And then there is the packing for an 8-day trip. I have a bit of a reputation among CAD editors for packing tightly, such as the time I took a child-size backpack-style rollerbag to a two-night stayover in the Eastern USA. It even held my notebook computer.
I prefer to travel only with carry-on luggage, because that solves two problems: (1) airlines losing luggage; and (2) waiting endlessly for luggage at the destiation.
While you are limited to one item of luggage in economy class, there are exceptions that give you some more room:
- You can also take a separate case for your notebook computer.
- You can wear a jacket with big, zippered pockets. Fill them pockets!
For shorter trips (up to 4-5 days), I take along one shirt - socks - underpants per day, plus one spare set. If the destination is humid, I take along two sets of clothes per day.
This trip is 8 days, and its hard to fit 9 sets of clothes into a carry-on roller bag. So I'll take six sets, roll them up tightly, and then plan to wash a set of clothes in the hotel room's bathtub each day. They usually dry within 2 days, quicker if you can hang the clothes at the air conditioner.
Always take along a spare pair of pants, even for an overnight trip -- because you might sit on chocolate on the airplane seat, as I did. Attending business meetings with brown pant stains leads to lowered self-esteem!
Airlines are picky about the weight of suitcases, and I last week bought the Eddie Bauer Zero Gravity line at 60% off at Zellers. These are the lightest suitcases I have ever lifted. Worst airline ever: New Zealand. One reason is that they weigh your carry-on luggage and have a ridiculously low weight limit.
Another tip: there is much wasted space in suitcases. As you pack, press down and feel for areas that have air in them. The reason that rolling up shirts works is because the tight rolling process squeezes out excess air.
Stack all shirts on top of each other, then roll tightly into a bundle. Place the roll into the suitcase, and then tightly squeeze socks and underwear in the space around the shirt bundle.
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