Even though we were highly motivated, I seriously never thought I could actually do just a carry on for our recent 11 day trip to Spain. After all, I need 4 pairs of shoes. I also am very picky on my toiletries and didn't want to be put in the position of taking the time to buy them once I was there. However, armed with the Rick Steves packing list we packed consciously and really stuck to the "do I really need it or would it be nice to have it?" mantra. I got everything in one carry on, off I went and hoped it worked out. The news is that we are now converts! It really made travel within Spain, trains, taxis, buses so much easier. When we saw other people struggling with large suitcases we knew that once was us but never would be again (except possibly for a ski trip, that does have it's own challenges). Anyway, some tips, I purchased some Travelex brand clothing from Eddie Bauer, they were perfect, we wore them over and over and they looked great. I also did hand wash some shirts and undies to get me through the second week. I brought too many toiletries and will pare back next time. But I did bring 4 pairs of shoes, wore them all and was happy to have them! I would say the only negative was that it really limited the gifts we brought back due to space but it did make us more conscious purchasers!
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
34047 posts
Wow, now you're really hooked! Already looking for more to leave out next time....
Posted by
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, USA
14852 posts
That's terrific!
Make sure you write down what you took, what worked, what didn't, what you would change. I always think I will remember and never do. Having the written info (I do it on a packing spreadsheet) is really handy, especially about toiletries and how much was used.
Posted by
Ohio
2161 posts
Hi Lost, great job and helpful post! I review my packing list on the flight home and make notations as Pam suggested, i.e. what worked, what didn't. I like the TravelEx collection from Eddie Bauer too.
Posted by
Toledo, Ohio, US
11613 posts
Tip: sometimes on the way back I check the carryon (packed with only things I don't need right away, just in case), put my European purchases in a foldup bag and carry that onto the plane along with my personal item (usually a cross-body bag that can hold a lot of stuff, too). Of course, that means I do my major shopping at the end of the trip so I am not carrying around three pieces.
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16895 posts
Best news all day!
Posted by
San Jose
1194 posts
The first time is always the hardest! Congratulations.
Four shoes is a lot - I've never traveled with that many pairs because it adds bulk and weight to the luggage. Do you think you could travel with less next time? Which shoes did you bring?
Posted by
OP
Upstate NY
99 posts
I did make a list of everything as I unpacked so that should make it easier next time unless we go somewhere where the weather is dramatically different. We were lucky because we were packing for 60-70 degrees.
We considered checking the bags on the way home so we could carry more gifts but then decided since we had a 3 hour drive once we landed (a choice we made because since I hate connecting flights and avoid them whenever I can) that we didn't want to waste time waiting for them in baggage claim.
As far as the shoes, I had my everyday walking shoes, dressier sandals with a small heel, flat loafers for when I got tired of my walking shoes and flip flops. I wore them all and was very happy having the variety. :)
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23644 posts
And I will bet money that you will pack even less on the next trip. It is learned behavior that is well rewarded.
Posted by
5 posts
Thank you for your report. I am planning my first ever overseas trip and I'm determined to go with only a carry-on, although I've never gone ANYWHERE with only a carry-on before. I'm the person in the travel group who always is prepared with whatever is needed. Whenever someone else needs something, I hear, "Ask Catherine, she'll have it!" So I know I will have to be extremely conscientious to make my packing list minimalist. I needed this boost in confidence.
Posted by
Kansas, United States
1082 posts
Awesome! You have now entered into a whole new way of not just traveling but also thinking, I have found that "packing light" has carried over into other parts of my life with positive results. I sold a large three story estate home and now I have a two bedroom condo and life so much simpler and I get to spend more time traveling!