One of my goals is to pack everything in a carry-on and a personal item (what most airlines say that you can carry on to a plane). My goal is not to check my baggage…if possible. Although we do not know yet which airline we will fly, I checked online with five (
American,
Delta,
United,
Air France, and
British Airways) and all gave similar instructions. The carry-on should be a 45-inch bag (height + width + depth including handle, pockets and wheels) which is about 22 x 13 x 9, with a maximum weight of 40 pounds.
My bag is 22 x 13 x 7. A personal item can be a backpack, small bag, purse, laptop, or similar item. I am using a bag that fits over the handles of my rolling bag. I practice packed my bags for the trip and had everything I plan to take in these two bags. I by no means am telling you that you have to pack in this size. I’m just saying it is possible…and packing as light as possible should be your goal.
--Some tips for packing light: We will be gone for 10 days and you can wear slacks/capris for 2 days with a different shirt each day…that’s five slacks and 10 shirt. One pair I’ll wear on the plane for the first 2 days and one pair and a shirt I put in the small hand bag. My plan is NOT to check my bag, but I never know when the airline might make me, so I pack an extra set of clothes in the handbag just in case…that leaves only 3 pair of pants to go in the suitcase!
--Also in the suitcase I put a flat rolling duffel which takes up no space, but I could pull it out to put dirty clothes in and have room for souvenirs in my suitcase. That way I could check the duffel coming home (and it will fit under the bus just fine during the trip) and still carry on my suitcase.
--I put everything I MUST have (horrors…in case of lost luggage) in my handbag/backpack. I have a compact travel blow dryer (you could share one with a roommate), a curling iron (in a sock or curling holder to manage cords), electric converter and only plugs for France and England (not the entire set), medicines in original bottles (ask the doctor for smaller prescription bottles), 3-1-1 toiletry bag (instead of a quart bag, I use a clear zippered curtain valance bag the size of a quart bag…it is deeper), small disposable toiletries (many free from hotels and sample sizes…it’s crucial to downsize the toiletries to save a lot of space), and my “on-the-plane” bag (a quart ziploc bag where I have everything I need for the airplane…blow up neck pillow, earplugs, gum, toothbrush, toothpaste, ipod, earphones, book, etc.). My day bag with my digital camera inside is also stuffed inside the handbag/backpack.
--Lay out everything you think you want to take, then get your smallest suitcase and start practicing. You have to make choices, so decide what you can live without for 10 days. You’ll surprise yourself!
Even though I plan to pack with a carry-on size bag, does not mean that you have to! If you feel you need a larger suitcase, then that is your choice. Just remember that you are your own porter. Remember this when packing….KISS – Keep It Super Simple!
--NEVER put money, passport, credit cards, keys (especially keys to your car parked at the airport) in checked luggage. If it gets lost…well…!
--Do not lock your bag as the airline may need to search it; just tie the zipper ends with a twist tie to keep it shut during transport.
--You will also need a neck or waist passport pouch (some prefer a fanny pack) to keep your passport, money, and credit cards close to your body at all times. At night, put your passport pouch, money, digital camera and any valuables in your day bag and keep by your bed. In case of an emergency, you can simple grab that bag and go.
--Wear your most comfortable shoes since they are already broken in and bring a lighter pair for a spare…just in case these get wet or a shoe string breaks. Avoid bringing a pair to match every outfit or bulky shoes that take up too much space and weigh down your suitcase. And don’t bring new shoes that you’ve never worn before as there is lots of walking. You’ll regret this! You’ll have to remove your shoes at the airport so consider slip on ones there.
--Most cathedrals require you to have your shoulders and knees covered when entering (no shorts or tank tops). Consider a light weight shawl that can multi-purpose as a wrap, a makeshift skirt, a blanket on a cool bus or museum, a picnic spread, etc. Dress conservatively…there is no need to remind everyone that we are American tourists by how we look...they'll be able to figure that out without our help! There is no need to make ourselves targets.
--Pack (or wear) a lightweight waterproof jacket or umbrella.
--Add some empty trash bags and twist ties for dirty clothes (and a dryer sheet for smell!) Some pack each day’s set of clothes in 2-1/2 gallon ziploc bags and press out the air, some roll their clothes, and some iron each item to flatten them more.
--Other useful items to pack: a small compass (you may have a map of the city but have no clue which direction is north!); a journal and a couple of pens; a highlighter; individual snacks; a travel alarm clock; sunscreen. Many European hotels do not provide washcloths. Suggestions are: handiwipes, cut an old worn towel and dispose as you use, or the condensed washcloths that expand in water.
--If you pack books to read, consider garage sale paperbacks that you can trade or leave to lighten your load…but don’t pack a library! Try downloading audio books onto your ipod. You can purchase them through iTunes or download some of the classics for free. There are many sites; just search for "download free audiobooks."
--Cameras—bring plenty of film and batteries for 35mm and extra memory cards and batteries for digital cameras.
--And leave valuables at home. No need to tempt fate!
Want to stay up to the minute on the weather in France and England? Then go to the Weather Underground site. Scroll below the U.S. map for an international map. Click on any country to get current weather conditions.
There is definitely a time difference between us and Paris and London. London is 6 hours ahead of Central Time Zone, and Paris is 7 hours ahead. Go to World Time Zone and see the time difference in the countries we will visit. It also tells you which ones observe daylight savings time. (The DST above the time).
If you would like to pre-select your seats on an American Airlines flight, follow these instructions on how to do so:
Since our non-stop flight lands in Paris early in the morning (and allowing for time from airport to hotel etc.), it looks like we may have 2 afternoons in Paris! Our courier may have some suggestions for us, but you might want to strike out on your own. Here are the top 10 in Paris as suggested by the Eyewiness travel guide from Dorling Kindersley and Patricia Schultz's book "1,000 Places to See Before You Die."
