We are flying in and out of London. Taking a train to Barcelona for a 7 night cruise then back to London via train or air. Total stay 15 nights. Is it still possible to travel with a carryon? Cruises you usually have to dress for dinner. What if we shop and find things to bring back? Maybe a carryon a piece and one extra carryon? Need advice. Thanks!
Posted by
Freedonia
16278 posts
Many cruise ships are getting away from "formal" dress. Check with yours.
You could bring a small folding/collapsible bag (RS sells some) for the stuff you buy, carry that on the plane home, and check your regular carry on.
Posted by
Tulsa, Oklahoma, US
290 posts
Lisa, we usually have stuff we buy shipped home rather than carrying it. That way when you get home and the stuff starts arriving it's like Christmas!!
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23626 posts
We do cruises in Europe frequently. For two adults we find it necessary to add one wheeled carryon size bag for the extra cruise clothing we take. This is in addition to our regular carry on bags. One of the backpack style bags and the rolling bag are expandable. If we need extra space on the return leg, we expand one or both of the bags, stuff with clothing from the other bag and check 'em. That generally provides more than enough extra space for your purchases.
Shipping home via mail or other wise can be very expensive and often inconvenient.
Posted by
Tulsa, Oklahoma, US
290 posts
Frank, I have found that shipping stuff home is very easy if you have the shop where you buy the stuff ship it home for you and the cost isn't bad (except for that time I tried to ship a new Mercedes-that would have been expensive)
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23626 posts
Shops will ship bigger ticket items and that works. But if she just has a collection of stuff bought along the way it can be inconvenient getting it package and shipped and it relatively expensive. But we all have different standards for what is expensive.
Posted by
Bend, OR
576 posts
Ash, I'm thinking that your view of "inexpensive" shipping might be a little different than the average reader on this board if you're trying to ship home items like a new Mercedes! From what I've noticed on a personal level, the boxes I ship to our friends in Spain seem to cost me A LOT less to ship than the price of the postage from Spain to America. Our postal system seems like a bargain compared to theirs. I always throw in a duffle bag in case we buy too much to fit into our luggage, then check some bags on the way home. No way am I going to double or triple the price of things I purchase in Europe by expensive shipping, especially when you can bring them home in your luggage for free.