Lightest way to travel?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am an older woman who will be taking trains all around Italy to celebrate my retirement. But that means I have to lug all my stuff along the way. Even if I try to bring a minimal amount , with shoes, toiletries, raincoat, etc…I am worried about the physical burden.

Do you have a suggestion for a rolling carryon or backpack that will lighten the load?

In my opinion, a rolling bag is fine if you’re a tourist-y kind of person who just goes where tourists go.

If you’re a tourist who goes to the Capitol Hill kinds of places at a destination, rather than the Washington Monument kinds of places, a backpack or messenger bag is better, because you might end up going up a lot of steps and walking on cobblestones.

I also think it’s easier if:

- You commit to wearing either one mid-length black skirt and one pair of black pants, with, say, one cardigan, one long-sleeved button-up shirt that can fill in for a jacket and one shirt-sleeve button- up shirt that can fill in for a jacket when it’s warm. Then add a few t-shirts, tank tanks or, for a longer trip, t-shirt-like shells made of thinner fabric that can be washed or dried overnight.

- You blow off makeup. Live off the land for toiletries. Unless you’re in weird places with no soap, all you really need is toothpaste and a toothbrush.

- Wear a rain jacket as with big pockets as your outer garment. Put your underwear and socks in there.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am an older woman who will be taking trains all around Italy to celebrate my retirement. But that means I have to lug all my stuff along the way. Even if I try to bring a minimal amount , with shoes, toiletries, raincoat, etc…I am worried about the physical burden.

Do you have a suggestion for a rolling carryon or backpack that will lighten the load?

In my opinion, a rolling bag is fine if you’re a tourist-y kind of person who just goes where tourists go.

If you’re a tourist who goes to the Capitol Hill kinds of places at a destination, rather than the Washington Monument kinds of places, a backpack or messenger bag is better, because you might end up going up a lot of steps and walking on cobblestones.

I also think it’s easier if:

- You commit to wearing either one mid-length black skirt and one pair of black pants, with, say, one cardigan, one long-sleeved button-up shirt that can fill in for a jacket and one shirt-sleeve button- up shirt that can fill in for a jacket when it’s warm. Then add a few t-shirts, tank tanks or, for a longer trip, t-shirt-like shells made of thinner fabric that can be washed or dried overnight.

- You blow off makeup. Live off the land for toiletries. Unless you’re in weird places with no soap, all you really need is toothpaste and a toothbrush.

- Wear a rain jacket as with big pockets as your outer garment. Put your underwear and socks in there.

Rolling backpack is the way. I travel really light and actually do backpacking and camping. But the times I decided to bring a small backpack eg 25 L and another tote bag only, I really wished I had a backpack on wheels when travelling in cities. You can wear it as a backpack when needed and then pull it when you want.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:There's a reddit forum called "HerOneBag" that is specifically discussions targeted to women who travel light.

My recommendations -- a small rollaboard suitcase, a medium sized cross-body purse, and a lightweight packable backpack (e.g. Eddie Bauer does one that's called the Stowaway packable backpack). Use the purse and the suitcase for travel days, and then the backpack for longer excursions

3 pairs of shoes. One pair of sandals that you can walk a mile in and go out to dinner. One pair of walking shoes that will cause you no problems after five miles. One pair that's light, packable and waterproof (like slides or flip flops) that you can toss on to go to the beach.

I pack outfits for 6 days, plus what I'm wearing, plus extra undies. I suggest detergent sheets for sink washes, plus a short length of cord you can hang up to dry your clothes in the shower stall. Quick dry is useful if you need to wash in the evening and pack things the next morning. ExOficio carries quick dry undies that folks like. Trickier if you'll be taking overnight trains, though.

Get yourself a Turkish towel for beach trips; they fold up very small. A hanging bag for your toiletries, especially if you'll be doing things like trying to shower in tiny bathrooms.

Have a blast!

This is awesome info. Thanks PP!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Need room for stuff you buy along the way also.

Or not. We usually don't bring anything back with us. Our house is full.

Similar. I buy a tea towel, sometimes.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am an older woman who will be taking trains all around Italy to celebrate my retirement. But that means I have to lug all my stuff along the way. Even if I try to bring a minimal amount , with shoes, toiletries, raincoat, etc…I am worried about the physical burden.

Do you have a suggestion for a rolling carryon or backpack that will lighten the load?

In my opinion, a rolling bag is fine if you’re a tourist-y kind of person who just goes where tourists go.

If you’re a tourist who goes to the Capitol Hill kinds of places at a destination, rather than the Washington Monument kinds of places, a backpack or messenger bag is better, because you might end up going up a lot of steps and walking on cobblestones.

I also think it’s easier if:

- You commit to wearing either one mid-length black skirt and one pair of black pants, with, say, one cardigan, one long-sleeved button-up shirt that can fill in for a jacket and one shirt-sleeve button- up shirt that can fill in for a jacket when it’s warm. Then add a few t-shirts, tank tanks or, for a longer trip, t-shirt-like shells made of thinner fabric that can be washed or dried overnight.

- You blow off makeup. Live off the land for toiletries. Unless you’re in weird places with no soap, all you really need is toothpaste and a toothbrush.

- Wear a rain jacket as with big pockets as your outer garment. Put your underwear and socks in there.

Rolling backpack is the way. I travel really light and actually do backpacking and camping. But the times I decided to bring a small backpack eg 25 L and another tote bag only, I really wished I had a backpack on wheels when travelling in cities. You can wear it as a backpack when needed and then pull it when you want.

I guess as long as it’s a good bag with wheels that work really well.

[Anonymous]

I don’t own one of these and am not sure how good the quality, but I love pocket vests and jackets like these:

https://ayegear.com/products/ayegear-v26-vest?variant=11098184641

Especially if you’re traveling in steerage class, put a sweater and couple of pants or skirts in your laptop bag and everything else in your pocket jacket.

[Anonymous]

I have traveled the world with a rolling suitcase and a large carry on (sometimes a backpack, sometimes a big bag that I can reuse as a beach bag). I don’t like big backpacks because I’m a small woman and they just make me feel unsophisticated and rumpled.

Make sure whatever you get that you can easily carry it up a couple flights of stairs. I know both of my moms couldn’t carry 50lbs up a flight of stairs.

I typically wear dresses and have a shawl for warmth or if I need to cover myself in a church or mosque. Stick to a few colors that mix and match.

[Anonymous]

https://www.ebags.com/backpacks/travel/mother-lode-jr-travel-backpack/117769D636.html?productid=117769-D636&country=US¤cy=USD&couponid=94790994&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiAz8GuBhCxARIsAOpzk8yg-a6IUEDl2bze-OdD6sWYmZcfqnxhHQztOUs5KjZWl5X3oGal_bAaArw1EALw_wcB

I love this and use it for trips shorter than a week. If you are strong enough to carry a heavy backpack this is the ultimate travel bag.

[Anonymous]

+1 to a two-wheeled rolling bag and a backpack, ideally one with a "trolley strap" that can loop over the handles of the rolling bag. The Mother Lode line is great.

I would only consider a 4-wheeled rolling bag if you anticipate fairly short outdoor distances. The 4 wheels are really fantastic indoors (train stations, airports, etc) but not so good on uneven surfaces. So it's just a tradeoff.

About trains I have to disagree with PP about storage space: I've never had trouble finding space either at the end of the car or in the space formed by back-to-back pairs of seats. For me (50s, often travel solo), the major consideration with trains is that there can be a couple of fairly steep steps on/off the train, so you need to think about how you'll navigate that part. People are generally cooperative, but you'll want to be darn sure that your key items are in a secure place.

About carrying valuables: Weather permitting, I am a huge fan of jackets with a zipped chest pocket and zipped hand pockets. Even better if the chest pocket is interior or underneath another jacket. That said, I find that when traveling solo I am less likely to be distracted.

For being out and about, I typically have a very light crossbody--just enough for phone/sunglasses and a folding bag. Then any purchases, extra jacket, whatever go into the folding bag.

Last, I wouldn't think too hard about whether a rolling bag fits under an airline seat unless you'll be doing a lot of short flights. Very few useful bags meet this standard. Plan on putting the rolling bag overhead and the backpack under the seat.

Clothes: +1 to the lightweight stuff. I do a lot of handwashing. The #1 tip I've come across is that when you handwash, squeeze the water out and then use a towel: lay things on the towel, roll it up, and step all over it. This step removes quite a bit of the water and clothes dry much faster.
Have a great trip!

[Anonymous]

Look no further
https://www.rei.com/product/207738/osprey-fairview-36-wheeled-travel-pack-womens

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:+1 to a two-wheeled rolling bag and a backpack, ideally one with a "trolley strap" that can loop over the handles of the rolling bag. The Mother Lode line is great.

I would only consider a 4-wheeled rolling bag if you anticipate fairly short outdoor distances. The 4 wheels are really fantastic indoors (train stations, airports, etc) but not so good on uneven surfaces. So it's just a tradeoff.

About trains I have to disagree with PP about storage space: I've never had trouble finding space either at the end of the car or in the space formed by back-to-back pairs of seats. For me (50s, often travel solo), the major consideration with trains is that there can be a couple of fairly steep steps on/off the train, so you need to think about how you'll navigate that part. People are generally cooperative, but you'll want to be darn sure that your key items are in a secure place.

About carrying valuables: Weather permitting, I am a huge fan of jackets with a zipped chest pocket and zipped hand pockets. Even better if the chest pocket is interior or underneath another jacket. That said, I find that when traveling solo I am less likely to be distracted.

For being out and about, I typically have a very light crossbody--just enough for phone/sunglasses and a folding bag. Then any purchases, extra jacket, whatever go into the folding bag.

Last, I wouldn't think too hard about whether a rolling bag fits under an airline seat unless you'll be doing a lot of short flights. Very few useful bags meet this standard. Plan on putting the rolling bag overhead and the backpack under the seat.

Clothes: +1 to the lightweight stuff. I do a lot of handwashing. The #1 tip I've come across is that when you handwash, squeeze the water out and then use a towel: lay things on the towel, roll it up, and step all over it. This step removes quite a bit of the water and clothes dry much faster.
Have a great trip!

Great tips, thanks PP!

I have a question regarding putting bags under the airplane seat in front of you. Are there any backpacks with wheels that fit under the seat or are they too big?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Look no further
https://www.rei.com/product/207738/osprey-fairview-36-wheeled-travel-pack-womens

I don’t know if I could spend $300 on a backpack. Especially one that looks like it would topple me over if I dared put it on my back.

[Anonymous]

I think the key thing is not packing too much and planning on doing laundry along the way.

That way your bags won't be too heavy, because undoubtedly you'll need to carry them up at least one flight of stairs every travel day.

Also, dividing your items into bags instead of just dumping them all into the backpack. (assuming you have a small bag for day use and a larger bag.)

The previous packing list was a good one. Going with clothing lines like
Chico's Travelers pants, shirts, and jackets
J.Jill Wearever
or
Travelsmith.

Makes them easy to pack and also wash in your room as needed.

Two pants
One performance pant like this:
https://www.eddiebauer.com/p/D6161007/womens-rainier-pants?sp=1&color=Graphite&size=2&sizeType=Regular&ch=pla&cm_mmc=GooglePLA-_-non_brand_NB-_-US-_-PMAX_All_Products-_-0610087014001002-_-online-_-18672638638&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=[PLA]_[NB]_[PMAX]_All_Products&utm_term=0610087014001002&utm_content=online&utm_source_platform=google&utm_marketing_tactic=nb&utm_creative_format=pla&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiA8sauBhB3EiwAruTRJibvXRsoHcHNz_cl6PA_3N-dTt_1DNYVdgKgaiBd8bw-myNTangz0xoCIa8QAvD_BwEthree short sleeve shirts
Two light jacket / blazer type jackets
Leather sneakers from ecco. or something.
Ballet flats for a night out.
Hiking sandals you can wear in a public shower if needed.
One light fleece jacket.

Packable rain coat / parka

Buy the travellers items on Ebay if budget is a concern.

Go heavier on toiletries but still keep it under airplane limits.

And bring a money belt and small medical kits.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Look no further
https://www.rei.com/product/207738/osprey-fairview-36-wheeled-travel-pack-womens

I don’t know if I could spend $300 on a backpack. Especially one that looks like it would topple me over if I dared put it on my back.

It won’t.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:+1 to a two-wheeled rolling bag and a backpack, ideally one with a "trolley strap" that can loop over the handles of the rolling bag. The Mother Lode line is great.

I would only consider a 4-wheeled rolling bag if you anticipate fairly short outdoor distances. The 4 wheels are really fantastic indoors (train stations, airports, etc) but not so good on uneven surfaces. So it's just a tradeoff.

About trains I have to disagree with PP about storage space: I've never had trouble finding space either at the end of the car or in the space formed by back-to-back pairs of seats. For me (50s, often travel solo), the major consideration with trains is that there can be a couple of fairly steep steps on/off the train, so you need to think about how you'll navigate that part. People are generally cooperative, but you'll want to be darn sure that your key items are in a secure place.

About carrying valuables: Weather permitting, I am a huge fan of jackets with a zipped chest pocket and zipped hand pockets. Even better if the chest pocket is interior or underneath another jacket. That said, I find that when traveling solo I am less likely to be distracted.

For being out and about, I typically have a very light crossbody--just enough for phone/sunglasses and a folding bag. Then any purchases, extra jacket, whatever go into the folding bag.

Last, I wouldn't think too hard about whether a rolling bag fits under an airline seat unless you'll be doing a lot of short flights. Very few useful bags meet this standard. Plan on putting the rolling bag overhead and the backpack under the seat.

Clothes: +1 to the lightweight stuff. I do a lot of handwashing. The #1 tip I've come across is that when you handwash, squeeze the water out and then use a towel: lay things on the towel, roll it up, and step all over it. This step removes quite a bit of the water and clothes dry much faster.
Have a great trip!

I l’d put a burner phone in a bag, but I’d avoid having my real phone anywhere other than a zipped interior pocket on my person. If it’s very hot, maybe in some kind of zippered pouch hanging inside my shirt.