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Post by monklady123 on Jul 7, 2017 18:56:34 GMT
Okay, let's talk about carry-on bags. I did a search here but only found one thread (or else my search skills suck, which is highly likely  ), and that thread was talking more about tote bags to take as your personal item along with whatever bag you checked. Dd and I are going to Israel in March (yeah, I'm thinking ahead, lol) and we think we would love to try to do the whole trip with just a carry-on each, plus a purse (or "purse", as a friend says...i.e., stretching the limits of what a purse is. lol. But I wouldn't do that because I'd be afraid they would make me check the bag I'd intended to be carry-on.) Anyway, I've been googling around and looking on Amazon. So far the ones I've seen on Amazon that seem to fit the dimensions get mixed reviews. And I'd love not to spend hundreds of dollars on one because I have to buy one for each of us. So for those of you who have traveled with just a carry-on tell me what you've used. My dh, who travels a LOT, suggested also that we find a fabric-type tote (kind of like the nice ones you can buy at Trader Joe's as a reusable grocery bag, but get one with a zipper) that can lay flat at the bottom of the carry-on. Then for coming home if we have things we've bought that won't fit in the carry-on, we can check that and use the fabric tote as our carry-on. Recommendations please. And also your experiences with traveling and getting by with just what you can bring in a carry-on. |
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Gravity
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Post by Gravity on Jul 7, 2017 19:06:59 GMT
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Post by anniefb on Jul 7, 2017 19:09:25 GMT
Sorry no recommendations because I always go with checked luggage when I'm travelling overseas. Not sure what airline you're going with or how long your trip will be, but the airlines I've flown with also have a weight limit for carry on - mostly it's been a maximum of 7 or 8kg (15-16 pounds).
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Belle
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Post by Belle on Jul 7, 2017 19:13:34 GMT
We met Sarah in April - we were staying at the same hotel in Florence. She has some great tips! We spent 10 days in Italy (in April) with just a carry on bag for each of us. We bought our kids their carry on bags at Costco. Pretty much anywhere in the world, you be able to buy an extra bag for checking, if you need to, so I would not bring one with you from home. |
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Post by JustCallMeMommy on Jul 7, 2017 19:15:16 GMT
I considered doing that for our summer trip, but I did a trial run at packing and realized it wasn't realistic for me. I will say though that on all of our international flights, I never saw anyone forced to gate check a bag. I see that all the time here, but because most people check luggage for longer trips, the overheads aren't filled to capacity on transatlantic flights. Do consider what happens luggage-wise if you are traveling between countries while overseas. Since we were going on trains and plains in Europe, we had to consider space often (my friend mailed back her souvenirs regularly, and I mailed back some dirty laundry about 3/4 of the way through). You could consider an "underseat" bag for your personal item. These are quite roomy - I use mine for a weekend travel bag here. It easily fit under the seat on each plane, and it was big enough to carry a purse if I ever needed to consolidate. Mine was similar to this one, but in a different pattern. Also, get a couple of collapsible bags. I had one that I carried in my purse and one in my luggage that gave me extra storage temporarily when needed. |
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Belle
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Post by Belle on Jul 7, 2017 19:15:29 GMT
Sorry no recommendations because I always go with checked luggage when I'm travelling overseas. Not sure what airline you're going with or how long your trip will be, but the airlines I've flown with also have a weight limit for carry on - mostly it's been a maximum of 7 or 8kg (15-16 pounds). Yes! Flying out of Rome, we had to weigh our rolling, carry-on along with our back pack "carry-on" and we exceeded the limit so we had to check our rolling, carry-on for the flights home. We were flying KLM and Delta. |
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Post by missbennet on Jul 7, 2017 19:18:20 GMT
And also your experiences with traveling and getting by with just what you can bring in a carry-on. I can't imagine it for international. I have a small hard-sided roller suitcase for carry on, it's made by Traveler's Choice, and I can only use it if I am out 2 days and 1 night. However, I don't pack exactly light, meaning I always have another pair of shoes in there (trainers), and I carry a make up case as well as toiletry bag. It's tight. It can work if you have a large purse and aren't carrying a laptop. Personally, I am more inconvenienced by limited wardrobe options than checking a bag. YMMV. |
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jul 7, 2017 19:21:28 GMT
I have a friend who buys new clothes and leaves dirty ones behind in hotel.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jul 7, 2017 19:22:05 GMT
My tip is more about packing.
Do tops with pants/skirts that mix and match so you can maximize your wardrobe use. Don't take anything that is single wear other than something like a pashmina t if the weather requires it.
Pick one pair of good "walking" shoes and one pair of flat strappy sandals. No other shoes.
Develop a hair style you can live with that doesn't require you to take your hair dryer, curling iron, hair gel, etc.
Don't pack anything for a "just in case" KNOW how/when each item is needed and only take what is needed. Become flexible and learn to "make do" with what you have. No one there well be seeing you again.
I can do a week out of a carry on bag. But I am extremely low maintenance (no absolutely must do skin routine, hair routine or daily make up routine... all that stuff can stay home)
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Post by lemondrop on Jul 7, 2017 19:24:44 GMT
We went to Europe last summer kids for 3 weeks. We only did carry-on. We did laundry while away (realistically, I don't have enough clothes to last 3 weeks!) We each packed a small suitcase and had a "personal" item - I had my large purse (could hold my make-up bag, book & water bottle) while my kids each had a backpack. I don't have the size of the suitcases (and I'm not home) but they weren't the tiny ones.
I rarely check bags; I prefer to have it with me.
Have a great trip!
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Post by Darcy Collins on Jul 7, 2017 19:28:36 GMT
Sorry no recommendations because I always go with checked luggage when I'm travelling overseas. Not sure what airline you're going with or how long your trip will be, but the airlines I've flown with also have a weight limit for carry on - mostly it's been a maximum of 7 or 8kg (15-16 pounds). What airline are you flying? I've never even had them weigh my carry on bag - other than the small planes in Africa. I've flown most of the major carriers, United, American, Delta, KLM, Virgin, Lufthansa, - hell I should probably just list the carriers I HAVEN'T flown (which are mostly the ultra low cost carriers in Europe like RyanAir) and have never seen anything like a 15 pound weight limit - that is highly unusual! For the OP, I have had a Tumi carryon bag for 20+ years. It's expensive, but has held up to ultra abuse and something like 600,000 miles flown. My husband's bag is similar size (which are the standard 22 x 14 x 9) that he bought 5 or so years ago - the one nice thing about it is it has the four wheels that go in all directions that make it more stable when it's standing upright. It was probably in the $150 range and we bought it at Marshall's of all places. I'm sorry I don't know the brand - and of course it's with him right now  We never check bags - the key is shoes. The absolute hardest part about carryon only is your willingness to sacrifice extra pairs of shoes and your willingness to wear your biggest pair of shoes. Clothes are actually pretty small (unless it's a ski vacation - that's a whole other situation). I can easily go a week with just a carryon - longer than that and you might need to be willing to do laundry - or you're traveling somewhere where you're living in a bathing suit and wrap (I've easily gone 2 weeks on a beach vacation with just a carry on). On our most recent family vacation we spent 2 weeks in Europe, we actually only had 3 carryons for the 4 of us. Now I knew we were renting a place in London with a washer and dryer and was willing to run a load while there - I don't see the big deal, but for some the idea of laundry on vacation is horror. It's actually easier in less developed countries as you can drop of a bag of laundry and pick it up a few hours later for a few dollars (we've done that in Costa Rica and Honduras). I also do not care about beauty product and will use whatever shampoo the hotel uses and if we're staying some where longer and renting a house/flat/condo - I just pick up something at the local market. |
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Belle
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Post by Belle on Jul 7, 2017 19:32:46 GMT
Sorry no recommendations because I always go with checked luggage when I'm travelling overseas. Not sure what airline you're going with or how long your trip will be, but the airlines I've flown with also have a weight limit for carry on - mostly it's been a maximum of 7 or 8kg (15-16 pounds). What airline are you flying? I've never even had them weigh my carry on bag - other than the small planes in Africa. I've flown most of the major carriers, United, American, Delta, KLM, Virgin, Lufthansa, - hell I should probably just list the carriers I HAVEN'T flown (which are mostly the ultra low cost carriers in Europe like RyanAir) and have never seen anything like a 15 pound weight limit - that is highly unusual! See my post above - just a few months ago we had to weigh our carry-on rolling bag along with our fabric LLBean backpack and we were not allowed to bring both onboard as they were over weight - both were within the size limit though. |
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Post by Darcy Collins on Jul 7, 2017 19:35:01 GMT
Sorry no recommendations because I always go with checked luggage when I'm travelling overseas. Not sure what airline you're going with or how long your trip will be, but the airlines I've flown with also have a weight limit for carry on - mostly it's been a maximum of 7 or 8kg (15-16 pounds). Yes! Flying out of Rome, we had to weigh our rolling, carry-on along with our back pack "carry-on" and we exceeded the limit so we had to check our rolling, carry-on for the flights home. We were flying KLM and Delta. Wow I had to check KLM's page as I haven't flown them in a while and you're right there is a carryon weight limit - although it's 26 pounds not 15-16, and I was actually in business class which is 40 pounds. Good to know if I'm ever flying with the family as I don't know if our carry on would be under lower limit. |
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Dalai Mama
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Post by Dalai Mama on Jul 7, 2017 19:37:45 GMT
I did 2 weeks in Europe with a Timbuk2 Command backpack. It was smaller than my usual carry-on but fit the draconian limits of Aer Lingus' commuter airline so, win. I had more problem with the weight of the stuff I was carrying (the bag itself only weighs 1.1kg) than the volume (32litres with dimensions of 33x29x48cm).
I love this bag!
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Post by monklady123 on Jul 7, 2017 19:42:22 GMT
Sorry no recommendations because I always go with checked luggage when I'm travelling overseas. Not sure what airline you're going with or how long your trip will be, but the airlines I've flown with also have a weight limit for carry on - mostly it's been a maximum of 7 or 8kg (15-16 pounds). What airline are you flying? I've never even had them weigh my carry on bag - other than the small planes in Africa. I've flown most of the major carriers, United, American, Delta, KLM, Virgin, Lufthansa, - hell I should probably just list the carriers I HAVEN'T flown (which are mostly the ultra low cost carriers in Europe like RyanAir) and have never seen anything like a 15 pound weight limit - that is highly unusual! For the OP, I have had a Tumi carryon bag for 20+ years. It's expensive, but has held up to ultra abuse and something like 600,000 miles flown. My husband's bag is similar size (which are the standard 22 x 14 x 9) that he bought 5 or so years ago - the one nice thing about it is it has the four wheels that go in all directions that make it more stable when it's standing upright. It was probably in the $150 range and we bought it at Marshall's of all places. I'm sorry I don't know the brand - and of course it's with him right now We never check bags - the key is shoes. The absolute hardest part about carryon only is your willingness to sacrifice extra pairs of shoes and your willingness to wear your biggest pair of shoes. Clothes are actually pretty small (unless it's a ski vacation - that's a whole other situation). I can easily go a week with just a carryon - longer than that and you might need to be willing to do laundry - or you're traveling somewhere where you're living in a bathing suit and wrap (I've easily gone 2 weeks on a beach vacation with just a carry on). On our most recent family vacation we spent 2 weeks in Europe, we actually only had 3 carryons for the 4 of us. Now I knew we were renting a place in London with a washer and dryer and was willing to run a load while there - I don't see the big deal, but for some the idea of laundry on vacation is horror. It's actually easier in less developed countries as you can drop of a bag of laundry and pick it up a few hours later for a few dollars (we've done that in Costa Rica and Honduras). I also do not care about beauty product and will use whatever shampoo the hotel uses and if we're staying some where longer and renting a house/flat/condo - I just pick up something at the local market. I would plan to wash a few things in the hotel sink if I have to. I have several short-sleeved tee-shirt style tops in a quick dry material and those can easily be washed. Same with underwear. -- And I'm pretty low-maintenance when it comes to toiletries... it's dd who will have to make some decisions. lol. Although she says she's willing. Her biggest worry was her contact lens solution but of course I can carry a lot of it in my zip-lock bag since I don't wear contacts. I hate shoes so that should be easy, lol. I may just wear whatever shoe I decide will be a good walking shoe -- athletic-style maybe -- and that will be it except for light water shoes for the Dead Sea. Anything we'll be doing in the evening is not fancy so there will be no need for dressier stuff. We will be going to church there, to a church in the Palestinian area, and the organizers have already told us that the church doesn't care what people wear as long as it's modest enough, i.e., no bare shoulders or shorts/skirts above the knee. Which I already knew is a rule at most holy sites anyway... Good job with 2 weeks in Europe with only 3 carry-ons. |
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Post by anniefb on Jul 7, 2017 19:43:16 GMT
What airline are you flying? I've never even had them weigh my carry on bag - other than the small planes in Africa. I've flown most of the major carriers, United, American, Delta, KLM, Virgin, Lufthansa, - hell I should probably just list the carriers I HAVEN'T flown (which are mostly the ultra low cost carriers in Europe like RyanAir) and have never seen anything like a 15 pound weight limit - that is highly unusual! It's the norm flying from New Zealand with Air New Zealand, Singapore Airlines, Qantas, Emirates, Thai etc. And checked baggage usually has a limit of 1 bag of around 23kg (economy class). I also experienced the same thing in Europe when flying with Austrian Airlines (max of 8kg for carry on). For international flights from NZ not every piece of carry on is weighed, but if it looks like it could be heavy or exceed the max dimensions you may well be asked to put it on the scales. Apart from Australia (east coast is 3-4 hrs away), I'm talking about long haul flights (11 hrs up to 17 hrs) so the airlines are extremely fussy about weight. SaveSave |
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Dalai Mama
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Post by Dalai Mama on Jul 7, 2017 19:46:23 GMT
Sorry no recommendations because I always go with checked luggage when I'm travelling overseas. Not sure what airline you're going with or how long your trip will be, but the airlines I've flown with also have a weight limit for carry on - mostly it's been a maximum of 7 or 8kg (15-16 pounds). What airline are you flying? I've never even had them weigh my carry on bag - other than the small planes in Africa. Aer Lingus from Edinburgh to Dublin - 7kg. Last week we flew from Toronto to Liberia, CR with Sunwing. Carry-on limit was 5kg. That one was actually easier because it was all light, tropical clothing. |
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Post by anniefb on Jul 7, 2017 19:47:43 GMT
Her biggest worry was her contact lens solution The liquids limits for flights also cause a problem if you're just using carry on so I assume you'd just buy stuff once you arrive. |
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Post by Darcy Collins on Jul 7, 2017 19:49:51 GMT
What airline are you flying? I've never even had them weigh my carry on bag - other than the small planes in Africa. Aer Lingus from Edinburgh to Dublin - 7kg. Last week we flew from Toronto to Liberia, CR with Sunwing. Carry-on limit was 5kg. That one was actually easier because it was all light, tropical clothing. You learn something new all the time. I suppose because my company always paid for business class for international trips, I've been shielded. I'm glad it's never caught up with us on our family vacations - but we use my United miles a lot and they don't have a weight limit. Definitely something I'll look for in the future! |
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Post by Darcy Collins on Jul 7, 2017 19:57:59 GMT
Her biggest worry was her contact lens solution The liquids limits for flights also cause a problem if you're just using carry on so I assume you'd just buy stuff once you arrive. This is my husband's problem too. Make sure each bottle is no more than 3 oz and the bottle will fit in a quart size bag - than distribute among the family's carryons. I don't think you said how long you're staying, but your other option is disposables for the trip. That's what my husband did in Africa. We were there for over 3 weeks and he just did not want to worry about solution and issues if he lost/ripped one. |
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Post by nellej on Jul 7, 2017 20:45:35 GMT
Try searching for onebagging or 'one bagging' tips.
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inkedup
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Post by inkedup on Jul 7, 2017 20:46:24 GMT
I'm a chronic vacation overpacker (I was much better at packing for business trips when that was part of my life.) You all amaze me!
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Post by monklady123 on Jul 7, 2017 21:05:18 GMT
I'm a chronic vacation overpacker (I was much better at packing for business trips when that was part of my life.) You all amaze me! When I was in the Peace Corps we used to travel all over the country, and beyond, with just one little bag -- a couple of dresses, a "pagne" (large piece of African cloth that is used as a skirt/dress/shawl/dust-storm-face-protector/whatever), and some underwear. lol. Then I came home and relapsed and ALWAYS over-pack. Of course it's easy to overpack if you're driving, which we usually do. But even the last time I went overseas I ended up (in a checked bag) with clothes I didn't wear. Now I am determined to reform and take myself back to my Peace Corps days. lol |
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Post by Darcy Collins on Jul 7, 2017 21:09:49 GMT
I'm a chronic vacation overpacker (I was much better at packing for business trips when that was part of my life.) You all amaze me! One trick is to remind yourself that if you truly underpack it's just an excuse to go shopping |
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scrappinmama
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Post by scrappinmama on Jul 7, 2017 21:20:46 GMT
We just spent 13 days in London and Paris (2 adults and 2 teens) and did carry-on only. We use this bag when we travel. www.ebags.com/product/ebags/mother-lode-tls-mini-21-wheeled-duffel/125538?productid=10126282Each of us brought our own carry-on containing 4 pairs of pants, 5 tops, pj's, 6 sets of underwear (bras, undershirts, underwear, socks), a rain jacket. I brought my makeup and a flat iron as well. In addition to the carry-on, we each had personal bags (either backpacks or purse). We rolled our clothes to be able to fit everything in. One of our bags had a large duffle back inside because we knew we would be coming home with souvenirs.  We had no trouble traveling to Europe in carryons. Our luggage was not weighed (Delta air). Our reason for doing carry-on was because we had connecting flights and didn't want to risk lost luggage, and were also traveling on Eurostar and wanted to keep our luggage light and easy to transport. I was so glad we did! I felt so bad for people lugging their heavy luggage through train stations. Coming home, we checked our luggage and none of them exceeded the 50lb limit. |
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Dalai Mama
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Post by Dalai Mama on Jul 7, 2017 21:41:28 GMT
Aer Lingus from Edinburgh to Dublin - 7kg. Last week we flew from Toronto to Liberia, CR with Sunwing. Carry-on limit was 5kg. That one was actually easier because it was all light, tropical clothing. You learn something new all the time. I suppose because my company always paid for business class for international trips, I've been shielded. I'm glad it's never caught up with us on our family vacations - but we use my United miles a lot and they don't have a weight limit. Definitely something I'll look for in the future! With our trip to Central America, I had the choice of $695 on the airline we took or $3,393 for Delta. |
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amom23
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Post by amom23 on Jul 7, 2017 21:42:49 GMT
Several years ago for various reasons I decided I was DONE over packing and checking a suitcase. I love the challenge of making it all fit in a carry-on. Heck I even did a 7 day Alaskan cruise with my carry-on. The trick is to pack mix and match clothing. Always roll clothing and personally I swear by packing cubes. Also, transfer toiletries to smaller containers. Do you really need 3oz of facial moisturizer? I use a lot of products and found it all fit in my quart bag once I downsized from the bigger travel size bottles. I have my DH and our kids all on board flying with just a carry-on. We have the medium rolling duffle bags from Eddie Bauer. They have the hard bottom and never tip over when standing upright. I also have the small rolling suitcase from Lipault that I use for weekend travel, etc. since it has wheels and I am so tired of carrying around a heavy tote bag. I love LUG brand bags to use as my personal bag for under the seat.
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Dalai Mama
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Post by Dalai Mama on Jul 7, 2017 21:46:22 GMT
I'm a chronic vacation overpacker (I was much better at packing for business trips when that was part of my life.) You all amaze me! I travel enough that I keep lists - tropics, in Canada, Europe, Camp. Every time I come home, I re-evaluate each item. Over the years, my drug list has grown longer and my clothing list has become shorter. |
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scrappinmama
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Post by scrappinmama on Jul 7, 2017 21:47:38 GMT
My tip is more about packing. Do tops with pants/skirts that mix and match so you can maximize your wardrobe use. Don't take anything that is single wear other than something like a pashmina t if the weather requires it. Pick one pair of good "walking" shoes and one pair of flat strappy sandals. No other shoes. Develop a hair style you can live with that doesn't require you to take your hair dryer, curling iron, hair gel, etc. Don't pack anything for a "just in case" KNOW how/when each item is needed and only take what is needed. Become flexible and learn to "make do" with what you have. No one there well be seeing you again. I can do a week out of a carry on bag. But I am extremely low maintenance (no absolutely must do skin routine, hair routine or daily make up routine... all that stuff can stay home) Yes this is great advice! We always make sure our tops will match with different pants. Plus if you can do laundry, wash halfway through the trip. This way you don't need clothes to last the entire trip. |
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Post by SockMonkey on Jul 7, 2017 21:53:08 GMT
I've done China and Europe three times (2 weeks at a time) with a rolling carry-on suitcase and a backpack (small school-size). I got the roll bags at Kohl's, I think. Or maybe Target? Something lightweight and with four separate rolling wheels is key. It's a real pain in the ass to haul a rolling suitcase with only 2 free rolling wheels; you want the kind that all four wheels go 360º.
You just have to pack creatively and use travel size toiletries or buy when you get there and leave behind.
It's not that hard. You'd want to plan wardrobe items that pack easily and can be reworn as needed (or easily laundered). Stick to neutrals with one color. I always wear black and/or navy when I travel. Khaki in summer. NO white shirts or anything that will show stains easily.
I have used those space bags that you roll to get the air out, and they actually did help. They helped keep the wrinkles down and I could fit more stuff in. They sell them at Target with the luggage stuff.
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), and that thread was talking more about tote bags to take as your personal item along with whatever bag you checked. Dd and I are going to Israel in March (yeah, I'm thinking ahead, lol) and we think we would love to try to do the whole trip with just a carry-on each, plus a purse (or "purse", as a friend says...i.e., stretching the limits of what a purse is. lol. But I wouldn't do that because I'd be afraid they would make me check the bag I'd intended to be carry-on.)
