Packing for a trip over seas.

WARRIORWELDING

WARRIORWELDING

Owner opperator Of WarriorWelding LLC.
Joined
Jan 6, 2008
Location
Chillin, Hwy 64 Mocksville NC
Ok, meme post got me thinking about reaching out to the NC brain trust.

Here is the short gist. I don't travel very far. Been out of state some. Never West of the Mississippi for any extended travel excluding a College adventure that fell on its face.

Been on one cruise.
Flew once for a couple days training. Didn't need much.

My situation is going across the big pond and spending roughly two weeks. For some reason the person leading the way (wife) doesn't want to check bags.....ever.

Anybody got packing tips or clothes recommendations? Mediterranean area, summer. Country fella who is trying to figure out how to smuggle ECD.... 😂... Seriously, how am I supposed to have enough clean underwear and not wear the same shirt everyday day. The boss claims we want have time for laundry or any free days....I disagree.

I don't want to be the stinky chaperone and land in @Ron thread!
 
Bag size limits are suggestions. You can stretch them a bit.

Pants can be worn multiple days.

Shirts and drawers not so much.

I can travel for a week in a book bag/backpack with a laptop and charger including multiple button down shirts. But a road warrior life taught me that skill.

Check bag rule…if direct flight don’t sweat it. Airlines are surprisingly good at that.
If layovers connections - just assume check bag won’t make it. Ever. It usually will - but when it doesn’t it’ll be days later.
 
For me, it depends on:
1. Do I have to bring a suit?
2. Do I need to bring more than 2 pairs of shoes?

If either or both of those is yes, and the trip is longer than 3 days, I’m probably checking a bag. But if I don’t have to carry a suit, and only have to pack one pair of shoes, I’ve found a backpack (school book bag size) and a duffel bag allow me enough capacity for 5-7 days. And I’m ok with washing clothes once on a trip.
 
Sounds like I need practice packing, or I wear to much heavy weight clothing. What I'm saying if it isn't work clothes I don't own to much else. Especially summer wear. 99 percent of everything I wear is cotton with the exception of my drawers. Packing for trips we do in the summer is all camping. Plan for a nice night out once and the rest is in flip flops stained t-shirts and probably the same swimming trunks 5 days straight 😅.

I kinda want to blend in but it's gonna be a large group. Thought about buying some pants that break down like some of the nicer pant/shorts hiking gear. My go prepared brain has me over thinking. The understanding is plan for heat. The intenerrary is planned around some touristy spots but heavy on food and dinning. So I think dressing like a beach bum at the campground is out.
 
Don;t know where you're staying, but here's a tip for somebody that hasn't travelled in Europe.
In many Eurpean countries, what we call a washcloth or facecloth is considered a "personal item" and isn't provided in hotels bc they assume you have you own. So be sure to take one with you.

Also, in many areas water is a precious resource, treated very different from here. Showers are short and often not daily. Take a fresh stick of deodorant. At dinner out water will be in glass bottles. Ice in drinks is not the norm.Sodas taste funny, are expensive, and may or may not be stored cold.
 
I’ve travelled all over the world and only do carry-ons unless my wife is with me :rolleyes:

You need to take clothes that can mix and match to make multiple outfit combinations. You probably won’t even need a pair of pants, but if you think there might be a formal dinner occasion that requires dressing up, take one pair. Use undershirts to help keep your regular shirts from getting too stinky. One pair of your favorite walking shoes, clean so they’ll pass in semi-formal/restaurant settings. You can hand-wash things in the hotel bathroom sink if needed, but please don’t steam clean your underwear in the coffee maker. :poop:

Typically, airlines let you have a carry on AND a personal ‘item’. As long as the personal item fits under the seat, you’re good to go. You can take a backpack and put more clothes/stuff in it. The biggest ‘legal’ carry ons won’t fit overhead in a CRJ regional aircraft (if you don’t have a direct flight). Most US airlines won’t actually measure your carry on luggage size, but many foreign airlines do and WILL force you to check it and pay a hefty fee for the service (I’ve seen this mostly in MX and South American Airlines, but mention it just for you to be aware that the max size and enforcement varies by airline).

Edited to add: Stuff your socks into your shoes when you pack to use up that valuable space. It will also prevent your shoes from getting collapsed and damaged in your luggage. I put my belt in a shoe also if I pack one and there is room.
 
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Neatly and carefully folded clothes take up the least space. Especially t-shirts, they can be very compact when stacked like papers. Based on the bag, try folding a few diferent ways and you'll find what style minimizes dead space and fits perfectly.
On that note, if you have a space to fill take a neatly folded t-short and roll it up into a cotton joint :huggy: and slip in.

Most carry-on suitcases don't have a flat bottom inside - they have two ridges from the rials of the sliding handle, creating 3 valleys. Put your socks, underwear, and if necessary rolled up T-shirts in these valleys to fill that space tight and create a flat bed to lay your shirts and pants on.

If you need to take a sportcoat there are some cool tricks to folding them very compact so it won't be wrinkled, one is to flip one arm inside out, the fold along the midline so that arm can be slipped into the other arm, then lay the arm downward and roll it up. Or (2) just wear it on the plane.
 
I know Finn air is very strict on carry on luggage. My mother in law flew back to Russia last week and was 1 kilo over the weight and had to leave the potato vodka with me. :D

looks like other airlines are getting strict too.

www.yahoo.com

Airlines are getting stricter about carry-on luggage. Here's what to do about it.

Passengers are reporting stricter enforcement of carry-on baggage rules, raising concerns that airlines may be tightening policies to boost revenue.
www.yahoo.com www.yahoo.com
 
RatLabGuy said:
Neatly and carefully folded clothes take up the least space. Especially t-shirts, they can be very compact when stacked like papers. Based on the bag, try folding a few diferent ways and you'll find what style minimizes dead space and fits perfectly.
On that note, if you have a space to fill take a neatly folded t-short and roll it up into a cotton joint :huggy: and slip in.

Most carry-on suitcases don't have a flat bottom inside - they have two ridges from the rials of the sliding handle, creating 3 valleys. Put your socks, underwear, and if necessary rolled up T-shirts in these valleys to fill that space tight and create a flat bed to lay your shirts and pants on.

If you need to take a sportcoat there are some cool tricks to folding them very compact so it won't be wrinkled, one is to flip one arm inside out, the fold along the midline so that arm can be slipped into the other arm, then lay the arm downward and roll it up. Or (2) just wear it on the plane.
Click to expand...
One thing to consider. Your clothes take up less space than many do just based on size.

Regarding folding, Ive found that rolling is more compact than folding and believe it or not, done correctly even dress slacks and shirts wont require ironing rolled properly.
 
I’ve done a lot of traveling in my lifetime and i have become very efficient and packing for long-term trips. My problem is that a normal size suitcase, I can get so much in it that you can barely pick it up. Keep in mind the weight of your bags and plan accordingly for airline fees Back when I travel for work I didn’t really pay attention to the weight because I wasn’t paying for it. I have weighed bags in and they were well over 100 pounds and people just look at me like how do you have that much weight in this bag?
 
Ever watch Reacher? Or the Jack Reacher movies? That dude only HAS one outfit :rockon:

Seriously though....if you're going in warm weather, who CARES if you wear the same thing every 3 days because that's all you packed? Your room will have a sink. Give your Day 1 clothes a whores bath on day 2 and hang them on the shower curtain to dry for day 4. Then rinse and repeat for days 2 & 3 clothes.

Just don't take loud ass shirts like ME :smokin: and something more bland that doesn't stick out. Who cares if the pictures make it look like you only have 2 or 3 outfits. You can just claim you covered A LOT of ground each day :huggy:
 
WARRIORWELDING said:
Ok, meme post got me thinking about reaching out to the NC brain trust.

Here is the short gist. I don't travel very far. Been out of state some. Never West of the Mississippi for any extended travel excluding a College adventure that fell on its face.

Been on one cruise.
Flew once for a couple days training. Didn't need much.

My situation is going across the big pond and spending roughly two weeks. For some reason the person leading the way (wife) doesn't want to check bags.....ever.

Anybody got packing tips or clothes recommendations? Mediterranean area, summer. Country fella who is trying to figure out how to smuggle ECD.... 😂... Seriously, how am I supposed to have enough clean underwear and not wear the same shirt everyday day. The boss claims we want have time for laundry or any free days....I disagree.

I don't want to be the stinky chaperone and land in @Ron thread!
Click to expand...
2 weeks?

5 tee shirts, ideally non descript (if you want to blend in, avoid wearing your favorite NC baseball jersey or anything with locations on it, branded shirts will attract looks and envy, making you stand out as a rich person)
2 button down
7 undies
7 pairs of socks
1 pair of comfortable walking shoes (on you when you fly)
1 pair of comfortable flip-flops / open-toed shoes (strapped to outside of backpack)
1 pair of swim trunks that are good looking enough that you could go to town with them.
1 pair of cargo pants that are comfortable and good looking (on you when you fly)
Tiniest toiletry bag you can make happen (foldable toothbrush, small toothpaste bottle, deodorant), get as much complimentary stuff from hotels (not because it's cheap, because you don't have to carry it).
Sun glasses (on you when you fly)
Baseball cap (on you when you fly)
Phone charging cable and plug adapters

This will all fit in a carry-on backpack if you don't pack like a gremlin and you can make it last at least a week between washes.
I have something very similar to this and have used it for weeks on end outside the country:

There are laundromats everywhere (like in the US) and most hotels will accommodate your laundry for a fee (it's worth it, go out for the day and do shit, come back to your neatly folded and cleaned clothes on your bed), no need to carry shit for weeks on end.

I have no idea how your wife is, but in my experience with women, you'll end up with a check-in bag anyway.



Now here are a couple of thoughts:
None of this material shit matters. The one and only thing that you should be concerned with is : where is my passport, my credit card and my cash?
I have and recommend an around the neck pouch for most of the cash and the passport :

Amazon.com | Likesing 5.5" L x 7.9" W Travel Neck Wallet, RFID Blocking Passport Holder, Security Lightweight Passport Travel Wallet, Neck Pouch Gifts for Women Men(Grey) | Passport Wallets

Buy Likesing 5.5" L x 7.9" W Travel Neck Wallet, RFID Blocking Passport Holder, Security Lightweight Passport Travel Wallet, Neck Pouch Gifts for Women Men(Grey) and other Passport Wallets at Amazon.com. Our wide selection is eligible for free shipping and free returns.
www.amazon.com
In case SHTF in a foreign country, you want to be able to move quickly and at any moment. If your passport is inside the hotel, you're screwed. If your CC gets locked/stolen, you're screwed, that's why I have a back up that isn't supposed to be used during the trip, but could be if needed. Cash works mostly everywhere, and works excellent with taxis to get them to get you somewhere in a hurry. Always have a plan and be ready to leave everything and go back to an airport ASAP.
Have a normal sized wallet for your regular CC and your day to day cash. This is your decoy if someone tries to pickpocket you, this is what they need to go after, this is what you pull to pay for your meals and regular purchases. If you need to access your emergency cash, do it in a bathroom or somewhere hidden.

I would avoid touching anything drug related, depending on which country you're going to, cops are a lot less understanding than stateside if you're caught with anything. And that includes weed.

If you're worried about personal safety, most pocket knives will get you in trouble in any city. Full metal pens will not and are very effective if handled properly.
I'm not even mentioning a firearm, depending on the location you're looking at 20+ years without parole for carrying.

I'm not the most well travelled person out there, but I've done my fair share and have had decent success, even in somewhat sketchy countries (central Mexico, old USSR block, north Africa) with that method.
 
Take hybrid shorts. That’s all I seem to wear now. Basically durable swim trunks with a lot of pockets. They dry easily. Take shirts I can throw away and buy new along the way. Shirts can always be found cheap. Wear your shoes on the plane and pack sandals as they take less room. Underwear you can always just turn them inside out and shake the shit out of them hahaha
 
Bebop said:
2 weeks?

5 tee shirts, ideally non descript (if you want to blend in, avoid wearing your favorite NC baseball jersey or anything with locations on it, branded shirts will attract looks and envy, making you stand out as a rich person)
2 button down
7 undies
7 pairs of socks
1 pair of comfortable walking shoes (on you when you fly)
1 pair of comfortable flip-flops / open-toed shoes (strapped to outside of backpack)
1 pair of swim trunks that are good looking enough that you could go to town with them.
1 pair of cargo pants that are comfortable and good looking (on you when you fly)
Tiniest toiletry bag you can make happen (foldable toothbrush, small toothpaste bottle, deodorant), get as much complimentary stuff from hotels (not because it's cheap, because you don't have to carry it).
Sun glasses (on you when you fly)
Baseball cap (on you when you fly)
Phone charging cable and plug adapters

This will all fit in a carry-on backpack if you don't pack like a gremlin and you can make it last at least a week between washes.
I have something very similar to this and have used it for weeks on end outside the country:

There are laundromats everywhere (like in the US) and most hotels will accommodate your laundry for a fee (it's worth it, go out for the day and do shit, come back to your neatly folded and cleaned clothes on your bed), no need to carry shit for weeks on end.

I have no idea how your wife is, but in my experience with women, you'll end up with a check-in bag anyway.



Now here are a couple of thoughts:
None of this material shit matters. The one and only thing that you should be concerned with is : where is my passport, my credit card and my cash?
I have and recommend an around the neck pouch for most of the cash and the passport :

Amazon.com | Likesing 5.5" L x 7.9" W Travel Neck Wallet, RFID Blocking Passport Holder, Security Lightweight Passport Travel Wallet, Neck Pouch Gifts for Women Men(Grey) | Passport Wallets

Buy Likesing 5.5" L x 7.9" W Travel Neck Wallet, RFID Blocking Passport Holder, Security Lightweight Passport Travel Wallet, Neck Pouch Gifts for Women Men(Grey) and other Passport Wallets at Amazon.com. Our wide selection is eligible for free shipping and free returns.
www.amazon.com
In case SHTF in a foreign country, you want to be able to move quickly and at any moment. If your passport is inside the hotel, you're screwed. If your CC gets locked/stolen, you're screwed, that's why I have a back up that isn't supposed to be used during the trip, but could be if needed. Cash works mostly everywhere, and works excellent with taxis to get them to get you somewhere in a hurry. Always have a plan and be ready to leave everything and go back to an airport ASAP.
Have a normal sized wallet for your regular CC and your day to day cash. This is your decoy if someone tries to pickpocket you, this is what they need to go after, this is what you pull to pay for your meals and regular purchases. If you need to access your emergency cash, do it in a bathroom or somewhere hidden.

I would avoid touching anything drug related, depending on which country you're going to, cops are a lot less understanding than stateside if you're caught with anything. And that includes weed.

If you're worried about personal safety, most pocket knives will get you in trouble in any city. Full metal pens will not and are very effective if handled properly.
I'm not even mentioning a firearm, depending on the location you're looking at 20+ years without parole for carrying.

I'm not the most well travelled person out there, but I've done my fair share and have had decent success, even in somewhat sketchy countries (central Mexico, old USSR block, north Africa) with that method.
Click to expand...
This is what I'm looking for as real world advice!
 
One thing to add....daughter spent last summer in Italy on a study abroad.

The pick pocket comment is very prevalant in Europe. She said the entire time she was there - and she traveled the entire country - she saw two or three homeless people panhandling. They were treated with disgust. She said in one town people walked by and spit on them. Not like a person she watched 8 or 10 people spit on this person. She said begging is considered disgraceful. However the equivalent is pick pocketing. It's actually seen as more noble to steal than beg...which on some twisted level I can kinda appreciate.

But of her group of 14 - 12 of them were pick pocket victims in 2.5 months. (She was 1 of the 2 - Dad's advice paid off for once)
 
I've been out of the country five times for work and took a carry on four of those times. During my most recent adventure, I took a backpack and that was it :D

Extra pair of pants, a couple of shirts, enough underbritches that I could shit my pants multiple times a day, plenty of socks, phone charger, and my toiletries/medicine bag. Then again, my focus is just work so I can come back home.
 
Funny I never take a carry on no matter how short the trip. Screw all the stress and hassle of trying to bring a bag on the plane-- especially for a two week trip--not to mention if you end up buying anything. Also the small euro airlines if you're flying country to country are a lot more strict about carryon dimensions.

Y'all worry about bag size,liquid sizes, pocket knives, carrying shit 2 miles through an airport then trying to find a place to stow it, and I'll enjoy knowing it's going to take me 10 minutes longer to leave the airport.
 
braxton357 said:
Funny I never take a carry on no matter how short the trip. Screw all the stress and hassle of trying to bring a bag on the plane-- especially for a two week trip--not to mention if you end up buying anything. Also the small euro airlines if you're flying country to country are a lot more strict about carryon dimensions.

Y'all worry about bag size,liquid sizes, pocket knives, carrying shit 2 miles through an airport then trying to find a place to stow it, and I'll enjoy knowing it's going to take me 10 minutes longer to leave the airport.
Click to expand...
Having a carry on is more hassle that way, but you get to skip the check in process, the bag collection process, having your bag rummaged through without your presence, and having your bag and contents damage and/or pickup new weird smells. That’s if your flights don’t get delayed or cancelled and your bag actually shows up.

I’ve had to stand in line for 1+ hours to check a bag on multiple occasions. Internationally, no checked bag gets me to the front of the customs line when Inland so I can zip through. If your checked bag comes out in the second half, you’re literally behind hundreds of people from your flight alone in the customs line.

Maybe that’s ok if you only fly once or twice per year. If you fly multiple times per month, that time adds up. To be fair, most of my 2+ week trips had my wife in-tow and there was no avoiding bag checks on those trips. I’m not necessarily advocating a carry-on only for a 2-week trip, but I think the original question was how would you do it, not should I do it.
 
Weight is your enemy, not volume.

Roll your clothes
Use packing cubes
Three pair of good underwear (ex officio) will last indefinitely, but six pair don't take up much more room. Same for merino socks.
Pack things that can get wet. No cotton, except for maybe one button up shirt.
Two pair of comfortable shoes are probably worth the space cost. If you have a pair you can wear all day, great, but sometimes changing after a long day helps your feet recover, or gives you options if one gets wet.
 
Andy J. said:
Having a carry on is more hassle that way, but you get to skip the check in process, the bag collection process, having your bag rummaged through without your presence, and having your bag and contents damage and/or pickup new weird smells. That’s if your flights don’t get delayed or cancelled and your bag actually shows up.
Click to expand...
Fuck having a checked bag on an international connection.
 
Andy J. said:
Having a carry on is more hassle that way, but you get to skip the check in process, the bag collection process, having your bag rummaged through without your presence, and having your bag and contents damage and/or pickup new weird smells. That’s if your flights don’t get delayed or cancelled and your bag actually shows up.

I’ve had to stand in line for 1+ hours to check a bag on multiple occasions. Internationally, no checked bag gets me to the front of the customs line when Inland so I can zip through. If your checked bag comes out in the second half, you’re literally behind hundreds of people from your flight alone in the customs line.

Maybe that’s ok if you only fly once or twice per year. If you fly multiple times per month, that time adds up. To be fair, most of my 2+ week trips had my wife in-tow and there was no avoiding bag checks on those trips. I’m not necessarily advocating a carry-on only for a 2-week trip, but I think the original question was how would you do it, not should I do it.
Click to expand...
50 people involved. A lot of them Highschool age. So the hassle of that many travelers on the same schedule checking bags sounds like a disaster. And if like my wife's training trip connector flights within Europe and possibly the US
 
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