#89717 - 04/28/11 01:07 PM
What luggage do you choose?
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Submarine
Expert Advisor
Registered: 01/03/03
Posts: 1033
Loc: Gilbert, Arizona, USA
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After the airlines managed to destroy the extendable handle of my second set of Samsonite, I've decided to try the Rick Steves 21" Autobahn rolling backpack.
I seem to get better every year, bringing less stuff and more cash. My last 2 week trip to Tahiti was easily managed with a carry on upright and my camera backpack. Now I think I'll be down to this rolling backpack and perhaps a smaller daypack or bag. I bring a duffel that stuffs into a small bag in case I buy a bunch of stuff (it makes a decent pillow too). I only pack 3 days worth of clothing and just do laundry.
What are your packing secrets?
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#89718 - 04/28/11 03:56 PM
Re: What luggage do you choose?
[Re: Submarine]
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Old Wife
Expert Advisor
Registered: 02/21/03
Posts: 2369
Loc: Burlington, Ontario, Canada
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We both take good-quality backpacks that will squish to carry-on regulation size. They're great when you go walking/hiking--you can carry bagels, a water bottle, a camera, your money, whatever. One we have even has an insulated spot at the bottom so we slide cheese in there when we grocery shop (and have a long walk home). We still need a checked bag for snorkelling gear and books (one day I'll buy a Kindle and manage it all in carry-on). We did spend 8 days in Paris with just carry-ons (backpacks), though and, other than not having a corkscrew for that great French wine, we did fine.
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#89720 - 04/29/11 12:53 AM
Re: What luggage do you choose?
[Re: Old Wife]
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longstay
Member
Registered: 02/21/11
Posts: 119
Loc: Minnesota
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Packing secrets for men.
Swim trunks-all occasions. Shirts to match or not, the swim trunks.
Snorkel gear, books, sunscreen, toothbrush, deoderant, toothpaste,floss, Melaleucca oil, bug repellent, collapsible cooler.
Is that it?
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#89721 - 04/29/11 05:53 AM
Re: What luggage do you choose?
[Re: longstay]
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Old Wife
Expert Advisor
Registered: 02/21/03
Posts: 2369
Loc: Burlington, Ontario, Canada
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I just re-read my list and I've no idea why I typed bagels and not baguettes, LOL! I must have had bagels on my mind.
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#89722 - 04/29/11 09:24 AM
Re: What luggage do you choose?
[Re: Old Wife]
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BarbiJKM
Supreme Advisor
Registered: 02/14/07
Posts: 6150
Loc: Mesa, AZ
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I am not the queen of packing-light when going to FP (too many "special requests" to bring for friends), but we do use the Rick Steves convertible backpack as carry-on, along with a 20-21" rollaboard. We can get ALL our clothes for two people for a month in those two carry-ons, along with important things like electronics. The convertible backpack is actually the size of a 21" suitcase, and is surprisingly comfortable on the back even when full. No wheels makes it lighter!
Other things that work well are packing cubes (to keep things separate and organized), and Space bags, which compress clothing down flat, reducing size (but not weight). Actually the giant-size Ziploc bags work well for this too: fill about 3/4 full, then roll-up before sealing to remove air and then flatten.
Rick Steves has some good packing hints here: http://www.ricksteves.com/plan/tips/packlight.htm
The only detriment to going completely carry-on is the restriction on liquids. It's expensive to buy shampoo, sunscreen, and insect repellent in FP, not to mention booze! Also, on full flights, you might have problems finding available overhead bin space.
My DREAM is to go to FP completely carry-on one day!
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#89723 - 04/29/11 09:27 AM
Re: What luggage do you choose?
[Re: BarbiJKM]
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BarbiJKM
Supreme Advisor
Registered: 02/14/07
Posts: 6150
Loc: Mesa, AZ
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Forgot to say -- great idea to bring an extra, folded-flat duffle packed empty in the primary luggage for carrying (or checking in) extra purchases. I love the $10 Air Tahiti Nui large zippered tote bag that folds into a small envelope.
Also, although I know I look like a dork, I always wear a fanny pack when traveling. I've got my cash, passport, and important stuff close to my body, I've never had it counted as a carry-on personal item, and no one has ever asked me to remove it while seated and buckled up in the plane. It's more like a pocket!) It keeps things very handy. When in FP, my husband uses it when he's on bike rides to carry ID and cash.
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#89724 - 04/29/11 09:36 AM
Re: What luggage do you choose?
[Re: BarbiJKM]
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BarbiJKM
Supreme Advisor
Registered: 02/14/07
Posts: 6150
Loc: Mesa, AZ
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Another great idea: the Scottevest! http://www.scottevest.com/ This is a line of clothing specifically designed for travel, with multiple pockets to carry things. It's got specific pockets for iPod (& wires), cell phone, passport, camera, magazines or books, even an iPad., and oodles of room to store things without looking (or feeling) super-bulky. I have the windbreaker and have used it a few times; just take the whole thing off and put in the the TSA bin. It doesn't count as a carry-on item because you are wearing it!
They now have a new light-weight travel vest that looks interesting too. Good video showing what you can put in it is here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q43i33AuieQ
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#89725 - 04/29/11 01:27 PM
Re: What luggage do you choose?
[Re: BarbiJKM]
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Submarine
Expert Advisor
Registered: 01/03/03
Posts: 1033
Loc: Gilbert, Arizona, USA
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Hey I appreciate that link Barb. I was just looking for some lightweight pants for the Guadalcanal/Tarawa trip to keep the mosquitoes at bay.
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#89726 - 04/29/11 07:13 PM
Re: What luggage do you choose?
[Re: Submarine]
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Patti.
Expert Advisor
Registered: 03/28/04
Posts: 2460
Loc: Las Vegas, NV
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I have the Rick Steves regular 21" roller bag..not the backpack one, just the regular one...and I love it. Had no issues with it so far. It's lightweight enough that it doesn't add substantial weight. It holds quite a lot and I love all the little pockets on it. I also have the Rick Steves Civita (sp?) day pack in the matching color.
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#89727 - 04/30/11 12:48 AM
Re: What luggage do you choose?
[Re: Patti.]
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longstay
Member
Registered: 02/21/11
Posts: 119
Loc: Minnesota
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I, too, have my fanny pack. Along with me in my Crocs, it is a pathetic look, but they work so well. The fanny pack is the best.
I have LeSportsac which I love
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