Lets talk Luggage...and packing.

[Andona]

I bought a new suitcase today and it set me wondering how my fellow Aussie/NZ Disers pack for their trips?

What sort of bags do you like to take? Are you a backpack person, or a rolling tote or a suitcase? Do you like 2 wheels or 4 or do you think wheels just add unnecessary weight? Do you like your bags BIG or as small as you can make them? Does your family have one of those beautiful, perfectly matched sets of luggage, or, is it an odd looking collection of bags that you've picked up all over the world?

What do you use for a carryon? One of those groovy little rolling suitcases that the Cabin staff always use? Or a backpack? Or what???

Are you a "take it all" person or a "I only ever travel with a carryon" or somewhere in between?

How do you pack - do you just shove it all in and sit on the bag? Or do you spend days folding and rolling your undies into teeny, tiny packages that would make your origami instructor proud?

Here's my take:-

Suitcases:-
I sometimes wonder how we ever managed in the old days without wheels. The bag I bought today is my first one with 4 wheels ( instead of just 2) - and just the trip from the store to the boot of my car has SOLD me on 4 wheels. I don't like huge bags but I indulge myself with a larger bag when we travel to the USA than I do for Europe ( The boots of those American tanks just have so much MORE space than those cute little Peugeots! )

Someone gave me a set of luggage for a significant birthday a few years ago and for 2 glorious trips my family looked like we all belong together. Then one of the bags died and we were back to our usual state of looking like an untidy mob who just happened to run into each other in the airport. I look enviously at those people rolling past me with their lovely sets...

Carryon:-
I've used the rolling mini-suitcases for years but this time I'm going for a lightweight rolling backpack. Why you ask? Because I was sick of trying to get in and out of hotel elevators while trying to roll my suitcase AND my carryon. From now on the carryon is on my back when I have to manage a suitcase as well!

Take it All?/Pack Light?
I pack light. Not carryon-only light but I spend a long time trying to co-ordinate a wardrobe so that I can get away with a minimum of gear. It means I have to wash but that's not a chore in the USA (I love American hotel laundries ) It's a bit tedious in Europe though as I'm too cheap to send my clothes out to the hotel cleaners and I can't be bothered looking for a laundromat - so I spend a lot of time washing clothes in the sink

How to pack?
I'm a HUGE fan of Eagle Creek packing folders and cubes. I realise they add extra weight but they just squash the clothes down into such a gorgeous, neat organised package. I label the folders with our names so It's easy to just grab an outfit for each of us every day.

So tell me, what do you do? I'd really like to know?

Andona

 

[australiankaren]

we have 1 red and 1 blue of these

one of these for our dive gear and stuffed animals

 

[australiankaren]

and a tommy bag, my DH's fav

my carry on

dh has a roller back pack

yup....thats us

 

[BobbyRach]

Great post. I would be interested to see what everyone does as well!!


Carryon:-
I have always just used a samsonite shoulder bag that can attach to the handles of the suitcase. I don’t like the little roller suitcases as they add extra weight with the wheels and as you said then you are trying to push 2 suitcases around the hotel.

Take it All?/Pack Light?
I also try to pack very light and only take the minimum as we like to buy a lot of clothes in the USA!!

I also pack in my suitcase a big empty sports bag to use when i buy too much and it no longer fits into my suitcase. This always happens! I have never not used it!

How to pack?
I also always pack the travel space bags for all the clothes we buy. All new clothes i put into the bags and roll them up to get rid of the air and you will be amazed how much you can fit in.

This is where the spare sports bag comes in handy as we put all the clothes we buy into the space bags and then pack them in the sports bag.

 

[Ellyoz]

This is my first big overseas holiday with kids so I bought 2 large samsonite suitcases (with 4 wheels) and 2 small ones for the carry ons. I got them 50% off at one of the Myer sales so I was thrilled.

Although I plan on spending a lot of money on clothes, shoes etc while away so I can see myself coming home with another 2 large suitcases.

I usually pack things the origami way (which is neat way of saying it). That way I can fit more than I need in the bags.

I have also just bought a hard carry on rolling bag to carry anything I buy fragile home in.

Can't wait to pack them (in 6 weeks). Yay!!!

 

[Andona]

and a tommy bag, my DH's fav

my carry on

dh has a roller back pack

yup....thats us

Oh that carry-On! Karen, I don't think you will ever have to worry about losing that one!

Your DH's roller back pack looks just like mine - I have high hopes for it this trip

Carryon:-
I have always just used a samsonite shoulder bag that can attach to the handles of the suitcase. I don’t like the little roller suitcases as they add extra weight with the wheels and as you said then you are trying to push 2 suitcases around the hotel.

I used to use a shoulder bag too but bck then my carryon was always really heavy and I ended up with sore shoulders. However, that was back before the "no fluids on flights" days and I used to pack my (huge!) toiletries bag in the carryon - it weighed a ton! If my roller backpack doesn't work out I might just go back to the shoulder bag too...

How to pack?
I also always pack the travel space bags for all the clothes we buy. All new clothes i put into the bags and roll them up to get rid of the air and you will be amazed how much you can fit in.

Oh yeah, I'd forgotten about those! I've only ever used them for the bulky things like parkas etc but I do think they're great space savers

This is my first big overseas holiday with kids so I bought 2 large samsonite suitcases (with 4 wheels) and 2 small ones for the carry ons. I got them 50% off at one of the Myer sales so I was thrilled.

Aren't good quality suitcases a ridiculous price! I've only ever bought them at sales. the thought of spending over $300 on a suitcase gives me the jitters!

Andona

 

[australiankaren]

great for all the stuffed animals we buy for the GK's....and socks, shirts, jumpers etc etc...just be careful because if you fill a big bag full of space bags you'll be massively over weight.spread them out between the bags.

so looking forward to my new carry on.....hopefully it works with the other bags, although i attach it to the bigger bags with the strap.

the dh loves his roller back pack.....and attaches a small neck pillow to the handle with a clip....

this is how we pirates roll

 

[BobbyRach]

great for all the stuffed animals we buy for the GK's....and socks, shirts, jumpers etc etc...just be careful because if you fill a big bag full of space bags you'll be massively over weight.spread them out between the bags.

So true AustralianKaren that is where the travel luggage scales are your best friend!!

 

[Ms. Shuttergirl]

Here's my take:-

Suitcases:-
Like Andona I love me some matching luggage but as stated, that never lasts long. My DH actually calls me the Imelda Marcos of luggage. I am always buying new things.

Just before Christmas we bought 2 new 4 wheel cases and I am in love. We bought a large and a medium. Now I want to up grade and get another 2 large and medium and ditch some of our older ones but the price tag was a bit hefty so DH has said no way . He did point out that the wheels sticking out so far will be a problem in the boots of cabs etc but the easiness of wheeling them as you race through an airport with a heavy cabin bag of some kind stacked on top just can't be beat. I love them.

We take 4 cases with us, try to pack so that one comes over empty and we stack another case inside it. We also take a big WDW duffel with us flat in the bottom of the case for shopping.

We also brought some of those bright straps to wrap around the cases this time so they are easier to spot on the turnstile.

Carryon:-
We have generally just had cabin bags that we carry on our shoulder but this time I've bought some rolling cabin bag/duffel bags that sit nicely on top of the cases and then once baggage is checked rolls along nicely. I recently used one on a trip to Ballarat and I thought it was great, although I worry about how secure it is for more fragile items, like my camera bag. Need to have a bit more of a think on that one. I did just see this on the Strand Bags website and think I'm in love:- http://www.strandbags.com.au/luggage/guess-coventry-20in-wheel-bag/3096718. It looks a bit sturdier than what I just got, although it's 4 times the price too so hmmmm.

Take it All?/Pack Light?
I so want to be a pack light chick. I have kind of done it in the past but I'm a bit dual personality on this subject. I can pack light in terms of clothing, however on our first trip to US, it ended up being "too" light and we needed to shop for jocks and socks pretty quickly because the handwashing just takes so long to dry in the hotel rooms .

It's toiletries and medicines that I can't minimise. I take stuff for every eventuality. I have this insane fear of being in a hotel room in a huge city in the middle of the night and the kids needing some type of medicine. I know it's over the top but it gives me peace of mind.

I hate the idea of shopping for clothing once we arrive to get me through. My DH loves to shop so that doesn't bother him but I feel stressed if I have to find stuff quickly so I always take plenty for myself and medium amounts for the kids.


How to pack?
Andona, I am an Eagle Creek Freak too . My sister in law works at Snowgum so she gets the packing folders and cubes for us. There is barely a loose item in our suitcases . You think I'm kidding but I'm not . I might just have to take a photo of the inside of the cases this time. I love how they keep everything neat, they barely need to go near an iron and everyone's stuff is organised. Although I would love to pack everyone's things separately into separate cases I can't bring myself too because I've had a few friends have cases go missing at the start of the trip and it has really put a dampener on the start so I make sure there is a mixture through the cases.

On this upcoming trip I'm also going to take some of those space saver bags too for our big winter down jackets although for most of the places we are visiting I guess we will need them out of the cases and on our backs before leaving the airport so we will have to see how that plays out.

Shoes are the killer though. We have bought gortex hiking shoes this time and they are all so bulky and solid. I think we will have to wear them when we fly just so I don't have to pack them .

 

[Andona]

It's toiletries and medicines that I can't minimise. I take stuff for every eventuality. I have this insane fear of being in a hotel room in a huge city in the middle of the night and the kids needing some type of medicine. I know it's over the top but it gives me peace of mind.

I totally identify with this one!! Every single trip either DH or DS have come down with some bug/malady and I'm now paranoid about having appropriate meds.

How to pack?
Andona, I am an Eagle Creek Freak too . My sister in law works at Snowgum so she gets the packing folders and cubes for us. There is barely a loose item in our suitcases . You think I'm kidding but I'm not .

Now this rang a HUGE memory bell in my head and I did a little searching on the boards. Shuttergirl, I was the one who got you onto Eagle Creek in the first place!!! Do you remember this, back in the days before we had our own Aussie board? ... http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33563817&postcount=2287
What would we have done without Eagle Creek eh?

Andona

 

[BobbyRach]

I have always brought expensive suitcases from The Luggage Professionals online. They deliver to your door and are so much cheaper than the shops. I am about to purchase the Samsonite B-Lite 77cm 4 Wheel Spinner Suitcase
and the cost is only $239.40!!

 

[Caroline NZ]

Suitcases:
2 old ( but good) hard shell samsonite suitcases. Toiletries, gifts, shoes etc go in these.
Plus assorted super light tanker /cargo bags ( fav ones are an Osprey and a Kathmndu one) for the overflow of clothes, including what we buy ( lots!)

Carry on:
I love backpacks. We each have one (Macpac , Dakine & Camelbak are the current favourites)
Next trip I will also take a travel organiser shoulder bag from Kathmandu ( takes heaps).


I like the idea of the packing cells, but haven't used yet, due to the extra weight. I shove as much as possible in as I can .Socks get stuffed in shoes, undies in coffee cups etc ( yep we take crockery cups as we love our hot drinks ( tea for me & DS, coffee for DH, & milo or equiv for DD), nothing worse than using the tiny plastic ones some hotels have.

 

[Andona]

I have always brought expensive suitcases from The Luggage Professionals online. They deliver to your door and are so much cheaper than the shops. I am about to purchase the Samsonite B-Lite 77cm 4 Wheel Spinner Suitcase
and the cost is only $239.40!!

Thanks for the link I just took a look at the site and I was relieved to see they are selling my Antler suitcase for the exact same price that I paid at the shop today. Phew! It is on sale though, about 40% off retail - which I was really happy with.

I'll definitely bookmark them for future reference -- what do they charge for delivery?

Andona

 

[becpee]

Suitcases
DH will be using his from a previous trip and I picked up 2 hardshell cases on Catch for DS and I, so we're not matching

Carryon
I also picked up a matching roller hardshell carryon to match the 2 others I bought, DS will have his Thomas the Tank Engine roller and DH will likely have his backpack

Take it all/Pack light
This year I am going to be smarter with my packing (ok, i'll try), I always end up having favourite clothes and washing them and re-wearing them so with this in mind i'll try and pack lighter.
I'm also scoping out travel sized items instead of full sized.

How to pack
I am normally a throw it in, again though, I will try and NOT do that

 

[Ms. Shuttergirl]

I totally identify with this one!! Every single trip either DH or DS have come down with some bug/malady and I'm now paranoid about having appropriate meds.



Now this rang a HUGE memory bell in my head and I did a little searching on the boards. Shuttergirl, I was the one who got you onto Eagle Creek in the first place!!! Do you remember this, back in the days before we had our own Aussie board? ... http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33563817&postcount=2287
What would we have done without Eagle Creek eh?

Andona

OMG Andona . That is so funny. Gosh I had completely forgotten it was you that introduced me to the joys of Eagle Creek. The funny thing was I didn't know at the time that my SIL's company sold them so I paid full price online. Idiot. I'm older and wiser now .

What a blast from the past.

 

[Andona]

I like the idea of the packing cells, but haven't used yet, due to the extra weight. I shove as much as possible in as I can .Socks get stuffed in shoes, undies in coffee cups etc ( yep we take crockery cups as we love our hot drinks ( tea for me & DS, coffee for DH, & milo or equiv for DD), nothing worse than using the tiny plastic ones some hotels have.

I like your cups! So right about those horrible plastic or cardboard ones. And then they give you that awful non-dairy creamer...Blechh!!

Andona

 

[Andona]

Suitcases
DH will be using his from a previous trip and I picked up 2 hardshell cases on Catch for DS and I, so we're not matching

Carryon
I also picked up a matching roller hardshell carryon to match the 2 others I bought, DS will have his Thomas the Tank Engine roller and DH will likely have his backpack

Take it all/Pack light
This year I am going to be smarter with my packing (ok, i'll try), I always end up having favourite clothes and washing them and re-wearing them so with this in mind i'll try and pack lighter.
I'm also scoping out travel sized items instead of full sized.

How to pack
I am normally a throw it in, again though, I will try and NOT do that

Becpee, it sounds like you have a really laid back, relaxed attitude to your packing. That's probably the best way to be - less stressful

So far it doesn't sound like any of the Dis families are the ones with all perfectly matched luggage, which makes me feel better about our motley collectin of luggage!

Andona

 

[becpee]

Becpee, it sounds like you have a really laid back, relaxed attitude to your packing. That's probably the best way to be - less stressful

So far it doesn't sound like any of the Dis families are the ones with all perfectly matched luggage, which makes me feel better about our motley collectin of luggage!

Andona

I would love to have matching luggage...but as long as Thomas the Tank Engine is around, it's not gonna happen...

I can't wait to pack!

 

[BobbyRach]

I'll definitely bookmark them for future reference -- what do they charge for delivery?

I just ordered 2 Samsonite B Lite suitcases one 77cm size and the other 64cm. The shipping is FREE!! You can pay for express post which is $29.95.

 

[Minnie Sue Oz]

Suitcases - DD and I both have the same Lanza cases but hers is bright pink and mine is black. We bought the biggest ones you could have on Qantas the last time we flew in 2010. We do also pack another suitcase inside each suitcase as we really do that much shopping. Those stuffed animals especially ( DD came home with 17, yes 17 last trip ). We still had to buy 2 extra cases though.........yep, shop. It's my middle name!!!

As for carry ons, I am going to try to be a little conservative this time and not take as much as I want to put the cameras and the lap top in my carry on so I don't have the extra bags to carry. I will also have my trusty Jack Skellington bag as my handbag. It is great, fits lots in and is waterproof so it doubles up as a park bag when we get there!

I tend to overpack. I am going to try and be good this year and not go overboard. I do have checklists though and I must check it a least a couple of times before hand..................well maybe a couple more than that, but you can never be too careful to make sure you haven't left anything behind.....right?!

I can't wait to pack either