Packing in two 20kg bags for 4

[minimammy]

I know you guys are experienced and clever at this so how, if at all, can we pack for 4 in two 20kg bags plus 10kg hand luggage? 2 adults 2 dc. Warm ( hopefully) summer hols.
Any tips and tricks?

Ah S/c so you probably have access to a washing machine. In that case bring enough for half a week and you're sorted. Put the sun lotion, shampoo etc. in the cases, most of the clothes and a change of clothes and toothbrush in the carry on bags and anything vital for the flight in a very small hand bag that you can bring on ( check Ryan air instructions).

10 yr old will definitely be able to help carry stuff. It is true that carry on bags are a bit of a faff - particularly as you have to lug them round the airport, so my focus would be to get as much as possible into the big bags, which should be possible, even with 4 normal sized beach towels. Only time we had difficulty was when I was trying to bring bedding as well on a s/c ski holiday and that was more around bulk than weight - ended up borrowing from our friends who lived there.

How many shoes does your DH need to bring for a holiday - is he a centipede ?

Hahaha fair point 😄
I feel very reassured. We are actually going for two weeks so will pack for the week and definitely wash. Having the washing machine means daytime outfits will be cut right down.
Thank you for all the replies.

We just had 2 weeks holiday (so cold) 6 people. Each with only hand luggage. Plus space for presents. Easy.

Wear 1 pair of shoes, pack 1. Wear 1 pair of jeans, pack one. Plus 2 pairs of shorts. wear jacket. Pack 2 long and 5 short sleeved tops, 1 pair pj, few undies. Sorted. You don't even need the 2 big cases

i know peoples opinions and experiences differ on hand luggage getting weighed but any recommendations for actual cabin cases/bags, i have a cabin size bag which i use if going away in uk but its hard shell and 4 wheels so would probably eat into allowance

I don't think weight of hand luggage case matters too much dolfinne as overall weight limit is usually 10kg and with a smaller bag and no lotions or bottles, you'd be hard pressed to go over that anyway.

I'm amazed by folks who can do a winter trip with no hold luggage. I've seen people on ski flights with no hold luggage which I find incredible. Even if you wore a lot of layers you'd surely need some other stuff.

If you've a washing machine you only need about 4 days' worth of outfits really. I always, always always overpack (ie bring stuff back I've not worn) but, even then, 2 x 20kg cases is easy.

We have done Spain, US, Sweden, Portugal, Lanzarotte, France and others. All on Hand luggage only as in 10kgs each.

Currently in Barbados and did that with on 20kg suitcase and 3 10kg. Only difference on this trip was baggage allowance was included and packed a load of stuff we don’t need.

You just need to plan what you pack. And don’t take too many shoes as that’s what buggers it up.