Help me pack light!!

[Brian Noble]

For a one-week trip in winter with a washer dryer, we bring the following per person: two pairs of jeans. Two pairs of shorts. Three short sleeved shirts. One long sleeved shirt. One sweatshirt/sweater. We wear an additional sweatshirt/sweater down. Enough unmentionables for four days, with perhaps an extra pair or two of socks (in case they get wet). One bathing suit. Pack sandals. Wear comfortable walking shoes.

That's it.

We still check bags, just because with younger kids its nice to have a little bit less to lug through the airport. But, we usually get away with checking only 2 26" bags for the four of us, with plenty of room left over for souvenirs, and we each carry on only a very small backpack/bag.

 

[buzz5985]

We went in early November, myself, DH, DS 13, friend 13. We used all carryons. I checked 10 day forcast before I left. It was pretty accurate. We wore jeans and sneakers on the plane, wore sweatshirts. We each had 1 pair PJ's, 1 bathing suit, 2 pair shorts, 3 shirts, boys had a pair track pants, and I had some capris. I had no plans for any "date nights", so no need for extra shoes.

I used the Purex sheets for washing and had no problems. For cosmetics - I have sample packs of my daily routine, (I use Arbonne) so I take a couple of strips, DH also uses Arbonne, so a couple of strips for him. Disposable razors, deodorant, toothpaste, mascara, lipstick, hair gel, hair spray, advil, tweezers, nail clippers, nail file, q-tips, cotton pads, bandaids. And our camelback backpack for the parks (which was packed in the duffle on the trip down). One book each, along with iPods, phones, chargers.

So DH had a duffle. I had my laptop bag, and camera backpack. DS had a small duffle, and Friend had a rolling suitcase. On the way home, DH had the camelback filled with souviners.

Keep an eye on the 10 day forecast - you may not need 2 pairs of bathing suits.

Enjoy. It's freeing not having so much stuff with you.

Janis

 

[itradehilton]

We (I) pack light too. We wear the jeans, tennis shoes and sweatshirts on the plane. For two week trip we pack 4 days of outdoor clothes, 3 sets of sleepwear, 2 swimsuits each, crocs, and swim goggles. We spend a lot of time in the water. All of these things fit into 21" rolling carryon bags. DH has a camera/laptop backpack (great investment) which can also hold every cable and charger we need. DS's have a sling bag that hold electronic toys and books. DS's are old enough to pull their own bags through the airport. We always go to the store to buy full size sunblock and small container of laundry soap. It is cheaper than paying for checked bags.

 

[PEANUT1]

Wow guys!! great ideas..keep em coming

I am a little nervous about the girls having carry on bags for the plane...my 6 year old will be able to wheel hers just fine..but the 3 year old will probably need hers carried by mom or more likely dad

I just get overwhelmed with each trip and start packing so early that I bring everything but the kitchen sink...this trip I am packing a few days before and whatever we don't bring..we'll buy. its not like we are going to Antarctica

I am sure you guys are right about not needing 2 bathing suits. Last year we swam the first 2 days and it was warm..then got colder..I supposed I could live with one...

 

[Ciciwoowoo]

caution on the purex wash sheet. try this at home first. I bought those for our trip and my poor son had a terrible reaction to them. he looked like he had the measles and couldnt stop itching It tooks us 2-3 days to figure out his problem and get him some relief. we are not the type family that usually has allergies

We had the same problem! Actually, it was rather ironic; my aunt went the same time as we did, and she had told us one day of their trip to first aid. Her son had quite the reaction to the Purex.

Well, wouldn't you know, that night, my son broke out in terrible hives as well. I assume he had the same problem. When he was younger, I had to always use Tide because of his skin, but I had assumed he grew out of this as he got older. I still switch detergents every now and again, but I am assuming Purex must be pretty harsh to bother him that way.

 

[dianeschlicht]

We also LOVE our Owner's Locker! We keep things like laundry detergent, a pair of walking shoes for each of us, a few kitchen items that aren't normall in the villas, and full size cosmetic items..razors etc. Then all we need to pack is 3-4 outfits for each of us, and we are good to go! We always stay in at least a 1 bedroom, so we wash a load of clothes every other day. We also have used space bags, but I usually don't find them to be necessary.

 

[hsmamato2]

6 pairs of shoes??? time to pack lighter....
we're going for 14 days, I think 2 pair jeans each, maybe 3 pair shorts for the kids, 4 tees,3 l/s shirts,6 pair socks and underwear- ONE extra pair of shoes(likely crocs) purex sheets for washing-
paperback for reading, travel size deoderant,t.paste,etc for each person
we should each be able to easily carry one carryon size duffel with this stuff in it-
Note- we wear layers on the trip down,and use them as needed- i.e.-t-shirt,l/s shirt,sweater,light waterproof jacket/raincoat-
also- we intend to re-wear the pants,etc as normal wear for adults,we don't wash the jeans too often anyway-
the youngest kid is 10,and tends to get messy,so maybe an extra shirt or 2 for him.....
we'll do laundry every 5 days or so and have PLENTY to wear....everything can be worn with everything else,and in January, you never know what type of clothes you'll need daily. oh,and grocery delivery for a bottle of shampoo,etc that will last the whole trip.

 

[itradehilton]

For sensitive skin be sure to look at what's in the purex 3 in 1. For myself I can't have anything with fabric softener in it or I will get an allergic reaction.

 

[MinnieGi]

Great tips so far. Winter WDW trips always have me overpacking as the weather can be so variable!!! We have made several Jan/Feb trips and some days it can reach into the 80's and others down into the 40's!!

I do the layering thing for clothes on the plane even if there is a foot of snow on the ground here when we leave, which there has been!!! I have all of us dressed in t-shirt or two depending on temp, sweatshirt, windbreaker and gloves. I have been grateful for having gloves some years down there at that time!!!

You're w/d may get extended use too over a winter vacation. I have often found the temps went to the hotter side the whole week and I was washing/drying all the summery items and the winter ones just didn't get worn or it went the other way with the summer items not getting worn.

Good luck on the packing!!!

 

[Jen_in_NH]

Wow guys!! great ideas..keep em coming

I am a little nervous about the girls having carry on bags for the plane...my 6 year old will be able to wheel hers just fine..but the 3 year old will probably need hers carried by mom or more likely dad

I just get overwhelmed with each trip and start packing so early that I bring everything but the kitchen sink...this trip I am packing a few days before and whatever we don't bring..we'll buy. its not like we are going to Antarctica

I am sure you guys are right about not needing 2 bathing suits. Last year we swam the first 2 days and it was warm..then got colder..I supposed I could live with one...

You might be suprised what your kids can pull through an airport. My 2.5 yo had a rolling backpack that he hauled everywhere (and had a holy fit if one of us tried to do it for him ). Our 5 yo neice would not pull hers however - her mom ended up carrying hers. It was hysterical watching a 2 yo hauling this backpack with him - got to train him early for the airport run!!!

 

[deva]

I am a little nervous about the girls having carry on bags for the plane...my 6 year old will be able to wheel hers just fine..but the 3 year old will probably need hers carried by mom or more likely dad

Just my opinion, but.....

2 kids + 4 carryons + 4 backpacks + clearing security + walking to/from plane = recipe for disaster.

I have 3 kids and I pack one large suitcase with all of our stuff (Check weight limits, with Continental if it is over 50 lbs there is a surcharge.) DH takes a carryon with whatever doesn't fit in the checked bag. We wear coats or sweatshirts (depending on season) and long pants (planes are cold even in the summer) They each have a backpack that has bathing suit and one change of clothes in a ziploc bag, 2 stuffed animals/"friends", and some plane toys/activities. I can manage carrying an extra backpack (or two), but could never manage my own carryon, let alone 1 or 2 extras. I'll pack three outfits for each of us and a spare pair of shoes just for the kids. We do have an owner's locker, so I don't need to worry about toiletries, "what if" medicine, crocs, sand toys or rain gear. This saves us a suitcase (plus alll sorts of packing hassles) each trip.

 

[itradehilton]

Yes, when they are little checked bags is the way to go. We would get excited as ours aged and we had less things to haul with us on vacation. Now both DS can handle a rolling bag through the airport but I still have to pull one DS's bag in the plane. The key is to arrive early enough that you don't feel rushed to make it through the security lines.

 

[catsdad]

It really is as simple as packing for 3 days, regardless of the length of the trip. Wash clothes every day. Just tell yourself that you can buy clothes if you are in a jam ... it takes any added stress out of the equation. I don't think we've ever bought more than the normal clothing souvenirs and we've bought them earlier and gotten more use out of them (I can't be the only one that finds that cool mickey shirt a "got to have" at Disney, but relegated to the bottom of the drawer at home).

One unexpected upside is that you'll be able to look at your vacation photos years later and instantly remember the trip by your clothes.

 

[ccigliano]

And if you anything like me, I always end up buying a Disney T-shirst that I wear while I'm there a couple of times. The washer/dryer in the unit is key. Just use it in the middle and end of your trip and you can stretch 3 outfits into 6 and go home with clean clothes! Have a wonderful trip.

 

[PEANUT1]

Just my opinion, but.....

2 kids + 4 carryons + 4 backpacks + clearing security + walking to/from plane = recipe for disaster.

I have 3 kids and I pack one large suitcase with all of our stuff (Check weight limits, with Continental if it is over 50 lbs there is a surcharge.) DH takes a carryon with whatever doesn't fit in the checked bag. We wear coats or sweatshirts (depending on season) and long pants (planes are cold even in the summer) They each have a backpack that has bathing suit and one change of clothes in a ziploc bag, 2 stuffed animals/"friends", and some plane toys/activities. I can manage carrying an extra backpack (or two), but could never manage my own carryon, let alone 1 or 2 extras. I'll pack three outfits for each of us and a spare pair of shoes just for the kids. We do have an owner's locker, so I don't need to worry about toiletries, "what if" medicine, crocs, sand toys or rain gear. This saves us a suitcase (plus alll sorts of packing hassles) each trip.

I have given this a lot of thought...my husband usually carries all of my bags and his..you should see him walking through the airport..he just likes to carry it for me..so I don't think it will be a problem. The kids will have the small carry on with wheels and a small back pack with just stuff to play with on the plane. My husband and I will each pull our own carry one and have a backpack. My husband can get both of the girls stuff if needed

We also have my MIL travelling with us so she can help with the kids if needed.

My MIL did buy those 2 in one washer sheets..I guess I better try them out before we leave. We used them in Hawaii for my husband and I and were fine but not on the kids yet.

 

[GoofItUp]

Are you taking a stroller for the 3 yo? We use our stroller as the luggage cart which frees up one adult and the kids to walk through the airport unencumbered.

I agree with other posters who have said the key is to get there early so you have time to organize yourself and your stuff, get through security, have a leisurely stroll to the gate, and not feel rushed at any point.

One more point: I think it's a good idea to try and pack lighter regardless of what you do, but if you have to check one bag, it won't be the end of the world. On our last trip I was driving myself nuts trying to figure out how to pack so we wouldn't have to check luggage. That would have meant clothes for 4, two strollers (we have a 3 yo and a 1 yo), entertainment items for the plane, car seats....you get the idea...all being lugged through the airport. I finally decided that it was worth the $15 each way to check a bag. Relative to the cost of the vacation it's not that much money and saved me a lot of hassle. As the kids get older, though, I'll be back to figuring out how to carry it on and save the $ for extra Disney snacks!

 

[LeahA]

Wow! I'm quite impressed with these tips. Since we drive, I do have the luxury of overpacking. I usually bring 1 outfit for each day that we are there per person. I usually bring less underwear and socks and wash those midweek. I usually bring 2 pairs of shoes per person, gym shoes and a pair of flip flops. (I usually have and extra fun pair of sandals packed for myself!) I usually bring 1 pair of jeans/1 light jacket or sweatshirt per person. Since we drive, my kids like to wear sweatpants in the car. I bring 1 swimsuit each. I do wash most of my clothes before we leave, so when I get home, I don't have all that laundry to do!

 

[CarolAnnC]

Our challenge will be packing for the DCL Baltic cruise this coming summer. Not only is it a 12 night cruise, but we will have a few nights in London pre-cruise.

I opt for lots of the slinky, travel style material pieces which mix and match easily and also washout and dry quickly. But, even with those, it will be a challenge to pack in the allowed space that European flights allow.

Gotta have room for souvenirs and must have purchases too!

 

[Dean]

For 8 days with a W/D, I'd limit myself even more than some have. For Jan you do have to account for variable weather so I would take undershirts and a lighter jacket for each person. That should be more than sufficient as you can layer if need be. I'd only do 1 swimsuit and likely not carry shorts that that time of year. For me, 3 pair of pants including the ones I wore down would be sufficient if not going to a super nice place for dinner (V&A). I'd add an extra shirt to 4 and that many for underwear. We limit the shoes we take to 1 pair of tennis shoes and 1 slightly more dressy pair. We tend to pack for easy breakfast items such as instant oatmeal, cereal, muffin mix with foil tins, that way we have extra space returning and have staples for the one meal we tend to eat in consistently. Avoid the hair dryer and avoid taking all those little items that some do like shampoo and conditioner. We also collect clothes and shoes that are on their last leg for such trips and leave them at the destination. We also try to get all our clothes clean for the return trip, easier on return and they pack better folded or rolled assuming the W/D is free at our destination. Sometimes we use space bags for such situations as well. Some mail a box to the resort so it's there but we haven't done so ourselves and are not comfortable doing so. We also tend to take a moderate size soft cooler. You can pack it so it really doesn't take up much space and it's a great place to put things you think might be messy or get broken.

You can also get one of the ones on rollers and use it as a carry on if the size matches. There are some duffle type luggage that also have straps to use like a backpack. We also tend to take enough disposable poncho's for each person for 2 days, we'd reuse if more than 2 days are needed. We tend to take only cell phones that can be charged from one charger. If that's not possible, get one of those with changeable tips.

For cruises my wife often takes items that can be mixed and matched including reversible skirts.

 

[kingj]

I agree with the earlier post, check out www.onebag.com. There are a lot of helpful hints on this site. You may also want to look at www.onebagoneworld.com.

I recently went to Japan with just one carry on using these suggestions. This included my computer.

Good luck!

John