Have any of you ever successfully packed for a trip of ten days or longer using just a carry-on? Because I’m going on vacation soon, and my pathological fear of lost luggage—which does not coexist at all peacefully with my tendency to overpack—has me contemplating this. The only thing that makes it even close to conceivable is the notion of carrying a duffle wheelie, because you can cram so much more into them than a regular suitcase-shaped wheelie. I bought a magically bottomless one several years ago—a collaboration between Le Sportsac and Stella McCartney—but it falls over whenever you let go of it. Not so handy when you’re, say, selecting magazines at the airport newsstand. So I’ve been eyeing this Crumpler duffle as an alternative —so handsome and sturdy.
But here’s the thing: my primary destination is Paris. So there’s no way I’ll be getting by with just a carry-on for the return trip, because, awful exchange rate or no, there will be shopping. In which case the acquisition of a super-lightweight, packable little buddy suitcase like this nice red one becomes a must. But instead of putting all my nice new purchases in it, this is where all of the dirty laundry and used-up cosmetic containers would go—so if it gets lost in the shuffle for a day or two, life can proceed with a minimum of drama.
I just did a similar thing, except I was gone for approximately 8 days, not 10. I also packed an extra bag for the way back to account for all the extra things I acquired.
One tip for packing I read a few years ago is to roll, not fold, all your clothing. That supposedly makes it easier to pack and then also there is less wrinkling. I lay everything out that I want to bring and roll each item up and then pack them in, staring with the most bulky items first.
I agree. If you love something, you’ve got to carry it with you. Or maybe UPS it?
Am I the only one getting directed to a WordPress login when I click on the red bag?
I’m a terrible packer. Spent a semester in Paris as an exchange student and my lovely French host had to help me lug my three gargantuan suitcases up a narrow staircase. The shame! I’d like to say I’ve improve 20 years later, but alas. Perhaps you will inspire me.
Thanks for alerting me to the faulty link–it is fixed.
And for the record: I think traveling light, convenient though it may be, is way overrated. So much nicer to have all of your familiar *stuff* with you than to feel all discombobulated in a strange land.
Use the roll up space/vacuum bags! They save soo much space.
Well, if you are really considering tackling the problem, you should check out Maggie Mason at MightyGirl, who has a whole Packing Light section on her website (Packing Light New Oleans, Packing Light Dublin, etc…do NOT miss Packing Light Greece). She’s taken long trips with nothing but a backpack and manages to look amazing doing it. I’ve tried to follow suit, with no success. But something tells me you might be able to do it.
I am taking only a carry-on for a 14 day trip to Spain and Italy…leaving in 2 days!!! I’ve planned my wardrobe out and know I’ll look chic and not too touristy. I will have access to do laundry so that was a factor in taking only a carry-on. I did pack twice though, just to see how much space rolling my items saved. Turns out it’s enough space to bring some souveniers back.
I spent 3 days in Australia without my bags and found out my nice shoes had been stolen while the luggage sat in LAX! That was in 2001 and I only check a bag on return flights. I have been to London/Paris for 8 days, Italy for 10 days, and Spain for 10 days using only a carryon wheeled bag. In London, the driver from the Mandarin Oriental could not believe Americans could travel with only carry-ons! I am intrigued with the new wheeled bags where the back-pack can be zipped onto the bag front or can slide down the handle to securely stack. I find that the zipped on bag makes the luggage tip over too easy. It is fun going into stores in European countries to purchase toiletries – feel like a local. I also have “stuff” I cannot bear to travel without so I have pack early to accommodate those. This year it’s 10 days in Kenya, 35 pound limit, and NO OPPORTUNITY TO BUY STUFF ONCE WE ARRIVE. This will be a challenge. Enjoy traveling light!
I take 14 day business trips thrice yearly and spent a decade trying to become an elegant, effortless carry-on only traveler. After years of being the most delusional person boarding the plane, I stumbled on Lipault bags and went from crazy lady with half the contents of my luggage spilling down the aisle e to perfect-ish passenger. I use the 22inch Lipault foldable carry-on bag, Lipault laptop bag and packing cubes. The laptop bag is a weird bottomless cavern that allows me to also pack a purse, tote, extra shoes and all my toiletries as well as laptop. I can’t recommend these bags enough.
They have a shop in Paris near the Opera on Rue de Madeline.
Good Luck!
I have not checked luggage since 1999!! I don’t travel for business, just pleasure (a couple vacations plus a few long weekends each year). I take one carryon and a tote bag (which carries my small purse, medication and entertainment)and I can stay as long as 14 days with only these. I’m going to Barcelona, Southern France and Paris in September for 11 days and I will look impeccable. It is not necessary to carry your entire closet with you when you travel and one pair of shoes, plus the shoes you are wearing, will do nicely. Pick a color and go from there with accessories, etc. Roll your clothes or use a vacuum system, or even better, go to The Container Store and talk to one of the lovely people who work there who can help you choose one of their packing systems. To me, anything is better than worrying about losing your luggage or having things stolen or, GAWD, looking like a silly American tourist with tons of luggage tying you down.
I routinely travel with just a carry on, normally my Longchamp tote. Granted, you need to be ok with wearing the same things over and over again, but I am ok with that. Last trip was to Tokyo for a month, next up a return to the South of France, where not many clothes are required in the months of June/July. I don’t buy much when I travel, because every time I get home, I find that I could have bought the same things here.
I spent 6 months in Europe (mostly Rome and Basel) ten years ago and did it in a wheeled carry on. I used an Eagle Creek bag with a few of their packing cubes (Container Store or REI). I found them to be great quality and very well thought out. I use the small cubes to corral my underwear and accessories. I packed several black matte jersey pieces, a few colourful tops and lots of scarves. However, I was traveling quite a bit throughout those six months. If you are staying put, I think it’s easier to pack more and keep up with it.