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Original poster

Is it possible to do a 2 week holiday with just hand luggage.

69 replies

catweasel44 · 15/08/2017 22:46

DH booked the flights. He hasn't booked any hold luggage.

There are 4 of us and we can take one piece of hand luggage each with no weight limit. So one of those tiny cases.

I'm really tempted to call his bluff.

OP posts:
WooWooSister · 16/08/2017 02:25

Yy it's easily doable. We did 2 weeks abroad with hand luggage. As a PP said - roll everything.

LoniceraJaponica · 16/08/2017 06:13

Why the biscuit Back? I was just repeating advice I have seen on MN.

insancerre · 16/08/2017 06:24

We did 2 weeks in a villa with jar hand luggage
You will have to buy toiletries and son cream when you get there

GunslingerPie · 16/08/2017 06:54

I don't know... I like to glam up on holiday, as I don't get chance at home! So like to take lots of jewellery/ nice selection of make-up etc so not sure if earrings and tweezers could go through as hand luggage?

Evening wear- I just take dresses or playsuits and take a pair of gold sandals and a pair of silver sandals as these will go with anything.

Off on holiday tomorrow and my suitcase is burstingGrin

NancyJoan · 16/08/2017 06:59

If you can do laundry while you're there, yes.

Backinthebox · 16/08/2017 06:59

"Why the biscuit Back? I was just repeating advice I have seen on MN."

Yes, but is it actually true? There is a whole lot of 'abroad' out there. In fact it's a description that covers the rest of the world! Some places are more expensive. Most places are cheaper. Most toiletries brands are fairly worldwide these days, so you can buy stuff like Colgate toothpaste, L'Oréal shampoo etc in most supermarkets. So, you see, you don't have to stock up in the tiny post-security airport Boots like you are dropping out of civilisation.

To everyone else in general; I realise OP has forgotten to book hold baggage, and yes, it is possible to travel for a week with only hand baggage if you are careful with your packing. But for the most part, just stick your bag in the hold. This is a plea from someone who in my working life frequently has to manage the delays caused because everyone brought their full allowance of hand baggage with them and now it won't all fit into the overhead locker. This is generally more of a problem on the smaller short haul aircraft which locos who charge for hold luggage use than on long haul aircraft. They are counting on you realising you need to put the bag in the hold and paying for it - this is why they are able to advertise the seats so cheaply.

Grasswillbegreener · 16/08/2017 07:05

I've just been thinking through how I packed - we are currently in Australia for 5 weeks, albeit staying with relatives. If we hadn't been carrying musical instruments x 2 I think we could have managed hand luggage only. Admittedly we packed pretty lightly as I'm hoping to take a lot of extra stuff home! [2 large cases extra is the plan!] But our packing did have to include winter coats!

PrimalLass · 16/08/2017 07:07

It will be fine if you wash the clothes you have brought. Otherwise I don't see how, tbh.

Frazzled2207 · 16/08/2017 07:07

You know you can add baggage to your booking later don't you. In theory at the airport but much cheaper online beforehand. If you took one suitcase between all of your that would ease the pressure significantly.

RippleEffects · 16/08/2017 07:13

We travel hand luggage only. Often do 4 hand cases between five of us as DD doesn't carry hers. Underwear is small, around four day outfits spare casual shoes, one evening shoes and a couple of evening outfits if you plan going out. A light weight coat. Its worth mix and matching so if one top gets mucky do the trousers/ skirt/ shorts go with anything else you're packing.

You can buy toiletries at most airports as soon as you're through security, much cheaper than paying for hold luggage.

No queues when you arrive at airport, straight to security. No queues waiting for luggage when you arrive. If flight is delayed you have your stuff with you and can change, get out toys and distractions etc.

CookieDoughKid · 16/08/2017 07:14

Can you take tweezers in hand luggage?! I can't live without those!

SheSparkles · 16/08/2017 07:20

I just did 3 weeks in Portugal with hand luggage. I bought toiletries etc there and had a washing machine in the villa. I didn't even wear everything I took! Definitely roll rather than fold. I refused to add £210 to the price of the holiday for luggage!

FinallyHere · 16/08/2017 07:36

There are also services which will collect your suitcase from your home, and deliver it to your destination address. A quick google of 'deliver suitcase' will turn up lots. If you arrange for it to be picked up a few days in advance, it will be waiting for you at the other end,

You could call his bluff, knowing you would have a suitcase of things when you got there. Or just tell him.

Spanneroo · 16/08/2017 07:42

We did 2 weeks in the Highlands in November, with coats, wellies etc with just hand luggage. It's totally doable (and my OH has enormous clothes, being 6ft 5)

RippleEffects · 16/08/2017 07:45

Tweezers and nail scissors are fine in hand luggage.

Yogagirl123 · 16/08/2017 07:46

We only ever take hand luggage now that our DC are older, so much easier, small case each, no queuing at the desk to check in luggage, straight through security, get to the destination, no queuing to get your case off the carousel. Straight in a taxi or hire car, we tend to book a villa with a washing machine, makes life very easy. I used to pack way too much. It is surprising how much you can get in such a small suitcase. Unless you have young DC when you have to take so much stuff I would recommend the hand luggage option. Have a lovely trip.

CookieDoughKid · 16/08/2017 07:53

Thanks ripple

NikiBabe · 16/08/2017 07:55

You can do it but just buy some detergent when you are there and wash clothes whilst away.

You can't take 2 pairs of shorts for 2 weeks in the heat and not wash them.

NikiBabe · 16/08/2017 07:59

Also last time I was on easy jet the flight was full. Because of this they took those of us near the front of the queue with wheely trolleys and put them in the hold, so I got hold baggage free of charge.

Original poster
catweasel44 · 16/08/2017 08:32

Bonus!

I know it will be me that does the washing in the laundry - but last time I made it take 4 hours with a book and some snacks.

OP posts:
christmasunicorn · 16/08/2017 08:40

We always go hand luggage only although we always put pushchair and car seats in the hold. We always stay at a villa though so have washing facilities. Though most hotels offer a washing facility too so I would make use of that. But toiletries when you are abroad. Once you try hand luggage you probably won't go back to lugging those heavy hold cases and standing around at the baggage carousel again Wink

LIZS · 16/08/2017 08:50

We had baby nail scissors confiscated post 9/11.

BarbaraofSevillle · 16/08/2017 10:26

I would book one hold case. It doesn't need to be enormous, gives you a bit extra room as you can still take trolley cases on board, and it means you can take all the toiletries you need. Without the hold case, you'll spend half the money saved on suncream etc if you're not careful.

kittybiscuits · 16/08/2017 10:30

I went round the world for a year with only a knotted hanky on a stick...

NikiBabe · 16/08/2017 11:49

Without the hold case, you'll spend half the money saved on suncream etc if you're not careful.

Hold baggage can be £100+ per bag.

That's very expensive sun cream.

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