TEN POUNDS OF STUFF IN A FIVE POUND BAG

 TEN POUNDS OF STUFF IN A FIVE POUND BAG....

Some of the family have asked us for details on how we pack for a trip like this. Most will have no interest in this so skip it.  We have some experience having between us visited over sixty countries and all of the states and provinces of North America. We have over two million air miles.  But our system may not work for others  When flying our rule is less is better. And it depends on where you’re going and what you’re going to do.  But for general touring in developed countries this is what works best for us in our dotage...

Two moderate size rolling bags (semi hard sided) and one small rolling carry on, And a purse. We do not try and carry lots of stuff in our carry on. Just stuff we will need on the flight and irreplaceables.  Becomes a major burden schlepping it around, hard to stow, etc.  They rarely if ever lose luggage now and we have an Apple Air Tag in our bags.  That way we can locate it at all times. And if in the remote chance they do lose them we get to buy all new clothes in France!

 We try and use mesh top packing cubes to keep things organized and easy to locate. We assume we will be able to buy anything we need and get at least one clothes wash in during the trip if necessary.  (Post Trip Note): DJ bought a jacket in Concarneau!

We wear very comfortable layered clothes on the plane a little  (e.g I wear an unstructured sport coat, DJ wears slacks, blouse and jacket). These can be used where appropriate in country (e.g. a nice restaurant), courtroom...  Both wear comfortable shoes (like tennis). 

Irreplaceable items like documents, meds, electronics, contacts go in our carry on and purse.

Here is our packing list for this seventeen day trip to France in early Sept.:

CARRY ON:

• Docs -passports, etc. - if not in purse.
• Meds - prescriptions (& SLEEPING PILLS!)
• Electronics   iPad, Kindle, wireless earphones, charger w adapters for all, adapter to plane audio for earphones. 
• Ear planes - Earplugs to reduce ear pain taking off
• C bands-  Wrist bands that reduce air sickness for those susceptible
• Snacks
• Tiny Hygiene Kit - Tiny tooth brushes, disp. razor, sterilizer wipes, tissues, TP, etc.
• Costa - (Nepalese wrap) or light throw
• Water Bottle (added in boarding area)
• Tiny umbrella (cause too many times we have run thru the rain to car rental or buses
• Currency of country we are going to, including some change (pay toilets, tolls) (if not in purse)
• Glasses/contacts/cheaters/Sunglasses

We keep all the things we will need during the flight in a large baggy in the carry on.  We just pull it out as we take our seats and stow the carry on.  That way we will not need to try and access stuff in the overheads during flight; difficult, hazardous and sometimes impossible.

SUITCASE ONE: (Largely clothes)

C: 

• Black Slacks/jeans (or shorts) 2 pair.1 extra might be enough)
• Shirts (long/short sleeve as necessary) 6-7
• Ultralight Rain Jacket (where appropriate)
• Underwear and socks 7 pr. (We washed some out on this trip)
• Warm overshirt (If appropriate)
• Ultralight Down vest or puffy jacket (if necessary for season) 
• Hat (took a baseball cap...never wore)

D:

• Black Slacks three pair (one a little dressier)
• Blouses 6-7
• Dressy evening jacket (light) (Never used)
• Shawl
• Ultralight rain Jacket (if appropriate)
• Underwear and socks 10 PR
• Warm overshirt/hoodie
• Ultralight down vest (if necessary) didn't take this time  (bought a coold light jacket there)
• Nightgown, slippers (ultralight)

SUITCASE TWO:

• Ultralight bag to carry purchased stuff home in.
• Light cotton dirty clothes bag.
• Men's Dressier shoes. (many may not want these) (Here dressier shoes fit inside mine)
• Women's Dressier shoes (stored inside mans shoes)
• Toiletry Kit
• Hair curling kit (small as possible)
• Makeup kit
• Medical kit (OTC pills, stuff for minor cuts and illnesses)
• Misc. (Charger w. plug adapter, dual voltage, three cable, stuff)
• On this trip includes an ultralight travel fly fishing kit.. For Dianne:..

Obviously if you are traveling in winter (e.g. skiing) you will need more warm stuff.  Get 80 fill down and stuff sacks.

We try not to fly in winter.  Just asking for trouble...