate to generalize here, Europeans tend to be more superficial about appearances than Americans. So exchange your scruffy daypack for a nice big purse. Wear your make-up and perfume and don't look like a "faux tough" (obviously afraid) urban combat woman!
Another fun packing tip: Don't bring all your toiletries! Only bring enough of the "emergency essentials" for 24 hours. After that, you can go shopping an replace all your US products with Euro products. You'll have to buy more toothpaste, soap, etc. anyway right? So do it in Europe an you'll have a bag of souvenirs to go home with, and probably have less to carry than if you had brought your whole US "beauty bag." And don't worry, you can find everything in Europe, an usually of a better quality. And it makes a nice shopping opportunity to get to know the local area and the local pharmacies, grocery stores, etc. Of course I don't recommend this if you are headed from the airport directly into a rural area. You can also do this with your clothes, if you can afford it. Just take some underwear then fill the rest of your suitcase as you go. You'll have a lot less to carry.
Helene
ex-pat American living abroad Sat 07/16/2005
More Veloce
I'm 5'8" and love the Veloce bag, but a smaller person might think it's too large. If I want to stuff it (without unzipping to expand) I can put my laptop and two or three hardback books in it. It does have a very comfortable padded shoulder strap. I do think it's very smart to go ahead and spend some postage and order several bags, comparing until you get the one that suits you. I did that and was very glad I did. By the way, I just received a laptop sleeve and Ipod gear bag from sfbags, and LOVE them. They are extremely well made and reasonably priced. They also have some shoulder bags, if you want to check out their website: http://www.sfbags.com/index.htm Also, if you try the Civita shoulder bag, you might find it's perfect for you.
Patricia, TX USA Sat 07/16/2005
To veloce or not to veloce!
Thank you for telling me about the Veloce Patricia. It was helpful, but, I am not convinced it is what I am looking for. I wish they would put up more views of the bag on the Rick Steves Travel Store section. I do want a shoulder bag, no padding, big enough for essentials but not so big that when stuffed it will not go under the seat. And, a nice, padded shoulder strap. I like some of the bags that a company called Sherpani make. I like the vertical rather than horizontal shape too.
Seeing some of these posts about room on the plane makes me wonder if the airlines are making that space under the seat smaller and we just haven't noticed. Sometimes, there is a metal frame under your portion of the seat that prevents anything bigger than a camera case going under there. I can't imagine getting my Rick Steves Bag under a seat. I've never been able to carry mine on board. I always check it. That's why I'm looking for a nice bag to take on board that I can just fling under the seat with all my flight goodies!
Thanks again
Leslie
Seattle, WA USA Sat 07/16/2005
RS Back Door Bag
I'm thinging of purchasing the RS Back Door Bag, but I'm wondering if it conforms with RyanAir's carry-on dimensions. Has anyone successfully been able to carry on this convertible pack? Rick claims it fits within the guidlines, but a look at the dimension requirements for RyanAir: 55cm x 40cm x 20cm (21.6in x 15.7in x 7.87) doesn't seem to allow Rick's bag in at 21in x 14in x 9in.
Besides weight, does anyone know how strict RyanAir is with their baggage allowances?
Mike Sax <email>
New Orleans, LA USA Sat 07/16/2005
Check your luggage!
The airlines really need to crack down on these huge bags that people try to stuff into those little overhead bins.
Its ridiculous!
Nothing but a small overnight bag per pax should be allowed on the plane.
I actually think the current luggage dimensions for carry-ons is very, very generous...when it IS adhered to!
Allen
Lafayette, LA USA Sat 07/16/2005
Veloce Bag
I used the Veloce Bag on my trip to the UK in March, after ordering several trendy computer bag/messenger bag styles first. I prefer the vertical orientation to horizontal. I called and asked if the Veloce would be counted as a carry-on or as a personal item and the (always) helpful salesperson at the RS store said that if it's packed to bulging, and especially if it's unzipped and extended, the Veloce bag might be considered too large to be a personal item. With that in mind, I kept it zipped/unexpanded the entire trip. It easily fit under the seat in front of me, though (as had been pointed out) it wouldn't have if it was fully expanded or stuffed to bursting. It's very handy and holds a lot. I'm pretty sure it's larger than the Civita shoulder bag, though I haven't seen the latter. It's not padded -- but it does have some sort of "stiffening" in the back to help it hold its shape. It's also made of aq stiffer fabrice than the Civita bags. For this reason I prefer it to the Civita bag which, when I stuck a camera and a couple of guide books in it, had sharp edges digging into my side. If I were going to actually use the Civita bag, I'd be sure to toss in something soft -- a sweater, extra blouse, something to cushion it. The Veloce bag is very sturdy, heavy-duty, will probably hold up to a lot of travel, just like the RS bags. I like mine a lot and use it daily as a laptop bag with a few other things, books, etc. always available.
Patricia
Dallas, USA Fri 07/15/2005
My folding wheels
Here's a tip I'd like to share about the RS Bag without wheels. I find if I bring my old wheels with me, (the kind that unfold) RS Bag fits nice on them. So, why by the version with wheels? I use the wheels at home for my 'laundry tub' which is great...then I take them with me on holiday. If I need them, I just unpack them and off I go. Most ticket counters will let me on with my folded wheels without considering them a personal item. Currently, I'm considering buying the Veloce or Shoudler Civita bag, but I'm not sure which will hold more. The Shoulder Civita looks very small. Smaler than the reg. Civita. And the Veloce looks like it has padding which I don't want.
Leslie
Seattle, WA USA Fri 07/15/2005
Not Moralizing -- Practicality
I'm not sure why people feel the need to come to a "tricks for packing light" board and criticize people for wanting to pack light.... It's true, packing light doesn't mean you can't check your luggage. And that's a point that can be made, and perhaps should be made. But it's also true that Rick Steves has emphasized the benefits of being able to carry your luggage on without checking, and so for people to come to this particular site to criticize that method is odd, to say the least. I sometimes check my luggage anyway, but the tricks for packing light I've learned here are terrific, and I avoid checking my baggage whenever possible.
Patricia
Dallas, USA Fri 07/15/2005
Moralizing? Leave it off the board.
I couldn't agree with Janet more. The moral aspect of some of the posters here are right up there with some vegetarians I know. I don't pack light, but also don't ask others to carry my stuff. So it would be nice for people to eliminate the spite and self righteousness. To each his own.
Jonah
Lexington, KY USA Fri 07/15/2005
The value of this section on light packing tips
Friends, packing light isn't a moral issue, it's a convenience and style issue. Period. I choose to pack light because it's worked well for me. But I don't have a problem with those who choose otherwise. I do enjoy reading about other people's tips here on packing light because it gives me new ideas. And I admit that for me shaving off a few additional ounces has become a game that I get a real kick out of. However, I think that the somewhat defensive "I don't pack light" notes don't add much of value to this section. Maybe there needs to be a place on the graffiti wall for tips and ideas on *not* packing light. Just a thought...
Janet Reed
Seattle, WA USA Fri 07/15/2005
Lost Luggage
Packing light does not mean you need to carry-on. You can pack light and check too in case you do not want to fuss with rolling or carrying bags onto the aircraft. I think many people who carry-on, do so because they have had lost luggage and thus do not want to relive that experience. When I had my bag lost for 5 days I learned to pack light. I learned that I do not need half the stuff I would normally pack. Yes I do carry-on sometimes, but I also always only use a carry-on bag even if I am going to check because it is just easier to get from point A to point B when traveling. I also love my Travel Backpack. You have not lived until you have had to haul your life on your back as you backpacked throughtout Europe. I thought I was going to die everytime I saw a hill. The only great thing was I lost about 10 pounds by the time I was at the end of my travels.
I see both sides of the issues. It feels absolutly great to not have to stand around waiting until your bags take a ride on the luggage wheel and head off to enjoy your holiday. It is also a bummer when your bags do not arrive at your destination and you waste more time having to stand in line to try and identify you bags from the pictures provided and filling out lost luggage claims slips.
The point is that if you are a heavy packer you really do not need most of what you bring. It only makes you a target for theft because you probably look like tourist begging to be robbed.
Parker
Newport Beach, Ca USA Fri 07/15/2005
Thanks, but No Thanks!
I respect the opinions of those who believe in checking their luggage and carrying as little as possible on the plane. But I'm very grateful for the existance of THIS message board where those of us with different desires can share tips and ideas. I have found every aspect of my trip enhanced by the fact that I have learned to simplify my travel-life and put everything I need in a legal carry-on and a personal bag. Perhaps some people overpack or attempt to carry things on they can't lift, forcing other people to help them, or (fill in the blank with typical complaints here). But that is not what I do, nor is that the goal of most people who share tips on this board. Rick Steves revolutionized travel for us, and I can't imagine changing back! Thank you Rick Steves, for your amazing Back Door Bag, your tips, and for providing this board!
Patricia
Dallas, TX USA Fri 07/15/2005
Check you luggage, give us space!
Here is a website I found most interesting in view of some comments made earlier by some posters worried about the ever increasing number of people trying to take everything on board with them and the ever decreasing space under you seat and in overhead bins. I agree with those who believe we should take as little as possible on board with us. And, as this website article points out, if everyone did take their max legal carry-on, we'd run out of room on the plane! Personally, I take another set of clothes and my sponge bag (toiletries) on board. This all fits nicely in a small tote bag which is approx 17x10x6...that's it! Then I check the rest.
Happy checked travels!
http://www.thetravelinsider.info/travelaccessories/airlinecarryonluggageallowances.htm
Antonio
Boston, USA Thu 07/14/2005
Amazing Guidebook Weight Loss Plan!
If you're not cutting Rick's books apart yet, let me encourage you! At the end of your pertinent chapters, crack the spine and use an exacto to cut between the pages, use your handy dandy drill to make 3 holes about 1/4 of an inch in from the spine (carefully mark your holes on each separate chapter so the holes line up nicely), secure with tight zip-ties. Be sure to include the cover and first chapter and the last chapter and back cover. My italy book lost 2/3 of its bulk this way and no more fumbling through pages about cities I don't have time to see.
D. Hoppe
Space City, Texas USA Thu 07/14/2005
Try this
I gave up on keeping a journal and taking lots of pictures....we send ourselves post cards with notes and details about our trip....I take some pictures....but....I don't go nuts...ALSO....we purcahse an many stickers that show where we've been and what we've seen....we then mount our pictures, postcards and sticker/s in a shadow box type of frame....presto,...art work wit a personal touvh....
Chuck
LA, CA USA Wed 07/13/2005
Packing light
My husband and I just returned from 2 weeks in Europe. We each took just one carry-on bag. (We did have the advantage of staying at my brother's and using his washing machine.) I would suggest just one pair of long pants, and 4 pairs of shorts for June. Remember, if you are going to St. Peters and the Vatican, you have to have your shoulders and knees covered! We saw people being turned away because they were wearing shorts. Souvenirs were mailed home the day before we left. When you shower, just drag your sweaty clothes in there with you, and wash them out as you wash yourself. We never would have made our connecting flight in Philly if we had to wait on checked bags!
Karen
IN USA Tue 07/12/2005
Packing lightly
Just returned from 17 days in Spain, France, & Italy. The packing cubes were instrumental in packing lightly and perfect for organizing my clothing.
Elastic waisted skirts were the way to go for the ladies. Polyester and spandex skirts rolled nicely,were cool,didn't wrinkle, and weighed very little. The money belt worked well w/skirt and t-shirts.
Judy B
Chicago, ILLinois USA Tue 07/12/2005
Hot Hot Roma!
Mark - wanted to echo your comments about packing light for Rome anytime between June - September. We just returned from Rome last week and I was extremely thankful that I had packed a small amount of laundry detergent. If you are a woman, your bras will get soaked with perspiration and it will make all the difference in the world to slip into a dry, clean bra before going to dinner. Trust me on this!
Lynn
Long Beach, CA USA Tue 07/12/2005
Pack for heat in Italy
Just to echo what somebody said earlier about Italy being hot: we just got back from Florence and Rome, and it was very hot. It was in the mid-90s the whole time we were there, and made for an especially grueling day when we hit the Colosseum and the Forum on the same day.
If you're going to Italy, I would highly recommend having a pair of shorts. I had a pair of travel pants with zip off legs, and I didn't zip on my legs once while we were in Rome.
Also, if you're wondering about whether to pack light and wash your clothes like Rick recommends, Italy is a great place to do it. It was so hot, that everything we washed dried in a matter of hours. Remember that you should be slathering sunscreen on yourself the whole time, so keep that in mind when you decide what you are packing (I still can't get the stains off one of my shirts from the sunscreen mess).
Mark
Los Angeles, CA USA Mon 07/11/2005
Swiss Army Knife
Though it violates the check-no-bags rule, one way to have your Swiss Army knife (nail scissors, tweezers, glasses repair kit, sewing kit, whatever might possibly be interpreted as a lethal weapon) with you in Europe is to put all these "sharps" into an otherwise empty small tote or briefcase, and check it. If one of you uses a rolling bag, the briefcase should be the sort that can slip over the handle. Then, when you arrive, you've got your things plus an empty bag that can be used later for overflow. Meanwhile, you can fold it up and put it into your backpack/rolling bag. It does mean you have to wait for the baggage to be unloaded. Like most things, it's a trade-off.
Meg Rosenfeld <email>
Santa Rosa, CA USA Mon 07/11/2005
to Ed
Leave your knife at home, I've heard if you have 1 off limits thing in your bag that they see on x-ray, they'll take apart your bag. Why make their job, and your life, andy harder than it already is?
USA Mon 07/11/2005
SPF and UVA protection
In the current discussion about SPF, it's important to add that when you choose your suncreen, make sure the active ingredients include those that protect from UVA rays. There are only 3 active ingredients on the market in the U.S. (i.e. FDA-approved) that do so: avobenzone, titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide provide both UVA and UVB protection. A sunscreen's SPF factor measures only UVB protection - UVB are the burning rays. It doesn't measure UVA protection, and the only way you can know you're getting some UVA protection is to look for those three ingredients as a sunscreen's active ingredients.
Jane
USA Mon 07/11/2005
SPF discussion
Jamie is so totally right on! My doctor recommends Neutrogena suntan lotion as one of the best on the market. It's all I use now. At age 50+ I don't want to take any chances!
Per Jamie:
Neutrogena's Healthy Defense line makes tinted moisturizers that have SPF in them. Just check out your local drugstore or go to www.drugstore.com --> Skin Care --> Moisturizers --> with SPF --> Neutrogena. It only comes in untinted, light tint, and medium tint. I use the untinted one and it works great. Plus with SPF 30 it's one of the higher SPFs I've seen.
USA Sun 07/10/2005
SPF
Any suntan lotion that advertises an SPF number larger than 20 or 25 is boloney. Please keep in ming that you need to reaply lotion several times a day. Even a "50+" number (again, that's boloney) will NOT protect you for longer than an hour, and this depends on your activity level, if you sweat, you might need to reaply more often. Please check with your dermotolgist for the best kind of suntan lotion...i.e. NOT Coppertone!
USA Sun 07/10/2005
More on sunscreens
It's important to get sunscreen that is photo-stable (that doesn't break down on sun exposure) and protects against both UVB and UVA rays. Shiseido SPF 55 is a high end product that I splurge on for my face; Ocean Potion Anti-Aging SPF 50 is about a quarter of the cost. Either way, don't skimp on sunscreen. Skin safety is a serious business.
Janet Reed
Seattle, WA USA Sun 07/10/2005
SPF products
Here in Australia "Covergirl" has a tinted SP15+ moisturiser for less than 10 bucks(Aussie Bucks I mean) which comes in FIVE tints -- I'm not sure if it's available in USA -- but check Wal Mart for Almay products( as I remember they were wonderful value)
Jackie Williams
Perth, Australia Sun 07/10/2005
Sunscreen
Having already dealt with a small skin cancer on my face, I have to be extra careful. The SPF factors are important, but you're supposed to reapply every few hours, as well. While it's not my favorite way to wear makeup, I've discovered by trial and error that when I'm going to be in the sun a lot I put the highest SPF sun screen I can find, usually 50, and apply powder foundation over it. I can refresh during the day by removing it all with one of those individually packaged cleansers, rinse well, reapply sunscreen and powder. You also feel really refreshed.
USA Sun 07/10/2005
Leave it at home
To Ed....I'd leave ALL restricted items at home....carry one carry on bag....buy what you'll need....you'll have more fun...less hassel!
Chuck
LA, CA USA Sun 07/10/2005
Being prepared?
I like Swiss army knives, they are good for all sorts of things (screwing a speedometer reader on to your bike handles, opening a can, cutting something open, etc.) But of course that means I have to check-in my bag. What are everyone's thoughts?
Ed
Jersey City, NJ USA Sat 07/09/2005
Shampoo, conditioner, and body wash in one
Philosphy makes these great cleansers that are shampoo, conditioner, and body wash in one in a variety of different scents. I find that the shampoo and conditioner works well, but you need a fair quantity of it to use as an effective body wash. I usually will pack soap separately (it takes so little room, anyway), but in a pinch this product will do all three jobs for you. Sephora (online and in stores) and Drugstore.com sells them. You can also buy a variety pack that comes in small bottles.
Jamie
New York, NY USA Sat 07/09/2005
Face wash and moisturizer
Carolyn, Neutrogena's Healthy Defense line makes tinted moisturizers that have SPF in them. Just check out your local drugstore or go to www.drugstore.com --> Skin Care --> Moisturizers --> with SPF --> Neutrogena. It only comes in untinted, light tint, and medium tint. I use the untinted one and it works great. Plus with SPF 30 it's one of the higher SPFs I've seen. On a similar note, I aslo use Dove cleansing clothes to wash my face. You just use them once and throw them out. No need to carry a separate facial cleanser!
Jamie
New York, NY USA Sat 07/09/2005
small planes in Canada
Hey, I am still waiting to hear some of KAREN from Canada's real trip experiences. She sure knows lots about packing, have been reading her posts for a long time. One little piece of info for people travelling in Canada on cheap/short flights (Air Canada Jazz for example) - the overhead storage can barely fit a large shoe box and under the seat will fit a large purse or small tote bag if you want no leg room. The plus side is they usually have sky check, a metal cart outside of the plane door to stow your bigger carry-on piece which you pick up upon de-planing. It's like putting things in a closet but I would be careful if you are carrying fragile items. You can still baggage check two items. Safe travels!
Yazi
Ottawa, Ontario CANADA Sat 07/09/2005
Trista/film
Trista -- One technique I've heard of is to get the film developed while you're on your trip, and spend the hours on the return flight going through the pictures, remembering, and writing on the backs. My husband still uses film, and just deals with the space it takes up. It's all a trade-off, what matters the most to you.
Patricia
USA Fri 07/08/2005
re: SPF = happiness
Hallie, could you be more specific about the Neutrogena and Clinque tinted moisturizers? What is the name of the one you use?
Carolyn
USA Fri 07/08/2005
SPF = happiness
SPF coverage, especially in the summer, is super important. I can't recall how many occaisons I've been the only member of a group not to be pink and burned at the end of the day because I wear a high SPF moisturizer. Neutrogena and Clinique both make tinted moisturizers with SPF 30. Pack one of these, and not only do you have protection from the sun, you have make-up to wear as well.
Hallie
USA Fri 07/08/2005
Film
I am personally a fan of the good old camera and rolls of film (and waiting anxiously to develop all that film and see the pictures), but, since I take tons of pictures, I will probably get a digital camera for long trips... film takes up a LOT of space.
Trista
Minneapolis, MN USA Fri 07/08/2005
To Judson
If you are in an exit row, you can usually board in the first batch of people. If you arrive at your seat and the area in front of you under YOUR seat has someone else's bag, then tell a flight attendant. This has happened to me (I really DO pack very light and SMALL) and the flight attendant made the encroaching passenger find another place for his bag; I think HE had to gate-check it for lack of space.
If your bag is truly a carryon, as you indicate, then it should have fit under the seat.
USA Fri 07/08/2005
High Priority Protection
As a book and song writer, I plan to put my scripts and scores on floppy disks and have them 'safety-locked' away before my next trip. Nothing I own has quite the same significance as my writings-and I am determined to give them proper protection.
RKG
D/FW, TX USA Wed 07/06/2005
packing light
A few responses to the comments below...
My family of four did a 2-month trip around the Mediterranean in '99 using Rick's carry-on size bag (not wheeled). The bags fit in the overhead aircraft bins the short way, so we didn't take up more than their our fair share of room. Had no problems finding room in the bins... We also had no problems carrying two months worth of clothing, etc in our RS bags. It's just a matter of packing light and washing clothes in hotel rooms. We never used a laundromat...
I had a pair of lightweight Ex-officio nylon travel pants with me that I have worn in the capitals of Europe, on day hikes in the Alps, and on a 5-day backpacking tip through the Grand Canyon this summer. They are not dressy, but they are soft and comfortable and still look good for travel. Not noisy and very quick drying... Wheel bag or bakpack? If you're in good enough shape to wear it on your back and lift it into the airline bin, the backpack is the way to go. With my pack on my back, many has been the time I've helped other people with their big bulky suitcases getting on trains, climbing stairs in the Paris Metro or on a ferry or in the hotel, etc. Also, your hands are free to look at a map or a compass or eat a gilato (or help someone else with their big suitcases). The bag is not going to disappear when you're looking the other way. We were traveling with a very experienced traveler from Ecuador; when we got off the ferry in Italy, it was about an 8-10 block walk to the train station. My family was cruising right along, while the Ecuador lady was fighting the cobblestones and curbs. She swore she would have a bag like ours on her future trips... I've since made three more pleasure visits trips to Europe, and all of the above still holds true. My family now uses the RS bags for domestic travel as well. My RS bag is still in good shape..... But, know what. None of us has as much travel experience as Rick, and he uses the carry-on size backpack. Nuff said.
Mike Maxwell
Mancos, Colorado USA Wed 07/06/2005
Toiletry Bottles
Lots of posters recommend buying Nalgene brand bottles for travel for toiletries. I have another suggestion. For my husband and I bought each a $1 set of travel bottles at Meijer or Target. Each set had about four small bottles, a toothbrush case, soap dish, and pill box. I used what we needed including our laundry soap and as our trip came to a close and we used all of a certain item, I threw the bottles in for recycling. By the end of our trip our bags were less full than when we started, making room for souvenirs.
This is also great because if you find that everything won't fit on your way home, then you have no financial qualms about throwing away or recycling a few toiletry items, because you've invested less than a dollar. None of my bottles leaked.
Nicole <email>
Chicago, IL USA Wed 07/06/2005
June 1, 2005,
We brought 1 set of silk long johns each and a raincoat used them for 2 1/2 weeks, in Russia & Germany, I used ballons, yes ballons, to insert in the sleaves, and pant legs of the clothes when wet to dry faster, it works!
USA Wed 07/06/2005
packing light
Please, don't pack a bunch of shampoos, conditioners, etc. you make life difficult for your partner, I put all of my sisters clothes in my bag. except for a pair of shoes & slaps and she had all her junk in her bag, her bag was heavier than mine!
USA Wed 07/06/2005
to Kris-packing for UK
Kris, Tank tops probably aren't necessary. It CAN get warm in May-June but you can do it with t-shirts, short sleeve shirts. The UK is rainy, so pack for that, shoes, raincoat, umbrella, maybe take some of that waterproof spray on stuff for your jeans. I've been there in Nov with beautiful weather, wearing jeans and turtleneck, with my coat around my waist. I've been there in January, when it was rainy and cold. Get some long silk underwear. I found if I wear some type of sweater, I could take less turtlenecks. And the best sweater had a pocket (zipped) on the chest, perfect for carrying around my 3-day Tube pass, didn't have to keep digging in my backpack, it didn't get all wrinkled, and I figured if someone went to get it I'd know it!! Take warm socks if your feet get cold. Also, some pleaces don't have much heat, so take warm things to sleep in. Gloves. SOme sort or coat or the fleece jackets as described below. Maybe think about mailing some stuff? It'll probably be expensive, but you'll want a little more for 6 months than 2 weeks. Have fun!
USA Wed 07/06/2005
thanks for the advice!
Hey just wanted to thank you all for your comments...they really helped out regarding what I should pack and eased my mind about going out at night in foreign countries!
Thanks!
Jennifer <email>
New Orleans, LA USA Tue 07/05/2005
Light weight fleece
I have found these great fleece pull overs from LL Bean that keep you super warm but are very light weight. I got the pull over kind, but I believe they have zip up one's too, and they were pretty inexpensive (around $25 I think?). I plan to take two with me to Italy in the fall and then just a water resistant shell type coat (layering is good!), no more bulky sweatshirts for me! With a few t-shirts and a couple pairs of khaki pants, I'll be set for my tour!
Erika
Edmonds, WA USA Tue 07/05/2005
Semester abroad
So I'm a college student heading over to England for a semester and really don't know the weather or what to bring or how to pack light for this trip. Anyone want to weigh in? I'm leaving January and returnign May. How is the weather during that time? Sweaters all the time? Tank tops necessary?
Please help, o you who are more experienced than I.
Kris
Wisconsin USA Tue 07/05/2005
Just to weigh in. I have been on flights where I was in one of the first rows and of course got on the flight almost last. I have taken on "true" carry ons based on size of luggage and weight, and by the time I got on the plane, there was no room for my stuff, which then had to be checked at the last minute. And they still lost my luggage. They put it in just prior to take off so I know it was in there, but somewhere between the plane and the baggage pick up at CDG, and then one time at Healthrow, it was gone. So I too resent the folks who manage to get by security with their bags that should really be checked. What a pain! Finally, after two days, I did get my bag delivered to the hotel.
Judson
Princeton, NJ USA Tue 07/05/2005
Karen
" think some of these comments are getting a bit much! Here's my beef. When people who obviously like to travel as 'carry-on' only travellers pack their bags to the hilt and use up all the storage space in the overhead bins. I see people come on the plane with a huge rolling suitcase and matching tote plus coats and purses and think, how the heck did they get past security with all that???? "
Karen,
The die-hard light packers don't have this worry since they will always be able to put their 1 bag under the seat in front of them and forget the overhead bins
David
Cary, NC USA Tue 07/05/2005
Karen, I respectfully disagree with you. While I may not go to the extreme to pack disposable underwear, if you've ever had a bag lost from checked luggage, you will become a convert. If the airlines did a better job of getting checked bags there and on-time, less people would be concerned about carrying their bags.
Having said that, please continue to check your bags so the rest of us have plenty of overhead room ! :)
The bottom line is do what is comfortable for you. If you don't want to pack light, then by all means drag your luggage all over. If you are traveling first class, then schlepping bags probably doesn't affect you.
My greatest tip:
- if you can't live without it, then take it.
- if you "might" need it, leave it behind !
USA Tue 07/05/2005
Packing light with large suitcase
Our family "packs light" by using large checked bags. The key is that we use 2 large bags for the 4 of us. My husband and teenage son handle the wheeled bags throughout the trip leaving my daughter and I completely free (except for tote/daypack) to hold and consult maps, open doors, etc. It is somewhat liberating to get on the plane with only a true carryon-something big enough to hold your book, music, sweater. This summer we need to travel with a smaller bag for each of us and I really dread having to keep up with 4 bags instead of 2.
USA Tue 07/05/2005
Packing the smart way!
I think some of these comments are getting a bit much! Here's my beef. When people who obviously like to travel as 'carry-on' only travellers pack their bags to the hilt and use up all the storage space in the overhead bins. I see people come on the plane with a huge rolling suitcase and matching tote plus coats and purses and think, how the heck did they get past security with all that???? Those bins aren't made for 2 weeks worth of packing, they are made for LIGHT items. Coats, LIGHT bags. Heavier bags are supposed to go underneath your seat. But, have you looked underneath the seat of a plane lately?? You cannot get a 21 by 14 by 9 inch suitcase under there without sacrificing the foot and leg room of both yourself and your travelling neighbours/companions. A lot of people prefer nothing under their seat so they can have more foot and leg room. And again, they think the overhead bins were made for all their worldly possessions.
So, beware, travelling light is all very well if you are not infringing on other's overhead bin allotment and other's allotted foot room. I have to agree with the people who take most everything with them in a checked bag. You are meant to take very little with you on the plane. Why do you think some airlines have a 5 kg limit? It's enough for a change of clothes and toiletries to get you through a few days in case your checked luggage does goes missing.
Use checked luggage for your stuff. Why haul it all on the plane with you? I know some people have their packing down to a fine art and take little in the way of clothing and that's wonderful if you like that. But consider the safety of the plane, your fellow passengers and really what is meant by the term 'carry-on'
It's OK to go without a shower for a day, or wear the same shirt and pants two days in a row, or not wash your hair one day. More people should try it, so they realize that it isn't the end of the world to miss out on a day or two of their cleaning and washing rituals. Then, when you haven't had a shower or washed yourself for a day or two, it's such a pleasure to hop into a hot shower and get clean...you forget the wonderful feeling of it when you do it all the time!
At least, wash your face and brush your teeth everyday!
These are my comments for what they are worth. I've tried the carry-on only route and failed. I've tried RS's bags I find they are too big and bulky to handle and too big for what I need to carry-on. I don't like doing laundry on my vacation. I'm the one who ends up doing it anyway! I prefer a vacation from laundry and enough clothes to get by. But you don't need that much to get by. I prefer to take a small carry-on tote that is 19 by 12 by 6 and has 4-5 shirts, 5 each of undies/socks/cami's or bras plus 1 pair pants and toiletires plus other stuff like walkman and itinerary. I might take a smaller tote for a water bottle, newspaper and my waistpack that will go under the seat during the flight. It does not take up much space at all. I put my walkman in there to have handy. THis has worked for me and my mother who is a seasoned traveller since the 1950's when it took 14 hours to get from New York to Britain!
In a checked bag I will take 5 more shirts and a couple more pants, swimsuit, shorts, water-socks for the beach, beachtowel, sunscreen, extra nightwear, my neck pillow which I never go anywhere without...it's large, (Obusforme) and I take some prezzies for my cousins. Plus sandals, extra socks/undies/cami's bras. Husband and me each have a checked bag, not big though, a small duffle each and I pack each with a bit of our own clothing so if one goes missing, the other still has both of our clothes in it.
It's about the experience, not what you are wearing and how clean you are!
Karen
Canada Mon 07/04/2005
Travel Tricks
Travel Smith has wonderful slacks called the "indispensible travel pant". They don't wrinkle, are lightweight and look good (they don't have a waistband and zip up the side). You can curl up on a 14 hour plane ride (New Zealand) and when you get off they still look fresh. I can travel for 7 days with a 24 inch suitcase (rollers of course) and simply take two pair of these pants (they look good with a sandal or nice walking shoe), with three different colored sweater sets, tops, and some different colored lightweight scarves to mix and match. Of course this isn't all I take, but these are the basics and the rest of the bag gets filled in with my personal care items (underwear, make-up, etc.).
Travel Smith also carries a raincoat that is lightweight, completely waterproof, has a hood that snaps into the collar and folds up into a 4x6 pocket. It slips into your purse or day pack and can be quickly pulled out for those rainy days. It is also attractive and doesn't look like a garbage bag.
On another note, and on a recent trip this past month, my husband bought some "wonderwear". He rolled them up so that each pair was a little larger than a tube of lipstick. They weren't the most attractive shorts in the world, and I laughed like crazy when I first saw them on him, but each night he threw a pair away. He said they were comfortable and didn't itch. :o)
Kristie
San Diego, CA USA Mon 07/04/2005
Tips for the Ladies
For the ladies out there...I pack only one pair of panties and one bra. The bra gets rinsed out at night and I pack enough panty liners to last me for the entire trip. And after three trips to the UK I am convinced that jeans are evil...too heavy, bulky, and stay wet when they get wet. Yuck. I ditched the big suitcase after my first trip to a London B&B where I had to haul my bag up seven verrrry steep flights of stairs, my top floor room had a fab view of Holland Park, but the trek up there almost killed me!!!
Jackie
Philadelphia, PA USA Mon 07/04/2005
packing light
OK Kids-here's my rationale for packing light. I used to pack heavy and always wear something once. So I either brought lots of stuff or washed or had it done. THEN, I traveled from Germany to Budapest on the train. Two changes with a 26" heavy bag and I was a convert. It was a pain to drag my bag up the train car stairs, it wouldn't roll thru the aisle and I didn't even wear everything I brought. You can't count on people helping you with your bags if you're a reasonably youngish looking person. I'll help older people or those who are disabled, but not young, healthy looking people. (And yes, I know those who LOOK healthy aren't always). I've also figured out on public transportation in Europe, you don't always have lots of room to put bags. And have you ever tried lifting it above your head to put it on a rack? I can barely do that with my light 20" small bag! I understand people want to look nice on vacation, and not spend time doing laundry (tho it's fun to people watch and it's a good down time), but really, no one cares but you. If you can get past that, you'll pack light. When you can barely move your bag thru a train, up steps, and up into a rack, you'll pack light. When you strain a muscle or just get sick of people looking at you and either not helping or laughing at you, you'll pack light. This site isn't to diss other people, it's "tips for packing light". Let's keep it that way. I personally enjoy it, I'm not anally fixated, I think of it as kind of a game, how small and how light can I get my luggage.
USA Mon 07/04/2005
Jennifer~~when my daughter was 20 she and a friend from college went to Europe for two weeks before heading to Scotland for their 30day field study for college. They were in England, France, Germany, Italy, Prague and Amsterdam. They went out every night and had a fantastic time. They only had one time that was a problem and that was in Florence. They and 2 girls from California they meant at the hotel they were stay at. All 4 of them went out dancing and while they were all dancing an Itilian guy came up to my daughter and tried to put his hand down her skirt. So was so scared she screamed and the other 3 girls got him away from her. So just use your commom sense, go out and have fun.
USA Sun 07/03/2005
packing light
s...from Indiana, this is M from Indiana and I agree with you. I will be packing for a nine day trip to Italy, and I will be packing enough for all nine days. My husband says that for the Four of us (we are taking our boys, 11 and 14) we only need 2 carry on bags and backpacks. I keep telling him I don't want to do laundry while on vacation, although to sit in an Italian laundry may be interesting. With it being summer and so hot in Italy, I will be packing lots of lightweight skirts and dresses and of course comfortable shoes. I should be able to get all I need into one 21" suitcase with out a problem. Now if my husband wants to combine his clothes with the boys clothes and they can fit all that into a carryon...go for it. :>)
michelle <email>
IN USA Sun 07/03/2005
heavy packers of the world unite
I agree with all you heavy packers. I am going to Europe later this month for 9 days. I will be taking a 29" bag and a carry-on. My make-up is only the size of a small baggie, so it is all going with. I am packing 9 complete changes of clothing, makeup, and 1 extra pair of shoes.
s
indiana USA Sun 07/03/2005
packing light or not
For Vickie and Kat,
I agree--I am just more comfortable with my extra clothes, shoes, and my regular toiletry items when I travel, though they do take up space and weight. I read this board religiously and try to consider all the tips (I have used a couple), but I will never be a one carry-on traveller. I think it just depends on each person and what they are comfortable with. And Vickie--I like your calorie-burning idea!! Maybe that's why I come home from a trip feeling like I'm in better shape, from carrying my luggage! Just wanted you both to know there is another person here that will probably never be able to pack really light.
M
USA Sun 07/03/2005
To pack light or not to pack light
For Kat,
I've been reading postings & just had to reply. I can see the benefit of traveling with a small carry on suitcase but unless I really have to ( travelling on a business trip or a short hop accross the pond ) I much prefer to have the comforts I like. Now don't get me wrong I have done laundry both in my hotel room & at a multitude of laundry facilities all over Europe. But I am the one with the just at the max weight suitcase most every time. If nothing else it allows people to prove that they really are helpful - I've had tons of Europeans help either me or my mother with our luggage or more occasions than I can count. I know that you can purchase most anything you've forgotten while travelling but you tend to pay more for it & many times have to hunt for it ( try looking for hairspary in Prague ). My thought is this is my vacation & if want to have a choice of clothing, shoes etc. then I should. If also makes me not feel guilty about the extra calories consumed after carrying the luggage up 3 flights of stairs.
Vickie
Jacksonville, FL USA Sat 07/02/2005
For Jennifer
Going out at night on your own is fine! Be sure and do it- nothing is worse than sitting around bored in a hotel room or not exploring anything beyond a hostel bar. Look for good places to visit in your guide book, and don't be afraid to ask local people your age for a reccomendation of what's hot. Just take the normal precautions you would in America and play it smart. As far as clothes go, pack pieces that intermingle well with one another, are comfortable, and make you feel cute. Take a nice light jacket for the evenings and into wear into places that might be heavily air conditioned. Don't worry about anything too dressy unless you have specific plans or desires that would require such garb. Jeans are fine as well. Pack light, and remember, if you feel the need for a new outfit on the road, it could make a great souvenir.
Hallie
USA Sat 07/02/2005
For Jennifer
My daughter went to Germany, England, Nederlands for 2 weeks. She took a backpack, Said she'd do that again. she took Old Navy stuff. linen capris, the tanks, a jean jacket. Wore her Chacos everyday, but bought a pair of Pumas she had to have. She took a skirt too. Said she took too much clothing, next time will pack lighter. didnt' take makeup, except some mascara and blush. she went with her best girlfriend and went out at night to the beer gardens. Only one time did they have an issue with a guy that made them afraid, but they just stuck together and walked away. Some old guy was trying to pick them up --said he wanted them to come to his place. They were smarter than that! Do take a light weight rain jacket, but it's HOT in Europe right now. July is really hot...even in the Alps. You wont' need a heavy coat. Worse case - you can buy a sweatshirt, or some other neat piece of warmer clothing if your budget allows and bring it home as a souvenier
USA Fri 07/01/2005
for Jennifer
Jennifer - If I were going to 5 countries in 16 days I would travel as light as possible! Since you're a weakling :) I'd recommend a rolling suitcase no larger than 22" (one that converts to a backpack can be handy, but not essential). Getting even a small suitcase on and off trains can be a challenge because of crowds in the doorways, and you don't always have lots of time to exit the train. If you take a small carryon tote, be sure to get one with a sleeve that fits over the handle of the rolling suitcase.
I'd pack lightweight capris, skirts (only if you like to wear them at home), and maybe a lightweight pair of jeans. In Sweden last year, I wore capris, sleeveless tops and a black pullover fleece more than any of the other items I took. I always take a very light rain shell, but have rarely taken it out of the suitcase. Don't take too many pairs of shoes. Do plan to do laundry at least once, unless you are willing to do the piece-by-piece laundry in the hotel sink thing.
Yes, I think it's safe for two women to go out at night, as long as you use common sense (avoid the red light districts and don't show too much skin!).
Have a great trip!
Kathy
Seattle, WA USA Fri 07/01/2005
Packing light for young women
Jennifer-my 17 year old daughter just got back so I can tell you what she did: Yes, you are safe to go out at night as long as you use precautions usual for women - you live in New Orleans, I'm sure you know what to do. My daughter took the Rick Steves rolling bag for the first time for her 3 week trip. She was able to carry it on (except when coming home and she had expanded it) and handle it herself on trains. She took one pair of jeans, many skirts and light tops, wore one pair shoes, packed another. It is hotter than you think in Europe so skirts make sense both for the weather and the weight of your suitcase.
USA Fri 07/01/2005
travel questions
My friend and I are making stops in France, Belgium, Germany, Austria, and Switzerland for 16 days at the end of July. We are two girls in our early 20s. My questions: Is it safe for two girls to go out at night by themselves? I am trying to pack very light, but am not sure what to bring...casual skirts instead of jeans? a rolling suitcase?? Just a carry-on?
I am kind of concerned about my luggage b/c we will be travelling by train a lot and there will be no guys with us to carry our stuff (which is what I've always relied on) and I am very weak (not able to carry a lot of stuff! a gallon of milk gets heavy for me!)...Please advise. I'm not sure what the weather is like, so I don't know what to pack. I've read that it is usually in the low 70s around that time of year, in which case, I will probably get chilly, but don't want to bring a jacket if I don't have to.
If anyone has tips, that would be greatly appreciated!
Jennifer <email>
New Orleans, LA USA Fri 07/01/2005
Light long skirts that roll up *tiny*
I've found a fantastic source for Thai rayon wrap skirts. About $10 or less. They look very classy and airy and comfy and roll up incredibly small. They are ankle length with very long ties so are formal enough for conservative locations. I bought 3 to try and just received 10 more. You can reach the seller on ebay at http://stores.ebay.com/Earth-Magic-Tours.
Jan <email>
Norfolk, VA USA Fri 07/01/2005
To J Gillam: Use a lightweight messenger bag with a strap that can be shortened if needed, or worn across your chest. Lots of room for all you want to carry and looks great on guys!
Phoebe
USA Thu 06/30/2005
It's HOT in Europe - pack accordingly
Just a quick note - Europe, especially Italy, is in the middle of a heat wave. Older people are dying. I'd highly recommend you consider this when packing for an upcoming trip. Jeans would be too heavy now. Women - consider taking a skirt. they are wonderful for sightseeing, much cooler than pants, even capri pants. Nicer than shorts. Look great with sandals. A simple black linen skirt (looks good wrinkled) will go far. Men, steer away from heavy fabric in pants. Nylon, if light weight would be good. Look for a natural fabric now for the summer months. I'm just back from Italy, and Rome was miserable. I wore my skirt and it was great. Plus, I felt a tad more sophisticated walking around.
USA Thu 06/30/2005
Packing light
On our recent Italy trip (2 weeks, Venice/Florence/Sorrento/Rome) my suitcase was lighter than my significant other's and much lighter than my Mom's. I bought nylon clothing, including zip-off-legs pants from Eastern Mountain Sports (which were useful on hot days when you want to visit churches not allowing shorts), hiking sandals (which I wore most days) from Keen, and light-weight silk or cotton/poly blend shirts. I think trail/hiking shoes are a good choice for an active vacation (I like Keen and Merrel).
I also splurged on a pair of nylon/cotton shorts from Timberland that I really liked (the utility and lightness of nylon, but looks and feels more like cotton). I don't recommend board shorts or nylon pants/shorts with a mesh lining.
Because they're heavy, I took only 1 pair of jeans which I only wore twice.
I know that some people are just adverse to reusing clothes, but for me a pair of pants or shorts lasts 3 days, especially nylon ones that are pretty dirt-resistant. We also stopped to do laundry a little more than half way through. Even though I made a real effort to pare down to the minimum on this trip, I still had plenty of clothes.
A picnic kit (a freebie when I bought a Mazda Miata several years ago) with acrlyic wine glasses, plastic plates, a pretty table cloth, and sturdy plastic/metal silverware was nice to have along for picnics (especially if you have a room with a balcony).
My biggest tips: 1. Don't take new shoes! A friend of ours has made this mistake on several trips taken with us, resulting in blisters. 2. Buy nylon pants with front zippered pockets and keep your wallet in them. This saved me from a pickpocketing attempt on the trip. 3. If you don't wear it at home, you probably won't wear it on the trip either, so don't take it (even if it looks great). 4. Take along a waterproof nylon rain jacket, one that stores in its own pocket, and take it with you in your day pack. 5. Ware a pair of sandals, and pack only half the socks (climate permitting).
I still carry a backpack, but on this trip I really started to consider something smaller after popping lots of aspirin for a sore back. Maybe a european man-purse thingey or some sort of fanny pack would work. But, the backpack is so useful for carring emergency supplies, gatering picnic items, and carting back impromptu purchases that I'm reluctant to replace it...
For luggage, I recommend Eddie Bauer (available from Target) nylon luggage that can be carried like a duffle bag but also has wheels and a handle. It also has straps to carry it like a backpack, but I never used it that way. I also liked my new Eddie Bower backpack, which has handle loops that zip out on the front so your backpack can also be carried like a duffle-bag.
Jon Gilliam <email>
Sharon Hill, PA USA Thu 06/30/2005
Sink stopper
better yet, with no cutting involved. Just use one of those jar openers that you probably already have in your house. Takes up a lot less room. BTW, just home from 2 week trip in Europe and I didn't need any kind of sink stopper...all the B & B's had great sinks. I guess youth hostels are still lacking ???
USA Wed 06/29/2005
Remember
A tennis ball cut in 1/2 makes a great sink stopper/plug....
USA Wed 06/29/2005
Hair Care
At home, when it's hair coloring time, I have to use 2 boxes of hair color for my shoulder-length tresses, but surprisingly, 1 of the 2 boxed packets of conditioner is more than enough, so I save the extra conditioner packets for travel. Very simple & works great!!!
RKG
Euless, TX USA Tue 06/28/2005
Taking
Remember....the word "take" means that....does not count what you're wearing!
USA Tue 06/28/2005
Donnie suitcase
That's plenty big for 7 days....that's carry on size, perfect for travel. Remember, you can wash your "undies". One to two pairs of pants is more than enough, and 3-4 shirts. It's really really HOT in Rome right now, you won't need a jacket! Italy is having a heatwave again this summer, so pack light!
USA Tue 06/28/2005
packing light
10, expand to 14
Donnie Fletcher
Brooklyn, NY USA Tue 06/28/2005
packing light for 7 days in rome
Can you clarify "8x20"? Do you mean the size of your suitcase? you are missing a dimension...is the other one 10 or 14?
USA Tue 06/28/2005
Packing Light and Washing Clothes
Dumb question: is an 8x20 appropriate for 7 nights in Rome?
Another Dumb question: Is there laundry service near the Spanish Steps area?
Don Fletcher
Brooklyn, NY USA Tue 06/28/2005
studing abroad.....
a couple pair of wool socks for the winter, small umbrella or a windbreaker that will double as a rain coat. I use the mens windbreaker from Old navy. Other stores have them too. They fold into a pocket and I get it big enough so that if I am wearing a sweater or fleece it still fits loose.
USA Mon 06/27/2005
Travel Office
We also pack a small office.... small calculator, 6" plastic ruler, red and green Paper Mate felt pens (used to map our plans/route, and a small good quality compass....that we purchased from REI....this has saved us so much money and time!
Chuck <email>
LA, CA USA Mon 06/27/2005
A Packing Light website
Go to packinglight.net, and scroll down to the section on "step by step packing light method." The "bundling" method does work great to keep clothes from wrinkling. It helps to leave one outfit not bundled if you will need to change outfits quickly upon your arrival.
PW <email>
FL USA Mon 06/27/2005
Rolling?
Patt (and others who roll) -- I roll my socks and underwear, but when I've attempted to roll my slacks and shirts, they seem to take up more room instead of less. I do fit all my slacks/pants/light sweaters in one Pack-It folder, which compresses them when it's closed tightly. Maybe I don't know how to roll?
Patricia
Dallas, TX USA Mon 06/27/2005
Kelli 4 Months studying
Good advice below; layering etc. I would add two more: 1)ROLL ALL your clothes(takes up half the space) and be sure and pack into already packed containers, i.e. rolled undies, belts, socks etc. in shoes. 2) For that type of trip, I would always pack everything in a small carry-on w/wheels, which I then put into a larger bag to be checked. (I have never had my bags lost-knock on wood!) That way, I have my small pack for weekend travels and a huge empty bag to fill with souvenirs. I still pack light, so I have the mobility for trains and the ability to REALLY bring home some great stuff!! I love to buy art (paintings, statuary) jewelry and unusual gifts for my large, extended family. Have FUN!!
Patt <email>
Winter Haven, FL USA Sun 06/26/2005
studying abroad...
long silk underwear, top and bottoms
USA Sun 06/26/2005
Packing cubes really helped me!
Packing cubes saved my stuff from being scattered all over O'Hare airport in Chicago! I was forced to check my smallish bag on a very full flight. When it got to DFW it was destroyed. Bag and contents were in a plastic trash bag! The cubes kept my stuff together. A lesson learned. Thanks to those who advised that I use them!!!
Ellen <email>
Fort Worth, TX USA Sun 06/26/2005
Travel Light
I have definately been won over with the travel light mentality- a month in Italy last summer proved to me that you really can get along just fine with a carry on and a daybag. Several lessons learned on that trip:
1. Time saved getting checked bags, and the security of knowing where my bag was at all times was very reassuring flying into a country where I did not speak the language. ( Sadly I have a history of having my luggage lost when traveling.) 2. For my "day bag " I used a large sized"healthy back" bag- which is a bit more like a purse- I was allowed to keep that with me in lots of places where others had to check in backpacks. 3. Reversible skirts that can be rolled up into a sausage shape take up virtually no room in a suitcase, and are frequently more comfortable and acceptable than pants in most of Europe 4. Ziploc bags are wonderful!!! I learned that many years ago as I started Backpacking- not only do they keep things dry, they keep things seperated and organized, and you can easily see what is in each.5.I went thru my Rick Steves guide and made photo copies of all the pages of places I would be visiting on my trip. I packed each locations copies in a seperate ziploc bag which was easy to grab and stick into my daybag each morning. Books are HEAVY and any way to cut the weight when you're walking a lot is helpful.5)Visiting a laundromat in a foreign country can be quite an interesting way of mingling with the locals.We managed to find laundromats near our hotels about once a week and enjoyed the few hours it gave us to mingle with the locals. Ironically one of my most vivid and enjoyable memories was doing our laundry at a laundromat in Venice on a rainy evening when we could have done nothing else. I saw a side of Venice that few others get to !
Suzanne <email>
St. Louis, MO USA Sat 06/25/2005
studying abroad for 4 months
Pack for 2 weeks, plan on purchasing additonal clothing here if you budget allows.
Plan on layers for clothing. Bring a fleece piece, and cover it with a windproof layer/rain layer. That should be warm enough for early December.
Add a light sweater if it's not warm enough....
USA Sat 06/25/2005
studying abroad for 4 months...
I will be in Italy for 4 months this fall studying abroad in Florence (traveling almost every weekend throughout Europe). I will have an apartment, so I'm not so worried about the weekend traveling, but I don't want to take too much stuff on the long trip over there. We're flying into Rome and taking a train to Florence. Dealing with huge luggage will be a pain. We will have a washing machine at our apartment. What do you all suggest for a trip that includes a change in weather? I'll be there from the end of August until the middle of December. Also, I'll be traveling to various places that might be cooler. Any ideas?
Kelli <email>
Register, GA USA Sat 06/25/2005
Ultra Compact and Lighweight Running Shoe
For those of you who like to incorporate a daily run into your travel plans, I would like to recommend the Nike Free 5.0 running shoe. This shoe is ultra-light. My women's size 7 weighs a mere 12 ounces and the shoe itself collapses so that both shoes can be packed into the same size space as a pair of flip-flops. They do take an adjustment period for running. See further information on the website at
http://www.nike.com/. I have always taken a swim suit or jump rope for getting in a good cardio workout while traveling. These will allow me to take in the early morning ambiance at my next travel destination. If anyone knows of a good resource for finding running routes or trails in Europe, please let me know. I love this website and Rick's resources but find this is one area where little or no information is available.
Elizabeth <email>
Atlanta, GA USA Fri 06/24/2005
Got-tex lined womens shoes
Take a look....LLBean summer 05 Travel Cat, pg 50,
item NY49853 (womens) $89, llbean.com, 800.221.4221
Chuck
LA, CA USA Fri 06/24/2005
Flight Bags from the old days!
http://www.troyland.com/northamerica8.html
Just thought I'd pass along this link which shows a whole load of different flight bags from years gone by. My Dad still has his old Wardair flight bag. Unfortunetly, Wardair is gone. They were one of the best airlines. You can scroll through different countries to see what kind of bags certain airlines had. In those days, the idea of a carry on was the size of these bags...I don't remember taking aboard anything more than that!
Karen
Canada Thu 06/23/2005
Karen
Meg and others, thanks for the info on waterproof shoes. I wore my old Reeboks to England last year and was drenched several times wading through flooded areas of Dundee etc...ankle deep water in the centre of the city, It was a flash flood!!! I brought a pair of sandals, like Tevas, and I'm glad I did as they are great in wet weather and dry out faster than runners. The climate was warm but WET! So, I'll always travel with a second pair of shoes.
Synthetically speaking, I find I sweat more in polyester than plain old cotton... I seem to stay dryer and more comfortable in cotton. I thought all this talk about synthetic 'wicking' moisture away was revolutionary stuff...I'm not impressed...I do like those cotton tshirts with about 5% lycra which makes them stretchy and when you wash them, for some reason, they seem to dry hanging up without looking all chewed up. 100% cotton-knit does not do this...you need to dry 100% cotton- knit in a dryer.
Also, my husbands 'golf' shirts from Sears, a store he can't stand, are all cotton, but they have a certain weave that forms a stripe in the fabric, like ribbing...they have a teeny coloured stripe as well. I can wash those and hang them up to dry (which I do a lot in the summer) and they are dry within a day and can be ironed...don't know why...it's only a certain kind of weave that will do this, not plain cotton-knit tshirts.
Canada Thu 06/23/2005
OK We (husband and I)are planning a seven week "Round the World " trip going Perth - Melb(family visit) - Salt Lake City [via LAX](to see family) - Denver(to see friends)- NYC (JUST cos we LUV NYC) - UK ( 6 days to see friends AND family) - Bordeaux ( to see Australian sister for her 50th birthday) - Venice - Rome - Hong Kong -> HOME to Perth and ALL we are taking is ONE wheeled 20" and one backpack each !!
Three years ago we travelled back from Denver (where we had been living) via Boston London Paris Zurich Florence Venice Rome & Singapore with JUST what we are intending for our next trip AND I am intemding to leave here with a case onlt HALF full so I can shop in Wal Mart Cosco and the outlet stors I know SO well in Denver :)
Just let me say that the lighter the BETTER wash undies Tshirts etc as u go and BUY some clothing "souvieners" as u go IF u need them :)
Jackie <email>
Perth Australia , Australia Thu 06/23/2005
Rockport
Ah--I stand corrected. Maybe they heard enough complaints from angry women! I gave them an earful in 2000. I'm glad to know they've changed their wicked ways. Thanks!
Meg Rosenfeld <email>
Santa Rosa, CA USA Wed 06/22/2005
Water Proof Shoes
Try www.cabelas.com 800.237.4444 item # FF-82-0722 "World Tour" $80.00 brown or black.....
Chuck
LA, CA USA Wed 06/22/2005
Meg - correction on Rockport
Actually, Rockport was purchased by Reebok, not Nike, and they do make some waterproof shoes. You have to look at the fall/winter line to find these. Anyone looking for waterproof shoes should check with their local independently owned shoe store for styles. Most department stores don't carry the majority of styles that shoe companies produce.
Not all waterproof shoes will have Gore-tex membrane, a lot of shoe companies use their own "brand" (method) of making a shoe waterproof. Hope this information helps the readers out there.
USA Wed 06/22/2005
Quick Drying Fabrics
Not all quick drying fabrics "make noise". I especially like the cotton/poly blends. They are comfortable, wrinkle resistant and dry overnight. I have also worn the Chico Travelers clothing on my last 2 trips to Europe with great success.
bettyk <email>
Missouri city, tx USA Wed 06/22/2005
To Karen
New Balance 963 is a moderately high-topped sneaker type shoe, quite cushiony inside, that's beautifully waterproof and very comfortable (and I have fan-shaped, or duck's-foot-shaped feet, very hard to fit.) Better still, they come in plain black and in two-tone tan, very discreet. They're also light-weight. You can also get waterproof hiking shoes or sneakers from Land's End, although I prefer L. L. Bean because they have women's waterproof shoes in widths, which Land's End doesn't. Ecco also makes an ankle boot which is waterproof, though not very comfortable, at least for duckfooted me. Rockport used to make waterproof shoes for women, but they were bought by Nike and no longer think that women need to keep their feet dry. (They still sell waterproof shoes for men. And their sales staff, at least in San Francisco, consists of rude teenage boys.) I bet others can come up with even more waterproof shoes, and I hope you can find a pair that you like--they're great for wet-weather walking, at home or anywhere else!
Meg Rosenfeld <email>
Santa Rosa, CA USA Wed 06/22/2005
To check or not to check!
I have been trying to go the light way for ages. It's becoming easier as get older and don't care what people think of my clothes!!! 20 years ago, that wasn't the case. I have bought RS Bags for both myself and my husband with the intention of using them, but that little leap from taking a checked bag to just taking a carry on still seems so BIG! My husband would take a toothbrush and a credit card if he had his way!! I take a checked bag for each of us. (I refuse to wash his undies!!) I pack a variety of each our of clothes in each chekced bag in case one goes missing so we both have some clothes to wear. I also take a carry on for each of us with enough to get by for a few days. That's what I always thought the purpose of a carry on was...to get you by in case your checked bag goes to the South Pole! And, I have always refused to do laundry on 'my vacation' away from laundry. However, when faced with atrocious floods and bad, freaky weather in England and Scotland last year, we were soaked, dirty and used up clothing quite fast. We had access to our own washer and dryer for a few days and they were going constantly! After this last trip, I will take less, I might still check a bag (like one, instead of two!) as I still want to take enough NOT to HAVE to do laundry. I know we seem so obsessed with being clean, and having enough undies to last us...it's the trip that matters...the experiences that happen to you along the way, including running out of clean socks and having wet shoes for 3 days, that you'll talk about for years! Having to 'make do' is fun sometimes...really!
To Meg...I'd love to know where you get some waterproof shoes!
Karen in Canada
Canada Wed 06/22/2005
Made it easy
Just returned from a 2 week trip in Italy- the first one a bike trip in Sicily. I made it with an Eagle Creek ORV trunk...it's carry on size. I managed to pack my bike clothes and my street clothes in this bag. now, keep in mind that we brought our tandem bike with us...so on the way home, we packed our bike clothing and shoes in the bike cases. it was a hassle with the bike, but we managed- mostly becuase we were able to pack our clothing in carry on size backpack strapped bags.
I even took a skirt this time,and I wore it several times. It was wonderful to have something "girly" to change into for a nice dinner.
We packed 2 pairs of bike shorts, 4 pairs of socks, 3 jerseys. I washed out the clothing we wore as soon as we got out of the shower after riding for the day, and everything was ready to wear by the next morning.
Packing for a bike trip is much more challenging than just packing for a 2 week trip..there is so much more clothing you have to bring. We managed to get ourselves on the ferry in Palermo, and the fast ferry from Naples to Sorennto all by ourselves. Careful to have one hand free at all times. Packing light can be done, and it makes travel so much more enjoyable!
USA Wed 06/22/2005
The Self-Contained Traveler
On the subject of traveling light: Along with the convenience of not having to wait for your luggage at the airport, there's the wonderful sense of freedom you get if you're traveling around Europe by train. You can swing your backpack down from the shelf, put it on (or get ready to start pulling it if it's wheeled), hop off and start walking. That means everything goes into that one bag, plus maybe a day-pack that you can wear on your front with the main pack on your back--Eagle Creek bags are made for this arrangement. If you're using a wheelie, then of course you can wear a normal daypack, or slide a tote over the handle. You are then totally independent and can go where you please. When I bought my Continental Journey (the original, carry-on model) for a five-week trip, the sales lady tried to convince me that I couldn't fit everything for five weeks into that relatively small pack. I countered with "Five weeks is just like one week, with laundry breaks." Luckily I was right, and in fact ended up mailing a lot of stuff home!
You CAN do it. No-one is going to judge you for wearing the same outfit over and over. And if you need to do a big washing, that's a great opportunity to sit down and write postcards, catch up on your journal, or chat with the locals. Or if you're feeling flush, leave it off at a place where they'll do it for you, and spend the day sightseeing. I'm talking stuff like jeans, shirts, etc. not underwear and socks, which you can do yourself. (If you're really clever, of course, you can do it ALL yourself, which I've never managed.) Just be sure you've got gear for any sort of weather that may happen, so you don't have to change your plans if it rains. Walking shoes with a waterproof membrane, and a lightweight hooded rain jacket, at least hip-length, are worth their weight in gold. (And if you're a Californian like me, remind yourself that in other countries it does rain in summer!) Self-contained, weatherproof and inconspicuous, you're free to explore the world.
Meg Rosenfeld <email>
Santa Rosa, CA USA Wed 06/22/2005
Forum Topic
You'll notice this forum is about "Tricks for Packing Light"....so...for most of us....less is better....!
Chuck
LA, CA USA Wed 06/22/2005
To Kat
"I do not want to be tied down to washing out clothes when there is just too much to do! "
Hi Kat, If this works for you- then go for it. However, to me, I compare 5-10 minutes per day of washing laundry in the hotel room to these things: - airline losing or delaying luggage - convenience of going from plane straight to transport usually saves 45 minutes on average. So you would have to be on a 5-10 day trip to recoop your lost time. - ease of handling your luggage once you leave the airport. Even if you have money to burn by throwing it to luggage porters there are many times where you have to lug the stuff yourself. - luggage on your body verses on the curb does lessen the chance for something being stolen and increases your chances to run away if personally confronted by a would-be criminal - etc, etc, etc...
When the pain of overpacking exceeds the pain of packing light you will change. So far, perhaps, that is why you do not pack light. Just remember this when one of the above happens.
Happy traveling!
David <email>
Cary, NC USA Wed 06/22/2005
More Packing Light Benefits
"The best part of packing light is while you were at the baggage carousel, I was already hopping on the Metro... checking out the new city." Not only that, but when you travel light, you're less likely to be a victim of crime (or so I've heard). We had a friend who lost baggage in train stations twice -- both times he had more than he could hold onto comfortably and had it "right on the floor beside him," and both times he swears he didn't look away more then five seconds to see if the incoming train was his -- and when he looked back, something was gone. Once, an expensive camera case and equipment. Oh, another note: Don't carry your camera or other electronic equipment in bags that advertise what's in them. Apple, Canon, etc. For obvious reasons, but of course, his camera bag said "Nikon" on it!
USA Tue 06/21/2005
Sorry Kat.. I pack LIGHT
Sorry Kat but I disagree in not packing light. I used to pack in a regular sized suitcase, and now switched to a 21 inch that Rick suggested. I went on a 4 country trip which involved 4 days in Milan, 1 day in Munich (had to say hello to a friend), 3 days in London and 4 days in Paris. With Rick's cubes and 2 gallon size zip lock bags, I followed Rick's "Ladies" version of packing. I was able to wear my clean clothes for 10 days and I did not have to wash.
My trick? Layering. I took 5 tshirts, 5 long sleeves, 2 sundress, and 3 pants. The shirts got worn once each and the pants got double duty once. The sundresses were wash and dry (dried in a few hours) and I never had dirty clothes.
The best part of packing light is while you were at the baggage carousel, I was already hopping on the Metro... checking out the new city.
Michelle
Anaheim, CA USA Tue 06/21/2005
Really tiny containers for toiletries
One-piece plastic containers for toiletries can be gotten from Storables in a variety of sizes ranging from one that holds a teaspoon or so to ones that hold about an ounce--much smaller than most of these jars. And because they're one-piece, there's no lid to lose. They're great for holding tiny amounts of favorite products like serums, moisturizers, foot creams, facial masques, etc. No question that long hot touristy days make these little luxuries welcome. And all of them put together in a plastic bag weigh only a couple of ounces total.
Janet Reed <email>
Seattle, WA USA Tue 06/21/2005
Packing styles
Please also remember....there are a lot of choices when making travel decisions. We like the free spirit, one bag, and "Through the Back Door" method. We return to our hotel around 5 pm (usually)....we take a quick shower and wash a few things....then off to dinner...our clothes are dry before we turn in....side not....we turn in early and get up early....
Chuck <email>
LA, CA USA Tue 06/21/2005
Not Packing Light?
Kat, you said, "I am not going to miss out on the sights because I am in my hotel room washing clothes!" I've never missed out on anything. The few times I've washed a few things out, I did it at night before I went to sleep and they were dry the next morning! It sounds like you've got a system worked out that suits your needs, though.
USA Tue 06/21/2005
Tricks for NOT packing light!
Sorry, everyone (including Steve) but I do not believe in packing light in some cases. I do not want to be tied down to washing out clothes when there is just too much to do! I just got back from a guided tour to Greece/Turkey and every minute was jam packed. I am not going to miss out on the sights because I am in my hotel room washing clothes!
I take a large (checked) suitcase--not overweight though--with two collapsible nylon bags packed in it for the return flight. I take enough tops, pants, skirts and unmentionables to last the entire trip. Yes, you will see me in the same clothes sometimes. Here's where I pack light: I never wear makeup. So, I don't have to pack any. And, I am so amazed at some of the large pieces of jewlry women take. Leave it home! I have a camera bag that I actually use for my camera as well as a catch-all for other things--book, travel journal, extra glasses, toothbrush, etc. I use a plastic bag (or one of the collapsible bags instead of packing it) as my extra carry-on with a change or two of clothes in case my luggage doesn't go where I go. On the return I use one of the collapsible bags for my dirty laundry and fairly worn-out shoes. (And check it.) The other collapsible bag is my second carry-on and has all the souvenirs that won't fit in my suitcase. This has served me well for many, many trips overseas. I'd be interested in finding out if anyone else does something similar.
Kat <email>
Sandston, VA USA Tue 06/21/2005
Quick Drying Natural Fibers
Chuck, I'd love to know which natural-fiber items you found to be fast-drying.
I've stuck to micro-fibers for several years without problem, but would love to use natural fibers.
TX USA Tue 06/21/2005
Drying tests
I've been doing more drying test on different cloths....my conclusion is....clothing from LL Bean, Lands End, and Travel Smith are very suitable....I prefer the natural fabrics vs the micros etc...why spend more mone than you need too...
Chuck <email>
LA, CA USA Mon 06/20/2005
Clothes Line Tip
I have used another trick for the clothes line. I carry two of the small "carabiner" type clips that are sold for use as a keychain. You can clip them to the ends of the clothes line and they are usually large enough to fit over a towel bar or shower curtain rod, or the clothes line can looped over something and then the clip snapped around the clothes line to hold it. I have also used one to clip to a towel bar to hold my shave kit when there is no counter space. They can also be used to clip and hold almost anything to the outsode of your pack (such as a wet travel towel). They are small and weigh almost nothing.
Happy Travels!
DDM <email>
Los Angeles, CA USA Mon 06/20/2005
Washing Clothing
Do not buy special "highly dryable" fabric travel clothes unless you normally wear that type of fabric. Those travel fabrics dry easily but they are hot and make noise when you walk! I know one person who donated his and bought regular jeans at Marks & Spencer. Wear the clothes you are comfortable in. Hotels & B & B's in the UK all have heated towel bars which make drying clothes easy. I also took a hanger w/clips because there are never enough hooks and sometimes no place for a clothes line. The "S" hook suggested by someone is a great idea!
Audrey Ellis <email>
Salem, OR USA Mon 06/20/2005
Wheeled Carry On Bags
I bought the Costco wheeled carry-on which is comparable to the RS wheeled carry-on. I packed lightly & did not have it expanded but ended up having to check the bag because it weighed more than 8 kilos which is Lufthansa's weight limit! The Costco bag is very sturdy & I had no problems with the wheels. But wheeled bags are NOT good on stairs and next time I will take a RS backpack bag like my daughter has used for two RS tours.
Audrey Ellis <email>
Salem, OR USA Mon 06/20/2005
Take a
I take a gym with me - that being a good quality jump rope....gotta keep fit...this is so easy to pack....weighs nothing...OH the benefits....
LA, CA USA Sat 06/18/2005
The best bag
The best backpack I have ever had was a HEDGREN. They can run up to $100 dollars, but sales often occur in luggage stores with this brand. I bought one in 1996 and it lasted through my entire 4 years in college (Seattle, where it survived massive rain), 2 years in Japan, and traveling through Canada and Australia. It never let me down. It also has a built in back support, extendable for more room, and cinchers to make it smaller if needed. Can be used for your entire trip or just as your day bag. Cannot reccomend it enough!
Erin4a <email>
CA USA Fri 06/17/2005
Flying with a Guitar
I took my guitar with me on a three week trip to Mexico. We were singing in churches down there so I needed it. I packed it in an oversized case and then packed my clothes around it. It arrived safe and sound in Mexico City, and back again in San Jose. The case was battered and covered with stickers so it didn't look like it held a valuable instrument [it didn't!] I was a bit red faced: coming home Customs was searching ALL guitar cases. I had padded my guitar with my dirty laundry for the return trip. It is embarassing for a teen to have her knickers and dirty socks pulled out for all to see.
Joan McFarland
Santa Clara, CA USA Fri 06/17/2005
Re Mike's Clothesline tip
Mike, your idea of an S hook to attach the ends of a clothesline is brilliant! Some of these lines have a hook but of course they're much too small to go around a towel rack.
Jane Reed
Los Angeles, CA USA Fri 06/17/2005
My traveling clothes
Let me start by saying we have not traveled to Europe like most of the posters here. We visited there before we were converted to the packing light philosophy. I will share my packing list and where I purchased what I have and my reasons for buying the particular items.
I chose pants from three different stores. I own 2 pair of Tilley Questor pants and 1 pair of Tilley Lantana pants. Also I have 3 pair of nylon pants from L.L. Bean and 2 pair of Nylon pants from Travelsmith. All are darker colors so as not to show dirt as readily. I think I am probably more likely to sit in something to soil my clothing. Obviously I don't take all of them. Generally I take 3 pair, pack 2 wear 1. For shirts I have purchased 1 Tilley from their adventure cloth. It will dry overnight if you follow their instructions. I have also purchased 4 L.L. Bean Pathfinder shirts made of nylon and polyester. These will dry quickly also. I usually take 4, pack 3 wear 1. I purchased my socks at Tilley. I have 3 pair of walking and 3 pair of travel sock and 2 anklets. The socks are all navy in color. If I lose one the other like socks match. Depending on what I am going to do depends on which socks I pack. I will always carry at least one pair of anklets if I want to wear with sandals. I bought 3 pair of Tilley polyester gray briefs underwear. Pack 2 wear one. These are very comfortable and dry very quickly. I also have a Tilley T5 hat I wear. I prefer brimmed hat s for sun protection. I have 2 pairs of nylon shorts from L.L. Bean.
I have a RS back door bag bought in 2001 and the mesh organizers. I pack undies and socks in a large mesh organizer. I have a 20 in Eagle Creek packing envelope for pants and shirts. The above mentions clothes all pack very small and are light weight. I wear a comfy pair of shoes usually nubuck as it does not require polishing and does not show scuffs like smooth leather. I pack a pair of sandals. I am partial to Chaco myself but each to his own.
Just my 2 cents for what its worth.
Waxatex <email>
Waxahachie, Tx USA Thu 06/16/2005
Picnic kit
We carry a picnic kit which includes - RS plastic ware, plastic plate, 3x3' red checked table cloth, sturdy plastic wine glass, cloth napkin (hate paper). Everything fit into a freexer bag. We save lots of money on meals. Our kit also comes in handy in the room. It weights 9 ozs.
Chuck <email>
LA, CA USA Thu 06/16/2005
More clothesline uses
Once when camping, I used a beach towel and a RS clothesline to string a shower curtain for myself. I'd walked into a public shower at a state park, and saw one shower stall not being used because there was no curtain. I walked over to it, asked if any of the (several) women waiting their turns minded if I cut ahead of them, and they definitely did not, since none of them wanted to use a shower without a curtain. The expressions on their faces when they saw what I'd rigged for myself were priceless. I almost offered to leave the "curtain" behind for awhile so others could shower, but didn't trust it to still be there when I returned!
USA Thu 06/16/2005
Clothesline tip (literally)
To travel light, you will probably need to launder your clothes in your hotel room's wash basin or tub. Today I ordered two of Rick's elastic clotheslines to replace my frayed originals that have dried much laundry over the past six years. The biggest problem with using these clotheslines is finding suitable objects to attach the ends to.
Here is a cool tip: attach a small 'S' hook (I'm using brass) to one of the clothesline's end loops. It has always been easy to attach one end of the clothesline to a closed-end object such as a towel bar by passing it over the bar and threading the clothesline through its end loop. But, this won't work for the other end.
With the S hook, however, you can attach the other end to such an object simply by passing the line over the bar and hooking the line to itself. The little hook makes the job of finding suitable clotheline anchors about twice as easy as before.
Mike Maxwell
Mancos, Colorado USA Thu 06/16/2005
Backpack day bags
My husband and I just returned from two weeks in Italy. We felt like dorks carrying our backpack day bags when we were sightseeing. My advice ~ if you don't carry a backpack on vacation in the US, don't bring one to Europe. Use a messanger-style shoulder bag or tote bag for your maps, water, etc. You will blend in better with locals and other tourists.
AB
Seattle, USA Thu 06/16/2005
Socks/UW for Men
I was at our local Kohl's over the weekend. Men, they had Hanes boxer briefs with cool max and New Balance socks with cool max on sale. I bought 4 of each and did the "wash test" at 8pm. By 2am (mid night potty break) both were dry!!
Ryan
Little Elm , TX USA Thu 06/16/2005
Buy it there!
My husband and I spent 3 weeks in Holland, Belguim, and Luxemburg during December-January... We were determined to bring only our carry-ons and followed Rick's travel-light tips to a tee! We wore all our heavy clothing during travel (so we didn't need to pack fleeces/scarves, etc.) and packed only things that could be layered, mix-n-matched, and which packed well. it was more rainy and cold than we anticipated there (even though we're from Minnesota!), so ended up purchasing bulkier sweaters, hats, and umbrellas there (which ended up being cheap, easier for the flight over, and a great cultural experience to find what we needed!). For the flight home, we browsed a military surplus store in Amsterdam and purchased small under-the-seat bags as our "personal" item for bringing home souveniers!
Katie <email>
Minneapolis, MN USA Thu 06/16/2005
guitar travel
My son is an avid guitar player, but did not want to carry his guitar for the 3 week vacation. He ended up really missing it, but made up for it by visiting several music stores as we traveled through France. He speaks no French, but once the store clerks heard him play there was no problem!
claire <email>
Woodinville, WA USA Tue 06/14/2005
capri pants
I was just in Switzerland and Germany, and the weather was quite warm. Many women of all ages were wearing capri pants with all kinds of shoes. I would take capri pants instead of shorts--they are cooler than long pants and you still feel like you look "proper".
M
USA Tue 06/14/2005
for the guitar question
I know the question regarding taking a guitar has been taken off this board, but I'd like to respond with my thoughts, just in case anyone else is wondering. I too am a songwriter (just as a hobby), and I had thought about taking my guitar to Europe--when inspiration hits, I wanted to be ready for it. I ended up leaving the guitar at home, and I was glad. It would have been a big pain to carry through the airport, I didn't know how it would be stowed on the plane, and it would have been a bulky thing to carry around with me. And I ended up not really having time to play it anyway. The person who had asked the question mentioned buying a small Taylor guitar for travel--I personally would not invest that much in a travel guitar, especially when I don't think you can take it to your seat on the plane with you (which I would do if I had a Taylor!), not to mention if it got damaged or stolen or something. Taylors are beautiful instruments--I would opt to enjoy a Taylor safely at home. I'd be interested in any ideas other people may have on this subject!
M
USA Tue 06/14/2005
Sandals and Capris
In summertime I find the 'other' pair of shoes works best if they are sandals. If it gets a little chilly at night, I bring a light black trouser sock to wear with them. This of course only looks OK with pants and not skirts. I am only bringing two pairs of pants (beside the jeans that I will wear on the plane) and HOPE that black CAPRIS still look OK in London, Amsterdam, Dublin and Edinburgh, because they are my favorite 'dressy' pants, and very comfortable. My other pair are just plain black cotton pants that jhave a little Lycra and don't crease too much.
Margaret <email>
Seattle, WA USA Tue 06/14/2005
packing light
Traveling lite by far the best way to go. Keep in mind that you will want to save space and weight for those souvenirs (which for me is usually the local wines).
Some tips that have helped me: 1) you only need two pairs of shoes total..one which you will wear and a 2nd more dressy pair. I typically bring a black pair of tennis shoes b/c these also look nice with black pants and a black pair of comfortable walking /more dressy shoes.
2) 3 pairs of pants total including the one you are wearing--dark colors show less dirt and pack fabrics that don't wrinkle and wash/dry quickly.
3) for 3 wks, I got by with 4 pairs of underwear and washed them out each night.
4)I typically do not bring more jewelry other than what I am wearing...a simple pair of silver or gold earrings at most
5) definitely avoid bulky garmets and dress in layers instead.
Cathy
Milw, wi USA Tue 06/14/2005
Editor's Note
Please Note: Questions are not allowed on this board. Please ask questions on the Travelers' Helpline board.
Thanks,
USA Tue 06/14/2005
Wheeled Bag -- caught and stowed?
::On the way over, I carried my bag on, although it was "caught" as I entered the plane and had to be stowed. :: What does this mean? It was too large? And when you say "stowed," do you mean "checked?" Thanks in advance for clarification.
USA Mon 06/13/2005
Packing Minimalist
Two years running now with Rick?s back pack/carry on and I'm still very happy with its size and convenience. I just wish I could lock all the pockets with one lock? perhaps with the next design?
I nearly always travel in the off-season so on any day I may find need to dress for heat and cold, and, wet or dry. Lightweight layers should guide your clothing selections. E-mail me if you would like to see my packing list used this past March for my Netherlands holiday. Once you have selected your clothes, roll ?em. If you don?t know what I mean, then ask anyone who has been in the Army how to roll clothes for packing. It is amazing how much space can be saved rolling socks, underwear, and other items.
To further maximize space, I use small mesh laundry bags to keep order and minimize spillage when/if inspected. These can be lined with a plastic bag for added weatherproofing, or, to separate soiled clothes from clean until your next laundry day. I also transfer a few days? worth of shampoo, soap, creams, etc., into small reusable tubes and bottles that are available at most cosmetic dealers. Store these in a secure sealable (zip-lock style) plastic bag to keep potential leaks from spreading through your bag.
Also, many US carriers allow one carry-on bag AND one personal bag (e.g., pocket book, small backpack, or the like). I use my RS carry-on (fits in overhead compartment) for clothes and other travel essentials that I won?t need until after I arrive at my destination, and in my small back pack (fits under a seat) I carry my camera and other electronic gear (phone, alarm clock, etc.) along with some snacks and a couple of water bottles for the trip.
Anything else that is needed I will purchase after arriving at my destination. Just ask your hotel staff, or, any other local pedestrian, for the location of the nearest market to complete your supplies.
Peace! and Happy Trails-
Wayne0K
Morrisville, PA USA Mon 06/13/2005
Nice Bag
Thank Bonnie
http://www.ebags.com/jansport/modus_soft_convertible_carry_on/product_detail/index.cfm?modelid=44827
USA Sun 06/12/2005
Rick Steves Bags
I just returned from a quick trip through London, Paris, and Rome with a Rick Steves wheeled carry-on. On the way over, I carried my bag on, although it was "caught" as I entered the plane and had to be stowed. No problem, though, as it was presented to me again as I left the airplane. On the way home, I expanded the bag for souvenirs and checked it. A fellow traveler had the Rick Steves carryon and had no problems, but if you aren't going with wheels, I still suggest the cheaper, equally well-made Campmor essential carryon.
Also, I had received packing cubes as freebies, so I decided to try them. They are great! I put all my clothes for ten days in one cube and all underwear in the small cube; I could open my luggage without fear of losing anything.
I had an overnight stop on the way home, so I put clothes and toiletries in the small cube and stuck it in my Rick Steves daybag, which I carried on, of course.
AL USA Sun 06/12/2005
nice bag
We just purchased bags from Jansport called the modus convertible carry-on. It weighs about 3 LBS. It is very high quality and has about 2400-25oo cu in of storage. I found them at REI for $85 and on sale at ebags.com for $75 with free shipping. We compared it to RS bag and the only thing it was lacking was the ability to expand. We are going to Italy in early fall and will be "traveling light"!
Bonnie
Glendale, AZ USA Sun 06/12/2005
Tricks for Packing Light
Originally reading about Rick's take-one-carry-on-each idea, I was astounded. We were going to be in England and Scotland for three weeks. But the more my husband and I thought about it the more it made sense; no bags to retrieve at Gatwick baggage claim, no heavy bags to lug in and out of trains, cars, B&Bs, etc. So we found polyester/cotton slacks, quick dry shirts, pajamas, socks and underwear. We have friends in Wales who had told us about Tesco (like Walmart) so we only took our toothbrushes and some small travel-sized tubes of toothpaste - the rest of the stuff we bought when we got to London. (Next time we won't even take our toothbrushes as Virgin Atlantic supplied one in the flight-kits we received.) My husband and I each packed 3 pairs of slacks, 3-4 shirts, 3 pairs of socks, 4 pairs of underwear, pajamas and lightweight bedroom slippers. I packed a pair of flats and carried a lightweight jacket over my arm. He packed a cashmere sweater and carried a jacket over his arm. We have a mail scale that I use to weigh boxes for postage, and each one of our suitcases weighed 13 lbs; that includes the weight of the suitcase. (Virgin Atlantic only allows a 13 lb carry-on.) We bought some detergent when we picked up our toiletries at Tesco and washed our clothes every 3-4 days. We'd bought gifts for our children and ourselves so, for our flight home, we carefully packed the gifts in our suitcases, rolled up our dirty clothes (we'd saved a clean set, of course, to fly home in), packed everything in snugly, and checked our bags at Gatwick. Retrieving our bags at Orlando's baggage claim was a breeze. We are now firm believers in each person taking only one carry-on. FANTASTIC. Thanks Rick!
Julie H <email>
Jacksonville, FL USA Sat 06/11/2005
Hey's Luggage
http://www.ebags.com/heys/ares_4_piece_set/product_detail/index.cfm?modelid=56325
The lightest rolling carry on I've found on the internet. My dad has a Heys rolling backpack and it's VERY NEAT! Well constructed. Good for people who want wheels and still want light!
Karen
Canada Fri 06/10/2005
Packing Light With that guy from Clean Sweep...what's his name...
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2005/01/12/earlyshow/living/home/main666318.shtml
Here's a cool link I found to info on packing light. That guy from Clean Sweep is flogging his new book on organizing and did a stint on this show demonstrating how to pack light...kind of interesting! You can play the little movie too!
Karen
Canada Fri 06/10/2005
Use a small suitcase or backpack!
We just got back from Italy and had
a wonderful time using Rick Steves
guide. I just want to emphasize packing
light! Italy has many steep stairs
(especially Vernazza and Sorrento)
and not many ramps, elevators, escaltors,etc. So unless you want to
visit a chiropractor soon after arriving
home, lighten that suitcase a dozen or so pounds. Most small towns have places
to wash clothes affordibily or you can
hand wash and be like a real Italian
and hang them out to dry. Best travels.
Jeff and Kristin
San Antonio, TX USA Fri 06/10/2005
easyJet
Pack Light! My wife and I flew on EasyJet (cheap cheap and practical to fly within Europe) and they have charges for going over on weight. I guess I had too many of Rick's books!
Jeff from Wisconsin
Verona, WI USA Fri 06/10/2005
No question are to be posted - pls read the guidlines - post on Traveler Help
USA Fri 06/10/2005
Clothes
Does anyone know if Capri Pants are stylish for wome in Europe, mainly Italy?
Samantha
Spokane, WA USA Fri 06/10/2005
Thanks for the assistance
Thanks for all the tips. Great information.
Jacquie <email>
St. Pete, FL USA Fri 06/10/2005
Lightweight Bag
Jacquie, someone in a previous post (FL USA Fri 04/29/2005) recommended the Outdoor Products Essential Carryon Item Number: 60793 at $29.97. At 1 lb 12 oz, I cannot imagine you could get much lighter than that. The post mentioned you could purchase this bag at www.campmor.com or www.overlandequipment.com. The price is certainly right!
My husband uses the Patagonia MLC bag. It weighs in at 3 lbs, 1oz. It is pricey at $148, but this bag is nearly indestructible. It has two zippered sections, which some folks may not like. (I prefer one large packing space myself!)
I use an Extra Large Healthy Back Bag. At 1 lb, 2 oz, I'm not wasting a lot of my carry-on weight in the bag. Backpacks strain my back because I'm so short. I carry it on my shoulder or across my body and love the fact that the zipper is against my body and not accessible to prying hands. It is available at www.sierratradingpost.com for $44.95. Hope this helps!
Elizabeth <email>
Atlanta, GA USA Fri 06/10/2005
RS Bags
Jacquie -- we've used and loved our RS Back Door Bags since 1998. I've never found a bag as versatile or useful! Four trips to the UK, and numerous road trips and flights in the US, and still look new!
Patricia
TX USA Fri 06/10/2005
Clarification
Perhaps this will help. We are pretty much convinced to buy the RS Back Door Bag, but just wondered if anyone could suggest a bag that might be better, at least weight-wise. Sorry for a rather garbled post.
Jacquie <email>
St. Pete, FL USA Fri 06/10/2005
bag sizers
Has anyone tried to fit RS wheely bag in those sizing frames at the airport and had any trouble doing so? The things I'm talking about are those tubular frames shaped like a carryon and a personal sized item that your carryon luggage needs to fit into otherwise the ticket agents will tell you to check your bags!
Canada Thu 06/09/2005
To Jacquie in St. Pete
I'm not sure what you're asking. You say you are buying the Rick Steves bags, but then ask if anyone has alternate suggestions. Are you saying you aren't SURE yet about the Rick Steves bags and want alternate suggestions to them, or some other advice?
USA Thu 06/09/2005
Packing light
I took a carry-on bag filled with older clothes I was planing to weed from my closet anyway. After wearing it twice I just discarded it (wrapped in a plastic bag at hotel). I had plenty of room for gifts by the time I was ready to return home.
Beverly
San Diego, CA USA Thu 06/09/2005
RS vs. Travel Pro
I have both the Rick Steves rolling bag and a Travelpro, and the main reason I bought the RS is that it is lighter. Mine weighs 7 lbs. compared to 9.5 to 13 lbs. for a Travepro depending on the model. The RS is about one inch shorter in inside width and length compared to my Travelpro, but I still seem to be able to pack the same amount of stuff.
Carolyn
USA Thu 06/09/2005
Would Appreciate Some Info ...
My husband and I will be taking our first trip to Europe (London and Amsterdam) in November. We are CONVINCED that not checking our luggage would be best. With that in mind, we'll be purchasing two of the Rick Steve's Back Door Bags. I haven't been able to find anything that comes close to the actual weight of the bag, which is stated as less than 3-1/2 pounds. Does anyone have an alternate suggestions? We'd like to travel as light as possible.
Thanks very much for any info you may have.
Jacquie <email>
St. Pete, FL USA Thu 06/09/2005
TravelPro vs Rick Steves Bags
Since several friends on a travel-oriented email list have been raving about the Rick Steves Rolling Bag, others have asked, "How is it better than my Travel Pro rolling bag?" Of course the Trave Pro costs a lot more. But beyond that, since none of us have seen or used both bags -- I thought I'd ask here. Does anybody here have the Travel Pro AND the Rick Steves? Or have you compared them? Thanks.
USA Thu 06/09/2005
Packing Light
Guys, I highly recommend the $59.00 Kiva tote that I purchased from Easy Going Travel in Berkeley. You can either wear it as a backpack or carry as a cool looking tote. I used this last year to qualify for 11 lb carryon for Virgin Airlines to London (they weighed it) for my 2 week trip and am going to use it again to France next week. It's fantastic!
Frances
Berkeley, CA USA Wed 06/08/2005
Washing and drying cloths - part 2
Chuck's suggested has been posted before, but it's well worth repeating - Thanks, Chuck! It's like a jelly roll with the wet clothes as the filling and the towel as the cake. If you can, use your (clean) feet to step all over the "jelly roll" to squeeze as much water as possible out of the garment. Or just twist the whole thing in your hands. Then unroll and hang the garment and the now-damp towel up to dry.
Tally, FL USA Wed 06/08/2005
Washing and drying cloths
You can use either a standard size bath towel or a med travel towel....Lay a towel out on the bed...,,,your shirt goes on top....then....roll the towel up....one time usually does it.....dry by morning....suggestion....wash cloths before dinner....take a shower and do your laundry at the same time....
Chuck
LA, CA USA Wed 06/08/2005
4 Karen - RS Free Travel Seminars
Don't just go to the RS store, time it to attend some of the free travel seminar days they offer from time to time. A friend and I spent a day there, attended two presentations, had a great lunch nearby and bought some good things in the store. We had a really good time and the information was terrific.
Canada
Wed 06/08/2005
Small Bags are a Must
We just returned from 10 wonderful days in Europe- Paris and then Italy. Let me tell you- DO NOT take a bag bigger than a carry on. There's no reason to check luggage and there's no reason to wheel anything around that big. Also- those huge backpacks looked absolutely terrible to lug around. We had two small bags- one the size of a small day bag that was on wheels and one the size of small carryon- both from Eddie Bauer. We were able to get around quickly and easily. With a little planning about what to wear, we never had to wash anything--even underclothes. My favorite tip is to not pack anything warm/heavy that takes up too much room if you're going in the spring or fall. If you find that you need something go shopping! You don't have to spend a lot to find a warm sweater- even on the Champs Elysee
Lisa
Champaign, IL USA Wed 06/08/2005
washing trials of new clothes
Thanks for this tip! I bought a new microfiber t-shirt and washed it out in the sink, not washer. It took a very long time to dry. Longer than overnight.
Shirley <email>
Fort Worth, Texas USA Wed 06/08/2005
RS Store thanks!
Thanks very much! It sounds well worth a visit. I appreciate the link as I haven't got 'that far' on the RS website. It's probably better to make the trip by ferry and stay the night, make a real adventure out of it, as opposed to trying to guess at what you want online. Sounds like one could be in the store for quite some time too given all the things to do!
Thanks again!
Karen
Canada Wed 06/08/2005
To Karen re. Rick Steves hq
Hi Karen: Here's the link to the hours and services offered at RS central: http://www.ricksteves.com/about/travelcenter.htm.
I live close to there and have been there several times. It's always nice just to be able to browse through the books. And they also pack the backpack and wheelie bags they sell with about 20 lbs of stuff so you can see how well the bags work for you with all the weight in it. Very handy.
Also, and at the risk of promoting a competitor, while you're in Edmonds, there's another travel store a block or two away that I really like as well: The Savvy Traveler.
Since you're planning a trip and contemplating buying a bag, and you don't live too far away, making a Saturday of it might be worth your while.
USA Tue 06/07/2005
RS Central
Karen in Canada: We went to the travel fair in April at "Headquarters". The store is not open on Sundays and closes, at least on Saturdays, at 5:00pm. Not sure what time it opens. Its a great place. Really helpful staff. Saved us a bundle on our Eurail passes by talking to someone who had "been there and was not some travle agent trying to sell you what they wanted you to have.
Iain <email>
Edmonton, AB Canada Tue 06/07/2005
shoes for rain
The Lands End All Weather Mocs are the most comfortable shoe I've ever owned and they're mud and rain proof. I wear them year-round. They have a removable innersole and my husband and I have hidden our extra cash there - can't feel a thing. I haven't had as good a result from the summer shoe as far as comfort and, as they're vented on top, aren't quite as rain proof.
donna
Cary, NC USA Tue 06/07/2005
To Jen re: rain shoes
You can kill two birds with one stone by wearing tennis- or running-type shoes with a waterproof membrane. L.L. Bean carries them, and New Balance makes them in black and tan (perfect for Ireland--old political joke.) Probably other brands are available too. I live in the New Balance ones all through California's wet winters.
Meg Rosenfeld <email>
Santa Rosa, CA USA Mon 06/06/2005
rain gear in Ireland
I've spent a lot of time in Ireland and although I've been caught in a few downpours mostly it is a "nice, soft rain" (as the Irish say): a slight drizzle that moistens your sunglasses and windshield but that does not require full-on rain gear. Having said that . . . it will rain and it will be cold (even in June - even in August), so you'll need something that will keep you dry AND warm. I always bring my fleece jacket and a easy, foldable rain jacket with hood. You can wear one at a time - or use them both together if it really gets cold and rainy. If you don't have a fleece or a rain jacket - the expense of the new Marmot might make sense. Sneakers will be fine - all those rocks prevent the mud from being an issue. Ireland is one of my favorite places in the world. Have a fabulous time!
Gina Miller <email>
Richmond, VA USA Mon 06/06/2005
Studying in Dublin
Hey guys. Question - I'm studying in Dublin for 6 weeks. Is it really necessary to buy a nice rainjacket complete with layers(I had my eye on a Marmot one but they are pricey) or can I just buy a simple, light foldable jacket? I heard you can experience all 4 seasons in one day so I do not want to be under-prepared, but I also do not want to spend money on a jacket I don't need.
Also, because it constantly drizzles, would you wear rain shoes out for a daytrip or just go with sneakers? Again, I'm a student so I'm kindof travelling on a budget and need to save as much as I can.
Thanks so much if you can answer these. I'll be back!! =)
Jen
Cincinnati, OH USA Mon 06/06/2005
Best daypack for traveling light- HIGH SIERRA HOLMES
Try High Sierra's Holmes. I just used it for my trip to Italy. It has 2 outside pockets that can hold a water bottle, or other stuff, a large interior pocket, and a smaller front pocket that has a nice organizer in it. The thing I LOVE about this pack for travel is- it has a "hidden" back pocket that you can use to put valuables in on the trains/metro. NO one can access that pocket, your passport, money camera would be very secure. It zips closed on the back panel of the daypack. It's hidden to everyone's eyes and fingers! I found mine on http://www.ebags.com/search/index.cfm?fuseaction=EndecaSearch&N=0&Ntt=high+sierra+holmes. It's on sale right now. It also has a very handy top "sunglass" compartment for sunglasses, reading glasses, or a small language book. Anything you need to get to quickly. It's lined in a soft material so glasses don't scratch. Great for your camera too. We even brought home 2 nice pieces of Italian ceramics in this bag, and had room for my ipod, magazines and books for the flight home! Feel free to contact me for any more information! LOVE THIS BAG!
Ellen <email>
USA Mon 06/06/2005
Weights
See 6/1/05 post - Weights
European Adaptor .4 oz
Chuck <email>
CA USA Mon 06/06/2005
Some other tricks and tips...
I leave for 3 weeks all over Eastern/Central Europe on Wednesday, so I thought that I'd pass along the packing tips that I've come across and actually used (as well as some that I've created on my own.)
1.) For both my husband and I, we are using this neato Mary Kay cosmetics bag that folds up into a cube. It has a hook, and four clear plastic compartments that are attached with velcro. This is big enough that it holds my toiletries, his toiletries, our laundry soap, alarm clock, clothes line, etc. Basically everything that isn't clothing.
2.) If you don't want to spend money on pack it cubes, or are taking a backpack like we are, use Gallon Zip Lock bags for all your clothes. A great way to organize.
3.) In the $1 section at Target, found these little bottles of hand sanitizer in a rubber holder that attaches to your daypack or backpack.
4.) Take at least one "Europe Date" before leaving the country for the first time. My husband and I wore money belts, packed up what will be in our day packs on most days, and then went out for a night to dinner and a movie. It went quite well!!
I have other tips, but people seemed to have covered them already.
Nicole <email>
Chicago, USA Sun 06/05/2005
shopping bags
Thanks for the coat website.
Here's another one I found skipping through the endless websites for bags...
http://www.neatitems.com/Cart_Smart.htm
Why doesn't someone take this idea and make it work for airline travel? A superdooper light, light bag with wheels that is under 4 pounds! Wheels fold away...the whole thing folds away.
I think its neat!
Here's another version, I think the wheels fold away too:http://www.containerstore.com/browse/Product.jhtml?CATID=255&PRODID=70949
And another on an elderly website!http://www.elderstore.net/house.asp
All you need is a light 2lb. bag with wheels and a handle...no infrastructure to weigh you down!
I may be crazy, but, these things look like the next generation of wheely bags!
Karen
Canada Sun 06/05/2005
packable jackets
Susan (below) in North Hollywood mentioned a Casco Bay windbreaker from LL Bean:
http://www.llbean.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?storeId=1&catalogId=1&langId=-1&categoryId=39671&sc1=Search&feat=sr
My jacket is made by Pacific Trail and I've had it as long as I've had my Rick Steves bag (1998). Looking on the Pacific Trail website, I don't see any that specifically say they fold into their own pocket like mine, though. I got it at and outdoor gear store similar to REI so that might be a good place to look. This looks most similar to mine:
http://www.pacifictrail.com/d_mnsperf.asp?id=053600
Patricia Burroughs <email>
Dallas, TX USA Sat 06/04/2005
pics of rx bag and such
I'm thinking also of going to Edmonds to see RS central as I live close enough to make it an overnight trip.
I'd be interested if anyone else has been to the 'headquarters' so to speak. I understand they have a shop and I could take my bags back there if I do not intend to keep them, rather than posting them back...it would be a fun trip I think!!! I think it's better to buy something that you've actually seen and touched rather than somethind on the internet...it's so much nicer that way.
That's one reason why I posted my pics of RS bag at www.picturetrail.com/rsbag ... I asked RS headquarters if they could provide more pics...however, they could not.
Karen
Canada Sat 06/04/2005
Bags and Bags!
Couldn't agree more with Tallahasee! My mom has always used a lesportsac tote (lesportsac.com, #7862 Ziptop Shopper, also a cool website!) and her old carry on that is basically like a sports bag, opens on top, a few side pockets. Recently, she has tried to go to a wheeled version as she was envying the ease with which people manoever, and bought the Atlantic rolling tote which she found too small for all the articles she packs in her regular carry on.
She then tried a wheeled carryon which weighs about 20 pounds packed and always has people help her get it down from the overhead bins as they see she is struggling with the weight.
But, a tote is a great idea, it's not a knapsack, it's not a carryon bag, its like a big purse and she packs tonnes of stuff in there, it never leaves her side and she puts it under the seat in front of her. She has never been hassled, or had it weighed.
I'm thinking totes are the way to go, wait till the airlines catch on though!!!
As for carryon bags, try to get something that weighs about 1-2 pounds, some exterior pockets...My old carryon is great but needs some fixing. It's 19x12x6-8 inches...It doesn't look big. Fits everything I need. Isn't heavy.
But, I'm going to try the idea of packing the Civita pack int eh RS Bag which I have...still can't decide whether to send them back...I'd liek to try the wheeled version too!
Karen
Canada Sat 06/04/2005
Also....I'd suggest that you perform a drying test on each item of clothing that your planning to take...I love my long sleeve canvas shirt....but....it didn't pass the drying test....
I washed everything at 4PM (1600)....recorded the start time....then monitored the performance of each item....all passed my washing test with flying colors....except the canvas shiret....
Knowing what will and will not dry on schedule will save you a lot of money....you'll be able to take and use the cloths you already own...and....you don't have to purchase those fast drying items...that cost 2 arms and 1 leg....!
USA Sat 06/04/2005
Rick's great products
I had originally purchased a carry-on suitcase from Costco, which seemed heavy to me. It weighed in at 14 lbs. I returned it and ordered Rick's rolling carry-on. I love it! It's less than 7 lbs. I did a trial packing of everything I'm taking and it weighed in at 23 lbs. (26 lbs. is the limit on Air France). I would also recommend Rick's packing cubes. They are wonderful! His toiletry kit (large) was just right. At first I thought it was more for a male traveler, but my cosmetics fit nicely in the side compartments and the bottle holders are great. It's also soft, so it will sqeeze into the carry-on (no need for a tote bag... maybe a medium tote or purse for day trips). I found a lightweight water-resistant wind breaker that folds down to practically nothing (Casco Bay from LL Bean--only $29). They only come in men's so I ordered a small -- fits great. I found that Rick's advice about holding up each piece and asking yourself if you will wear it enough to take it, very helpful (especially if it is a large piece). Rick's rolling carry-on is plenty big enough for any trip if you plan well.
Susan
North Hollywood, CA USA Sat 06/04/2005
One Bag
Just thought I'd throw in a quick reminder to go to www.onebag.com for light packing and obviously taking one carry-on advice. Best site ever.
Jayme Stoeckl <email>
Plano, TX USA Sat 06/04/2005
Two Carry-ons/NWA
We travel NWA all the time, but with ANY airline, the look of what you are carrying is important - more so than the weight sometimes!
I carry a soft-side carry-on or a backpack as my "main" carry-on, and a very large zippered tote bag from Old Navy as my "personal item" - bigger than a guy's backpack that was disallowed - and have NEVER had problems with NWA. The tote bag looks like a large "purse" that a lot of women carry. I also use a very flexible soft-side messenger bag/briefcase that holds a weekend's worth of clothes or more as my personal item. Since it is actually also a briefcase - no fuss there either.
Tallahassee, FL USA Fri 06/03/2005
Organize for Airport Check-in
I pack things I need on the plane into my daypack. The daypack goes into the larger carry-on pack before I go thru check-in. My second piece is a purse. Once thru check-in and security, I remove the day-pack with my neckrest, reading materials, etc. and keep that with me on or under the seat. This system requires a space available in the larger pack. It helps to do this organizing at home so I'm not unpacking everything at the airport. If I am ever concerned about the weight in the carry-on, I can carry a couple of pounds of books, etc. in my BackSaver purse--it is the small size but quite roomy.
Swan
USA Fri 06/03/2005
Air Canada regulations
Air Canada's carry-on regulations: Reading this, you think you're allowed '3' pieces...however, when I flew Air Canada back from Albany, security took one look at me with my fanny pack on, a carry on duffel (19 x 12 x 6-8ish inches, quite small really) and my canvas grocery tote, which is as big as a plastic grocery bag, and told me I had three pieces and to go repack! I unhitched my fanny pack and put it in the canvas tote which was only half full.
I only had this much as I turned 40 and was showered with prezzies...not so bad! But, I had to trek them back with me, some which were breakable.Normally, I try to have my fanny pack and small carry on ONLY.
My firm belief is to read the website of whatever airline your'e traveling on and find out how much you can take...however, I did that and still was picked on! AIR CANADA REGULATIONS:Items, which fall within the 2-piece carry-on allowance, include: Carry-on bags or suitcases (wheels and handles included in the size), briefcases, Laptop computers, diaper bags, camera cases, cartons or other similar items.(standard article (10kg) 23cm x 40cm x55cm - Personal article (10kg) 16cm x 33cm x 43cm)
Items permitted but not considered part of the allowance include camera, coats, purses (25cmx30cmx20cm or less), urns containing human remains, strollers, child restraint systems, canes, crutches, walkers, containers carrying life sustaining items and other similar items.
Karen
Canada Thu 06/02/2005
Travel Light!!!!
Just returned from two weeks in Italy. My husband and I each took a backpack a piece for our luggage. Even though we thought we packed light, if we did it again we would take even less clothes. A light backpack was the way to go while traveling all over Italy by train. I cannot stress enough the freedom of traveling light!
Cathy K <email>
Austin, Tx USA Thu 06/02/2005
carry-on backpacks
Thank you all for your advise on carry-ons. I too am flying NW so I guess I'll just chance it and see what they say this time! Also, Marilyn,I'm wondering which bag from Eagle Creek you have. Do you like it?
Chris
Seattle, WA USA Thu 06/02/2005
Two carry-ons
A comment about two carry-ons: We were told (in the waiting area for Northwest airlines --Detroit to Amsterdam in May of 2003)that one carry-on bag would be allowed, plus one purse or briefcase. "...and, no, a backpack is NOT considered a purse or briefcase..." and therefore we had to stuff all our small backpack items into the other bag. It wasn't a huge problem for us, but it was a surprise announcement. On the return trip, however, nothing was said in Amsterdam. Go figure. :)
Hille
Neenah, WI USA Thu 06/02/2005
2005 Bags
Thanks, Karen! I think the person who asked for more detailed photos ought to love your collection! It does look like the new bags are great. I don't know that I'll ever find out, since the bags we have don't show any signs of wear....
Patricia Burroughs <email>
Dallas, TX USA Wed 06/01/2005
Pictures of 2005 RS Bag
Pics of RS Bag. www.picturetrail.com/rsbag
It does not come with a shoulder strap. You have to buy that as an extra.
Hey Patricia, I forgot to ask if yours expands?
Anyway, I actually had fun doing this. Scary. If I could throw out stuff and organize my life!!! The pics will stay up on this site for a while. It's under a free account which expires sometime!
I find that I have to have EVERYTHING out that I am going to pack. If I pack it as I go, I forget what I packed. I later learned on one of those infamous organizational shows that people who needs things out are visual learners...explains the state of our place! I use to get panicy everytime I had to pack, but now, I have everything out until about half an hour until its time to leave..then I stuff it all in my bag(s) and go. It has made my life a lot easier and trips a lot less hassle.
Karen
Canada Wed 06/01/2005
Chris's Eagle Creek bag
Chris,I have an Eagle Creek pack with a removable daypack on front. I had no problem carrying both pieces (separately) onto my Delta and Alitalia flights. I would suggest making a dry run to the airport with the larger bag packed and make sure that it fits in the tester to make sure. Let me know if you want the info about the specific model.
Marilyn <email>
Oneonta, AL USA Wed 06/01/2005
Gizmo Weights
Large Pack 3.2 lbs
USA Wed 06/01/2005
Weight of packing cubes
The packing cubes are pretty much weightless. All sides except the bottom are a strong mesh. I can't imagine the weight being enough to make a difference.
USA Wed 06/01/2005
Re Tilley and Packing Cubes
I love my Tilley AdventureCloth Zip-off Pants and Bravita Skort. My husband also wears his Tilley Zip-off pants whenever we travel. They are very low-maintenance (wash and dry overnight). They have a hidden pocket to stash those items that don't go in the money belt yet you want extra secure. The clothing is very well made and if you factor in the exchange (USD to CAD), not that expensive.
I use the Rick Steves packing cubes (1 large, 2 small) in my RS rolling bag and after having gone through security (5!) times in one trip to Hawaii, I am glad that the customs officers can quickly search my bag without having me having to refold everything and having all my personal items in view.
The cubes are very light and keep me organized. I put underwear/socks in one small one, tops in other small one and pants in the large one, I roll up each item. I also take white zippered mesh bags from the Dollar store for microfibre towel/facecloth and also use Zip-locks with the outside zipper for everything else.
My husband and I travel by motorcycle each summer with a small camper trailer and I find I can now pack in one bag each for 4 weeks using these strategies.
Debbie
Canada Wed 06/01/2005
Tilley & Packing cubes
I've had good luck with Tilley but can relate to the price concerns. Not sure I would buy more just now. As for packing cubes, not sure I can justify the additional weight. Opinions?
Shirley <email>
Fort Worth, TX USA Wed 06/01/2005
Carryon Reqs
24x11x9 isn't the only way of looking at it. I don't think the Rick Steves bags fit within those exact dimensions. I believe the airlines go by total inches (width plus length plus height) and the max is 45. Double check with your airline.
USA Wed 06/01/2005
Chris carry on 2 pieces
As long as it meets airline standards for carry on, you are allowed 2 pieces of luggage on board most flights. The larger of the two "travel" luggage pieces should be able to fit in the over head bin, and the backpack could be placed under the seat in front of you. No reason to not carry on, if it will fit. Most of the zip off daypack style travel pieces have the main piece too big for carry on. Make sure it is not larger than 24" x 11" x 9"
USA Wed 06/01/2005
Travel clothes - for Chuck
Chuck: Try also Sierra Trading Post (www.sierratradingpost.com) and Campmor (www.campmor.com).
USA Tue 05/31/2005
Chuck in LA
I bought my blouses at an Eddie Bauer (sp? outlet. REI has some fast drying shirts and blouses also.
JB
CA USA Tue 05/31/2005
Carry on packs
I'm thinking about buying one of the Eagle Creek packs that has the removable daypack on the front. Does anyone know if you can bring both pieces on as carry-ons if you separate them? Thanks!
Chris <email>
Seattle, WA USA Tue 05/31/2005
Affordable travel cloths
Hope this is the right forum....?
Where do yall purchase light and easy drying clothing....I've been eyeing "Tilley's"....BUT...pricey...does any one have experience with them?
Chuck <email>
LA, CA USA Tue 05/31/2005
Old Back Door Bag (addendum)
Sorry -- missed one of your questions. Mine is the largest bag. I'm 5'8" so don't worry about the extra size!
Patricia Burroughs <email>
Dallas, TX USA Tue 05/31/2005
Old Back Door Bag
I have the old bag (1998) but it did come with backpack straps and a shoulder strap. I replaced the shoulder strap with a padded one from Eagle Creek which is very comfortable. Even though I've never used the bag as a backpack, I never considered removing the straps. That's a good thought. But the back compartment for straps is pretty flat. It doesn't add any bulk to the bag. On the other hand, it could if you decided to stuff it with stuff! I've just usually ignored it, except for when I put our driving maps in it on the way home from England! I love that robin, too!
Patricia Burroughs <email>
Dallas, TX USA Tue 05/31/2005
Question for Patricia
Patricia,
Just curious, from your pics, do you have the Ricks old bag without backpack straps and just the shoulder strap? And, is your's one of those 'smaller' versions...the 20 inch instead of the 21 inch model?
Mine has backpack straps and I think I might be repeating myself..but, I'd prefer just a shoulder strap which I will have to order...the backpack straps and hidey thingy just add more bulkiness...I'd prefer the shoulder strap anyway.
I'm still enjoying your pics...especially the robin! Looks like you did a nice jaunt around and stayed in some beautiful areas.
Karen
Canada Tue 05/31/2005
one compartment
I couldn't agree more...all those bags with organizers in them add needless weight. I find that using some kind of bag with one compartment and putting things in ziplocks or stuff bags much more useful and the bag does not end up weighing a tonne.
Karen
Canada Tue 05/31/2005
Strap Storage/Back Door Bags
Strap Storage/Back Door BagsSorry to post so much in the past couple of days -- once more and I'll shut up! But someone who went to the link I posted to see how I'd packed for two weeks in the UK asked for pics on how the backstraps, etc. fit into the back of the Back Door Bag. I just uploaded a couple of pictures. Will somebody who has the current Back Door Bag check and see if it has changed significantly? If so, I'll make that clear in my text. Thanks! Oh, the URL for that particular page is: http://homepage.mac.com/patriciaburroughs/Personal15.html
Maybe somebody else will post pictures of their "systems." I had fun doing it, and would love to see how others handle it!
Patricia Burroughs <email>
Dallas, TX USA Tue 05/31/2005
Divided space vs. Open space
I've spent a lot of money through the years on carryon luggage. It seems to me that the ones that look the most organized -- with compartments and pouches and sections -- actually are the most difficult to deal with. Trying to fit things in, figure out what cofiguration to use. Plus the compartments themselves take up room. What I like about the Rick Steves Back Door Bag and the reason why I use it instead of the fancier ones is that it's open space. I buy my organizers from Eagle Creek or wherever I can find them cheap. They go into the Back Door bag and can be shoved around and rearranged as needed. Some people may prefer divided space, but I ended up giving away my expensive bags that were too organized to use.
USA Tue 05/31/2005
Tough bags for travel
If anyone wants to try a nice, tough bag for travel - whether as a carry-on or an everyday bag - look at Overland Equipment at www.overlandequipment.com. The selection is small, but the bags are very tough and can handle a lot of travel. Not cheap, but they look different from the many other bags out there and have pockets and pouches that are very handy for organizing. Many of them also have slots specifically designed for water bottles.
FL USA Tue 05/31/2005
"Hemming" pants in a pinch
Try sewing a small tab on the inside and small velcro dot (or buttin) on the outside. Then roll hem and keep rolled with the velcro tab. Tapes may not work that well or may leave residue. DO NOT use duct tape!
I once rolled the hems on a pair of pants during a heat wave and held them in place with nice hair clips - all I had on hand. Adds a bit of glitz at least! Or you can buy some inexpensive brooches or pins to use. Let your imagination find a solution!
FL USA Tue 05/31/2005
Mummy sleeping bags
Check out Kelty products on REI.com, or Campmor.com , or Sierratradingpost.com- you can shop their websites (Kelty has links to their dealers) Kelty offers very good prices. Also, you might start to shop on ebay....stores offer over stock products for good prices.
USA Tue 05/31/2005
Backpacks in Europe
For 2 months you should look into about 2800 cubic inches. 1800 and under is a bookbag size. Anything over 2500 is good for travel. Don't go larger than 3800, it gets hard to get on and off trains with a back that large. Take Woolite and wash your clothing so you can pack lighter. I just used Eagle Creeks ORV trunk for our trip. It looks like a suitcase, but has backpack straps. Great for walks from train stations to hotels. Carry on size. It's about 2800 cubic inches, and I had more than enough room for my stuff. Check it out at this link: http://www.ebags.com/eagle_creek/exploration_systems_orv_gear_bag/product_detail/index.cfm?modelid=47127 Also, on Sunday, sometime ebags runs a 20% off sale on all items!
Ellen <email>
USA Tue 05/31/2005
Travel Sleeping Bags
Try the REI Travel Sack +55 Sleeping Bag, the REI Travel Down +45 Sleeping Bag, or Marmot Trails Sleeping Bag/Liner. My husband and I have the REI travel sack and the Marmot Trails Sleeping bag liner. Both bags are great for warm weather camping, pack up super small and are very lightweight. The REI bags are available at REI.com and the marmot bag available at various retailers.
Elizabeth <email>
Atlanta, GA USA Mon 05/30/2005
Thanks --
Thanks for the compliments!
One important aspect of "packing light" that I think we sometimes overlook is keeping things the way you originally packed them. If I'm going to wear clothes again, I fold them back up and put them back in the Pack-It Folder. Toiletries go back in the toiletry bag, etc. I've found if I don't do that, stuff takes up WAY more room. This last trip I saw my husband struggling to zip his bag and I said, "Is everything loose in it?" Well, more or less. He had clothes folded, tossed in on top of the Pack-It Folder, etc. Once he actually put them back in the folder, it compressed them and the bag zipped easily.
I'm very disorganized in my day-to-day life. I think it's one reason I enjoy organization so much when traveling!
I got the Civita bag when I ordered the rolling bag a few weeks ago. I haven't used it yet. I like the Veloce bag, but I don't mind something on my shoulder. (I use the shoulder strap for my Back Door Bag, all the time.) If you like your waist pack, you might still prefer to use it with the Civita bag and wrap your camera in a light sweater or some other "soft thing" for protection. It IS lightweight!
Patricia Burroughs <email>
Dallas, TX USA Mon 05/30/2005
great bag pics!
Hi Patricia,Karen here. I'm the one from Canada asking about Back Door Bags...just looked at your website and loved it! You take pics of British bathrooms too! My husband and I did a car trip from Cornwall to Stratford to York and Scotland last August with my parents and, of course, took too much. We are going again to do Glasgow, more Scotland and Wales. Your pics were stunning including the food. And, we stayed at quite a few Travelodges last year!!!
Anyway, I appreciate the bag pics and how little you bring. You have the same colours that I ordered, blue and green! I might return the bags, though, if I keep them, I'm going to get the shoulder strap.
I did a trial pack of Rick's bag with everything I 'carried on' with me on a recent trip and it took it all with room to spare. I got the Civita bag free as a special offer. I find if you have fragile things in it like my digital camera you have to be careful not to bonk it on the ground...it's so light. I was thinking of getting the Veloce as it looks big enough to carry all the stuff in my waistpack and then some...including the camera.
cheers and thanks for the pics layout!
Karen
Canada Mon 05/30/2005
Soft side vs. hard side
Okay, too much time on my hands today and a Mac that makes it easy to do this stuff has resulted in:
http://homepage.mac.com/patriciaburroughs/Personal12.html
I took pictures of my "light" packing process using mainly Rick Steves products before our trip to the UK in March, 2005. Four pages -- you can follow the links. (If any links are broken, let me know via the email link on the site.)
Patricia Burroughs <email>
Dallas, TX USA Sun 05/29/2005
Soft side vs. hard side
Karen -- my Back Door bag (softsided) isn't any larger than the rolling, hardsided one. It's just that when you start putting stuff in it, the soft side "gives," allowing stuff in that doesn't fit in the hardside. I prefer the softside, but will use the rolling on short trips by myself when having a rolling back in an airport may be easier.
Patricia Burroughs <email>
Dallas, TX USA Sat 05/28/2005
Helpful Hint for Power Outages
Pack light, but don't forget a small flashlight. We lose power often on the Gulf Coast, from frequent thunderstorms and those pesky hurricanes. But a power outage can happen anywhere in the world. Helful hint: when the lights go out, hold or prop the flashlight so the beam of light points toward the ceiling, like a torch. This will really illuminate the whole room, especially if you are in a room with a low, white ceiling. Try it. This little trick is an old hurricane survival tactic, but will work in any hotel, hostel, B&B, train, plane, cabin, or the swankiest resort in the world. You never know where you might find yourself in total darkness.
PGW <email>
FL USA Fri 05/27/2005
Vacation AND a Wedding?
Packing Light for a wedding was kind of hard. Lucky for me I was able to pack a sundress (which took no room at all) and wear sandals I had planned for the trip. Hubby wanted to wear a suit so we found a solution... He used a multipurpose sports coat, brought nice slacks that complimented the coat, and a nice, wrinkle free shirt and a tie. He was able to use the jacket throughout the trip (looked great with jeans!) and mixed and matched the pant and shirt with the other items. There was a way to "dress smart" AND pack light!
USA Fri 05/27/2005
Avoiding messes
Air expands at high elevation (airplanes in the air). Water doesn't. I take FULL bottles of liquid things like shampoo. I think it is less likely to ooze out. The sandwich and snack size zip-lock plastic bags work well (expel as much air as possible) and are lighter in weight than the thicker plastic bags.
USA Fri 05/27/2005
Suggestions for Egypt in July?
I know that I'm asking for it, but I'm planning a trip to Egypt in late July. Even though I'm from the desert I S. AZ, this will be hotter.
I'm definitley bringing my Camelbak-it was invaluable on my Greece/Turkey trip as it doubles as easy access/cold water and day pack. Any other nuggets of advice?
Dawn <email>
Adana, USA Fri 05/27/2005
Reversible clothing
I've purchased 2 reversible skirts for a month-long trip to Europe. It's not the only thing I'll bring but will help me to be able to pack lighter!
Cynthia Griffith <email>
Encinitas, Ca USA Thu 05/26/2005
Febreeze and the like
Instead of bringing Febreeze or Downy, I just pack an empty spray bottle, fill with water at my destination and add a few drops of inexpensive cologne (4711 works great). The water with the help of your hand gets rid of the wrinkles and the cologne masks the cigarette smells. It's in a very small bottle and takes up much less space (weight) than Febreeze. You can also buy various nice scents at the Body Works - remember buy scents not oils.
Catherine <email>
Seattle, WA USA Thu 05/26/2005
Container Store -- Eagle Creek Sale
I had to run in The Container Store, looking for a Pack-It Folder. (I love ours, loaned them to a friend and haven't gotten them back yet, so of course we need one tomorrow!) Fortunately, the 18" size which is usually $25 was on sale for $18-something. I didn't take time to look closely, but it looks like their other Eagle Creek may be on sale, too.
Patricia Burroughs <email>
Dallas, TX USA Thu 05/26/2005
Ricks bags and ziplocks
Thanks Patricia,
I was also wondering whether I should have got the wheeled version. I find with the stuff I carry on, and I try to limit myself, I'm left with loads more room in Ricks bag and it is kind of cumbersome as I feel I'm carrying all this extra 'bag' I don't need. I have not packed it to the hilt. It did weigh about 13 pounds with all my stuff inside...same as with my old 19x12x6 canvas bag. I guess I'm used to a smaller bag. Maybe the wheeled version woudl suit me better if it carries less. I notice it only weighs about 6 pounds...
And, I do put 'everything' in ziplocks including my shampoo. Thanks for the tip though to whoever that was. I moved to ziplocks for 'everything' a year ago realizing they are such space savers. I've always used them for shampoo but find that given the right circumstances, like you bag sits upside down in the overhead bin and you didn't 'zip' properly, you can still end up with a gooey mess so I use two ziplocks for shampoo and pack them in the outside pocket. And, you can see what you have inside. Better then those bulky bags for toiletries.
karen
Canada Thu 05/26/2005
toiletries/back door bags
I do like shopping for toiletries when I get there, but not all of them. I bring my own skin care (sensitive skin, taking no chances) but had fun picking out a toothpaste and shampoo at a chemist's in Winchester, England. This is obviously an individual thing.
Re: Rick's Back Door Bags -- my husband and I have had older models since the late 90s and they still look great. I even took the "innards" out of mine and washed it in the washer on gentle and let it air dry after I spilled something in it. It dried quickly and looks brand new, despite numerous trips overseas and domestic. I finally broke down and bought one of the new rolling Back Door Bags and was shocked at how little it held, comparatively. I finally realized that the hard sides simply don't give. Something either fits or it doesn't. In the soft side bag, there's quite a bit of give and the do end up bulging by the end of the trip sometimes. But the zippers have always held so I guess we haven't overdone it too much.
patricia Burroughs <email>
Dallas, TX USA Thu 05/26/2005
packing toiletries, cont'd.
I travel mainly for the adventure of not knowing what to expect. So new products, etc. is part of that experience. I think we worry too much about superficial things like how your hair looks. Unless your hair is on fire, no one really cares. Take some chances and have fun because it's different. Either way, have fun. Life is too short not to.
Bruce Robert <email>
Chicago, il USA Thu 05/26/2005
Karen - You won't have to worry about leaky items near clothes if you put them in zip loc bags. It's not a lot of fun to have to clean a gooey mess out of a pocket in your bag either.
USA Thu 05/26/2005
Bringing my own Stuff
I agree with everyone about bringing our own stuff. My toiletries (45-days in Europe)and laundry stuff are in 4-6 oz plastic squirt bottles bought at Wally Mart. Bottles should only be 3/4 full as you press out air and immediately screw lid back on before airline flight. I cannot imagine searching all over Paris for my favorite brand of toiletries and laundry stuff in 4-6 oz sizes. I cannot find those sizes here so I don't think they have them there. Actually the Wool Lite and Downey are for 2 people for 45 days. Pack Lite.
JB
CA USA Thu 05/26/2005
Bringing my own Stuff
I agree with everyone about bringing our own stuff. My toiletries (45-days in Europe)and laundry stuff are in 4-6 oz plastic squirt bottles bought at Wally Mart. Bottles should only be 3/4 full as you press out air and immediately screw lid back on before airline flight. I cannot imagine searching all over Paris for my favorite brand of toiletries and laundry stuff in 4-6 oz sizes. I cannot find those sizes here so I don't think they have them there. Actually the Wool Lite and Downey are for 2 people for 45 days. Pack Lite.
JB
CA USA Thu 05/26/2005
agree
another vote for bringing your own stuff...I would much rather have smaller amounts of the products that I love than having to get less than superior products and not being happy on the trip.If you run out of what you have well then you can get something else but for the most part of the trip you can use what makes you comfortable. And being comfortable is part of traveling.IE: having your fav shampoo and conditioner and having your hair feel good...sure it can be fun shopping in local stores and such but it is not the first thing I want to do when I arrive at my destination...I want to get out and see the sites, not look for a local pharmacy and hunt down products.and I am guy so it is not just women who can feel this way
bluedenim
USA Wed 05/25/2005
Debra in Colorado
I think I signed up somewhere on his website. Not sure. I know I was on his email listing long before I purchase our Eurail Passes and other items.
JB
CA USA Wed 05/25/2005
Rick's Back Pack
I tried again to pack my new Rick's OutDoor bag and I feel it's still half empty! I use my old favourite carry on which I measured to be 19.5 x 12 x 6 inches, usually 6 inches turns into 10 inches when the two outside pockets are filled with my toiletries. I put what I pack into Rick's bag and it's still got loads more room, plus it seems bulkier and heavier. I'm thinking of going for his 20 inch version for shorter people. I'm 5'6''
If his bag came with just a shoulder strap and no backpack straps /hideaway thingy, then I'd be sold. Plus, the outer pockets configuration does not suit my style of packing my toiletries, (shampoo/conditioner in little bottles) etc. as I find them to be very large. My old bag opens on top, and has two roomy side pockets (not the slash pockets) that are perfect for storing leaky items away from clothes. One of his outer pockets is really deep and I find I lose things down there!I don't know if I'm just complaining too much or if anyone else out there has any thoughts on using Rick's bags.
karen
Canada Wed 05/25/2005
toiletries
I agree with you, Dench. I'd rather pack light somewhere else and bring my own toiletries than buy them there and suffer the consequences. Not only do I still get zits (and I'm far over being a teenager), but my skin is also very sensitive--this makes using unfamiliar toiletries really scary for me. Another thing I was thinking...when I get to my destination, the first thing I do is shower (I tend to feel pretty icky after sitting in a plane for 8 hours, for some reason). I would not want to worry about going out shopping for toiletries--I just want to use mine right away. But that's just me. Maybe lots of people do it Bruce's way--just not me and your daughter. It's fun to get other people's ideas here.
USA Wed 05/25/2005
bring v buy toiletries
The cool thing about bringing what you need is that at the end of the trip when you throw out your empties .... voila! You now have extra room in your bag for souvenirs or whatnot that you want to bring home. I do also like checking out the local drug and/or grocery stores, whether or not I buy stuff - I just find it interesting.
USA Wed 05/25/2005
With respect...I disagree.
Bruce, I disagree about buying everything when you arrive at your destination. First of all, we spent a lot more on toiletries upon arrival in Paris for our family due to the euro than they cost at home. Second, my daughter broke out from the different products we picked up there. If that works for you, great. But the sticker shock for us was great, and the zits, well, teenage girls will be vocal. The theory, like comunism, it a good one, though.
Dench
NYC, NY USA Wed 05/25/2005
THANKS JB!
I appreciate the heads up on Rick on 60 Minutes II tonight. How do you get on the list to be able to get this information?
Debra
Denver, CO USA Wed 05/25/2005
books + binding
When you have Kinkos punch your book, they can also put it in one of those flexible black coil bindings. This allows you to remove and replace pages as you need them.
When my family travelled in Europe for 6 weeks last year, we ran out of pleasure reading much too quickly. (Interesting aspect of getting kids away from computers and TV!) I had gotten a bunch of books from a thrift store so that we could leave them behind as we travelled, but next time I'm getting more - even if they are heavy. The value of the dollar has made it quite expensive to buy English books in Europe.
Kathy
Seattle, WA USA Wed 05/25/2005
Books
I have seen this suggestion before - instead of ripping pages out of guidebooks (or any other useful book of that type), take it to a Target Copy or Kinkos and have them cut off the binding, punch holes in all pages and place pages in a binder - small 3-ring one is good. That way, you can take out the pages you need for one trip, but still have the rest for later trips if needed. It works!
FL USA Wed 05/25/2005
Rick on CBS's 60 Minutes tonight!
Rick Steves sent an email to his customers notifying us that he will be featured on CBS's 60 minutes tonight - 8PM PST and 7PM Central. The CBS crew filmed at Rick's Edmonds office last fall, then followed him to Amsterdam and Germany on a whirlwind guidebook research trip. He said that next week he will have behind-the-scenes look at this experience on his website's June Travel News. Thanks to the inspiration from Rick's Travel shows on PBS through out the years and this website - my daughter and I will be leaving June 20th for a 45-day trip to Europe.
JB
CA USA Wed 05/25/2005
books
also if you don't want to take your books with you photocopy the pages...I have read people ripping the pages out as they go...dumb if you ask me...then you ruin a book you could use again.photocopy, scan, make notes and the get rid of them as you go and your books are all at home awaiting your next trip
USA Tue 05/24/2005
re:light - weight warmth
I take my Columbia jacket (the kind with the two layers that zip together)--essentially the same as a wind-breaker and a fleece. I've even used the fleece layer for a pajama cover-up.
USA Tue 05/24/2005
Lightening up on Paper
I have put the address of everybody important in my Yahoo! address book, even those who don't have e-mail addresses. There are other ways to store info in your e-mail accounts. I have two accounts and sometimes send myself messages so I have access to it when I check the internet. There are other more sophisticated methods. I take quite a few papers of info printouts with me and toss them out as I travel and no longer need them. Books are sometimes given away or left behind when I have finished with them. As I travel I lighten up and have more space in my pack if I buy stuff to take home.
USA Tue 05/24/2005
good point
good point karen...I do that too..the other thing I do is I make copies of everythign and save it in a draft folder in my web email such as yahoo and so if there is somethign I need I can access it from just about anywhere
bluedenim
USA Tue 05/24/2005
Pills, Pads, Passport, Visa
And, in this age of a ticketless world, I still like to make a little file at home before I go to put things like itinerary, car rental info, hotel info etc. The file (usually boldly marked in big letters with where I'm going) stays at home and I take the essential info folded up neatly somewhere in my carry on.
These days, most airlines don't use tickets. And car rental people have your info on file, but it's always a good idea to have the confirmnation numbers with you.
Karen
Canada Tue 05/24/2005
Explicitly Light!
If you want to think about it in a very explicitly LIGHT way. Here's all you need. It's become my mantra.
PILLS, PADS, PASSPORT, VISA
Now, the pads don't apply to men. But, those of you on medications, bring yours with you in their original bottles. Your passport and visa are the other most important things.
Try to 'lighten up' and have fun! karen
p.s. and the whole idea behind carry on is not to bring as much as possible with you on the plane. Rick says travel light, which means, take less! Not, pack everything you might or might not need in a carry on. Carry on, to me, implies those things you will need if your checked luggage goes astray...a change of clothes, extra pads! A book, nighty/pj's and your favourite teddy bear.
Karen
Canada Tue 05/24/2005
Packing toiletries
Don't pack any. When you arrive, go to a store and purchase what you need. It provides you with a slice of life experience, seeing different products - and similar ones - and a money exchang experience. When the trip is over, throw whatever is left away, or give it to someone. Or, if you really love a particular product, stock up on it and figure out a way to squeeze it on board.
Bruce Robert <email>
Il USA Tue 05/24/2005
business travel
Not to discredit an earlier post but packing very light for business and casual travel is possible. I can go up to 5 business days with 1 1,660 ci tote. Here's how:
1)Wear your dress belt, shoes, socks and sportcoat if you need to
dg <email>
Cary, NC USA Mon 05/23/2005
No-Iron Cotton
Clothes made of specialty fabrics like Cool Max are usually to pricey for me. All year round I'm on the lookout for clothing that will travel well and I buy one item to try it out. For example, at J. C. Penney dept. stores they carry their own brand of long-sleeved shirts, called Worthington, on sale just this weekend for $20.00. They are 100% cotton which has been treated to be no-iron. I tested one by washing it in the sink and hanging it in the tub to drip dry. The no-iron appellation is right only if you dry it in the dryer; but drip drying results are not bad at all, and certainly acceptable to me.
Jane Reed <email>
Los Angeles, CA USA Sun 05/22/2005
light-weight warmth
Combine a nylon wind-breaker with a fleece and you've got all the warmth you'll need Spring through Fall as well as some wet wether protection and great versatility. Who needs style? Everybody knows you're a tourist anyway.
Robert
LA, CA USA Sun 05/22/2005
My thoughts on Coolmax, yet again. I think Coolmax and such synthetic/microfibre fabrics are great for intense training, high sweaty environments. When you work out and sweat a lot, you don't want something like cotton against your skin soaking up all that sweat and, in turn, making you feel like you're wearing wet clothes. At the end of a work out you can feel chilled if you wear cotton and you are all sweaty and wet. This is where Coolmax comes in handy as Coolmax wicks away sweat and excess moisture. The microfibre vest I have for running also keeps my core warm.
However, I have to wonder about wearing synthetic/microfibre fabrics on an everyday basis. As they say about undies, keep them cotton to let them breathe! When travelling, I like to feel as comfortable as possible and cotton undies and clothing is the only way to go for me. I actually wash my undies, cotton cami's and socks at home and hang them to dry all the time and they take about a day or two to dry depending on the season. Same with cotton towels and sheets. I only put my cotton knits in the dryer, things like t-shirts. So, for drying purposes, bring enough undies, vests/bras, socks for 4-5 days, do a little wash every other day and you will have clean things galore!cheers from karen
p.s. Yes, I used to obsess about the amount of shampoo etc. to bring. They have pharmacies and everything you could ever want in Europe. Bring what will get you through a week or two, that's all! But, beware, packaging for things like pads and tampons can differ in British 'chemists' as they call them. I ended up buying what I thought were pads and they turned out to be incontinence pads! It was funny at the time and I can still laugh about it! Plus, I bought a better deodorant in Boots which did not make me itch like the one I use here. I ended up stocking up and bringing extra back with me.
USA Sat 05/21/2005
More Cool Max
Thanks Karen! Maybe we should stop obssessing about Cool Max! Your description of it feeling slimy is so true. Logic just tells me that natural fibers would be more breatheable, so I think I'm going to take my cotton things after all and wash them sooner so they have enough time to dry before I need to wear them (and try not to care that I'm a little wrinkly). Thanks again for your input!
USA Sat 05/21/2005
Coolmax etc.
Hi there,
I was reading the comments about Coolmax and micro-fibre type clothing. After starting a running clinic and getting all the running gear for myself and my husband, all made out of Coolmax or microfibre, we were told by the running shop owner (a well-known runner and personality in town) NOT to wash it too often as it will breakdown. I've never used anything similar for travel, I usually just take jeans, light cotton pants, a pair of water pants (Eddie Bauer, they are great, just like capris that you can get wet) and do a laundry a couple times. So, I do wonder about the effectiveness and quality of Coolmax items. Plus, they feel kind of slimy against the skin. I like soft things like cotton. I do not use silk as I am vegetarian and avoid clothes and products that involve hurting other living creatures.
cheerskaren
Karen
Canada Sat 05/21/2005
More shirts...
Thanks for the feedback. For the record, I do wear heavy socks (like Thurlos) in the summer with my cross-trainers because they provide great padding, comfort and they DO wick really well. They don't feel hot at all. I don't know what kind of socks you're talking about, but you may not have a prob. And you may be right about the linen. It won't hurt to try it. I do love guide shirts because they're very light weight, breathable, dry quickly, just really practical. I prefer the Columbia brand I bought from REI because they aren't vented in back so give a smoother look for city wear, but I also have and like Ex Officio. People who don't mind that look might check them out. They come in a variety of great colors, pack well, dry quickly.
Patricia Burroughs <email>
Dallas, TX USA Sat 05/21/2005
re: un-Cool Max
To Patricia: I was thinking the same thing, just by the feel of the material, when I bought my Cool Max socks (that they would be more insulating than breatheable). I'm going to do a test run with them at home before I take then on my trip and see how they make my feet feel. That's disappointing about your shirt. At home when it gets really hot and humid, I think the best cool fabrics are light rayon and plain cotton broadcloth (not knit, stretch cotton). I know both fabrics don't travel well (i.e. very wrinkly). Rick and other travelers praise linen for its "coolness"--I asked about its "wrinkly-ness" on the travelers helpline board, and someone responded that it's okay to wear linen wrinkled. So maybe it would be okay to wear rayon and cotton wrinked too. I still tend to think that any natural fiber fabric is cooler and more comfortable than a synthetic, although the natural fabrics do wrinkle more. But if your Cool Max shirt was so wrinkled, I would go with a natural fabric anyway--wrinkled or not, it feels to me like it's more breatheable.
USA Sat 05/21/2005
un-Cool Max
I suppose not all Cool Max is created equal, or else "Cool" means "Neato!" and not "kewl."
I ordered the Cool Max long sleeved tee from Travelsmith:
http://www.travelsmith.com/ts/cookie.jsp?ContentOID=2062731&Category=%2fProductHierarchy%2fSummer+Collections%2f+Women's+CoolMax+Collection&Category1=%2fProductHierarchy%2fSummer+Collections&source=subcategory.jsp
It's not cool. It feels more like it's insulating than breathing. Great for winter, I'm thinking, but I won't be able to wear it this summer unless I'm in air conditioning. To compound the problem, when handwashed it dries crumpled-looking, and whether it drip dries or is tumble dried it needs an iron touch up, especially around the hem (which rolls) and the neck (I don't know what to call it -- but the "lining edge" which should stay inside the shirt rolls up and sticks up above the seam).
So, who has recommendations for TRULY cool, wicking summer tops?
patricia Burroughs <email>
Dallas, TX USA Sat 05/21/2005
Locking my luggage? I won't bother again
Don't really know where to post this comment, this seemed most likely. I purchased a package of Flight Locks from the Rick Steve's store (plastic single-use luggage locks). The first time I used them was on a flight to Copenhagen from Boston, with stopover in Zurich. On arrival in Zurich I was shocked to see the metal zipper pulls on my Rick Steve's rolling suitcase were bent into "C" shapes! Apparently the security folks used pliers or something to twist the plastic locks off -- it had to be one heck of a pull to bend the metal pulls. Since then I have not bothered to lock my suitcases. I don't want to risk further damage to my luggage. And, BTW, the carry on allowances for coach class is very stingy within Europe (most of the airlines allow only one item the equivalent of a purse or small daypack). Thus, I had to check my suitcase with my souvenirs since my inter-Europe flight connected with my Europe-USA flight. I was so very careful to pack everything, wrapped items individually in items of clothing, or paper or bubble wrap. I tried to make it convenient for anyone searching my bag while padding things. When I arrived in USA I discovered the security folks had dumped everything out, rifled through it, and then dumped it all back in with no regard.
Weirdest observation -- I had purchased a souvenir spoon that was in a clear plastic case, and when I unpacked I found the spoon was in one part of my suitcase -- where it had broken a ceramic mug -- and the empty plastic case (which had been snapped shut) was in another part of my bag. Go figure. Most of my stuff was broken, scratched or crushed. The moral: ask for hand check of your luggage, if possible, or plan to ship your stuff home. My sister had a form letter in her luggage from "Homeland Security" notifying her they had gone through her bag, but there was no note in mine. I had nothing of high monetary value, just small things, but losing them was painful, nonetheless.
Margery <email>
Cambridge, MA USA Fri 05/20/2005
Storing stuff at airport
Renne: Do a Google search for the airport you'll arrive in and check for luggage storage or "left luggage." Also, have you considered spending the first night in a hotel after you land? That way you can rest and ask the concierge to keep the case for you. Almost all hotels will let you do that free of charge or for a small charge - whether you spend another night or not. We have done this many times with no problems - they give you a receipt and when you pick up the bag, give them a nice tip. Good luck!
Tallahassee, FL USA Fri 05/20/2005
Jeans
Here to the person going to London and Paris. Definitely pack jeans! I usually just bring one pair but it depends for how long you are going...
Maia <email>
Chapel Hill, nc USA Thu 05/19/2005
Kim
Your packing list sounds fine to me. What will you be sleeping in? I wear a cotton t-shirt and a pair of cotton knit pants (with pockets) to sleep in. They look good enough to wear as regular clothing. And, the pants can double as long-johns in a pinch. This is the outfit I wear when going "down the hall" to the bathroom at night. No bathrobe. I wear sandals for "slippers."
USA Thu 05/19/2005
In stores with large cosmetics sections, you can find the small plastic bottles. I recently bought two small clear plastic cosmetic cases. I carry the small things, first-aid supplies, and little bottles of shampoo, etc. It is much easier to find things in clear containers. I carry several thin nylon bags for "dry" things like laundry, sox, underwear, etc. so I can keep organized and keep the weight down. Plastic grocery bags from stores in Europe can be used for laundry. The European bags are thicker plastic than ours, so they are studier. When I am packing, I weigh almost everything on my kitchen scale. If one shirt weighs two ounces less than another, I probably will take the lighter one. In this way, I can eliminate a couple of pounds of unneccessary weight. My entire bundle of clothing that is in my backpack weighs about 5 pounds. The bag weighs about 6 pounds. The rest is books, all that little stuff in the clear plastic cosmetic cases. I keep the total weight to a maximum of 18 pounds. That is the most that I am comfortable carrying. For a few weeks before my trip, I carry the bag around with gradually more weight in it to that I am used to it. I rarely haul my carry-on backpack more than a mile when I travel.
Swan
USA Thu 05/19/2005
Travelling light
As a user of contact lenses, I have an abundance of the little plastic holders that come with each new bottle of solution. I fill these with EVERYTHING needed for a week`s travel. Shampoo, toothpaste, moisturiser, eye make-up remover even my foundation cream. I use nail varnish to label the contents.
Linda Allan <email>
Dundee Scotland, UK Wed 05/18/2005
To JB: revisiting packing
Hi JB: Not to inundate you with too many suggestions, but maybe you should think about packing the silk long-johns after all. I assume they are very small and light-weight when rolled up, right? When I was in Switzerland in September, I was sorry I didn't bring them since it was quite cold. And by long johns, I assume you mean separate top and bottom, right? That's what I would recommend for the best layering options. Plus, it can double for your nightwear in cold weather, instead of a nightgown.
You may know this already, but one big packing light trick is to make sure your clothes are layerable, so that you can easily adapt to differing temperatures by simply adding or subtracting layers. For instance, for tops: 1st layer: a tank top/t-shirt; 2nd layer: a short-sleeved and/or long-sleeved blouse/shirt; 3rd layer: a sweater or cardigan in a lightweight but warm material like cashmere; 4th layer: a waterproof jacket. And if it's cold, you can add in the long underwear somewhere in there. Making sure all the clothes you pack are layerable helps alot.
USA Wed 05/18/2005
to Kim
I know we are supposed to be packing light, but with business travel involved, it makes it even a greater challenge. My husband and I have to combine business with pleasure too. We pack all our business clothes and accessories (shoes, ties, etc.) in a sturdy garment bag, separate from the casual clothes. We do have to put the garment bag and usually another bag in the checked luggage--we aren't packing light, but we do feel more organized, and it seems that the business clothes don't get so wrinkled and crushed being separated from the casual clothes. Just an idea if you are willing to pack "not-so-light"...and I apologize to the die-hard light packers--I envy you, but I just don't know how to try to pack a suit into a carry-on bag with hiking boots too.
USA Wed 05/18/2005
Packing Lite
I meant to say I would be taking OUT the duster and long johns.
JB
CA USA Wed 05/18/2005
Packing Light - I am trying
Thank you all for your suggestions on packing lite. I definitely will rethink the amount of toiletries - rather than a 45-day supply of everything. I will take the duster and silk long johns out for sure.
JB
CA USA Wed 05/18/2005
re: help not sure
I'm in a similar situation: I need some casual-professional clothes for part of my month in Europe (in northern Sweden, where it may be cool), and some beach-type and holiday wear for the other part (in Italy, where it may be hot). I'm packing the following:
*1 pair Travelsmith slacks (stone)
Kim
Ithaca, NY USA Wed 05/18/2005
packing help
Thanksgoing to london, and Paris mid to late September.
I thought the leather jacket (it is a lighter weight one) more trendy....would be used as a dressy jacket if I needed one. Maybe I should double think that one.
In terms of the jeans I see what you mean..maybe I should bring a pair and wear a pair?
USA Wed 05/18/2005
Buying shoes in Europe
Every time I go to Europe (at least 2 times a year to see my inlaws) I end up buying some really cool hiking boots or shoes. Whatever brand I buy (I've bought Nike and Salomon lately), I seem to be able to put them on and wear them everywhere, sightseeing in total comfort (and my feet are really picky about what shoes they like!). My advice is to take one pair of shoes/boots less, and treat yourself and buy a pair there.
USA Wed 05/18/2005
To AG: I don't think you sound preachy--I'm open to suggestion, so thanks for the advice.
To Angela: You're right about the pressure changes--I forgot all about that! I noticed once when I opened a tube of hand cream on the plane that it all blopped out, so the pressure in the cabin is not really perfect either. Next time I'm putting everything in zip lock bags--I'd rather be excessive than have a mess!
To the person who responded about the 45-day trip: I also use powder laundry soap, and it travels quite well.
We've got a good discussion going--this is fun and helpful!!
USA Wed 05/18/2005
To the person below, asking about his packing list: What you?ll need sort of depends on what time of year you are going, which countries you are visiting, what you plan on doing, and how old you are. If you are going between April and October, I would recommend leaving the leather jacket at home. For that matter, I think I?d recommend leaving it at home no matter when you go. You can wear it on the plane, but if you are on the move (as opposed to having 1 home base) a leather jacket just seems too bulky to carry. Depending on where you plan to spend most of your time, 2 pair of shorts may be more than you need. Europeans tend to dress up more than Americans do, and in some places (Italy for example) shorts are not considered appropriate attire for adults, unless they are participating in a sport. I would recommend taking only one pair of jeans. They?re bulky, and don?t dry quickly if they need to be washed. Unless you have a very formal occasion, you can find some pretty nice looking shoes that will do double duty as dress and walking shoes. You may still want to take 2 pairs, but that way, you would have a change that would also be comfortable (believe me, it?s all about keeping your feet healthy and happy!)
USA Wed 05/18/2005
help not sure
pakcing light....I dont' know if I can do this...one month trip to europe. I need some dress clothesthis is the list:
2 dress pants
USA Wed 05/18/2005
Leaks
By the way, even though the air is pressurized in airplane passenger areas, air in any container still expands and contracts. So anything in a carry-on that could leak, put in a ziplock.
FL USA Wed 05/18/2005
45-day trip to Europe
You should be able to pack for a 45-day trip pretty much the same as for a long (3-day) weekend - Really! Just do hand-washing as you go.
Yes, you can buy 4-oz bottles of shampoo in Europe or even 1-oz bottles. But see if you can find squeeze tubes/samples that you can dispose of once they're empty, as you go. Also - skip the Wool-Lite and Downey. Take a little powder clothes detergent to start or use a mild shampoo. Buy more once you get there as you need it.
As for the "on and on?" take a SMALL supply of whatever to get you started and buy more there, as you go. Do, however, take anything you MUST have due to sensitive skin issues, or anything prescription.
By the way, you probably do not need silk long johns for Switzerland unless you're extremely cold-blooded; just layer. Also - try taking a long lightweight windbreaker that can double as a "bathrobe" for going down the hall to the shower. I use one and it's a great space and weight saver.
You can probably get away with packing only 2 outfits and wearing one - less weight and you'll end up buying clothes in Europe anyway; they are somewhat "fashion-forward" over there and shopping can be a lot of fun. I'd pack just ONE extra outfit and wash every evening or two.
You don't mention shoes, but do pack an extra pair. And use lightweight plastic flip-flops for shower/bath duty.
You also don't mention how you will be traveling across Europe (or which countries). By car? Bus? Train? It can make a difference in how much lugging you'll have to do.
You travel for the fun of it and the great experiences - not for looking like a fashion plate or worrying about your stuff.
Have fun!!!
FL USA Wed 05/18/2005
Shampoo leak in checked luggage
To the person who said that shampoo in their checked luggage got all over everything ? It probably was not rough handling that caused the leak. It was probably due to pressure changes in the baggage compartment. To prevent leaks of shampoo (and other gooey toiletries), squeeze as much air as possible out of the container. The baggage compartment is not pressurized like the passenger cabin. When the pressure changes, any air in your shampoo bottle expands or contracts, causing a leak. Also, checked or not, you will save yourself trouble by putting anything that might make a mess in zip-loc bags, with as much air as possible squeezed out. This may sound excessive, but I always have one bag for my shampoo, one for my tooth paste, one for the Febreze, etc . . ., and then a 2 gallon bag containing all of the smaller bags. I carry-on on the way over, but usually check my bag coming home, and I?ve never had a problem with leaks.
Angela
USA Wed 05/18/2005
re. packing light on toiletries
Don't forget that, while you may not be able to buy a 4 oz. bottle of shampoo while traveling, it might be worth it to buy the smallest you can, refill your small bottle, and leave the rest for the cleaning staff or whomever.
New Trav
IA USA Wed 05/18/2005
To JB - re. packing light on toiletries
Hi JB: Don't know how practical or feasible these suggestions might be for cutting down on your toiletries, but you might try these tips.
I don't know if you meant to say that you were taking makeup-remover cloths AND Oil of Olay cleansing cloths, but if so, I would only take one or the other, not both.
Or even better, I would take one 4 oz bottle of something that could do quadruple duty as face wash, shampoo, body wash and laundry detergent. On a 3-week trip to Europe, I took along Paula's Choice All Over Hair and Body Shampoo and it worked fine for me for all four purposes. It's unscented and gentle but did a good enough job getting laundry clean too. (Link is here, if you're interested in finding out more: http://www.cosmeticscop.com/shop/product.asp?CODE=PC500&PAGETYPE=S). 4 ounces of the stuff, by the way, was more than enough for 3 weeks, if used somewhat sparingly. If you bring separate bottles of everything (shampoo, detergent, etc.), perhaps 2 oz of everything would be enough? I found I needed much less toiletry stuff than I thought I did.
USA Wed 05/18/2005
Travel light
Speaking as someone who grew up overseas and learned early to pack in one small bag, you've got to trust that people everywhere have personal problems like sensitive skin. I wouldn't suggest being cavalier about it in Asia, but Europe sells many products we also have here. Take your trust in other people, leave behind your fears that you won't be prepared for every situation. Sorry if I sound preachy. I don't mean to! But travel is filled with unpredictable experiences, some bad, most good.
AG
USA Tue 05/17/2005
Packing Light - I'm trying too!
I'm with you, JB! For me, packing light is close to impossible. I know part of the problem is my sensitive skin--I can't just buy something random over there without having a big breakout, but even the 4 oz bottles of my special skin products add up fast and get pretty heavy. I pack as light as I can for myself, but I would never make it by Rick's rules. But maybe we should stop obssessing--try to pack as light as we can within our personal limits, and just deal with it from there. Just wanted to let you know you're not alone!
USA Tue 05/17/2005
Pack less
To the lady going to Europe with your daughter for 45 days: I took way too much for 3 weeks in England some years ago. Buy things there; don't worry about finding what you want/need. You'll find some version of what you like that will work for you. Also, can your daughter take any of your load, or she is a packmule too? ;-))
Alison Gunn <email>
Seattle, WA USA Tue 05/17/2005
Packing Light - I am trying
My daughter and I (1st trip to Europe) will leaving next month for a 45 day trip to Europe. Since I am retired, I have been working on "packing light". It is very difficult to say the least. My clothes are fine and they only take up 1/3 of the 9' x 14" x 22" carry-on after the air is removed from the 2 gallon zip lock freezer bags. It is all the other stuff that weighs a ton that causes my suitcase to look pregnant. I am only taking 4 blouses, 4 slacks, 4 unders. 4 socks, broom-stick dress, 1 light weight gown,duster for 2 and from showers,long dress sweater, thin water repellant jacket, 1 pair silk long johns (for 5 days in Switzerland, silk sleep sack, large Microtek towel I will be wearing one of those 4 outfits. Hair dryer,RS guide books,umbrella,RS clothes line,2 coffee can lids for cutting fruit, cheese, etc. The weight is in the following:tiny travel size bath,hair and beauty aids and the following that are in small 4oz squeeze bottles - shampoo, wool lite, downey, mouth wash. Of course I have a 45 day supply of "cleansing and make-up remover towelettes and Oil of Olay "cleansing cloths" and then some tissues, hand sanitizers...on and on. Everyone advises us to buy stuff over there. BUT, for example, I am taking 4 oz of shampoo for 45 days. I doubt if I can buy a 4 oz bottle of shampoo over there. I'm still trying to lighten the load. Of course I have not mentioned the day pack and camera shoulder bag we will be carrying on the plane.
JB
CA USA Tue 05/17/2005
Packing Light
My husband and I just spent 13 lovely days in Italy. We followed Rick's suggestions to a "T", except for the packing part. By the time we lugged our large, and quite heavy suitcases up and down numerous bridges in Venice, we were ready to throw our bags in the Canal. The sad part is that we didn't wear, most of we packed. Our former attitude was "what if we need this." Don't do it, you will have a much better trip packing light. We had to hoist those bags onto trains and up several flights of stairs, as well. It wasn't worth it. We are in the process of planning our next Rick Steve's vacation and I will be purchasing his "Back Door" bags for that one.
Liz Bruce <email>
Tampa, FL USA Tue 05/17/2005
I agree!
Girlie-Girl This is the way I pack for Europe too, works out well every time.
BG
SF, CA USA Tue 05/17/2005
I did it, you can too!!!!!
In the past, I have been notorious for packing WAAAAAY more than I actually needed! However, over the past few years, I've forced myself to whittle down to just the "bare necessities". And let me just say that I probably sound sort of "high mantainance" in comparison with some others on this forum!! In other words, I like to have hair styling products, a hair dryer, makeup, etc.!! I just don't feel comfortable leaving those things at home and it makes me feel good when I look better. With that being said, my bag (which I carry on board with me) weighs 13.4 lbs. This includes a travel hairdryer, a hair flatiron, makeup kit, clothing, shoes, etc. If I can do it, anyone can! My entire toiletry kit is sample sizes and I can go for 21 days without running out of anything. I bring two jackets (I wear one on the plane), two pairs of trousers, one skirt (wear on plane), 5 tops (one worn on plane) and 2 pairs of shoes (one worn on plane). With cool jewelry, these clothes can be mixed and matched in so many different ways, I practically don't wear the same outfit combination for about two weeks. I also bring "extras" like travel umbrella, digital camera, etc. To accomplish this, of course, I have to do laundry at the hotel. I bring Woolite and liquid Tide with Bleach (both in spill-proof bottles) and do a quick wash in the sink every night. I hang wet laundry on inflatable hangers and everything is dry by the morning! I usually iron my clothes, but every hotel or B&B I've stayed at will loan me an iron. Also, I bring expandable tote bags (that zip into themselves) so that I can shove my dirty clothes in them and check them on my return trip -- leaving my main suitcase free for my new purchases! By the way, I purchased a suitcase (brand is "embark") at Target for about $18 and it is terrific and very lightweight. It has wheels, too. I see no reason to spend a fortune on a bag if you're not going to check it - I am much more careful with it than the airline baggage handlers! Cheers!
Girlie-Girl <email>
Atlanta, GA USA Mon 05/16/2005
Soap/washcloth issues in Ireland
Just got back from Ireland and wanted to pass this on. At most B&Bs we stayed at, most only had liquid hand soap and no washcloths. So, bring your own!
Kathy <email>
Stoughton, WI USA Mon 05/16/2005
BG
Relax!! If you think wearing a pantiliner (and since when is this uncivilized??) is not a "good solution" then don't use it. This is a forum for ideas - take what suits you and leave the rest.
USA Mon 05/16/2005
underwear suggestions
Ladies -- can we stop the "panti-liner" posts, please? Enough already. This is not a good solution, unless you are going someplace where there is no water or soap. Wash your underwear every evening, be civilized. Almost every suggestion I have read on this website is intelligent and well thought out - except this one, and it is kind of gross to keep seeing it.
BG
San Francisco, CA USA Mon 05/16/2005
Use the Cubes and small luggage!
I just came back from a 10 day trip from Europe... started in Milan, train to Munich, then flew to London and Paris. I used Rick's self imposed 21 inch suitcase, his 3 cubes, his list of things to bring/pack, and a student packpack from my college years. I used fabric sheets in between my shirts to keep them fresh between washing and brought multiple use liquid soap for handwash and bathing. What I did follow was packing my underwear. They are so tiny to begin with that I packed all 10 of them and they took no room in the cubes. I also took the risk of using just sandals so no socks! The weather in May was nice in Italy but brisk (59 degree) in Munich and London, but I was not affected by the coolness. I had a multiple purpose jacket for the cold nights and layered my clothes in combinations (3 short sleeves, 4 long sleeves) and splurged with the Eddie Bauer non wrinkle shirts (they were $48) so I could wash, dry and wear in a snap! I packed 1 nice slacks, 2 jeans (black /blue) and 2 sundresses which took up 0.1 mm of space. If we were unable to wash, we used a small bottle of "Frebreeze" to freshen up our shirts and our 10 day trip (which included an Italian wedding!) was a success!
Michelle <email>
Anaheim, CA USA Mon 05/16/2005
transferring from Canada to the States and keeping it light!
FYI: At Toronto airport when you land and are proceeding to the USA, you have to take a shuttle to change terminals, pick up your 'checked' luggage, go through American customs. However, at the carousel where you get your checked luggage, there are no carts readily available...you have to pay to use them. They are in a rack and you need about $3 in change to release one. Having wheeled luggage at this point would be VERY handy. Once American customs rifles through your checked luggage, you then put it on another belt that takes it to whatever plane you are going on to the States. Then you need to go through security with your carry on stuff and then walk down miles of hallways. Also, at both Boston and Albany airport, again, you need to pay to use a luggage cart. This seems highly ridiculous and inconvenient. Having wheeled luggage or carrying VERY LITTLE in the first place seems to be the key!
USA Sun 05/15/2005
Ricks bags etc.
Hi there,
I have recently returned from a 9 day trip to USA. I did order Ricks bag and daypack but ended up using my old carry-on bag (basis bag, no wheels, broken shoulder strap!) that nicely holds 5 sets of each of underwear, socks, undershirts (I don't use bras) a pair of jeans and five shirts plus toiletries and a CD player and case. I found getting this amount into Rick's bag was fine but I had loads more room left and felt the bag a little big for carry on. I also used my Eddie Bauer fanny pack which holds a few pill bottles and my passport and wallet. We flew Air Canada and had no trouble getting on board with what we had. My carry on weighed about 18 pounds. Air Canada allows two carry items, a 9x14x21 and a briefcase sized bag plus a purse which is a free allowance. On my return from the US I was loaded down with more as I had presents with me. At Albany airport, I still only had my carry on packed the same way, my fanny pack but also a canvas tote which was bought at a local grocery store that you use for groceries. The security people at Albany told me I had 'three' bags and turned me away. The security guy then said if I was going to repack, then to move out of line. I simply put my fanny pack in my canvas tote and proceeded without a problem. I found this odd, considering Air Canada does allow upto three pieces. So, it goes to show that you are not always prepared for everything that will happen. I am still trying hard to pack light and try to limit myself to my fanny pack and carry on. I did check a duffle as well. I would be interested if anyone else finds Rick's bags a little large. Mind you, seeing what most people travel with I was astounded. Mostly large wheeled totes that are hiked up into the overhead bins which are meant for lighter items. I find that if I start to use Rick's bag, I will pack even more...No!
Wheels would be great when transferring from the Canadian terminal to US terminal as the hallways go on forever! My dad just bought a 'Heys' wheeled backpack which is quite nice and very very light. karen
Karen
Canada Sat 05/14/2005
Zip-Lock Bags
I pack things that may leak, like shampoo, in plastic zip-lock baggies. They take up no room and weigh nothing. I also pack each item of clothing, that may wrinkle, in very large zip-lock bags. I also pack my socks and underwear together in a large zip-lock bag. It makes it very easy to find what you need quickly and stay organized. Large zip-lock bags (like "Glad" from the supermarket)are a lot less expensive than ones made specifically for that purpose in travel catalogs.
Susan
Sausalito, CA USA Sat 05/14/2005
pantiliners
I myself have used the pantiliner trick often while traveling. I find it especially helpful in hot climates, as I can change the liner once or twice throughout the day whenever I feel particularly sweaty. The pantiliners (not big pads, mind you) take up little room - and my philosophy on that, anyway, is that if you pack with you something that will get used up on the way, you've just made more room for bringing souvenirs or whatever home with you.
USA Fri 05/13/2005
Packing Light
I still remember one German hotelier, after he helped me up the stairs with my HUGE suitcase, saying,"Vy you bring so much??" I have never forgotten him or his advice, but every trip I make I learn more about packing light. Just came back from 6 weeks in Germany, Austria, Italy, Paris. I still took too much, but can pass on this advice (although most readers already know these tips):
1.travel sizes (2 ounces)of shampoo, conditioner and liquid bath soap will last at least 2 weeks.
2. take your Rick Steves'clothesline, wash your undies and socks every night, then you only need 2 or 3 pair of each. I use liquid shampoo for laundry
3. Washcloth a must. I use a travel washcloth I got at REI. It is microfiber, has a neat fold-over tab for hanging up to dry.
4. Coordinate clothes. Next trip, I will only take black pants and t-shirts to go with them, and a black cardigan sweater. We went to the opera in Florence, and I wore black silky (acetate) pants and top. I had bought a colorful scarf from the street market (for 5 Euros)and added that for color,then wore black sandals and I did not look underdressed at the opera. I took a dress that I never wore, so will not do that again.
5. Take any medications including OTC meds. those items are pretty pricey in Europe, however, the toiletries like shampoo, toothpaste were very reasonable.
6. If you think you MAY wear something, then you probably won't.
7. I pack all toiletries, meds, in a hang-up toiletry bag. This is one of the best items I have ever invested in, as the bathrooms in most European hotels are very small and the bag keeps everything organized and handy.Travelling is so much fun, hate to ruin the pleasure by pulling or carrying too much weight.
Dolly Goolsby <email>
Roseville, CA USA Fri 05/13/2005
Packing light
My best packing light tip is to wear black on top. I wear black tees with everything; skirts, shorts, and pants. I wear blends that don't wrinkle. I try to wear my Timberlands on train rides, so that I don't have to pack them. I coordinate my travelling outfits with my party bits, so that i don't pack extra. One versatile eyeshadow and lipstick. Normally, I would say to pick up all the extras in your country of travel, but the exchange rate has made that very expensive. Personally, I think we gals need to see our true inner beauty and not burden our travels with stupid crap. One pair of decent shoes and some deodorant should cover it. Don't buy your family dumb souvenirs. Think of things they might really like and but them as gifts for the rest of the year, toward the end of your visit. Don't idealize your dream "trip" wardrobe. When you are carrying it on your back, across the countryside, it will seem very useless. Realize that it is useless before you go. However, a bottle of water and a granola bar will never seem excessive. Ta, Dolls.
Lorretta <email>
Houston, TX USA Thu 05/12/2005
Pad etc
I agree, why pack extra stuff anyway? 2 weeks worth of pad would take a lot of room that could be used for better use. A little bottle of Woolite to wash would be worth the weight. I can't imagine wearing a pad, how uncomfortable!
USA Thu 05/12/2005
Re: Pads vs. Washing
I too would opt to wash my underwear. It only takes a few minutes, and they are totally dry by the next morning. I don't think it's a big deal either. I can tolerate wearing some clothes for several days without washing, but not my underwear.
USA Thu 05/12/2005
Pads (aka "panty liners") vs. washing
I find it easier and more comfortable to wash my underwear rather than wear panty liners. Maybe if I regularly wore panty liners at home I'd feel differently. My #1 travel rule is the same as my #1 triathlon rule - on race day, do not do anything different from what you've been doing during training! For travel, that translates to not wearing pads if I don't normally do that at home. As well as things like don't get a brand new pair of shoes the day before you go. Don't wear things that you would not wear at home. Etc. etc. Remember - it really does only take a couple of minutes to wash out your underwear. It's just not a big deal.
CA USA Thu 05/12/2005
A recommendation for ladies... By using a pantyliner, you can wear your panties even longer!
USA Wed 05/11/2005
Advice for Women add-on
Its Karen from below again, I forgot to add that you can urinate while wearing the blood catcher. Trying to have a bowel movement may cause the catcher to fall out though, I wouldnt reccomend that. If you need to have a BM I would just reccomend taking the catcher out and rinsing out the collected blood. Hope this helps! These are a real lifesaver!
Karen
Detroit, MI USA Wed 05/11/2005
Advice For Women
For the women I have a great tip, they have these great little blood catchers (for menstruation) they are called keepers. Anyways, the blood catchers contain the menstruation and theres rarely ever leakage. One time I did have a little leakage and I was wearing white pants, but thats a whole nother story. So, this catcher is great, you no longer have to use blood plugs (tampons) or diapers (pads). I hope this information is useful, theres many brands of the catcher so I would just look around if I were you! Karen
Karen
Detroit, MI USA Wed 05/11/2005
Delta Carry-on Limit
I flew to Europe on Delta in 2003 and my carry-on backpack weighed 25 pounds. There was no problem with Delta. But, I will have a lighter backpack this year. 25 pounds is too heavy to be comfortable, especially when I needed to walk long distances and help my 11 year old.
Linda
GA USA Tue 05/10/2005
Storing stuff at airport
Not sure what subject to put this under: driving, flying or packing, it falls under all of them! I am traveling to Italy for a bike race. I am packing my bike in a hard case. I will then rent a car in Venice and drive to the Dolomites. Question: If I want to take my bike out of the case and then leave/store my case at the airport, are these facilities available so I don't have to rent a large car to fit the case?? I have done this in other countries. It's so hard to tell if my bike case will fit it a little Fiat, etc I doubt it!
Renne <email>
Oshkosh, WI USA Tue 05/10/2005
Lauren - carry on limit
Lauren, simply call your airline and ask what their weight limit is. Then you will know way ahead of your flight.
USA Mon 05/09/2005
Re: carryon limit
If you can afford to fly on Swiss International this time of year, they seem to be pretty lenient with their carry-on weight restrictions, and even sizes. We were first told at the ticket counter that my husband's laptop bag was too big, but we were very nice in explaining about wanting to have it with us, and the girl behind the counter got some supervisor-type person to come look at the bag, and he said it was fine. Unfortunately I don't know about Delta or other airlines (except I'm assuming they would have more reasonable fares than Swiss--it's really expensive right now).
USA Mon 05/09/2005
Coolmax socks
I just bought some Coolmax socks at Wal Mart (their "George" brand--technically I guess they are dress socks but I plan to use them for dress and for casual). After I washed them, I noticed that not only do these socks seem almost dry coming out of the wash machine's spin cycle, but they also were relatively wrinkle-free and didn't get all scrunched up the way my all-cotton sport socks do when I take them out of the washer. I hope they are as comfortable as they are easy-care!
USA Mon 05/09/2005
carryon limit
i have read everywhere that there is a carryon limit for international flights, which is usually around 15 lbs. i plan to carryon my luggage this summer on a 3 week trip to italy france and switzerland. when i was looking on the delta airlines website, i am sure that it said that the carryon limit is 40lbs. this sounds too good to be true...has anyone used delta and know the international limit for sure?
Lauren
FL USA Mon 05/09/2005
Steve - Leather bag
Steve I know you want to use the leather bag as a carry-on but if you can try not to. You can get great leather bags in Europe and can fillit up with gifts and things for your way back home. Just a thought.
Parker <email>
Newport Beach, CA USA Mon 05/09/2005
Steve-leather messagner bag
Try Ellington Leather. Really nice bags. here is the website link, you might check for stores in your city/state. I checked ebags.com, but they only had one leather "messanger" bag, and it wasn't great. Ellington has lots of choices. Good luck! You should also check at your local luggage store. http://www.ellingtonleather.com
Ellen <email>
Centennial, CO USA Mon 05/09/2005
Coolmax in socks
Wigwam brand has fantastic socks with Coolmax. You should be able to find these in any outdoor/sporting goods store, as well as on line or catalog at Campmor or Sierra Trading Post
USA Mon 05/09/2005
Light, Fast-Drying Socks (Coolmax)
All this talk about Cool Max socks prompted me to venture out and find some. I leave for Italy in a few days and am packing very light (for the first time). I thought it would be helpful to mention that Coolmax is a fiber and not necessarily a brand name--at least as far as I can tell. As mentioned below, Wal-Mart sells socks made with Coolmax, but I could find only dress socks. Target, though, carries an array of choices under the brand names Gold Toe and Champion.
JSC
Pittsburgh, PA USA Mon 05/09/2005
Need a suggestion on a bag ...
I'm looking for a small to medium-size messenger bag, preferably leather. Will be going to Europe in November and want to use it as my second carry on. Have seen plenty of nylon bags, just looking for something a bit nicer, and not too large. Thanks in advance for any information you might have.
Steve <email>
St. Pete, FL USA Mon 05/09/2005
Pashmina vs. Sarong
I like both sarongs and pashminas. They both work well for all kinds of things such as a cover up, blanket for picnics, wrap, dressing up and outfit for dinner or as a light cover on cool nights/days. Oh if you plan to do picnic on your trips take a plastic lid used on coffee can as a plate. It packs light takes up no room. Plus keeps your food off the ground. A few in different sizes and you'll really have an enjoyable picnic.
Parker <email>
Newport Beach, CA USA Mon 05/09/2005
Pashima
Absolutely! I took mine a few years back when we took a bike tour. It was great for "dressing up" my simple black dress for the "formal" dinners, and added great style to my outfit. I'm packing mine again....thanks for the reminder! Wonderful suggestion!
USA Mon 05/09/2005
For women - pashmina style wrap
On a recent trip, I took a pashmina-style wrap, but in a really light cotton-rayon blend. It was a wonderful item for variable weather, because I could use it as a scarf (if it was cold), a shawl (in warmer weather when it was just a bit chilly), a headwrap if I got caught in a light rain, or a ground-cover/tablecloth for picnicing! The rayon washes easily and dries quickly.
oliviacw <email>
CA USA Sun 05/08/2005
Everything
Hey, new Graffiti people! Before posting a comment, read through older postings to see if the same idea or tip has already been posted and discussed (maybe even more than once or twice!). There really are some good ideas on this Wall and you should try the archived folders. Also - try the Travelers Helpline folder on the Wall - some good ideas and discussions there, too, of kinds of topics.USA - try not bringing home anything like shampoo and other toiletries (leave in hotel, hostel, or campground) unless of course you bought it overseas and it's really great! You'll see this works, as well as other ideas posted before, like leaving behind other items, like clothes (clean), shoes, paperbacks, etc, that someone else can use and will lighten the load.Remember - take an idea and adapt it to your travel style - there will always be another journey and it's not so important what you pack, as what you carry with you in your mind and heart... a little corny, but true. You'll see what I mean when you talk to others along the way in all those countries we all want to vist - or journeyed to already. People are people all over the earth. Have a great trip, everyone out there. And laugh wherever you go! It's a great ice-breaker.
planetgirl
FL USA Sat 05/07/2005
New Subject
I know we are supposed to be packing light, but if you have to check your bags, I would suggest keeping toiletries (and anything even remotely fragile) in your carry-on. I packed my toiletries in my checked bag coming home, and when I unpacked, my shampoo was all over--I'm assuming probably due to the rather rough handling of checked luggage. My toiletries make my carry-on a little heavier, but for me it's better than having to clean shampoo (or whatever other liquids you may have) out of everything. I know if I really pack light I wouldn't have to worry about checked bags at all, but I wanted to share my experience with others who may still be "challenged" in packing light like I am.
USA Sat 05/07/2005
Turn off water & prepare for the worst
Remember to turn off the water to your house if it's possible - coming home to a broken pipe that's been flooding for days is a horrible trip-wrecker!We turn off the electric water heater, unplug TVs, microwave, coffeemaker, the computer, and lamps as well. Our cats (they stay at home) have been known to knock over lamps. Since they are also very wily, I have to tape the fridge and lower cabinets shut with duct tape - don't ask!I also either shut doors to rooms they shouldn't get into or brace doors open so a cat won't get caught in a room for days. Friends stopping by doesn't always guarantee their safety.
FL USA Fri 05/06/2005
Very good tip, RKG! We unplug just about everything but the refrigerator before going on a trip, and it does "lighten" the load of worries we could have about our home while being so far away. Sometimes packing light can refer to more than just what we put in our bags!
USA Thu 05/05/2005
Peace Of Mind
A recent power outage reminded me that I should never vacation with my electronics still plugged in. Even surge protectors don't give complete peace of mind when you know there's been stormy weather back home. My 'before leaving' list includes this tip along with other home safeguards. It only takes a few minutes to take care of things on the list, and those few minutes of effort transpose into a vacation with fewer worries.
RKG
Euless, TX USA Thu 05/05/2005
Less is more
I bring only a carry-on sized bag. You only need a few shirts and 2 pants on pair of shorts or a skirt. I can not say it enough color coordinate your clothes. Just about everthing goes with black, blue or tan dockers and they look nice for dinner. Bring scarves or buy them there to dress up an outfit for dinner. Natrualizers carry confortable shoes that you can use for walking all day and dinner at night. Bring one pair of sandals for hot days or day tirps to the beach. I light jacket or sweater in a tan or dark color for cool nights or you can use a sarong and it doubles as a wrap for women. 3 to 5 pair of undies and socks and wash then out at night they dry over night. After washing your undies or socks wrap them in a towel and twist them dry it gets out the excess water. They hang to dry over night.
Parker <email>
Newport Beach, CA USA Thu 05/05/2005
Freshened shoes without extra weight
If possible, I prefer to travel with one comfortable but reasonably nice looking pair of shoes - loafers or oxfords with springy rubber soles, for example. Several of my favorite brands, like Munro American, have removeable insoles. On shorter trips, I take out the insoles and let them air overnight. In the morning, the shoes feel great. For a longer trip, it would be simple to pack a couple of extra sets and rotate them.
NC USA Wed 05/04/2005
Tiny "medical" kit & other weighty issues
Our tiny "medical" kit weighs in at a few ounces - since it's an emergency type kit in a zip-lock pouch. I quess it depends on your needs. I'd certainly take a small kit and leave out something else that weighs 16 oz - and yes, the packing cubes DO contribute to the overall weight, so think about it as well as the weight of the travel bag empty (mine is less than 1 pound).
Everone has to decide what's important and what's not so important. For example: My husband needs super-wide shoes (not always available in a lot of countries)and needs to protect his feet, so he always carries an extra pair of shoes with him. On the other hand, I can get away with only one pair, since I can buy men's shoes if I have to.
I am now packing for a week-long trip to a temperate European climate and will carry a very lightweight - yet rugged - Old Navy zippered black tote that weighs in at 10 pounds and contains: 4 sets of underwear, running shoes & 2 pairs socks, 2 pairs cotton pants, 3 knit tops, small dual-voltage electric kettle and coffee filters, basic toiletries, windbreaker, paperback book (in outer pocket), disposable camera, emergency medical kit in zip-lock, small lightweight bath towel (we're staying in camping cabins), insulated coffee cup, small flashlight and assorted miscellaneous items.
My purse is small enough to easliy carry yet large enough to hold a bottle of water as well as other stuff for a day of walking around.So - as other posters have said on this site, analyse where you are going, what you will be doing, and decide from there.
FL USA Wed 05/04/2005
superior money belt
If you are like many people, you hate the hot, sweaty ring around your waist that the standard money belt creates. I have found a more comfortable money belt: the "Hidden Pocket" described in People's Guide to Mexico by Carl Franz. It is a 32 inch by 4.5 inch strip of sturdy fabric, folded in half and sewn into a long, narrow pocket that is worn on your belt hanging inside your trousers. Much more comfortable and just as secure.
USA Tue 05/03/2005
Personal Preference
Theresa--yay, a kindred spirit in the tote bag/day pack wars. Now, as the subject of this wall is packing light, let me say that my tote bag is NOT lighter than a day pack, but I still prefer it as it meets my other needs so much better. Because of this, I'm considering paring down some of my other gear. Every trip I take a tiny "medical" kit in which I have miniscule amounts of about 20 differnt things like aspirin, pepto-bismol tablets, a blister kit, etc., but it adds up to at least a pound. I've never had to use any of that stuff but I carry it because I've recently traveled to the former Yugoslavia and they DON'T have everything we have here, at least not in the smaller towns.I'm going to risk it this time because I'm determined to have a carry-on bag that doesn't weigh more than 13 pounds.How much does your kit weigh and what's in it? And don't those packing cubes add unwanted ounces?
Jane Reed <email>
Los Angeles, CA USA Tue 05/03/2005
Leave it home - buy it there if you need it
The old saying of "pack half as much as you'll think is needed & plan to spend twice as much $$$" is very true. Many things people think they are going to use on a trip aren't needed, and there are always forgotten or emergency items which have to be bought while traveling. I've been traveling to Europe for almost 20 years now & about six years ago I got fed up with all the luggage. The only "luggage" I bring with me is the backpack I bought from Rick Steve's online store - no matter how long my travel plans are. I pack only a few changes of clothes & the only shoes I have are the ones on my feet when I board the plane. No ipods or laptops to worry about, no makeup or mini hair dryers - just the basics like a toothbrush/paste & deodorant. If I need something, I buy it there. Its really quite liberating. I don't carry a backpack with me during the day, instead I use a plastic shopping bag from one of my purchases to hold my bottle of water, snack, & info for what I'll be doing such as my Rick Steve's book. Any newly bought items while traveling are mailed home if they become too cumbersome, like a rain coat or umbrella bought in London not needed in Prague. Everything bought there are good memories of the time well spent. A few times I was short on budget when traveling so did some of my shopping at second hand stores and flea markets. Looked them up on line before I left home. Found some really good stuff for practically nothing. One benefit is you'll blend in with the natives. The funniest time this happened is when an American(a Texan) tourist in a Telc clock store mistook me for a clerk & she started asking me questions about the merchandise. I told her I'm a tourist too, we both laughed, & I pointed her to the real clerk. That really told me I did what I set out to do - leave home behind & have fun experiencing some place new.
D Floyd
CA USA Mon 05/02/2005
Personal Preference
Jane - this is my preference as well, to carry a tote with me. The first time I went to Paris six years ago, I got a tote that first day and never looked back. It is just better for me because I am older and a day pack made me look like I was trying to hang on to my college days. But I agree with you, whatever works for the individual.
Teresa
Boston, MA USA Mon 05/02/2005
Day Packs
I don't know why the issue of carrying a daypack has become such a deal over the last several posts. As I said in my own message, it's my preference not to. I've carried day packs in the past and now I find the tote bag more useful. I also like the fact that I look more like a local with what I wear--which is the clothing I wear to work every day at home--and what I carry, because 1) I like and am comforable in my work-style clothes for being out in public, and, 2) I believe it makes me less of a target for opportunistic thieves. This stuff isn't chiseled in stone, ya know: wear and carry what works for you.
Jane Reed <email>
Los Angeles, CA USA Sun 05/01/2005
Security and backpacks
I have not seen any more security problems (things being stolen) in Europe (Germany, Austria, Switzerland) than I have here. Don't be careless with your belongings, but I don't think you have to be overly paranoid either. Just use common sense. As far as backpacks, I find they are much easier to carry than any one-shoulder bag. I agree with wearing it or at least holding it in front of you in crowded areas--more for courtesy to other people than for security. You could put a little lock through the zipper pulls, but I don't think that's necessary.
USA Sun 05/01/2005
Looking American
I live in an area of America popular with tourists from all over the worls. It occurs to me that the difference in dress is that people on vacation dress differently than people not on vacation. So, unless you want to dress to look like you are going to work, just wear what you want. You will look like you are on vacation. A woman who runs my favorite hotel in Italy usually wears a track suit (jacket and pants) and athletic shoes. She doesn't look like a tourist anyway. She just looks comfortable.
I use a daypack when I am in Europe--to carry a book, water bottle, lunch, map, etc. I don't carry valuables there. In crowded areas I wear the pack in front so I can keep track of it, and so that it doesn't bump into other people. My camera is disposable, so I may carry it in the backpack.
USA Sat 04/30/2005
Some general comments
My husband and I just returned from a trip to Europe (he is from a small town in Switzerland--automatic back door!) and I want to share some things. I agree with Ellen that people are people wherever you go, and we should all respect each other's differences and maybe learn something from them.
I noticed that some things are really not that different. I noticed a lot of backpacks--quite a few Jansports, actually. I also saw white athletic shoes. I saw as few people in black clothes there as I do here.
My advice would be to dress comfortably (wear the white athletic shoes and use the Jansport) and appropriately and don't worry so much about trying to look European. I could dress in all of my Swiss sister-in-laws clothes but I would still look like an American, and so what? I'm not in Europe for a fashion show. Travel with a good attitude--that has more style than your clothes.
USA Sat 04/30/2005
Backpacks in Europe
Yes, there are people carrying backpacks in Europe, and they are not all Americans. The kids there carry packs, as well as other means to carry their school books. they are just not as popular as here. In Europe the kids want to copy the American culture, hence Levi, Timberland (look how popular that is!- Stores everywhere!) We are traveling for pleasure, we are only in Europe for a couple of weeks, although some of us can afford to go for longer, or have time to go longer. I use what works for me, and a backpack is very handy for taking "stuff", camera, guide book, water, jacket, etc for what I'll need during a long day of sightseeing. Bottom line- only WE seem to care that we are carrying a daypack. it's the same with white athletic shoes...so what? its' our holiday. We don't blend in, we (in most cases) don't speak the language of the country we are visiting, though we do try to be polite. It's pretty obvious when Europeans or Japanese come to visit the US, they have different clothing, different ways, and hopefully we are polite and helpful. We all live on this planet and we should all treat each other with respect are caring. Go enjoy your holiday and don't worry about what you are wearing or what you have to use to carry your stuff in. Emerse yourself in other cultures and grow! Make new friends, learn a few words in another language, learn about world history and what happened, and is happening in other countries. We will all be better for it.
Ellen
CO USA Fri 04/29/2005
Daypack for travel purposes
I know it's not great to bring a daypack to Europe, but they are very handy when you are taking an "active" vacation. When we travel there, we always hike or bike. We always bring one daypack to carry water and books, etc. it's not used everyday, in the cities, but rather it's great to have on the plane ride over, and so nice to have a free hand when getting your luggage, etc. also, if you have your "stuff" on your back, you wont' have to worry about forgetting your bag at a cafe by setting it down under a table. I still vote for a good old daypack as a handy bag to have for travel. Just don't drag it with you everyday in the city on the buses, etc!
USA Fri 04/29/2005
Travel bags for packing smart
Before buying a RS bag - look at www.campmor.com for their Outdoor Products Essential Carryon Item Number: 60793 at $29.97. It weighs 1 lb 12 oz and holds more than enough for packing light. My husband use one and I use an even smaller, lighter bag. It's been on several trips here and abroad, both as checked and carry-on luggage, and has done very well. My husband loves the hidden backpack straps and uses them all the time.Also try www.overlandequipment.com - prices are higher, but they have GREAT bags.
FL USA Fri 04/29/2005
Day pack
H, from Boston (below), has my vote when it comes to carrying day packs. I have never cared for (day) back packs and have, instead, taken to carrying a nice zipped tote bag with short handles I can hold in my hand; plus it has a long strap so it can also be carried across the body. It is just large enough to carry all my daily needs, like a sweater, guide book,camera, water bottle, etc. but not much more. I find the tote is easier to access and looks a lot more like something a local might carry.
This tote also acts as my purse when I board the plane and I stuff it with my heavy items. The airline will weigh my carry-on but not my "purse". Of course, these heavy items are usually my most valuable and I want to keep them close to me. This way I can just manage to carry all I need for my trip without checking a bag.
And speaking of looking like a local, I think I passed for local in Rome recently because, among other things, I wore a beret to keep my head warm. I love my beret. It's warm, weighs very little, packs flat, and rolls up to fit in a pocket.
Jane Reed <email>
Los Angeles, CA USA Fri 04/29/2005
jeans & bags
Thin, stretchy jeans are great- they retain their fit and shape and dry quickly as well. For daypacks, check out www.manhattanportage.com as they make a variety of wonderful, high quality bags that are also very simple and cool looking, not to mention unisex. You can get simple versions with only a few pockets and divided or more deluxe ones with various pouches compartments. Not to mention, all bags either zip or clip shut, making them hard for pickpockets to rifle. Also, don't carry a backpack as a day pack because not only will you look dorky (no one in Europe wears a Jansport out and about town) but you will stick out like a sore thumb.
h
boston, ma USA Fri 04/29/2005
Light!
Thanks for the rolling vs. unrolling comments. I have 'so-called packed' my Steves unwheeled and weighed it and so far it's only 9.5 pounds! I was astounded. Plus, it's so nice to carry. I think I will put off the wheeled version for now as I really don't think I need wheels. I was wrong, however, about Air Transat carry-on weight limits. I could have sworn they had a 'one bag/5kg (11lb.)' limit as last year that's what I was trying to get my carry-on DOWN to! But, upon looking at their website again, it says you are allowed one carry-on at 10kg (22lbs.). I think they have upped it. I know I struggled to get my carry-on to about 13 pounds last year. Air Canada allows two carry-ons, 9x21x14 and one a bit smaller, each 10kg, quite a lot really! PLUS, a purse as an extra.Light Light Light! It's my new mantra! I'd also be interested in comments from anyone who's bought the zipping tote. karen
Karen
Canada Thu 04/28/2005
Frebreze - where to buy travel size
I've seen travel size bottles in Target. Look for their little travel section, they have lots of stuff. Kleenex, toothpaste, vaselene, q-tips too, all in travel size, Great place to stock up before a trip.
USA Thu 04/28/2005
I buy a big bottle of Febreeze at the grocery store. I put some into a small spray bottle for travel. I find it in the aisle with detergent and dryer sheets.
Shelly
San Francisco, CA USA Thu 04/28/2005
Start with a light bag!
Picking the right travel bag is really important. You have to weigh your need for wheels against your need for a light bag - for example, Rick's wheeled bag weighs about 7 pounds, while the un-wheeled bag weighs less than 3.5 pounds. If you are using a bag that weighs 10-15 pounds by itself, with nothing in it, you have the wrong bag for traveling light. I use a bag that is very light, right around the same weight as Rick's unwheeled bag. That allows me about 9 pounds of my own stuff before I go over the limit for an international carry-on bag. My husband uses Rick's un-wheeled bag, and he likes it a lot. He packs jeans, though, so he always goes over the weight limit.
USA Thu 04/28/2005
Great purchase!
I've used Rick's bags for six or seven years, and love them. I bought the rollon one a few weeks ago, and almost sent it back, but have decided to keep it. It took me awhile to figure it out but I realized that the softside, nonrolling bags are pretty much the same size (I could have sworn they were bigger) but they will hold more because they "give." As my trip goes on, I tend to stuff things in nooks and crannies, and it gets a little more difficult to close the bag, but that's a tough zipper and it does work! So that would be the main difference between the two that I can tell. The rollon bag because of the nature of its hard sides isn't as "adjustable," but has the benefit of being a rolling bag. I think you're going to love your purchase, and will love the rolling bag, as well, should you get it.
pooks <email>
Dallas, TX USA Wed 04/27/2005
Rick's Bags
I just received my Steeves bag (unwheeled) and I am absolutely excited. It is so light! I was skeptical at first, having researched and shopped around. Plus, I don't like buying things unseen over the internet. However, there is nothing out there I have seen that compares to Rick's bag in price or quality or weight. Atlantic makes a nice rolling tote for $119cdn but it weighs about 8 lbs. unpacked. I am thinking of getting the wheeled version of Rick's bag, too, but I'm not sure. Usually I pack along seperate wheels and struggle in the airport or on the plane to get my bag attached to the wheels. It's a pain. Having wheels on the bag seems such a better solution but I know the restrictions on some charter flights like Air Transat make it impossible to take a wheeled bag as a carry-on as the bag itself weighs 10-12 pounds unpacked!!! They have a 5kg. limit on Air Transat! I like those comments on stuffing your jacket pockets. Having been a seasoned overpacker for too many years; I do that all the time. Now, with Rick's bag I plan to restrict myself to the capacity of that bag and see how it goes! Anyone else who has the wheeled version of Rick's bag, feel free to comment on how it has worked for you.
Karen <email>
Canada Tue 04/26/2005
My packing test....
I am going to be traveling the lightest I EVER have....I have always been a huge overpacker. I have been putting alot of thought into this but there is no way I could manage with a carry on that weighs 13 pounds! Impossible.....
I am using a roller bag which is the same size as a carry on but the weight will probably be around 20 lbs or maybe a bit more....my partner will be using a smaller duffle bag on wheels. We each will have a medium day pack. Mine is a camera backpack (that is about 12 lbs itself as I have alot of equipment. Also we are needing dress clothes, club clothes, everyday clothes....
I bought quiet a few of the packcubes, a few compressors and also one of those eagle creek pack it folders. I packed up the luggage roughly using all these filled and I was amazed at a) how much fit in the cubes b) how the packit folder does not wrinkle dress clothes (I had 4 dress shirts in here and left them in there for 1 week to test), c) how organized everything was and d) that I was really able to cut down what I take. I swear these packing accessories are the BOMB!
bluedenim <email>
vancouver, bc canada Tue 04/26/2005
Travel bag - RS
Tom - the bag is actually the same size as my former carry-on (which I always checked) - one that adds up to 40 inches in width, length, depth. It is a lot lighter though - my old one weighs almost 14 pounds and the RS is about 7. I think you could do 8 days in London though with it. I researched the RS travel store pages on bags and also the onebag website before committing. Oh yes - the RS has a zipper that when unzipped expands the bag too much to be a carryon but gives you some extra room. And it is very light. The only lightweight bags I could find at my local store came in red or bright blue - makes you too much of a standout in Europe, I think. Thanks to all who answered - I'll let you know how it goes!
LRH
USA Tue 04/26/2005
Question to LHR
I have thought about ordering that same travel bag. Since you already have it, is it big enough for someone who would pack a bit more for 8 days in London? I usually take three pairs of shoes total, yes I know, but I have plantar faciatis (sp) and it helps a lot. And I would plan on checking the bag. What do you think?
Tom
Orlando, FL USA Tue 04/26/2005
13 pound carry on limit!
Remember, when you fly internationally, many airlines now severely limit the weight you can carry on. Virgin Air has a weight restriction of 13 pounds. My bag, fully packed, weighs a little over. I think if I put my camera and book and snacks in my jacket pockets, I may be able to squeak by. But it's a challenge to keep a bag that light.
This is what I take with me: On my body (on the plane) I have black fleece sweatpants (these are actually my PJs for the trip, they're really comfortable on the plane), black REI stretchy long sleeved shirt, lightweight black fleece sweater, socks, black leather Rockports, underwear and rain jacket with lots of pockets.
In my bag I have: 2 pairs of zip-off leg cargo pants, 2 more stretchy black shirts, 2 pairs of running socks, 2 sets of underwear, super light weight tank top to sleep in. Reduced size photocopies of relevant pages from guidebooks. Maps. Teeny toiletry bag with little bottles of shampoo and conditioner, a brush and a comb, toothbrush and little tube of toothpaste. No makeup at all. A few hair elastics.
In my jacket pockets: paperback, snacks for the plane, water bottle, digital camera, memory cards, battery charger and extra camera batteries.
In my money belt: all my important travel docs, plane reservations, passport, etc.
It's kind of shocking, but even with such a bare minimum in my backback, the weight adds up! And my bag itself is really light. It's a tough challenge, but I'm going to keep paring until I get it under the weight limit.
CA USA Tue 04/26/2005
Linda -packing light
Sounds like a great plan. We always take a rain jacket. Use Cloudveil Snaz, water proof, wind proof. I always take my jacket on the plane, get cold, need it. Wearing the heaviest, bulkiest shoes on the plane is also a good idea. less to pack, not weighed with luggage. I use the Eagle Creek guide bag for my extras. it's a small shoulder bag, but big enough for a book, my digital camera, and extras, like a toothbrush for the airport when we land...always have to brush those teeth! Good luck, I'm in the middle of planning my 2 week trip to Italy, trying to pare down clothing. One week is a bike trip, then 4 days hiking/walking!
USA Tue 04/26/2005
Expensive Luggage
I cannot believe that any bag (Elizabeth/Air Boss) is worth $250. Wonder what the bag weighs? I would hate to have my luggage lost or stolen in a $250 bag. Just adds to the lost. We have travel over 200 days in the past ten years with an old style Rick Steves bag and an Eagle Creek. Both very serviceable, durable and light. Adding pockets, zippers, leather trim, heavier fabric, and other bells and whistles may look more functional in a show room but only adds needless weight For the money (
Frank P.
USA Tue 04/26/2005
Plan for packing light
Well, after probably 12 trips abroad, I finally have a plan for doing only carry-on! And keeping weight to a minimum because I do a lot of train travel. Please let me know if I have missed something.
When I go, I spend 1-3 weeks hiking or biking. In addition to small amount of clothes, I need a pair of hiking boots (pretty lightweight), 2 paperback books, my foam pillow from home, and a blow-up travel neck pillow.
I recently bought a RS wheeled carry-on, and got a free Civita daybag, which is really light weight and will replace my backpack for hiking. I always need to take Gore-Tex parka for hiking, which I have always packed.
Here's my plan...pack to civita with items needed for a day or 2, put it and most everything else in the RS wheeled, wear the hiking boots ( and pack just 1 pair of shoes), and here is my Best Idea - WEAR the rainjacket (lots of pockets) and stuff the pockets with the heavier items like books, camera, etc to get on the plane. On the plans(s), put the jacket and the RS wheeled overhead. What does everyone think? I have never gone to Europe all carryon but I did try my method to go to Florida this spring and it worked (domestic flight though).Let me know. Linda
LRH <email>
pa USA Tue 04/26/2005
discussion on panties
The issue isn't women's panties....they are easy to find in nylon or mesh, and they dry very fast. Men's underwear on the other hand....usually heavy cotton Jockey or Hanes, don't dry as fast. I purchased Ex Officio travel briefs for my husband for our next trip, they are light weight, will pack very well. he only needs 2-3 pair. He WOULD have packed 8-10 pair for our 2 week trip...it's just they way he is. Purchasing these Ex Officio briefs will help him to realize that he doesn't need more. Reading the package helped him to understand that washing is a very easy thing to do. We take bike trips...and we don't spend more than one night in a hotel....so the drying factor for washed items is very important to us. Our bike clothing is nylon/synthetic materials...they dry fast, we need all our clothing to do the same if we decide to wash!
USA Tue 04/26/2005
Underwear
Hanes has nylon panties that are cheap and comfortable, and they dry fast (besides being light-weight). I recently bought packs of 5 pair/pack for about $8. Check out Target, Wal-Mart, K-Mart, etc. I've been taking 3-4 pairs of these for my last half-dozen trips to Europe.
USA Tue 04/26/2005
Clothes
Okay, I had to run to KMART today to pick up some sundries, and thought I would check out the clothes. Found two skirts, two tops and pair of pants that will carry me thru ANY trip to europe or asia. It is made of a poly/knit blend, comfortable, wrinkle proof: this stuff could be packed into a sandwich bag and come out looking great. Bought them in basic black and a complimentary color: I can pack for six weeks in one backpack for sure now!
Jeanne <email>
spokane, wa USA Mon 04/25/2005
"17 countries. 6 weeks. And one pair of underwear."
Ex Officio also makes wonderful ladies underwear. The packaging boasts: "17 countries. 6 weeks. And one pair of underwear." BELIEVE IT!
I am a staunch loyalist to cotton underpants (and natural fiber clothing in general as well), so I was a bit skeptical of these..made of nylon/spandex. I cannot tell any diffence in these and my old faithful cotton undies. These are definitely not the rubbery smothering type akin to wearing extra thick pantyhose.
My husband and I have traveled quite a bit in Europe and South America the past two years. I always carry one pair of black and one pair of white so that I am ready to wear any color clothing. These undies dry within an hour even in humid or rainy weather and will not wear out either! They are a bit pricey ($16 per pair) to wear for everyday, so I keep these packed in my travel bag in case of a last minute trip. I purchased mine at REI, but they are available from other retailers as well. Ex Officio also makes a tank top and tshirt in the same material that I hope to test some day soon.
While many of you prefer to discard-as-you-go, I am much more comfortable with washing-as-I-go. I won't rehash the thoughts of these two clearly divided camps that have posted here.
I will add that I travel using only an extra large Healthy Back Bag. I can rarely pack it over 12 pounds (the most stingy weight limit on carryon baggage that I have encountered). I have never been asked to check my bag and have been able to run comfortably for two miles in the rain with it strapped to my back to catch a train. I LOVE packing light!
Elizabeth <email>
Atlanta, GA USA Mon 04/25/2005
Discounted clothing, underwear & travel gear
Always try Sierra Trading Post (online at www.sierratradingpost.com)for clothes, bags, etc. They have super discounts - it's worth a look before you buy at full price!
FL USA Mon 04/25/2005
Great Travel Undies for Ladies
I love my Jockey underwear! They have a great line for ladies called the "No Panty Line Promise" which is great! The panty itself is super thin (something silky with a bit of spandex) while the crotch part is cotton. They wash and dry in a flash and fold up into almost nothing. I am taking several pairs on my trip as they weigh nothing and take up no room. You can buy them in dept. stores, at Kohl's or at jockey.com; I buy mine at the local Jockey outlet. They are about $6-8 apiece.
Amy <email>
Oak Park, IL USA Mon 04/25/2005
underwear!!
Just found some great Ex-Officio underwear for my husband. Got it at REI. Kind of pricey at $18, but it's quick dry, (not cotton) anti-bacterial fabric, and they look great. Package recommends just 2 pair..one to wear, one to wash and you are good for weeks of travel. Much better than Jockey for travel!
USA Sun 04/24/2005
What to take it in...
The Air Boss by RedOxx.com is a fabulous traveling bag- built in conjunction with the author of the OneBag.com site. Good looking heavy duty functional bag that you can pack a ton of stuff in (for a weekend out of state to a horse show where 1 pair of jeans per day is a MUST b/c of dust, dirt etc with NO time to launder) or a proper light-pack for abroad. Expensive ($250 US) but worth it.
Elizabeth
MI USA Sat 04/23/2005
Blue Jeans
TravelSmith has jeans that are part Tencel, lighter weight, less bulky to pack, and have a zippered security pocket. I wore a pair for three weeks without laundering a few years ago--I just had to curb my tendency to drop food on my clothes during that time.
USA Fri 04/22/2005
packing light
Another shampoo/conditioner trick - use solid. LUSH stores (once only found in Europe, but now in a number of U.S. cities - or www.lush.com) carry solid shampoo in several formulas (dry hair, dandruff control, etc.); the bar is a 3" round and fits into a small tin (also sold at LUSH) or a plastic baggie. LUSH also carries bars of conditioner, and other products (deodorant, etc.) - all organic and suitable for women or men.
Dee Poujade <email>
Portland, OR USA Thu 04/21/2005
Packing jeans
I think that the main argument against taking jeans is that they are bulky, heavy, and nearly impossible to wash and dry in your hotel room. They will, however sometimes go more wearings without showing dirt and requiring laundering than other clothes.
A
USA Thu 04/21/2005
Packing light
My husband and I returned from 3 weeks in Europe. We actually took the very good advice on this message board and packed very light, and we weren't sorry. In fact we observed several people grunting lifting heavy suitcases and trying to run to catch a train.
We are from Arizona and were unprepared for how cold early April was, so plan better than we did.
You can wear jeans anywhere at any age, from what we saw everyone was in jeans. Maybe at nicer restaurants you couldn't but everywhere else definitely [but remember it was cold when we were there].
I packed 3 pairs of pants, 4 shirts, a tank undershirt, a casual jacket, and a sweater and was fine. 4 pairs of underwear and socks are fine, just washed them out at night and hung to dry.
We used our umbrellas, a lot, so was glad we took them.Toiletries, the bare minimum - you won't be sorry!
Kristina <email>
Tucson, AZ USA Wed 04/20/2005
Pack for YOU and YOUR trip
Something that doesn't seem to get enough thought when packing is who YOU are and what YOU will be doing. The best wardrobe for someone who is a bling-bling party animal is very different from the best wardrobe for a granola nature-type. Also, reasonably light packing for someone renting a car the entire trip is different from reasonably light packing for taking public transportation everywhere.
On a 2 week car trip, I pack enough so that I don't spend a moment on laundry, but on a month-long train/bus trip I wash out frequently. And in the tropics, I pack cotton underwear, preferably enough so that I never have to wash! (Nylon is practically unhygenic in all that humidity, but have you ever tried to air-dry cotton in a rainforest?)
So think before you pack and take everyone's advise (including mine) with a grain of salt.
Jan <email>
Arcadia, FL USA Tue 04/19/2005
Little Nalgene bottles
I use the little Nalgene brand bottles found at travel stores/REI/EMS etc. for all my liquid products...shampoo, conditioner, face and body lotion, Woolite. All these products get poured into these smaller bottles that last for ever! I've taken a label maker and marked each bottle so I know shampoo from conditioner. It makes taking stuff easier, and the bottles are small, but big enough for plenty of product for months of travel. This way, I use the product I like, I don't have to worry about going out to buy anything during my trip. The Nalgene brand is an excellent quality, my bottles last for a lifetime. No leaks! A set might cost you $6 to start, but you won't have to invest in that again, unless you forget one in a hotel somewhere.
Ellen <email>
Centennial, CO USA Mon 04/18/2005
You dont need it
I went to europe for 3 months and I didnt wear everything in my pack. Next time I will take much less. Take a couple of solid tee shirts and one pair of long pant. You are not going to be doing anything that nice, but take a slightly nice shirt to, 'go out'. I suggest wearing solid black tee shirts that show off the toned peck you have. Seriously, whatever you are planning on taking, take half of it. Enjoy the country, not your clothing.
Daniel Chapman <email>
College Station, TX USA Sun 04/17/2005
Shampoo trick
We are planning a trip to France and I am trying to think of any possible way to "lighten the load". One suggestion I have, is to bring the combination shampoo and conditioner, all in one products, that they sell. This way you only have to bring one bottle, and leave it there when you have completed your trip.
Joy B. Shebroe <email>
Walnut, CA USA Sun 04/17/2005
Sink Stopper
If you bring the kind of sink-stopper which is actually intended as something to make opening jars easier (that is, a circular piece of roughened rubber or plastic or whatever it is) then you can not only stop sinks, but also open jars. It's small, light, and can be folded or rolled up to go in a zip-lock bag with washing stuff.
Meg Rosenfeld <email>
Santa Rosa, CA USA Sun 04/17/2005
universal sink stopper
Why bother buying and carrying a universal sink stopper? Use a plastic bag stuffed into the drain. It always fits, is free, almost weight-free, and infinitely replacable.
Jan <email>
Arcadia, FL USA Sun 04/17/2005
travel clothing
The best travel clothing i have found is made of raon/spandex and sold at different price points by kmart and target, chicos, the shopping networks (slinky brand, citiknits, carolyn strauss). It is also readily available on ebay at greatly reduced prices. To avoid boredom, it's nice to mix in a few t-shirts or stretch jeans.
carolyn griffin <email>
pacific grove, CA USA Thu 04/14/2005
Security Travel Wallet
At Target, I found a Security travel Wallet made by a company called Embark. It is an all-black, folding velcro-closure wallet, with a neck strap (with padding) that hook onto the wallet (strap is removable). I've not used it on a trip yet, just using it around town. I wear it cross-wise over my body, like a purse. The strap is a little small for this. I'm looking for a bit of a longer (or adjustable one). Inside, it has a long zippered compartment for cash, tickets, other documents; a small mesh zippered compartment for change; credit card holder with a velcro strap over that; a window pocket for ID, and a "hidden" slot for passport. Very usable--except for the strap (which may be fixable). I will probably use this, along with my money belt. On some days, I'll probably also either use my day pack or Eagle Creek Guide Bag (very nice), depending on my plans. Hope this might be helpful for people to look into. (I believe Embark is Target-brand--or made for Target: www.target.com)
Ann <email>
IN USA Thu 04/14/2005
In emergencies....
My story is similar to a previous one. My plane was grounded before we took off. I carried my pack from the plane and had my stuff with me overnight. A lot of people on that flight had checked their bags and the bags were left with the plane. That little toiletry kit the airline (United) gave us for our surprise overnight at the hotel didn't make up for having their own pj's etc.
Swan
USA Tue 04/12/2005
Packing Cubes and Other Items
For our most recent trip to Holland, I used Rick's packing cubes and I highly recommend them. Using them in a combination with compression bags (2 gallon ziplocs, 1 gallon ziplocs and sandwich ziplocs), I was able to fit all my clothing (about 14 pieces) in the large one and then toiletries (including makeup!) and undies, etc. in the two smaller ones. Everything was organized and easy to get to! Even though I love Rick's backpack, I missed having wheels, so for our next trip I am buying a convertible backpack, the only time I really need it as a backpack is going up stairs and getting on/off trains, otherwise I really wanted wheels. I agree, 20 pounds doesn't seem like much until you're trying to lift it over your head onto the train or when your back starts to hurt (but that's what I have my husband for ;) )!
I also bought CoolMax socks at Wal-Mart and they worked out great, easy to wash and my feet were dry at the end of the day. And don't fret over having to buy anything, I needed (Dove) hair conditioner and found it easily at one of their Etos Stores, along with shaving razors and a nail clipper (you know those things you can't carry on anymore!) I also recommend Dove Face cleansing cloths for face AND body, I loved them!This was my first time packing light and my husband was very impressed, as was I! There's really no other way to go! Also, for good deals on "travel" clothing, try sierratradingpost.com.
Mandy <email>
Largo, FL USA Tue 04/12/2005
Travel Socks
Lightweight socks made with coolmax are great for travel. They are comfortable to wear,and after washing will dry overnight. I've found them at Target and Walmart.
Linda
MD USA Mon 04/11/2005
A Great Answer to Packing Light
I am a travel agent and a Retired Air Force wife. As an agent I ran across Weekenders USA clothing line. They are perfect for travel! They have shawls for bare shoulders (churches), teach you how to mix and match ten pieces to get 30 outfits. I pull them out of my suitcase, if needed (hardly ever), mist with my little purse spray bottle, hang up and any wrinkles fall out. Wash & wear, lightweight, perfect for work or evening wear. For the guys I recommend Travelsmith. Besides Rick Steves, AAA has all the new TSA luggage & cable locks, microfiber towels/blankets, blowup pillows, maps, and I highly recommend Baggallini purses and zip-out totes!! Hope this helps!
Karen Treichel <email>
Dallas, OR USA Sun 04/10/2005
Packing light
I'm with Liz. Due to the strike in Paris in March our suitcases didn't reach us for about 36 hours and we were sorry to see them! We would have been fine without them with only what we had in our Civita Day Packs.
Packing light means packing LIGHT!! Even 25 pounds is heavy when you are lifting your suitcase onto the overhead rack in trains, up stairs, etc. Next time I'm aiming at 15 pounds! There isn't anything you can possibly need that you can't buy over there. Those little tobacchi shops carry an amazing variety of stuff...if you don't see what you want, ask...you'll be surprised.
Paully <email>
USA Sun 04/10/2005
Travel clothing and accessories
Travelsmith (www.travelsmith.com) is excellent as a source of travel clothing and supplies. A travel purse I bought from their catalog has a cable in the strap so it can't be cut and a security snap that goes through all three zipper pulls. That snap is enough of a nuisance to undo that it's easy to get lazy and not fasten it, but that's a mistake. Fastened, it would slow down a thief enough that he'd look for easier pickings.Much of their clothing is wrinkle resistant or wrinkle proof and most things are washable. Many of their pants and jackets have hidden zipper pockets to conceal valuables. I have a blazer that has two inside pockets with zippers. Some of the pants have hidden elastic tabs in the waist for more "give" on long flights. I bought a white cotton shirt from them that does not wrinkle ? I had never before seen a white cotton shirt that doesn't wrinkle. Also, check out LL Bean (www.llbean.com). Their Traveler catalog has some good stuff at better prices than similar quality elsewhere. They have a travel towel that packs in a very small space, dries quickly, but is the size of a small bath towel, and it's only $12.RuthEugene, OR
Ruth <email>
Eugene, OR USA Fri 04/08/2005
Cleansing Cloths
We bought the Ponds brand as they were a dollar cheaper and we need a minimum of 90 for our 45 day trip to Europe this summer.
We also bought Comfort (brand)personal cleansing BATH cloths. They are pre-moistened-hypoallergenic - ultra thick.I might add they are not sticky as with some brands. I've tried them all on camping trips and the one mentioned above are the best. Rite Aid seems to be the only place I can find this particular brand.In addition, Q-Tips Soft Wipes (there are many brands to choose from) seem to be a good hand wipe to carry in purse or backpack.
JB
CA USA Thu 04/07/2005
cleansing cloths
I just tried the Oil of Olay facial cleansing cloths and they're terrific. Use them once and drop them in the trash - no need to bring a washcloth, facial cleanser and eye makeup remover since they even take off mascara. A three week supply fit in a small baggie.
Donna
Salinas, CA USA Thu 04/07/2005
Washing Clothes
A friend took groups from her university to Europe every summer. She allowed participants to bring only one bag. She had many great hints, but she suggested an inflatable hanger. Each night you could wash out your clothes and hang them over the tub, radiator, or a window at night. No rust from metal hangers, or damage to wooden ones. The hanger kept the front of the shirt or pants from touching the backside, which allowed the air to flow through and dry faster.
Lorrie <email>
Auburn, WA USA Tue 04/05/2005
Packing Light
I have an 84 year old friend who has a wonderful packing tip. No one likes to have to place worn underwear back in their suitcase. She plans all year for her trips. When her undies get a bit worn looking, she puts them away for her next trip. Then on her trip, she places the used underwear in a plastic bag, ties it shut, and tosses it in the trash! She does pack one pair more than she needs, just in case!
Lorrie Scott <email>
Auburn, WA USA Tue 04/05/2005
What to wear into a church
Last time we went to Germany, I brought a skirt, nylons, slip, etc. so as to be able to attend church. Turned out, I was one of the very few women in a skirt! Even the older ladies were in nice pants outfits. This was a Protestant church in Bad Homburg. However, later we were in Munich and there the women and girls wore skirts to the local Catholic churches; we even saw some dirndls.In England and Scotland, skirts seem to be de rigeur. I'd say, if you're going to bring a skirt anyway, wear it to attend a church service; otherwise, wear long pants and a nice top with sleeves.
Meg <email>
Santa Rosa, CA USA Mon 04/04/2005
Covered Shoulders in Churches
For "clothin in European churches" it depends on where you are. I did not have any trouble in England, France, Benelux or Scandinavia. You MUST have covered shoulders for many churches in Italy, including St. Peters - no shorts also for men or women.
USA Sun 04/03/2005
packing questions
For churches in Europe. No bare shoulders....so sleeves an/or bring a sweater/shawl for those days. Open toed shoes are fine. i.e. sandals, etc. As far as sneakers go - if you feel comfortable wearing them, it's OK. The issue seems to be "standing out" as a tourist in your tennis shoes. If you don't care, and why should you - you are visiting, then wear them if they are comfortable walking shoes. Common sense is all it takes to pack your clothing for a trip - anywhere, here in the US, or over the pond. Hope this helps!
USA Sun 04/03/2005
Our luggage was 36 hours late and it is amazing how little you really need. From now on, my carry on will always include: toothbrush and toothpaste, lotion, all purpose soap (like Campsoap, for shampooing, washing clothes, and bathing), an extra pair of socks and underwear, directions to my hotel, comb, deodorant, ATM card (of course!) medications, and an extra, lightweight shirt. And I will be sure to wear a lightweight shirt under a sweater, if it is weather appropriate. That is really all you need! This also gave me insight into the concept of packing light. My next trip will include a lot less STUFF!
Liz <email>
CO USA Sun 04/03/2005
Travel Pants!!
Today, at Kohl's, found some great men's light weight khakis that zip off into shorts on sale for 19.00 a pair. My hubby bought two pairs. They are dressy enough that he can wear them to work after our trip across the pond. Go get you some!
Nicole <email>
Chicago, IL USA Sat 04/02/2005
Camp Drawer returns
When I was young older clothes were put in Camp Drawer , things go to camp and dont come home that drawer is now travel drawer for example under wear often has one more travel use !!
John Brangwin <email>
Bellevue, WA USA Fri 04/01/2005
Slightly Used but Much Appreciated!
Thrift / second hand stores are my best friends when I'm across the pond! I pack only one change of clothes then hit a Salvation Army or flea market or some other such place first thing when I arrive at my destination city. I buy a couple of outfits and off I go. AND it's a hoot to rummage through those European vintage finds! It's cheap and if I don't grow really attached to the outifts I've bought, then I donate them right back at my next destination (or hand them to one of the many homeless folks I see) and pick up a couple more. It's recycling and I have a new outfit every few days without sacrificing my one-carry-on-only comittment!
Nancy Gostic <email>
Canonsburg, PA USA Thu 03/31/2005
Packing light is not being dirty!!
It's so true that packing light does NOT mean wearing dirty clothes or being dirty! I wear one set of clothes and bring an extra pair of pants and 2 shirts, a light sweater and a packable rain jacket in my bag. I add 2 pairs of socks and underwear, and that's all I need. I wash out my clothes in the evening (takes about 5 minutes) and jump in the shower. I'm always clean and fresh, and so are my clothes.
I have tons of clothes at home, and that's where I wear them all. I don't mind wearing the same few comfortable clothes while I'm on a trip, and the pleasure of just grabbing my little pack and taking off far exceeds the pleasure of wearing a different outfit every day.
USA Mon 03/28/2005
OOps, I meant to say seems like you are paying twice for your items if you are shipping them back home.
USA Mon 03/28/2005
Mailing things home....
Don't you lose out on the VAT if you ship things? Seems like you are twice for your things if you are mailing them home from Europe...
USA Mon 03/28/2005
Packing for hot & humid Asia
Actually, packing for the hot and humid Asian countries is much easier than for cooler weather. Hot-weather clothes are or should be very lightweight and therefore easy to wash and dry. Remember to start with a very lightweight carry bag - as mentioned before. I can get THREE lightweight outfits in my extremely lightweight bag and wear one (crop pants or shorts, plus handkerchief-weight tops), 5 sets of ultra-light underwear, plus pack an extra pairs of sandals, toiletry kit, flat sink stopper, big "pack towel" for squeezing wet laundry out (dries so much faster), small first aid kit, handful of plastic clips, disposable camera, swimsuit and cover-up, etc. The whole thing weighs about 4 kilos (about 9 pounds). Once you start adding to that, the weight goes up, but it should never weigh more than you can carry comfortably in a day. Every time you shower, wash the outfit, squeeze dry in pack towel and hang up. Remember that you can buy lots more clothes suitable for the weather once you get to your destination.
FL USA Mon 03/28/2005
Mail it back home...
I just returned from my first Europe trip. I packed as light as I could, which is an amazing feat for me. I don't know how everyone does it-- I didn't even take everything that was suggested and my pack was still pretty heavy. (Though I somehow still managed to NOT check my backpack in on the way home.. even with some souvenirs stuffed in there). Ok.. so here's my "trick"-- as you acquire souvenirs and such on your journey.. mail some of your stuff back home. Now this idea won't appeal to everyone, some people don't want the added expense in shipping stuff back. And others will simply say "don't buy souvenirs", etc. But if you find yourself getting weighed down a bit.. you might want to consider this. I shipped back some souvenirs and other things I regretted bringing (poncho, sarong, etc). The other suggestion, which I know others have suggested-- pack everything up the night before and try it out. I didn't do this and I only had about an hour or so to pack before my shuttle arrived. If I would've had more time, I probably would've taken a few things out of the pack. But its all live and learn. Next trip I'll know what I can't live w/o and what I can.
Holly
Hollywood, CA USA Sun 03/27/2005
Rain and cool weather wear
I'm a big believer in packing an unlined, waterproof, breathable (eg Gore-Tex) jacket AND a fleece (eg Polartec 200) jacket for May and early June. It provides comfort from 40 to 70 degrees - and will be comfortable to 32 degrees with unlined gloves (I use the Hanes spandex ones) and an earwarmer. "Pit Zips" are a must for the waterproof jacket. Some brands include a waterproof shell and fleece lines that zip together or can be worn separately. I spend 3 weeks in Austria and Germany in May and 2 weeks in Italy and Greece in November, and this jacket strategy served me well.
Martha <email>
Springfield, VA USA Sun 03/27/2005
Packing Light
For Overpack-aholic: All you need to do is take a trip alone on the railroads in Europe and try to get all your suitcases, backpack, purses, off (or on) a train that only stops for 2 minutes:) That cured me!
Jean <email>
Ft. Collins, CO USA Sun 03/27/2005
Just Deal with it
Packing light doesn't mean wearing dirty clothes. It does mean wearing the same clothes over and over. After one or two days of wearing hand washing takes care of the "dirt." I take 3-4 sets of underwear and sox and handwash them after a day's wear. My underwear is fresh every day and I usually can wear the other clothes at least two days. Sometimes, if I am very careful about spills, I can wear a pair of pants longer. In most of the countries you will be visiting there are laundromats--more expensive than at home, but a real treat. I visit the laundromat once a week when I can. If I can't, then I rely on hand-washing. So your wardrobe is boring. When you get home you can wear three different outfits a day if you want. I think it's worth it to be able to strap all my belongings onto my back and take off at any time.
USA Sat 03/26/2005
Overpack-aholic...OA Overpackers Anonymous
My name is Liz and I am an overpacker-aholic....No matter how hard I try, I just can't pack light. I think it comes from the trauma of 9/11 (you see I was on a day trip to NYC when this happened and ended up having to wear the same clothes for a few days) so when I pack it's always....what if? You never know what can happen. I definitely think packing light is possible for Europe but there is no way you can get away with it in Asia (Japan, Philippines, etc). The last time we were there it was so hot, humid, and polluted (Philippines) that I was bathing literally 3 times a day because the dirt that gets kicked up by the Jeepneys sticks to you! EW! Anyhow, we are going again next month and we actually just purchased another large piece of luggage (we also take gifts for my husbands family as well as bring things back for friends that they order for us to bring back for them). I am going to Europe this October and am going to do my absolute best to pack light....I PROMISE I will try and let you all know how I did. But it will be gradual. I normally check 2 pieces of luggage (1 very large piece at max weight allowance and 1 medium sized piece at almost max weight allowance) then I have a carry-on and a purse. I am going to try to make it one checked piece and a purse, so I will lose one piece of luggage and my carry-on...hey, it's a start! Any recovering overpack-aholics out there with advice would be greatly appreciated!
Liz
Grand Forks ND, USA USA Fri 03/25/2005
Yet another reason why...
...packing light is the only way to go. My husband and I were among a group of 15 who were stuck in London for a night trying to get home from Paris. The checked luggage was floating somewhere around Heathrow Airport. We were the only ones who did not have checked luggage, so we had everything we needed right on our backs.
Linda <email>
El Segundo, CA USA Thu 03/24/2005
Editor's Note
Please read our Graffiti Wall Posting Guidelines before posting on this board. Questions are only allowed on the Travelers Helpline board. Questions posted here will be deleted. For packing tips, you can find lots of details, advice and a packing list in our Travel Tips section.
Graffiti Wall Sheriff <email>
Edmonds, WA USA Wed 03/23/2005
laptop
We a family of 4 who did bring a laptop to Europe this past summer for the purpose of downloading pics. We packed light otherwise and were glad to have the computer. It became a nighttime ritual to download the pictures and then immediately go through and give the thumbs up/down. We used it to make quick notes as well as to where we were and what we did. This became the basis for the trip scrapbook that my husband put together when we got home. That said, the real question is probably: would you be able to tell your son "I won't replace it if it gets lost?" My daughter found out the hard way about the cost of replacing stuff when she insisted on brining her CD collection on a trip and left the entire pack on a plane.
Karen <email>
Atlanta, GA USA Wed 03/23/2005
I think it depends on age...
I have been doing some research and from what I have found out men do wear jeans in Paris but generally it is the younger crowd ie: under 35. I plan to wear jeans while I am there plus some nice casual light weight pants that can pass for a bit dressier. The styles tend to be on the trendy side, not the plain old levis style.
bluedenim
vancouver, bc canada Tue 03/22/2005
Hairdryer
I would agree with the hairdryer being in most hotels/BBs (can't speak to hostels). I have to have a hairdryer as I don't want to run around Europe looking like a shaggy dog--I would feel uncomfortable. I am a carry-on gal so space is an issue for me. My solution is simple: I usually ask ahead of time. I have fairly long hair and have no intention of cutting it for a 2 or so week vacation (or even longer)--I look terrible in short hair. I have traveled and lived in Europe and it was easy to get a hairdryer from the BB host/hostess or hotel--they are usually very glad to help, and have one stashed at the desk for the asking. I bought one once and it was $12 or $15 (the cheapest one I could find and it lasted 3 months or longer)--I just left it with the front desk when I left so others could use it. They were glad to have it and I had room in my bag.
Chicago, USA Tue 03/22/2005
Tips from a heavy packer...
I am normally a VERY heavy packer but I planned ahead for my 3 week trip to Italy two summers ago and made it all fit into a carry-on rolling bag and a smaller tote type bag. My biggest advice is to plan ahead, check the weather reports and decide on activities. For instance, if you won't be biking/running etc you probably don't need tennis shoes! I took a super light jacket that folded into less space than a t-shirt for rainy days, two pairs of shoes, 3 skirts, 2 pairs of capris and several shirts. Another piece of advice is to "mix and match." All of my shirts matched all of my skirts and pants making for many more outfits than I would normally have. Another thing I did was take my regular size shampoo, conditioner etc and then I threw them away at the end of my trip. This made for extra space for souvineers. Something else that is important to remember - They have stores in Europe! If you really need a coat or something dressy you CAN buy it there. If you run out of toothpaste you CAN buy it there! Good Luck!
Susan
Dallas, TX USA Mon 03/21/2005
packing for long trips
Did you mean http://www.travelite.org ?
Norm <email>
Ottawa, Canada Mon 03/21/2005
Traveling for 6 weeks with only carry-on
The key is to bring clothing that can be washed in your hotel sink and hang to dry by morning. This way, you only need to bring 3 outfits--two in your suitcase and one on your body. Also bring liquid soap to wash and a laundry line to dry your stuff on.
You could do this with non-travel clothing, but only bring enough for a week, then plan on finding laundrymats. I pefer travel clothing for less hassle and cheaper (no paying to wash my clothes).
Make sure you bring the correct adapters for your laptop--for both electricity and for phones (if you are going to "dial in" to check e-mail and surf the 'net). Try www.magellans.com for the adapters you need, or go to your local travel store or the travel shop here at Rick Steves.
If possible, I would suggest leaving your laptop at home and go to Internet cafes.
If you use prescription medications, be sure to bring along copies of the prescriptions.
Tim <email>
USA Mon 03/21/2005
Hair dryer
Don't take a hair dryer, get your hair cut. The first time I went to Milan, I found no hair dryer. Rather than buy and carry one, I went to a stylish salon and had them cut my hair SHORT! It was the best hair cut I ever had, and what a great souviner. It was fun to try to communicate with all the employees and patrons of the hair salon. One of the best experiences of my life.
Dianne <email>
Chalfont, Pa USA Sun 03/20/2005
packing for long trips
Yes, you can pack for the entire time with a carry-on and a backpack. These sites http://www.onebag.com and also www.travelite.com that will show you have to pack a carry-on bag that will last a month (or longer). Magellan's site also has a printable booklet on packing light.
Paula <email>
Columbus, OH USA Sun 03/20/2005
Hairdryers in Europe
If you have reservations already for your trip, you might want to contact the hotels to see if they have hair dryers. For the first time ever I traveled last year without my own hairdryer. We were in Ireland for 2 weeks and even in the small B & B's there were hairdryers for use in the room or at the front desk. I was glad to travel without it.
Karen <email>
Atlanta, GA USA Sun 03/20/2005
Hair dryers
It's easier to bring a travel hair dryer with dual voltage, which are readily available in the US. All you'll need to bring is the plug adapter. If you buy a dryer in Europe, it will be useless back home. Not to mention, in my experience electronics are quite a bit more expensive there (twice the price).
Zaida <email>
CA USA Sat 03/19/2005
Sharon - Ladies Packing-Excellent comments!
Sharon, some of the best comments so far on this site! I totally agree with you. Women are getting too much into trying to fit in in Europe, and not into what they are actually packing, and will wear. When we travel to Europe, we are taking a bike trip...so in addition to my regular clothing, I'm packing bike shorts, jerseys, socks and an additional pair of shoes, not to mention the bike helmet! I make it one carry on size pack (with hidden backpack straps)...it's 2800 cubic inches. I take almost no makeup...just blush, mascara and eyeliner. Transfer all my shampoos/conditioner, face moisterizer etc into small Nalgene bottles that I can reuse. I never take a hair dryer, most hotels seem to supply them now. I pack one pair of sandals for all day use, and wear a pair of "athletic" style shoes for those days we are hiking and for the plane ride over and home. I take a silk weight sweater and a pack- able rain coat. 2 pairs of capri pants, 4-6 t-shirts (Old Navy crew neck) a scarf to dress up, and a pair of jersey pants (black) that I can use for those rare "dress up" dinners. My "dainties" are 4-8 pair that I can wash, and 2-3 bras. (think about it, I'm exercising everyday, things get sweaty!) I agree with you on the shorts vs. skirt. I usually take one pair of shorts for beach use, but I am going to pack a jersey skirt for my next trip based on your recommendation.
After 4 trips to Italy in the last few years, my packing has gotten lighter and lighter and I never miss what I didn't bring. Now if I could only convince is my husband that he doesn't need to bring his closet! There is nothing worse than trying to manage a bike case and luggage up stairs from the subway, The lighter, the better! My backpack carry on allows me one free hand to grab railings, or ward off pickpockets! I take a shoulder bag for my camera etc, and my husband wears the money belt with important papers/money.
USA Fri 03/18/2005
Ladies Packing
Just a few words on packing for Europe for the ladies (France, Spain, Italy) in summer-
1) Pack half the clothes you think you need, even if you think you've paired it down. seriously, if you really think you might need a dressy outfit, buy it there. Jeans are basically useless in the summer months in these countries. Think hot, muggy. Do you really want to be in heavy cotton, or worse, spandex blend cotton that doesn't breathe? Unless you are going to Paris, where it can get cool and rainy, even in July. Then maybe 1 pair.
2) Skirts, not shorts. Unless you are going hiking/running. then 1 pair. Skirts are more versatile, much cooler (temperature wise) and functional. They look better on most people too. Saw pictures of myself in shorts in Spain-ick. And absolutely no one wears them. Except American, Japanese, and German tourists.
3)2 pairs of shoes. One pair of sandals that you can wear all day long walking all over the place comfortably, that can also be dressed up a bit-black or other dark color. and maybe one pair of dark trail shoes or hiking shoes. not too bulky. If you might be on the beach-flip flops. This is all you need. if you find you want something dressier-buy it there. Who doesn't want to come home with a gorgeous pair of European shoes anyway?
4)if you are a contact lens wearer, you can buy your solutions there, but they are not that readily available, and about 2x the cost. it is up to you if you want to lug around all the weight of your solutions for the entire trip, or spend a little time looking for a pharmacy (not a grocery store-a pharmacy) for your lens solutions. I split the difference last time and brought 2 bottles of my quickcare stuff, then had to buy some in Spain and France. It took some time to find in Spain, but in France it was a bit easier.
5)electronics-hair dryer, curling iron. Buy them there. fooling around with adapters and voltage converters is a joke. If you have one already for U.K-it will not work on the continent. I bought one in Spain last time we were there, and it was inexpensive and good quality. I am debating wether I will bother with it or not this time, as my hair is much longer than last time and naturally curly. not sure if I will really bother spending 20 minutes under a hot dryer in Meditteranean weather...
6)limited cosmetics-again, this depends on how much of a junkie you are in this area-some light concealer, powder, mascara, and lipgloss might be all you need most days. Maybe some eyeliner-but considering the heat and humidity, don't bother with a full-on MAC face. It will just melt off. And if you really want to you can buy it there-the best cosmetics in the world are made in these countries. and perfume-definately buy some great new stuff there. Same with body lotions, shower gel-all the stuff I bought was far superior to American products-and their sunscreens are made with better ingredients too-especially Vichy products, made with Mexoryl XL, which is the newest and best sunscreen currently available, only not in the US,where it has not yet received FDA approval.(like that means anything....)
Sharon <email>
Santa Rosa, CA USA Fri 03/18/2005
good things to pack
I'm off to Paris next week, and thought I'd share some packing tips:
Fleece, not wool ? it weighs less, spills wipe off, doesn?t feel as hot as wool when the temperature gets warmer (like when you go inside), doesn?t wrinkle and looks almost as elegant as cashmere. For spring travel I?ll take two: a lightweight long sleeve ?t shirt? to layer over a real t shirt or wear alone, and a heavier one with a zip front and zip pockets.
Two pairs of shoes ? I always pack an extra pair because I hate wet feet, and because my feet feel less tired when I change shoes. On the plane I?ll wear Merrell jungle mocs which are super comfortable and easy to slip of (ever try to tie your shoelaces when you?re sitting in coach?),and pack a pair of black running shoes.
Slacks only ? Unless a skirt is required by a site I want to visit, I only pack slacks; black slacks (microfiber is nice) are very elegant. I usually also take one pair of dark colored jeans (doesn?t show stains) made from lightweight stretch denim (no wrinkles).
Plastic hanger with skirt clips ? slips into your suitcase/pack, good for doing laundry and steaming wrinkles out in the shower.
Guide bag instead of day pack ? after seeing someone on the London tube have their camera snatched out of their backpack, I carry a shoulder bag which I wear slung diagonally across the front of my body (similar to the one now sold on this site). It?s big enough for my guidebook, phrasebook, camera and sunglasses plus some other stuff; mine has mesh pockets on the side for a small water bottle or umbrella. It won?t hold my jacket or my picnic ? so I sometimes throw in a plastic drawstring sack from The Gap or other retailer for that stuff.
From the neck up ? the only jewelry I take other than my watch are extra earrings because they make me feel like I put on a new outfit. Nine months of the year I pack a fleece hat and gloves, because after feet, my hands and head get cold first. A scarf or two adds some pizzazz, too, and can work as a head covering in cold/rainy weather. If I have room in my carry-on suitcase I pack an extra top ? I figure others ?see? me mostly from the waist up.
Laundry ? some travel sites sell powdered Woolite in little packets.
Mimi <email>
Bloomington, IN USA Fri 03/18/2005
Packing for a cruise
On the other hand, you don't have to pack light for a cruise. You stay in one place the whole time and they handle your bags for you. So why skimp? Take whatever amount feels right for you.
Donna
Salinas, CA USA Thu 03/17/2005
Cruise
You can definitely get away with packing light for a cruise. I have been on 3 cruises (western and eastern carribean) and during the days at sea pretty much all you wear is your bathing suit and a coverup, its okay to wear that to lunch too. If you packed interchangeable clothes for dinner, like black pants that could dress down or dress up, that would help. On the formal nights, just wear a cocktail dress or nice pants and a nice shirt. There is a hairdryer in your room (almost always) so dont worry about that, check with your cruise line though to make sure.
<email>
GA USA Wed 03/16/2005
PACKING LIGHT WITH ELECTRICS
I am in the process of configuring my electrical gear for a trip to Ireland/Scotland and wanted to share some handy tips:
TRAVEL SIZE HAIR DRYER - out of desperation in 2003, I picked up a travel size dryer at Boots Pharmacy in Dublin for 10 euro. Now I have it for my 3rd trip! It's a great size (fits in my toiletry kit with room to spare), uses up to 250V (no plug adapter needed) and will work anywhere in Ireland/UK. Great idea if you frequent those areas (as many do) and also good on the Continent with an adapter plug. I found out you can't always count on your budget hotel for a hair dryer.
Melissa <email>
Troy, MI USA Wed 03/16/2005
Panty liners
Do try the panty liners before you depend on them for an alternative to laundry. As an NP I saw many people with skin reactions to them, an unpleasant affliction to suffer.
Dale Dow <email>
Eugene, OR USA Tue 03/15/2005
Ziploc vs Packmate
I've found that the Ziplocs don't hold the compression nearly as well as Packmate compression bags. Eventually, air always finds a way back into my Ziplocs.
USA Mon 03/14/2005
Ziploc bags - Rob
Instead of the lightweight ziplock bags that will most likely rip on you the second time you use them...check out this link at ebags for compression bags....they are on sale if you use your AmEX card. $8.00. That's a great price. These are made of tuffer material, and should last more than one trip!http://www.ebags.com/lewis_n_clark/compression_packers/product_detail/index.cfm?modelid=16288
USA Mon 03/14/2005
Air out of "Ziplock" bags
If you use "Ziplock" bags for items, leave one corner open, insert a straw and suck the air out. Snap it shut and the bag is "shrink wrapped" around the items. I carry a straw with me. Will try this on first trip to Italy April 2nd. Used it traveling in US
Nancy <email>
Seffner, Fl USA Mon 03/14/2005
Packing Light
I've enjoyed reading all the packing light tips as I am headed for a week's tour around France on Thursday. Thaks to the woman who posted the information on Chico's travel line of clothes. I did a pre-trip practice pack and not only did everything fit beautifully, blut I'm using a smaller bag than I thought I'd need and it wasn't the least bit heavy! These are the best looking most comfortable clothes I've ever seen. I did buy Rick's small tolitries bag, money belt and inflatable head rest (for the plane). I'll be happy to share my travel experience with everyone when I return. Bon voyage to all.
Nancy <email>
Alexandria, VA USA Mon 03/14/2005
Pack Light
Just returned from a ten-day trip to the U.K. I packed 2 pairs of pants/jeans (either of which could be worn as casual or dressy), 3 long-sleeved shirts, 2 sweaters, 1 pair of dark walking shoes (Campers) and a pair of boots with a wedge heel. These, plus socks, under-things and toiletries took me through an elegant dinner and a play in London, hiking in the highlands of Scotland, a ghost tour in York and drinking with the locals in the Cotswolds. And it all fit in my little suitcase, which was small enough to carry on. Travelers may want to opt for jeans in a dark or vintage wash, as you can wear these with a blazer for dressing up or a sweater for dressing down. Good news on the shoe front - this spring, it looks like flats and wedge heels will be acceptable for dressing up, and trainers, such as Campers or other fashionable sneakers, are very popular.
Liz <email>
chicago, il USA Sun 03/13/2005
Beware of airline carry-on restrictions
We're travelling to London, Paris and Germany for 3 weeks in June/July, and I was getting all excited about going with only a rolling carry-on. But then I learned that British Airways has a carry-on weight restriction of only 13 pounds! That's about how much the bag weighs empty! The agent I talked to said they're doing that purposely to severly limit what people can put in the overhead bins. So, even though I may still go with the carry-on size, I'll probably have to check it. My advice - check with your airlines!
Nancy <email>
Kirkland, wa USA Sun 03/13/2005
Teenage Daughter
Check out www.ebags.com. and Eagle Creek products. They have women's specific products that should work on a teenage girl. The colors are also very nice. They are light weight, and you can get adventure travel packs (backpacks) or rolling bags. Skip the rollling duffle and go for the rolling daypack looking item. Tell her she can buy some cool clothes in Europe, so she'll need to pack a little less at home! That should entice her a bit. My 21 year old when for 14 days with a girl friend in a daypack- she packed light and said she'd pack even lighter for the next trip. She took 2 pairs of linen capris (Old Navy) 4-5 tank tops (Old Navy) 2 pair of shoes, her personal hygiene items (in little bottles) NO hairdryer! A light weight packable raincoat and a light sweater for cooler nights. One pair of PJ's and that's it! She had room to bring back Puma shoes, souveniers for herself, family and friends.
USA Sun 03/13/2005
Packing Light
I learned my lesson about packing 3 years ago. I went to Ireland for a month and packed waaaay too much. I was sorry I did as carry my pack created back issues. Generally, Europeans are casual and if you are anything like me you are not going to be going fancy. So what I do now is plan to either go to a laundermatte or if they have washing machines in the hostel use those. Now I just pack what I need and that is it. It saves the back and having to re-pack everyday to make the backs lighter.
Kim <email>
Brooklyn, NY USA Sun 03/13/2005
Packing Light
I learned my lesson about packing 3 years ago. I went to Ireland for a month and packed waaaay too much. I was sorry I did as carry my pack created back issues. Generally, Europeans are casual and if you are anything like me you are not going to be going fancy. So what I do now is plan to either go to a laundermatte or if they have washing machines in the hostel use those. Now I just pack what I need and that is it. It saves the back and having to re-pack everyday to make the backs lighter.
Kim <email>
Brooklyn, NY USA Sun 03/13/2005
Theft - reply
I want to add my thoughts on the previously posted question about theft.I agree that theft is a crime of opportunity, if you have a small lock on your bag that is enough. I have travelled for a total of 13 countries in Europe, on trains, and in hostels, and have never had anything stolen. If your bag is accesible and easy to get into, then it will be solen. The thief won't take the time to cut your lock, there are plenty more targets and he will look at the bag probably sitting right next to yours. As far as a hard-core thief, if he is going to cut your bag with a knife there is nothing you can do anyways, just don't ever leave anything valuable in it. Carry the few valuables, passport, rail tickets, debit card, camera, in your day pack. This includes showering! Have fun and avoid loking like an obvious tourist.
Joe <email>
Portland, OR USA Sun 03/13/2005
teenage daughter
Warn her she'll have to carry everything herself on the trip. I still like the idea of a small wheeled suitcase...I've never had any issues with that. But, whatever she chooses, get her to load it up full one weekend, then have her carry it around for the entire day.
Norm <email>
Ottawa, Canada Sun 03/13/2005
More than clothes
If you plan to carry your pack on the plane (I'm not sure if it qualifies or not), leave the Swiss Army knife at home....buy something similar over there.
Norm <email>
Ottawa, Canada Sun 03/13/2005
teenage daughter
My daughter and I are going on the Italy for 17 days trip this summer. I keep telling her that she is going to have to fit everything in one wheeled bag as per Rick Steves' pack light mantra. She doesn't get it. She always packs so much for trips! She is also petite and the Veloce backpack is too big for her.
marie <email>
St. Paul, MN USA Sun 03/13/2005
More than clothes
Yes, there are several other non clothing items I will pack. A daypack, some plastic ware, swiss army knife, clothes line, soap, hair ties, etc. My plan was to use key chain rings on my pack to hold all the zippers closed and then put locks on when doing big travel, i.e. my 4-5 overnight train rides. Oh, an my husband. He's coming, too. With a pack of his own. :)
Nicole
Chicago, USA Sun 03/13/2005
two vs one
good points the other thing is you bring two and check them you might want to divide your stuff up between both suitcases so that way if one goes missing one person has not lost ALL their stuff
bluedenim <email>
vancouver, bc canada Sun 03/13/2005
Two shoes-one suitcase
You should be able to wear one pair of shoes and pack another even in a small rolling bag. I would never leave town with only 1 pair of shoes - I have pretty picky feet. For others who contemplate the one/two suitcase thing (for husband & wife): I can say that one large (checked) bag for the two of us has worked well, but once in Europe we travel mostly by car, not train. We actually took up less space than friends who took a rolling bag each. Both hotel & airport personnel couldn't believe we only had 1 bag between us - but again it was not a carryon size, so you do have to weigh the risk of it being lost as you begin your trip.
Karen <email>
Atlanta, GA USA Sun 03/13/2005
My packing list
The only thing I might suggest is a small, light daypack you can fold up and stuff in the pack...just big enough for a water bottle, lunch, Rick's guide (just the pages you need) and your jacket/umbrella. When you're out touring the sights, it'd be far easier to carry that, than all your clothes around on your back.
Norm <email>
Ottawa, Canada Sun 03/13/2005
Theft
Locks will keep the casual zip-and-grab thief away. Use some sensible precautions, like never losing sight of your pack, and you'll be fine. If you're hiking a lot, you may want to opt for an elasticised cover than snaps over your pack. Not only will it keep out the rain and protect your stuff from dirt, but it's another barrier to thieves, who like to move quickly.
Norm <email>
Ottawa, Canada Sun 03/13/2005
Shoes and light packing
I always bring two pairs of shoes (plus a pair of flip flops as slipeprs). It's good to have two pairs to switch between for different purposes, or different weather conditions. Plus, it's nice for your feet and the shoes to get that break. In the summer, I bring a sturdy pair of walking shoes and a pair of sandals. In winter, a stury pair of walking shoes, and a slightly dressier pair that can still go for miles.
USA Sat 03/12/2005
Trial packing (and cat litter)
The message below about trying out a bag in the store before buying is excellent advice! It did make me chuckle, though, as I really took cat litter (and all the other things needed for flying with a cat to shows) to the most helpful local luggage store after I'd narrowed down choices. I'd even made a cardboard mock-up of the smallest size I thought might work, to see if carry-on was possible (yes!). With the assistance of a great salesperson, I packed several bags to see which worked best. The process took a while, and the bag was a little pricey, but I've never regretted it. 'Point is: If you're going to depend on a bag for the long haul - either many short trips or a few longer ones - take the time to choose well.
NC USA Sat 03/12/2005
Dryer Cloths
One thing I have found works for dry clean only clothes are the specially made dryer cloths like Dryel, and a garment bag if they are delicate. Of course, this is for basic freshening up of the clothing, it won't remove stains. For other clothing, I have used special pre-moistened cloths from ALL that you pop in the dryer on low or even no heat for 15 minutes, with up to six garments per cloth. They really freshen up clothing that has been attacked by smoke, wrinkles, etc.
A.S.H. <email>
San Francisco, CA USA Sat 03/12/2005
Packing
It's not that rolling cases aren't good...it's huge rolling bags, especially huge rolling duffles, that will cause you no end of headaches. Check out http://ricksteves.com/plan/tips/womenpacking.htm for some more ideas. For how to pack, check out http://onebag.com
Norm <email>
Ottawa, Canada Sat 03/12/2005
Dry Clean Only
Cotton/Spandex should be OK is you handwash in cold water. It's the heat that damages Spandex. I wash my cotton/Spandex slacks in cold water and hang dry and they're fine.
Jane
S. Alberta, Canada Sat 03/12/2005
Lots of travel clothes sites!
Okay everyone. If everyone will just send all their favorite websites for clothes for traveling and post for all to see we would all get a great resource in a quick period of time. I'm including my email in case you just want to send them to my but I know that a lot of great ideas are out there that we can all share. Some folks sent me some good sites a couple of weeks ago but I just can't find enough comfortable, larger sizes that don't wrinkle and can be hand washed, etc. Help!!!
Kelly <email>
Seattle, Wa USA Fri 03/11/2005
Wheeled Bag Versus Backpack
A bag with wheels AND backpack straps/waistbelt may be your best bet. I find that my arms, elbows and shoulders ache from pulling a wheeled bag for too long. If you have both options, you can alternate between the two. The victorinox bag you looked at is getting more on target...but unless you are 6 feet tall, that bag may overwhelm you if worn on your back! The two REI stores here in Atlanta have a great selection of travel bags. The staff will let you load them up and test them out. Most of the folks on staff are avid backpackers (notorious for packing light). While they mostly sacrifice fashion for function, they can also offer you great advice on shaving the weight off your baggage. Several folks have posted this before and I cannot stress it enough...test out the bag fully loaded before you go. Better to change your mind here at home than regret it when thousands of miles from home!
Elizabeth <email>
Atlanta, GA USA Fri 03/11/2005
Just saw the tip on how 5000 cu in is too much, I found this nice Jansport bag that holds 3500 cub in and is a backpack but has a hip strap which should help with the back pain. Does this look big enough for the 2 month trip?
Jamie <email>
GA USA Thu 03/10/2005
Rolling daypacks
I'd like to put in my 2 cents. Make sure that the bag you purchase is not too heavy empty. Check weights on the bags before you purchase. If you really feel you need wheels, go for it. Might be a good idea to check www.ebags.com. They carry a lot of rolling daypacks, you can do a comparision side by side on their website, compare size (cubic inches) and weight, and features. Look for good sized wheels. don't get too excited and go too big...5,000 cubic inches is HUGE! Really you should be able to get by with 3,000 or less, even for 2 months. YOu will be doing laundry. Pack like you are traveling for one week, maybe 10 days - and you will be happier. think of the cool stuff you will be able to buy to wear while traveling! Shirts, scarves, etc make great reminders of your trip!
Ellen <email>
Centennial, CO USA Thu 03/10/2005
Those "frillies"
It was on this site several years ago that I read about women's microfiber underwear available very moderately priced at Walmart. Since I haven't seen them mentioned lately, I thought I'd point them out. They're made by Hanes, are around 12 bucks for four pair, and are great for traveling light. Not only do they weight nothing and fold up to almost nothing, they dry quickly so are perfect for washing out by hand.
pooks <email>
dallas, tx USA Thu 03/10/2005
overpacking
coming from someone who over packs....take the advice here. I learn on a few trips to New York and other cities I pack way too much and each time I cut back more and maore.
I am going to europe for a month and I am cutting way back. three pairs of pants (2 of them will be jeans), 6 t shirts and one dress outfit. I will wear my leather jacket which can also function as a dress jacket and one pair of dress shoes plus my walking shoes.
I am sure some might consider I am overpacking still but for me this will be a major accomplishment.
bluedenim <email>
vancouver, bc canada Wed 03/09/2005
Ginormous (Giant + Enormous) Duffel Bag
I agree with the posters below. Taking such a heavy bag is going to turn into a huge burden regardless of how long you stay in one place. Just think about having to lug that thing around on a subway or up narrow stairs to your room. It also puts a huge neon sign on you flashing "Hey! I'm a rich tourist and I bought everything I own with me. Rob Me!!" Two months in Europe is not something that you get to do every day and you don't want something as silly as 20 (!) tops and 5 pairs (!!!) of jeans to ruin that for you. This should be a trip to get away from your stuff and enjoy Europe for what it is. I would recomend reading the posts here and remember what Rick says, "You'll never meet a traveler who, after five trips, brags, "Every year I pack heavier." What ever you decide, good luck and happy travels!
Meghan <email>
Galveston, TX USA Wed 03/09/2005
Black Clothes and Summer Travel
I like to use black for bottoms (pants and skirt). I also take a black sweater. For tops, I take 1 black top and the rest in colors (light blue, turquoise, but you could use any colors you like) and white. I also like khaki for pants, but it gets dirty. Instead of khaki on my last trip, I brought a pair of pants in a light olive/army green color. Just as neutral, but doesn't show as much dirt as khaki. For a skirt, I brought a short denim skirt, in addition to the black one. If you are travelling in Southern Europe (Spain, Portugal, Italy, etc), you won't need jeans because it is just too hot to wear them. In Ireland, last summer, I was glad I brought jeans because it was be cold and rainy. I hope this helps!
Kathaleen <email>
San Diego, CA USA Tue 03/08/2005
Black
It doesn't have to be black, but that is often easiest. Think a nice pair of lighweight capris with a sleeveless silk top and nice accessory scarf. You can mix and match either piece with other things. Formal events tend to be in the evening anyhow when it is cooler. As an alternative (if you can find it) is a short well-tailored, solid color dress in a black or white. Just as useful, and not neccessarily packing very big or wrinkles much if it is a polyester blend.
www.bluefly.com has a huge selection of women's dresses, take a browse for some ideas by selecting dresses out of the ladies categories.
Adriana
USA Mon 03/07/2005
black
Does black really work for summer? I usually travel off-season, so I know the benefits of a nearly all black wardrobe. I'm a bit reluctant to deal with the heat and humidity in black blouses though.
Donna
CA USA Mon 03/07/2005
Dressy Clothes
Carefully chosen t-shirts can work for all but the dressiest events - not ragged shirts with strange messages, but solid dark/neutral ones in a silky packing friendly material (like CoolMax or REI's MTS). Add a couple of classic camisoles and I'm good to go. With a nice black jacket and slacks and simple shoes (worn on the plane), such a wardrobe takes me just about anywhere "serious".
If you'll be attending several dressy events, it might be worthwhile to look at something like the TilleySilk line from Tilley Endurables. An entire three-piece evening ensemble folds up into a small packing cube with room to spare for jewelry, scarf, etc. The material is washable and very durable. ('Wish they'd put things on sale more often, but....)
USA Mon 03/07/2005
No t-shirts here!
Oh yeah, I should have added that along with my dark pants and black cashmere sweater, my shirts are all long sleeved black shirts made from a super soft stretchy technical fabric, and they look really nice. I never take old, worn out clothes - I take very little clothing so it all has to be functional, VERY comfortable, and it has to look nice all the time. I have to enjoy ewearing it! I don't bring t-shirts with me.
Shelly
San Francisco, CA USA Mon 03/07/2005
What to wear when you need to dress up...
Donna, I wear casual traveling pants in a dark color, and my sweater is black cashmere. My walking shoes are black leather, and not beat up. So I can look pretty good! I always wear my wedding ring and tiny gold hoops in my ears, and I can get in pretty much anywhere. Although you need to take your own lifestyle into account when you pack! My husband and I are MUCH more likely to go see a band at a club than to go to an opera. We really don't go to things that require fancy dress at all. Nor do we eat at places that require a certain amount of formality in dress. So it has not been a problem for us at all. But those who are going to be attending more formal events, it would be a good idea to throw in a thin black skirt and a pair of black flats - that ought to get you in just about anywhere, and it won't add a lot to your pack.Happy traveling!
Shelly
San Francisco, CA USA Mon 03/07/2005
Micronet Towel Need
To those who have taken 17 day R/S Italy bus tour. Is the Micronet towel needed in the hotels the tour uses? Or are bath towels normally provided?
Clyde & Jane Wentz <email>
Lilburn, GA USA Mon 03/07/2005
Evening wear
Donna, I've gone to opera in Paris and any number of other events with black pants and sweater, simple gold chain and earings, and a nicely tied scarf or an interesting pin--the same pants/sweater that I wear in the day for sightseeing. I don't bring jeans--they're heavy and take forever to dry. I now also travel with a light, unlined blazer that folds up into nothing and yet dresses up nicely with appropriate jewelry or scarf--I bring it instead of the casual jacket I used to bring for warmth. I've never felt out of place--not the most elaborately dressed, but quite presentable.
Sharon
USA Sun 03/06/2005
Evening wear
Donna, I've gone to opera in Paris and any number of other events with black pants and sweater, simple gold chain and earings, and a nicely tied scarf or an interesting pin--the same pants/sweater that I wear in the day for sightseeing. I don't bring jeans--they're heavy and take forever to dry. I now also travel with a light, unlined blazer that folds up into nothing and yet dresses up nicely with appropriate jewelry or scarf--I bring it instead of the casual jacket I used to bring for warmth. I've never felt out of place--not the most elaborately dressed, but quite presentable.
Sharon
USA Sun 03/06/2005
Evening Wear
Okay, Shelly, I like your traveling style. But what about a night at the opera, a dinner out with friends, or any other occasion you just might want to look a bit more adult? How do all you folks who insist you only take a pair of jeans and two teeshirts "clean up" for a night on the town?
Donna <email>
CA USA Sun 03/06/2005
Ann K (wish I hadn't/had)
I sent home jeans and my (albeit small) sleeping bag, and sleepsheet. I later left my travel-towel behind with one week to go, and found out that a well-wrung out face cloth worked well enough. I wish I hadn't bought so many postcards as momentos. I wish I had scrapped-booked my stuff as I collected it.
Audrey
Vancouver, Canada Sun 03/06/2005
Packing and mailing help
I went to Ireland for 1 week and then on to the UK for 2 more weeks last year. I took one carry on 22in. luggage and my backpack. I was nervous and wondered how I would do. I did just fine. Packing light gives you alot of freedom. One tip I would give is to pack a couple of fold up plastic zip totes. That is what my husband and I did. It allowed us to put either souveniers/gifts or else our dirty clothes and then have some room to bring back some things. It worked out really well. One the way home we didn't mind checking some bags. Good luck
Sue
USA Sun 03/06/2005
Compression bags
At 6'2" and 260 pounds, I find compression bags invaluable for keeping luggage down. They allow me to save enough space to get everything I need, into a 20" carry-on. My wife, on the other hand, being a lot smaller than me, doesn't need them. The extra weight is minimal, but the couple of compression bags I use mean I can travel indefinitely, in just about any weather!
Norm <email>
Ottawa, Canada Sun 03/06/2005
Answers to K. Ann's questions...
K. Ann, in answer to your questions:
Shelly
San Francisco, CA USA Sat 03/05/2005
Low carry-on weight limits!
Be aware of your airline's weight limits for carry-on baggage. I fly Virgin when I go to the UK, and the carry-on weight limit is 13 pounds. My carry-on is very small and packed very lightly (about 1/3 full), but it weighs 14 pounds! And I don't have a paperback for the flight, or a bottle of water, or a few snacks in the bag yet.
I'm very proud of myself for stripping down my packing so much, but I know I'm going to have to check my bag. They weigh all bags every single time, and they do not let you slide if it's over 13 pounds.
Traveling in the States is another matter! I'll have no problem with my little carry-on when I fly to Texas - the weight limit is like 30 pounds!
Shelly
San Francisco, CA USA Sat 03/05/2005
Compression bags & cubes
Only use compression bags or packing cubes for wrinkle relief or organization. If you're using them so you can fit more into your bag, you're not packing light. --I'd start by packing my bag without them. Then, if you must use them, DON'T fill up your bag just because you now have extra space.
Les Conley <email>
Salem, OR USA Sat 03/05/2005
pack safety
I also have a top loading backpack. i use a small zipper lock to lock the lower compartment and a cable lock to lock the buckles tight. I also have another cable lock that I use to lock the pack to a bedpost etc, and keep valuables on my person.
donna <email>
newcastle, uk Sat 03/05/2005
travelling light
I first read about travelling with just one bag about 2 years ago. I had already been to europe more than 20 times, using the traditional large checked bag plus a fairly large carry on. At first I didn't think it would be posible, so what I did was take a list of what I thought I absolutely had to have on a trip and then tried to fit it into a cardboard box the the size of the carry-on bag. To my astonishment it all fit. I know own two different carry on bags and travel exclusively with one bag. I never knew how much time could be saved - in packing, in customs, in not having to wait for the baggage in baggage claims. The one thing that I do differently than recommended is that I do not roll items. It makes it difficult for security to look through your bag. I neatly fold items and put them into zip-lock bags - security can see right in, and I breeze right through. I take clothing that doesn't wrinkle easily.
Richard
New York, NY USA Sat 03/05/2005
Eagle Creek - Great New Bag
I just bought the new Eagle Creek ORV duffle bag. It's actually a panel loading, luggage style bag with hidden backpack straps. It is carry on size, has great zippered dividers inside that work with their packing cubes. The dividers can be zipped down so you don't have to use them, or you can zip one or both to divide the bag. It has zippered compartments in the lid for smaller items, and an outside zipped compartment. It comes with a shoulder strap too. We are taking a bike trip in May, and last trip we ended up trying carry our bike case and our lugagge. No free hands- what a headache. I've been searching for a "backpack" carry on that doesn't look like a backpack, this one fits the bill. It looks like a nice piece of luggage, but will be great for climbing the steps out of the subways or up the stairs to our hotel room- while allowing a free hand to wheel the bike around, or just to hold on to the railing! Can't wait to pack it for our trip! Can't wait to travel light, walk through customs quicker!
USA Fri 03/04/2005
the big decision
Well I have made the big decision of a 20 inch carry on...yikes which I will check because my camera bag which holds my four lenses is a back pack and half camera bag.My partner will take a duffle bag which is on wheels and check that and a backpack as a carry on.I of course plan to steal some of the duffle bag LOL Also plan to use the packing cubes and some of the compression things for a few bulkier items. Thanks to all the reviews here I am convinced.
But after I thought about it more and more those pieces will be very manageable on the plane and if we have to will send things home in the mail and throw out old socks and underwear....
This will be a first for me...I am the a huge overpacker...each trip I cut down more and more and each trip I come home thinking I can cut down even more...
Well this time I will do it!!
bluedenim <email>
vancouver, bc canada Fri 03/04/2005
packing and mailing help
We're going to the UK in Sept. We're going to be gone for 3 weeks. We've bought Rick's backpacks for the trips and each have a set of packing cubes. We plan to have only 1 carry on each (VERY Scary for me) I have a couple of questions:
1. What is the one item that you most wish that you had brought that you didn't? Also what did you bring that you were sure you would need but didn't use much?
2. Is it pretty easy to mail home souveniers (sp)? I'm a book lover and I know that I'll be buying some there along with items for family.
K. Ann <email>
Seattle, Wa USA Fri 03/04/2005
Erin
The UK is sort of expensive, esp on an Aussie dollar, otherwise I'd suggest you wait and buy most of what you need there. You probably should take a suitcase and a backpack. You can use the suitcase for stuff you will need while you are working (and not travelling) and then store it somewhere while you go travelling.
For travel in the spring and summer you won't need more than 3 sets of clothes that can be mixed and matched.
Audrey
Vancouver, Canada Thu 03/03/2005
Backpacking Resource
A great online resource for backpackers and budget travellers is the Thorntree at www.lonelyplanet.com . They have a regular Europe branch and a shoestring Europe branch, lots of traffic. Search the site before posting your question tho becuase alot of the same thing gets asked
Audrey
Vancouver, BC Canada Thu 03/03/2005
Pack Safety
I also travelled with a top-loading pack. Since I kept my most valuable things in my money belt, I was a little less concerned about my pack being "broken into" and more concerned with someone just taking it. To this end I bought about 14" length of medium-weight chain (a short bike cable would also have worked and been less heavy), and at night I would lock my pack to the bedpost by my head. This also was useful for night trains, where I would lock my pack to one of the posts on the couchette, usually next to my head.I also took a few security measures like padlocking the lower sleepingbag-access zips, and knotting up both sets of drawstrings on my pack. For the most part, if I was to be parted with my pack I would only leave it in a locker or in a left-luggage place. I didn't have anything taken from my pack in my 2 month trip.
Audrey
Vancouver, BC Canada Wed 03/02/2005
Pack security question
I've got a question about backpack security. I've got a top loading pack, so I can't just use zipper locks, but I've seen for sale a wire mesh cover that fits over your pack and locks. But it's pretty heavy and pretty pricey ($70 Canadian). Is this worthwhile or excessive?Thanks,Tyler
Tyler <email>
Calgary, Canada Wed 03/02/2005
Wrinkled clothes/travel iron
First, dual voltage travel irons (or other dual voltage appliances) do not need converters, just an adapter plug. Second, many places will lend you an iron (or hair dryer, etc) if you ask, even if it's with a small, refundable deposit. So always ask! And if you pack correctly - fold khakis along the crease and then roll - things don't get that wrinkled. Otherwise, consider getting other types of pants that don't wrinkle so much! Life's too short and the journey way too much fun to worry wbout wrinkles! Just ask Mr "Pair of khakis" who didn't wash them but once in 3 months! (not really recommended).
TX USA Wed 03/02/2005
Buy everything there
Alisa: No, it's not bizarre. This works great if you stay in one place/hotel/hostel. If you are traveling around and moving from city to city, then buying everything there is fine, but you still have to carry it around with you - unless you throw it all out and buy new at your next destination!
FL USA Wed 03/02/2005
To Jim re: Wrinkled clothes
Jim: I think it would be pretty hard to travel light carrying any sort of iron. Remember, you would also need a voltage converter. My advice would be to fill a small spray bottle with Downy Wrinkle Releaser. It actually works pretty well. Also, have you tried any of the wrinkle resistant pants? My husband really likes the Savanes (though several other brands make wrinkle resistant fabrics). They just feel like smooth cotton, and are both wrinkle and stain resistant. On our last trip, he spilled red wine on his leg, and it wiped off with a damp cloth, leaving no stain.
Angela
USA Wed 03/02/2005
Storing Duffle
Simple answer....no, no one can keep an airport storage locker that long. And the cost would be prohibitive. A couple of suggestions....if the pack is 21"x14"x9", you can carry it on the aircraft. If it's bigger, consider wrapping it in heavy-duty plastic. Some airlines will also have large plastic bags into which packs can be put, so check. If not, buy another duffle just before you come home....they won't be that expensive, especially if you get on at an outdoor or flea market.
Norm <email>
Ottawa, Canada Tue 03/01/2005
Compression bags, and Wrinkled Clothes
I find that the smaller compression bags work well, if only for things like socks, underwear, and shirts. I squeeze the *&#% out of them and seal them up. The space saving isn't nearly as dramatic as with bulky items, like sweaters. But every square inch (centimeter) saved is valuable if you're trying to travel light. You can even try some of those big "freezer" bags with zip seals....leave the seal open a bit, squeeze all the air out, and zip the seal closed. As for an iron, I have an old travel iron with a folding handle that takes up very little space. If you can find one like that (without all the fancy steam apparatus on it), then go for it!
Norm <email>
Ottawa, Canada Tue 03/01/2005
wrinkled clothes
I need advice. Although I tavel light I still like to iron my clothes! Khakis get wrinkled collared shirts,etc. And I noticed that European Hotels do not have an iron in the room. Should I consider a small travel iron or just get over it.
Jim Thomas <email>
Buena Park, Ca USA Tue 03/01/2005
"A pair of khakis, a pair of blue jeans, and 3 collared shirts lasted me 3 months with having to do laundry once."!!
Portland, OR USA Mon 02/28/2005
Packing Cubes
Here's another vote for packing cubes. Friends are amused/mystified that I can pack for a several-day trip (even business) in Rick's Civita day pack. It's thanks to those handy cubes. Cubes are also great for pre-packing essentials like underwear so you don't have to scramble at the last minute. Suggestion: Be sure the ones you choose have a zipper that goes around three full sides plus all four corners, which allows the top flap to fall back when you're loading the cube. (I tried an off-brand whose zippers stopped short of the corners and returned them the next day. So frustrating!)
Barb <email>
Raleigh, NC USA Mon 02/28/2005
Storing duffle??
I'm getting ready for a 3 month trip to europe, flying into Shannon, Ireland. I like to put my pack inside a,large duffel to protect it in transit. is there a place I can store my duffle ( locker,ect..) while gone for three months?
Mike <email>
Statesville, NC USA Mon 02/28/2005
Packing cubes versus Compression bags
The compression bags are only useful for bulky items (ie. coats, sweaters, etc.). If you are going in the summer use the cubes. They fit a lot of items and keep everything tidy, essential for use with top-loading backpacks.
Ash <email>
Victoria, BC Canada Sun 02/27/2005
which product
packing cubes or the pack mates that compress the clothing....which is the best?
bluedenim <email>
vancouver, bc canada Sun 02/27/2005
Packing cubes
I agree with Karen...packing cubes are wonderful organizers. I've used the Eagle Creek and LL Bean cubes, both are good products. Rick'cubes seem to be lighter in weight and deeper so I'm going to give them a try. On sale through 2/28/05 http://travelstore.ricksteves.com/catalog/index.cfm?fuseaction=product&theParentId=122&id=102
Linda
MD USA Sun 02/27/2005
Veloce Bag
Has anyone used the new Volace bag? I bought it because it will be great for my laptop, books, etc. But I'm not sure if they airlines will consider it a "personal item" or a carry-on.
pooks <email>
dallas, tx USA Fri 02/25/2005
Buy everything!
This sounds bazaar but all I do when I travel is bring some jeans, some undies and socks and then I stop by H&M and buy everything else I need. Also when packing, roll clothes up they take up less space like that. Happy Traveling!
Alissa <email>
Portland, OR USA Thu 02/24/2005
Jacuzzi laundromat
I don't think I've posted this before, so here it goes. On a recent trip to Rome we got a room that had a Jacuzzi bathtub. When I turned it on and saw the water churning, I realized it would make a great washing machine. And it did. Had to hover over it to pull the dirty duds off of the intake valve, but ended up with clothes much cleaner, and no wetter, than what I would have sloshed around in the sink.Consider that packing light may be just practice for living light. Too much stuff is a burden every day, not just when you are racing for a connection. Francis of Assisi (sp?) loved poverty, hated posessions and found perfect freedom. But then, he didn't have to buy a plane ticket to get to Italy.
John Daab <email>
Woodstock, IL USA Thu 02/24/2005
Rick's packing cubes
I used Rick's packing cubes in London in January and I couldn't believe how much I was able to pack in them. They kept everything organized and generally wrinkle-free. I packed clothes for 10 days in the 1/2 size, and had plenty of room for an extra pair of shoes, my makeup & toiletries, etc. plus souveniers. I will never travel without these cubes again. Thanks Rick for the awesome item! I look forward to using my daypack on my next trip. Other travelers: use the cubes! They are fantastic.
Karen
Raleigh, NC USA Wed 02/23/2005
Packing for Family
I always rollup shirt with underwear and socks for the day and then put an elastic around this bundle..things don't get that wrinkled as when laying flat and it is easy to passout what everyone has to wear for the day.
Judy
USA Wed 02/23/2005
suitcase question
I found this suitcase, it is a carry on pullman. It is Ricardo in Red...fist is red a good idea or a bad idea...This suitcase does not really expena much but it has two front pouches, then a second area which contains a spot for dress clothe. I imagine you could get basically just a few dress shirts and a pair of dress pants...or maybe a dress jacket with a few shirts.The rest is standard it has a place for shoes as well.Would this be smar? We are going over the Europe for 3.5 weeks to a month and I want to pack light but I do need some dress clothes for the journey.
bluedenim <email>
vancouver, bc canada Sun 02/20/2005
There's a soap that I highly recommend for anyone who is looking to save space when traveling. Dr. Bronner's 18-in-1 Pure Castille Soaps are a life saver. I work at a camp during the summers, where most staff are eco-minded and have traveled themselves. This soap is a favorite among us and for good reason. It comes in a liquid form in various size bottles, and has a bunch of different smells. It's Oregon Tilth certified organic, and 100% biodegradable. You can use this soap for anything! Washing yourself, your hair, your clothes, you can even brush your teeth with it. Check it out. Just look in the natural food section of a grocery store or go to any natural food store and they should be able to point you in the right direction.
Esther <email>
Corvallis, OR USA Fri 02/18/2005
Packing VERY Light
We spent 42 days in Europe with her backpack and mine. Pack only what you know is essential,bring a few large empty baggies for various purposes,ensure that whatever books you bring are small. Keep in mind that Europe is full of stores,which often stock better merchandise than in US.Consider your back and feet,they are terrible enemies if abused.Clothes should serve dual or treble purposes.Avoid unecessary weight!! ENJOY EVERY DAY
Paul n Sara <email>
Newburyport, MA USA Thu 02/17/2005
Re: bag size and messenger bags
To Caroline: my advice would be to listen to Rick and pack only one carry-on size bag. You can decide whether or not to check it or carry it on, but I know from experience that anything bigger is a major hassle. Mountain Equipment Co-op (MEC) in Canada makes great backpacks. Mine is wonderful- because of the hip belt the straps don't even rest on my shoulder muscles, so the weight is carried almost totally on my hips, and my shoulders never hurt. Bring a day pack, but don't pack anything in it, just put it in your luggage to use when you arrive. Regarding messenger style bags, I think they're great, but the problem I've come across is that they are really bad for your back. Having the weight placed unevenly on one shoulder causes all sorts of problems in your alignment. Good backpacks with padded straps help alleviate this problem, as even a very lightly packed bag can injure you, something you don't want to happen on your adventures!
Ash <email>
Victoria, BC Canada Tue 02/15/2005
Packing REALLY light!
My last trip was a month in Great Britain and Paris. I had one carry on sized back pack, and that's it. I packed very light. I discovered that I can pack even lighter.
I'm planning a 16 day trip back to Great Britain. I'm using a daypack, rather than my carry on sized pack. I'm taking a vacation from my stuff.
Here's what I'm taking (and it's all I'll need, based on prior experience):I'll wear pants, t-shirt, lightweight cashmere sweater, underwear, socks and shoes on the plane.
In my bag:
Shelly
San Francisco, CA USA Tue 02/15/2005
Backpack Size
I am going on a backpacking to Europe for 2 months. How large should my backpack be? (In square inches)
Caroline
Houston, TX USA Tue 02/15/2005
First time backpackers, listen up...
The biggest space saving tip I can give to backpackers is instead of packing a normal towel, pack a small shammy towel, like the kind you dry a car with. Speedo makes a really nice one for divers, although I'm sure there are cheaper ones out there. You can bring a change of clothes with you to the shower and change there after drying off. You will have sososo much more space in your pack for X, Y and Z! If you follow no other tips, follow this one. You will thank me later, I promise!
Erin
Shoreview, MN USA Mon 02/14/2005
Packing Light
For a month trip to Europe last spring, I took a tote about 18"x14"x4" on the plane with me. In the tote I put an Eagle Creek back pack (very inexpensive and folds into its own small 6x8 envelope), and an organizer wallet(with my credit cards, passport, and money in it) with a very long strap so it could be used as a fanny pack or an over the body purse. These worked really well in combination for me but as far as I am concerned, no one has come up with the definitive secure, large enough for the plane, and small enough for touring pack for women. Some places in Sicily I wore my back pack in front with my arms around it. After a dozen or so trips to Europe including eastern Europe, I have never had a problem. By the way, contrary to Rick's advice, I did (and do) not use a money belt(neck type) after my first trip. It just didn't work for me. I have traveled both on tours and independently as a women(granted, I am of a "certain" age)without any hassles. Someone could make a fortune by inventing the perfect travel accessories for women:)
Jean <email>
Ft. Collins, CO USA Mon 02/14/2005
Daypacks
Forget the daypack on your back. I'd recommend a small messenger-style shoulder bag that crosses over your chest, so you have your hands free, but your bag is not so exposed as it would be on your back. Plus it?s easier to reach. If we'll be out all day, I carry a very lightweight bag that style that holds only the absolute necessities (for us): Water, disposable camera, and a small Ziplock with 2 Aleve, 1 Band-Aid, pocket-sized Kleenex, pen and a couple of business cards, a protein bar, small coin purse with a small amount of cash. Sunglasses for sunny days, and for rainy days forget the umbrella - takes up too much room and is awkward to maneuver. Take a lightweight rain jacket with hood. All of this should not weigh more than 1 kilo (2.2 pounds). If it?s more than that you're carrying too much. Your neck pouch can carry hotel key and other cash.
If a multi-pocket vest is your "thing" then everything should fit in the various pockets and not make you look like a sumo wrestler! And if you'll only be out for a while, take just the water and put only your hotel key and cash in your pockets. Travel light, travel fun, free and unencumbered!
FL USA Mon 02/14/2005
Why Take A Daypack...
...when you can wear a simple cotton travel vest with loads of secure pockets inside & out? Nothing like 'em!
Bekka
D/FW, TX USA Fri 02/11/2005
Tote Size
Would a 14 X 14 in. tote be good for a day bag? I dont want to take a backpack in fear of it being slashed. In this tote I will put, a water bottle, an umbrella, snacks, a light jacket (for churches, etc.) small cash bills, anti bac gel, small toilet paper roll.
Jennifer <email>
atlanta, ga USA Thu 02/10/2005
Winter tips
Winter travel tip: In working with Rick's thought of carrying a laminated photocopy of your passports, credit cards, important iteneary, I had a 12 x 12 pocket sewn into my gore-tex car coat across the shoulders so this could rest there - unfolded, unnoticed the entire trip. I've since added additional zippered pockets to hold other items (i recommend the closures move to the front.) Finally, I had some mesh pockets sown in just back of the armpits to hold my gloves - one of each side. Out of the way for the vast majority of the trip. Then I just always took my coat...
Bob <email>
San Antonio, Tx USA Mon 02/07/2005
packing light
In regards to packing light, this website does a wonderful job of explaining the merits of packing light, but don't pack too light. Depending on your build, your degree of athletic nature, how well you are in shape, you can pack a little more. I travelled for 3 months with a hiking backpack, and a couple of things clipped on to the back of the pack with a carabiner, like my towel, so it would dry, my sleeping bag, and shoes, since they take up so much room. A rain jacket is a must, but jeans are great since you can wear them so frequently and they remain clean looking. For people expecting to be given things from the place they stay, be sure you check on that before you bank on it. No where I stayed throughout Europe provided a towel, soap, shampoo, or any other amenities besides a clean pillow case, a pillow and a sheet. Also, depending on how insistent you are on wearing perfectly clean clothes, you can pack fewer clothes as well, depending on the time of year. A pair of khakis, a pair of blue jeans, and 3 collared shirts lasted me 3 months with having to do laundry once. If you can handle carrying more weight for a short time, then it pays off in the long run, since you don't walk around siteseeing carrying the luggage, only between stations and hotels/hostels. The only place to be extremely careful of your maximum weight you can handle is cinque terre. you might have 2-400 steps to climb to get to your flat, so heavily burdened, you might not make it up.
St
USA Sun 02/06/2005
Sarong & creative packing
Think of a sarong: skirt, wrap (and depending on your size) tie the ends aroud your neck and you have a sexy little cocktail dress, also use as a beach blanket, and towel. Easy to wash, if needed, and easy to pack.
dianne <email>
nanaimo, ca Sat 02/05/2005
The comment below about packing only one bottle of conditioning shampoo -- I have tried many of these conditioning shampoos and have to say that none of them do either job well. I would rather pack one little bottle of each and get good results. Actually, since I color my hair, I have a tube of conditioner that comes with the dye. It packs easily and last forever since I have short hair.
Carol <email>
USA Wed 02/02/2005
Packing light
My wife and I along with our two kids 12 yrs and 9 yrs. just returned from a week in London. I read Ricks packing light tip sheet, and read what fellow travelers had to share on packing light. It was so worth it to pack light. We let the hotel supply soap and shampoo and hair dryer. We brought darker cloths and used layers to stay warm. Since we traveled on British Air we were limited to only 13lbs for a carry on, so we know it can be done. You will never regret the time saved going through the airports.
Charlie Keller <email>
Lynnwood, wa USA Tue 02/01/2005
traveling light
I am a US expat living in Amsterdam and we've traveled extensively during our stay here. A couple of tips: for the ladies-to dress up or vary outfits, pack a few scarves, inexpensive necklaces. You can never go wrong wearing black. Bring lighter weight clothes that layer well; I always bring a lightweight wool sweater, it can get cold at night in many places; also a rain type coat with a hood is the only coat a person needs; comfortable black shoes; consider silk long underwear for PJ's and to layer. I am over 50 so don't travel with jeans but all European young adults wear jeans. Beware of those plastic packing items which allow you to pack more but then your bag becomes quite heavy. Many airlines within Europe restrict carry on luggage, we always check, even though we pack light. It's always possible to buy toiletries, medications, umbrellas over here and leave what you don't use, behind.
I like the Rick Steves bags because they are lightweight themselves, some of these bags are heavy, even before you start packing. We use back of postcards from the region to keep our journals-great for scrapbooking. Happy traveling.
Caron
Amsterdam, NL Tue 02/01/2005
Shampoo Bars
Angy,thanks for the tip on Basin shampoo bars. I became a huge fan of shampoo bars by coming across a tip in this forum quite some time ago. There are several good ones on the market: Lush shampoo bars are pretty good. The ones without color are appropriate for body washing and laundry. I also like JR Liggett's shampoo bar...although the smell is not as nice as Lush. The Ligget bar is great for washing clothes but was a bit too drying for my skin to use for showering. While I love Burt's Bees products in general, I HATED their shampoo bar. My all time favorite is Aveda Men's hair and body bar. Although it is labeled for men, the scent is fresh and clean. It works great on my colored hair, great as a body soap (I use something different on my face) and as a laundry soap for hand washing.
Elizabeth <email>
Atlanta, GA USA Mon 01/31/2005
Shampoo Bars
Shampoo bars are so much more convenient than liquid shampoo. They don't leak, no bulky bottles, and last about 30-50 (depending on hair) shampoos. Best ones are at Basin for $5.95, and the "Hair Food" includes conditioner. I have very long hair and the shampoo bar works great!
http://www.basin.com/web-cart/customer/home.php?cat=259
Angy
Houston, TX USA Mon 01/31/2005
Scrapbook tip
Bring extra ziploc bag to store ticket stubs, receipts, pamplets and flyers. If organized, they take no space (lays flat on bottom of backpack. What is great, is when we got home, I had alot of "exras" to decorate my scrapbook pages with.
Angy
Houston, TX USA Mon 01/31/2005
Packing light
Review carefully Rick's (and others) suggestions for packing light....it can be done! My wife and I spent two weeks in Europe last June, each with a carry-on suitcase and a small daypack, with only one day for washing the heavy stuff, It sure was nice breezing past the luggage carousels to be first out the door! One warning -- if you don't check any luggage, you're a prize candidate for extra screening at the airport....shoes off, hand-check of the bags, the whole routine. But, hey, you'd just be spending that time sitting in the departure lounge, anyway.
While those microfibre clothes may dry quickly, they don't allow the heat to escape from your body, a potential issue on a hot and muggy summer day for those of us who can't handle the heat.
I strongly endorse recommendations to use compression bags inside your suitcases. Yes, you need warmer clothing if you're not travelling in high summer. But better to compress it into a carry-on suitcase, then have to upsize the suitcase and check it through.
Beware as well that some of the discount European airlines (Ryanair, for example), have far lower weight and size limits for carry-ons, so you may end up checking your suitcase anyway.
Norman Jack <email>
Ottawa, Ontario Canada Sun 01/30/2005
Definitely do bring a washcloth or two, as European hotels, hostels, and pensions don't have them (even in many 4-star places.) You can buy washcloths in Europe of course but they are different-- about half the size of the U.S. ones and they're sort of like mitts where you can stick your hand inside.
As for what to wear, I say wear what you're comfortable in. The Europeans that I know who are under 40 are all wearing jeans. Not to the opera-- but for just about everything else. It's how they wear them-- they don't wear them with holy sweatshirts, sneakers, and baseball caps to restaurants. That said, I don't think you should have to feel like you have to try and dress exactly like a European. I am married to a European and he doesn't dress "American" when he visits the United States,nor does any European I personally know.
EM
Vienna, Austria Sat 01/29/2005
Packing Light and Savvy
Laura has a great packing list. I'd modify it a little, by eliminating the bath towel and hair dryer if you're going somewhere just a little posher (ask if the places you're staying provide these amenities--otherwise bring them, of course) or have a hair style that doesn't require drying. The washcloth is a must if you use them, because no place in Europe provides them. I'd also eliminate one pair of jeans but stick in a skirt (if you wear them at all) especially for Britain; the Continent is more casual. Make sure the tennis shoes are dark--socks too--and waterproof (New Balance makes great ones)and add a light sweater, either cashmere or thin fleece, to layer under the rain jacket (with hood) because you never know. Also something to sleep in! Silk is great because it compacts to nothing, "breathes," and dries quickly. It also makes great warmth layers. Dressier shoes could be lightweight flats in winter, sandals in summer. Do you really need FOUR bras? Try bringing less underwear, fewer socks, and washing more often. Bring a clothesline with hooks, not loops; that way you can fasten it around anything. Same with toilet kit: an open hook is a much more versatile hanger than a loop. Add something to read, a camera, notebook, hat for sun/rain, sunglasses, and a Lexan or other unbreakable spoon for picnic lunches. A ziploc bag containing other ziploc bags, Twisties, paperclips, ball-point pens--you get the picture--and of course your basic first-aid stuff plus whatever meds or vitamins you take. If you have one of those lightweight tote bags that fold up into their own pockets, that's a great way to do grocery shopping (for those picnics).
Since the new airlines regs, we violate Rick's rules and check one small bag containing our scissors, tweezers, pocket knives and sewing kit. Upon arrival, those items go into our backpacks, and the small bag does too; now we have an extra bag for souvenirs.
Gute Reise/bon voyage!
Meg Rosenfeld <email>
Santa Rosa, CA USA Fri 01/28/2005
Packing for Ireland, England, and Wales.
If you're headed to Europe, I have a few tips for packing. As a first time vacationer overseas, folks have a major tendency to OVERPACK.
Bring with you: a thin bath towel, a washcloth, (these two items are not often provided in B&B's), three pairs of jeans, one pair of nice black dress pants, a pair of tennis shoes, a pair of dress shoes, two casual, longsleeved shirts, one nice, dressy-casual shirt, a rain jacket, a sweater (given the season), seven pairs of underwear, seven pairs of socks, four bras, and a small convertible hair dryer, (also not provided at B&B's and most hotels). As far as toiletries are concerned, buy a compact "bathroom bag" that has a handle that can be hung from a hook, (most European bathrooms don't have ANY counterspace), and pack in it travel-sized versions of: toothpaste, toothbrush, bath gel, shampoo, conditioner, and lotion. I appreciated bringing bath gel as opposed to a bar of soap for the simple fact that if I ran out of shampoo I could use the bath gel, or if I needed to wash my clothes in a hotel/B&B sink I could use it for that as well.
You're most likely saying to yourself "Wow! That's not enough stuff! I can't go two weeks with only three pairs of jeans and one pair of black pants!" If you pack clothes that coordinate, YES YOU CAN! Wear one set of these clothes on the flight over. DO NOT PACK MORE THAN THIS. I beg you. If you fold your clothes longways and then roll them, they will fit in the backpack and won't wrinkle. You don't even have to worry about checking your luggage. Just take the backpack as a carry-on. You'll be jaunting off the airplane and on your way to scenic places while everyone else is trying to figure out which turnstyle their bags are supposed to be on. Believe me, if you bring a ton of luggage, then drag it up the stairs at the busy Underground station, then spend a half an hour trying to find your hotel and avoid being run over by the double-decker buses, you will positively cry when you finally make it to the hotel and they tell you that you need to drag your luggage up the five flights of stairs to your un-airconditioned room. (Most moderately priced hotels/B&B's don't have elevators or airconditioning).
You may be wondering about where you'll stuff your souveneirs. Well, once you get done with your vacation and are ready to come home, empty your backpack of all the travel-sized junk. You have toothpaste at home, you don't need it anymore, so get rid of it. Stuff the souvenirs that you don't have to worry about breaking in the unoccupied space. For breakables, buy a small carry-on size bag to pack all of your souveneirs, check your backpack on the return flight, and take the breakables with you. Small bags and totes are cheap and easy to find, especially if you get tip-offs from the locals.
MOST IMPORTANT OF ALL: Bring with you a money belt.
Laura <email>
St. Louis, MO USA Thu 01/27/2005
Practice packing behavior
At least a month before a big trip, I put up a rolling rack and hang all the clothes I intend to take on a trip. Then I wear each item and make sure it still fits, has buttons etc. I wear the item quite a while then launder it if necessary and hang it back up. I usually don't travel with new items, especially shoes. I often do a trial packing job a week ahead. If the bag is overweight, I start taking things off the rack. My goal weight bag and all is 22 pounds or less. Nothing goes into the bag that hasn't been tried on and tested.
Shirley <email>
Fort Worth, TX USA Tue 01/25/2005
Pack for THREE days only!
My best tip is to pack for three days - even if your trip is for three months!
Then each night when you get back to your hotel WASH the clothes you wore that day in the sink, and hang them up. It will take you five minutes max - and by morning they'll be dry. You'll always have a choice of what to wear and you'll be clean! How can that not be worth five minutes each night?
Cheryl
San Diego, CA USA Thu 01/20/2005
Some things that have stood me in good stead
I've learned so much from all of the rest of you by reading this board. So I thought I'd share some of what has worked best for me over the years. (It will, I think, probably repeat some of what's been said here already, but hey - if it works...)
Things I'm always glad I've brought: Pack-it Compressor bags, packing cubes, Microbeam flashlight, braided rubber clothesline, mini carabiners (for attaching clothesline to anything or for closing bags without a lock), Dove facial cloths, Purell, Handi-wipes, one pack of travel-sized Charmin (in travel section of drugstores), Brookstone small lightweight foldable 800-watt hair dryer, Febreeze (the allergy-fighting, lighter-scented version) put into a small spray bottle; Zip-lock bags; relevant guide book pages ripped out of the book and stapled together, empty Baggallini tote bag (that packs flat in my carry-on luggage, and can be used as a beach bag, laundry bag, grocery bag and for carrying souvenirs back.
2 oz-sizes of most toiletries were enough for me for a 3-week trip, if used sparingly. Ditto one travel-sized toothpaste tube, if you use a pea-sized dab per brushing.
USA Wed 01/19/2005
Our first trip to the UK, we took hardside suitcases and packed them to the gills. Never again, of course.Our next trip, I ordered two Europe Through the Back Door bags (2001, before they were updated). We still prefer them to any other bag we've used, including some we've bought since. We each have one 18" Eagle Creek Pack-It Folder that holds all our slacks, shirts, etc. for a trip. We each have one Pack-It Cube (I use 1/4, he uses a 1/2) for underwear and socks. Once those are in the bag and all that clothing is secured, there's plenty of room for adding the extra pair of shoes, whatever other extras we need.Today I just received another Rick Steves bag, the new Veloce. It holds my laptop, my camera, anything else I could possibly want in a carry-on (including one change of clothes, I'm thinking). I'm sending back the much more expensive Crumpler computer bag I ordered last week.Rick Steves products are the best. They're well-designed and sturdy. We'll still be using ours for years to come.
Trish <email>
Dallas, USA Tue 01/18/2005
I am the definition of a girly-girl (in my early 20s), so packing light does not come naturally for me. However, I hate lugging a heavy suitcase, so the following are staples when I travel:-white and black tank tops with a built in bra. I'm small chested, so these replace a bulky wired bras. Great layering pieces that can match with skirts or pants. If going sans-bra isn't an option, consider fitted black and white jersy tees. They sell some great ones at Banana Republic, J Jill, and J Crew. If they look dressier than a t-shirt, they will still look great with skirts and nice pants.
Kansas City, KS USA Mon 01/17/2005
Carry Your Own Stuff...Not Theirs!
No one person should ever carry toiletries for others in the group, even if it's a spouse. Traveling light means that even children should be responsible for their own toothbrush, etc. in a kit that's all their own (carried in their own backpack, of course). The plastic sandwich keepers with seal-tight lids are great for kids toiletries and are less likely to tip over or leak.
RKG
D/FW, TX USA Fri 01/14/2005
packing light
Packing light does not mean just the size of your bag consider the weight.I am able to pack an extraordinary amount into a fairly small bag but it is still heafty to carry around even on wheels since you still have to heft it in and out of metro cars and trains and up stairs sometimes.Another note every time i go to the airport i see people with their bags open on the floor trying to redistribute the wieght from one suitcase to aonther to meet the weight guidelines. I don't know what they pack in their luggage because i have packed some good sized bags as full as they will go and never been overwieght. I don't know how they exp;ect to lug those heavy bags aroundThe wight restrictions even on checked baggage have gotten much smaller (lighter) so check what they are with your airlines and wigh your bags before you leave if you think they might be closeMy husband carries a bag which I considere huge until I see it on the baggage carrier with everyone else's bag Its hard to believe people would take that much except maybe first time travelers. and the Carry on bags people try to shove into the overheads are well over what should be allowed. the first time I traveld in 1986 with two small children i took all that was allowed two check ons and one carry on each for 21 days staying with relatives. I don't know what i was thinking. They had a washing machine and I didn't even wear 90% of the stuff i packedpluss dozens of guide books and maps don't be like me Be smart. Now I carry one carry on which is my camera bag (I am a photogrpahy nut) and then a carry on size bag for my clothes If I did n't take some many cameras and film I would check everything. It may take more time when you get to your destination but is is so nice to not have luggage to haul arround airports since you always seem to come in on one side and leave on the other. Also be aware that unless you are flying non stop to your home airport from europe you will be required to go through customs at the first airport you stop at even if you are going on in the same plane. this includes any checked baggage. the reverse is not true in europe at least not yet We checked our bags at our home airport had a alyover in amsterdam and then on to Barcelona and picked up our bags there. We did have to go through passport control at Schipohl. with our carry on but not checked baggage and because we went from one eu country to another there was no passport control at all in Barcelona
Janice L. Killingbeck <email>
Saginaw, MI USA Wed 01/12/2005
packable duffle bag
I just found this great packable duffle bag at REI. It packs into its own pocket. Weighs about 7 oz, cost less that $10. Its about the size of Rick's France tour book. But, it holds a whooping 2460 Cubic inches when taken out of its own pocket. Has handles and a shoulder strap. size is 10.5" x 23" x 11" so it will be a legal carryon.
Its by Outdoor Products. The one I got is labeled 'Large" but it was the smallest one REI carried.I think it will work great as a grocery bag, a bag to carry my painting supplies, it will hold 4 14X18 canvases, or all the gifts and wine I will buy in Paris. It
Jeff Wilson <email>
Placerville, ca USA Mon 01/10/2005
Carry-on Lifestyle
This website may already be posted, but just in case - interesting advice and insights (used to be The Compleat Carry-on Traveler):http://onebag.oratory.com/home.html
FL USA Mon 01/10/2005
Carry-on size and a good website
I'm planning on travelling to Germany, Austria, and Switzerland this June, and planning on travelling light!! When I first started planning all this, I came across a website (besides this one): www.travelite.org (by Lani Teshima). In her Luggage section, under Luggage Tips, she says that a carton that holds letter-size paper is the neveral size of a carry-on bag (she also says that "the dimensions don't quite match"). Using this as a general guideline, I'm packing a carton and my bag. I also think that perhaps the carton is approximate to the size of the measurment boxes that the airlines have you put your carry-on in. So, I'm busy packing my Rick Steves Backdoor Bag (20 in) and throwing it in a carton. Just thought this might be helpful to help people pack. P.S.--the Travelite website has not been updated for awhile, I think, so some info. might be dated. But, it has travel philosophy, packing tips, recommended reading, recommended bags (some might not be made anymore, but I bet if you went to the websites you'd find others), and travel lists.Cheers!
Ann
IN USA Fri 01/07/2005
Rick's Toiletry Kit
After many trips & countless, useless toiletry kits I saw Rick's on this site and immediately ordered one. If he uses them, they must be good.Received mine in the mail yesterday & I'm so glad I got one. Small enough to carry easily but accommodates toiletries enough for a five week tour. Opens easily and hangs without tipping out the contents (a beef I have with some designs). THANK YOU RICK! You've made my next trip's backpack lighter & easier to carry.
Paula Suckling <email>
Georgetown, Ont Canada Fri 01/07/2005
Packing light works great!
Just returned from 4 days in London and 4 days in Paris. We (myself, husband, 15 yo son, and 13 yo twin daughters) agreed to pack a carryon bag only. Even with the need for warm clothing, it worked! (could have made in with one or two fewer items) Concise advice: wear thin layers (avoid bulky sweaters), wash undies/socks in hotel sink and dry overnight if needed, only bring one day shoes and perhaps an evening shoes (ladies), ditch used toiletries at the end to make room for souvenirs. Ladies: pick one color scheme (brown, black or navy blue) and work around that, don't worry about shoe appearance - be comfortable, no one really notices that you have worn that shirt 3 times in the past week. Wish I'd brought: eye drops (smoke!) and Febreeze (maybe).
Kathy Price <email>
Springfield, MO USA Tue 01/04/2005
Small toiletry jars/containers
Over the years, I've periodically asked for free samples at makeup counters at department stores. Sometimes those samples come in tiny glass jars or plastic containers that, once the sample is washed out, makes a perfect travel-sized container for, say, small amounts of Vaseline or 2-3 weeks worth of foundation.
USA Mon 01/03/2005