Are you an over packer or an under packer?

[1415isgreat]

Hello Travel Enthusiasts!
I have a question on your packing habits and would love to know, if you have a child too, how you manage your packing.

I am flying long haul and have allowance for me, myself and DS. I want to use all 3 allowances in case we shop a lot whilst out there, whilst DH wants to stick to as least as possible. So I am wondering, what is the norm for the rest of you? Would you all 3 suitcases just for the sake of having the allowance? Or cap it at 1 or 2 and travel a bit light?

Looking forward to reading responses!

@Pebbles16 We had to do the same when we went to Japan too 😄

@SaltyGod that’s a good idea, thanks!

and love reading the rest too. Love to know I am not the only one!

Horrendous overpacker.
Always have been, can't ever imagine changing.
I like to have options.
Plus we often bring wine home from trips, in inflatable wine bags.

Standard will be a large case & cabin case each when flying.
Regardless of duration - long weekend or 2 weeks...

The only time I take hold luggage is if I’m skiing (I book places with washing machines, as a pp said), but if I wanted to bring stuff back I would just take an empty suitcase with me.

It always baffles me when I see families in the queue with a massive bulging suitcase each, as well as a cabin suitcase and big shoulder bag. I have no idea how a family of four can possibly need 8 suitcases for a week in Spain. I literally cannot imagine what they have packed.

I'm an overpacker. Not to a ridiculous extent but it's still annoying. I've tried being more sensible but I always fail. It's funny because I'm normally a minimal-ish person, but whenever I start packing to travel, I start "what-if-ing" like a crazy person.

I'm an overpacker and would also want space for shopping so I'd use all the allowance. I'd also split all our stuff over the cases in case one gets lost.

I never take more stuff than I can comfortably carry. On flights, never more than hand luggage. Going away in the UK, I fill a rucksack or weekend bag.

I am going to boast now. I had four weeks in Southern Spain over Christmas/New Year. The accommodation had a washing machine I'll admit. I only took the 10kg overhead bag and underseat backpack. Left a bit of wriggle room in both bags, and managed to get some nice bits like silk scarves, make up in the lovely shops, and some bits in my favourite shop Ale Hop. Just small things but they add up!

One mistake. I thought it would be cool weather so resisted bringing a pile of t shirts. It was hot for three weeks! Shops had Winter gear obviously, but found some men's T shirts in the Chinese shop (which sell EVERYTHING!), so was ok. Not stylish but wasn't sweating all day lol.

I learned over the years that I only wear certain things anyway, so I always check when I return what I wore and what I didn't. There are always clothes unworn on hols I find, so I pack accordingly for next time at a similar destination/time of year. I didn't get it right about the T shirts in Spain though! Will next time all going well.

Aha, found one! What is actually in your suitcase? Genuinely interested.

In mine, for 7 days in the sun:
Swimming costume
Rash vest
Goggles
Beach sandals
Towel
3x dresses (usually wearing one of them, so 2 in case)
1x trousers
2x tops
Underwear
Toiletries/Sun cream

All fits in a cabin bag, or we sometimes have a hold bag between the three of us if we want to take >100 ml containers.

Wearing a jumper/cardi and jacket (usually setting off early morning so it’s cold)
Wearing nicer sandals
Kindle, sunglasses makeup etc in handbag

No criticism intended, just interested to know what other people are taking that I’m not, IYSWIM.

Just depends where I go, and how I travel, and the season. If we go by car, I tend to take more. If by plane, depends on cost of luggge, if by train, as we often do, much less. Problem is we often travel in shoulder season, where the weather can go either way, so need to have a bit more to cope with all eventualities.