5 nights - carryon bags only?

[rszdtrvl]

Has anyone attempted to travel to DL and stay 5 nights by using a carryon suitcase and your personal bag?

We just got back from Las Vegas (DH and I) and did not check bags. It was so nice!!

We are going to be staying in a Portland Airport area hotel the first night, and then at DL for 4 nights.

We would love to just go with the 3 regular carryon size suitcases (1 for each of us), and our personal bag (duffel bag) each.

Can it be done? Anyone try it?

If nothing else, we will pack our giant suitcase, but I would love to hear any experiences doing to!!

 

[Carter'sMommy]

Hi
First of all I am 100% for carry on bags as I travel quite a lot BUT...... it really depends on what time of year you are going....summer ...tee shirts and shorts no problem!!!! Winter time...jackets, sweats and jeans??? I am not so sure. What about souvies for the return???

We typically travel on nonstop flights so that dramatically reduces the chance of bags getting "lost" plus we are selective on the airports we go to --- we just LOVE Orange Co. airport --- small and quaint compared to say LAX!!!!

As a courtesy to your fellow travelers....Please do not try to cram too much stuff into your carry on that it is too big for the overhead compartments and then have it billow over into someone’s else’s space.

When we go to DL we typically bring lots of stuff with us... snacks, extra blanket for F!, a backpack and TONS of shoes so we can switch out frequently. With that said .....I check!

Hope you have a wonderful trip!!!

 

[rszdtrvl]

We are going at the end of March. Which will for sure be a busy flight and time.

However, we would never exceed our carryon allowance. Or even try to.

This is our third trip in a row, so I doubt we will load up on souveniers. Probably a few things from Lego Land and Universal Studios. But that is about it.

 

[Eeee-va]

Any time of year, you can almost certainly manage it as long as your hotel has a laundry facility and you don't mind doing laundry once during the trip. I think I managed 4 nights in Florida (including WDW) with only carry-ons before I had to do laundry, so packing in a fifth set of clothes shouldn't be too hard. I also brought home a souvenir the size of maybe three trade novels stacked together. This was in the summer, but I wore pants and capris. (In winter you can wear your coat on the plane, of course, and depending on the weather you might not need too much more than that; maybe a sweatshirt and of course pants.)

This is assuming your morning routine isn't terribly involved...I've known of some women who practically need a suitcase JUST for their curlers/hair supplies/etc. My morning routine is really simple so I had more room for, you know, clothes.

Who is your third person? If it is a child then of course you can pack some of the adults' clothes in that suitcase (provided one of the adults doesn't mind tugging it around).

 

[rszdtrvl]

It will be myself, my husband, and our 13 year old son.

For the most part, we are light packers. Depending on the weather, we will be wearing mostly shorts and tshirts.

We don't bring many entertainment things either. I may bring my netbook, and I know my son will be bringing his nintendo DS and some games.

I am a "wash & wear" kinda gal! Wash the hair, comb it out, and let it air dry. Makeup is very minimal, when I do wear it. My makeup kit is super small!

 

[sunflowersis]

We did 7 days in Washington DC last March (lots of cool weather, bulky clothes) and we just did carry-on's. No problems!

 

[Peace.love.mickey]

I think you can for sure do it with carry on's only! I have found that one garment bag and the other bags make it great! We went to Hawaii for 5 days with carry on only.

PLus you each get a carry on and a personal item...Backpacks count!

 

[DisCookie]

I did it in Dec! I did end up checking one bag on the return trip because I bought some souvenirs. I think I could of done it all carry on though (had a long connection, so I didn't want to drag the roller around)

 

[DangerMouse]

I'm heading to Maui next week for 10 days, and my family of 5 are all doing carry-on's. No checked bag fees for us! It does help that we'll be in a condo with a washer and dryer, but I think you can do it for 5 nights. Roll your clothes tight. It helps save space!

 

[Leofoenget]

There are whole websites devoted to "carry on only" for families traveling to China to adopt children. If they can do it, you can too.

 

[rszdtrvl]

Thanks for the encouragement! I think we will probably end up doing the carryon only thing!

Saving on bag fees is great, but being able to hop off the plane and not wait for our luggage is what is selling us on the carryon only.

It was so nice to hop off the plane and head directly to our car in Seattle for our return trip. I estimate we saved at least a half hour doing so!

 

[Peace.love.mickey]

SNA airport is SUPER fast! Most of the time, I only do carry-on but I swear most times on my same shuttle are people from my flgith that did checked!

 

[bumbershoot]

If you consider that the Rick Steves tours to Europe require ONLY carryon, even for the 14 day trips, of course it can be done.

The max size for a US/Europe (not talking *within* Europe) carryon is actually quite big. It's all we use, even when we're checking (love the Rick Steves bags, and any opportunity to get to the lovely Edmonds we will take) bags.

And then I've never had a problem fitting even a large-ish "personal item" bag under my seat, all following every rule!

 

[DizMe]

Oh, it's easy. At least, I think so! I usually bring just a small bag that fits under my seat, about backpack or largish purse-sized.

The trickiest thing about carry-on, IMO, is the stuff that isn't allowed. for instance, we wanted to bring back a bottle of Magicale wine on our last trip and had to check a bag because you can't take bottles in your carry-on.

DLR is an easy place for carry-on because the temps are relatively stable (warm), everything is casual and you can always buy stuff if you find you need something.