Women Travelers - Carry-on-only FT women- what "luxury" item do you bring?

Just curious as to what "luxury" some of the women FT'ers that travel with one bag carry on that they could do without, but bring it anyhow. Luxury in terms of the weight or space they take up in your luggage, not necessarily in price.

Women specific - while I'm curious what the men bring but could leave out, some men seem to point towards females being "over packers" which got me wondering, what is it that I know I pack but could live without? Let's face it. Many of the FT women are superb one carry-on and optional personal item packers :) And what would the women point out as something men don't need to pack but do?

I bring 2+ paperback books prior to kindle, now 1+ paperback and kindle. Yes, I tote the books home, too... My 311 bag is also a bit fancy with small bottles of face cream and nice shampoo. A small bit of knitting to keep my hands busy. I could do without these items but don't want to and will toss something else out of my bag first.

Things I've "done without": extra pair of shoes, a round hairbrush and making do with a folding one, makeup, laptop :) , and living dangerously without chargers for a 2 day trip. Yes, I once sacrificed most beauty aides for knitting supplies and an extra book. Then I bought a slightly bigger bag.

I've seen other people bring hardback books which boggles my mind. One man at SJC had two laptops but he did look like IT.

I never leave without my vibrator...:D

This is an excellent question. I pack differently for work travel than vacation travel. I'll answer this for vacation travel, which is usually of longer duration than a business trip. Even if I'm gone two or three weeks I will only bring a carry-on and a personal item. I never check luggage.

I think my biggest/bulkiest luxury item is my Bose headphones. I only use them on the plane on the way there and back, and then have to tote them all around in between on trains and everything else, and usually in business class they give you nice headphones anyway, so it does seem silly. The amount of space these take up for how long I actually use them is probably a waste. I just like them so much, though.

Other than that, I've really got my stuff pared down to essentials.

Chocolate.....and my silk dreamsack.

Books. I must have books. I buy cheap at library sales, and discard as I finish each one. Either my luggage is lighter when I return home, or I have space for purchases.

I have a pashmina that's big enough to use as a blanket. It takes up very little room, but if I need the space for something else I use it as a shawl.

I do like my own small down blanket. I don't have room on every trip for it, but it's my 'luxury' space-taking item when I can make it fit.

I carry along my own tea and tea making gear. Have to! Having my own tea, een on a cruise ship, helps me to feel right.

The second (round) hairbrush.

I am a fanatically light packer. I'll wear the same three blouses and two skirts for an infinite number of days on business trips, have no problem using airline amenity kit toothpaste and moisturizer as well as hotel room shampoo and conditioner, and don't wear makeup. But I never travel without that round brush.

I also bring my running clothes and sneakers everywhere. The sneakers take up a lot of room in a 20-inch rollaboard, but I manage to fit everything anyway. It helps to be small and have small clothes!

I almost always pack my Elchim hairdryer.

The "what to do with your purse" question was debated on WSJ.com last week:
http://blogs.wsj.com/juggle/2010/04/27/three-tips-for-business-travel/

I carry along my own tea and tea making gear. Have to! Having my own tea, een on a cruise ship, helps me to feel right.

Tea is a must for me as well. If I can't fit a little hot water kettle, then I bring a thermos and better quality tea bags. For hot water I go to a cafe and buy the largest tea they have with teabag on the side, fill my thermos from the cup, and pop the bag into the cup.

The hot water kettle is an electric one found at a Chinese market. It is about 3.5 " x 4" x 8" if I remember correctly.

I'm still on the lookout for a good ceramic travel mug but no luck so far. Small thermos or travel tea mug it is until I find a good ceramic travel mug.

I do like my own small down blanket. I don't have room on every trip for it, but it's my 'luxury' space-taking item when I can make it fit.

l'etoile, have you seen the pillow stuff sacks? http://www.basegear.com/granite-gear-dream-sack.html How small can you get your blanket to squish down to? The smallest I've seen is a football (American).

l'etoile, have you seen the pillow stuff sacks? http://www.basegear.com/granite-gear-dream-sack.html How small can you get your blanket to squish down to? The smallest I've seen is a football (American).

I hadn't seen those before. Thanks.

I have a compression stuff sack that's the same idea for my sleeping bag when I take it kayaking. They're like these and turn my whole sleeping bag into basically a rock-hard American-sized football if I compress it enough using the straps. http://www.sunnysports.com/prod/KLTCSS.html?ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=KLTCSS I hadn't thought of something like that for the blanket. With a real good compression sack I could probably get it really small.

Okay, about the down blanket!

I have one of these, in black: The Eddie Bauer Down Travel Throw & Pillow Set.

I can't figure out how to link directly to that item b/c of their website code but look on this page and you'll see it there:
http://www.eddiebauer.com/EB/Bedding/Down-Throws/index.cat

It's lovely... the blanket folds up into the case and the case is a perfect pillow. Or, you can take the blanket out and use it as a blanket and stuff an airline pillow into the case. It packs up very, very flat. It also has a velcro loop you can tie around your suitcase handle.

I don't carry this every time, but if I think I want to sleep and have room for it, its wonderful.

I normally check luggage, so don't need to worry about leaving a luxury item behind ;)

It's rare for me to do carry-on, so really in that case it's more like what do I leave out (such an an extra pair of shoes or scaling down on the skincare/makeup) than what luxury item do I keep.

Cheers.

Depends on where I'm going, how long I'll be there and what I need.

I've seen other people bring hardback books which boggles my mind.

Haha, I'm that person with the hardback. I travel extremely light - usually with a regular size backpack for the weekend. However, I tend to check out books from the public library (inevitably hardback ), and I never get a chance to read properly unless I'm on a plane.

Otherwise, the only "luxury" item I might have is a pashmina - but honestly, they're quite utilitarian.

My "luxury" item is not specific to women, but it is an item for which I'll make sacrifices in other areas: my pillow. It's very compressible, made of natural latex, and is relatively heavy (though they do vary somewhat in weight). Because it's so compressible I have no trouble squishing it into very tight spaces, but the weight's potentially an issue if I'm flying carry-on only on, say, Ryanair (10 kg limit). I still manage, though, even for multi-week trips, leisure or work, and I bring all of my own toiletries and a wardrobe that doesn't look the least bit like I'm traveling carry-on only.

The next biggest luxury would be my flat iron. I've got two (one for 110, one for 220) and some trips require that I bring them both. And I do.

The next biggest luxury would be my flat iron. I've got two (one for 110, one for 220) and some trips require that I bring them both. And I do.

Have you considered a dual voltage flat iron?

Extra shoes.

I'll wear the same outfit twice in the same week as long as I can vary it up with different shoes! I love my Fluevog collection.

I always packed my cell & laptop charger. I feel naked without them. :)

And lip balm.

Haha, I'm that person with the hardback. I travel extremely light - usually with a regular size backpack for the weekend. However, I tend to check out books from the public library (inevitably hardback ), and I never get a chance to read properly unless I'm on a plane.

Otherwise, the only "luxury" item I might have is a pashmina - but honestly, they're quite utilitarian.

Me too. I always take hardback books along with me no matter how heavy. I guess you could say that is my luxury item.

Bobette

Extra shoes.

I'll wear the same outfit twice in the same week as long as I can vary it up with different shoes! I love my Fluevog collection.

Yesssss! At least in theory -- I adore Fluevogs but they're never as comfortable as I think they should be. But I still take multiple shoes for comfort (and because I love shoes).

I also take Bose headphones and a small down pillow, but usually I check a bag. For this week's carry-on trip the headphones will stay home.

That Eddie Bauer set looks sweet. On long flights in coach exit row I'm always freezing, and I've toyed with the idea of packing my down throw.

Just curious as to what "luxury" some of the women FT'ers that travel with one bag carry on that they could do without, but bring it anyhow. Luxury in terms of the weight or space they take up in your luggage, not necessarily in price.



My netbook (10' Asus EeePC), USB modem and thumbnail drive with about 1500 books, poems, songs. About 1kg. Always something to read or listen to...

I love my Fluevog collection.

Another Fluevog fan!

I adore Fluevogs but they're never as comfortable as I think they should be.

I've had the exact opposite reaction with Fluevogs - they're the only shoes I can buy that don't hurt my feet. Everything else from payless to Jimmy Choo has given me blisters (yes, properly fitted.. no idea what the deal is), but with Fluevogs I can wear them right out of the box with no fear.

I have a rather extensive collection.. my favourites right now are my purple & orange Zazas (wearing those today!), and the Miracle Fatima sandals in yellow & grey.

I carry along my own tea and tea making gear. Have to! Having my own tea, een on a cruise ship, helps me to feel right.

I am very much with you on this one. Ever since staying at the W Atlanta that had no black tea bags whatsoever, I always carry tea bags with me. I need my tea.

A good-sized magnifying mirror (in bubble wrap) when staying in hotels that don't have them. And books no matter where I'm staying, except that if it's London I only take one, as I know I'll be buying some over there.

Hi everyone, I am new to posting, but have been a long time lurker. I can't do without a large pashmina like scarf. Just perfect for keep warm on cold planes, covering my head when I want to sleep, and covering my rear, when my pants have split. :rolleyes:

Clarisonic, as long as it's a short enough trip for the battery to last, or long enough trip to justify taking the charger.

Hi everyone, I am new to posting, but have been a long time lurker. I can't do without a large pashmina like scarf. Just perfect for keep warm on cold planes, covering my head when I want to sleep, and covering my rear, when my pants have split. :rolleyes:

Pashmina too. Even in the summer. I hate plane blankets. I also get them drycleaned after a few flights.

I'm an electronics freak so I take my Kindle, my iPad, my iPhone, my iPod but since I got the iPad I don't need my computer so I've cut the load considerably. See how I rationalize. Its the wires that take up so much room. I can never travel with only a carryon. It wouldn't work so I check all that I can and then fly with only my electronics, meds and a magazine.

Why would you buy, or take books out of libraries, when you have alternatives like the Kindle-- and now the iPad?

I'm an electronics freak so I take my Kindle, my iPad, my iPhone, my iPod but since I got the iPad I don't need my computer so I've cut the load considerably. See how I rationalize. Its the wires that take up so much room. I can never travel with only a carryon. It wouldn't work so I check all that I can and then fly with only my electronics, meds and a magazine.

Why would you buy, or take books out of libraries, when you have alternatives like the Kindle-- and now the iPad?

Uh - see your own rationalization :rolleyes: You check so that you can carry-on the electronics. Others check so they can carry on paperback/hard cover books. To each their own. @:-)

Speaking only for myself, I find the electronic holier than thou thing a bit boring. I own a Kindle. I still read paper books, listen to audiobooks, and also read books on my Kindle. There's room for all 3!

Re: the ipad. I have a laptop. I don't need another boat anchor ;) OVMV.

Cheers.

Re: the ipad. I have a laptop. I don't need another boat anchor ;) OVMV.

Cheers.

I just did a 10 day vacation with my iPad instead of my laptop. Worked like a charm and forced me to NOT work while on vacation but I could still get online, send emails, etc.

Some of us sometimes travel to places where electricity is not a "given," and I don't want to be worried about charging some piece of equipment. I've enjoyed watching chargers blow out all over the world. Plus I don't want to worry about keeping track of another piece of equipment, when my neighborhood library often sells books for 25cents and my used book places also has 25c and 75c bins. So I do buy books and leave 'em after I've read them. And if I do misplace a book, I'm not so annoyed as I would be if I'd misplaced a piece of equipment. The savings in time, money, and irritation by bringing physical books, to me, makes them far more practical IN MY SITUATION than using Kindle or another device.

However, I can't fairly count a 25 cent item as a "luxury." The biggest luxury items in my carry-on is usually jewelry. No one is going to think you're a bum, even if you wear the same clothes every day, if you're strolling around in mega-bucks worth of gold or even well-crafted silver.

My Swarovski binoculars would not, of course, be considered a "luxury," as they are simply a necessity of life, or my life anyway.


I'm an electronics freak so I take my Kindle, my iPad, my iPhone, my iPod but since I got the iPad I don't need my computer so I've cut the load considerably. See how I rationalize. Its the wires that take up so much room. I can never travel with only a carryon. It wouldn't work so I check all that I can and then fly with only my electronics, meds and a magazine.

Why would you buy, or take books out of libraries, when you have alternatives like the Kindle-- and now the iPad?

Uh - see your own rationalization :rolleyes: You check so that you can carry-on the electronics. Others check so they can carry on paperback/hard cover books. To each their own. @:-)

Speaking only for myself, I find the electronic holier than thou thing a bit boring. I own a Kindle. I still read paper books, listen to audiobooks, and also read books on my Kindle. There's room for all 3!

Re: the ipad. I have a laptop. I don't need another boat anchor ;) OVMV.

Cheers.

I just got back from a trip to Vegas. I stayed a week and never missed my Macbook because I had the iPad. The iPad has a lot more interesting apps than a computer, it weighs less, and is a nifty little travel companion. If I was traveling for business I think I would have to take my laptop but after a week using only the iPad it would take a lot of persuasion for me to go back...

Bose Head phones, Straightner, favorite jeans and one pair of "the perfect" shoes

Bose Head phones, Straightner, favorite jeans and one pair of "the perfect" shoes

Hi
Can you describe your 'perfect shoes" - or better yet a link?
perfect for me would be only one pair for a trip

My flatiron, iPhone and my silk dreamsack.. Give me those three things, and I'm set for life!:D

My flatiron, iPhone and my silk dreamsack.. Give me those three things, and I'm set for life!:D

Although I had to look up a Dreamsack, add dark chocolate and I could probably survive quite well with just those things too!

I'm torn on the luxury item. I haven't traveled as much in the past couple of years as before (I am SO looking forward to getting back into travel again!), but I have a backpack that I keep filled with essentials: laptop, chewing gum, Bose headphones, ipod, chargers, dual-voltage flat iron...I suppose the things I wouldn't like being without would be my iPod and my laptop (EEE PC).

When I travel overseas, I've learned not to bring my "smart" phone, as it starts costing me a fortune if I just turn it on. Better that I use a cheap, $9.99 rechargeable phone that I purchase in my destination country and e-mail the particulars back home for emergencies.

Oh, and btw, on this note:
Why would you buy, or take books out of libraries, when you have alternatives like the Kindle-- and now the iPad?
I, for one, don't want my entire library to eventually become obsolete and then have to re-purchase every book I love. So far, the only medium that doesn't have that "feature" is the printed medium. Plus, I adore the feel of a book in my hands.

GG

Although I had to look up a Dreamsack, add dark chocolate and I could probably survive quite well with just those things too!

You know.... Now that you mention the dark chocolate, I think I want to add that to my list!! :)

Flat iron, books (I'm a multiple book packer because I have an irrational fear of running out of reading material) and fun necklaces.

I never leave without my vibrator...:D

LOL! And how does THAT go when going through security? :p

I carry my MacBook Air, camera and iPod (until the battery started to swell!) I also bring along a small fleece blanket to use instead of the thread bare airline ones. I can't control my body temperature since my spinal cord injury so I figure it's well worth it. I always get cold on flights.

That's pretty much all of the "luxury" items for me. The rest of the bag is filled with medical type things I can't chance loosing if my checked in bag doesn't make it (or at least enough to last until I can get more if needed), and food for my guide/service dog for a couple of meals (again just in case). Also a small rolled up dog bed and Kong for Duke while he is on the plane. It helps control hair from him moving around to change position and gives him something to chew on the flight.

Why would you buy, or take books out of libraries, when you have alternatives like the Kindle-- and now the iPad?

I have two laptops, a Blackberry and an iPhone. Half are company issue half are mine, I just haven't jumped on the Kindle or iPad bandwagon yet. I don't want to carry around the extra electronics. I have several friends who still read paperbacks like I do, for the most part we have similar taste in books. We exchange, loan and trade books back and forth. Eventually I will probably get a Kindle but I can't see myself ever not reading a paperback. When I want to read a research or history book I usually just check them out of the library as I don't want to purchase them. Everyone has their own reasons for how they do things, a Kindle or iPad isn't one size fits all.

LOL! And how does THAT go when going through security? :p

If it's a woman, I get the disapproving look, if it's a male, I get a smile or even a proposition! ;)LOL!

Ok, this may sound crazy, but I have a little tray that's about 5 inches wide by 7 inches long. As soon as I get to a hotel room, I put it on a table or on the top of the TV. My watch goes on it, rental car keys, lip gloss, room key (while I'm in the room generally) as well as any subway/underground passes etc. It's like my little piece of organization while I'm away and I always know where those things are.

If it's a woman, I get the disapproving look, if it's a male, I get a smile or even a proposition! ;)LOL!

Inspired by this post, I've started taking one along as well :P

Never had so much as a raised eyebrow. My travel one's a Lelo though, rechargeable with no batteries for convenience, so it's probably not THAT obvious at first glance.

I have two laptops, a Blackberry and an iPhone. Half are company issue half are mine, I just haven't jumped on the Kindle or iPad bandwagon yet. I don't want to carry around the extra electronics. I have several friends who still read paperbacks like I do, for the most part we have similar taste in books. We exchange, loan and trade books back and forth. Eventually I will probably get a Kindle but I can't see myself ever not reading a paperback. When I want to read a research or history book I usually just check them out of the library as I don't want to purchase them. Everyone has their own reasons for how they do things, a Kindle or iPad isn't one size fits all.

I've actually replaced one of my 2 laptops with Ipad, and the traveling seems a bit more compact these days. Both laptops were around 6.5lbs, so this dropped some weight from my shoulders.

Okay, about the down blanket!

I have one of these, in black: The Eddie Bauer Down Travel Throw & Pillow Set.

I can't figure out how to link directly to that item b/c of their website code but look on this page and you'll see it there:
http://www.eddiebauer.com/EB/Bedding/Down-Throws/index.cat

It's lovely... the blanket folds up into the case and the case is a perfect pillow. Or, you can take the blanket out and use it as a blanket and stuff an airline pillow into the case. It packs up very, very flat. It also has a velcro loop you can tie around your suitcase handle.

I don't carry this every time, but if I think I want to sleep and have room for it, its wonderful.
Thanks for the link- it looks interesting- and is on sale!

Do you know it's dimensions when it's in it's case? How much does it weigh? (Sellers never give enough info.)

I bring along a lavender pillow sachet that goes into my pillow case. I love the scent when I go to sleep.
I also love having books with me, but several months ago switched to a Kindle. I love it more than I ever thought I would. I'm doing more reading than ever, and probably less sleeping.
I also carry a small camera and flipcam on every trip (90% of my travels are for business) because I never know when something is worth videoing or getting a photo of.

Carol
www.smartwomentravelers.com

A travel size of my fav fragrance is my lux item..Nothing worse than horrid smells and nothing to fite them with. A dab on the wrist can keep those offending scents away, be it on the plane or anywhere.
I consider my ipod and netbook necessities.

Hello all, I too am a "lurker" with only an occasional post - but I've had lots of good tips from your section, thanks !

Had to reply to this one

Flat iron, books (I'm a multiple book packer because I have an irrational fear of running out of reading material) and fun necklaces

If a Flat iron means a hair straightener, then I'm 100% behind this post - particularly regarding the books - regularly known to post books home to myself so I can keep buying more !

Cheers

If a Flat iron means a hair straightener, then I'm 100% behind this post -

Cheers[/QUOTE]


Ohhhh. I am from the uk- I thought they brought with them an old fashioned cast hand iron that you heated in the fire pre electricity. Often used as door stops now. I thought it was a little bizarre (and quite heavy) but certainly a luxury item.

Flat iron, books (I'm a multiple book packer because I have an irrational fear of running out of reading material) and fun necklaces

If you're carting a laptop or netbook or even iPhone, there's the Kindle app from Amazon that's free! I have it on my laptop and wonder why anyone would buy a Kindle (although I did several years ago as a gift to my husband.)

If you're carting a laptop or netbook or even iPhone, there's the Kindle app from Amazon that's free! I have it on my laptop and wonder why anyone would buy a Kindle (although I did several years ago as a gift to my husband.)

I have both a Kindle and an iPad, and carry both along in my carry-on (they are my luxury items). I have the Kindle app on the iPad, but there are three reasons why I like reading on the Kindle itself better:

1) Battery life. I'm a heavy reader, but I can go for a few weeks without needing to recharge my Kindle. Not true for the iPad!

2) Eye strain. I'm okay with reading on the iPad, but my eyes do start to hurt after an hour or so. That might just be a function of my age + naturally bad eyes, though.

3) My personal library. I have documents that I will scan in advance and read on the iPad via GoodReader/Dropbox, but I also have a number of Kindle-format books that I have downloaded for free, or created for myself (I tend to make a personalized guidebook on the Kindle before leaving on a major trip). I can't read those on the iPad (though I could on a laptop).

Not such a good idea to have lots of jewelry unless you're in really fancy AND safe places. You're just asking to get robbed. For fancy looks, use scarves with metallic threads, nice costume jewelry, and clothing with ruffles, etc. For tailored looks: you can't beat an elegant silk scarf.... and no one is going to roll you for a silk scarf.

Not such a good idea to have lots of jewelry unless you're in really fancy AND safe places. You're just asking to get robbed. For fancy looks, use scarves with metallic threads, nice costume jewelry, and clothing with ruffles, etc. For tailored looks: you can't beat an elegant silk scarf.... and no one is going to roll you for a silk scarf.

+1 - I fell in love with scarves and will pack several per trip. I also love jewellery but will be cautious as to which faves to pack/wear.

lurking on the thread as well, and had to go see what the fuss with the Fluevogs was all about..Oh.my.god I am in love with these shoes! thank you! thank you for the info

my main unnecessary item is one hard cover book...doesn't really matter what the book is, but I always put the dust cover from Arianna Huffington's "How to Overthrow the Government" on it and carry it in my arm...title side out. just for the looks I get.

I also always travel with a lot of crochet projects. I have an abiding fear of having idle hands on a long flight!