Packing Light

[puppymommo]

In April I will be traveling in Israel for 12 days followed by 6 days in NYC. I really want to travel with just a carry on. Once I finish gathering my planned travel wardrobe I will see if I can actually get it all in. Part of my approach is reversible tops. I plan to travel with 5 reversible tops, 3 sleeveless and 2 sweaters. That will give me 10 outfits in the space of 5. I plan to bring quick-drying intimates that I can wash as I go. I will have access to laundry facilities when I get to NYC. Anyone else have any ideas for packing light for a trip of this length?

 

[jimf41]

I highly recommend this video advice. Unfortunately my wife totally ignores it.

http://www.nytimes.com/slideshow/20...ial/20100506-pack-ss.html?src=me&ref=business

 

[WinniWoman]

I have brought a clothesline/thick string and suction cups in case we need to rinse anything out. Unfortunately, I do not know how to describe to you how I pack my stuff in the carry-on. I would have to show you.

 

[spirits]

We do not travel by plane so I have always had the luxury of trailering or going by car. Never any restrictions on luggage. But one year I went to New York with my high school students. I had an experienced traveller with me so did not have to pack extra maps, alarm clocks etc.......now with cell phones that might be moot.

Anyway, for 6 days I decided to go very very light. I had a large carry on and a briefcase for essential information about the students...so basically just a carry on. I washed clothes every night...just the tops really. One pair of shoes turned out to be very uncomfortable so I just used one pair. I needed to pack them coming home because I paid over 200 for them...they were supposed to be great walking shoes but somehow did not fit my arch and I was too cheap to leave them behind. (; I was the envy of all my students who really overpacked....and I would not hesitate to travel like that again. Loved the freedom and simple lifestyle of easy carry and not relying on the airport looking after checked in luggage.

However, I could not do that again if I went with my husband. I am not on a lot of medications but he is. We have some friends who have a small suitcase just made up of their medications that they have to take as a carryon. WOW......that would be a downer for me.

 

[Phydeaux]

In April I will be traveling in Israel for 12 days followed by 6 days in NYC. I really want to travel with just a carry on. Once I finish gathering my planned travel wardrobe I will see if I can actually get it all in. Part of my approach is reversible tops. I plan to travel with 5 reversible tops, 3 sleeveless and 2 sweaters. That will give me 10 outfits in the space of 5. I plan to bring quick-drying intimates that I can wash as I go. I will have access to laundry facilities when I get to NYC. Anyone else have any ideas for packing light for a trip of this length?

Yes, buy these, travel vacuum storage bags. Best travel invention in a very long time. No vacuum cleaner needed.

https://www.amazon.com/Travel-Stora...&keywords=travel+clothing+storage+vacuum+bags

 

[clifffaith]

We have traveled light since the first time we had to struggle with full sized luggage in a European rental car and then on the Metro. We each use a Rick Steves rollaboard. I use a medium sized tote as my personal item and Cliff uses a small backpack. We can go four weeks this way. Washing underwear in the sink, timing it so things have at least 24 hours to dry before our next move ( certain parties can wring the life out of a washcloth, but need remedial wringing help when it comes to undies).

 

[VacationForever]

When I am travelling on my own regardless of duration, I only travel with a carry on and a personal item. I do not wash clothes in the room unless there is a washer/dryer in the room like in a timeshare, and even so I will have to pack my own laundry detergent. I am horribly allergic to pretty much to all tested preservatives and many types of chemical so it is a pain when I have to do laundry when I travel. I do own more about 2 months supply of undies (LOL) and since they are small and light, I just pack based on the number of days and then plus 2. I put the used ones in a plastic bag so that I take them home to wash.

For a long trip, I pack about 8 to 10 tops and 5 pants in my carry on and hope that they are clean enough for a 2nd or 3rd wear. If needed, I suck it up and send the clothes for dry cleaning. Somehow I am less allergic to the dry cleaning (not sure what they use) stuff. Scarves make great tops too and when I used to travel for business alot, I packed 4 to 5 silk scarves and tie them behind my neck and back, with hair covering the knot at the neck, to make it a blouse and always with a jacket over it. People said I looked so stylish... LOL

I always pack my clothes flat to cover the entire luggage surface as I believe that to be more efficient use of the luggage. My husband believes that rolling each piece is more efficient. Who knows.

These days when I travel with my husband I do check in my luggage since he has too much to pack to be able to get them into a carry on. It helps in my packing as I have to carry my alllergent-free shampoo, body wash and lotion and not have to worry about repacking them into carry on size bottles.

Oh... and we use IT Lightweight luggages. Best creation ever.

 

[jehb2]

Check out the ricksteves.com website. There is a "packing" forum. Those folks are totally focused on traveling light. Our past 3 vacations including Europe and Japan we have travel with just carryons. Our trips involved a lot of train travel so we had no choice.

Europe was 5 weeks & Japan was 3 weeks. In each trip we took 1 weeks worth of cloths plus extra undies and socks. I like to change socks. I never had a problem locating a laundry mat in Europe. In Japan I only rented Airbnbs that had washing machines. I love Eagle Creek packing cubes!

Rick Steves also has several free videos available on YouTube about packing light.

I love traveling light but I'm really looking forward to gong back to Hawaii where I like to take everything plus the kitchen sink.

 

[taterhed]

The vacuum bags are wonderful for large packing jobs (>75 pounds!!!) but also for very small packing jobs.

The Vac bags keep the clothes confined and private. The keep them dry--if dry, and wet/stinky--if soiled. A great way to avoid 'perfuming' your entire bag like the dirty socks inside.... Also keeps the critters in/out of the rest of your bag. Don't ask, but if you find a few stray dirty items on the bed or closet floor while packing to go home, you never know what might be on them now.... They come in all sizes

Also, put good color copies of all your super-important docs into a ziplock bag and place it in a relatively hidden location. That way, if your documents are lost/taken, you will still have everything you need to start moving on. Include a list of emergency contacts, medical info (blood type/allergies), tickets and embassy/consulate phone #'s and locations. If you're worried about the size, then shrink/combine, but make it legible for average eyesight. Folded and bagged, it should fit into a pocket (6x4") Just a suggestion....

Have a blast.

 

[sue1947]

In April I will be traveling in Israel for 12 days followed by 6 days in NYC. I really want to travel with just a carry on. Once I finish gathering my planned travel wardrobe I will see if I can actually get it all in. Part of my approach is reversible tops. I plan to travel with 5 reversible tops, 3 sleeveless and 2 sweaters. That will give me 10 outfits in the space of 5. I plan to bring quick-drying intimates that I can wash as I go. I will have access to laundry facilities when I get to NYC. Anyone else have any ideas for packing light for a trip of this length?

I'd lose one of the sweaters and replace at least one of the sleeveless with a short sleeve shirt for more versatility. Remember that most of the people you see; you'll never see again so who cares if they see you in the same outfit?
I've used a carry on and a daypack for any trip for many years and it makes things so much easier. If it doesn't dry overnight, it doesn't go. I pack in 3's; 3 underwear, socks, and shirts. I wash it out each night and the third one provides an option to not have to wash things out one night. But I usually do. Washing a shirt is easy in the shower; wear it in, soap it down and rinse off and it's good to go. I take 2 pairs of long pants/shorts; one of which is a plain black item that is easy to dress up for a nice dinner but also works for a day out walking.
Shoes: You really only need a good, broken-in and comfortable pair of walking shoes, but a pair of sandals might be nice. Leave everything else at home. Again, the strangers in whatever restaurant you go to don't care what you have on your feet.

Packing light makes getting around so much easier. I think it is absolutely worth a little inconvenience in washing things out etc. Take a good hard look at your suitcase and what you actually wear. If it's just a one off item; leave it home.

Sue

 

[Luanne]

I love traveling light but I'm really looking forward to gong back to Hawaii where I like to take everything plus the kitchen sink.

Hawaii is the one place we go where I can pack light. I know exactly what I will, and won't, need. We have a washer/dryer. Easy, peasy.

 

[taterhed]

Hawaii is the one place we go where I can pack light. I know exactly what I will, and won't, need. We have a washer/dryer. Easy, peasy.

And yet....my wife continues to bring 'nice clothes' that we never quite end up wearing. Drinks on the beachside seem to always trump dress-up and dinner behind glass!

 

[WinniWoman]

And yet....my wife continues to bring 'nice clothes' that we never quite end up wearing. Drinks on the beachside seem to always trump dress-up and dinner behind glass!

That's the ticket. No dressing up. That saves a lot of space in the carry on.

 

[Luanne]

And yet....my wife continues to bring 'nice clothes' that we never quite end up wearing. Drinks on the beachside seem to always trump dress-up and dinner behind glass!

I know better than to bring "dress up" clothes. First of all, we don't go anywhere that requires us to get dressed up. Second, if there was someplace on the islands that required us to get dressed up, dh would refuse to go.

 

[clifffaith]

My second best travel trick is no skirts/dresses for dress up, just dressy black pants. Then the new black Reeboks I wear for sightseeing become my night time shoes. I think my style is called Princess and they are sleek and not clunky. And besides no one is looking at my feet while we are walking or taking the subway to nighttime events, no one is looking while standing in line to get in the venue, and no one is looking once we are seated. I dragged dress shoes along on a Viking River Cruise, and even then never changed into them.

First best travel trick is panty liners. Not so you can wear your panties a second day, but so the extra layer allows your jeans/slacks to be worn longer. This was a Rick Steves packing forum tip from about fifteen years ago. Works so well it just became a regular part of getting dressed wether traveling or not.

 

[jehb2]

I bring very few clothes to Hawaii, but I bring a lot of gear. Snorkeling gear, Boggie boards, spices, collapsible cooler, laundry detergent, etc. It's much cheaper to bring than to buy or rent there.

 

[Gaozhen]

Dresses can be the best - I actually love bringing a strappy or summery dress or two that can be easily dressed up with a belt or shrug (which I pack anyway for comfort in over-air-conditioned restaurants) or alone with flip flops as a casual beach dress. So versatile!

My husband and I did an around the world trip (booked with miles) and each only had a carry-on. Couple dresses, 1 pair of slacks, couple shirt combos to work with the shorts or slacks, couple shorts, one pair dressy shoes, one pair sandals, one pair sneakers, 1-2 light wraps/shrugs, 1 hoodie, and viola. We did laundry occasionally at the hotel, but personal hygiene is critical to making clothes (other than undies!!!) last 2-3 wearings, plus the option of mixing and matching.

Most of the time I wore a dress with one of the belt/hoodie/shrug/wrap options, and cute but comfy sneakers for walking everywhere. The dress versatility kept the total amount of clothing needed down so a non-filled carry on.

(For beach trips, we do check a bag full of dive gear, can't be helped.)

 

[klpca]

When we're in Europe, we are either hiking or walking in cities. I don't dress up for the most part. My strategy is to use black as a base because it doesn't show the dirt, and pairs with almost anything. I take black hiking pants - get the kind with small or no pockets and they can be worn as regular black pants. Yes to scarves, although I only take one or two. These can also be used on the plane for an extra layer around your neck. I find my workout T's - the dri-fit kind - wash and dry in a hurry and don't wrinkle, so they are great for traveling. They are thin and light for packing. I also have a couple of long sleeve fun hoodies that I wear over the t-'s to look a little more put together (I am sure that others may not share the same opinion though ). Add one black dress, black tights, and some cute flats coupled with the scarf and you are good to go out to most places. The shoes that I pack are the flats, hiking boots, and walking sandals (summer) or boots (winter).

I am a huge fan of packing cubes, but found that the compression bags wrinkle things too much for my liking. I only use them for my memory foam pillow that goes everywhere with me. Our last trip overseas was 14 days and I took a carryon only - including my pillow.

 

[WinniWoman]

My second best travel trick is no skirts/dresses for dress up, just dressy black pants. Then the new black Reeboks I wear for sightseeing become my night time shoes. I think my style is called Princess and they are sleek and not clunky. And besides no one is looking at my feet while we are walking or taking the subway to nighttime events, no one is looking while standing in line to get in the venue, and no one is looking once we are seated. I dragged dress shoes along on a Viking River Cruise, and even then never changed into them.

First best travel trick is panty liners. Not so you can wear your panties a second day, but so the extra layer allows your jeans/slacks to be worn longer. This was a Rick Steves packing forum tip from about fifteen years ago. Works so well it just became a regular part of getting dressed wether traveling or not.

Exactly me style as well! In fact, I just attended a formal gala for work and I dressed the same way- threw a few pearls on and was good to go. I always wear knits.
Agree about the panty liners also.

As for dresses, wearing them involves a whole array of other issues, including the right shoes for each one, depending on length, stockings, etc. I take my cue from men- pants, shirt, flat shoes. They have it easy so that's what I do also.

I remember Steve Jobs saying- he wore black t shirts and jeans only for the most part- that was the extent of his wardrobe. Why complicate life with yet another decision that is inconsequential?

 

[Panina]

I travel very light. I usually have one small luggage. The store Chicos has a line called Travelers which packs very compact. This line can be used from casual to fancier. I also find yoga clothing are usually lightweight and take very little space and are comfortable and nice looking for sightseeing.

 

[Carole550]

In April I will be traveling in Israel for 12 days followed by 6 days in NYC. I really want to travel with just a carry on. Once I finish gathering my planned travel wardrobe I will see if I can actually get it all in. Part of my approach is reversible tops. I plan to travel with 5 reversible tops, 3 sleeveless and 2 sweaters. That will give me 10 outfits in the space of 5. I plan to bring quick-drying intimates that I can wash as I go. I will have access to laundry facilities when I get to NYC. Anyone else have any ideas for packing light for a trip of this length?

I think you are doing the right thing.I hate to pay the airlines extra $ and have my luggage "delayed/lost".
Israel in April may be really warm.The men can wear anything but women need to cover arms and legs at some of the sites.Think of a long sleeve shirt and one sweater.A small bar of soap to wash your undies if you are not staying at hotels.For the bottom wardrobe 1 skirt is enough and lightweight pants.Comfortable walking shoes are more important than style.If you can lift the bag easily, a carry on is a great way to travel.Enjoy your trip Shalom! Carole Cohen

 

[amycurl]

My then 9 year old daughter and I took ten days traveling to Japan and New Zealand, and we each just had our rolling carry-ons and small personal item. I find it's much easier to travel light when going to temperate climates, LOL!

 

[dreamin]

Any suggestions on how to pack light for an XL-sized man? My husband & I are travelling in Spain & Portugal for 3 months this winter so I like the tips as I plan to travel light but my husband is having a hard time imagining this. We do use packing cubes and have the packable light down vests and jackets for the cooler weather we'll likely encounter. Sweaters are so bulky but we'll need 1 or 2 lightweight ones and plan to layer. We'll also need rain gear as we'll be spending 3 weeks in the Azores. Packing light is going to be a challenge!

VacationForever.....I also have serious allergies to preservatives and have to pack my own shampoo, conditioner, body wash, lotions, and detergent. It takes up significant room in my luggage!

 

[VacationForever]

Any suggestions on how to pack light for an XL-sized man? My husband & I are travelling in Spain & Portugal for 3 months this winter so I like the tips as I plan to travel light but my husband is having a hard time imagining this. We do use packing cubes and have the packable light down vests and jackets for the cooler weather we'll likely encounter. Sweaters are so bulky but we'll need 1 or 2 lightweight ones and plan to layer. We'll also need rain gear as we'll be spending 3 weeks in the Azores. Packing light is going to be a challenge!

VacationForever.....I also have serious allergies to preservatives and have to pack my own shampoo, conditioner, body wash, lotions, and detergent. It takes up significant room in my luggage!

I do not think packing an XL shirt takes that much more space than an L shirt. I think with 3 months of travel you really cannot get away with just carry on size luggages. When I was relocated twice by my company, I lived on just 2 luggages worth of clothes and personal items and one of the shipments took 3 months to get to me. Wearing a selection of about 10 outfits for 3 months was really not alot of fun. I did breakdown to get more clothes.

I do not know how cold Portugal and Spain get in winter but I think they do not get really cold winters. Down jacket is great for cold wind, but so is a nice windbreaker (with hood) top thrown over a sweater. A couple of sweaters, 7 polo shirts and a couple of dress shirts, plus 3-4 dockers type pants should be sufficient.

My allergist does not think that there are many of me around, so it is nice to meet someone who may have the same issue, not that I want anyone to suffer like I do. My issue is a combination of contact dermatitis (which is where all the tested allergens come in) and autoimmune disorder which cause severe urticaria. I am on a Tier 2 H1 and H2 blocker medication. I suffered for many decades and my previous doctors in Kaiser overdosed me on 4 different types of Tier 1 H1 and H2 blockers, each type was over the FDA prescribed limit by another 3 to 4 times. Even when on all of those medications, there were many nights and days that I felt that I could not face another day. My current doctor who is a specialist in allergy, asthma and immunologic disorders is godsend. My husband asked him why was I not prescribed this tier 2 drug by previous specialists (dermatologists and allergists) and his answer was "They just don't know." If you need information on what I am now prescribed, please PM me.

 

[WinniWoman]

"Wearing a selection of about 10 outfits for 3 months was really not alot of fun. I did breakdown to get more clothes."

Gee, I do that year round! I essentially wear my clothes like uniforms. Pretty much the same stuff- day in and day out. 4 pairs of the same black pants and a few different color tops and blazers. Very minimalist. LOL!