Help! Looking for useful suggestions/tips/tricks!

[Mum2Mercury]

8 hours ago, Keksie said:

Do bring a wide variety of OTC meds because they don't sell them onboard anymore.  

I don't know that we bring a "wide variety", but we bring the things we use commonly at home.  Opening a first aid kit in your own cabin is always going to be more convenient than going to Medical onboard ... and you don't want to bring yourself to Medical's attention if you KNOW you just have a case of "bad tummy".   

 

I just went through and re-did our travel first aid kit.  Our new kit is housed in a cosmetic bag, and it contains small containers of

- Bandaids & Neosporin 

- Nail clippers & tweezers 

- Aleve 

- Tylenol PM 

- Pepto Bismal 

- Tums

- Bonine 

- Day-Quil capsules 

 

 

Edited December 27, 2023 by Mum2Mercury

[Keksie]

1 hour ago, Mum2Mercury said:

I don't know that we bring a "wide variety", but we bring the things we use commonly at home.  Opening a first aid kit in your own cabin is always going to be more convenient than going to Medical onboard ... and you don't want to bring yourself to Medical's attention if you KNOW you just have a case of "bad tummy".   

 

I just went through and re-did our travel first aid kit.  Our new kit is housed in a cosmetic bag, and it contains small containers of

- Bandaids & Neosporin 

- Nail clippers & tweezers 

- Aleve 

- Tylenol PM 

- Pepto Bismal 

- Tums

- Bonine 

- Day-Quil capsules 

 

 

These days I make sure to bring the above and Dayquil capsules, benedryl, cough drops, something for a sore throat, imodium, and aloe salve.

[navybankerteacher]

There certainly seems to be a lot of folks who take pride in travelling light.  Of course, at least some of them only are able to do it by cheating their fellow air passengers by stuffing duffel bags (“personal items”) into the overheads.  Still, when I see all the (obviously not carry-on) bags outside cabins on the last night, it is clear that only a minority do not bring something larger.
 

 Personally, I do not want to spend my cruise making excessive trips to the laundromat, or washing stuff in the sink, or re-wearing somewhat sweaty clothes, or being disrespectful to my wife by not showing interest in my appearance— so I put up with a couple of hours hassle travelling with luggage as an acceptable trade-off for having enough stuff with me for the bulk of the trip.

 

Finally, I do suspect that at least some of these carry-on-only folks might have fuzzy memories - much like those who insist they always come out ahead in the casino.

[Mum2Mercury]

15 hours ago, Keksie said:

These days I make sure to bring the above and Dayquil capsules, benedryl, cough drops, something for a sore throat, imodium, and aloe salve.

If those are things you use on a regular basis at home, then you should absolutely bring them.  

13 hours ago, navybankerteacher said:

There certainly seems to be a lot of folks who take pride in travelling light.  Of course, at least some of them only are able to do it by cheating their fellow air passengers by stuffing duffel bags (“personal items”) into the overheads.  Still, when I see all the (obviously not carry-on) bags outside cabins on the last night, it is clear that only a minority do not bring something larger.

Take pride in traveling light?  Not quite the right vibe -- more like, it's a smarter choice.  Bringing only what you need means a streamlined, clutter-free cabin; that's for the whole vacation, not just during travel.  

I agree that many cruisers are kinda ridiculous in bringing excessive suitcases; however, being in the majority isn't an indication you've made the best choice.  

13 hours ago, navybankerteacher said:

Personally, I do not want to spend my cruise making excessive trips to the laundromat, or washing stuff in the sink, or re-wearing somewhat sweaty clothes, or being disrespectful to my wife by not showing interest in my appearance

None of these need be of concern: 

Packing light doesn't mean packing too little or needing to wash clothes (even once).  The only time I wear sweaty clothes is in the gym or on the running track ... and sometimes returning from active shore excursions.  Packing "just enough" doesn't mean being sloppy or unattractive.  

13 hours ago, navybankerteacher said:

Finally, I do suspect that at least some of these carry-on-only folks might have fuzzy memories - much like those who insist they always come out ahead in the casino.

The first time we cruised, we overpacked and wasted effort getting to and from the cruise. 

The second time we purposefully packed less, but it was still too much.  On the way home from that second cruise we created a list of what we'd actually used.  That list evolved into a template that we still use ... so no fuzzy memories here.  

Edited December 28, 2023 by Mum2Mercury

[K32682]

For a week-long cruise the only people who can't manage carry-on only are those who do not know how to pack properly and/or bring too much needless stuff. Since cruise lines have moved away from the pretentious silliness of formal nights and other dress-up nonsense a week-long cruise with just carry-on is quite achievable and should not require you to do laundry. 

[navybankerteacher]

7 minutes ago, K32682 said:

For a week-long cruise the only people who can't manage carry-on only are those who do not know how to pack properly and/or bring too much needless stuff. Since cruise lines have moved away from the pretentious silliness of formal nights and other dress-up nonsense a week-long cruise with just carry-on is quite achievable and should not require you to do laundry. 

Of course there there is no REQUIREMENT to do laundry - that is just a self-imposed need, based largely upon how often you want to change your shirt, socks or underwear. 

[SelectSys]

14 hours ago, navybankerteacher said:

There certainly seems to be a lot of folks who take pride in travelling light.

You miss the practical dimension of traveling light.  I remember once travelling as a family on a 2 week Mediterranean cruise with land travel on both ends.  This was when my kids were young and dragging lots of bags through train stations and other forms of public transportation wasn't all that fun.  Made me think twice the next time we traveled in a similar fashion about how much we truly needed.

 

14 hours ago, navybankerteacher said:

at least some of them only are able to do it by cheating their fellow air passengers by stuffing duffel bags (“personal items”) into the overheads.

Any "cheating" is easily solved by the onboard cabin crew if it is truly a problem.  I have seen gate agents for legacy carriers collect bags to eliminate on board hassles.  It's better to check the bag at the gate than paying a bag check fee in advance.  

 

Rarely are there problems on low cost carriers.  These carriers use their gate agents as "police" to collect fees.

 

14 hours ago, navybankerteacher said:

Finally, I do suspect that at least some of these carry-on-only folks might have fuzzy memories - much like those who insist they always come out ahead in the casino.

I would suggest the most people who travel "light" are, on the large, simply more experienced travelers.  Rather than being fuzzy about things, these travelers have clear memories about what is truly needed when traveling generally.

Edited December 28, 2023 by SelectSys

[Keksie]

1 hour ago, Mum2Mercury said:

If those are things you use on a regular basis at home, then you should absolutely bring them.  

 

 

Never have needed them at home.  Don't get sick.  However, should we fall ill on a cruise I don't want to have to go to medical to obtain them.

[Keksie]

1 hour ago, K32682 said:

For a week-long cruise the only people who can't manage carry-on only are those who do not know how to pack properly and/or bring too much needless stuff. Since cruise lines have moved away from the pretentious silliness of formal nights and other dress-up nonsense a week-long cruise with just carry-on is quite achievable and should not require you to do laundry. 

I don't know why I should have to manage with a carry-on.  We don't go formal but I do like to dress up.  If you like to go carry on go for it.  I prefer to bring my big case, maybe two if we are going to a cold climate and I need outerwear.  If flying we go first so the bags are free anyway.  

[K32682]

42 minutes ago, Keksie said:

I don't know why I should have to manage with a carry-on.  We don't go formal but I do like to dress up.  If you like to go carry on go for it.  I prefer to bring my big case, maybe two if we are going to a cold climate and I need outerwear.  If flying we go first so the bags are free anyway.  

 

You don't "have to" but if you know how to pack sensibly it's hardly an insurmountable challenge to do a week-long cruise without resorting to doing laundry in your sink or wearing soiled clothes.  

[Keksie]

8 minutes ago, K32682 said:

 

You don't "have to" but if you know how to pack sensibly it's hardly an insurmountable challenge to do a week-long cruise without resorting to doing laundry in your sink or wearing soiled clothes.  

I could see doing a week long cruise without doing laundry or wearing dirty clothes.  But I can't see doing carry on with 3 swimsuits, multiple dresses, shoes, hand knit shawls, a top for every day, several choices of bottoms, coverup for the swimsuits, makeup, personal care items, medications for any eventuality, a book or two, at least three knitting projects and room to bring back stuff.  For a cold weather cruise add in sweaters, hand knit socks, hats, gloves, cowls, long undies, and a warm coat with optional rain coat.  I am from Florida and get cold easily which makes me miserable.

[Mum2Mercury]

1 hour ago, SelectSys said:

Any "cheating" is easily solved by the onboard cabin crew if it is truly a problem. 

If you're bringing more than is allowed, the staff will force you to check it.  I don't see how cheating is really possible.  

When it comes to cruises, we are close enough to drive, so not an issue for us.  

1 hour ago, SelectSys said:

I would suggest the most people who travel "light" are, on the large, simply more experienced travelers.  Rather than being fuzzy about things, these travelers have clear memories about what is truly needed when traveling generally.

Totally agree.  

1 hour ago, Keksie said:

Never have needed them at home.  Don't get sick.  However, should we fall ill on a cruise I don't want to have to go to medical to obtain them.

If you're not using these things at home and don't get sick (I'm sure you mean rarely), I wouldn't bother to bring them.  The Dayquil capsules, for example, will take care of a sore throat.

1 hour ago, Keksie said:

I don't know why I should have to manage with a carry-on.  We don't go formal but I do like to dress up.  If you like to go carry on go for it.  I prefer to bring my big case, maybe two if we are going to a cold climate and I need outerwear.  If flying we go first so the bags are free anyway.  

You don't "have to" manage with a carry-on, but it's a smart choice.  Why? 

 

- Most of us don't get free bags when we fly, so it's cheaper. 

- Upon arrival, if you've flown with a carry-on only, you can skip the slow-slow baggage carousel and head straight to your hotel.  Who doesn't want to skip a chore and start relaxing?  

- If you fly with just a carry-on, your luggage won't be lost.  

- Know how your room feels so clean, inviting and spacious when you enter for the first time?  If you bring less, it feels that way for the whole cruise.  Less clutter just makes for a better experience. 

- People say, "But I want choices!"  Yeah, I like choices too, but I make my choices at home. 

- If you've packed light, you can enjoy your last evening rather than spending time gathering up excessive clothing and packing large bags.  We put our (open) suitcase on the bottom of our closet and toss in dirty clothes -- on the last night we just drop any shirts /dresses that we'd hung up into the suitcase, and on the last morning we zip it up and packing's done!  

- Less luggage makes self-disembarkation easier.  No schedules to adhere to, no searching for your luggage in the terminal -- just take your one bag and walk off the ship.  

 

The negative to packing light is that it requires more organization /better packing up front, and not everyone can visualize what's really going to end up being used.  

40 minutes ago, Keksie said:

I could see doing a week long cruise without doing laundry or wearing dirty clothes.  But I can't see doing carry on with 3 swimsuits, multiple dresses, shoes, hand knit shawls, a top for every day, several choices of bottoms, coverup for the swimsuits, makeup, personal care items, medications for any eventuality, a book or two, at least three knitting projects and room to bring back stuff.  For a cold weather cruise add in sweaters, hand knit socks, hats, gloves, cowls, long undies, and a warm coat with optional rain coat.  I am from Florida and get cold easily which makes me miserable.

Admittedly, I'm smaller than most people, so my things fold up quite small, but I have no problem packing for a week:

 

- 3 swimsuits + 3 cover ups 

- Usually about 4 dresses -- I'm never cold, so I wouldn't bring a shawl; I do bring a chambray shirt, which works well as a light cover for late night walks on the deck and the trip home 

- Usually about 2 shorts, 1 pair of pants (mostly for the trip home) + 5-ish shirts 

- Nightgown and gym clothes 

- I board wearing Keds or Vans tennis shoes and pack a pair of walking sandals & a pair of dressy shoes for dinner; depending upon the shore excursions, I might add a pair of water shoes 

- My Kindle contains well over 2000 books and stays charged about 3 weeks, even with heavy use 

- I sometimes bring a needlework project, which is -- admittedly -- smaller than knitting 

- I don't really buy stuff on a cruise, so no real need for space to bring stuff back 

- One medium cosmetic bag for toiletries 

- One tiny-small cosmetic bag for make-up 

- A small folding fan, which I think makes the room more comfortable 

 

Why wouldn't that -- if folded nicely -- fit into one rolling carry-on?  And then I still have my backpack, in which I carry my wallet, jewelry, electronics, and one medium cosmetic bag for first aid /meds 

 

 

 

Edited December 28, 2023 by Mum2Mercury

[navybankerteacher]

2 hours ago, K32682 said:

 

You don't "have to" but if you know how to pack sensibly it's hardly an insurmountable challenge to do a week-long cruise without resorting to doing laundry in your sink or wearing soiled clothes.  

Packing “sensibly” really means bringing what you want to have with you - not just minimally.

 

I remain unconvinced as to just how it is possible to go a week living out of a carry on without doing laundry or wearing soiled clothes —- unless you are happy living in tee shirts and gym shorts (or have a different definition of “soiled”).

 

Of course we all have different reasons for cruising - I like to be comfortable with what I choose to wear and not have worry about doing laundry.

[crystalspin]

1 hour ago, Mum2Mercury said:

People say, "But I want choices!"  Yeah, I like choices too, but I make my choices at home.

This.

[ldubs]

20 hours ago, navybankerteacher said:

Of course, at least some of them only are able to do it by cheating their fellow air passengers by stuffing duffel bags (“personal items”) into the overheads.  
 

 

This I agree with 100%.  I don't care if people do carry-on or steamer trunks.  But I wish the airlines would enforce the "personal item" concept so the rest of us can have a fair shot at an overhead bin.   

 

Personally, I pack what I want and don't worry about it.   I consider myself an experienced traveler at this point.  I don't like planning every day's clothing.  I don't have "outfits".   I pack enough to have options.  I frequently bring stuff I end up not wearing.  Who cares - it isn't the end of the world, isn't a burden to me or anyone else, and makes no difference in travel as I'm just pulling along a wheeled bag that might be 6" larger than the carry on one.   

Edited December 28, 2023 by ldubs

[Keksie]

4 hours ago, Mum2Mercury said:

If you're bringing more than is allowed, the staff will force you to check it.  I don't see how cheating is really possible.  

When it comes to cruises, we are close enough to drive, so not an issue for us.  

Totally agree.  

If you're not using these things at home and don't get sick (I'm sure you mean rarely), I wouldn't bother to bring them.  The Dayquil capsules, for example, will take care of a sore throat.

You don't "have to" manage with a carry-on, but it's a smart choice.  Why? 

 

- Most of us don't get free bags when we fly, so it's cheaper. 

- Upon arrival, if you've flown with a carry-on only, you can skip the slow-slow baggage carousel and head straight to your hotel.  Who doesn't want to skip a chore and start relaxing?  

- If you fly with just a carry-on, your luggage won't be lost.  

- Know how your room feels so clean, inviting and spacious when you enter for the first time?  If you bring less, it feels that way for the whole cruise.  Less clutter just makes for a better experience. 

- People say, "But I want choices!"  Yeah, I like choices too, but I make my choices at home. 

- If you've packed light, you can enjoy your last evening rather than spending time gathering up excessive clothing and packing large bags.  We put our (open) suitcase on the bottom of our closet and toss in dirty clothes -- on the last night we just drop any shirts /dresses that we'd hung up into the suitcase, and on the last morning we zip it up and packing's done!  

- Less luggage makes self-disembarkation easier.  No schedules to adhere to, no searching for your luggage in the terminal -- just take your one bag and walk off the ship.  

 

The negative to packing light is that it requires more organization /better packing up front, and not everyone can visualize what's really going to end up being used.  

Admittedly, I'm smaller than most people, so my things fold up quite small, but I have no problem packing for a week:

 

- 3 swimsuits + 3 cover ups 

- Usually about 4 dresses -- I'm never cold, so I wouldn't bring a shawl; I do bring a chambray shirt, which works well as a light cover for late night walks on the deck and the trip home 

- Usually about 2 shorts, 1 pair of pants (mostly for the trip home) + 5-ish shirts 

- Nightgown and gym clothes 

- I board wearing Keds or Vans tennis shoes and pack a pair of walking sandals & a pair of dressy shoes for dinner; depending upon the shore excursions, I might add a pair of water shoes 

- My Kindle contains well over 2000 books and stays charged about 3 weeks, even with heavy use 

- I sometimes bring a needlework project, which is -- admittedly -- smaller than knitting 

- I don't really buy stuff on a cruise, so no real need for space to bring stuff back 

- One medium cosmetic bag for toiletries 

- One tiny-small cosmetic bag for make-up 

- A small folding fan, which I think makes the room more comfortable 

 

Why wouldn't that -- if folded nicely -- fit into one rolling carry-on?  And then I still have my backpack, in which I carry my wallet, jewelry, electronics, and one medium cosmetic bag for first aid /meds 

 

 

 

Well I guess we just travel differently.  Not one way is smarter then the other.  As to  meds the last time I was ill was at least 10 years ago.  I want to bring a wide variety to make sure the medical facility is a last resort.

Edited December 28, 2023 by Keksie

[frantic36]

Why do people who travel with carry on only act so smug claiming they are smarter, more well travelled then others who choose to take checked luggage? I travel internationally on long haul flights 2-3 times a year. Because of that I take longer holidays and I like choice so I take luggage. It doesn't effect anyone so why do people insist I should get smarter with my packing?

 

I don't like flying domestically in the USA because even though I book first class often families with children, people with status etc get to board before me so overheads can fill up. I often see many with carry-on bags that are way bigger than what I have plus extras and they aren't gate checked. International flights often have smaller carry-on allowance so my bags comply with that. Many USA carry-ons that I see wouldn't be acceptable on my international flights.

[Keksie]

I like to bring several of my hand knit shawls, not only to keep my shoulders warm in the ship's air conditioning but to add to my outfit.

 

[ldubs]

4 hours ago, Mum2Mercury said:

If you're bringing more than is allowed, the staff will force you to check it.  I don't see how cheating is really possible.  

 

I'm speaking of experience with international flights.   It is possible because people turn the "personal item" into extra luggage because they can't fit everything in their "carry on".  It is uncommon that folks are forced to check these extra bags at boarding.  Exception being the unfortunate folks in boarding groups 5 - 7 that must check even legitimate carry ons because the overheads are already full. 

[ldubs]

27 minutes ago, frantic36 said:

Why do people who travel with carry on only act so smug claiming they are smarter, more well travelled then others who choose to take checked luggage? I travel internationally on long haul flights 2-3 times a year. Because of that I take longer holidays and I like choice so I take luggage. It doesn't effect anyone so why do people insist I should get smarter with my packing?

 

I don't like flying domestically in the USA because even though I book first class often families with children, people with status etc get to board before me so overheads can fill up. I often see many with carry-on bags that are way bigger than what I have plus extras and they aren't gate checked. International flights often have smaller carry-on allowance so my bags comply with that. Many USA carry-ons that I see wouldn't be acceptable on my international flights.

 

Well, when you become an "experienced traveler" you will recognize you have been doing it all wrong!  😀😀😀

[frantic36]

Just now, ldubs said:

 

Well, when you become an "experienced traveler" you will recognize you have been doing it all wrong!  😀😀😀

😆😂. Another excuse to keep travelling the world until I get it right.

[ldubs]

Just now, frantic36 said:

😆😂. Another excuse to keep travelling the world until I get it right.

 

👍👍👍

[Mum2Mercury]

49 minutes ago, frantic36 said:

Why do people who travel with carry on only act so smug claiming they are smarter, more well travelled then others who choose to take checked luggage?

Well, the facts do lean that direction. 

23 minutes ago, ldubs said:

I'm speaking of experience with international flights.   It is possible because people turn the "personal item" into extra luggage because they can't fit everything in their "carry on".  It is uncommon that folks are forced to check these extra bags at boarding.  Exception being the unfortunate folks in boarding groups 5 - 7 that must check even legitimate carry ons because the overheads are already full. 

They're pushing the envelope of what's allowed, but they're not cheating.  

[Mum2Mercury]

37 minutes ago, Keksie said:

I like to bring several of my hand knit shawls, not only to keep my shoulders warm in the ship's air conditioning but to add to my outfit.

 

That's a really pretty shawl, and it looks like it'd fold up quite small.  

[Keksie]

1 minute ago, Mum2Mercury said:

Well, the facts do lean that direction. 

Not really.