Solo Travel - How much luggage is brought?

disneyshakeygirl

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Oct 15, 2009
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I leave for WDW on Thursday (:woohoo: Hurray!). I'll be there for 12 days. How much luggage do regular solo travelers usually bring? Last time I went solo, I had just a small suitcase and a backpack, but I wasn't there for very long. TIA!
 
I was there for about 10 days, had a regular sized suitcase and a small backpack. Didn't need half of the stuff I brought, and I probably could have done it with the backpack and a small suitcase with room to spare for a gift or two.
 
For a few days, I usually have a computer bag plus a carry on suit case (with my small camera bag in it).

If I am there for a longer trip, or bring more camera stuff, then I may have my computer bag, camera bag and my suitcase.
 

If you are flying by yourself, it pays not to take any more luggage than you can easily manage on your own. Airports seem purpose-built to make passengers carry/drag the most luggage for the longest distance (is there a contest among airport architects for this?) In an ideal world, there are always luggage carriages, porters and bellhops all over the place -- in the real world, not always. For luggage, less is more.
 
For a 10-12 day trip I'd need one checked bag (24" suitcase or the equivalent size in a duffle bag) and one carryon.
 
We usually visit WDW in December--and the weather can be a little fickle! So I have to take a bit more clothing than I would in warmer weather. And you always can do laundry, if you choose. :)

Usually I take one 26" checked bag and my laptop case as a carry-on (laptop & accessories, two sets of undies, nightwear, contact lenses/glasses/accessories, extra footwear (usually a pair of Birks), a few basic toiletries & medications, and a full change of clothing.

My luggage has gone astray many times--and always found me again, thank goodness!--so I always like to be able to survive 24 to 48 hours without it. I also have a small tote bag that contains my purse, camera & accessories, a small (very small--holds 2 .5 litre bottles or one 24 oz. bottle) cooler (purchase bottle of water after Security), reading material, a couple of snacks (usually carrots, almonds, crackers)--what ever I might want during a five-hour flight. :)
 
For a long trip I suggest a checked bag. The time of year will dictate the size. I hate having more than a tote bag or backpack with me on the plane so plan, plan, plan. Decide on outfits. Roll pack unless you go during a rainy season because your luggage (and clothing) can get wet. I usually plan on doing a load of laundry about halfway through my trip. . .doesnt always happen but sometimes. If you can't manage your luggage by yourself you have too much.
 
I go right after T-giving. It has been cold the past few years, so I have had to pack a bit more. I take the 26" and pack it 2/3 of the way, in case I have gifts to come back with me.

And I use ME and RAC, so I don't have to worry about lugging the baggage across the airport.

I pack a day bag, with enough room to put in my backpack, so just in case I need a bit of room for Mickey rice crispie treats!

The one thing that really helped me was that I just take one shirt per day, instead of two per day. I was wearing one during the day and changing to a fresh one in the evening.

That would equate to about 16 polo shirts.

Now I wear one in the evening, and then wear it the next day in the parks - I don't care if it gets wet, sweaty, or dirty by then. That cut me down to about 8.

I also take all travel sized stuff and throw it away as I use it.
 
I always overpack...gotta have those "what if" clothes. I fly...so, I have a large suitcase (which I check) and then a carry-on, plus a large purse. All my friends just laugh, but that's just the way it is. Going in August...can't wait!!!
 
I always overpack...gotta have those "what if" clothes. I fly...so, I have a large suitcase (which I check) and then a carry-on, plus a large purse. All my friends just laugh, but that's just the way it is. Going in August...can't wait!!!

Ms Diva, you need a packing intervention. In August it is too freaking hot to wear much clothing. Shorts and tanks take up VERY LITTLE ROOM. Add in a couple disposable ponchos, several pairs of flips (sorry but I am a flip flop queen), toiletries, and voila, bag is packed. The funny thing is if I am flying Southwest I tend to overpack because I can. . .doesn't cost me extra. . .LOL.
 
I did one 19" duffle bag carry on and one small suitcase. I went for 4 1/2 days and left plenty of room for souveniers since I knew I'd be bringing some back for the kids.

When I came home, I still had a little space unused in the suitcase.

I do pack for 2 outfits per day because I take mid day breaks and can't stand putting on the same sweaty clothes. I also do not do laundry on my solo trips since they are so short.

You'll most likely need to do laundry since you are there for 12 days. Enjoy your trip!
 
In December I had my 22inch tall rolling suitcase (that says wdw on the front - was a gift from my parents) and a large, beach type shoulder bag which served like a carry on bag.

I always pack a soft, sturdy, large cloth bag so if I buy stuff, I can put it in my rolling suitcase, and put my dirty laundry in the cloth bag.

I took the train and they are very liberal with bags - 3 large checked bags and 2 carry ons (in addition to your purse, laptop case, camera bag, etc) so I wasn't really constricted in that way - I just didn't want to have to lug too much stuff around.
 


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