Doing laundry on vacation?

[Anonymous]

I am trying to wrap my head around the thinking of those who think its easier to hand wash clothes for five people and hang them in a hotel bathroom than it is to sit by the pool while your laundry tumbles in the wash.

[Anonymous]

On 5 days I’d just bring the laundry home. It has to be 7 days+ for me to consider doing laundry. But we have free checked bags on any airline we fly so the cost doesn’t factor in.

[Anonymous]

We just did ten days with lots of activities and each had a carryon. It was fine. We had access to laundry at day 7 but didn’t really need it.

[Anonymous]

I’d rather do laundry. My kids are little though so the laundry piles up throughout a normal day anyway— spills, etc. This is why we go the Airbnb route and always check with the host about the laundry options!

[Anonymous]

How much could you possibly need for a 5 day vacation? I can't imagine having to do laundry on such a short trip.

I follow a family online who traveled the world for a year with just one carryon backpack each.

[Anonymous]

I do laundry but think you can pack better. WE just did a two week of vacation in carry on and I didn't have access to washer/dryer until day 10. And we bought multiple outfit change possibility because it was outdoor stuff (so getting dirty/wet).

I only do laundry if I am staying at a place with one in room. I am not going to a laundry room.

[Anonymous]

We bring huge checked bags but I often do a laundry too. I like "laundromats around the world." My most memorable was one in a rough little town in Far North Queensland.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:For a week, even with lots of activities, you should be able to get workout/adventure wear for a summer climate in a carry-on. But, I think you made the right choice on just doing the larger bag.

One other alternative, although it's location dependent, is sending out your laundry. We were just in Asia for 3 weeks, and it was very hot and our clothes were gross. We sent out our laundry 2 times, once in Bangkok, after the first 1.5 weeks and again in Chiang Mai. It was very cheap--like $30 for a HUGE bag of laundry from 6 people. And damn, those clothes came back 5 hours later cleaner and nicer folded than I've ever seen, LOL. We arranged it with the concierge at the hotel.

This was our experience in SE Asia. The laundry/folding was amazing.

Yep any major city or cruise boat stop has wash and fold. They charge by the pound/kilo with quick turnaround times. Did this is Europe.

[Anonymous]

The last two times I’ve flown, I would’ve been absolutely screwed if I had checked a bag. Carry on allowed us to salvage our short trips by jumping quickly on other flights after ridiculous delays and cancellations (all due to staffing or equipment issues at the airlines).

I’ll never check a bag again unless it’s my ski gear heading to Utah or Europe.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I secretly love doing laundry on vacation. Sitting by the pool for a few hours wouldn’t bother me. You could also do it after coming home for the night.

Me too. We never mind doing laundry on vacation. If it is a laundry room with lots of machines your can wash everything at once. We did laundry on a 10 day trip and it was no big deal. Put in as soon as get back from an outing. Family shower and what not - some one switches it. Bring it back before or after dinner. If at the pool just take turns going to check it.

[Anonymous]

I did almost 4 weeks with 2 teens in Asia and only did a carry on and pack for each of us. Who are you all that need so much clothing over 5 days in summer???! We did laundry 2x. Easy and done. Proper washers and dryers no need to buy detergent as it's preloaded in the washer. We stayed at 2/3 starred and 4 starred hotels throughout Japan and China.