I pack for all contingencies and I'm Proud!

[snarlingcoyote]

Okay, I've been wanting to get this one out there for a while. I pack a checked suitcase for a 5 day business trip and keep my fold up tote in the front pocket in case I run into shopping bargains that cannot be missed. I pack a big suitcase for my trip to Disney, full of clothes and other interesting things I might possibly want.

I have never regretted not bringing along a skirt or a pair of sandals that seemed extraneous at the time of packing, but were just perfect for an unexpected evening out, but I have regretted not having a warm enough coat or an extra scarf and mittens. I have not regretted packing things like pop-up hampers and sweater shelves and extra sneakers for Disney.

I am perfectly willing to pay extra fees and I still don't understand why people have an aversion to checking their luggage other than fears of what-might-be. (What, the airline loses it and you have to buy all new things? I call that a serendipitous situation, personally.) In addition, those fees are often fairly easy to get around by this or that method, so that's not an excuse for me.

I don't regard "overpacking" as some sort of moral failing: I'm not headed down the Oregon trail in a comstock wagon pulled by oxen for heaven's sake!

So this is my declaration: I pack everything I might possibly need when I travel, and I'm fine with it. Pack your skimpy little bags and bang into me and hog the overhead bings if you like, crow about how you made it 3 weeks at disney on 2 pairs of shorts, 3 t-shirts and a pair of Keen sandals, but yours is not a morally superior position, it's simply your preference, not better or worse than mine. (And I always look suitable to any given situation and can get around large airports easier. )

 

[danabalana]

Yup, works for me too

 

[LMDisneygirl]

 

[GoofyNewfie]

I wholly agree. I take everything I need as well.

But, I normally split stuff across the checked and unchecked baggage (but I don't over-size my carry-on). I have had the unthinkable happen and lose a bag (and/or had it delayed). So the essentials go into unchecked and the less essential into checked.

Unfortunately though, if the airlines loses a bag, you don't get enough to cover it.

 

[snarlingcoyote]

Unfortunately though, if the airlines loses a bag, you don't get enough to cover it.

Thrift stores. Friday's haul of NWT's denim boyfriend jacket, black work blouse, brown cardigan and red pullover sweater, combined with a pair of brand new (no tag) pair of brown chinos and an Ann Taylor work blouse, combined with 8 books, a gently used Etienne Aigner wallet and a newish hard case for my little digital camera came to around $42 (give or take some change).

Admittedly, if I lost my good topsiders or my fave jacket in my luggage I'd be ticked, but on the balance, not having to haul much around the IAH and whatever other connecting airport I might have shelpt through? Worth it. They're just things. If I can't chance losing it (And the only thing like that would be the diamond earrings DH got me years and years ago when we were poor and really couldn't afford diamond earrings, but he saved and scrimped to get them for me. So I wear them ALL THE TIME and have for 20 years and will until I die. ) I wear it.

But I totally understand and respect your position. . .I just travel too much. If you don't travel very often, it's different. You don't mind the schlepping. If you do travel a bit, especially to remote places with multiple connections, you get to the point where it's just Not Worth It. I carry my Kindle and my laptop, my cellphones, chargers, clean panties and a clean shirt and a crossbody bag with my wallet in it.

 

[pezheadmeg]

Though I'm going with only 3 pairs of shorts for a week. Only because I rarely wear shorts and can't see buying another 4 pairs that are only going to be worn for a vacation week. I'm trying to streamline my closet at home.

But yes, it's much nicer to clear security with only one small bag. I've been stuck at airports for multi hour periods twice. Once with everything, once with nothing more than a small messenger bag. It was much nicer being able to walk around not having to push a luggage trolley!

 

[stitchfan18]

I agree! I only do carry on packing for long weekend trips if i'm going to end up paying $50 to check a bag round trip for a 2 to 3 night trip, it isn't worth it to me. I was so excited when I found out we were allowed 3 free checked bags each on our trip in August. I'll be feeling nice and clean all day long with fresh outfits each time we go back to the hotel!