packing light

[WDWPolyFan]

We are going to WDW for 4 nights in July. I would like to only bring one carry-on per person (must be able to fit under the seat in front of us) and not have baggage fees. Any tips on packing light? Has anyone used the roll up space bags to pack their clothes?

 

[scrappinginontario]

I have a friend who always travels COO. She and her hubby even did that when they went to China for 2 weeks to adopt their daughter!!! Now that's some wise packing!

Some of the tips she gave me was to:
- roll everything rather than fold
- stuff shoes with socks, underwear
- use the resort shampoo, conditioner, etc
- many of her tops are very light material as opposed to 100% cottong which can be thicker. I like cotton though, especially in the summer heat!
- pack coordinating outfits so that you can easily mix and match
- take powder laundry detergent to wash clothes at resort if needed

Hope this helps!

 

[Karbase8]

I would talk to your airline because my airline allows a carry-on roll on that goes overhead and one personal item which I usually use a backpack. I agree with the above poster. I also bought quick drying shirts and shorts that can be rinsed out and dried. You also could ship any toiletries/case of water to your hotel if you are not renting a car and get to supermarket 2-3 weeks ahead of your trip so if you need dry snacks/water they can go ahead, although I have always managed to do well with one carry on luggage and one personal item. Good luck!

 

[minnie mum]

Make a trip to Walmart to buy travel size liquids and aerosols. Toothpaste, deodorant, hand sanitizer, and sunscreen for each person. As long as they all fit in the ziplock containers and don't total more than the maximum amount allowable by TSA, you should have enough to get you thru the vacation without paying the high prices in the resort gift stores.

The PPs tip about bringing laundry detergent and doing laundry during the trip is also one that we have used on more than one occasion.

 

[nkereina]

Most airlines will allow one carry on bag and one personal item (ie: a purse). As long as the carry on bag fits the dimensions specified by the airline it's good. Also make sure any liquids are 3 oz or less and in clear plastic zip lock bags and you should be fine!

 

[momH2the4th]

I'd definitely check on the carry-on guidelines of your airlines. We've always been able to take a carry-on suitcase per person PLUS a purse, backpack, etc. that would fit under the seat. I've only flown on Continental/United and Southwest though so other airlines may have different requirements.

 

[ZoZo]

I'd definitely check on the carry-on guidelines of your airlines. We've always been able to take a carry-on suitcase per person PLUS a purse, backpack, etc. that would fit under the seat. I've only flown on Continental/United and Southwest though so other airlines may have different requirements.

One important thing to remember is that if the plane is really full, and the overhead bins are already full, you might need to gate-check your carry-on. Many people are doing the same thing you are -- using only carry-ons to avoid paying high checked-luggage fees. That means overhead space fills up very quickly!

I learned this the hard way on a trip once; I had bought a glass hummingbird feeder, which I carefully cushioned with clothes inside my carry-on. Well, I had to gate-check my bag at the last minute, which meant I had to open up my luggage in front of tons of people in the boarding area to dig out the hummingbird feeder out of my bag, because I was afraid it would get broken by a baggage handler. What a pain (and how embarrassing!).

 

[YukiPhnx]

This website has everything you need to pack lighter and travel with only a carry-on!

http://www.onebag.com/

4-days is no problem with a carry-on. I've gone 10 days with just a carry-on.

I agree with the first PP after OP about packing coordinating clothes. Remember, you only need 4 outfits, 3 if you're staying in the one you're arriving in.

If you bring a pair of shorts/jeans and 3 tops with a cardigan, there are your outfits! You'd be surprised by how much room a carry-on suitcase or bag actually has.

 

[mecllap]

I haven't tried this yet, but for my flight to the Caribbean this winter, I'm thinking about seriously layering clothes and wearing as much as I can -- with a string backpack folded up in my pocket so that I can strip top layers upon landing and stow in that bag! I wish I could wear the life jacket that I like to take for snorkeling, but I expect they wouldn't allow that.

Wear cargo shorts and stuff the pockets (with non-liquids). (I learned a long time ago to get along without a purse -- and I can even do a day at WDW with just what I can carry in cargo short pockets [now that small digital cameras exist]).

I do use a small to medium size backpack as my "purse/laptop bag" extra bag, along with the carry-on. When I take a trip that I expect to bring back more than I'm taking, I'll roll-up a duffle to check the extra stuff in (so just one-way for extra bag). If traveling with family, I still end up checking one bag for us, with extra stuff (but that's stuff that I wouldn't need at WDW).

I think you can use the roll-up tightly method without needing space bags -- I just use zip-locks and squeeze out the air. I like having stuff bagged because my suitcase often gets checked by TSA.

You're not going to see the same people again, so you can wear the same outfit more than once -- you don't need something different every day. And you only need one pair of walking shoes (that you will have on), and maybe slides/flip flops for the pool, for that short a trip.

Now, if you're doing the Deluxe DP and feel you need to dress up for nice TS dinners, that's a whole 'nother problem about packing.

 

[macbitt]

I second the One Bag link above, that is where I really got the ball rolling on packing light myself.

Storing your bags ( personal item bag aside) under the seat is not usually an option unless it is simply an overnight bag. As others have said check the carry-on requirements of your airline but the American based ones would all allow up to a rolling bag sized to only fit in the overhead compartment. I haven't seen really strick carry-on requirments outside of cheap, European regional airlines. Check your boarding priority, as long as your among the first 2/3rds of passengers on board you should be okay finding overhead space. If your seats are up front get on the plane ASAP; people in the back have a habit of stuffing their bags in the front for fear there is no space left in the back.

All of the tips so far have been really good but I find this is the first tip you need to start with: making a packing list. A packing list helps prevent packing things you "might" need rather than must have items It is the single biggest problem to packing light, especially for those of us who like being prepared. Worst case anything you might need can be bought after you arrive.

The GF and I are in Italy right now with family for 2 weeks. We both packed a single carry-on (to European standards, which are a bit smaller than U.S.) and have enjoyed the cost savings and freedom that come with packing light. It is a skill that requires practice though, so be patient with yourself and especially family members you also want to pack light.

 

[WDWPolyFan]

Thanks for the great tips! I am flying Spirit Airlines and they charge a fee for a carry on in the overhead bin. It's crazy but I knew that before I bought the tickets. I think it's a $30 charge for a carry on.

 

[macbitt]

Thanks for the great tips! I am flying Spirit Airlines and they charge a fee for a carry on in the overhead bin. It's crazy but I knew that before I bought the tickets. I think it's a $30 charge for a carry on.

Spirit and some other discount airlines are using a la carte pricing models. If you just need a seat and one or two "features" like a carry-on bag they can be a good deal verse more traditional airline pricing, but you need to look at your total with fees for to compare cost. You also need to know what you need in advance and follow their rules, so you have to work a bit for your savings. If your flight with the $30 is still cheaper than the next guy then don't cram under the seat, just pack a regular carry-on and know you are still saving money.