There seem to be some basic features, requirements, questions and choices for any trip overseas and on any airline. We all face the same problems as in security lines, over crowded space on any plane, what to bring and in what kind of suitcase. So here are a few additional thoughts I’ve had regarding travel.
1. Once again, the carry-on vs. checked bag conundrum. If you haven’t already done so, take a look at the comments I received on the last travel post. Having had an airline lose all your luggage, as Cindy tells us, (for five days..) would probably be enough to make me a carry-on person for life. As it stands now, I figure that if I have a direct flight then I am fairly safe. This time, I did carry on from RDU to JFK as I knew in advance that it was “plane side” check-in. So then I would have only had that one direct flight to BCN. But I did the carry on thing instead. And, on the return trip I DID check from BCN to JFK as I knew I would be picking up the suitcase after customs and then do the plane-side check in once again to RDU.
That was a long story! Anyway, it IS an issue. My next trip will most likely be with my husband, so then the story changes considerably. I have a ready made suitcase lifter!
2. I’m really not a germaphobe (people who become obsessed with germs and dirt and feel compelled to act out rituals of washing and cleaning) BUT ….. be careful. I use individually wrapped wipes to wipe down the tray in front of my seat, the buttons etc. on the arm, and even the overhead fan dial. I know, the people around me are wondering, I am sure. But you do see more and more passengers doing this now.
So, what do I want to say to you? Just be cautious. Of course, there isn’t really any way to avoid catching something but just be aware.
3. Think about the weight of the empty suitcase. I never really considered this. But I’ve been looking into them and yes indeed, my ten year old trusty rolling suitcase is just too heavy. At least when used as a carry-on. So I am in the market. When I gather some information and reviews, I’ll do a post for you.
4. Hair dryer. While most, if not all, hotels have some kind of hair dryer, I take my own. The very worst are the wall units in Paris that have a plastic slinky type cord that gets so hot you can’t hold it (it takes me about 15 min. to do my hair.) And I aboslutely must have one of those air flow directors at the end of the dryer… About three years ago I bought a small folding hair dryer, with the 220v power, at a hardware store in Paris. It has the European plug, so no chance it might be used here by mistake. So easy and so portable and I know, always, that it will work perfectly. Daughter and I share it, even mailing back and forth for upcoming trips. I think I paid 14 euros.
5. Once again, let me sing the praises of the EMME bag! This is one perfect product. If you missed it, here is the post I had done.
You can buy it HERE.
Those are my random thoughts for the day… Once again, we would all love to hear any and all comments you might have.
And now, I’m off to find our Christmas lights and begin putting them up on the fence outside!
Thanks for telling me about the EMME bag. Have to get it.
Good morning, Libby! I’m so pleased to meet you over on my Stylemindchic Life. We certainly have much in common: a love of Paris and Barcelona, COLOR, handy wipes for the plane and the EMME bag, among other things. ;) I’m actually carrying Emily’s EMME bags in my Stylemindchic Boutique and they are a best seller for me.
I always enjoy reading travel posts and this is a great one. A lightweight bag makes all the difference. I’ll definitely look forward to following along on your ‘colorful’ posts. We just booked Italy and Paris for July so more adventures in the works. Have a fabulous day!
Heather
Heather Lindstrom recently posted…Color Story: Pantone Colors of the Year (deux)
Hi Heather! As you can read from the above comments and responses, I am most definitely looking at the Lipault. Well, I guess enough people have weighed in re. the carry on issue that I just might do it. I’m thinking also that, particularly in France, I can always mail a box home with goodies I buy, or just off load some of my own things. I did that years ago several times, from Provence, and it worked perfectly. Also, I’ve had shoe/foot issues that I have resolved now…so no need for quite so many pairs! And, traveling in warmer weather means just lighter weight sandals.
It’s interesting, though, we all have opinions and choices, and yet we all are concerned about the same things. Fascinating reading! Thanks for commenting, and I’ll “see” you soon.
I have recently become a convert to a carry-on bag, motivated by an airline loosing our luggage on a direct flight from Marseille to Lisbon. We just assumed that because it was a direct flight, it could not be lost. However, it was “misdirected” to Frankfort. Although the airline did give us a very well supplied “goodie bag”, including a large T shirt to sleep in, not having my own stuff for 3 days was enough to make me a convert.
And we love Lipault luggage. It’s made in France but sold here in stores and online. We recently bought a carry-on, on-line. Not the least expensive luggage in the world, but competitive, beautifully made, and very lightweight to begin with.
If you read the other comments here, see my thoughts about the Lipault! yes, I am considering it. And, thank you for the heads up re. the direct flights. You just never know, do you? Thank you so much for the comment and useful info.!!
Hi Libby,
Just put the Emme bag in my Amazon cart, I can use that. My regular carry-on roller suitcase weighs 9 lbs. empty! It is very sturdy but too heavy. My daughter and I bought it in Paris almost 10 years ago. I am waiting for it to bite the dust so I can replace it with a lighter one. Wondering if the Lipault nylon line are worth trying. Not that I am biased toward French luggage! I just want the lightest and sturdiest bag I can find. Lipault Paris Upright 4 Wheeled Carry On Trolly, 22 in. looks promising.
Here is some food for thought. Gate check/plane side checking is not safe either. My husband returned from a meeting in the USVI last night. His colleague’s carry-on was gate checked plane side and was lost on the direct flight from Atlanta! Also happened to our oldest son several years ago. His carry-on was gate checked and lost on the first leg of his trip across the country. United Airlines would not assist him until he reached his destination. He waited several days for it. We were nervous as it had his large camera and technology that did not fit in his briefcase. Luckily he got it back, all intact, thanks to my husband’s mileage status, he was assigned a United representative to assist until the bag was located.
Us older folks fondly remember the good old days of travel. We have had so many cancelled flights at the last minute in the last few years, it makes us wary. Husband and I love driving trips and have a bucket list of all the wonderful destinations our beautiful country has to offer. Overseas has lost some of its allure, for various reasons, as we all are too aware!
Oh Cindy: so much to say and you have given us so many good points! First, check out Susan’s post re. the Lipault luggage here: http://unefemme.net/2015/06/lets-talk-luggage.html She, and her blog, have become my go-to source for all things travel. It is fabulous and she really researches and discusses the pros and cons of so many things. I am most definitely leaning toward the Lipault, with the nice tote that fits on top. Perfect, I say!
Wow: I’ve never heard that about plane side check in!!! Oh how very awful. Another thing to worry about now… But, what are we supposed to do? I mean, here we are, carry on and plane side checking, and still it doesn’t have any guarantees. Yes, the good ole days indeed.
You know, we too have been thinking so much about car trips. There is SO much of this country we haven’t seen and that is so beautiful. Part of our reason for moving here was to be able to explore the South. We just loved the Southwest last year (no, not to drive out there from here….) and would love to see more of it. My husband, the photographer, thought it was one of the best places ever.
To be continued….
Just read the comment above mine, it mentions the Lipault luggage!
I just came back from visiting my sister in Halifax, Nova Scotia and carried on my suitcase for the very first time. Honestly, I think I prefer checking my bag. So on the way home, I checked my bag. And you know what, it only added 5 minutes on to my trip at the end. Carrying the bag onto the airplane, lifting up into the overhead bin – it just didn’t seem worth it in the end.
Heather @ New House New Home recently posted…Welcome to Christmas Front Door
Heather: I hear you!!! I too think checking is even easier and no, really, it doesn’t take that long to wait at baggage claim! But from some of these comments…well… I just might be leaning toward the carry on. One problem with that is finding space in the overhead bins. Recently, I always seem to be in the Group 1 boarding, so then it’s no problem. And, I am definitely going to buy the Lipault 22″. I think it’s about half the weight of my current bag. So many things to consider, right? Thanks for your input in this discussion!
I just hate the scramble for the overhead compartments in coach with a carry on…but if I’m in first class (not that often), it’s better. I do try to keep a carry on light, too.
Wish I could speak to first class! But yes, that scramble is awful…except somehow I do end up in Group 1 boarding usually. It helps!