Others not obsessed with "Packing Light?"
Jun 12, 2018, 5:14 am
#212
Join Date: Sep 2009
Programs: UA GS>1K>Nothing; DL DM 2MM; AS 75K>Nothing>MVP
Posts: 9,341
I'm probably at the extreme on this, but I leave stuff in various locations so I can go pretty much anywhere (currently on a 5 week trip) with just a small rucksack. It's a bit more expensive (e.g owning 40 pair of underwear,) but IMHO the benefit of never worrying about overhead space, changing flights, towing a bag or losing/waiting for luggage etc. makes it worth it.
I think a lot depends on the person though. Some people feel more comfortable traveling with more stuff; others are more minimalist.
I think a lot depends on the person though. Some people feel more comfortable traveling with more stuff; others are more minimalist.
Jun 12, 2018, 8:24 am
#213
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: YVR
Programs: AC SE 2MM; UA MP Premier Silver; Marriott Bonvoy LT Titanium Elite; Radisson; Avis PC
Posts: 35,255
Jun 14, 2018, 1:05 pm
#214
Join Date: May 2016
Location: SLC
Programs: United Gold, Hilton Silver, Hertz President's Circle
Posts: 768
Interesting thread to follow. I've also experienced the snobbery of those who think if you check a bag, you're somehow a lower form of life. But at this point of my life, I've learned how to let that stuff roll off my back. For me, it really depends on the situation. For business trips, I travel the night before I need to be there, so waiting for a bag is no issue. I pack enough clothes for every day (different shirt each day, 2 days per pair of pants), with one extra set of underwear, in case I experience any travel delays. I use a rental car, so no issue having room for my checked bag. I do sometimes return home with unused clothing. Not a problem!
For personal travel, it really depends on the situation. When I've gone on cruises, I over-pack. I always have what I need (including tuxedo for formal nights). I have a card that gives me two free bags, so fees aren't a concern. But there are times when I have to be more careful. A number of years ago I took my family on vacation to Japan for 2 weeks. We took only carry-on and backpack. This was important, as we did a lot of travel by train and bus, where big bags just wouldn't have worked. We did have to do laundry, but we survived.
For personal travel, it really depends on the situation. When I've gone on cruises, I over-pack. I always have what I need (including tuxedo for formal nights). I have a card that gives me two free bags, so fees aren't a concern. But there are times when I have to be more careful. A number of years ago I took my family on vacation to Japan for 2 weeks. We took only carry-on and backpack. This was important, as we did a lot of travel by train and bus, where big bags just wouldn't have worked. We did have to do laundry, but we survived.
Jun 15, 2018, 3:02 pm
#215
Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: Germany
Posts: 71
I think a very big point is how many outfit changes you have to do during your trip and how big they pack, plus how long you travel and if you can wash, send stuff to cleaning or something. Any kind of sports gear can add up very fast especially if you can't wash and dry stuff you might need more than you think.
A few years back I went to England for three days for a wedding and just barely managed not to add check in luggage (at cost ad I was flying Ryanair). Why? Well I went to a wedding with a phantom of the opera themed masquerade ball in winter.so I needed two full dress up outfits, One of them a full skirted ball gown. Plus regular winter clothing, toiletries and makeup it was very tight. In a couple of weeks I fly to another wedding staying five nights again with two events - though this time spread over two days. Two dress up outfits again no ball gown though. I'll easily fit everything in my carry on though dealing with the fluid rules I'm looking for insect repellent in a less than 100ml container.
A few years back I went to England for three days for a wedding and just barely managed not to add check in luggage (at cost ad I was flying Ryanair). Why? Well I went to a wedding with a phantom of the opera themed masquerade ball in winter.so I needed two full dress up outfits, One of them a full skirted ball gown. Plus regular winter clothing, toiletries and makeup it was very tight. In a couple of weeks I fly to another wedding staying five nights again with two events - though this time spread over two days. Two dress up outfits again no ball gown though. I'll easily fit everything in my carry on though dealing with the fluid rules I'm looking for insect repellent in a less than 100ml container.