Essential carry on items

Kat, I think you could still try to carry your bags on. I was able to do it on a 2 week trip over the holidays a few years ago, and the places I went were not just cold, thet were freezing! The warmest it ever got was 33 degrees. I carried my coat on with me and I used compression bags for my bulkier clothes. Thin silk 'thermals' work very well to keep you warm without bulk too. We can talk more about packing strategies at the meeting next Saturday.

I agree that you can do just carry on. It is probably more important in cold weather that you have your clothes with you. I think its easier in cold weather because you are usually wearing a coat or layers and fewer people even see your clothes. Dark colors, comfortable soft fabrics and some thin silk long underwear or leggings really help cut down on what you need to carry. Even though you might check it on the plane you still have to haul it around with you once you get there.

You asked what was critical to have not whether or not you could do a carry on. In my mind, what is critical are obviously the medications that you mentioned. Then think about what you need to keep going for a couple of days. A change of underwear is obvious, but also think about what clothes you'll need in the first couple of days. It really depends on what you're doing. If the weather forecast is for cold and windy, make sure you have an extra sweater. I have a checked a bag the last ten plus trips I've taken to Europe and not had a problem (knock wood!) so I think if you do a wee bit of planning you'll do just fine and probably get your checked bag. Pam

kat, I tend to use the methods that Pamela suggested. Give some thought on what you might need to last for a day or two without the main items in your checked luggage. I normally pack a change of underwear & socks, small toiletries kit, 3-1-1 bag, medications, spare glasses and shaving gear in my carry-on along with my Netbook and travel documents. I carry "backup" Chargers for my gadgets and two Plug Adapters in my Camera bag, which I also carry-on. I usually take a Coat, but don't wear it unless it's cold. I could probably last for a week or more with my carry-on items if necessary. I don't have a problem checking my main Pack. My flights to and from Europe this year involved three flights each, and my Pack was waiting on the Carousel at my final destination in both cases. While it's certainly possible to travel with carry-on only, I'd probably want extra Sweaters or other items for "layering" so that would be difficult for me. Happy travels!

My 'have to carryon' bag (my underseat bag) has all my plugs and charges for my electronics. I can buy a change of clothes in a foreign country, but US electronic accessories, unlikely. I also include my medicines, my eyeglasses, a change in underwear, a sleep shirt, all my backup documents, and whatever I want for the flight. Everything else in my other carryon or checked bag I can afford to lose. I love to pack...

Medications; prescription eyewear; money; credit cards; electronics; warm outerwear; change of clothes; toiletries (makeup & hair products -- essentials for me anyway); passport; itinerary with confirmation numbers & phone numbers.

My carry on bag includes netbook, P&S camera, headphones, Ipod, cords & chargers, all info, pens & a small notebook, neck pillow/eyeshade/ear plugs, travel slippers, money belt, reading glasses, sunglasses, travel guide, 1 shirt, 1 pr sox, 1 pr underpants, toothbrush/toothpaste/floss.
My checked luggage (medium sized bag) carries additional clothing and a more extensive shaving kit with plenty of room for the carry on bag to fit inside. I wear a sweater and a jacket onto the plane to be stored in the overhead bin while my small bag fits easily under the seat ahead of me. Haven't lost a checked bag in over 20 years (1989 at LAX) and fly numerous times a year.

First, make sure your carry bag will be a daypack, or something that will be easy to carry with your checked bag! A messenger style bag would work too, but a daypack will give you more space for packing. I'd be sure to pack one change of clothes and your hat or gloves if you are taking them. Wear your coat on the plane and wear a scarf too to save space. Take any electronics and all the cords and your electrical adapter so you can charge camera batteries, your phone, anything like that. If you think you'll be stuck without luggage, bring your guide books in the carry on. You've already mentioned medications; pack a 3-1-1 baggie of shampoo, toothpaste, etc. Bring your toothbrush in the carry on too, as well as any cosmetics you can't live without!

First, after 30 years of skiing I learned to dress in layers. When I go to Europe in the summer, I wear a lightweight jacket on the plane and pack a medium weight sweater. I rarely wear them both. When I went to Germany in Dec/Jan, I substituted a down parka for the lightweight jacket and wore the sweater on the coldest days under the parka. No problem. I carried the parka on the plane with me; my carry-on bag was packed the same. As for carryon vs checked bag distribution. Lay out everything you might take. Put everything you absolutely must have in the carry on. Put the thing you would like to have in the other bag. then assume it will get lost anyway and leave it at home.

As others have said, if you check a bag, pack as if it will get lost. In your carryon, include your toothbrush and floss, a change of clothes, underwear, and your pajamas (it can be hard to find pajamas that are comparable to your own on short notice, especially in another country!). In my carryon on bag, I have my 3-1-1 bag of liquids as Ellen mentioned; books; journal and pens; phone and extra battery; camera, memory cards, extra battery, and all necessary cords, chargers, and adapters; earplugs and sleep mask; of course moneybelt with cards and cash; a copy of all my cards, front and back, in case anything gets lost; a copy of my passport; granola bars; a water bottle.