Air Berlin luggage

Hi Alexandra, I often fly Lufthansa, which has the same weight limit. I usually take a "large" carry-on plus one personal time (e.g., tote-bag type purse). I usually manage to get down to about 20-22 lbs. total but I have a "trick" for you. Lufthansa usually only weighs your "large" carry-on, not your personal item, so before I get to the counter, I make sure to put some "heavy" items(maybe a guidebook, iPad, large sweater, etc) into my purse so I when the carry-on is weighed, it comes out at the right weight. Then, after weighing, I can move some of that stuff back into my carry-on, rather than leave it in the tote purse for the flight. I'm assuming that Air Berlin also would let you take a personal item so you can try this too. Of course, check on their website to make sure. :) Good Luck!

Actually, 8 kg is 17.6 pounds (enjoy the extra 9+ oz!). When I go to Europe for two weeks at a time, my packed bag weighs about 11 pounds. That gives you an extra 6½ pounds. My second item is a small netbook in it's case with mouse and printed itinerary, rail schedules, etc - less than 2 kg. First thing I would suggest is to find as light a bag as feasible (definitely no wheels & handles). I use an Essential Carryon, which weighs only 1¾ pounds, but has all the features of Rick's Convertible bag. It saves weight by using less heavy material, but since you are not giving it to baggage gorillas, heavy duty is not as important. Buy polyester/cotton blend tops and underwear (3 sets). Take along a clothsline, drip-dry hangers, and/or inflatable hangers. Have the discipline to wash every night. Don't take a hair dryer, curling iron, or straightener. The human race existed for millions of years without these things. Anyway, many places now have a hair dryer in the room or on request at the front desk.

Thanks for the tips. I'm literally the worst packer when it comes to packing light. My bag is usually between 35-50 pounds when I fly domestically for week long trips so this will be interesting. And especially interesting since I don't own a scale.

Alexandra, in the 'Travel Size' aisle at a discount drugstore I found a small hand-held digital luggage scale that works great. It's like holding the handle of a suitcase and has a hook that you hang your suitcase on, lift it slightly off the floor, wait a couple seconds, and the weight displays on the little screen in either pounds or kilograms. One of the best travel gear thingies I've ever bought. I can't urge you enough to scale (pun intended) it back. You will be able to handwash things (I do it in the shower) and you can find laundry facilities along the way. Here are some good resources on the subject of packing light. Packing Light Video - Joan Robinson http://youtu.be/H8UPNh0Qr6Q Packing Light Video (Shorter) - Rick Steves http://youtu.be/58HdRSTAFec Rick's Packing List (Women) http://www.ricksteves.com/plan/tips/womenpack.htm

"My bag is usually between 35-50 pounds when I fly domestically for week long trips" Have you ever returned and noted how much of that you actually used on that trip? As for scales, there are accurate scales at most post offices.

You can do this! Ways to go lighter: * Use a light wheel-less travel pack. I like the LL Bean Quickload Convertible (slightly over 2 pounds total) * Wear a coat and put heavy items in your pockets (jewelry, guidebooks, electronics) * Take only 3 pairs of undies and wash them * Use plastic zip-loc bags instead of packing cubes. * NO packing folders * Wear the heaviest clothing * Use "dry" toiletries (shampoo, tooth tabs) as much as possible, or buy it there. Germany has great personal care products * Try to include a few travel clothing (REI convertible pants, a travel shirt) * Only bring 3 pairs of socks and wash them
* NO laptop - use a smart phone or a tablet (in your coat, right?) * Stick to summer weight fabrics - layer items for warmth * Capsule wardrobe - 5 tops, 2 sweaters, 2 pants, 1 sleeveless dress - all mix and match. You'll choose your airplane outfit from these. If you bring a light silk long underwear top and a pair of capri leggings you don't have to worry if the weather turns cold. Laundry isn't an issue if you only do undies and socks on a daily basis (while you shower). Plan on sending the rest out once a week while you are touring. Usually you can drop it off at the front desk in the morning and pick it up that afternoon. Feel free to contact me if you want further guidance. I've managed to do it in 6kg for a 3 week autumn trip (and stay girly)