I am always asked how I pack in order to keep to a 25 inch suitcase for 2-weeks. Below are my tips
1. Get a lightweight suitcase - my favourite is Lipault. They are the cheapest usually on amazon.ca amazon.ca. These suitcases weigh under 51bs and are very durable. My suitcase has weathered many cruises and airlines. Pick a darker color as the airlines tend to dirty them. I have both the 25 inch and the carry on and they hold a lot without you going over the weight limits and I have never had an airline refuse the carry on.
2. Buy an x-large plastic seal bag - I get mine at Walmart. It will protect your clothes that you pack from any water, leaks and especially bugs https://www.walmart.com/ip/Ziploc-10-Gallon-Pinch-and-Seal-Big-Storage-Bags-XL-4-Count/14089250. Put all of your packed clothes in it on one side of the suitcase and seal it. Take an extra bag for the way home and continually put in the dirty clothes as you can switch the bags at the end of the trip. You get 4 bags for about $6.
3. Learn how to fold your clothes so they are as small as possible. I do not use the roll method as I find it takes up too much space . There are many sites that show you how on the internet. Note when you get to your destination hang them up and they will be wrinkle free in a day or two.
4. Take only the shoes you are going to wear. I wear the heaviest shoes on the plane (runners or winter boots) and then take light weight shoes. I typically pack 2 pairs - I find the sketchers go walk shoes and easy spirit shoes are the lightest for travel and are always comfortable for long walks.
5. In your cosmetic bag you need the following for light travel
- I use lush shampoo bars. They last for 3 to 4 2-week trips https://www.lush.ca/en/hair/shampoo-bars/ at lush.ca lush.ca. They weigh almost nothing and I use the body shop small plastic container from the body butter as it makes sure the shampoo is protected in the shower.
- I am not fond of Lush's conditioner bar as it doesn't work for my hair so I take a small container of liquid conditioner.
- Pack a small container of washing detergent gel/liquid - I like the arm and hammer for cold water as you only need a little to rinse out underwear and other things in the sinks.
- Pack 4 or 6 plastic clothespins - on cruises I use these to hang up the laundry. They also sell ones that have a hook for hanging up in closets etc. In a pinch the hangers in the closets for hanging trousers or pants also work well as you hang the underwear or bras on each of the clasps.
- Pack Benadryl cream and pills. I have been bitten by spiders, no see-ums, mosquitos and bees and Benadryl is a life saver for me.
- Pack a mini humidifier - The cruise cabins and hotel rooms air conditioners are horrible for my voice/throat. These weigh only a few ounces. I prefer the ones that have rechargeable batteries with a USB plug in for re-charging. Again they are available on amazon.ca
- Pack medication, a mini kit of bandaids, polysporin, etc.
- Pack lotion and or suntan lotion as planes and hotel rooms dry out the skin
- Pack extra batteries for your travel alarm clock.
For a two week trip in a sun destination I take about 7 t-shirts (easily washable), 5 pairs of underwear/bras and socks (also washable), 2pairs of shorts/capris. If its a cruise where you need to dress up for dinner I have 5 very light weight tops and 2 pairs of light weight dress pants. I take 2 scarfs, On the plane I wear the jeans, t-shirt and a light weight fleece and scarf.
If I am checking a bag, I carry a small lockable purse - I have 3 Travelon (again available at amzon.ca) purses. They have locks and even in Rome where they pick pocketed me they only got the travel guide that was in an open sleeve. I also take a back pack for my scarf, book, water bottle and sweatshirt for the plane.
I hope this helps
Marcia
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