18 Days, 26 Pounds, 1 Carry On Suitcase
Musings—Mar 29, 2010
The title almost says it all—18 days, 26 pounds, 1 carry on suitcase. I’m beginning the preparations for a “little” travel odyssey in early April. I’ll be embarking upon a much-dreamed-about-journey to France, and I’m determined that I’ll only be taking a carry on sized suitcase. I am determined to not check my suitcase with either of the airlines I am travelling on.
That is my plan. The only thing that will prevent me from being able to do it is if the airlines’ plans for baggage regulations changes for flights to and from Canada, Amsterdam, Paris and Marseille. That is the only thing that will mess up my plans.
I have friends, family, business associates and even strangers wondering why I would even try to get all I’d need into such a small suitcase. They all say “why don’t you just check a suitcase?” My sister tells me “you are obsessed!”. Yes… I might be.
I assure each one of them that I have not lost all my marbles. I tell them I’m just determined to not have any airline responsible for getting my suitcase to the same destination that I end up at. I tell them I like doing carry on (and I do!). I tell them I don’t like lugging around a big, heavy suitcase (and I don’t!). I tell them ‘do you know how many times suitcases get lost by airlines?’ I like my suitcases and the items in them, and I don’t want my suitcase and its contents becoming another airline statistic.
Are you wondering why I’m telling you all this?
Well, it’s because I think that with a little planning, with a little careful selection, with a little critical analysis of “needs” versus “wants”, almost anyone can travel with just a carry on sized bag for most travel excursions.
Notice that I’m not crazy enough to say all people, and for every travel adventure – I know there are times when you just have to take a larger suitcase. Those are not the times I’m focusing on. So if any of you out there in blog-land are skeptical about my ability to pack for a trip to France for 18 days, with 26 pounds, and 1 carry on suitcase, stay tuned to my blog for updates on my progress.
I’m determined—18 days, 26 pounds, 1 carry on suitcase. Never stand in the way of a determined woman!
Addendum—Departure Morning
Departure morning—25.8lbs.
I’m proud of my sister Shirley and I agree with her twin, Susan, that she is obsessed when it comes to carry-on versus a suitcase in the bowels of the plane. Of course, this comment comes from a person who travels home to family in N.S. with 2 suitcases between 40 and 49.7 lbs., respectively, one carryon backpack and a large purse. I started out to pack the essentials…and I did.
—Laurie · Wednesday April 7, 2010