 |
Our carry-on packing tips will help you streamline your packing. Go with only carry-on luggage... it will keep things simpler, and believe it or not, make your travel experience better. People roll their eyes when I tell them that we use only one carry-on each... but the friends who have travelled with us groan at first, then thank us for making that the rule. Recent security alerts have changed the way you should pack. Follow our carry-on packing tips then check for the latest information on what you may take onboard, listen to the news, check with your carrier, or see if we have new info on Mouse's Travel Blog and look at our Travel Security Alert Packing Guide. You may even have to end up checking your carry-on size bag, but we still encourage you to pack light because it will make the rest of your trip easier. Weigh your options... are you going to use or wear something often enough to carry it around for your whole trip? See our Basic Packing List for our suggestions on the basic carry-on packing tips.
Carry-on Packing Tips -- There Are Exceptions
Well, we did break our own rule a couple of times... once when we went on a month long cruise to Antarctica. We needed wading boots and splash pants for the zodiac landings, not to mention layers of sweaters and parkas... too much for just the carry-ons. Our Cold Weather Packing List will give you an idea of what to take. The second time was when we went on safari with a friend in Botswana, and he asked us to bring him an eighty quart ice chest!!!! Even if things had gone smoothly, that would have been a lot to carry around... but things did not go smoothly. We were in and out of a variety of planes, through security and customs in several countries, and on and off several buses and vans before we were finally able to deliver our cargo... and that's what it felt like... cargo! But that's a story for another time. For now, just remember this mantra... one carry-on each... follow our carry-on packing tips.... pack light, pack light, pack light.
If you're renting a car, remember that in most countries you want to rent a small car just to negotiate the narrow roads in and around those small villages that are so much fun to visit. Visualize the size of the trunk of one of these small cars, and you'll have another reason to limit your luggage to carry-on size! This is especially true if you travel with friends. Sometimes even fitting four pieces of carry-on luggage into a trunk is like putting a jigsaw puzzle together. Carry-on packing tips to the rescue again. 
If you're taking trains around Europe, you'll be in and out of stations, on and off platforms, up and down train stairs and lifting those bags into overhead storage. Once in town you'll be walking--with your bags--your carry-on bags--to your hotel or you'll be negotiating a subway or bus to get to your lodging. Are you throwing things out of your suitcases yet? If you're going on safari in Africa or flying in a small plane to a jungle lodge in South America, it's very likely that you will have restrictions on the size, weight and number of bags you can take with you. If you're going on a trek in the Himalayas..., well you get the picture.... Carry-on packing tips help out again. If you have too much luggage, you're apt to be sitting on it! 
Hopefully I've got you convinced that carry-on is the way to go... now exactly how do you accomplish that? And what kind of clothes should you pack? That's where our carry-on packing tips come in. Wear clothes than blend in. No need for flashy designer fashions... it could just set you up as a target for pickpockets or thieves. Leave your jewelry, expensive watches and designer sunglasses at home. I wear only a narrow gold band and a $10 travel watch. And if you have only carry-ons, you look less conspicuous. Carry-on Packing Tips -- What Size IS Carry-on?Well, here we CAN only give you carry-on packing TIPS! This varies from airline to airline. A basic guideline is that your bag should have a total dimenion of 45 inches.... that's height + with + depth. So, for instance, it could be 24" x 16" x 10". If it needs to go under your seat, it may have to be smaller. There may also be weight limitations that vary by airline. And the rules can change if there is bad weather or heavy loads on the plane. You should check with your airline. International limits can be more stringent. In the United States, you're allowed one "personal item" in addition to your carry on luggage. In the United Kingdom, you must pack all personal items in one carry-on which must not be larger than 56cm x 45cm x 25cm (approximately 22" x 17.75" x 10"). Confused? Just check with your airline, follow our carry-on packing tips, and you'll have the best chance for keeping your bags with you. If you have to check them, you'll still be traveling light for your trip. We use hard sided suitcases.... that open in half. I like these because when you are on the road and never really unpack, things are close to the top, even if they're on the bottom. These are hard to find, but we like them. The other reason that we like this style is that we pack half of our clothes in each suitcase. We've never lost a suitcase, but we had one walk off a few miles in India one time.... We got it back, but if we had lost one, both of us would at least have had the basics in the other suitcase. Beyond Our Carry-On Packing Tips, there are two things I tell everyone who will listen....1--Take a money belt... but wear it. (You MUST take a money belt but don't pack it.... use it from the minute you leave home.) 2--Take Pepto Bismol... I do testimonials for Pepto Bismol, read more about the fun we have with that. It's a serious tip though. OK... we'll make specific lists for specific types of trips.... after all a safari requires different clothes from a wine tasting trip to France and from a beach vacation in the carribean and from a cruise. Remember you can and should wear layers onto the plane. If you're going to cold weather, you're not going to pack your coat and heavy sweater.... wear them! Color coordinate your wardrobe; almost everything should go with everything else. And pack for layering. Carry-On Packing Tips -- Lists to Help You Plan What to TakeFind a basic list that fits your travel style, then modify it so that you're comfortable with what you take. If you end up traveling often, you'll find you develop your system and packing light will get easier with each trip. Look at our Basic Packing List That's where we start no matter where we're going. Click your mouse on that, modify it, make it your own. Our Cold Weather Packing List has suggestions to add in for chilly climates. This and That... More Carry-on Packing TipsDepending on the trip you will want to take a small flashlight, a first aid kit, sun screen, insect repellant. Carry important papers with you. Try not to check anything you can't afford to lose....... cameras, computers, medications. Depending on the world situation, security alerts may dictate what you can take onboard and what you must check. Packing your medications and prescriptions has changed because of these new regulations. Security experts generally say not to put your home address on your luggage. We actually break this rule, but it is best to use covered luggage tags. We write our address inside the luggage too, so if the tag is ripped off, officials can open the bag and find our information. Stay with your luggage at all times. If you are required to check it... stay with it until it is checked. Keep your carry on luggage close and be aware that distractions could be ploys to divert your attention and allow an accomplice to make off with a bag. If you're paying "sky's the limit" prices, this advice might not apply, but we travel with a modest budget, and we can't afford to pay an entourage to carry mountains of luggage around for us. Antoine St. Exuperey said, He who would travel happily must travel light. Rick Steves says, Ive never met a traveler who says 'Each trip I pack heavier. Now that you've got those carry-ons packed, check on our Health tips, Travel safety tips, Money Matters, Passports and Visas, Transportation tips, and the testimonial I do for Pepto Bismol! Click that mouse and see what we have to say on those matters.
Happy travels... Even if you don't travel the world... just remember that life is a journey... embrace and enjoy it! Judy and Mark Cosmetics Packing Guide Guide to Packing Medications Cold Weather Packing List Basic Packing List What Can You Fit In That Plastic Bag? Return from carry-on-packing-tips to MouseToursTravels Home Page
|
