Five weeks with just a carry on, could you do it?

[Apple]

Mar 24, 2014 9:43:56 GMT -5 Rocky Mtn Saver said:

If I were the OP, too, I'd play around before leaving with finding a travel-friendly hairstyle.  Preferrably, I'd look for a cute haircut/style that requires minimal products, no curling iron or blowdryer (finger-styling?), and is decent with humidity/moisture. 

I am lucky there. I use basking soda and vinegar rather than shampoo/conditioner, and in the last couple weeks I have been able to go without even a leave-in conditioner/lotion. It's very travel friendly. However, if the air is dirty enough to require real shampoo, i'll steal the good stuff from my son and make him use whatever I find in the store.
Hair is naturally curly, "wash and wear", and I don't mind wearing it in a pony tail.

[Rocky Mtn Saver]

Mar 24, 2014 10:23:34 GMT -5 travelnut11 said:

I think the point is the size of the bag so even if it was carry-on sized you could still check it due to the toiletries which is what I do (free on international flights).  I could easily do 5 weeks in a carry-on bag.  Once you learn how to pack efficiently (think rolling instead of folding) you can really squeeze a lot in a smaller bag.  Make sure to bring well coordinated clothes, wear your bulkiest stuff on the plane and plan to have laundry done. 

Good reminder about wearing bulky stuff on the plane.  I usually make sure to wear my jacket on the plane (for warmth too!) and my biggest sneakers/shoes. 

But as for rolling... I haven't found rolling to be all that great.  I've tried it in various ways based on how-to stuff on the internet, but it's never made my clothes smaller or pack better.  I must still be doing it wrong, but I don't know how.  Sigh. 

[Deleted]

what does everyone do about shoes - they take up a ton of room?  sneakers for working out....sandals for fun....2 pairs of flats for walking around....and then if you need winter boots or rain boots or heels for something?  that's a suitcase right there

[Rocky Mtn Saver]

I usually have two (maybe three) pairs of shoes.  One good, supportive, comfortable walking shoe for most of the trip (which I wear on the plane), and a lighter shoe (flats?) that can be worn with a skirt or in warmer or beachy weather.  It'd depend on the weather, of course, but I never bring more than 2-3 pairs on any trip anywhere.  I avoid heels generally because they take up more space and are less practical. 

[Deleted]

Mar 24, 2014 10:40:22 GMT -5 Rocky Mtn Saver said:

I usually have two pairs of shoes.  One good, supportive, comfortable walking shoe for most of the trip (which I wear on the plane), and a lighter shoe that can be worn with a skirt or in warmer or beachy weather.  It'd depend on the weather, of course, but I never bring more than 2-3 pairs on any trip anywhere. 

so you don't work out on vacation?  you wouldn't wear winter boots on a plane would you?  Just packing for a week-long business trip I need heels for work day, flats for going to dinner, sneakers for working out and then slipper for the hotel room.  the flats I would wear for flying but the rest have to be packed.

[Rocky Mtn Saver]

I find that schlepping around Europe gives me plenty of exercise.  I've never travelled to a climate in winter so cold that I needed huge snow boots (but I've worn standard boots on the plane before, yes).  If you're skiing or something (Caveat: not a skier!), can't you usually rent those there?  I don't use slippers (just socks).  And I find that flats (or even low low heels) work just fine for my dressier needs on vacation, unless I were attending something formal. 

But I also thought we were discussing a trip for pleasure, and so a business trip might have different needs.  I'd assess each need separately. 

[tskeeter]

Apple, some great advice here that I agree with.  I know you are an experienced traveler, but this might help some other foks who are reading this thread who aren't as experienced.  Pack light.  Traveling with only a fairly lightly loaded carry on and a small day pack ensures you are mobile and greatly simplifies moving from location to location.  I use some techniques from my bicycle racing days to keep things light.  If I'm traveling the time of year and to a location where frequent rain is unlikely, my emergency rain gear consists of a large garbage bag tucked into my day pack. In my day pack, rain gear is always readily at hand if it is needed unexpectedly.  It's virtually weightless and takes up almost no space.  With a hole for my head torn in the bottom seam and holes for my arms, it will workas a poncho in a pinch.  And it's reusable.  Yes, it does look a little goofy, but you will be the envy of all of the soaking wet, freezing tourists who are admiring your creative solution as they cut their sight seeing short.  If you must have designer duds, prepare ahead of time.  Get a stencil that reads something fun, unfold the bag, and spray paint your personal logo across the front of the bag.  For you, something like "curvy" might be appropriate.  For DS, "da kid 1.0" (first child).  Do a little hand laundry once in a while, if you must.  If you plan for some down days during your travels, local laundromats are a convenient place to run through some wash.  They are also an opportunity to connect with locals.  Rick Steves travel guides provide the locations of laundromats in major tourist destinations.  That information, alone, justifies the investment in his travel guides.  And laundry services really don't cost that much.  Especially when you compare the cost of having someone else do your laundry while you sight see vs. the amount per day you are spending for airfare, lodging, ground transportation, and meals.  Having someone else wash your socks which you check out the sights is a pretty good economic trade off.  And, last, but not least, buy some clothes on your travels.  Clothes make great momentos because they aren't as likely to get shoved into the back of a storage closet and to be forgotten, once you get home.  At least, they don't get relegated to an out of the way spot until they have a hole or two.  I used that wonderfully soft, 100% egyptian cotton wash cloth that I bought for 1E at Marks and Spencer on Grafton Street for years and years.  Now that it's done washing my face, it's cleaning the inside of my car.  Man, that rag has got to be over 10 years old, but I think about that trip every time I use it. 

[Deleted]

Mar 24, 2014 10:47:23 GMT -5 Rocky Mtn Saver said:

I find that schlepping around Europe gives me plenty of exercise.  I've never travelled to a climate in winter so cold that I needed huge snow boots (but I've worn standard boots on the plane before, yes).  If you're skiing or something (Caveat: not a skier!), can't you usually rent those there?  I don't use slippers (just socks).  And I find that flats (or even low low heels) work just fine for my dressier needs on vacation, unless I were attending something formal. 

But I also thought we were discussing a trip for pleasure, and so a business trip might have different needs.  I'd assess each need separately. 

true, for a pleasure trip you probably wouldn't be dressing up, however, I like to not wear the same shoes day after day.  heck, I took probably 5 pair of shoes to an all inclusive resort in Punta Cana - I can't imagine what I'd pack for 5 weeks in Europe.  I'd also want enough clothes so that if I couldn't send stuff to be laundered I had enough to wear (not into washing stuff in the hotel sink)....but then again, to me roughing it is a hotel without room service.

[Malarky]

I travelled for three months with just my backpack.  Included was my shelter: tent and sleeping bag, as well as a means of cooking/eating: camp stove and food.  Carry on is so doable if I don't have to carry my own shelter and kitchen.

I think it was Milee who recently posted about a line of clothing that travels well without wrinkling.  I meant to keep track of her suggestion, but I didn't.

I packed what boils down to what is now called  a "capsule closet."  Everything could be paired with everything else.  Hiking boots, sneakers, flip flops and one pair of nice flats.  Heels weren't happening, and the one time I needed them, I was able to borrow.  One pretty rayon dress with a matching wrap that I also used as a scarf.  Jeans, khakis and a pair of shorts.  T-shirts, white cotton button downs, silk turtlenecks, and wool sweaters.  Goretex was new then, and was my friend.  I had a shell with a zip out fleece liner.  This was back in the day when we didn't have ipods and kindles.  Along the way, I traded cool, uniquely New England/Boston t-shirts for books and tapes.  I still have the yellow Sony Sport Walkman from that trip.  It plays cassette tapes.

Apple, is it you who is doing the no shampoo thing?  If so, I met and travelled with a bunch of people who were doing that 20+ years ago.  I wish I'd done it.  I cut most of the handle off my toothbrush to save weight, but now you can buy something so much lighter. The less crap you carry, the better.

It's amazing what you can do without.  I wore clean undies everyday.  I showered at least every other day-except if I was off hiking in the rain forest.  But I didn't wash my clothes as often as I do now that I live in a house.  Unmentionables, changed everyday, washed in the sink or stream or whatever, no matter where we were.  Often hung on the outside of the backpack to dry.  What can I say? I'm not shy.  Jeans...worn until they could walk off on their own.  There was too much to see and do to worry about spending time in a Laundromat.

No regrets.  I don't ever wish I'd been wearing something nicer in the photos.  I look at them and think, what an amazing journey, and I am so glad I made that trip a priority. 

 

[Blonde Granny]

Last year to Alaska I used Space Bags for my sweaters and winter jacket. I had the ones that you pack then roll the air out of them. Worked quite well, as sweaters etc. don't wrinkle.

I would love to get my stuff down to a carry on and my Vera Bradley weekend bag for our trip in Sept but if I do, I'm likely going to look like a bag lady when on the ship for a week....and that's after the land portion of the trip.

[Rocky Mtn Saver]

We all travel how we enjoy it best.  For me, it's more enjoyable to have less stuff, more local immersion, and more freedom to roam.  For others, it's more enjoyable to bring the comforts of home.  I wouldn't suggest severe minimalism to someone who hates it.  I have found, personally, though, that every time I travel out of the country, I find myself packing less and less stuff.  Packing light became my way of life over years of my own personal experience. 

[Rocky Mtn Saver]

Mar 24, 2014 10:58:06 GMT -5 Blonde Granny said:

Last year to Alaska I used Space Bags for my sweaters and winter jacket. I had the ones that you pack then roll the air out of them. Worked quite well, as sweaters etc. don't wrinkle.

I would love to get my stuff down to a carry on and my Vera Bradley weekend bag for our trip in Sept but if I do, I'm likely going to look like a bag lady when on the ship for a week....and that's after the land portion of the trip.

You can also try ziplock bags (of varying sizes) in lieu of smaller space bags.  I use ziplock bags for socks/undies and scarves, for example.  Just bring extra bags because invariably they will get a hole at some point. 

[Rocky Mtn Saver]

Mar 24, 2014 10:57:51 GMT -5 Malarky said:

No regrets.  I don't ever wish I'd been wearing something nicer in the photos.  I look at them and think, what an amazing journey, and I am so glad I made that trip a priority.

[Rocky Mtn Saver]

Apple, I also suggest test-packing your carry-on or backpack well before your trip.  Seriously, fill it as you plan to use it in Europe.  Then put it on or grab hold of it and walk with it through the mall for an hour.  You will mostly likely find motivation to remove some items at that point.  I find it's great motivation! 

[tskeeter]

Mar 24, 2014 10:58:15 GMT -5 Rocky Mtn Saver said:

We all travel how we enjoy it best.  For me, it's more enjoyable to have less stuff, more local immersion, and more freedom to roam.  For others, it's more enjoyable to bring the comforts of home.  I wouldn't suggest severe minimalism to someone who hates it.  I have found, personally, though, that every time I travel out of the country, I find myself packing less and less stuff.  Packing light became my way of life over years of my own personal experience. 

[Gardening Grandma]

Mar 24, 2014 10:37:51 GMT -5 @singlemominmd said:

what does everyone do about shoes - they take up a ton of room?  sneakers for working out....sandals for fun....2 pairs of flats for walking around....and then if you need winter boots or rain boots or heels for something?  that's a suitcase right there

For Italy I wore a pair of Naots on the plane and packed a pair of Teva sandals.  The Naots were comfortable walking shoes  (and dressier than athletic shoes).  The sandals were fine for walking around or just to change shoes. I always take 2 pr of shoes and wear whatever is bulkiest on the flight.

(In Italy, on a public bus, a lady was looking me up and down esp my shoes (Naots) .  I think she was trying to figure out my nationality.   Americans are known for wearing athletic shoes....

I don't wear heels - at all...

[Rocky Mtn Saver]

Mar 24, 2014 11:21:03 GMT -5 Gardening Grandma said:

Mar 24, 2014 10:37:51 GMT -5 @singlemominmd said:

what does everyone do about shoes - they take up a ton of room?  sneakers for working out....sandals for fun....2 pairs of flats for walking around....and then if you need winter boots or rain boots or heels for something?  that's a suitcase right there

For Italy I wore a pair of Naots on the plane and packed a pair of Teva sandals.  The Naots were comfortable walking shoes  (and dressier than athletic shoes).  The sandals were fine for walking around or just to change shoes. I always take 2 pr of shoes and wear whatever is bulkiest on the flight.

(In Italy, on a public bus, a lady was looking me up and down esp my shoes (Naots) .  I think she was trying to figure out my nationality.   Americans are known for wearing athletic shoes....

I never wear athletic shoes or sneakers while sight-seeing in Europe!  It seems uncouth to me.  I have other, less obvious shoes that are just as comfortable. 

[Deleted]

Are my keens athletic ware?  But yes, they make lots of nicely constructed, comfortable walking shoes that do not look like sneakers... and they aren't bad to look at... (understand i'm not necessarily going to convince Tequila of that...)

[The Walk of the Penguin Mich]

Mar 24, 2014 10:37:51 GMT -5 @singlemominmd said:

what does everyone do about shoes - they take up a ton of room?  sneakers for working out....sandals for fun....2 pairs of flats for walking around....and then if you need winter boots or rain boots or heels for something?  that's a suitcase right there

I generally wear my bulkiest shoes (which was the hiking shoes).  I try to choose shoes where I can wear in various permutations, so the dressy sandals I brought went with the dress, or I could wear them with my khakis and a dressier shirt.  I do NOT bring any shoes with me that I can't walk a full day in.  I don't ever remember bringing anything more than 3 pair, one of which I wore.

When I went to research meetings, I normally wore one pair of slightly higher heels that could be dressed up or down and brought sneakers because I usually used the workout facilities at the hotel.  

[cael]

I did one week with just a carry on last year in El Salvador... but we only wore the same two t-shirts most of the days (rinse one out and dry during the day while we wore the other), I had like two pairs of pants and a pair of shorts, and one or two nicer tops for dinner with important folks. For Ghana in a few weeks (10 day trip) we're basically doing the same thing, as our checked suitcases are going to have supplies/tools/donations in them. I'm bringing two skirts, a pair of capris, two dresses, some tank tops, and we're having some clothes made for us when we get there to fill out our wardrobes five weeks is a long time though!! I handled a week fine on minimal stuff and I think 10 days will be fine too. I can go super light on toiletries pretty well - bar of soap, solid shampoo bar, face wash, travel bottle of lotion, my razor with solid shave soap built into it. Only brought my Keens sandals (the water ones with the closed toe) and a pair of flip flops to El Salvador, will probably do the exact same for Ghana.

That ziploc bag with soap to wash clothes while traveling is genius!

[The Walk of the Penguin Mich]

I find that schlepping around Europe gives me plenty of exercise. I've never travelled to a climate in winter so cold that I needed huge snow boots (but I've worn standard boots on the plane before, yes). If you're skiing or something (Caveat: not a skier!), can't you usually rent those there? I don't use slippers (just socks). And I find that flats (or even low low heels) work just fine for my dressier needs on vacation, unless I were attending something formal.

I have a pair of Mephisto boots that I bought a few years ago, that are REALLY comfortable. They have gore tex, so are waterproof and warm. I wore them when I flew to NY in Jan. and they were good for most of the trip. They weren't 'snow boots' but protected my feet well enough and were good for wearing in crappy weather without snow.

Only problem was that they were a pain going through security with, but since I go through the TSA approved lane now, I don't have to remove my shoes anymore.

[The Walk of the Penguin Mich]

Mar 24, 2014 11:29:05 GMT -5 oped said:

Are my keens athletic ware?  But yes, they make lots of nicely constructed, comfortable walking shoes that do not look like sneakers... and they aren't bad to look at... (understand i'm not necessarily going to convince Tequila of that...)

I don't think so....

This is why I bought Merrill hiking shoes when I went to Turkey.  They felt like sneakers and had the same sort of support such that I could have used them to work out with.  But they did not look like sneakers.

[Blonde Granny]

For us older people who tend to take more than just a few meds, this is what I did last year. I bought those very small plastic bags for meds and WMT. Counted out my pills for 21 days, removed the label from the original container, stuffed the little bag into a ziplock snack bag and stuffed all the snack bags into one sandwich size ziplock bag. That way, each med was separate & had the required label on it but everything laid flat. DH on the other hand wouldn't do that so his backpack was full of medication bottles. TSA people didn't even bother to look at drugs, either in Kansas City or San Francisco.

[Rocky Mtn Saver]

Mar 24, 2014 11:37:36 GMT -5 The Walk of the Penguin Mich said:

Mar 24, 2014 11:29:05 GMT -5 oped said:

Are my keens athletic ware?  But yes, they make lots of nicely constructed, comfortable walking shoes that do not look like sneakers... and they aren't bad to look at... (understand i'm not necessarily going to convince Tequila of that...)

I don't think so....

This is why I bought Merrill hiking shoes when I went to Turkey.  They felt like sneakers and had the same sort of support such that I could have used them to work out with.  But they did not look like sneakers.

I think some of those shoes on the makers' website I'd be comfortable wearing in Europe.  A few I wouldn't.  Just don't wear white ones - white sneaker-looking-things is a dead 'ugly american' giveaway!

[The Walk of the Penguin Mich]

www.merrell.com/US/en-US/Product.mvc.aspx/33573W/82483/Womens/Azura-Waterproof?dimensions=0

The hiking shoes I bought were similar to these, only with no orange on the shoe.

I didn't want white sneakers as I knew I'd be climbing on dusty ruins, but knew that I would need support than what you'd find in most casual shoes. I also knew that white sneakers would be a dead give away of American.

[Lizard Queen]

I used something sort of like this, wheeled backpack carry on with detachable daypack:
www.ebags.com/product/high-sierra/at-gear-ultimate-access/205766?productid=10113351&rlid=DETAIL_AI

I wish there were a laundromat around when I was in Jamaica. Let's just say, we were staying off the beaten path.  

[mmhmm]

Mar 24, 2014 10:10:59 GMT -5 Rocky Mtn Saver said:

Mar 24, 2014 10:06:27 GMT -5 bookkeeper said:

I second the notion of buying a few tops and scarves on your trip.  They will be fun momentos to wear when you get home.</p>

Wearable souvenirs is a great idea!  I need to pay attention to this idea more when I travel. 

You can also ship things home, by the way, if there's something you simply must buy while traveling.  In fact, I've been known to hit a post office (or FedEx, e.g) while on vacation, and mail some things home to myself in order to save space/trouble. 

Reading this, I had to laugh.  DH and I always traveled light, but that was because I bought what I needed/wanted as we went.  DHL was my friend!  It works but poor hubs just shook his head at the costs of taking me places.

[Apple]

Wow! I think some people take more shoes on vacation than I own...

We did Rome with one pair of shoes, but it rained so hard for so long, shoes never got dry and I decided I'd always bring an easy slip-on lightweight pair just to have as an extra--must be comfortable.

[Rocky Mtn Saver]

Mar 24, 2014 13:42:11 GMT -5 Lizard Queen said:

I used something sort of like this, wheeled backpack carry on with detachable daypack:
www.ebags.com/product/high-sierra/at-gear-ultimate-access/205766?productid=10113351&rlid=DETAIL_AI

I wish there were a laundromat around when I was in Jamaica. Let's just say, we were staying off the beaten path.  

I've used this style quite a bit, and I also recommend it with one caveat.  The good:  you have the option of rolling it when you get tired of carrying your heavy bag.  The bad:  the wheels will add some slight weight and they will also take space away inside the bag. 

[Apple]

geenamercile -- have not checked out popcorn shirts, but might look into it. Lightweight and non-wrinkle or "looks good wrinkled" is how I'm planning to go.

Rocky Mtn Saver (Rocky)-- you mentioned buying and tossing stuff. I actually have done other trips bringing worn out socks that only really had one use left, then throwing it away. I've done lots of sink laundry on vacation, but never socks, those always went in the garbage.

alabamagal-- I love using the smaller local markets, last time in London I sent DS to the store by himself (a block or two away) to buy me laundry detergent. It was a fun little adventure for him.

Gardening Grandma-- I find I pack less with each trip as well, and hope to further condense on this trip, even though it will be the longest so far. I love my jeans, but agree they take way too long to dry.

Thanks to everyone mentioning shoe brands too! This is something I'm researching some. I want just two pair, both must be comfortable and one should look good (enough) with a casual dress.

The Walk of the Penguin Mich-- I'll probably never want to wear the clothes again either We plan to use one rolling backpack and one convertible backpack/suitcase.

I'm going to bring a VERY light weight bag that goes over the shoulder to carry any souvenirs that won't fit in the carry on bag. Anything bought in the first part of the trip will be mailed home when I can find a place to do it, anything that flies home with us will probably go in one of the luggage bags and I'll use the fold-up bag as my carryon. I never like to check souvenirs.

Right now I have a Kindle, but I'm thinking of finding something I can download photos to so I have a backup. I haven't decided what camera to take, it will depend on room. I'm debating trying to find an awesome point-and-shoot, my DSLR will get cumbersome and heavy after a while.


bookkeeper--I've used travelsmith before, I keep watching their clearance. I'm thinking about silk longjohns, a black pair would go with the dress I have really well. I can also wear it on the plane.

I never wear scarves, so those are probably out. But, if I find a really nice looking one for a good price I may pick one up.

travelnut11 -- I've had to do laundry by hand in the past (for about a year before I could afford a new washing machine), so that part really isn't an issue. BUT, if I can find a real laundry place (drop off or do it yourself), I'll use it a couple times.

We plan to be moving around a lot, so we will often need to carry anything we bring, which is the main reason I'm limiting myself to a carryon each. DS is a big kid, I'll put the most weight in his bag