Luggage --too many suitcases

[BethA]

Has anyone changed what they are packing-or how they pack since most airlines now make you pay to take your luggage with you? I am a terrible overpacker, plus with suits and nice dresses, we always have 3 garment bags-my husband is a liarge guy and his suit and dinner stuff takes up one whole garment bag.

Any suggestions??

 

[dismom73]

Well, don't stuff it all into one either, because the airlines have weight/per bag limits too. Usually it's 50 pounds. So, even though you can find those super huge suitecases, if you over pack them you will have to pay and over the weight limit fee too. There are 5 of us, so it makes it really hard since you need at least two outfits per day, and more for the little ones that get extra messy. I learned two vacations ago that it is just easier to plan to do laundry at least once during the vacation. I know some people say they don't want to do laundry on vacation, but in my house only doing it once in a week is a Vacation!
I know too that some people will budgett in laundry/dry cleaning service for on the ship. The prices are pretty reasonable. Good luck!

 

[LadyZolt]

I've been thinking about this, too -- DH and I usually end up having four items (three suitcases and a garment bag) if we're doing a week's vacation, but as the PP said, you can do laundry on DCL, so I think that's what we'd do. Currently, the two trips I have scheduled (one to Disney World and one to do a Royal Caribbean cruise), I also have purchased first class airline tickets, and so I can bring three items per person, but with the airlines getting really ridiculous, I'm re-thinking air travel and considering things like taking the train, or even riding our motorcycle (and we're *really* limited in luggage when we do that!). I think I foresee more laundromats and small travel packs of Tide in my future.

-Dorothy (LadyZolt)

 

[Olga]

Has anyone changed what they are packing-or how they pack since most airlines now make you pay to take your luggage with you? I am a terrible overpacker, plus with suits and nice dresses, we always have 3 garment bags-my husband is a liarge guy and his suit and dinner stuff takes up one whole garment bag.

Any suggestions??

Depends on how long your cruise will be. If 7 days or less, take 1 suit and 1 nice dress, no laptops. Wash your underwear and swimsuit in the shower at night and dry it on the verandah, hang them low out of sight Stick to a color scheme to reduce the shoes, sandals, eyeshadows and undergarments you will need.
Limit the amount of "things " you buy in port or on the ship, no large or heavy items unless the savings more than exceed the luggage charge imposed by the airlines.

Carry a very large purse, preferably a shoulder bag. Scale back on the amount of makeup if you tend to pack too many eye shadows, use a pallete instead.
Avoid full size toiletries when possible.
One large checked bag for the family, and 1 carry on for each person, use the maximum size allowed.
HTH Enjoy your vacation.

 

[BethA]

On DCL I usually will do laundry-our next cruise in August is RC-so I'd have to budget for that since they don't have self serve laundry onboard.

The suits -for my hisband and two sons-seem to take up the most room, and their shoes. I always have a bag of medicine-just in case, the sunscreen-everyone wants a different SPF, and since I'm a big reader-all my books. I could buy ome of that there, but they tend to overcharge.

If they weren't charging for the heavy bags, I'd take one really large suitcase we have, but that one is out. Anyone know of a garment bag that fits a lot-I need to buy another one this year?

 

[plutoNme]

This is what I do, and has worked in the past. I start saving underwear and socks just before they are going to be thrown out and use them for vacation and then when we are on vacation, we throw them out as we wear them. Saves room for the memories to bring home. I also use the same 3 pair of shorts and wash somewhere in the middle of the vacation.



PS anybody else see the bug crawling along ladyzolt post. I logged out and back on and it is still there.

 

[LadyZolt]

PS anybody else see the bug crawling along ladyzolt post. I logged out and back on and it is still there.

LOL! Yes, it seems to be a computer bug.

-Dorothy (LadyZolt)

 

[Anal Annie]

Definitely making sure that I'm doing more mixing & matching so sandals can be worn with more than one outfit etc. Am laying everything out as outfits before I pack them. For the "cruise casual" nights I am taking a couple pair of those zip-off cargo style pants for DS11 (he can wear them to dinner as pants & zip them into shorts the next day). I am also switching a couple of our reg. suitcases to duffle bags. I think they pack differently and that I will be able to get more in than in a regular suitcase. I got one 27" and one 30" duffle. I did a test of the 30" one in January. We went down to WDW for 4 n / 3 days & I got all 3 of us in it. Since it was January I had to pack for a variety of weather. The 30" bag I bought is 15" deep so we basically each got a folded pile that was 15" high. We wore 1 pr of jeans & I packed 1 spare. I also packed like 2 pr of shorts, 2 Tshirts, 1 bathing suit & a couple sweatshirts for each of us + 1 pr of spare shoes & flip flops. It weighed 50.5 Lbs on the return trip home (they let the 1/2 Lb slide). Any larger of a bag & I'd have overpacked. But this "test" told me we CAN do this 10 day trip this summer in 1 bag each since summer clothes are lighter and take less space. The one regular suitcase we're taking is like a 28" and it has a built-in garment bag type section in the top. Since we're doing back-to-backs on the Wonder which is more casual, I am only taking 1 dress shirt & 1 sport coat for DH & 1 dress for myself. I will wear the shoes I take for the dress with my black capris, which I plan to wear twice.

We also will be bringing more carry-on suitcases. I used to try to get all 3 of us into one (maybe 2) carry-ons but now we will each put a bag into the overhead bins. I am planning to take one EMPTY as I always used to pack an empty duffle to check on the return trip. I will also use this empty carry-on to put beer & water in to bring onto the ship. Now that there is a charge for the extra bags I will utilize the overheads more.

 

[BethA]

what type is the suitcase with the garment bag section? this might work for us.

It sounds like I am in the minority with my over packing-thanks for the tips

Thanks.

 

[Anal Annie]

what type is the suitcase with the garment bag section? this might work for us.

It sounds like I am in the minority with my over packing-thanks for the tips

Thanks.

I don't know if I can describe it or not. We have 2 regular suitcases that have a special section in the top (lid) that will accept hangers. They have a little thing inside that opens and allows you to clip in hangers just like in a regular garment bag then it closes to hold them in place. Their mechanisims work slightly different from each other but basically they have a section in the top that folds out and has those elastic tie down straps to help hold longer items in place. Similar to how a regular rolling/folding garment bag works. We have one of those too which I would bring if there weren't so many restrictions. We have one that is made by "Ricardo" and the other one is a "Samsonite". I prefer our "Samsonite" one 'cuz the overall suitcase is lighter (maybe by 5 Lbs) but our "Ricardo" one is larger so it's a trade off. When you shop for luggage you have to inspect them inside too to see if they offer any of these extra features.

 

[goofieslonglostsis]

This makes me smile. 'You guys' never stop to amaze me when it comes to packing. No harm intended, it just makes me giggle to see the gigantic suitcases times a lot, many people seem to lug along with them. It makes me wonder what could be in there.

Overhere, we're used to the 'one suitcase of max. 20 kilo (44 pounds) per person'. With this I tend to be an 'overpacker' but can always stay within those limitations nevertheless. How do I pack?

- I will be wearing one pair of shoes on the plane. In the suitcase will go a pair of slippers or sandals. If I'm in a 'crazy' mood I'll bring along another pair of shoes but that's it.
- I will be wearing pants on the plane, so that's one to start with. Drag along 2 others for cold or don't-know weather, makes 3 of them which is more than enough for 7-10 days.
- I do tend to take the same amount of shirts as days I'll be travelling. This is a lot, but my medication can discolour them so don't want to take any risk.
- I will be wearing a sweater on the plane. Another, maybe two, in the suitcase will do fine for most trips where weather is such I'ld be only wearing it for the evening.
- For the "I feel princess-pretty"-fix I bring one skirt and a dress, sometimes two but never two of both.
- shorts; same rule as pants.
- At leas 2 bikinis, don't take up much room.
- underwear; half the amount as days being travelled. Don't gross out yet ; it's very easy to wash them wherever you travel.

All of the above have to be in the same colourscheme or (combinable) style, so I can make most out of the amount of cloths there.

Toiletry; I only bring travelsize with me and set myself a limit to the amount and variety. Products that came along on a trip but weren't used? Aren't comming along the next time! I could do without them before, so I can from then on.

And yet, somehow, this allready comes to somewhere around 16 kilos and about half a suitcase. Guess I need to ask my parents how they do it, they bring along one suitcase (20 kilo) for the two of them and hardly do any washing during a trip, if any.

PS; I avoid the garment bags by using my suitcase. It has a system in it for transporting one (well, I can fit upto 3, maybe 4, garments in there without ir wrinkling or anything ) delicate garment. I took along a dress with me to WDW to try it out (just bought the suitcase), and lo and behold; it arrived fine without any wrinkles to be found.

Too bad I'm travelling with too much added stuff these days. When your at the airport when I am, you'll be the ones laughing now. One suitcase for my clothes and stuff and a carry on. One suitcase for SD's stuff and my medical supplies, one carry on with aids and aidparts and another carry on with medical supplies for the first 3 days. Combine that with 2 wheelchairs and it looks like the circus is coming to town.

 

[Magic3forme]

I am a huge overpacker.

Dh and I discussed how to cut back this year.
The big thing we are doing is no suit this year for him. We have Palo booked for formal night and for semi formal, he will just wear a shirt/tie. The suit takes up a lot of room.

I am going to wear black pants and then have 3 shirts to go with them. It will cut back on the amount of pants/shoes I have to take.

I have to limit everyone on the shoes they take. I am hoping to have dress sandals, sandals and flip flops for me. the same for the girls.

I might buy some of our cosmetics in Florida since we are arriving 2 nights before the cruise. The kids and dh will use the Mickey shampoo etc, so that will cut back on the size of the shampoo I have to take.

I might even take older type clothes for the kids so I can just toss them out, rather than bring them home with us.
freeing up more room in the suitcases. depending on the weights, I all ready bought sand toys for CC, I may just buy them in Fl and then just leave them on CC.

Everyone this year ( 5 of us) will have a take on bag now too.

 

[MMLong3996]

Great packing tips from everyone!!

I am surprised that no one has mentioned using the "space bags" that allow you to suck out the air via vacuum or rolling up. I plan to have a bag for each family member, as they're big enough to hold enough clothes for our 3-nighter, and they'll all fit in one (1) suitcase. I'll have one (1) carryon or small duffle for all of our toiletries, shoes, etc.

I've not done this before but the 3-nighter is my guinea pig trip before we take a 7-nighter and try to do the same thing for packing!

The other thing the bags will work for is placing dirty laundry in as its worn.

 

[Selket]

I plan to cut back on our clothes - I always bring too much anyway. I'm not going to bring as many pairs of pants for the kids for dinner....stuff like that. I'll bring some travel detergent and do laundry if I must.

I'm wondering if anyone has luggage recommendations? I really like rolling duffles and we need some new ones! Those hold a lot and easily fit under the DCL beds.

 

[nzdisneymom]

We've used the Coleman space saver bags for traveling before and they do work well for making space in the suitcase. The thing to watch out for is if you're flying that you don't end up with too much weight in the bag, but generally it's not an issue. It's great for putting underwear and t-shirts, etc. in, and we've found that even dressier clothes travel well - place them in carefully and use extra care when rolling the air out and they seem to come out without extra wrinkles. I had forgotten about us having them until I read this thread. I need to put them in my suitcase so I'll have them the next time we travel and need to cram more into a bag. They are also great for bringing home dirty clothes (or if you have a few clean ones left, you can zip them into the bags and not worry about them being in with dirty clothes for the return trip home.

Like others, we plan to do laundry at least once on board for 7-night cruises; shorter cruises, we just pack enough. I personally don't mind doing the laundry while on board since I can do other things like get ice cream or go back to our cabin while the clothes are washing or drying; just take a watch with you or make sure to notice the time so you can get back a few minutes before the cycle completes so you can change it out quickly.

 

[ldb1030]

This is what I do, and has worked in the past. I start saving underwear and socks just before they are going to be thrown out and use them for vacation and then when we are on vacation, we throw them out as we wear them. Saves room for the memories to bring home. I also use the same 3 pair of shorts and wash somewhere in the middle of the vacation.



PS anybody else see the bug crawling along ladyzolt post. I logged out and back on and it is still there.

I read about alot of people tossing their underwear. My underwear just does not take up that much room! Especially since I put them all in a zip-lock bag and take the air out. But I guess you do what works for you.

 

[Johnna_Story]

You want to consider shipping some stuff to the terminal ahead of time via UPS ground - it's not terribly expensive. I forget where the shipping info is on one of these threads, but I'm sure someone will chime in.

If you're worried about it not getting to you, have it shipped to your hotel if you're coming down the day before.

You obviously want to do it far enough ahead of time, and be able to track it. Consider sending underwear, socks, shorts, t-shirts; stuff that isn't very valuable, and easily replaced at Target or somewhere in FLA on the way to the ship if the box doesn't turn up.

I heard this from one of the travel editors on Good Morning America or the Today Show - it's not something I would do without an "expert" endorsing it. Apparently, he's been doing this for years and saving lots of $.

 

[MommyMinnie]

This makes me smile. 'You guys' never stop to amaze me when it comes to packing. No harm intended, it just makes me giggle to see the gigantic suitcases times a lot, many people seem to lug along with them. It makes me wonder what could be in there.

Interesting packing tips.
Now, Also pack for your husband, and kids.

Don't forget that your husband is pre diabetic and needs extra healthy prepackaged snacks for onboard ship and the trip down.

Your DD is Asthamatic and requires several meds and a nebulizer.

You are a Mom on this trip so you are responsible for a whole "boatload" of medical supplies. This includes but is not limited to, bandaids, pepto, laxitives, motion sick meds, pain killer, knee brace for DH, oh, and don't forget 5 different prescriptions for your own migranes.

When you are packing the med kit remember that all meds must be in their original containers and not in a cutsie M-F pill sorter.

1 bottle of sunscreen for each day in the sun.

That's what's in my makeup bag, not makeup.

I could go on from there but I think you get the picture.

 

[goofieslonglostsis]

Interesting packing tips.
Now, Also pack for your husband, and kids.

Can you send me that husband first? OK, more seriously; it is very doable to pack for at least 2 adults in one suitcase and not exceeding the weightlimit. Heck, even I still overpack.

Don't forget that your husband is pre diabetic and needs extra healthy prepackaged snacks for onboard ship and the trip down.

Given appropriate timing, DCL can fit these standard types of dietary needs. Seriously; fill out the form online and contact them.

Your DD is Asthamatic and requires several meds and a nebulizer.

Not trying to sound inconsidered, but so? Most meds will not take up half a suitcase. If you read my whole post correctly, you notice that I travel with a lot of medical supplies. Enough for a small DCL-ship to be treated and drugged up if it weren't for me being aboard and egotistically using it all myself. Correct me if I'm wrong, but this was a topic started about 'standard packing for a trip'. Maybe it's me, but some medication is considered standard in my book. Not everbody needs to travel with A LOT (thank god), but there are so many people out there using some meds, it's pretty standard to take along some.

Packing it doesn't have to be a tremendous pain in the **** neither. Where possible; bring it along in the carry on. Take the strips out of it's containers and put them in ziplock bags. In case the containers they came in where cardboard boxes; fold them down and put al into one ziplock bag. In case it's not foldable (more or less any other possible container); most pharmacies will be able and willing to help you get one for at least the trip. This saves a lot of space and you still travel with all the needed papers and prove in case of any inspection. While not all medication can be transported outside of the container, it does pay off to think about which way to pack. It seems to be a 'mens thing', but it really is possible to fit dozens of containers of meds + change of clothes for one day + brush + bare essentials to freshen up during long flight + bare essential entertainment for during flight etc in a carry on without it becoming Huge and Back-killingly heavy.

You are a Mom on this trip so you are responsible for a whole "boatload" of medical supplies. This includes but is not limited to, bandaids, pepto, laxitives, motion sick meds, pain killer, knee brace for DH, oh, and don't forget 5 different prescriptions for your own migranes.

Again; this fits my list of 'toiletries'. I'm pretty sure this will be considered very non-PC, but moms can overdo it with the 'bring along the whole household just in case'. Lets face it. Two kids, 7 days cruise. With 14 bandaids you'ld get a very long way. That wont even take up an inch of space. Painkiller, for 4 persons for 14 days? Unless all are having chronic pain issues; neither. And the list goes on. Even overpacking on all of this, I can't imagine having more than one toletbag full of stuff. It's not like that needs a whole next suitcase. Through out one pair of shoes, perhaps a pants and it'll fit.

Seriously; I did without the extra carry on for medical supplies (and this trip will be the first with an extra suitcase also for the same reason) for years. I take about 19 dosages of medication a day. I tend to travel for at least 14 days, and bring along for at least 6 more days (one never knows when flying). That means a couple of hundred of them coming along. I standardly bring along only the braces I need most desperate. This would come to about anywhere from 4 to 9 off them, not counting the ones I wear daily. It fits and I'm no way near a magician, unfortunately. Why the extra bagage now? I need to lug along about 20 boxes of supplies to selfcath. As these boxes are shoebox size or larger, it does tend to take up a bit of space. Wouldn't even fit if most wouldn't be packed with using the way discribed above.

When you are packing the med kit remember that all meds must be in their original containers and not in a cutsie M-F pill sorter.

They need to be with their original containers (which one can have the pharmacy change before the trip!). With is enough, in being a choice. Of course where needed with the needed prescriptions and other forms. And it does safe a lot of space. Seriously; it is my standard way of traveling with my meds. I always check to make sure it's an alowed way to travel in the country/countries I'll be visiting. I've done multiple countries with very very strict regulations when it comes to travelling with medication and would never transport them this way if not sure about it being allowed. I mean, one could perhaps talk their way out of a sticky situation when it's about one container of some a simple NSAID, but with the type of drugs I carry and the amount I carry it looks like a drugtransport.

1 bottle of sunscreen for each day in the sun.

Per day?! One whole bottle? I mean.... even with 4 people using the same bottle and re-applying it each hour (not needed, but let's assume the kids jump in the pool each hour and play in the sun right after) I find that a bit mindblowing unless it are travelsize bottles.

 

[MMLong3996]

1 bottle of sunscreen for each day in the sun.

OT here, but, was this a joke? How many people are using that bottle of suncreen?