Tricks for Packing Light: 2003
Share your creative tricks to fit your world into a small bag for a European trip.
General Tips
I love organizing and packing for a trip, so keeping this brief was a challenge, and I tried to cover new ideas or reiterate the ones that worked well for me.
Packing Folder: These are great. Keeps pants and shirts organized and wrinkle-free. A simple garbage bag (also handy as a laundry bag) separates the clean clothes from dirty.
Toiletry Kit: Generous sized ones are a good place to store lots of other misc things; medical kit, sewing kit, laundry stuff, medicine, travel clock, etc... I used to use cubes for this, but now only carry 1 cube for underwear/socks.
Shirts: Don't bring too many. Ahead of your trip, find 2 lightweight, fast-drying shirts that you really feel good in (I like REI's, with built-in "money-belt" equivalent). I found that even when I brought a week's worth of shirts some trips, I still ended up wearing my 2 favorites over and over. Ditto above for pants.
Digital Camera: A good (4-5 MP), small camera with a couple high capacity (512MB) memory cards I find more convenient, and less worry, than film. Modern cameras also take fantastic video, with sound, so give best of both worlds.
Misc: Doing laundry is a relaxing break (for me), usually with a beer, book, and lunch, and finding a laundromat can sometimes lead you to some interesting places. I'm not one of those people who MUST be sight-seeing unless I'm sleeping; I enjoy some normal, familiar downtime. Leave the journal at home, use postcards. FedEx/mail home souvenirs and books as you go (makes a nice time capsule and it's fun to get packages). Rick's Civita day-bag is great. Keep books to a minimum (use portable MP3 player with books-on-tape).
BWS
Portland, OR USA 12/30/03
Packing tools
Space saver bags are good...especially for dirty laundry. But, sometimes clothes can become extremely "wrinkly." I used a combo of space savers and of packing cubes. Cubes were great because it organized my luggage and I new exactly where everything was...no digging for anything. Also great if you have to open up your luggage for inspection. I saved a ton of space using cubes and bags. My family in Europe were amazed that I only brought a small backpack and one carrying case for my month long trip. I heard packing folders are great too. You can usually find great deals for space saver backs, packing cubes, and folders at www.ebags.com.
Rose
Milwaukee, WI USA 12/08/03
Use Space Bags for Bulky Items
The space saver bags I bought from REI were essential on my November trip to Germany. If you're going to Europe in the chillier months, consider using these to pack your sweaters.
USA 11/29/03
Dispose of clothes as you go!
Rick is right - every trip to Europe I pack lighter and lighter. This time, I'm packing clothes that are still in good condition, though not necessarily my favorites -- and I will dispose of them as I go along. Instead of filling my one carry-on bag with dirty clothes, I will fill them with souvenirs and other memories of my trip! This technique worked quite well on our summer road trip of the Western U.S.!
Kris <email>
Seattle, WA USA 11/21/03
Voltage
Check your voltages and see if the appliance you are using is dual voltage or not (a lot are nowadays - you need to switch from one to the other and use an adapter plug). Check this website for info on voltage here and abroad. it's an excellent resource: www.voltagevalet.com/idx.html
planetgirl
FL USA 11/17/03
Check your voltages
You might be surprised to find out that many electric devices are capabile of operating on US and European voltages. I wasted $20 on a voltage converter that I didn't need. Check the UL rating on your electronic items. If the label says 50/60 Hz and 120/220V, you won't need a converter to run it. You WILL however need to buy some outlet plug adaptors.
Jason <email>
Reno, NV USA 11/16/03
Baggallini
My family (8 of us) spent the summer in Europe with a backpack apiece - to the amazement of everyone who saw us. Thanks for all the tips! A few tips to offer in return: don't pack a washcloth; those nylon scrub puffs dry in a few shakes. Don't take clothes you don't really like just because they have all those neat "travel" features; Back Door challenges are better met when you feel comfortable and good about yourself.
Take along a Baggallini! This is a nylon rucksack that tucks into its own front pocket, weighs next to nothing, and can be tossed into a purse or the teeniest leftover corner of your backpack. We used them daily as daypacks, beachbags, shopping bags, laundry sacks, picnic baskets, carryon luggage for essentials on those European hops where baggage limits are stringently enforced...Ours were less than $15 from ebags - we probably saved that much not having to purchase grocery bags.
Tricia
Tallahassee, FL USA 10/20/03
Pack the Right Fabrics
If you pick the right fabrics, your clothes will look good and usually dry within several hours or almost always overnight. Never pack heavy cottons or denim because they take forever to dry, even in a clothes dryer! Cotton polyester blends are definitely the best quick dry fabrics. Synthetics like CoolMax, microfiber or acetate work beautifully as do nylon. Chico's, Magellan's and Travelsmith have clothes made from these fabrics, but with a little sleuthing, you can find them in your neighborhood department store also.
Betty K. <email>
Missouri City, tx USA 10/20/03
Tricks for Packing Light
For years (visiting some 30 countries over three decades), I have always taken old clothes to leave behind and make room for souvenirs. But I don't throw the clothes away. I give them to appreciative hotel maids, telling them (or leaving a note) that if they can't use them, perhaps they know someone who can. I'll never forget the look of delight a young hotel maid had once in Rome, when I gave her a nice blazer. And my Russian tour guide--who I bestowed with a raincoat, skirts, T-shirts and shorts--excitedly told me that she hadn't owned a pair of shorts since she was a child. Of course, there are always charity shops (especially in Britain) to donate items, too.
Sharon
San Diego, CA USA 10/13/03
Packing a suitcase
We just spent three weeks in Italy and before we left, I tried to find a better way of packing three weeks of clothing in a Rick Steves wheeled case. I came up with a great idea. Fold your shirts and trousers and undergarments and put one or two items in a 2 1/2 gallon ziplock bag. Put it on a chair and sit on it. Then zipper it up while sitting on it and it will be a very thin item to pack. This method will prevent wrinkles and will allow you to pack more.You can do this with any type of clothing.
John Evangelisti <email>
Lorain, OH USA 10/01/03
Packing Light
We use 1-gallon freezer bags to pack our clothes in. We squeeze out the air, making more room in a small rolling suitcase. Also we save older clothes that we donate when we are done to a local charity or throw away. We used 1 suitcase and 1 book bag/purse each for 2 weeks travel. The valuables (passport, cash, etc.) are always kept in our moneybelt. Jewelry is kept basic - nothing upsetting to lose. Don't overpack - no one is going to help you with that heavy bulky luggage. We bought wearable souvenirs to replace what we got rid of.
Laurie <email>
Mesa, AZ USA 09/15/03
Take Old clothes
I very often take clothes to Europe that I am getting ready to toss. I leave them behind. This allows me plenty of space for souvenirs. The same goes for shoes, and shoes are heavy.
Ava <email>
New York, NY USA 09/03/03
Every time I return from a vacation in which I have kept a journal, I write a page entitled "What I Was Glad I Brought" and another entitled "What I Wish I Left Home". These notes have been of great help in packing more lightly for future trips. I realize how many changes of clothing I actually need, what laundry and personal wash-up items are useful and which are excessive. On this journal page I also jot down how the items I chose to take performed in the weather conditions. I'm one of those people who get cold when the temperature drops to 70 degrees. It's important to me to have enough warm clothing. My diary helps me decide whether to bring more layers, or else fewer but warmer ones. I also has been responsible for me leaving home make-up, scarves, and other items I thought I would get use of but neve really did.
jane Reed <email>
Pacoima, ca USA 07/30/03
Zip-off-leg pants
My wife and I recently returned from a trip starting in London, down through France and ending in Rome. The most valuable clothing we had was the nylon zip-off-leg pants we got from Lands End. They handwashed and dried super easily, were as comfortable as pajamas, and really came in handy for modest attire for the cathedrals in hot Italy. Having shorts and long pants together in one clothing item was great for the cool weather in London and Paris as well as for the extreme heat in Rome and Pompei. They also had plenty of pocket space for maps, etc., as well as handy "safe" pockets with velcro flaps.
Kent Stork <email>
Fremont, NE USA 07/21/03
travelling light
I take only tiny amounts of shampoo, etc and plan to shop for what I need in European stores. They have most of the same stuff we have and sometimes other more interesting supplies. I bought baby nail scissors in Venice (very cheaply) to use for sewing, etc. Nail files are easy to find. After travelling with some sort of knife for 30 years, I did just fine without. Cheese and most fruit can be cut with serrated-edge plastic knives. Picnics--I carry nuts, cheese, dried fruit. It's lightweight and compact. Sleepwear--I take lightweight knit pants (from Wal-Mart or Target) and wear them for sleeping or walking around. Shorts--at resort-type places found these to be expensive, so I will carry lightweight nylon shorts next time. In England, I have bought any clothes I need at thrift stores very cheaply. I left them behind to wave on weight. I always throw away everything not essential before heading for my return flight:toothpaste, shampoo, etc. Sure makes that last few hours before departure easier.
Shana <email>
Calistoga, CA USA 07/18/03
You can still be comfortable w/o jeans
The less the better. Bring only clothes that you can mix and match and that wash well in a sink. I know no one wants to hear it, but jeans and sneakers are a sure way to stick out. The only jeans I saw were either designer ie: Gucci, or on American tourists. The people in Europe do dress nicely, and it is possible for us to look nice and still be comfortable. To wear a t-shirt with Bubbas Shrimp Shack emblazoned on the front in Notre Dame is disrespectful. The best thing I did was bring a black cardigan and white cardigan with 5 tank tops to wear underneath. I could dress them up or down and if I got hot, I could just take it off. There are a ton of nice looking shoes that are made for walking. These are great because you can wear them during the day and also at night which means you can pack less. The bottom line is, there is plenty of affordable, comfortable, nice looking clothing. If you insist on bringing t-shirts and jeans, be aware that some places do have a dress code. Anywhere in Monaco or Monte Carlo will turn you away and the Notre Dame does ask that you dress appropriatly. I actually did see a guy in Bubba's t-shirt! Just remember, when in Rome.....
K. Candullo <email>
Ridgefield, CT USA 07/07/03
Packing Light
Take clothes you like. Everyone says don't take jeans. I love my jeans. Love them. Last summer I almost didn't take them and was very glad I did. We were living out of our backpacks for a month and wearing the same clothes over and over again. Why take clothes you don't like? It makes no sense. Same goes for all black. Black is good, but all black is not. Disposable facial cloths are an excellent source of body wash/face wash. And the premoistened ones by Dove and Biore are very handy when you can't get to a shower. Take both, you won't be sorry!
Sarah <email>
Sarasota, FL USA 06/30/03
Bring lots of versatile, mix and match clothing which can do double duty (zip off pants, dress which can double as a skirt, etc). Thin, layerable clothing is the best because they dry faster. I found Europeans to be much more modest dressers. I bought a sleeveless, black cotton knee-length sundress from The Gap. It could be dressed up with jewelery or dressed down with a sweater. Also, different coloured tank tops and cardigans are a great way to vary your look. The tops are a lot easier to wash than the sweaters and take up no space in the suitcase.
Karla
Strasbourg, France 06/27/03
The lighter the better
I spent 62 days traveling around Europe two summers ago. I brought a small backpack (like a book bag) with the following:
Clothes: 3 T-shirts (cool max), 1 Long-sleeve shirt (Ex Officio), 1 shorts, 2 convertible pants (Ex Officio), Rain Gear, 4 socks (nylon), 3 underwear (REI), 1 pair shoes (Montrail Vitesse).
Personals: tooth brush and paste, soap (dr. bonners), deoderant, razor, tiny Knife (Swiss Army classic), travek TP, Detergent with half a raquet ball that fits over the bottle for stopping up sinks to wash clothes, pocket clothes line, assorted pills (asprin, immodium, vitamins).
Everything Else: sleeping bag liner (coolmax), travel pillow, camera, guidebook, 1 paperback book (you can trade or buy others), and snacks].
Changes: Half way through the trip I wish I would have brought something to sleep/wash clothes in. Also, a bit thicker sleeping sheet since many places I stayed were nasty. Also, I would have liked something a bit nicer to wear in Italy. I never needed the rain gear except when used as a windbreaker in Switzerland.
I cannot tell you what a pleasure it was traveling light... I could run to catch trains, was more aware of my surroundings, I stuck out less, I did not have to leave my stuff anywhere since it was light, and I generally had a better/easier time. I would zoom past other tourists at the train stations that had large backpacks weighing 45lbs--mine was under 15lbs--their faces red and sweating from the weight while they were trying to catch their train--they didn't make it. Try it and you'll love it.
RSB <email>
houston, tx USA 06/26/03
Learn from our error - pack lighter!
I want to reiterate AGAIN the importance of packing light! I thought I knew it, but went along with my husband and used our largest suitcases. "We'll have more room to bring stuff back!" he said, and I believed him! But after this trip, we've both learned our lesson. Our suitcases (and by the end of the trip, our overburdened carry-ons) were so heavy by the third leg of our trip that we could barely roll them. But our hotel in London, and our room on the third floor, had only narrow, twisty stairs - no lift! Trying to get the suitcases up there was harrowing, expecially in the hot weather. And forget taking the tube anywhere with them. We had to pay for an expensive cab ride to and from the airport (48 pounds) and our bags barely fit in the little car! One thing that was useful was the travel-sized bottle of Febreeze. If you carefully hang everything in the evening after you take it off, you can just give it a couple quick sprays (underwear excluded!). It's not as good as washing, but make you feel better about rewearing clothes.
Seattle, USA 06/17/03
I've been packing lite to Europe since1972.Taking mostly old clothes to leave is my best tip. Europeans don't go on holiday in all new stuff!Don"t look torn or really awful just used! Just got back from trip with husband and 17 yr old son to Germany and Austria and locals and other tourists were repeatedly surprised that we were American. Truly used clothing "blends in"! Other tip-Hot water maker + old mug for tea soup etc .We also take a powdered juice drink to mix with water. We ALWAYS take 2 pair of shoes (One may get very wet or may come apart) Good travels!
Katherine Delk-Calkins <email>
Aurora, IN USA 06/16/03
PACKING TIIPS
Great tips, everyone! Here are a few I've gleaned from over 20 years of travel from 5* cruises to the one month/one bag types. NEVER take 2 bags that must be carried or wheeled: one tote/carryon that can be attached to the larger suitcase if you HAVE to take a big suitcase is enough. Products I won't travel without:
YOUR OWN FAVORITE SUNSCREEN...PACK ENOUGH. While I buy shampoo, soap, etc....it is often hard to figure out which will not give you a rash. SAVE YOUR BACK BAG/BACKPACK--the straps zip apart to wear as backpack or purse: plenty of pockets inside and out for water bottle, etc. Buy the small one or you will be sorry, lol. Only keep things you won't miss in it: enough cash for a dinner or a little souvenier, guide book, sunglasses. Far lighter and lower profile than most backpacks, still can be susceptible to thieves. Normally I HATE backpacks, but they do allow you to have both hands free while shopping, climbing stairs, etc. MONEY BELT OR NECK POUCH--ALWAYS FOREVER NEW fabric wash(in the lingerie department...rinses clean very easily, much more so than soap, shampoo or Woolite. MICROFIBER/NYLON PANTIES--my fav are "no panty lines by Jockey." Rolled in a towel after washing, they are dry in 30 min. TRAVEL BOTTLES FROM REI: Nalgene or their flip top ones: I have NEVER had them leak. Be sure to squeeze some air out of them before packing to allow room for expansion at altitude. ZIP LOCK BAGS---1 gallon, 1 quart, sandwich....good for wet or dirty clothes, receipts, whatever.
I ALWAYS take a 2nd pair of shoes, wear the heavier pair, but if on a month long trip, I will NOT gamble on finding something that will be immediately comfortable overseas. Flip flops are great, but not for all the hours of walking I do. I always take a set of tights +tshirt that I can wear to aerobics, on a hike, or under a nightie if it is cold, Black or navy is my "bottom" color of choice if only because it does not show the dirt. While solid black or navy is monotonous, i take one top of each color and a scarf to wear as well as a few "nice" tshirts in simple colors you can wear with a easily packable cardigan in either of your dark colors. I DO like to wear dresses in the hot summer: tshirt dresses knee length or calf length in navy or black...with scarf or cardigan will do for even the fanciest places. Many hotels (even semi-budget ones) have laundry service: 9Euros in Italy for up to 15# of clothes...same day service. Well worth it not to have to find a laundromat, haul your clothes, and figure out the foreign washing. FLAT PACKABE NYLON BAG in bottom of suitcase: if you only take one bag, you can put all your dirty clothes in it and check it on the way home!
EXTRA LUGGAGE TAG AND LOCK....in many asian countries mine have gone missing. Shoe bags (or the large zip locks) many poo poo this idea...but your shoes WILL be filthy and they can save the rest of your clothing---on the way over, stuff shoes with undies and socks. GLOVES NO MATTER WHAT THE SEASON: keep your hands clean on filthy subways, and if your hands are cold, the rest of you is miserable. HANG YOUR CLOTHES OVER NIGHT AFTER TAKING THEM OFF....INSIDE OUT...will definitely last longer and gets the smell out before mingling with your clean stuff. THINGS I WILL NEVER TAKE: white pants, hugely bright floral shirts, white shoes: all advertise you as an american and get filthy if really browsing wherever. Bring a full set of makeup--many rooms have very poor mirrors--lipstick and mascara are enough. Hair dryer---be content with a wash and go style. I always BUY a candle when I get to my destination: many Europeans smoke, and it makes my budget room cheerier as well as smell better. Sorry to be so long-winded...hope some of these are useful.
pc <email>
Fair Oaks, CA USA 06/08/03
Packing for 2
Definitely pack light. For a two-week Italian vacation, my husband and I shared a mid sized suitcase (clothes, shoes) and a small carryon tote (toiletries, books, etc). I brought 1pr tennis shoes, 1pr black sandals, 1pr blk flip flops, 1pr jeans, 1pr blk capris, 2pr shorts, 5 tees, 1 cardigan, 1 jean jacket, 2 socks, 7 panties, 2 bras, 1 hat, 1 scarf, 3pr earrings. My husband packed comparable men's clothing, however his stuff took up more room than mine. We did have room to bring back souvenirs, which was great. I really didn't wear and could have eliminated 1 short, the hat, the scarf, and the jean jacket, and maybe 1pr of shoes. We did laundry after week 1, and I handwashed a couple of items. Overall, I thought it was the best we've done so far for a European trip.
LWC <email>
San Francisco, CA USA 06/07/03
Two words: Nylon micofiber
Yes, I know, you love natural fabrics: 100% cotton, wool, silk. But after nearly a year of roughing it in Europe I've converted to nylon microfiber gear (I like "Ex Officio"). Advantage: quick drying, wrinkle-, stain-, rot-resistent. Extremely lighweight. Layers well. Wears like iron. Velcro+zipper security pockets. Disadvantage: high initial cost (Pants: USD$60, Shirt: USD$80). Worth it? You're darn tootin'. Wash it 10 p.m. at night in hotel sink with liquid hand soap, it'll be dry by 9 a.m. the next morning. Also, if you're doing the ultra-cheap hostel thing, pack a "PackTowel", also microfiber (cheap hostels do not have/rent towels).
Other lightweight stuff worth their weight in gold: earplugs--get them from a US pharmacy (many have a little carrying case) + eyeshades (often free with transcontinental flight): they weigh nearly nothing, but will help you get something resembling sleep on that overnight train ride or summer Madrid youth hostel. On my simple split key ring: a Leatherman "micra" multi-tool, and maglite mini-flashlight. (I carry a separate stainless-steel corkscrew/bottleopener...one on a swiss army knife in the pocket is too bulky for me).
John B
Budapest, Hungary 05/16/03
Pack light; shop on arrival
Here is how you can pack lightly. If traveling during Spring or Summer, pack only one pair of shorts and one pair of pants. Once you get a feel for the weather on arrival, go shopping for more shorts or pants.
USA 05/09/03
Packing light
I saw an idea in a sewing book for making reversible clothes that would provide variety with less bulk. Those who sew will get the idea quickly. For example, a cap sleeved top was cut from 4 different fabrics, two fronts and two backs, joined at the neckline and sleeve and left loose at the hem so that the inside top is either tucked in or, if carefully hemmed left out. Especially good with cardigans or jackets where the back won't show. Similarly, with a gathered waist skirt, two fabrics are joined at the waistline and the casing formed by taking a seam an inch below. Again, careful hemming is required so that the inside skirt doesn't show. A sleeveless dress could also be done. I don't know if these could be bought or if they would only be for home sewers to try.
I. Freer <email>
Surrey, B.C. Canada 04/26/03
small ziploc bags
Small resealable bags (3"x4", available in jewelry/bead shops for $1) are lighter and more compact than film cannisters for vitamins and other small stuff. I didn't have the patience to find a bead shop with the bags in stock, and ended up buying 1000 of them wholesale on the net for $9 including shipping. I'm down to just 200 left. They're handy for lots of things.
Sue Swafford <email>
Oakland, CA USA 04/13/03
a couple of tips
I take products with only a small amount left in them so that I can toss them before returning home. I cut out the parts of guides I plan to use and punch a hole in one corner and then put a binder ring through the pages. As I use them I throw them away. Unfortunately too much can change in such a short time. Example - the Orsay museum's exhibits were different from our 2003 guide book. I also use WORD to make a table of restaurants we'd like to visit by area w/phone number so we can make our reservations during the day. This is much lighter than any book you would carry.
AnnGe <email>
Annapolis, MD USA 04/03/03
Organizing memories/wearing all black
I agree that using postcards is a great alternative to a journal. I use an accordian-folder-type photo organizers to store my postcards, plus receipts, folded brochures, and small souvenirs. You can buy them in most photo shops (I bought mine at Wal-Mart) and they usually have about 15 pockets that can hold 4x6 pictures or postcards. I assign one pocket per city to help me stay organized.
As for the black clothes debate: I agree that all black is boring. I usually bring a black skirt and black capris, khaki slacks and shorts. With this as my base, I can wear shirts of ANY color. You can often find black/white/khaki stripe shirts (again at Wal-Mart) that go with everthing, but I bring white, red, pink, blue. Buy scarves (here or in Europe) to dress yourself up or fit in with the locals. But above all, be yourself.
Jennifer
MN USA 04/01/03
packing light
On our last summer trip we took two pairs of travel pants exactly alike for our son, the kind with zip off legs. But we only took one pair of the legs, which he carried in his day pack. That way he had two changes of shorts and one set of the legs to fit whichever pair of shorts he had on at the time for when he needed long pants.
Nancy <email>
Spokane, WA USA 03/31/03
Film cannisters to travel light
For the past several years I have packed vitamins, medicines, jewelry, lotions, creams, sewing kit and other small items in film cannisters. Some film comes in clear cannisters, so you can see what is inside, and for black ones, I write on the lid with a Sharpie pen, or wrap tape around and mark that. I put all the vitamins for each day in one can, so I can discard it when I've taken them. (Extra hint: I always take one or two extra days' worth in case of travel delays!) I usually take one or two with bath salts for a relaxing bath on the road. They are the perfect size, and free! (Although now that so many of us are going digital, we may not produce quite so many empties as before, so I now hang onto them more often than not.)
USA 03/28/03
rubber bands vs pony tail holders
My husband is a big guy and wears big clothes, and every little bit of room counts!~ He finds that ponytail holders work much better than rubber bands to keep your clothes rolled when you're packing. They last longer and don't break as often. I'm not quite as thrilled with this idea, as I can't put my hair up today...he used all my ponytail holders!
Anne <email>
CA 03/21/03
toiletries
Hair conditioner doubles up as shaving lotion for legs/under arm, it really work fine, and i have sensitive skin, and the great thing is you only need to use a tiny tiny bit for a whole leg! and I agree with using LUSH shampoo bars, I went camping and used one to wash my body, hair and clothes and they last ages!
Kathering <email>
Dublin, Ireland 03/19/03
Packing for Kids
I pack my 8-year-old's outfits in Ziplock bags, one outfit per bag. That way, she can find a complete outfit without having to ask me anything each morning. It saves a lot of stress.
Julie <email>
Renton, WA USA 03/05/03
2 gallon bags
I pack 1 outfit in a 2 gallon ziplock bag and push all the air out. It works great!
Joyce <email>
McDonough, GA USA 03/04/03
Cube Its and Vacuum Sealing Clothes
I use my Foodsaver Vacuum Sealer to pack clothes for Europe & Asia. I vacuum pack underwear according to how many days in a city: i.e., Shanghai, 4 days, 4 pr. seal then mark with the city name. I do the same with socks, and I only "unpack" for the city I am in. I have also vacuum sealed jeans, in the long roll of bags that you cut to fit your needs. My jeans are 1/4 of the height in the suitcase. The only drawback is you can't vacuum pack anything you don't want to wrinkle, but I travel with a clothes steamer. I also use the Cube Its containers. When my suitcase is opened, everything is contained in Cube Its, and I can pack in less than 5 minutes. They are awesome.
Stacy <email>
Seattle, WA USA 02/27/03
Packing in bags
For Christmas I received (and have tested) Space Bags for packing. You stuff them with your clothes and press the air out by rolling them up towards the one-way valve - really reduces the bulk which will come in handy when I go to the UK in April, & expect cold temps. which necessitates heavier clothes. These Space Bags are cousins to the ones that you suck air out of with a vacuum cleaner and are available at Brookstone and Linens & Things (and probably online). The bags that use a vacuum cleaner actually sqaush things down more than the manual ones, but the chances of having a vacuum available at one's destination to re-compress after opening the bag is pretty slim, so I keep those ones at home to use for storage. In addition, with the increased airport security and potential opening of checked luggage, having ones clothes in plastic bags will facilitate the inspections and keep things from spilling out. Also I always take my toiletries in disposable rather than reusable containers, to reduce bulk as I go along - anything to make room for one more souvenir T shirt. Removing all film from the plastic canisters helps too.
MRH
L.A., CA USA 02/26/03
No locks
Instead of locks, cable ties on zipper pulls of bags that are being checked, would be a small deterrant to the quick thefts that happen en route. Security could easily cut them if they see something odd and you would at least know if your bag had been opened. Yet another reason to only pack what you can take as carry on I guess.
Canada 01/22/03
I agree, you can pack light without packing ALL Black. I went to Germany in December and packed everything in a carryon bag. I only packed 4 pants, 6 shirts, 5 undies, 5 socks. I made sure that all shirts went well with all pants. Actually had 1 pair I didn't wear at all...too cold for thin pants! So, it can be done.
Ann Crist <email>
CA USA 01/21/03
Travel Light!
After a grueling trip to China with a 50 lb. bag a couple years ago, I learned my lesson this year and went to France with 1 tiny carry on. The secret was all black....black pants, black tops, 1 black sweater, 1 black dress, 1 pr. black shoes, black swimsuit, black tank tops, etc. Black always looks classy, can be dressed up or down with a simple necklace or scarf and doesn't show dirt even after 24 hours stuck in an airport. I also took old underwear and just threw it away once it used it....leaving me room to bring back some souvenirs and still stick to my one small bag. It was SO much easier!
Laurie Gaines <email>
Placida, FL USA 01/19/03
Pack in bundles
I used these hints and Rick's packing list this summer when we flew our small, four-seat airplane halfway around the US (traveling light takes on new meaning when the plane can go down if overweight). I discovered that packing entire outfits together (pants, shirt, underwear, socks) and rolling them up made them easy to pack and easy to retrieve to place in a smaller backpack that we used to hike to our hotels. Also helped reduce wrinkles. Shout Wipes were a boost to laundry--took out stains so we didn't have to wash as often and removed them so they didn't set in the too-hot hotel dryers.
Nancy <email>
Vancouver, wa USA 01/13/03
Packing Tips
My husband was taught that when traveling, bring your worst t-shirts/undershirts. When we Eurrailed in June 2000 he brought his worst undershirts. Instead of carrying dirty shirts in his bag, he'd throw the shirt away after he wore it. This way his bag became a bit lighter throughout the trip, and he was able to carry more of my purchases! I might just do something similar this year when we go!
Amy <email>
Arlington Heights, IL USA 01/07/03
Packing light
My husband and I just got back from London and took Rick's advise to pack light. We took a carry on each and it worked great - no lugging bags through the airport, trains, etc. Everyone thought we were crazy to go to London for a week with only a carry on, but we mixed and matched clothes, took a special outfit for evening wear (which we wore to all concerts and plays - I changed out scarves) and had no problems. In fact, my husband plans to take less next time! I don't know how this will work in the summer, but for the winter it only makes sense.
Donna <email>
Powder Springs, GA USA 01/06/03