Tricks for Packing Light: 2002
Share your creative tricks to fit your world into a small bag for a European trip.
A couple tips
Men can get by with just shampoo — but ladies need to condition our hair.
Since we have to bring it with us anyway, don't forget that we can shave
our legs with it, too! And no matter what Estee Lauder wants you to believe,
you CAN wash your face in ordinary hand/body soap, thereby bringing less
crud along with you. I'm going to Spain for a month, and my practice packing
run left me with everything I needed in a small carry-on with 16 pounds
left over (the airlines want less than 40 and I only have 24, and it drops
with every test run) and plenty of extra space. And I'm only bringing my
nice clothes! As for jewelry — bring stuff that looks nice, isn't worth much,
and that you can wear every day. Things that have sentimental or great monetary
value are best left at home, and if you think about it, do you really need
a different necklace or earrings for each outfit? And thanks for the tips
about bringing only burned CDs, I'm sure I'll appreciate that if something
happens.
Lesa <email>
Spokane, WA USA 12/29/02
packing light
Usually, when we travel we need some tylenol, aspirin or other basic meds.
True you can buy them easily enough in Europe but have you seen the prices?
($4.00 for 20 aspirin tabs at a pharmacy in Cinque Terre!) Ouch! So, I find
that we can each tuck quite a few tabs in a used Tic-Tac container which
is lighter and more compact than anything else I have found. Also, I use
one of those lightweight mesh laundry bags — the ones you use to machine
wash delicate items — to pack my socks & underwear. Keeps everything together
and neat. Cheap too, get them at the Dollar store.
Lisa <email>
Philadelphia, PA USA 12/10/02
Packing Light
A posting on this website suggeted small plastic self-sealing bags available
at craft stores. Great idea for small stuff: pills, q-tips, bandaids, paper
clips, etc., etc. I used to use film canisters, but these are much better.
Clothing for one month in Europe: one pair shoes, 3 black/dark slacks or
good jeans,4 or 5 dark tops, a week's supply of underwear and socks. Sweater,
jacket, and umbrella should do it. I sleep in lightweight sweats, so a robe
is not necessary if the bath is down the hall.
Doree <email>
Camarillo, CA USA 12/09/02
more room for trinkets....
My best tip ( probably already somewhere in this list) is to take an extra
duffel bag that packs flat along. Then on the way home , fill it with your
dirty clothes and shoes and use your good bag for souveniers. Gray - what
is the brand name on the shaving oil? I have looked at Target & Walmart
here, and can't seem to find it.
Debbie
Milwaukee, WI USA 12/04/02
Packing for Desert Climates
I learned quickly that desert sand gets in everything, especially soft,
zippable bags. Now before traveling to a dry climate, I purchase Ziploc
Freezer bags and put my clothes inside them; underwear in one bag, shirt(s)
in another. Mix and match the bag sizes. You can squeeze all the air out
and save 30% of the space in your luggage. And nothing compresses so well
as washable silk, which has the advantage of washing and drying very quickly.
Pre-soaped face washing cloths can be reused many times as very compressible
washcloths, and are recyclable.
Susan <email>
Kirk, USA 11/24/02
Back pack packing is the best
We just returned from our 2-week long trip and my 2500 cubic inch back pack
was once again perfect. After arriving at Paris' Charles De Gaulle Airport,
my husband and I were well on our way while everyone else on the plane waited
for their luggage. I repacked 3 times and ended up packing (for fall weather
and everything based around black): Black dress, one blouse, one red fleece
shirt, a purple sweater, two pairs of black pants, one bra, 6 panties, 4
socks, 2 pairs of tights and one pair of shoes. On the plane I wore my jeans
and a black sweater set, my heavier shoes and a jacket. I ended up buying
a wool jacket in Paris and sent back the original jacket in a large box
with some souvenirs. It cost $44 from La Poste and arrived in 12 days via
Airborne Express. I was happy to have the new jacket as we made our way
into the Alps in Switzerland as it was very cold for my southern blood.
I purchased two blouses in Paris and they fit just fine in the backpack
with the other items. You will have to do laundry, but everyone needs some
down time to just sit and write postcards and plan the next day's adventure.
I was given, as a birthday present, one of those great French scarves and
it really kept me warm and spruced up my wardrobe. Also made me blend in
so well that people were always speaking to me in French. After having a
2 suitcase, 2 coat experience 15 years ago, I will never ever pack heavy
again. There is no reason. At the airport, the "Smart Cart" is really for
the not-so-smart traveler.
maria <email>
new orleans, la USA 11/21/02
Pack light or else!
We just returned from a week in Paris. We were very sensible, taking clothes
that could be layered, as well as washed out in the sink and dried overnight.
As we were standing in the security line at Charles de Gaulle Airport, we
noticed the two young women who were behind us. One had her two bags piled
onto a cart. The larger bag was enormous; the smaller bag was the size of
my rolling backpack. Imagine our horror when they revealed that they had
come over for just 5 days! We had thought they were visiting for 5 months!
The one with the cart said she'd packed 3 pairs of shoes, 3 pairs of slacks
plus a pair of jeans, a full-length winter coat, and she was wearing a short
jacket. They were afraid they'd have to pay overweight charges. Granted,
they'd done some shopping, but we were appalled at how much they took that
they didn't need.
Carol
VA USA 11/14/02
packing light
Our trip to England one March: anticipating chilly wet weather, we packed
lighter by using layers of clothing, i.e. silk longjohns, 3 black t-necks,2
balck slacks, (one lighter, one wool), 1 gray chamois shirt,1 black fleece
short jacket, raincoat,hat,wool scarf (the best warmer upper I took) gloves,
one pair waterproof black suede ankle hi boots, 3 pair knee hi cotton socks.
On really cold days I wore all the layers, on better days, just what I needed.
Dressing up for events was easy..black looked good with a nice pin on the
jacket or a silk scarf. Slacks are fine absolutely everywhere.
oldladytraveler
SLC, UT USA 11/01/02
packing light for woman w/child
I'm getting ready to return to Europe for another birthday celebrated abroad
and have mastered the science of packing light in a 25 cubic inch backpack.
I have found another perfect black dress that can be worn alone or over
a shirt for colder weather. I'm taking the dress, a pair of black slacks,
one pair of jeans, a pair of black stretchy pants that can double as pajamas
paired with a tee shirt. And one black sweater set, two long sleeve tees
(for late fall travel) and a polar fleece turtleneck. I have two pairs of
shoes, one on the feet and one in the backpack. Enough toiletries to get
me through the first 2-3 days then I can purchase there. I also am taking
a "pleather" jacket that I paid $15 for. It can easily be left behind and
donated if I find a great coat or jacket on my trip. I found great lightweight
underwear by Hanes at Walmart that is so light I know they will wash and
dry quickly. I also have a few old pairs to toss out when I don't feel like
doing laundry. Throw is some socks and another bra and I still have room
for various gifts that I am bringing to my friends in Europe. I am bring
a large tote bag that was a freebie from a convention to carry my daughters
toys, snacks and blanket on the plane. It also can be parted with easily
if I find something I like better in Europe. My husband is packing just
as lightly and has room for our daughters clothes in his backpack. I'm grateful
that she is still too young to care if she wore the same thing the day before.
We are packing enough diapers for the flight and then some just in case
we get stuck in the airport or she gets sick. We will buy more in Europe
which will be a fun experience. I have already figured out her weight in
kilos so I can easily buy the correct size diapers.
maria <email>
new orleans, la USA 10/26/02
Packing light
We just returned from a 3 week holiday...Germany, France and Italy. We packed
with 3 changes of clothing,2 pairs of shoes (as we read on your sight)but
found that we actually could of brought less. We each had one small backpack
making it easy to move from town/city to town/city. We washed our undies
out in our room each night. Unless you plan on going to the opera or some
such activity...go light..light..light!!
Sally <email>
Morden, Manitoba Canada 10/20/02
packing cell
when packing light and COMPACT, forget vacume roll bags! once these get
a slight tear or cut from that nail file you "just threw in the top" you
will never get all that gear back in your bag. Instead opt for a cheaper,
mesh and nylon "packing cell". These are small rectangular prisms with a
zip top. I can fit a 200 weight polartec and a gore-tex jacket in a small
one! (approx 25cm x 20cm x 5cm) about the size of a small dictionary. My
next trip to thailand for a month has ALL my clothes in one small cell.
These are available at kathmandu in AUS and NZ, and i believe "eagle creek" make them for the USA
james <email>
sydney, NSW AUS 10/20/02
saving space in luggage
I've found that using those roll out compression bags works really well.
We used packmates I traveled for 1 week with a 13 year old this summer and
we did carry on luggage only. IT worked really well.
Pam <email>
bay area, CA USA 10/13/02
Packs
I just did an 18 day trip in August, including the beaches of the Amalfi
coast, hiking over glaciers in the Swiss alps, and a conference for business.
I carried, three sets of clothes (one slightly dressy, one casual, one that
could go either way), vacummb sealed), some cold weather add ons (silk long
underwear, gloves, ear warmers, wool socks, hat), lots of electronics (digital
camera and accesories, MP3 recorder, GPS, razor, battery charger), the generic
travel stuff (guidebook, phrase book, maps, ziplocks, soap, spot remover,
sunscreen, bug spray, tissues, handwipes, notepad, powerbars, flashlight,
first aid kit, water filter) and a fanny pack and water/daypack. Everything
could fit in a Vaude Sienna backpack (40L/2200cc). It's a well made, adjustable,
backpack that keeps the pack off your back to prevent your back from getting
all sweaty. Yes, it might draw attention, but it's also a German brand which
might help. In places like Naples and train stations, I fastened both the
wait belt and chest straps, and put a local newspaper in the back (it has
a thing to hold helmet to the back, but that also works for a jacket or
newpapaer) to make it harder to slash. I had no problems with theives. Some
days I carried the big bag everywhere, but when I could I left the big pack
in the room or in a locker and just carried the day/waterpack and fanny
pack. A palm is a great space saver, holding a travellog, phrase book, addresses,
phone numbers, and reservation info, and especially the train schedules
from www.bahn.de (but sometimes they were off by a few minutes in Italy).
Finally, the ExOfficio convertible pants, convertible jacket, and airstrip
shirts worked great. I could wear them everywhere to the beaches, mountains,
churches, a business conference. They're generally quite expensive, but
I found them at Sierra Trading Post for normal prices. Also, I carried a
coolmax T-shirt that I could wear to help keep the good clothes from getting
sweaty or by themselves on hot dress down days.
E <email>
Princeton, NJ USA 10/10/02
One Bag, Day Bag
I used a Civita day bag for my 3-week trip to Europe. Other Rick Steves
items included the Hide-away Tote, Sleep Sack, Moneybelt and Micronet towel.
I put a big fanny pack (also holds two big water bottles) inside the day
bag.
One long sleeve shirt (& one short), one T-shirt, underwear, small camera, swim trunks, shorts, cap, toiletries. No sweater, no extra shoes, no electrics, only the must-have stuff and what I was already wearing. I also used a neck pouch for passport & tix. I took my bike helmet with rear view mirror & bike gloves. Also a very light, breathable jacket by North Face from REI and yellow safety vest, instead of my slightly thicker orange bike jacket. The helmet I attached to the day bag and the total weighed about 12 pounds. Later on, I wore the fanny pack. When filled, it partially supported the day bag and I was easily able to ride a bike with them on. The tote bag was very handy too, for piling stuff in and sorting later. I was going to take my folding Brompton bike too but decided to rent instead.
Take a small pocketknife and nail clippers. These are essential tools - I have a collection of them. Inexpensive ones are disposable. If they are confiscated at the airport, no problem. Don't make a fuss, let them have it - "so sorry, didn't know it was in there" - if they find it. They probably won't.
So at the start of my journey I had just one carry-on when I boarded the plane to Schipol. I hate to check bags and I avoid Heathrow whenever possible, as it's too busy & chaotic.
Rick is right on - pack light and wash your clothes at the hostel. Loved
that towel! It helped my underwear & socks dry fast.
Graham Cooper <email>
Seattle, WA USA 10/07/02
packing light.
I just returned from a nine day trip to London. I took ONE suitcase,and
a smaller bag for essentials,travel documents,money,tickets etc. how did
I do this? well,I packed my socks and underwear in zip loc bags,took one
pair of good walking shoes and clothes that didn't wrinkle or show dirt.
they all went together and were made of cotton knit. I folded the clothes
inside of each other,to minimize moving around. toiletries and medicine
were in another bag,and there was even room for all the stuff I bought!
The breakable things were wrapped inside my clothes. It is possible to go
with one bag, which is very handy when you have to carry it all by yourself.
People were amazed when they saw just one suitcase!
melissa miller <email>
Oakland, ca USA 10/06/02
Itsy Bitsy Indestructible Itinerary
I used my computer skills to create a miniature front-to-back itinerary
that included hotel phone and addresses, flights, traveler check and other
relevant information — finished size 1-3/4" x 3-1/2". I laminated, then slipped
it into my money belt. My essential travel information was always accessible
and readable, never crumpled.
Jackie Tall <email>
Lafayette, CO USA 10/01/02
Packing for ladies
We just returned from a month long journey to Italy, Berlin, Paris. We are
proud to say we did a month with carry-on luggage. I even took 4 pairs of
shoes. A backpack with wheels with an attached day pack was all we needed.
Summertime was hot and humid. My recommendation is that ladies pack light
dresses, three or four. No shorts, and only one pair of pants. My favorite
were black, slight bell bottom and slightly stretchy. They have a nice line
and cover my walking shoes. Leave your jeans and shorts at home. No one
else wears them and I ultimately mailed mine home.
Nancy <email>
Glendora, CA USA 09/06/02
Packing Luggage
I find the most space-efficient way to pack clothes is the "rollup" method.
Instead of folding clothes, you lay out an outfit (like pants and a shirt)
fold them in half length-wise, place item on top of the other, and roll
it up tightly. You could also stick some socks or underwear or whatever
else you have in to your "outfit rolls".
Abby <email>
FL USA 08/05/02
I Took Too Much
We just finished our first ETBD Best of Europe Tour and even though I gave
it alot of thought, and read most of Rick's books I still packed too much.
You don't need bath towels if you are on a tour. We brought 3 RS travel
towels and only used one in Vernazza at the beach. The hotels provide them.
Do take wash cloths. We packed some soft terrycloth ones from Walmart (12
for $2) and used them everywhere. I wore 2 capris, 1 short and cardigan
sets a lot. Dark colors look less dirty and if you have the money buy travel
clothes that dry fast over night. Pack a comfortable skirt of slacks for
weather changes. Buy souvenir t-shirts there. Do pack a sweatshirt in addition
to a waterproof jacket, if you get cold. We had 2 very cold, wet, and windy
days out of the 21 and I wished I packed mine. Weather can change rapidly
in the northern countries. Also the lighter you pack, the less you have
to lug up stairs. Sometimes 5 flights. Also pack an extra zippered carry-on
bag for souvenirs, if you don't want to ship. I got a cheap beach bag and
it worked out well.
EK
Cooper City, FL USA 07/22/02
Samples
I save all the small product sample packets I get free at supermarkets,
in the mail, etc. They don't occupy space (put them inside a shoe) and once
I use them I just throw the paper packets away. I always have shampoo/ conditioner,
hand/body lotions, toothpaste and even antibiotic available. I also carry
ziplock bags to hold any amount I have not used so if it spills, it won't
soil the rest of my belongins. Can't get any lighter than this.
Gilda Sanchez <email>
Jacksonville, Fl USA 07/21/02
packing guidebook information
On one of our trips to Europe, instead of taking any marked guidebooks,
I cut and pasted copies of any items we wanted to see or do and pasted them
on a 3 x 5 card for each travel day. I punched a hole in the corner of each
card and put them on a key ring so they could be removed for each day of
travel and my carrying load became lighter yet!
Virginia Lyle <email>
Riverside, CA USA 07/21/02
Women travelers
My husband and I just got back from a month in Europe. If I were to go back,
I would pack a simple black travel dress, a pair of shorts, 2 shirts (one
long sleeved), and underwear. Keep it simple!! I went with 2 pairs of shorts,
a skirt, a pair of pants, and three shirts, and I thought this was too much.
Also, Febreze and Downy Wrinkle Remover were godsends, as well as zip lock
baggies...
Andrea <email>
ND USA 07/19/02
Buy it there!
On our 3 month honeymoon in Europe, I packed less than a (Rick Steve's)
back pack full of items (mostly black). It was all I needed, and what you
forget to pack, you can buy there and it's so much more special!
Laurie Geyer <email>
Seattle, WA USA 07/17/02
Lighten Up
In an effort to lighten my load I generally try to check through my satchel
upon the culmination of an adventure and find three items that I din't use.
On future trips I leave these itms at home.
Tony Collins <email>
Federal Way , WA USA 07/14/02
Packing Light
If you need to take a raincoat, use it as a robe if the facilities are not
in your room.
K.Kastama <email>
Oakland, CA USA 07/11/02
Packing Light
Remember you are going to Europe and not a third world country. They have
Tylenol under the name of Panadol, asperin, they have tooth paste, shampoo,
first aid, clothes, shoes, etc. You will probably end up buying clothes
or shoes anyway, so underpack. You can wash and dry things fast. I bring
three changes. Don't ruin your trip by lugging too much all over and fighting
to close your luggage.
Adrienne <email>
NY USA 07/10/02
Bed for your head
When going from a hot climate (Atlanta) to a cool climate (Scotland), the
trick is to wear something appropriate for both places. I have two "packing
light" tips for this situation. 1) When you board the plane in the hot climate,
wear a long-sleeved CoolMax shirt and tie a fleece jacket and/or light wool
cardigan around your waist. This will not take up any extra room in your
carry-on and be readily available when you land in the cold climate. (2)
Pack a pillowcase in your carry-on and when you are seated, put the jacket,
the cardigan and an airline pillow inside the pillowcase. This gives you
quite a nice, large bed for your head on the overseas flight and keeps your
garments clean.
Susan McB.
Atlanta, GA USA 07/07/02
Packing a towel
I discovered that a thin lightweight terry towel can do just fine. We obtained
a few that are very thin cotton, about 1 foot by 3 feet, and probably weigh
less than an ounce. I was skeptical, but they really do work. They must
be wrung out during the full body drying process but they dry rather quickly.
I'm now sold on them. If you don't really believe it, try one at home first.
They take up next to no room in your bags.
alan <email>
, USA 07/01/02
Packing tips
Just returned from 2 weeks in Germany. Each person had an overnight-size
bag. Tips: Roll garments so you can see without unpacking anything. Use
ziplocs for to-be-washed items that aren't being discarded along the way.
Use shampoo for laundry soap - rinses well. Pack a small bar of soap, and
a clock - some hotels had none, or only liquid soap. We never used the sandals
we packed - not enough support for cobblestone streets. Bring that umbrella
- our windbreakers soaked through.
Lisa Kilmer <email>
kokomo, IN USA 06/30/02
packing light for women
I traveled for 2 weeks throughout Europe with a medium size backpack. I
used Ziploc bags to vacuum pack my belongings. In my backpack was a spaghetti
strap black dress that could be worn with or without tee shirt under, 2
skorts, 4 tee shirts and a bunch of old underwear that I disposed of along
the way, an extra bra, very basic toiletries and 1 pair of casual walking
sandals. I wore my sweater or tied it around my waist. One the plane I wore
black leggings, long sleeve button up shirt over tee and a dressy pair of
sandals. I managed to pack light for the first time in my life and still
brought home a pair or boots from Denmark and a sweater from Norway. If
you bring a bathing suit, this can double as underwear and usually dries
out quickly. We also found that a bicycle cable with lock was handy to secure
your backpack on the train. Our backpacks had locks and loops that we ran
the cable through to lock them to the overhead baggage rack during our train
aboard ferry ride from Hamburg to Copenhagen. We always had our passports,
money and credit card in neck pouch under our clothes.
maria <email>
new orleans, la USA 06/28/02
travel light
Since I travel by bike, weight is of the essence. I take no cotton. Coolmax
underpants and T-shirts always dry overnight. Both my husband and I use
nylon long pants. For cycling I use convertible pants with zip off legs.
When I come to a castle or museum, the legs go on for modesty.
Maxi <email>
Portland, OR USA 06/27/02
Packing Light
I always save my "Holy" underwear (you know with holes in them!) as they
wear out and bring them to Europe. After they're worn for the final time
in their lifetime I just throw them away instead of worrying about laundering
them. This will give you room for those T shirts from the Hoffbrau for sure!
Also, you can ship a box of dirty clothes home very cheaply (via boat) instead
of toting it around. The Post Offices supply inexpensive boxes.
Michael <email>
Aurora, CO USA 06/25/02
packing light for women over 60
I stick to midnight blue, black, olive, Tilley silk (actually a silky microfiber
which dries in less than 8 hours) slacks, other quick dry slacks, one pair
with zipoff legs, several wrinkled silk skirts, 3-4 long sleeve scoop neck
knit tees, wrinkled silk shirt, quick dry socks, 3 pairs black silk underpants,
2 bras, silk long johns, silk kimono, pair of Clark's Sunswift ghillie style
sandals, pair of Sensi original style thongs (non slip, arched, good to
rest feet in room, canoeing, showers etc) I wear my Clark Springers walking
shoes on the trip.
Pack the Rick Steves daybag, drawing pad, small kit with small sizes
of toiletries. When on the tour I use the moneybelt for keeping passport
etc, but I have a black/navy jacket with concealed zipper pockets where
I keep other things I need during the day. I get a good haircut before
going, don't take any appliances. Instead of scarves I wear my Candomblé
do caboclo necklace which has sections in multicolored beads representing
the Orixas. And that's it, (I vary a bit if going places where toilets
are not easy and take those disposable little funnels that Magellan's
sells. That way your pants legs don't get mired. I also take lots of comfortable
high fashion sandals to places like Brasil and leave them after several
months of walking on cobbles because Brasilians are always amazed and
complimentary when an American dresses well. I never carry more than the
Rick Steves carryon and my Eagle Creek small purse guide bag. (and a crushable
felt fedora in Europe)
Ellis <email>
virginia Beach, VA USA 06/12/02
pack light with disposables
Take disposable clothes - stuff you like but not LOVE! Most of us have way
too many things in our closets & this is a great way to pass on decent clothes,
trim our own wardrobe down & make way for the inevitable purchases!!
phyllis nelson <email>
Cawston, B.C. , Canada 06/11/02
Chelsea <email>
New York, NY USA 06/10/02
Packing tips
I travel to Europe once or twice a year and I take old underwear, socks
and tee shirts that I don't mind parting with. Along the way I dispose of
the old underwear and socks and leave the tee shirt on the bed, etc., for
the maid, should she want it. This way I have room for souvenirs . If there
is any room left I buy new socks and underwear to replace the ones left
behind. Panty liners are wonderful, too.
V. Lytle <email>
Woodstock, GA USA 06/10/02
Packing Prescriptions
Don't take big bottles of prescription medicine. Instead, ask your pharmacist
for the smallest bottle they have (some even stock bottles that are much
smaller than the standard size) and have them put a new prescription label
on it. This way, you still have your medicine and prescription but you have
less to pack. Another trick is to have your pharmacist print an extra prescription
label and stick it on a ziploc bag and place your pills in it. Most pharmacists
are happy to help.
Elizabeth <email>
Brentwood, USA 06/04/02
Packing Tips
Packing tips that will make your trip less work and more fun:
1.If you cannot lift your bag over your head, you have packed too much. Just ask anyone who has tried to put their bag into an overhead compartment on a plane or train, and they'll tell you the same. Good for almost every age/strength level. I have been packing with this tip since I was 14 and I still don't have very much upper body strength but it definately keeps my pack light!
2.Nice quality cotton sweaters are perfect for summer European nights and can usually be found for $20-30 during end of season sales.
3.Pack a 3-4 Shout Wipes (unless you're extremely messy, you won't need the whole box) and have one with you at all times. If you spill tomato sauce on your pants in Rome, you can usually get the stain out or at least prevent it from setting until you get back to the hotel.
4.For women — a long black skirt made from strechy synthetics than can be worn dressy or casual is essential. It won't wrinkle, can be washed in a hotel sink, and it folds up to almost nothing. I was in Greece and Egypt once during January and this skirt worked well in hot and cold weather. The thin skirt was cool enough for hot days in Southern Egypt but when paired with long underwear and warm cotton sweater, it was plenty warm enough for cold Greece.
5.Don't have time to go back to the hotel before having a nice dinner?
Wear nice microfiber shoes that have good rubber soles that you can walk
in all day (Keds Casual or similar work well) and a long black skirt.
In your day pack, pack oil absorbing blotting sheets and 1/4 of a disposable
facial cleansing cloth (one full cloth is too much and ends up being wasteful,
so I cut mine into fourths) so you can wash your face and get rid of shine — you'll
look like your wearing makeup if your face isn't shiny. Dab on cherry
chapstick, pinch your cheeks and you're presentable. Just proves that
if you pack smart on the front end, you're ready for any situation!
Ashley Shields <email>
Nashville, TN USA 06/03/02
Packing List - weights
I keep a packing list in a database on my PDA and computer. In addition
to the usual things, such as “Description,” “To Be Packed,”
and “Done,” I also include the weight of everything, even the
suitcase. (I weigh small things on a food scale.) That way I can do a “virtual”
packing ahead of time, without actually filling a bag and standing with
it on the scale at the last minute (my old method . . .). In addition to
making sure that my bag isn’t too heavy, I can also compare items,
and make choices based on weight. (Even small things add up.)
RQ
Des Moines, IA USA 05/25/02
Packing Light
Listen to Rick. Get one of his rucksacks or something of a similar size
and if it doesn't fit, don't bring it. IF you get stuck, buy something there
and you have a souvenir. My wife and I try to bring things that dry quickly
as we prefer to pack less and wash more in sinks. Again, listen to Rick's
fundamentals and you'll be in great shape. Your next trip you won't care
as much...you'll just want to bring less.
Kevin Kossowan <email>
Edmonton, Alberta Canada 05/13/02
Leave These At Home
My home "travel stash" includes bright orange plastic school-type folders
with pockets & prongs. Inside these I put travel tips, print-outs of my
travel lists, and any other printed tidbit that I want to keep for future
reference, including travel catalog ideas. The most important orange folder
of all contains vital emergency info for my family, and is kept in a lock-box.
It's xeroxed and typed pages include (1) I.D. & FINANCIAL - (driver's licenses,
social security #s, passport copies, birth certificates, employer addresses
& phone #s, debit & credit cards, and serial #s of travelers' cheques) (2)
MEDICAL -(health insurance cards, Dr. phone #s, medical history sheets,
list of prescription meds with #s, pharmacy phone, and OTC meds list) (3)
INSURANCE (car, life, travel) (4) THIS TRIP (airline tickets, flight info,
hotel info). Don't leave home without leaving this behind!
Rebecca
Euless, TX USA 05/03/02
New Use for M&M Tubes
My daughter just loves M&M's, and usually wants the ones in the little tubes
you can get at the grocery store. Lately, they've come out with them in
clear tubes. These are just the perfect thing for using to carry along sewing
supplies (needles, mini spools of thread, safety pins). I also carry one
with a small tube of antibiotic ointment and a few Band-Aids. The tubes
tuck into those odd corners of your daybag or rucksack, and are easily checked
by eye when clearing security check-points.
Julie <email>
Renton, WA USA 04/29/02
USA 04/28/02
Cold weather travel
Just got back from Zuric. It was cold, sometimes snowy weather there in
early April! Bought one of the new Swiss backpack/carry-on bags w/wheels
before I left. It was perfect. I think that I travel with fewer clothes
than most women, but found that if I bring extras I don't wear them. This
is what I brought for cold weather travel: 1 pair black long-johns, 1 pair
black comfortable wool pants, 5 pairs socks, 1 light turtleneck sweater,
2nd light sweater, underwear, 1 black dress (made of t-shirt type material),
black tights, 1 pair shoes. In addition, I wore a pair of black pants on
the plane with a heavy sweater & a black lightweight jacket. On dressy nights,
I'd wear the black dress with a long sweater over. The dress NEVER WRINKLED
(can't say enough about zip-lock bags!). On hiking days, dressed in layers.
Used zip-lock bags for all clothes - would never travel without them. Because
the backpack -type suitcases are so small, when returning home, left all
my socks, underwear and even the 2nd pr of shoes (that I really didn't need
and wouldn't bring next time) to make room for purchases. My 2nd carry-on
bag had my cosmetics, hairdryer, reading book. and room for more purchases.
No blue jeans & no tennis shoes!
Nancy <email>
Sacramento, CA USA 04/27/02
Tricks for packing light
Aveda makes a foundation/powder makeup all in one. It comes in a little
plastic square (you can buy a bigger "compact" if you want) with a sponge.
It's great for hot weather, packs tidy and light, and costs about $20 at
beauty salons that carry the Aveda line of products.
Sandra <email>
Wilkes-Barre, PA USA 04/19/02
Packing Tip
Use mesh laundry bags for putting your clothes in to keep things separated
in your suitcase.
Lori Fasi <email>
Traverse City, MI USA 04/09/02
We ignored Rick's advice - Bad Move!
Boy, did we make a mistake by not heeding Rick's advice about travelling
light. My husband, myself and my in-laws met up at the Frankfurt Airport.
We took the metro to the Frankfurt Main station. The guide at the train
station told us to "go out and turn right", and we would be at out hotel
in about 5 minutes by foot. We schlepped our collective 8 pieces of luggage
outside into the 86 degree Frankfurt August heat. We walked, luggage in
tow, back and forth through the neighborhoods around the train station (not
suggested) searching for our hotel, which no one seemed to know. Finally,
after almost 2 hours in the heat, sweating profusely and cursing our luggage,
we found a cab driver who took us to our hotel which, was in fact, just
1 block outside the station, but to the LEFT! Next trip, we will be packing
one carry-on bag each, and plenty of deodorant!
Jan <email>
Bolingbrook, IL USA 04/06/02
All-in-one soap
Instead of packing shampoo, laundry detergent and soap, there are products
available at camping stores that are all three features in one. Moreover,
they are concentrated (therefore you need just a bit to go a long way),
work in hot, cold or salt water, and are biodegradable. I started my South
American adventure with two 120 mL (4 fl. oz.) bottles of Campsuds and I
came home with more than 3/4 of the second bottle. Laundry was clean, my
hair was clean and I was squeaky clean, even in the jungle. :)
Janet
Calgary, AB CAN 03/25/02
2 months in Europe with less than 35 pounds
I just came back from two months in Europe and manged to get by on less
than 35 pounds of gear. The trick for the cold is layering. Here is my list
of main items: 1 Primaloft Jacket 1 Rain Shell 1 thin cardigan 5 long sleeve
shirts (dark, some with prints, poly cotton blend) 2 Chino pants 1 Supplex
pant 1 T shirt 5 underwear 5 socks (dark trail running socks that dry fast)
3 undershirts 1 T shirt 1 sarong 1 pair of sandals 1 pair of black leather
shoes. I also had a sleeping sheet (didn't need) a travel pillow, Swiss
Army knife, toiletries etc. I used Packit cubes and carried a large carry
on bag/backpack and a smaller daypack. I also had a camera, a paperback
and the relevant sections of Best of Europe and Mona Winks. I used the bundle
method of packing as shown on www.packinglight.com. The bottom line is that
it can be done. Use the laundromats and sinks to wash the clothes. This
philosophy was a lifesaver when the Vaporettos in Venice went on strike
and I had to carry this gear 25 minutes from the Academia to the train station!
Peter <email>
Vancouver, BC Canada 03/18/02
golden rule
The thing I have learned over the years is to take half the cloathing you
think you will need and double the money you think you will need. On the
subject of money I find it usefull to write on the banknotes of the country
I am visiting the amount I paid for them in U.K. money. This saves the problem
of calculating the cost of things.
chris Pledger
London, U.K. 02/13/02
Forget the notebooks and guide books
Download all of your travel information onto a handheld PDA. There are many
programs that can be downloaded via the internet, including hotel and restaurant
guides. also all important information can be kept in the PDA. This takes
up almost no space, and you can also make entries from the road.
Very Frequent Flier <email>
Houston, TX USA 02/09/02
Really packing light
If you want to pack really light, take pants OTHER than jeans. Even in cold
weather, other types of pants can keep you just as warm, dry faster and
weigh so much less than 2 or 3 pairs of jeans. Do a weight & bulk comparison
and you'll see. And I buy new clothes at discount stores (like Ross or TJ
Maxx) usually for the same as or less than at thrift store. You just have
to look and plan ahead a little. I've picked up 4 tops and 3 pairs of pants
(1 with zip-off legs), a pair of shorts, a tank top and a big sleep t-shirt
(almost all on clearance at Ross or WalMart) for a 2-month trip to a hot
climate in a month...for about $42. Of course, I've been looking and buying
for about 3 months, but my convertible carry-on bag (Jansport) weighs little.
I just add nylon undies, samples of shampoo, small first-aid kit, flashlight,
bandanna, and an extra pair of sandals. I'll even have room for a fat book
(paperback), some odds and ends we like to carry (clips, safety pins, address
book, calculator, cloth bag for shopping). My husband's bag is about the
same, but with more shorts! If we need stuff, we'll buy it there. Maybe
even leave some of our clothes to make room for new.....I know lots of travelers
do this, as we have done many times. Someone can always use - or sell -
what we leave (clean, of course).
planet girl
Tallahassee, FL USA 02/07/02
Cyber Journal
Instead of carrying a heavy journal, I check into cyber cafes or public
libraries and send e-mail journal entries to myself. I also send these "Epistles
from the Road" to friends and family who enjoy watching our progress and
eavesdropping on my thoughts as we go.
Susan Landis-Steward <email>
Milwaukie, OR USA 02/07/02
pack light
If you are travelling with a girl friend and you are sililar size and height
try wardrobe combining. You have to pack less you self and have a greater
choice of outfits. If you each bring three of each thing in theory you have
six. This only works with good friends though
stacey <email>
London, uk 02/07/02
pack light
Skip the hairdryer, use the blowers for hands in any bathroom in Europe.
Get a watch with an alarm. I took two pairs of jeans, and some of those
silk long johns to put underneath, I was warm enough in six inches of snow
in Germany (the beer helped). Take travel size everything. Do not think
that you can't buy more - western europe has the same stuff they have in
America. If you have a guidebook, rip out the countries you are not going
to, or going back to, and throw it away. Always take much less than you
think you need. For women, a cute pair of black pants and a small top with
some black shoes will work either for a nice place or a club. Everywhere
else, jeans and boots and turtlenecks. Layer, layer, layer in the winter.
Take some castille soap for everything.
I know this list is random, but email me if you have questions. I backpack
pretty often, and now I have it down to a small (school size) backpack
for trips under a month. Above all, you can always buy it if you really
need it, and they have cooler clothes in Europe anyways - why not go home
with a totally unique wardrobe?
susieq <email>
Colchester (for now), TX UK (for 6 months) 02/02/02
A Small Blessing
My two sons love sports cards and from their card collecting "stash" I was
given some small zip-lock bags which are about 3" x 41/2" size. These can
be purchased from sports cards specialty stores for cheap (hey, kids buy
them!), and they hold a myriad of tiny items...vitamins, prescription drugs,
small amounts of dry laundry detergent, hair pins or clips, sewing kit,
extra buttons, extra batteries (as long as the battery ends don't touch
in there),an extra pair of earrings, paper clips & rubber bands, coins,
and folded bills to hide on your person...you get the idea! There's nothing
like good organization and down-sizing when traveling!
Rebecca
D/FW, TX USA 01/23/02
Label those ziplock bags
I've used the gallon-sized ziplock bags on my last couple trips to Europe — and
I know others have too from comnents on the Packing Light site. But to save
wondering exactly what's in those bags (if you have a mostly black travel
wardrobe like I do) use permanent marker on the bags' labels to remind you
what's in those bags. Labeled bags keep you so happy and organized!! On
my last trip some of our traveling companions (three couples traveling through
Spain) were complaining about their packing disorganization — and then I
showed them my bag. I know they will all use labeled bags on their next
trip!
Joan <email>
chicago, IL USA 01/22/02
Pack by priority
Traveling for personal travel is even easier b/c I am not worried about
creating a professional image. I check the weather forecast (weatherchannel.com)
and then lay out what I THINK I will need. Then I prioritize what HAS to
go, and pack that first. THEN I check to see if what is left is worth packing,
and usually talk myself out of 90% of it. Try this if find it hard to edit
yourself. I start by seeing if I can travel with only one pair shoes, basic
color, and then build my wardrobe around that pair of shoes. I got to Nice
once and found the shoes weren't dressy enough for an event, so I had fun
shopping for a pair of sandals that fit my budget and my feet!
When you are used to having a different outfit on everyday, it may be
hard to picture yourself wearing the same 4 outfits every day for 2 weeks,
but you would be surprised at how freeing it is. Less time trying to figure
out if the shirt that goes with those pants are clean. Make sure everything
"works" as an outfit with everything else.
Cathy
Chicago, USA 01/09/02
Packing light
My rule is: if I can't carry it for a long period, on and off ferries and
trains, I don't need it. That is why I never travel with anything that I
can't carry onto the plane. Checking baggage is a waste of time and you
could lose it. I also pack only black, gray, white things that can be washed
and do not need to be ironed. Most importantly, I take clothes (including
underclothes) that I was going to throw out or donate to Goodwill and take
them with me. Towards the end of my trip, I start discarding these items,
giving me room for anything I might want to bring back or just giving me
a lighter bag.
RHenry <email>
Humble, Texas USA 01/09/02
What travel has taught me
As a card-carrying member of Overpacker's Anonymous, I pored over the tips
on this site and other travel websites before our trip to Portugal in October.
Here's a few things that worked/that I learned along the way:
1. cotton undies DO dry overnight.
2. you really don't need to pack for every "what if..." you can imagine
3. if you're a reader, books are way too expensive in Europe - how badly do you need to read before bed?
4. CONVERTIBLE PANTS!!!
5. carry a change of clothes in the carry-on bag both ways - never know when a flight will be cancelled.
6. hotel shampoo is a great laundry detergent 7. ziplocks are good; Packmates are better
8. cramming a lot into an oversized purse may seem like you're lightening
the carry-on on paper, but it feels very heavy slung over your shoulder.
9. no matter what shoes I take when I travel, I will get blisters on my
baby toes. I end up buying a pair of "recovery" shoes wherever we are -
might be easier to bring my own
10. a 40+ woman CAN travel comfortably with a carry-on and a 24-inch roller bag that can be lifted with one hand
11. travel locks on zippers seem to excite the senses of baggage handlers- cable ties are better.
12. the most useful thing I travel with is my Canuck sense of humor.
ja <email>
Edmonton, AB Canada 01/05/02