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I have read that sometimes it’s best NOT to compress the compression bags. Compressed, they can be very rigid and structured, whereas uncompressed they are more “loosey goosey” and can conform to/fill in the voids in your suitcase. I tried this on my last flight, using my American Tourister wheeled personal item, and I was amazed at how much I could fit in using uncompressed packing cubes. Just a thought when comparing packing methods.
My carry on gets soooo heavy when I use compression bags. Though I like organizing my clothes, these just make my carry-on way too heavy. I'll try your advice and not compress and see what happens. Thanks!
I definitely think when packing in a suitcase, especially a hard sided suitcase, this is a great strategy! With the limited space in my backpack I needed to compress as much as possible. And yes, you do have to be careful about how heavy the compression cubes can make your luggage if you pack too much in them. It really is a fine balance 😊
Compressed leaves small spaces to fill with small items. But packing flat works best sometimes. I always play around trying. Pack and repack until satisfied.
I'm flying personal item bag only to Vegas but my feet won't allow me to wear flat rubber flip flops so I'm going to strategically pack my comfort platform black sandals, a pair of comfort slip on sandals for the pool and wear athletic shoes onto the plane. Wish me luck!
If there's weight restrictions on your carry-on then you need to weigh everything too. Here in Australia we have a 7kg weight restriction for all your carry-on items, this includes wheeled bags!
As someone who typically only has a personal item bag (backpack) and packs for 2 weeks or more, and has never used compression bags, I find it fascinating to watch other people struggle with this concept. Thank you for sharing your strategy.
I always wear my ScotE(?) zip-up hoodie on flights. My iPad mini, travel pill case, sunglasses, pres glasses, iPhone, charger, earbuds and wallet all fit in the hoodie, with pockets to spare. My brother and sis-in-law cracked up every time I pulled something out of my hoodie and called it my Mary Poppins jacket. 😊
At last! Yes, one bag packing. I did that on my Vietnam visit last year and am trying it again to Poland in June. Have a Delsey underseat bag with wheels. Lots of nooks and crannies to put everything I need. At destination, I get out my over the shoulder bag, which has been packed away, for everyday use. So much easier to get around.
I find if the flight will have weight restrictions, it helps simplify the matter to ship the items I will need during the trip, but not up to the time ahead to the hotel, just be sure to call ahead, and make sure they will receive it and hold it for you, which can be done as you make reservations.
I find compression bags work better if you lay the clothes semi folded and flat. In normal packing cubes I did the “Kondo” fold for shirts and rolled my pants. I brought way too many things for toiletries that I really didn’t use and I could have bought things at the stores when I was abroad. I just returned from an 18 Day UK trip and now I know for the next time what I actually should bring instead of the “what if”.
I've been thinking about doing a comparison video on rolling, folding and envelope style folding in compression cubes... I think I'm going to put that on the list, because it would be interesting to see them all side by side!
Doing a Ryanair 40x30x20 cm trip to Madrid shortly. Only 48 hours but I’m packing for 3 (two teens and me) - hopefully we will be sharing the actual carrying. I’m in the UK, btw
Instead of packing Jean shorts, I take Eddie Bauer or 5.11 casual shorts that dry quickly. I have worn them while walking along the beach, and when they get wet, they don’t stay wet long. I instead of a cargo vest, I wear a Cinch jacket (it’s waterproof) that has deep inside pockets to carry everything-I just wish it had a hood. 5.11 cargo pants also are my go-to-pants where I put everything I need on the plane & I don’t have to use the seat pocket.
Based on someone else's travel video, I did pack into a small square duffel for a trip to Miami & the Keys! The duffel met the personal item criteria for United. Only one problem... United did NOT believe that I was not bringing a carryon, so I could NOT check-in online or in a kiosk!! And... going through the check-in line (didn't plan for)+ security line (Oops - on MLK weekend) meant that we missed our flight! United booked us on the same flight the next day, so still a great FL trip!
Went on our first flight, in years, and limited myself to 1 carryon, a Kavu, and a backpack, for 2 people. After all the hassle, ended up having to check the bag both ways. Luckily, they checked it at the gate, so no extra money, but it defeated the purpose. That was difficult, so I don't know how I'd do with just a personal item. I'm a chronic overpacker, of that helps.
So how was swimming with the manatees? I've been in the Crystal River area for 50 years and love it. Glad you got a chance to make it happen. PS... sorry about the thunderstorm. They were bad, but we needed the rain.
I loved it and will definitely be coming back during "season"!! Your little corner of Florida is so charming 😊. And I don't mind thunderstorms, very used to them living on the coast of North Carolina!
I set aside my lightest weight shirts and travel pant. I rolled tight and put a soft hairband around each. I put them in a ziplock bag. Ready to go. Now, If I am in a situation when I need to pack small and light I am ready to go.
Just a few minutes into your video and I’m thinking I bet she’s going to Blue springs state park? I was there last year in March but was unable to swim during that time. With the manatees since I think it was just being close to the end of their mating season. That’s a great area - crystal river and homosassa springs!!
I DID go to Blue Spring State park on my way back to the airport. Sooo pretty and their was a mama and calf manatee who were being super playful right by the viewing platform. Wished I could have spent more time there! Definitely going back during the season ❤️
I love it too 😊. I got it at Target last year, its the Knox Rose Brand. You might be able to find it on ThreadUp or somewhere like that...sorry I don't have a link for you!
I have 3 more tips for you that I use. 1 I bought in Aliexpress a fisherman's jacket with no sleeves and paid someone to add more and bigger pockets, I put on top of that the warm jacket I need for the trip and hide under my sleeve a collapsible bagpack and take out my jacket and put it inside the bagpack just before entering the plane, the personal item goes on top and this smaller bag below the seat. 2 I use a neck pillow that you can fill with clothes -aliexpress and amazon-. 3 I put the bulkiest clothes in small and medium plastic bag that you can vacuum the air out of it and the pump is really small. Never in my life I've paid for extra bag or overweight.
If you didn’t need all the tech gear. It would be much easier. I’ve done personal item only for a week and was fine. But did only have 2 shoes total and my tech gear consisted of an iPad, phone, watch, earbuds, and chargers.
I only wore the Tevas a little bit, but they were really comfortable. I probably could have just brought my flip flops but I know I'll be using my Tevas a lot in the future. The vest worked exactly the way I hoped it would, and I will most likely use it in the future when I'm limited in my packing. Plus I really like the color and fit. The dress is awesome, I might order another one!! 😊. Here is the link: amzn.to/3Usb7UT
I pack so tight that I also don't use the Q-tip travel box. Have you tried the Venus travel razor? I have used it for about 10 years and like it. I am happy that shampoo seams to be provided EVERYWHERE. one less thing:)
I am allergic to all fragrances and smoke. So I have to bring my own scent free everything.... I even have to pack my own sheets due to horrible smelling fragrances in laundry soap and even dryer sheets. I will have massive asthma attacks and hives, and my throat closes up. I had Breast Cancer and Chemotherapy. After that everything changed. Now I am allergic to everything. 😕💩
Good morning I love all your energy you’re sharing with us I looked up the FareDrop do you pay for that one or do you get the free one? And then to fit under the seat what size was that great backpack that you used? Thank you again… I also bought the space air compression bags that I was going to try there is a little plastic pump that comes with it
My arthritis would never let me carry a bag like that. It looked over stuffed and you seemed to be having some effort lifting it in the video. I’d need wheels.
It's from Amazon, they have lots of different pattern options...definitely one of my favorite dresses I've gotten this year. Here is the link: amzn.to/4b1Nok8
Great video once again! Question- how do you avoid fatigue if you get it (not jetlag) when landing after a long flight? Looking for some suggestions to give me some pep when landing after a long flight! Blessings!
I just returned after a 9 hour flight. Try to follow the hours of your destination as soon as you can, get a nap in the day before your trip when you will be sleeping at your destination, also get some sun exposure as soon as you can to reset your inner clock.
I agree with the advice from Janice. I've also used the Timeshifter app, and it worked great on my trip to Japan. I'm even considering using it for my upcoming trip across the US, its only a 3 hour time difference, but its crazy how much it can affect you! I also tend to have that excitement adrenaline that keeps me going when its a destination where I get to do a lot of fun things 😊
Regarding the weight for your personal item bag, the weight on European low cost airlines depends on the airlines. We flew KLM from Poland to France via Amsterdam allowed us 10kg. Some limit us to 7kg. It depends!
I only ended up wearing them one time and they were super comfortable! But I probably could have just brought my flip flops, LOL! I know I'll be using them a lot in the future, especially for summer hikes 😊
My arthritis would never let me carry a bag like that. It looked over stuffed and you seemed to be having some effort lifting it in the video. I’d need wheels.
