I was inspired by Kathleen’s post of Feb. 2/15 https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/packing/packing-for-ladies-in-12-easy-pieces to pack a carryon for a recent trip to the Greek islands in late May and early June.
I was a non-painting spouse on a painting workshop tour that involved 8 transfers, 3 of them on Greek ferries where you handle your own luggage. So this was even stronger motivation.
Similar to Kathleen I’ve worked this out over years of trial and error using ideas from this list and many other sources. I'm 63 yrs old and my preference is for comfort - this list seems to work fairly well.
Luggage
- Carryon - LLBean Quickload Duffle Medium has stood the test of time - 4-6 trips/yr for the last 10 yrs. LL Bean also stands behind their products
- Duffel bag - Victorinox - similar to this one - can be work crossbody or placed on the suitcase handle. Goes under the seat - http://www.ebags.com/product/victorinox/lexicon-sport-locker/275079?productid=10307467
- Eagle Creek Cubes Half cube - 2 sided - one side for bottoms and one side for tops Quarter cube - 2 sided - nightgown, underwear Quarter cube - 1 sided - bathing suit Quarter cube - other miscellaneous items
- Packable Duffel - Eagle Creek packable duffel - spreads flat in the bottom of the suitcase - takes up less room
- Travel wallet - Derek Alexander - Wear it all the time while in transit for passport, credit cards, etc page=shop.productdetails&flypage=ilvmflyadmirable.tpl&productid=705&categoryid=205&option=comvirtuemart&Itemid=30.
- Toiletry Bag - Pack-it-flat from ebags - Best one yet and I've tried several. Last thing to go into the suitcase - it lies flat on top. http://www.ebags.com/product/ebags/pack-it-flat-toiletry-kit/54638?productid=629520
- Shoulder Tote - use for a day bag - from Derek Alexander - also packs flat in the bottom of the suitcase
- use for a day bag - also packs flat in the bottom of the suitcase
http://www.thebay.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/en/thebay/fold-over-hobo-bag-0020-pw20563--24?site_refer=AFF001&site_ID=5676018&utm_source=CJ&utm_medium=Affiliate&utm_campaign=Affiliate&tag=CJ&PID=5676018
Clothing
- 2 pr pants ( 1 multicolor cotton, 1 beige linen)
- 1 pr shorts (kneelength, linen)
- 1 linen skirt (beige)
- 1 linen dress (denim blue)
- 5 tee shirts (1 black long sleeve - for the plane, 2 - 3/4 sleeves - blue, red, 2 tank tops - black pink)
- 1 linen/cotton shirt (pink) - worked as a shirt over tanks or as a shirt
- 2 sweaters (1 grey zip hoodie, 1 pink pullover - both cotton)
Other Clothing
- 1 scarf (cotton)
- 1 jacket (loose, water resistant)
- 1 nightgown
- 3 pr underwear, 2 bras
- 1 pr leggings
- 1 pr light wool sox - Icebreaker urban lite (for the plane which I find cool)
- 1 pr sandals - Ecco
- 1 pr flipflops - Vionics - excellent support - works for both the pool and dinners
- Packable straw hat - Wallaroo - https://www.wallaroohats.com/products/catalina
- Jewellery - 1 gold color/pearl pendent, 1 colored pendant, 1 multi
colored necklace, 1 pr gold color earrings
Other Stuff
Makeup (minimal), deodorant, cleanser, toner, toothpaste
Foot cream and foot powder (powder decanted into salt pepper shakers that campers use)
Electric travel toothbrush – smallest one I’ve found yet - http://go-travelproducts.com/us/health-comforts/toiletetries/sonic-traveller
First aid – Advil, Tylenol, assorted bandaids, polysporin, Vicks, moleskin, throat lozenges
Towtabs – washable disposable towels – used as a washcloth - http://www.towtabs.com/english/products.php
Extra pair of glasses
Travel alarm – LL Bean -
Miniature sewing kit and eye repair kit
Books – 3 paperbooks (I still prefer a real book)
Mini-ipad – loaded with the Kindle and 3 more books)
Sketchbook, watercolors, paintbrushes