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More carry-on packing in February!

Astrid

Veteran

Yesterday I saw in a mail from university that a few people stepped back from their place in the next field excursion to Italy and they were looking for people who spontaneously wanted to go instead. I wrote back and I'm on the list! Normally people who haven't gone yet have priority and I've been twice, in 2011 (Florence/Pisa) and 2013 (Milan/Bologna). We'll be staying in Padua this time and will be doing day trips to Verona, Vincenza and Venice. It's six days all in all. With a very early flight on the first day and a late one on the last.

To keep the cost down I've said I'd go just with a carry-on, it's a difference of 30€. I only saw afterwards that we're going with EasyJet and they won't allow you to keep a seperate handbag in addition to your carry-on bag. So I'll have to pack my handbag with the camera together with the clothes and stuff into my carry-on. I tell you, that will be an exercise in minimal packing! I'm thinking of wishing for a new carry-on bag for Christmas though, one that's easier to carry and is better constructed than my current one. Thinking of the Tatonka Flightbarrel:
http://www.tatonka.com/Produkt.....arrel/1987

For the clothing budget this means that I'll probably not buy a new coat this year after all, I'll just keep wearing my peacoat. But who needs a new coat when they can go to Italy instead?

General

27 replies

Latest reply was from shiny

Ornella

(website)

Veteran

Absolutely Astrid. You can make up for the coat easily, but for the experiences and memories - not so. I'm so happy you have this opportunity.

Astrid

Veteran

Thanks Ornella. The Lands End coat should be delivered any day now and if that one works I will keep it. It's on such a big mark down that I can afford it. But shopping for other options is out, because they would definitely be more expensive. So there's still a chance for a new coat, if a small one.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Oh fantastic! Yeah, I'd go for Italy instead too. I just had my hopes of a Cuba photo trip this winter dashed (there was already a wait list when I found out the dates, doh!), and it's really tempting to spend on the wardrobe instead. But I'm eyeing a different trip to a different destination later next year, so I'll try to be good after my little shopping spree of late.

Elizabeth P

Veteran

Sounds like a fantastic opportunity, great for you!

Does it strike you as at all ironic that you are thinking of spending 90€ on a bag, in order to save 30€ in baggage charges?

Alassë

Veteran

Congratulations! I bet you'll have fun.

Beth Ann

Veteran

So glad you're making the most of opportunities to travel! It sounds like an amazing trip -- well worth adjusting the clothing budget.

Joy

Veteran

What fun! Your travel outfit can be lots of layers

TraceyLiz65

(website)

Veteran

What a great opportunity and well worth giving up another coat... I think you can make this work for 6 day trip...I was surprised at how much DH and I got in our carry-ons and was grateful Aer Lingus didn't weigh them, lol...
I agree with Joy on travel day, layer up and wear bulkier pieces...

Astrid

Veteran

Yes, Janet - I can imagine! Too bad Cuba didn't work out. But hopefully next year will be a destination just as nice.

Thanks Elizabeth. Well, it might sound that way, it's true. But the 30€ would be something I'm saving, the 90€ bag would be something I'd wish for as a Christmas present (by my parents). I'm also having my birthday before Christmas and my mum has already been asking what I would like. And this wouldn't be only for this trip, I could use the bag for years. My current one can do in a pinch, but it's more like a bag you take to the gym, less for holidays.

Thanks Alasse, Beth Ann and Joy.

Thanks Tracey. I don't think they have a maximal weight, just maximal measurements for the carry-on. But then I have to lugg it around (no wheels) so it's best to go as lightweight as possible.

Elly

Veteran

Astrid-- how fun! I'd love to go to Italy. I recently bought a new carry on and it is one you can covert to a backpack but looks very similar to the one you are looking at the rest of the time. Very practical. I also like carry ons with some sort of internal dividers (or to use pouches within the carry on) if I have to pull a bag (like your camera bag) from inside. That way nothing gets lost and nothing shifts into the space that the camera bag needs to occupy while boarding.

Coats will wait! I've put a new one off as well in favor of other goals.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Fabulous, Astrid! And I really like the possible bag. Looks lightweight yet sturdy.

Gaylene

Veteran

Giving up a coat for a trip to Venice sounds eminently reasonable to me.

And getting a new travel bag as a Christmas/birthday gift is a wonderful idea. You'll use it for years, it will be associated with happy times and adventures, and you'll always be grateful when you think of your parents' generosity in giving you the bag as a present. Pretty much the ideal gift for both parties, I'd think.

And, furthermore, it is perfectly possible to travel for a week (or two, or three, or more) with a small bag. Wear something comfortable and practical for daytime sightseeing on the flight. Pack a spare outfit, minimal toiletries, and your camera in the bag, and you are good to go. Have a wonderful time, Astrid!

Astrid

Veteran

Thanks Elly. Great tip with the dividers or pouches. I'll have to see what I end up with. My current carry-on bag isn't rectangular, which is why it never made sense to use pouches or packing cubes. But I can see that being really helpful.

Thanks Suz. The bag has gotten some good reviews from outdoor sites and the like, I think it would be worth the money. The size is perfect too for a carry-on, it's made with them in mind. It's tarpaulin.

Thanks Gaylene. Yes, I thought so too. Although it might be a good idea to wait for a nice deal on Amazon, I've seen some of the colors go for 45€ in the past. I think I'm putting it on the wishlist. And yes, I suspect it will be perfectly fine with the small bag. I did have a bigger one the last two times, but then I did take too much. And most people still had more luggage than me. I saw that we're going to have an ensuite bathroom this time, which will really help.

Astrid

Veteran

Just got the parcel with the Lands End coat and it's a definite return! Slightly too big, quality not as nice as my peacoat and the buttons are just ghastly. So that means my coat shopping is officially over. It's not a bad thing though, it means I can still get myself some nice new shoes even with the Italy trip.

abc

Veteran

Wow Astrid. I think you made the right choice. I would trade a coat for a trip to Italy any day! And it makes it that much easier when the coat doesn't fit anyway. Congrats on the upcoming travel.

E

Veteran

Have fun Astrid! What a great sounding trip. I definitely think travel is more fun than getting new clothes, although sadly Italy isn't a neighbour of mine.

rachylou

Veteran

Easy choice!

The bag looks nice and lightweight. I believe in light.

Sveta

(website)

Veteran

Italy beats coat shopping any time in my book! Fantastic trip. I stayed in Padova on business (7 weeks in total over 3 trips) and love this city. It is so much more Italian than Venice is because it is not touristy at all. Make sure you spend some time wandering the streets in the old city. I hope Capella de la Scrovegni is on the list of your trip because it is really breathtaking.
I also liked Vincenza very much, the architecture is so beautiful there even though it is not a major city. Venice is unique of course but also make sure you wonder off the main tourist drag of Piazza San Marco and Realto bridge. It is like being in 2 completely different cities. I enjoyed wandering and getting lost in the maze of old Venice much more than sightseeing the main touristy sights.
Oops, looks like I got drawn into my old Italian travels again
As for the carry on: you should be fine for 6 days. We did 15 days in Portugal with carry ons and had plenty! Make sure you wear the bulkiest shoes and clothing on the plane and you should be fine.

bj1111

Veteran

So exciting! Research on happiness shows that spending on experiences is associated with greater happiness than spending on stuff.

Anyway, you may luck out and find a coat or jacket in Padua!

Astrid

Veteran

Thanks abc! Yes, I was almost happy I wasn't in the situation that I had to decide whether I should keep a perfect coat.

Thanks Eva! I had never been to Italy either before the trip in 2011. But it's not that far away, that's true. Not a long flight time, luckily. I'm not a big fan of flying.

Thanks Rachylou.

Thanks Sveta! We didn't get our timetable yet, but we always had quite a bit of time for touristy things too. We already had planned a lot as a group every time, but also had free time. So I'll probably see the main sights with the group and can then decide what I want to see additionally. We also were lucky to be treated as a special case a few times, like visiting museums on days when they were officially closed to the public or skipping the lines by taking the back entrance. And I'm definitely wearing the bulky things on the plane! It's probably going to be colder here anyway, I'll have to layer so that I don't freeze before departure and after arrival.

Thanks Ruth! Yes, who knows?

Lucy

Veteran

Way more awesome to go to Italy! It's a fabulous opportunity and the trop sounds amazing. You can buy a new coat any year!
Can't wait to see what you pack!

shiny

Veteran

How exciting Astrid!

I splurged this year on a new carry on -- a 22 inch spinner with wheels -- and couldn't be more pleased with the purchase. I went with the wheels because I have a long history of back problems. The bag I got glides through the airport with ease - no need to drag it behind me. It's the perfect size for my frequent business trips, which typically are about 2-3 days long, but I am sure I could fit a week -or more- worth of clothes in this bag with careful planning.

I also treated myself to an Eagle Creek Pack-It set. The compression cubes work okay for tees, knits, sweaters, underwear and socks, but I think so far I like the folder the best. I didn't buy them for the compression capabilities to cram in more stuff, so much as for the organization. I'm finding they keep me sane. They help me pack faster, and to not forget anything. They also help me unpack easier at the hotel -- and not to forget anything when I have to repack. This was really important on my last trip, as I went from hotel to hotel.

Here's my packing strategy -

1. Line the suitcase interior perimeter with any belts first
2. Add two pairs of shoes, each in individual EC shoe bags with coordinating hose/socks
3. Add EC sac (medium) with non-liquid toiletry items next. I'm finding I much prefer using a sac rather than a toiletry bag or kit because the sac more easily fills and molds into available space in the bottom of the bag.
4. Add EC sac (small) with electronic cables (laptop cord, phone charger, headphones, etc)
5. Add EC sac (long slim one) with flat iron & hairbrush
6. Roll up knitwear and fill medium-size compression cube. Compress. Toss into bag next.
7. Roll up underwear and fill small-size compression cube. Add bras in too. Compress. Toss in the bag. (At first I tried keeping bras & undies in separate sacs but I discovered that keeping them together protects the bras better from getting squashed).

... the bag is now looking pretty full...

8. Fold & stack pants, jeans, dresses, skirts, blouses, suit jackets in the folder. Finish off with a couple of folded scarfs. Secure tightly to compress it all down. Add folder on top of everything else in the suitcase.
9. Fold trench coat and add on top - for easy access.

Haven't even put anything inside the interior pocket! That's where I add a flat clutch, with any jewelry or other loose items in it. But on my trips, I can have a handbag as a second carry on.

Outer pockets:
1. Travel umbrella
2. Mac Laptop (assuming I can't take a laptop bag as a second carryon)
3. 3-1-1 bag

Wear on plane: the bulkiest stuff... bulky sweater, second coat (puffer or jean jacket depending on where I'm traveling), tall boots, pashmina.

bj1111

Veteran

shiny...what suitcase did you buy?

rachylou

Veteran

Carry-on sizes got reduced this year. I got a 19" IT Luggage (*World's Lightest*), which turned out to be an inside measurement... so I got an additional piece, even smaller. It fits inside the 19" for storing away, which is nice.

Irene

Veteran

My two cents

I am the owner of a huge Samsonite suitcase (expensive, as you can imagine) and still glad I went for it. But it is a suitcase meant to be checked in and therefore hugely mistreated, crashed against other suitcases and prone to being opened by others, which is why it includes a security code to open.

However, I wouldn't spend that money on a carry-on suitcase because you can control it at all times and it's not going to be that heavy anyway. The only suitcases I've ever had issues with (two or three, I think, and I don't check in that often) were big and heavy, and their handles eventually broke. My small carry-ons, however, are still intact after a lot of travelling, and they were fairly cheap! So, in my opinion, it's not worth going for such an expensive suitcase for a carry-on. I would just get something decent, nice and practical, but around a 30-40 euros price, no more.

EasyJet: I had my share of EasyJet travelling, and I'm SO glad I get to choose other airlines now when doing London-Barcelona. EasyJet is a pain. I've had problems with my luggage being too heavy, or not being the right size, or not being able to fit my second bag inside the suitcase... arghhh. Worst time was, and this happened to a friend of mine but we were together:
We were going to Dublin for three days and we both had suitcase+bag. I was able to fit mine into the suitcase when boarding time came, but she wasn't. Instead, she hid it under her coat, but they let her in. Now, we are walking towards the plane on the actual airport floor -where planes are landing- because for some reason there was no bus taking us there and this guy stops us and tells us that she can't go inside with the two bags. I had to open my suitcase right there and try to squeeze her bag inside, which was impossible, so I actually got on board carrying a half-open suitcase... crazy.

Anyway, anecdote is over. Fit as much as you can in there, and have a super tiny bag for passport, money, phone and tissues. That's my recommendation. And next time make sure you're not flying with EasyJet. They make it so difficult!

PS: I just checked the link and it's not a trolley! That changes things a bit. Is it more comfortable for you?

Astrid

Veteran

Thanks Lucy! I'll definitely do a post when it's time.

Shiny, many thanks for the detailed list! I'll definitely look into my options and see what I can do to make packing and travelling as easy as possible.

Rachylou, that airline here allows up to 22'' but they only guarantee you can take it with you into the cabin for luggage up to 19''. I think generally you are definitely on the safer side with 19''. The bag from above is 50x36x20, so just a smidge over 19''. But it's soft so there's some leeway if you don't stuff it to the brim.

Irene, thanks for chiming in! And what a story... I don't think I went with EasyJet before, I'm usually using Ryanair and Air Berlin. I checked their webpage and I should be fine with either the new or my existing bag. They don't mention weight at all though. They say as long as the size is acceptable, it's alright? Not that it matters, I don't think I could stuff a lightweight bag without wheels so full that I come anyway near the point where it's too heavy. As for it not being a trolley, I have a bag right now too. It's this one: http://www.eastpak.com/de-de/stand-black.html I bought it on sale for maybe 30€ I think. It's nice quality, but I'd love easier access and a more rectangular shape so the space can be used more efficiently. And it is a bit uncomfortable to carry over a longer time period. That's why I wanted my new one to have backpack straps. As for why no wheels - I found I'm often going somewhere using public transport, using stairs etc. and I'd have to carry the trolley too in these instances. Also carrying a bag yourself automatically means you try to pack less. And of course a bag is usually more lightweight than a trolley and easier to store when you don't need it.

shiny

Veteran

BJ, I got a Victronix... and now that I'm googling for a pic, I think actually mine is 20 inch not 22:
http://www.ebags.com/product/v.....d=DETAIL_A

I bought it on sale on my birthday and scored it for I think $199 at my local Bloomingdale's. I tried a whole bunch out that day and settled on this one because it's very smooth gliding but also it has a padded outer compartment, which fits my MacPro perfectly, without the need to put my MacPro in a sleeve (I have a rubberized skin though). I put my 3-1-1 in the top outer compartment. My only concern was that the wheels do look flimsy (small) compared to some of the other models I tried that same day, but it has held up so far, and I really wanted the padded outer compartment feature.

I love how it glides so much, I am totally motivated to pack light so I can take this, rather than my Briggs & Reilly which is a little bigger. The B&R is uber durable but I hate having to drag it behind me. Hurts my shoulder/back/wrist after awhile.

Astrid, my hubby also prefers no wheels. He has an awesome squishy super durable bag that has a built in, smaller backpack that zips off. Came in very handy in Paris on our day trips, we filled it with wine, cheese, baguette, blanket.