Taking Only A Carryon For 6 Days/5 Nights...Am I Nuts?

[disneyscootergal]

Okay, I know everyone will be honest, so here's what I want to attempt:

I'm going by myself to SNA on Aug 2; I will spend the rest of that day at DL/DCA, as well as all of Aug 3. Then, Sat. morning I head to a workshop at Chapman University for 3 days/nights. That takes me to Mon. On Tues, I will head back to DL for a partial day, and then fly home on a 4:30 pm flight.

I want to take only a carryon (22"X14"X9"), a laptop bag, and a camera bag:eek: . The reasons for this are: so I don't have to wait for my luggage at SNA, and instead can just zip out to the shuttle area and catch my ride to DL; so that I can easily manage getting my stuff from the Hojo's to Chapman Univ on Sat.; and so I can stow my luggage in a locker on Tue. while I'm spending my 1/2 day at DL/DCA.

At first, I was convinced that I could easily do this, but the more I look at that little carryon, and think that I'd like to bring some of my own breakfast/snacks with me, my pins for trading--not to mention the fact that the workshop advises bringing my own towel--it makes me start wondering and stressing.:confused3

I know I'm going to hear some "No, it can't be done"s, but I'm also hoping to hear some optimistic and creative ideas for making it work. I've read so many threads on every topic under the sun on this board, and I'm constantly amazed at some of the wonderful, creative suggestions that people come up with!

Alright, let me have it! :duck: I can't wait to hear your ideas and hints!pixiedust:

[bumbershoot]

Well, if you're familiar with Rick Steves, his books recommend, and his tours REQUIRE, that you only bring a carry-on that your'e able to carry around with you if needed. For a week or more in Europe.

Plan your clothes carefully, plan your shoes MORE carefully, and I see no reason why it can't be done.

[joeysmommy]

ok disneyscootergal....my first thought was "are you crazy??":rotfl:

But I suppose it can be done. You'll need 2 pairs of shoes, so you wear one pair and you pack the other. You roll up the towel as tightly as you can, or use it to protect/wrap your pins in the carryon.
You'll have to wear the pants/shorts a couple of times. Don't spill!
Do you know the measurements of the lockers at DL?

You will be limited as to how many souven"ears" you can buy.
Instead of packing your snacks why not order a safeway.com/Vons.com order to your room? I have a free shipping code on orders of $50 or more I can email to you. Check with Hojo's first and see if they'll accept a grocery order. Then you can also order your waters and even sandwich makings to save even more on food. If your food/snack/water doesn't reach the $50 required order add things you would need anyway like toothpaste, make-up etc.
That should free up quite a bit of space in your carryon..

It can be done!

[CanadianPaco]

DH travels a fair bit for work - he did a week in San Jose for business with a carry on. He'll do whatever it takes to avoid the luggage pick up areas.
:thumbsup2 So I say it can be done and go for it!!

[disneyscootergal]

ok disneyscootergal....my first thought was "are you crazy??":rotfl:

But I suppose it can be done. You'll need 2 pairs of shoes, so you wear one pair and you pack the other. You roll up the towel as tightly as you can, or use it to protect/wrap your pins in the carryon.
You'll have to wear the pants/shorts a couple of times. Don't spill!
Do you know the measurements of the lockers at DL?

You will be limited as to how many souven"ears" you can buy.Instead of packing your snacks why not order a safeway.com/Vons.com order to your room? I have a free shipping code on orders of $50 or more I can email to you. Check with Hojo's first and see if they'll accept a grocery order. Then you can also order your waters and even sandwich makings to save even more on food. If your food/snack/water doesn't reach the $50 required order add things you would need anyway like toothpaste, make-up etc.
That should free up quite a bit of space in your carryon..

It can be done!

I thought of this, too, JM. I have no problem with checking my bag on the way home, so I'm bringing my new Pirates of the Carribean messenger bag (empty), which I will then use as my carryon for the way home, filled with souven"ears". ;)

The Vons delivery would be a great idea, except I would only need food for Th/Fri (food is supplied at my workshop), and I hate to waste any time back at my hotel (like waiting for a delivery) for any reason except to sleep. LOL

Does Hojo's have its own little store that sells things like poptarts that I could use for a breakfast?

[Barbday62]

Until recently my husband and I always traveled carry on only. In fact we did it with one suit case, one back pack, one lap top bag and a bag with our toiletries. This included a 9 day trip to WDW 2 times.

First thing we did was roll everything, It fit better! we also wore on the plane our heaviest clothes - Usually the long pants (We only brought one pair to WDW each time). Then we also planned to wash half way through our trip so we didint bring so many clothes. Because Florida is so humid we packed more shirts than shorts too. The back pack had some snacks, unfortunaly we didnt carry water (Now a days you cant carry on that any more anyway) I also had to carry a massager with charge cord for my husband (Has Muscular Dystrophy and back then didnt use a wheel chair part time like he does now so the massager helped get him through), We also rolled up some towels and swim suit in the back pack, Any clothes that didnt fit the case ended up in the back pack.

I personally think its doable as long as you wash once in your trip. Usually we was when we swim. You will be one person in a suit case and we was 2 people in th suit case and back pack so I know first hand it can be done. Oh another big help was most hotels had iron boards when things wrinkled beyond what we cared to wear on vacation.

PS: Bring the pop tarts in the lap top bag lol

[disneyscootergal]

ok disneyscootergal....my first thought was "are you crazy??":rotfl:

But I suppose it can be done. You'll need 2 pairs of shoes, so you wear one pair and you pack the other. You roll up the towel as tightly as you can, or use it to protect/wrap your pins in the carryon.
You'll have to wear the pants/shorts a couple of times. Don't spill!
Do you know the measurements of the lockers at DL?


It can be done!

LOL, yeah, like I can do that! :rotfl:

I'm thinking that Sat. morning I will get up EARLY and do a load of laundry--they sell little packs of laundry detergent in those laundry rooms at hotels, right?

[disneyscootergal]

Until recently my husband and I always traveled carry on only. In fact we did it with one suit case, one back pack, one lap top bag and a bag with our toiletries. This included a 9 day trip to WDW 2 times.

First thing we did was roll everything, It fit better! we also wore on the plane our heaviest clothes - Usually the long pants (We only brought one pair to WDW each time). Then we also planned to wash half way through our trip so we didint bring so many clothes. Because Florida is so humid we packed more shirts than shorts too. The back pack had some snacks, unfortunaly we didnt carry water (Now a days you cant carry on that any more anyway) I also had to carry a massager with charge cord for my husband (Has Muscular Dystrophy and back then didnt use a wheel chair part time like he does now so the massager helped get him through), We also rolled up some towels and swim suit in the back pack, Any clothes that didnt fit the case ended up in the back pack.

I personally think its doable as long as you wash once in your trip. Usually we was when we swim. You will be one person in a suit case and we was 2 people in th suit case and back pack so I know first hand it can be done. Oh another big help was most hotels had iron boards when things wrinkled beyond what we cared to wear on vacation.

PS: Bring the pop tarts in the lap top bag lol

So they must have an iron, too?

These are very helpful ideas, Barbday--thanks!

[joeysmommy]

dsg--ok, so weve got the souven"ears" covered..priorities!:earsboy: :earsboy:

Did you get the Entertainment Card rate at Hojo's?
What if you stay at a hotel which offers free breakfast, like the Park Vue Inn?
It's closer than Hojo's and pretty cheap. Then you don't have to worry about the breakfast part of it.
I booked the ET card rate in November becuz it saved us $180 for 2 rooms (3nights), but our September trip will be at the Park Vue. I know my DH won't want to schlep down the block to Hojo's in the heat with our 2 kids.

Doing laundry will help you to save room and not pack as many clothes, but do you really want to do that? maybe you should buy some cute new Disney shirts while you are there and pack some dirty laundry in the bag with the souven"ears". For the flight home we threw all of our dirty laundry into the carseat bags which were checked as luggage.

[Albort]

Doing laundry will help you to save room and not pack as many clothes, but do you really want to do that? maybe you should buy some cute new Disney shirts while you are there and pack some dirty laundry in the bag with the souven"ears". For the flight home we threw all of our dirty laundry into the carseat bags which were checked as luggage.

screw that, just ride splash mt before you head back to your hotel... that counts as a shower! :D

yeah, you can def pack light. I heard what some people do is that they carry cloth to disneyland and throw their clothes away but wear your Disney clothes back.

[joeysmommy]

Albort is right.
You could soap up before the big drop and get get a nice rinse on the way down, just make sure you sit up front!

That's just crazy and lazy to throw away your clothes..

[DisneyJamieCA]

I'm sure it can be done. I couldn't do it, but I'm a notorious overpacker. Just make sure that all your toiletries fit in the little plastic bag and they are all under 3oz each.

[Leofoenget]

Okay, I know everyone will be honest, so here's what I want to attempt:

I'm going by myself to SNA on Aug 2; I will spend the rest of that day at DL/DCA, as well as all of Aug 3. Then, Sat. morning I head to a workshop at Chapman University for 3 days/nights. That takes me to Mon. On Tues, I will head back to DL for a partial day, and then fly home on a 4:30 pm flight.

I want to take only a carryon (22"X14"X9"), a laptop bag, and a camera bag:eek: . The reasons for this are: so I don't have to wait for my luggage at SNA, and instead can just zip out to the shuttle area and catch my ride to DL; so that I can easily manage getting my stuff from the Hojo's to Chapman Univ on Sat.; and so I can stow my luggage in a locker on Tue. while I'm spending my 1/2 day at DL/DCA.

At first, I was convinced that I could easily do this, but the more I look at that little carryon, and think that I'd like to bring some of my own breakfast/snacks with me, my pins for trading--not to mention the fact that the workshop advises bringing my own towel--it makes me start wondering and stressing.:confused3

I know I'm going to hear some "No, it can't be done"s, but I'm also hoping to hear some optimistic and creative ideas for making it work. I've read so many threads on every topic under the sun on this board, and I'm constantly amazed at some of the wonderful, creative suggestions that people come up with!

Alright, let me have it! :duck: I can't wait to hear your ideas and hints!pixiedust:


There is a whole website devoted to families going to China to pick up an adopted child who only go carry on only If whole families can go to China for 2 weeks with only a carryon then a few days in LA would be a snap. You CAN do laundry there, and if you run out of anythign just head to Target. I would think it would be easier going carry on only to Los Angeles than China.

[brenda1966]

My only concern is that you're taking 3 bags. Does the airline limit you to 2, or is it 2 plus a purse? I think it's two total. I remember having 2 bags plus a purse once and they made me show that my purse would fit into one of the bags, thus making it so I only had 2 bags. I'd check with the airline about their carry on rules.

[disneyscootergal]

My only concern is that you're taking 3 bags. Does the airline limit you to 2, or is it 2 plus a purse? I think it's two total. I remember having 2 bags plus a purse once and they made me show that my purse would fit into one of the bags, thus making it so I only had 2 bags. I'd check with the airline about their carry on rules.

Are you thinking of the camera bag? Yeah, I kinda wondered about that. Maybe I'd better just wear the camera around my neck, and squeeze the bag into my carryon. (Oh, no, something else to take up room in my bag!!:scared: )

[disneyscootergal]

dsg--ok, so weve got the souven"ears" covered..priorities!:earsboy: :earsboy:

Did you get the Entertainment Card rate at Hojo's?
What if you stay at a hotel which offers free breakfast, like the Park Vue Inn?
It's closer than Hojo's and pretty cheap. Then you don't have to worry about the breakfast part of it.I booked the ET card rate in November becuz it saved us $180 for 2 rooms (3nights), but our September trip will be at the Park Vue. I know my DH won't want to schlep down the block to Hojo's in the heat with our 2 kids.

Doing laundry will help you to save room and not pack as many clothes, but do you really want to do that? maybe you should buy some cute new Disney shirts while you are there and pack some dirty laundry in the bag with the souven"ears". For the flight home we threw all of our dirty laundry into the carseat bags which were checked as luggage.


I'm pretty much "stuck" with Hojos because I went through Skoosh.com, and there can be no refund with this particular deal. (I've also been oober-curious about all the hoopla I read about it here on the DIS, so I'm eager to see what it's like:) )

And, no, I don't really want to do laundry on my vacation:headache: , but I figure I'll do what I have to --but I do want to take a peek at what's available at Disney Clothiers Ltd., so the T-shirt idea is not too shabby!:cool1:

[limace]

You can totally do this. DH and I spent three weeks in Greece with just a carryon/backpack (a small rolling suitcase that turns into a backpack) each and had absolutely no problems. It helps enormously that you're going to a warm weather place.

-Take small toiletries only (obviously, you have to for the TSA rules anyway). Don't bring shampoo, etc, as you'll get that at the hotel.
-If you can afford it, run down to REI or a travel store and buy a pair of the shorts and shirts that are designed for quick travel washing-that dry fast and don't need ironing. Same with underwear. Wash clothes in your sink (shampoo works great); don't waste time going to the hotel laundry. If it's hot, they'll dry fast. If it's super hot, they can dry while you wear them.
-you only need two pairs of pants/shorts, a swimming suits, a couple pairs of underwear, a couple shirts, a hat, and something warmer. You could buy a shirt and a sweatshirt there, if you'd like. Buy sunscreen there (and a hat if you want one as a souvenir).
-You can get those microfiber towels that roll up small and dry super fast (and I'm curious about workshop you're going to that needs a towel!).
-travelsmith is a great catalogue for travel items. I have one of those dresses that is lightweight cotton, dries wrinkle free, has a zip pocket-can dress up or down. It's awesome.

[disneyscootergal]

You can totally do this. DH and I spent three weeks in Greece with just a carryon/backpack (a small rolling suitcase that turns into a backpack) each and had absolutely no problems. It helps enormously that you're going to a warm weather place.

-Take small toiletries only (obviously, you have to for the TSA rules anyway). Don't bring shampoo, etc, as you'll get that at the hotel.
-If you can afford it, run down to REI or a travel store and buy a pair of the shorts and shirts that are designed for quick travel washing-that dry fast and don't need ironing. Same with underwear. Wash clothes in your sink (shampoo works great); don't waste time going to the hotel laundry. If it's hot, they'll dry fast. If it's super hot, they can dry while you wear them.
-you only need two pairs of pants/shorts, a swimming suits, a couple pairs of underwear, a couple shirts, a hat, and something warmer. You could buy a shirt and a sweatshirt there, if you'd like. Buy sunscreen there (and a hat if you want one as a souvenir).
You can get those microfiber towels that roll up small and dry super fast. (and I'm curious about workshop you're going to that needs a towel!)-travelsmith is a great catalogue for travel items. I have one of those dresses that is lightweight cotton, dries wrinkle free, has a zip pocket-can dress up or down. It's awesome.

Of course! The complimentary shampoo! I never would have thought of this!::thumbsup2

Good tip about washing with the shampoo--I shall do this!

Where do you find these microfiber towels?

LOL, the workshop literature I received said that although the university dorm where we'll be housed will supply me with a towel, they advise bringing your own.:p

[joeysmommy]

dsg- they have the microfiber towels at bed bath & beyond, I think the name is "Aquis"

[staley7580]

Hojos has a great little gift shop that sells just about anything you would need.

[disneyscootergal]

Hojos has a great little gift shop that sells just about anything you would need.

Oh, good! I thought I had read that on a post somewhere. "Anything" meaning food, sunscreen, soap, etc?

[disneyscootergal]

dsg- they have the microfiber towels at bed bath & beyond, I think the name is "Aquis"

We don't have a bed bath & beyond here in Great Falls (:headache: ), the nearest one is a few hundred miles away. However, on ebay I found a microfiber towel, 20" X 40", for $10.00. That seems like a pretty good deal...?

[joeysmommy]

Sounds good to me! As long as it is NIB.

[disneyscootergal]

Sounds good to me! As long as it is NIB.

Yup! And the seller has 99.9% positive feedback, so here we go!:goodvibes

[Leofoenget]

You can totally do this. DH and I spent three weeks in Greece with just a carryon/backpack (a small rolling suitcase that turns into a backpack) each and had absolutely no problems. It helps enormously that you're going to a warm weather place.

-Take small toiletries only (obviously, you have to for the TSA rules anyway). Don't bring shampoo, etc, as you'll get that at the hotel.
-If you can afford it, run down to REI or a travel store and buy a pair of the shorts and shirts that are designed for quick travel washing-that dry fast and don't need ironing. Same with underwear. Wash clothes in your sink (shampoo works great); don't waste time going to the hotel laundry. If it's hot, they'll dry fast. If it's super hot, they can dry while you wear them.
-you only need two pairs of pants/shorts, a swimming suits, a couple pairs of underwear, a couple shirts, a hat, and something warmer. You could buy a shirt and a sweatshirt there, if you'd like. Buy sunscreen there (and a hat if you want one as a souvenir).
-You can get those microfiber towels that roll up small and dry super fast (and I'm curious about workshop you're going to that needs a towel!).
-travelsmith is a great catalogue for travel items. I have one of those dresses that is lightweight cotton, dries wrinkle free, has a zip pocket-can dress up or down. It's awesome.


As an added comment, I LOVE LOVE LOVE the COOLMAX products. (The REI items) You can get cheaper ones at Target and Walmart. I stocked up on the REI shirts for my trip to Guatemala, and that was over 4 years ago, and I am still wearing them. They wear like iron and you can in fact put them on wet and they will dry on you. Wonderful stuff. They are so soft and sliky they are very easy to pack. I dont' care too much for the underware, but I LOVE the bras, so soft. I'm going carryon only for my trip to DL in Sept. I'm trying to see how little I can take and still have enough.

[disneyscootergal]

As an added comment, I LOVE LOVE LOVE the COOLMAX products. (The REI items) You can get cheaper ones at Target and Walmart. I stocked up on the REI shirts for my trip to Guatemala, and that was over 4 years ago, and I am still wearing them. They wear like iron and you can in fact put them on wet and they will dry on you. Wonderful stuff. They are so soft and sliky they are very easy to pack. I dont' care too much for the underware, but I LOVE the bras, so soft. I'm going carryon only for my trip to DL in Sept. I'm trying to see how little I can take and still have enough.

High Five, Leofoenget! Let's do this!!

Are these coolmax products very expensive? Sounds like you wear them for more than just travel; are they T-shirts, button-up, sleeveless, short-sleeve...?

Details, my friend, I need details! :rotfl:

[Master Mason]

Another suggestion is to stop and a target or someplace like that and get a cheaper towel here, that your willing to just leave behind, maybe a Ross or some other discount place for example.

[staley7580]

Oh, good! I thought I had read that on a post somewhere. "Anything" meaning food, sunscreen, soap, etc?

Yep, just about anything i can think of... Everything we needed they had. Milk, snacks, bandaids...beer.:lmao:

[disneyscootergal]

Another suggestion is to stop and a target or someplace like that and get a cheaper towel here, that your willing to just leave behind, maybe a Ross or some other discount place for example.

Hmmm...that IS a good idea! Thanks, MM!:)

[disneyscootergal]

As an added comment, I LOVE LOVE LOVE the COOLMAX products. (The REI items) You can get cheaper ones at Target and Walmart. I stocked up on the REI shirts for my trip to Guatemala, and that was over 4 years ago, and I am still wearing them. They wear like iron and you can in fact put them on wet and they will dry on you. Wonderful stuff. They are so soft and sliky they are very easy to pack. I dont' care too much for the underware, but I LOVE the bras, so soft. I'm going carryon only for my trip to DL in Sept. I'm trying to see how little I can take and still have enough.

Does REI stand for something, or is it just a brand name in itself?

[Leofoenget]

Does REI stand for something, or is it just a brand name in itself?


I don't know is REI stands for something specific, that's just what the store is named. May be someones name. It's a sporting goods store like Any Mountain or Mel Cottons.

[Leofoenget]

High Five, Leofoenget! Let's do this!!

Are these coolmax products very expensive? Sounds like you wear them for more than just travel; are they T-shirts, button-up, sleeveless, short-sleeve...?

Details, my friend, I need details! :rotfl:


Coolmax is a material I think? Coolmax by Dupont. Anyway what it is, is a fine woven polyester fabric that wicks away moisture. You would not think polyester would be cool and comfortable but it is. There are many fabrics that do the "wick away"thing but COOLMAX is the first I believe. You can go to Target Walmart sproting goods stores and get this, I would say most athletic clothing now is this stuff because it keeps you dry and cool. Its a silky material and it does not wrinkle and wears like iron.

http://www.rei.com/?cm_mmc=ps_google_reibrand-_-REI_Brand-_-REI-_-r.e.i.

You can Google coolmax and find it

[Master Mason]

recreational equipment Inc is what it stands for, but you have to go pretty deep into the finanancial docs to find it as anything but REI

[limace]

rei.com
recreational equipment incorporated
Great Seattle-based chain of high end outdoor stores

[disneyscootergal]

As an added comment, I LOVE LOVE LOVE the COOLMAX products. (The REI items) You can get cheaper ones at Target and Walmart. I stocked up on the REI shirts for my trip to Guatemala, and that was over 4 years ago, and I am still wearing them. They wear like iron and you can in fact put them on wet and they will dry on you. Wonderful stuff. They are so soft and sliky they are very easy to pack. I dont' care too much for the underware, but I LOVE the bras, so soft. I'm going carryon only for my trip to DL in Sept. I'm trying to see how little I can take and still have enough.

Hey, Leo, I looked at Target, and didn't find these. But...what exactly am I looking for? These probably are not the REI brand, right? So then what are they called? And in what department can I find them? I haven't looked at Walmart yet. Where/what do I look for there?

BTW, if you're interested, here's a REALLY cool site on how to travel with just a carryon. I got tons of ideas, including a different way to pack that saves space and causes fewer wrinkles!:goodvibes

http://www.onebag.com/

[Leofoenget]

Hey, Leo, I looked at Target, and didn't find these. But...what exactly am I looking for? These probably are not the REI brand, right? So then what are they called? And in what department can I find them? I haven't looked at Walmart yet. Where/what do I look for there?

BTW, if you're interested, here's a REALLY cool site on how to travel with just a carryon. I got tons of ideas, including a different way to pack that saves space and causes fewer wrinkles!:goodvibes

http://www.onebag.com/

Any of the athletic/workout garb they have. It will probably have a blue hanging tag with the name Athletic Works.(athletic works COULD be walmart) It's a slikyish fabric. They have some in mens ware womens ware. It will say somehting like 'cool dry technology" At our target they have a display of workout clothes in the front of the store, most of that stuff is the polyester stuff. Once you see what it is, you can't miss it. No the REI brand is only at REI.

[sameyeyam]

There is no reason you can't get everything in a carryon. I give each of my family members a small carry on and they have to fit their clothes into it. We recently spent 6 days and 5 nights. We did go down to the laundry on about day 4 and throw a load of laundry in. But more because we hate going home with a bunch of dirty laundry, then because we were running out.

I used to use lists and pack everything but the kitchen sink, then I got smart! It's amazing how little you really need. And if it's something that you forgot, you can always buy it there if it's that important.

Here's my list:
Shorts
Shirts
Underwear
Socks
Swimsuit
Toothbrush & toothpaste
Sunscreen
Shoes
Hairbrush or comb
Sunglasses

The rest isn't really necessary!