As a vet, it was ingrained in me on how to pack. My biggest tip I learned is... one pair of pants and seven shirts = seven outfits, two pairs of pants and seven shirts = 14 outfits. Combine that with loafers (I wear my hiking shoes for my daily wear) and I am good to go. Any toiletries/grooming accessories I can buy at my destination as needed (I travel almost exclusively to Asia, and considering I am of African descent, to my surprise I can find and buy items specific to my race). There are very few places that don't offer items specific to my needs, which is a boon to minimize packing. As far as tech goes, I have a TSA approved laptop bag (for my surface Pro), that opens fully for display and has multiple individual pockets for cables, flash drives, etc. I also pack a collapsible back pack that doubles as my person bag, day bag, and laundry bag. On my past excursions, I packed a small duffle bag that came in handy because I took multiple airlines to Southeast Asia. As it turned out, there were different weight restrictions between the airlines, so I had to pack my duffle bag on site to meet the weight requirement, and check in my carry on bag.
I have spent countless hours looking at "capsule wardrobe" videos and you, sir, have finally made me feel like I have a plan with your post! Thank you!!
Plastic grocery type bags are great for shoes, dirty clothes, trash, and just about anything else. Pack a few extra empty bags: they weigh almost nothing and take up almost no space. I fold them flat by folding back the handles, then fold in thirds lengthwise, and then roll/fold to a desired size to lock it together. I also carry a double clip hanger (or a plastic hanger with two detachable clips). I provides a quick way to dry socks, underwear, shirt, pants, or a wash cloth. Also, bring a wash cloth to wipe sweat or when a wash cloth is not available. It can also be used to protect fragile items or as a clean pad to prevent items from getting dirty when setting them down.
I tend to use a shower cap that is supplied by the hotels I am staying in. Where I travel to, there are 7-elevens, supermarkets, discount stores and Pharmacies all over the place so buying an additional shower cap is not an issue.
As mentioned by others, recycled plastic bags from market are great for shoes and dirty clothes. Also fill inside the shoes with fragile stuff or socks to keep shoe shapes and maximize space.
excellent idea about test packing and living out of a suitcase. i did that prior to a 3 month trip and it really made a huge impact because it gave me time to remove items and add other items i would have missed
The first hint is a MUST. I have travelled many times on business, for academic conferences, and since my first trip, I have made a detailed list of what to carry. Actually I have 2 lists, one for the dispatched bag and one for the carry-on. I keep them on a file in my computer, and even today I keep updating it to adapt as the years go by (i.e. to include my prescriptions).
I use a backpack, with flexible back and hip support, because if the airline reduces the maximum size again, I can still squeeze the bag into the test cube to make it fit! If it's packed too tightly, just pull something out and wear it as an extra layer on the plane. It's also easier to go through town with a backpack than to drag a suitcase with tiny wheels all over the place.
I start with a list of all the activities I'm going to do, and then break those activities into things I will need/want to have with me for those activities... then I scratch off all of the things I can cheaply get there instead of packing. There's my list, with nothing missing/forgotten.
Excellent presentation Nik! Unfortunately the biggest issue (in Europe anyway) is that airlines are now restricting the weight of carry-on... some only allowing 7kg! This means that though I have a great sized bag, I can only usually half fill it to keep under the weight allowance! Heavy sigh!
This has been a policy (for several years) for many budget airlines in Asia. Carryon luggage must weigh 7 kg or less & must fit certain dimensions (depends on airline).
A work around that works for me is if the airline allow a personal bag, put your heaviest items in the personal bag. More often than not a personal bag is not weighed.
If you are traveling with merino or other pieces that can wash and dry easily filling a sink with some warm water and a bit of soap like Soak is often faster and easier than using a washing machine. As nice as it is to have a washer in an Airbnb it seems like the cycles on the European machines can take 60-90 minutes and that after you figure out how to translate the cycles and instructions into English.
I bought a lot of merino wool for my 3 week river cruise to Europe and it was awesome except for two things: you can’t trust a laundry service to wash it safely, and it’s not cool when the weather is hot.
Ugh. Seeing dirty, street-worn shoes go into the suitcase without any other covering really turned me off. Use shoe bags, plastic grocery bags, something!
I fill my shoes with my bottles of toiletries, hairbrush, etc. wrap them in a ziplock first. Then I have the bags for separating stinky things, purchases, and trash.
Like Santa I make a list and check it twice. While on the trip I review and take notes. Reversible belt gives 2 for 1. Clothing must be sink washable and FAST dry. 2 pants with zip off legs. 2 chinos. 3 t-shirts. 3 collared shirts. 5 socks. 5 underwear. This fits easily into a 21" carry-on. With a sink I can go for a month.
My second packing cubes trip. Best idea ever. Merino wool next. Clothes stay organized, not rumbling around I'm my carry on backpack. Always great tips.
Followed your advise and bought two pairs of Unbound Merino Pants. Washed them … two week later and they still smell nasty! It took more than a day to dry by hanging.
Lots of things wrong in this video. If you're traveling with checked luggage and staying many nights in one place, the video is applicable. Otherwise, don't follow many of the ideas in this video. Amazon bought lightweight synthetics are the way to go if you want anything close to overnight drying. That usually occurs in a hot environment or placing items near heater vents or on the old hot water heating radiators, especially for long pants.
A lot of stuff, for example all of your electrical items, can go into your jacket pockets for the plane trip. Then wear the jacket onto the plane. You can use the coat as a blanket, or take it off once you're airborne, but there's def no need for it to be inside your tiny carry on. Stuff those pockets full! And wear the bulkiest shoes that you're taking with you!
I've always loved merino wool.... never realized there were companies that made travel t-shirts from it. When they re-stock I will definitely be picking some up!
I almost got the Eagle Creek compression cubes, then saw nice ones on Amazon that are different colored landscapes. Easier to remember what’s in them if they’re different colors - at least for me.
0:43 I make a list too. Similar to what you said, when I'm going through the list I'm often glad that I made a list when I see something that I would have forgotten without the list. For my lists, I make an email with a title like "Packing List - [destination]". But, I don't put an entry in the email "to" section. That way it doesn't get sent if I accidently hit Send, it just stays in my Drafts folder.
Haven't tried it yet, but I love the idea another youtuber had to stuff a neck pillow with your t shirts, so it doesn't count as luggage. Just add a zip for easy access.
If you’re a sewer, buy a basic tee pattern from Jalie. Then buy the best quality merino from a fabric store in NZ, called “ The Fabric Store Online”….they ship DHL international for less than $15.00. The merino is on sale at the end of their winter. Then I wash and dry it before making up a shirt.
Smart wool is my go to, Level 2 is a bit thicker and hangs better. They are made as a base layet, however i like to layer over a tee shirt as during the day, it may get warm and it is easier to remove in a public place.
Pack a couple of extra bags! One to act as a dirty laundry hamper, and one to help you organize your belongings after you've left the airport. Do you really want to spend your trip stuffing things back into compression bags every morning?
We are still trying to get the suitcase weight down, but it is difficult when traveling through multiple countries with vastly different weather on 1 extended trip, 5 months, 6 countries. As seniors we have a need for a few more things. And one pair of shoes isn't enough,we do walking shoes, sneakers for workouts and sandals for our tropical weather. Also, rain coat,folding umbrellas,long johns, puffy coat, hat and gloves. So we have one checked bag, backpack and cross body bags.
Great Video. Decades long carry-on ONLY traveler here. Merino! Clothes take up the most space, gear, gadgets, and books (I like to read while riding the train) make up the most weight. Q: Do you really pack your (dirty) shoes in your case?
Thank you for your clothing suggestion of wool pieces through unbound merino, it was an excellent suggestion. I have always had an issue with itching and that does not happen with unbound now I am building a warddrobe of unbound merino pieces for my day to day clothing. also I picked up Ally's favorite boxy shirt, perfect call
I was just going to post this hoping they would answer and here I see your response and experience. So is soft and not scratchy? What is the oversized shirt you’re talking about and what company makes that? Thank you.
I never use a hard side suitcase. The soft side bag’s front pocket holds all underclothing, socks, belts. Saves a lot of room inside and is somewhat compressible in the overhead. Somewhat.
Just once I'd like to watch a "packing light/carry on only" video which took into consideration the fact that you might need decent clothes for dinners etc.. The other thing that gets ignored in the titles is that there is always an enormous backpack included which carries nearly as much as the carry on suitcase.
If you are going to need something like dress clothes during your trip going with just a carry on might not be the best option. If I have a two week business trip to Europe I am checking a bag. Also, I think that the backpack is in lieu of a rolling bag. I am taking my Aer Travel Pack 3 Small or my B&R ZDX, but not both.
Many European airlines allow a bag/suitcase that’s 55x40x20 cm and an additional personal item with a size of 40x25x20. That’s the smallest size, used for example by Ryanair.
I like to pack clothes that don't easily stain or smell or wrinkle, and can be quickly washed/dried in a shower if need be. Sadly, this eliminates my jeans, but denim is bulky anyway.
yeah no shit dude, international travel is a hobby for rich people. Especially euro trips from the u.s. If you’re this shocked by the idea of an $88 shirt then you can’t afford the trip
I'm a big fan of your videos and we are trying carry on only for a two week trip to Italy the end of April. The tips on this one will be a big help as we pack and prepare. Thanks!
Take your old underwear, clothing you are ready to get rid of. Why? Because you can wear it and leave it behind which frees up luggage space for lovely things you may wish to buy and take home.
Thanks for the great suggestions. I have watched a few packing videos now and it all looks well and tidy when you leave home but nobody every talks about dirty clothes. In the middle of the trip how do you pack and separate dirty clothes from the clean one. I don't want to pack them in the same cubes....
I use a separate packing cube/ ziploc or plastic bag for the dirty clothes. Put shoes in a plastic bag too, as I don't want my other stuff to be dirty from the shoes.
@slackerman9758 My wool is fine and I don't have moths. Have you ever heard of moth balls? The strong smell is overwhelming but there are ways to dissipate it. Using cedar protects against moth balls. Some people have cedar chests or closets but cedar inserts work really well.
I NZ we have a brand called Icebreaker which has merino wool clothes. They aren't as good as they used to be. On one trip I was able to use a few of their t-shirts which meant less clothes to take. Ive found if your jumping from one city to another with a few nights at each then I over pack as not enough time to wash clothes. I was fortunate enough to be at a serviced apartment on the last leg of my trip and not paying for hotel laundry service saved allot. Like $80 Nzd / $50 Nzd
Question: why the 4-wheeled spinner bag? I’ve found that the 2-wheeled ones are adequately comfortable for carry-on cases, and also save 1”-2.5” on the height of the bag, assuring it doesn’t get charged or taken on European airlines, smaller planes and/or budget airlines holding size policy tight to earn the extra fees…
Yes lovely but I dont have that kind of budget..inhostel dorm things dont dry overnight unfortunately. I still made it though but brought a wheel on bag and had to check in. When was snowing had to buy then leave jacket etc as a thicker jacket was not viable to wear after when visiting warm climate .. short term travel no problem. Next time will be taking a weightless 30l cabinmax and amazon cheap daypack end of as dont ever want to checkin again lol ...
Wife and I traveled for 3 weeks in Europe on a 10kg carry on limit. I bought us cheap top load packable backpacks that weighed only .4 pounds. We only needed them to last 3 weeks...they did and we still have them. The lighter your carry on bag...the more contents. Do the stuff-able neck pillow too, a good way to get additional weight allowance, but wear it around your neck when boarding. We've never done this, our first pillows arrived this week.
This isn’t specific to carry-on packing, but I’m surprised you pack shoes without shoe bags. They add only minimal weight but help keep things clean, and hold in place anything tucked into the shoes.
You know, I recently tested the peak design shoe pouch that accompanies the peak design packing cubes, and I've got to say - I'm a fan! It's not a habit yet, but you've got a GREAT point!
Great video - thanks a lot. Is there an alternative material than merino? I live in South Pacific. Clothing - no matter from which company ordering international online - cannot be shipped to French-Polynesia. And I cannot find merino here, that's why my above question (I will go on a 9 day Alaska cruise in October). Greetings from Moorea (sister island of Tahiti) 🌴 🏖 😎 🇵🇫 🇫🇷 🇪🇺
Hey Nik. Would love to try UM clothes but I’m in the Uk and shipping charges (on to of their already high prices) don’t work. If they ever set up in UK…maybe then…
Experienced travelers don't pack carry-on before every trip. You pack it 1 time only! When you return from your trip you need to wash your clothes, refill everything, replace some items and pack it right back. This way, you don't need to pack anything when you need to travel. Period. I agree with creating a list of what you have in your carry-on. Also, get a good winter coat with at least 6 large zippered or velcro pockets & and add 3-4 more pockets to it - have a tailor do it for you professionally. You can use those pocket to pack extra things. Always bring that coat with you on every trip regardless of the season. It is your second carry-on that you don't have check-in.
We're planning a 90-day stay in Germany, so everything changes but still some questions: 1) Check full-sized suitcases, or buy cheap clothing when we get there? 2) Ship items ahead of time to the place we're staying? We Want to experience winter/ Christmas markets, so we're staying Dec-Feb. Any suggestions would be most welcome!
I try to remember to pack a garbage bag for dirty clothes. One time when traveling I packed clothes that fit me. When I got the travel destination the clothes I packed barely fit me. It was a one day flight from the US town I live in to Portland, Oregon for a relatives graduation. Any tips on what to do about that.
My advice from travelling to and from my own families via train is don't bring toiletries, most places have a pound store or something you can buy them cheaply, pockets hold a lot especially if you have cargo trousers, wear 2 or 3 shirts in 1 to travel (I usually do a t-shirt, polo then shirt), most people can get away with 1 paor of shoes (I think black boots work best both for travelling and they can be fairly smart if needed for a smart event).
I have bad anklesand require sturdy/bulky hiking boots. Any suggestions on how to pack shoes? I obviously need a pair of sneakers for walking and a pair of shoes for going out to nicer places. Thanks
Nik, I like your videos. Went to the website today for the packing list, filled in the info but the “Get my free packing list” button isn’t working. Tried 2 different browsers.
Can you tell me if the Unbound Merino items are soft or scratchy to the skin as I am sensitive. Hoping you or one of your subscribers will answer. Thank you
We'll be in Europe for two months this year (one month in Lucca Italy and then several other cities in western Europe) and have never been gone for that long before. When you're on longer trips like that, do you typically pack a clothesline?
What an awesome trip! I bet you're excited. Tbh, I've never packed a clothesline. Your mileage may vary, but I've found clothes hanging solutions to be fairly readily available in most bnbs/hotels throughout Europe. Depends on where you're staying, so it certainly can't hurt.
Reading glasses are a must: In Economy the screen is so close people over 40 won't be able to focus. Progressive lense work badly here because the reading portion is in the lower third, forcing you to look up, very uncomfortable
I'm that weirdo who HATES packing cubes! They leave so much empty space between them. I would much rather stuff my rolled up clothes in the spaces around my hard bulky items than use packing cubes that will end up half empty for most of the trip anyways.
Downsize it !! 5 tops ?😂 just take 3 => 1 wearing, 1 change, 1 long sleeves for sleeping. 1 pair of shoes wearing so just add a pair of slipper/ tongs for bath/beach etc.... 3 underwear will do the job. 3 pair of socks. For the rest do wathever you want🤷♂️. Packable coat often lack of pockets. Take a foldable tote bag or a compressible silk back pack for daily tour. I work at the airport, I guess people doesn't watch this kind of vidéo. You cannot imagine what people actually carry😂. I will too go with full merino but only blend with other fabrics and never under 180g/ m2 for more resistance. Avoid icebreaker very expensive and too weak fabric I lost a 40e😱 boxer once even I did always cold wash it by hand. 😉Don't forget to travel safe and enjoy.
Great tips!!! I could never sleep in a long sleeve haha (too hot for me). OMG what's the craziest thing you've seen someone bringing with them? Can't wait to hear.
@ilyauneroute8944 3 tops? 😂 1 pair of shoes? 3 underwear? 3 socks? 😂 Maybe for a weekend but not a longer trip. I agree with 5. I don't want to constantly wash clothes hoping they will dry before I need them because no one wants to pack wet clothes. It's better to alternate shoes rather than wearing the same ones every day. Definitely no to sleeping in a long sleeve shirt. Everyone needs to pack according to what works best for their situation.
Packing is so much easier making the contents of the luggage no more than 7kg. Imagine people being honest and thinking first "how much weight do I want to carry around?"
This video is more about having checked luggage. No way a person can follow these tips in a carry on only scenario. No packing cubes or organizing bags (quality ziplock best) and only 1 packed pair of lightweight sneakers.
Unfortunately, Unbound Marino does not offer plus sizes. Women benefit from more size options because our body shapes vary more than men’s, especially up top.
I am a very inexperienced traveler. It seems to me that the packing cubes are a waste of space. I know they organize, but if you gather all the cubes one would use, and see how much space they use, it would seem like your space would be better used for necessary items.
If doing only carry on, internationally, then weight is the game as long as you stay within their size limits too. No cubes or organizing bags...use quality Ziplock bags. You can even use Ziplock bags as compression cubes. There's videos about techniques.
I always travel with my electric plug-in shoe shiner. It can also be used to brush my teeth I don’t waste space with dental floss I tear out strands from my brush
I feel like unless you're on a super tight budget or staying in a bunch of different places, carry on only travel is *deeply* overrated. I'm an experienced international traveler and I HATE carry on only. 1. It's really hard to not look like an American tourist from Flyover doing carry on only. *Insert nylon cargo pants cargo pants and ugly sneaker/hiking boot combo shoes, or cheap looking knit dresses here.* You almost universally get better service if you dress nicely, and you can go to more places and not look like a tool. (And let's be real, the best travel includes low key cheap stuff and tippy top of the range stuff. A bit of everything is always best, and you don't want to go to the best restaurant in the city in a quick dry polo shirt.) 2. Souvenir shopping is amazing. If you're not looking for stuff made by local artisans or designers native to the country you're missing out. Shipping stuff home can get outrageously expensive, and depending on what it is/where you're shipping it from you might pay huge duties. I also cook, and buy ingredients that I can't get at home. It's super fun to go to local grocery stores and markets. I usually bring an extra duffle bag and put my dirty laundry into it, and pack souvenirs in my hard suitcase. That way I don't have to pay for bags both ways. 3. If you like creature comforts, don't skip them. I love my skincare routine. I love having an extra cozy blanket. I don't really want to live without grooming tools. All of the above are a pain if you're doing carry on only. If you'd enjoy your vacation more if you bring your favorite blanket, bring your favorite blanket. 4. Doing laundry can be super expensive, or a huge waste of time. If you prefer hotels to Airbnb (which frankly, no one should be using anymore. It ruins local housing markets and turns historic cities into tacky tourist playgrounds.) it's really expensive to have your laundry done in a developed country. If you're only traveling for a week or ten days, carving out time to wash clothes is a huge time suck. If you divide the price of your accommodations and ticket over the duration of your stay, spending half a day doing laundry could EASILY come out to hundreds of dollars. Travel is expensive, maximize your time on the ground. 5. Shit happens. You might get a week of rain. Only having two pairs of pants or shoes for a week of rain sucks. You might stain something. You might get stuck somewhere because your passport gets stolen. Having some extra clothes, extra medications, extra toiletries can be a lifesaver in a crappy situation. Having said that, don't overdo it. For me, like 25% more clothes than I expect to wear is usually the sweet spot. (It's nice to have an extra clean shirt and underwear after a shower before dinner.) You need to be able to carry your bags around even if you plan to use a courier service because again, shit happens. But travel is about enjoying yourself, and bringing stuff that will make you more comfortable can help a lot.
Had an Australian Air B&B host cancel us last minute and scrambled to find only a hostel available in our budget..not good for us older folks. Air B&B would do nothing for us in that situation, NEVER again.
@@molonlabe9602 Yeah, I don't get why people are still pushing for Airbnb. Admittedly, the people still promoting it are American tourists who want to pretend they're locals, and people who do that are universally hated in most of tourist destinations. It's also also just an all around less convenient choice. If you stay at a conventional hotel, you can do things like have them send you a car to pick you up from the airport, or call you a taxi when you leave. Concierges are super, super useful. If you have to change plans it's much easier when you can just call the front desk. You can also do things like FedEx your luggage ahead of time, which can frequently be less expensive than paying for checked bags, and you don't waste time dropping it off etc. Traditional hotels win hands down.
You do you. Totally depends on the trip, for me. I dislike waiting for luggage and have never (yet) had to gate-check my carry on; however when embarking on a trip with formal wear and casual expected, I will check a bag.
It has been years since I took a carry on. The freedom is amazing. One bag, checked. Rarely is it confining. I have quite a few really nice shirts from my travels. I usually take gifts when travelling, and use the space for the return items. With over 8 billion humans, there are certainly many 'right' ways to do things. I do like the tips from these carry on videos, but it is à la carte. You do you
I have a hard time lugging stuff around, even for a short distance. I don’t need to bring all of that stuff I already have a home and I won’t be moving there. 2-3 nice outfits are all you would need because you won’t be in the same place every day. Travel light, check it if you want to. I just will not lug more than one carry on sized bag.
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As a vet, it was ingrained in me on how to pack. My biggest tip I learned is...
one pair of pants and seven shirts = seven outfits, two pairs of pants and seven shirts = 14 outfits. Combine that with loafers (I wear my hiking shoes for my daily wear) and I am good to go. Any toiletries/grooming accessories I can buy at my destination as needed (I travel almost exclusively to Asia, and considering I am of African descent, to my surprise I can find and buy items specific to my race). There are very few places that don't offer items specific to my needs, which is a boon to minimize packing.
As far as tech goes, I have a TSA approved laptop bag (for my surface Pro), that opens fully for display and has multiple individual pockets for cables, flash drives, etc.
I also pack a collapsible back pack that doubles as my person bag, day bag, and laundry bag. On my past excursions, I packed a small duffle bag that came in handy because I took multiple airlines to Southeast Asia. As it turned out, there were different weight restrictions between the airlines, so I had to pack my duffle bag on site to meet the weight requirement, and check in my carry on bag.
I have spent countless hours looking at "capsule wardrobe" videos and you, sir, have finally made me feel like I have a plan with your post! Thank you!!
Does anyone else think he looks like a young Michael j fox?
Does your asshole not sweat? How the hell you only wearing one pant for 7 days. You mist smell like dogshit
I always pack my shoes in a travel pouch bag. Keeps everything around nice and clean.
Agreed - shoes touch a lot of things that I do not want touching my clothes or toiletries. Shoe bags, even a plastic bag, are necessities.
Plastic grocery type bags are great for shoes, dirty clothes, trash, and just about anything else. Pack a few extra empty bags: they weigh almost nothing and take up almost no space. I fold them flat by folding back the handles, then fold in thirds lengthwise, and then roll/fold to a desired size to lock it together.
I also carry a double clip hanger (or a plastic hanger with two detachable clips). I provides a quick way to dry socks, underwear, shirt, pants, or a wash cloth.
Also, bring a wash cloth to wipe sweat or when a wash cloth is not available. It can also be used to protect fragile items or as a clean pad to prevent items from getting dirty when setting them down.
Ya I recently learned to buy shower caps at the Dollar store for my shoes….
I tend to use a shower cap that is supplied by the hotels I am staying in. Where I travel to, there are 7-elevens, supermarkets, discount stores and Pharmacies all over the place so buying an additional shower cap is not an issue.
As mentioned by others, recycled plastic bags from market are great for shoes and dirty clothes. Also fill inside the shoes with fragile stuff or socks to keep shoe shapes and maximize space.
excellent idea about test packing and living out of a suitcase. i did that prior to a 3 month trip and it really made a huge impact because it gave me time to remove items and add other items i would have missed
The first hint is a MUST. I have travelled many times on business, for academic conferences, and since my first trip, I have made a detailed list of what to carry. Actually I have 2 lists, one for the dispatched bag and one for the carry-on. I keep them on a file in my computer, and even today I keep updating it to adapt as the years go by (i.e. to include my prescriptions).
I use a backpack, with flexible back and hip support, because if the airline reduces the maximum size again, I can still squeeze the bag into the test cube to make it fit! If it's packed too tightly, just pull something out and wear it as an extra layer on the plane. It's also easier to go through town with a backpack than to drag a suitcase with tiny wheels all over the place.
Carousel! I absolutely want to see you go to the Unclaimed Baggage store!
I start with a list of all the activities I'm going to do, and then break those activities into things I will need/want to have with me for those activities... then I scratch off all of the things I can cheaply get there instead of packing. There's my list, with nothing missing/forgotten.
Excellent presentation Nik! Unfortunately the biggest issue (in Europe anyway) is that airlines are now restricting the weight of carry-on... some only allowing 7kg! This means that though I have a great sized bag, I can only usually half fill it to keep under the weight allowance! Heavy sigh!
This has been a policy (for several years) for many budget airlines in Asia. Carryon luggage must weigh 7 kg or less & must fit certain dimensions (depends on airline).
A work around that works for me is if the airline allow a personal bag, put your heaviest items in the personal bag. More often than not a personal bag is not weighed.
If you are traveling with merino or other pieces that can wash and dry easily filling a sink with some warm water and a bit of soap like Soak is often faster and easier than using a washing machine. As nice as it is to have a washer in an Airbnb it seems like the cycles on the European machines can take 60-90 minutes and that after you figure out how to translate the cycles and instructions into English.
Too right, Tim! The shower works great too. I'll do that esp. if i've only got one or two things to wash.
Newer machines, at least in Germany, have 30 min cycles. You often have a half time option.
European machines use lower temperatures to save energy.
@@claudiakarl7888My home washer in Australia has a great 60 min cycle.
I bought a lot of merino wool for my 3 week river cruise to Europe and it was awesome except for two things: you can’t trust a laundry service to wash it safely, and it’s not cool when the weather is hot.
Ugh. Seeing dirty, street-worn shoes go into the suitcase without any other covering really turned me off. Use shoe bags, plastic grocery bags, something!
I use shower caps
So gross.
Whatever. 🙄
I use shoe bags or a draw string waterproof bag
How bored are you to care so much about this?
Eagle Creek stuff is fantastic. Use them forever, from Africa and back plus travel for work. Warranty & quality!
I fill my shoes with my bottles of toiletries, hairbrush, etc. wrap them in a ziplock first. Then I have the bags for separating stinky things, purchases, and trash.
Leaving for the Netherlands and Belgium soon. What bottles do you use and do they explode or leak? Thank you!
Like Santa I make a list and check it twice. While on the trip I review and take notes. Reversible belt gives 2 for 1. Clothing must be sink washable and FAST dry. 2 pants with zip off legs. 2 chinos. 3 t-shirts. 3 collared shirts. 5 socks. 5 underwear. This fits easily into a 21" carry-on. With a sink I can go for a month.
Suggestions for finding sink washable, quick dry clothing (on a budget)?
My second packing cubes trip. Best idea ever. Merino wool next. Clothes stay organized, not rumbling around I'm my carry on backpack. Always great tips.
Followed your advise and bought two pairs of Unbound Merino Pants.
Washed them … two week later and they still smell nasty!
It took more than a day to dry by hanging.
Lots of things wrong in this video. If you're traveling with checked luggage and staying many nights in one place, the video is applicable. Otherwise, don't follow many of the ideas in this video. Amazon bought lightweight synthetics are the way to go if you want anything close to overnight drying. That usually occurs in a hot environment or placing items near heater vents or on the old hot water heating radiators, especially for long pants.
A lot of stuff, for example all of your electrical items, can go into your jacket pockets for the plane trip. Then wear the jacket onto the plane. You can use the coat as a blanket, or take it off once you're airborne, but there's def no need for it to be inside your tiny carry on. Stuff those pockets full! And wear the bulkiest shoes that you're taking with you!
As long as all of the pockets have zipper or velcro closures.
I've always loved merino wool.... never realized there were companies that made travel t-shirts from it. When they re-stock I will definitely be picking some up!
I almost got the Eagle Creek compression cubes, then saw nice ones on Amazon that are different colored landscapes. Easier to remember what’s in them if they’re different colors - at least for me.
I think those are by our friends at Tripped Travel Gear! They make some cool ones.
0:43 I make a list too. Similar to what you said, when I'm going through the list I'm often glad that I made a list when I see something that I would have forgotten without the list. For my lists, I make an email with a title like "Packing List - [destination]". But, I don't put an entry in the email "to" section. That way it doesn't get sent if I accidently hit Send, it just stays in my Drafts folder.
Haven't tried it yet, but I love the idea another youtuber had to stuff a neck pillow with your t shirts, so it doesn't count as luggage. Just add a zip for easy access.
Yep, they're available for around 10 bucks.
If you’re a sewer, buy a basic tee pattern from Jalie. Then buy the best quality merino from a fabric store in NZ, called “ The Fabric Store Online”….they ship DHL international for less than $15.00. The merino is on sale at the end of their winter. Then I wash and dry it before making up a shirt.
Unbound Merino is only available for thin people. I would love Marino wool options for large people who, like to travel!
I saw some on Amazon that go up to 6xl, the shop is called Normani.
Merino Country Australia has larger size tees and tops with capped sleeve and 3/4 sleeves.
I have found the same to be true for Unbound Merino. My pear shape likes pieces from WoolX.
Wool& has true plus sizes and great products
Smart wool is my go to, Level 2 is a bit thicker and hangs better. They are made as a base layet, however i like to layer over a tee shirt as during the day, it may get warm and it is easier to remove in a public place.
Pack a couple of extra bags! One to act as a dirty laundry hamper, and one to help you organize your belongings after you've left the airport. Do you really want to spend your trip stuffing things back into compression bags every morning?
1) Make a list !
Me: I got you, lists will be made !!
2) Follow the list !
Me : Hot dayum I knew there was gonna be a catch !
Peak design tech pouch and compression cubes and bags are the absolute best!
We are still trying to get the suitcase weight down, but it is difficult when traveling through multiple countries with vastly different weather on 1 extended trip, 5 months, 6 countries. As seniors we have a need for a few more things. And one pair of shoes isn't enough,we do walking shoes, sneakers for workouts and sandals for our tropical weather. Also, rain coat,folding umbrellas,long johns, puffy coat, hat and gloves. So we have one checked bag, backpack and cross body bags.
Just 6 months! I have been doing it for 18 years
I would love to purchase inbound merino - however they don’t have larger sizes
@wendybeattie6935 try wool& - sizes up to 3x for both men and women
Great Video. Decades long carry-on ONLY traveler here. Merino! Clothes take up the most space, gear, gadgets, and books (I like to read while riding the train) make up the most weight. Q: Do you really pack your (dirty) shoes in your case?
Thank you for your clothing suggestion of wool pieces through unbound merino, it was an excellent suggestion. I have always had an issue with itching and that does not happen with unbound now I am building a warddrobe of unbound merino pieces for my day to day clothing. also I picked up Ally's favorite boxy shirt, perfect call
I was just going to post this hoping they would answer and here I see your response and experience. So is soft and not scratchy? What is the oversized shirt you’re talking about and what company makes that? Thank you.
I bring 2 pair of my Safety Jogger, 1 is on me the other is spare. Thanks for the tips, really help me to manage my stuffs
I never use a hard side suitcase. The soft side bag’s front pocket holds all underclothing, socks, belts. Saves a lot of room inside and is somewhat compressible in the overhead. Somewhat.
Just once I'd like to watch a "packing light/carry on only" video which took into consideration the fact that you might need decent clothes for dinners etc.. The other thing that gets ignored in the titles is that there is always an enormous backpack included which carries nearly as much as the carry on suitcase.
If you are going to need something like dress clothes during your trip going with just a carry on might not be the best option. If I have a two week business trip to Europe I am checking a bag.
Also, I think that the backpack is in lieu of a rolling bag. I am taking my Aer Travel Pack 3 Small or my B&R ZDX, but not both.
Many European airlines allow a bag/suitcase that’s 55x40x20 cm and an additional personal item with a size of 40x25x20.
That’s the smallest size, used for example by Ryanair.
I like to pack clothes that don't easily stain or smell or wrinkle, and can be quickly washed/dried in a shower if need be. Sadly, this eliminates my jeans, but denim is bulky anyway.
$88 for a shirt. A shirt made by rich travelers for rich travelers. Good lord 😂.
yeah no shit dude, international travel is a hobby for rich people. Especially euro trips from the u.s. If you’re this shocked by the idea of an $88 shirt then you can’t afford the trip
I really want to like the merino wool trend, but at $130 per t-shirt, that's a big hit on my travel budget. No thanks.
$130?!?! Did the sheep come with it? That is waaaayy more than you need to spend.
I'm a big fan of your videos and we are trying carry on only for a two week trip to Italy the end of April. The tips on this one will be a big help as we pack and prepare. Thanks!
Take your old underwear, clothing you are ready to get rid of. Why? Because you can wear it and leave it behind which frees up luggage space for lovely things you may wish to buy and take home.
Thanks for the great suggestions. I have watched a few packing videos now and it all looks well and tidy when you leave home but nobody every talks about dirty clothes. In the middle of the trip how do you pack and separate dirty clothes from the clean one. I don't want to pack them in the same cubes....
I use a separate packing cube/ ziploc or plastic bag for the dirty clothes. Put shoes in a plastic bag too, as I don't want my other stuff to be dirty from the shoes.
Merino wool, your moths will love you 🥰
@slackerman9758 My wool is fine and I don't have moths. Have you ever heard of moth balls? The strong smell is overwhelming but there are ways to dissipate it. Using cedar protects against moth balls. Some people have cedar chests or closets but cedar inserts work really well.
@@MCNY7 Watch out for moth balls, as most have dichlorobenzenes.
I NZ we have a brand called Icebreaker which has merino wool clothes. They aren't as good as they used to be. On one trip I was able to use a few of their t-shirts which meant less clothes to take. Ive found if your jumping from one city to another with a few nights at each then I over pack as not enough time to wash clothes. I was fortunate enough to be at a serviced apartment on the last leg of my trip and not paying for hotel laundry service saved allot. Like $80 Nzd / $50 Nzd
Hi Nik, i just bumped into ur videos. I wish I found them sooner for my Europe travel. Thanks for the tips with Halofly and merino clothing. A+
Question: why the 4-wheeled spinner bag? I’ve found that the 2-wheeled ones are adequately comfortable for carry-on cases, and also save 1”-2.5” on the height of the bag, assuring it doesn’t get charged or taken on European airlines, smaller planes and/or budget airlines holding size policy tight to earn the extra fees…
Perhaps black running shoes so they can do double duty.
Even just the thought of wearing merino wool against my skin makes me itch!!!
Yes lovely but I dont have that kind of budget..inhostel dorm things dont dry overnight unfortunately. I still made it though but brought a wheel on bag and had to check in. When was snowing had to buy then leave jacket etc as a thicker jacket was not viable to wear after when visiting warm climate .. short term travel no problem. Next time will be taking a weightless 30l cabinmax and amazon cheap daypack end of as dont ever want to checkin again lol ...
I hear you on not wanting to check!!! Yeah, it's tough to pack for multiple climates at once.
Wife and I traveled for 3 weeks in Europe on a 10kg carry on limit. I bought us cheap top load packable backpacks that weighed only .4 pounds. We only needed them to last 3 weeks...they did and we still have them. The lighter your carry on bag...the more contents. Do the stuff-able neck pillow too, a good way to get additional weight allowance, but wear it around your neck when boarding. We've never done this, our first pillows arrived this week.
Perhaps add a few polyester items to your travel wardrobe. Polyester undershirts & underwear dry overnight after washing in the sink.
I have always done the socks and knickers inside shoes/sandals hack. Not only does it utilise the space but it stops your shoes getting crushed too.
This isn’t specific to carry-on packing, but I’m surprised you pack shoes without shoe bags. They add only minimal weight but help keep things clean, and hold in place anything tucked into the shoes.
You know, I recently tested the peak design shoe pouch that accompanies the peak design packing cubes, and I've got to say - I'm a fan! It's not a habit yet, but you've got a GREAT point!
I just put my shoes in clean plastic bags from the grocery store, after I stuff my shoes with other items
Kids shoes pack well in a disposable shower cap from a previous trip.
Great video - thanks a lot.
Is there an alternative material than merino?
I live in South Pacific. Clothing - no matter from which company ordering international online - cannot be shipped to French-Polynesia. And I cannot find merino here, that's why my above question (I will go on a 9 day Alaska cruise in October).
Greetings from Moorea (sister island of Tahiti) 🌴 🏖 😎 🇵🇫 🇫🇷 🇪🇺
I have been buying the Womens Unbound Merino clothes.
Hey Nik. Would love to try UM clothes but I’m in the Uk and shipping charges (on to of their already high prices) don’t work. If they ever set up in UK…maybe then…
Experienced travelers don't pack carry-on before every trip. You pack it 1 time only! When you return from your trip you need to wash your clothes, refill everything, replace some items and pack it right back. This way, you don't need to pack anything when you need to travel. Period.
I agree with creating a list of what you have in your carry-on.
Also, get a good winter coat with at least 6 large zippered or velcro pockets & and add 3-4 more pockets to it - have a tailor do it for you professionally. You can use those pocket to pack extra things. Always bring that coat with you on every trip regardless of the season. It is your second carry-on that you don't have check-in.
We're planning a 90-day stay in Germany, so everything changes but still some questions:
1) Check full-sized suitcases, or buy cheap clothing when we get there?
2) Ship items ahead of time to the place we're staying?
We Want to experience winter/ Christmas markets, so we're staying Dec-Feb. Any suggestions would be most welcome!
Where are your packing lists located?
I try to remember to pack a garbage bag for dirty clothes.
One time when traveling I packed clothes that fit me. When I got the travel destination the clothes I packed barely fit me. It was a one day flight from the US town I live in to Portland, Oregon for a relatives graduation. Any tips on what to do about that.
What brand packing cubes do you use?
love ur content. was that singapore at 2:06?
My advice from travelling to and from my own families via train is don't bring toiletries, most places have a pound store or something you can buy them cheaply, pockets hold a lot especially if you have cargo trousers, wear 2 or 3 shirts in 1 to travel (I usually do a t-shirt, polo then shirt), most people can get away with 1 paor of shoes (I think black boots work best both for travelling and they can be fairly smart if needed for a smart event).
I have bad anklesand require sturdy/bulky hiking boots. Any suggestions on how to pack shoes? I obviously need a pair of sneakers for walking and a pair of shoes for going out to nicer places. Thanks
Wear the hiking boots on the plane.
The Unbound Merino polo is 40% polyester. Just sayin'. 😏
Nik, I like your videos. Went to the website today for the packing list, filled in the info but the “Get my free packing list” button isn’t working. Tried 2 different browsers.
Works now😢
Do u prefer 2 or 4 wheel luggage?
hi there, can you give me the link of your baggage showed on this video, please. Thanks.
I struggle to limit my checked bag to
This was a really good video very help 💪
Use laundry bags from hotel
Can you tell me if the Unbound Merino items are soft or scratchy to the skin as I am sensitive. Hoping you or one of your subscribers will answer. Thank you
We will never know.
My sister is very sensitive to wool. She loves the smartwool merino t shirts. 😊
Links to packing lists don't work. Subscribed, but no download button appeared to get lists.
nice ad.
I read that you can’t put Unbound Merino in the dryer. Is that true?
We'll be in Europe for two months this year (one month in Lucca Italy and then several other cities in western Europe) and have never been gone for that long before. When you're on longer trips like that, do you typically pack a clothesline?
What an awesome trip! I bet you're excited. Tbh, I've never packed a clothesline. Your mileage may vary, but I've found clothes hanging solutions to be fairly readily available in most bnbs/hotels throughout Europe. Depends on where you're staying, so it certainly can't hurt.
Many older European hotels have the hot water radiator heating system, which makes for quick and easy drying as long as you wash l clothes daily.
You just need three polyester shirt by under armour. Micro fibre undies by renoma. Polyester gym shorts by gym shark.
Is a reusable water bottle needed for 3wk trip to England & Italy? trying to conserve space... thoughts?
I carry one everywhere, personally. But you could also buy a 1 litre bottle at a grocery store when you get there and do it that way.
What if you are allergic to wool?
To do this you have to know that where you're going has laundry. 5 shirts for 10 days?
Synthetic shirts can be worn a couple days unless you're sweating in them. Also, a small (100ml) spray bottle of fabric freshener goes a long way.
I dont go with rolling clothes intonyour checked baggagevsince its not the space but thecweightvof the baggage
Reading glasses are a must: In Economy the screen is so close people over 40 won't be able to focus. Progressive lense work badly here because the reading portion is in the lower third, forcing you to look up, very uncomfortable
What weight does your carry on luggage come to though.
10 percent discount is ice in winter
I'm that weirdo who HATES packing cubes! They leave so much empty space between them. I would much rather stuff my rolled up clothes in the spaces around my hard bulky items than use packing cubes that will end up half empty for most of the trip anyways.
Put cheap shower caps on your shoe soles if packing in luggage
England for 2 weeks, phone is only tech I'm taking. But, I've hears horror stories about chargers...help!!!
Downsize it !!
5 tops ?😂 just take 3 => 1 wearing, 1 change, 1 long sleeves for sleeping.
1 pair of shoes wearing so just add a pair of slipper/ tongs for bath/beach etc....
3 underwear will do the job. 3 pair of socks.
For the rest do wathever you want🤷♂️. Packable coat often lack of pockets.
Take a foldable tote bag or a compressible silk back pack for daily tour.
I work at the airport, I guess people doesn't watch this kind of vidéo. You cannot imagine what people actually carry😂.
I will too go with full merino but only blend with other fabrics and never under 180g/ m2 for more resistance. Avoid icebreaker very expensive and too weak fabric I lost a 40e😱 boxer once even I did always cold wash it by hand.
😉Don't forget to travel safe and enjoy.
Great tips!!! I could never sleep in a long sleeve haha (too hot for me). OMG what's the craziest thing you've seen someone bringing with them? Can't wait to hear.
@ilyauneroute8944 3 tops? 😂 1 pair of shoes? 3 underwear? 3 socks? 😂 Maybe for a weekend but not a longer trip. I agree with 5. I don't want to constantly wash clothes hoping they will dry before I need them because no one wants to pack wet clothes. It's better to alternate shoes rather than wearing the same ones every day. Definitely no to sleeping in a long sleeve shirt. Everyone needs to pack according to what works best for their situation.
Packing is so much easier making the contents of the luggage no more than 7kg. Imagine people being honest and thinking first "how much weight do I want to carry around?"
I'm wondering how you manage the weight?
This video is more about having checked luggage. No way a person can follow these tips in a carry on only scenario. No packing cubes or organizing bags (quality ziplock best) and only 1 packed pair of lightweight sneakers.
Oh I thought carry-on was measured by weight not size of contents🤷♂️. When you travel you’ll find this out.
It depends on the airline. In some airlines, they care about the weight (shld be less than 7 kg/ 15 lbs) and also size/ dimensions of the bag.
Would love these more if a good chunk wasn't advertising for someone.
Unfortunately, Unbound Marino does not offer plus sizes. Women benefit from more size options because our body shapes vary more than men’s, especially up top.
I always buy my staff at the destination.End of the trip giving to charity.
Anyone else getting Patrick Bateman vibes
8kg weight limit hello
You know what fits in your shoes....your socks! 3 pair per shoe! Then.. use bowling shoe covers.
I am a very inexperienced traveler. It seems to me that the packing cubes are a waste of space.
I know they organize, but if you gather all the cubes one would use, and see how much space they use, it would seem
like your space would be better used for necessary items.
Compression cubes take up almost no space
If doing only carry on, internationally, then weight is the game as long as you stay within their size limits too. No cubes or organizing bags...use quality Ziplock bags. You can even use Ziplock bags as compression cubes. There's videos about techniques.
As everything controversy
I always travel with my electric plug-in shoe shiner.
It can also be used to brush my teeth
I don’t waste space with dental floss I tear out strands from my brush
He used bags for everything except the dirty shoes 😂
It's possible he's just showing for filming purposes, that's all you got out of the video is he didn't use shoe bags hmm😂
I feel like unless you're on a super tight budget or staying in a bunch of different places, carry on only travel is *deeply* overrated. I'm an experienced international traveler and I HATE carry on only.
1. It's really hard to not look like an American tourist from Flyover doing carry on only. *Insert nylon cargo pants cargo pants and ugly sneaker/hiking boot combo shoes, or cheap looking knit dresses here.* You almost universally get better service if you dress nicely, and you can go to more places and not look like a tool. (And let's be real, the best travel includes low key cheap stuff and tippy top of the range stuff. A bit of everything is always best, and you don't want to go to the best restaurant in the city in a quick dry polo shirt.)
2. Souvenir shopping is amazing. If you're not looking for stuff made by local artisans or designers native to the country you're missing out. Shipping stuff home can get outrageously expensive, and depending on what it is/where you're shipping it from you might pay huge duties. I also cook, and buy ingredients that I can't get at home. It's super fun to go to local grocery stores and markets. I usually bring an extra duffle bag and put my dirty laundry into it, and pack souvenirs in my hard suitcase. That way I don't have to pay for bags both ways.
3. If you like creature comforts, don't skip them. I love my skincare routine. I love having an extra cozy blanket. I don't really want to live without grooming tools. All of the above are a pain if you're doing carry on only. If you'd enjoy your vacation more if you bring your favorite blanket, bring your favorite blanket.
4. Doing laundry can be super expensive, or a huge waste of time. If you prefer hotels to Airbnb (which frankly, no one should be using anymore. It ruins local housing markets and turns historic cities into tacky tourist playgrounds.) it's really expensive to have your laundry done in a developed country. If you're only traveling for a week or ten days, carving out time to wash clothes is a huge time suck. If you divide the price of your accommodations and ticket over the duration of your stay, spending half a day doing laundry could EASILY come out to hundreds of dollars. Travel is expensive, maximize your time on the ground.
5. Shit happens. You might get a week of rain. Only having two pairs of pants or shoes for a week of rain sucks. You might stain something. You might get stuck somewhere because your passport gets stolen. Having some extra clothes, extra medications, extra toiletries can be a lifesaver in a crappy situation.
Having said that, don't overdo it. For me, like 25% more clothes than I expect to wear is usually the sweet spot. (It's nice to have an extra clean shirt and underwear after a shower before dinner.) You need to be able to carry your bags around even if you plan to use a courier service because again, shit happens. But travel is about enjoying yourself, and bringing stuff that will make you more comfortable can help a lot.
Had an Australian Air B&B host cancel us last minute and scrambled to find only a hostel available in our budget..not good for us older folks. Air B&B would do nothing for us in that situation, NEVER again.
@@molonlabe9602 Yeah, I don't get why people are still pushing for Airbnb. Admittedly, the people still promoting it are American tourists who want to pretend they're locals, and people who do that are universally hated in most of tourist destinations.
It's also also just an all around less convenient choice. If you stay at a conventional hotel, you can do things like have them send you a car to pick you up from the airport, or call you a taxi when you leave. Concierges are super, super useful. If you have to change plans it's much easier when you can just call the front desk. You can also do things like FedEx your luggage ahead of time, which can frequently be less expensive than paying for checked bags, and you don't waste time dropping it off etc. Traditional hotels win hands down.
You do you. Totally depends on the trip, for me. I dislike waiting for luggage and have never (yet) had to gate-check my carry on; however when embarking on a trip with formal wear and casual expected, I will check a bag.
It has been years since I took a carry on. The freedom is amazing. One bag, checked. Rarely is it confining. I have quite a few really nice shirts from my travels. I usually take gifts when travelling, and use the space for the return items. With over 8 billion humans, there are certainly many 'right' ways to do things. I do like the tips from these carry on videos, but it is à la carte. You do you
I have a hard time lugging stuff around, even for a short distance. I don’t need to bring all of that stuff I already have a home and I won’t be moving there. 2-3 nice outfits are all you would need because you won’t be in the same place every day. Travel light, check it if you want to. I just will not lug more than one carry on sized bag.