Random thoughts about packing for travel

I happened to read a few articles about packing recently, like this one http://online.wsj.com/article/.....84002.html and this one http://online.wsj.com/article/.....23228.html (if you cannot read without being asked for subscription, just google WSJ packing light). And this got me thinking about travel.

Do you bring your "good bag" on the plane? For some reason, I feel icky about putting my nice leather purses on the floor. So is it worthwhile to buy a nice PVC tote or a messenger bag and use that for travel since it can be wiped down easily? Also, do you bring a laptop with you when traveling? I am beginning to think about traveling with just an iPhone but am not sure how this would work for taking notes. I don't have an iPad - sounds like that could be helpful for note-taking.

I like the idea of not checking the luggage but hate fighting for a space in the overhead bins. What is your preference? Any tips or tricks?

P.S. - the articles, of course, are not very practical, suggesting an expensive Louis Vitton bag as a carry-on etc. But I like looking at the illustrations.

12 years ago

Diana

Veteran

Well, I commute on public transit and I don't think that's really any cleaner than traveling, so yes I guess I don't mind using my good bags. That said, when I travel I usually take my Longchamps Le Pliage because it weighs next to nothing, is comfy to wear all day, and holds a ton. It also has a very classic look and goes with everything. Sometimes I put a second smaller purse inside it for use at my destination.

I take my laptop if I am giving a talk (I don't trust using other people's computers, plus I'm more than likely going to be working on the talk at the last minute), but not otherwise. I do take my ipad everywhere I go and I love it. (Although I do admit to still sometimes taking notes the old fashioned way with a pen and notepad.)

I am cheap, so I check my bag if it is free, and I carry it on otherwise. =P But unless I'm moving or something... I always pack light enough that I could carry it all on if I had to. I have a carry-on size rolling suitcase with four-way spinner wheels that I love. Always make sure you can heft the thing over your head into the overhead bins!

The worst thing is having to travel with a stupid poster tube! This is seriously one reason why I always submit my abstracts for talks and not posters.

ETA: I don't really know how people travel with big, open top totes. Aren't they worried about things falling out??? I pretty much only buy bags with full zip tops these days, and that goes double for traveling.

Laurinda

@Diana, Upload your poster PDF and have it printed at your destination, delivered to your room. No more forgotten/lost poster tubes!

ETA: It does take away one sign of recognizing who else around you might be going to the same meeting.

Makrame

Yes, I once was chasing my poster down the airport walkway because the lid of my poster tube kept coming off together with the shoulder strap.

As far as public transportation, my bag usually sits in my lap if I am on a train/bus. That's where I get confused - first I am asked to put my purse down on the airplane floor under the seat in front of me but then when I get off the plane, I will be putting it in my lap. Somehow it does not work in my mind.

Ha, yes, I really need to start ordering my posters to my hotel. Always forget that I can do that.

I think if you had a nylon bag like my Longchamps (or MZ Wallace is another brand that I really like, they made my olive bag), you could probably carry some wipes with you and wipe it down after being on the plane. I just googled it and apparently lots of people clean their Longchamps with baby wipes. I probably wouldn't use the Purell type ones with alcohol, as I'd worry about taking the color off.

Suz

(website)

I always travel with my computer. My vision is not up to reading on the phone for extended periods, and I find it frustrating to type on.

I just put my bag on the floor. No special bag -- just a tote that fits my computer and other stuff. It's never seemed dirty on the floor to me -- there is carpet, and nobody puts their feet in there, really. But you could always bring a plastic bag to set your bag on .

Gaylene

Another Le Pilage user here. I actually use two for travelling because I pop the smaller "purse" one inside the larger "tote" one (which I carry folded inside the smaller bag) before boarding. This way I can carry my iPad, jacket, bottle of water, slippers, shawl, etc. through security and onto the plane in one zipped bag. The larger Le Pilage fits nicely under the seat ahead of me so I don't need to rummage about in the overhead compartment during the flight. And, once I get to my destination, the larger bag stays folded in my handbag so I can use it as a shopper.

My actual carry-on is a shoulder duffel-style bag from Longchamp's line of luggage. It is super light and quite easy to carry through airports if I wear it crossbody style. In a pinch, I could probably fit it under a seat, but I've never had trouble finding space in an overhead bin because its shape is quite malleable. I find roller bags too heavy to lift overhead these days and awkward when navigating stairs in stations and subways that don't have escalators and when getting on and off public transportation. Using public transportation is also easier when I can fit my carry-on in the space between my feet and hold my Le Pilage on top of it. As I get older, I find that my enjoyment increases as the weight of my luggage decreases.

Sarah A

I am a fairly light packer too. I just cant pony up to pay to check my luggage! I have some Timbuk2 gear type bags that do me well since my usual handbags are a bit small for travel. I usually slip two of my daily use purses down in a larger messenger for under my feet when flying. This keeps my stuff organized and gives me variety for my destination outfits. I sometimes use a small roller bag for clothes but the last few trips have moved to a Timbuk2 softsided suitcase I can sling cross body or unzip out the backpack straps from the back. I find it holds more than the small roller bag and is lighter and easier go hands free. I guess i dont worry too much about germs as I never thought of wiping my bag after sitting it on the floor before....

Cindy

Active Member

I've never given any thought to my bags getting dirty on the floor of the plane. :shrug: I do prefer to pack light since it is so nice the get off the plane and head for the exit instead of waiting at the baggage carousel. And it's so much easier to navigate the crowds with just one small rolling suitcase. Hubby and I even pack carry-on only for cruises by having him wear his black suit jacket with jeans on the plane and I take one knee length and one maxi Travelers skirts to mix and match with various tops for dinner. I'll often wear a top for dinner with dressy accessories then wear it again the next day for casual sight-seeing. And I'm with Suz on needing a larger screen than my iPhone so anything longer than overnight includes tucking my netbook and power cord in my tote bag!

My daughters and I will be heading to NYC for 5 days in a few weeks and I started planning a very minimal wardrobe but keep thinking of more things to add! LOL I will have to narrow down my choices to fit a small bag, though. Even though we are driving we are using the convertible with a small trunk.

Mander

Most of the time if I'm on a plane I'm going to the States to visit my family, which usually means bringing liquid gifts (I often bring Dad a bottle of British real ale, for instance) and shopping 'til I drop with my Mom and sister. So I check a bag every time, although it has been getting lighter and lighter over the years. I prefer a backpack or shoulder bag for a carry on, though, as I always manage to trip someone in the airport if I'm using one of those rolling bags.

I am not particularly germ-conscious so it doesn't bother me to set my bags on the floor, but if it bugs you I think that bringing a PVC or maybe an oilcloth tote would be a reasonable thing to do. On my last trip I put all the odds and ends I'd want handy for the flight into a cloth tote bag inside my main carry on, and it was handy to have an extra little bag while on the trip. Maybe you could do the reverse and get a large tote that your good bag will fit into, with the added bonus that you'll have an extra bag for collecting laundry or shopping while you are away.

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