How to plan a trip overseas – Part 2 – Luggage

I dropped my Mom off at the airport this morning, she has been here for 2 weeks and is on her way back to Beijing. On the way here her luggage was crushed. It took about an hour at the help desk to file a claim and get her things. In talking to the lady at the counter, my Mom wanted her opinion on what to look for in luggage, because she had to buy a new piece and this lady obviously saw what was the best all day.

Here are her tips:

• 22 inch size is the best. 24 inch is getting a little big and easy to overpack.
• You want hard sides
• NO SCREWS! She was very clear that you DO NOT want to see screws anywhere on the outside of the luggage, esp. where the wheels are.
• The zipper must NOT be attached to the hard shell sides. But rather to a separate piece of webbing around the outside.

Where she suggested buying luggage at:

• Ross 
• Marshalls and
• TJ Maxx

I thought that was the most interesting…. where she recommended buying luggage. Sure enough, my Mom found an awesome set at Ross. The large 24″ was $189 normally and she paid $80. The 22″ she paid $60 for. They were a very nice brand deeply discounted.

Last China post, there was some REALLY good advice from you guys on packing and traveling. I know that we are going to be bringing back a lot of things and so I am going to be doing some of the things that you suggested.

From Rose Violet:

Here’s a trick I learned going to Europe. Bring a bunch of semi-old clothes to leave behind. I brought 1/2 good clothes and 1/2 old clothes that I didn’t really care for too much (including old underwear. I wore the worst one on the plane. I then left it in the garbage. During the trip I left my old clothes behind. That way I had half my suitcase left at the end to bring back souvenirs and new clothes! Also buy plenty of 2 pound zip lock bags. Organize each days clothes in them and seal them up. This eliminates clothes scattering at the airport and less chance of losing items. Just put the old clothes bag in the bag and less chance of dirty laundry mixing with clean. The ziploc bags also don’t need a vacuum to suck out the air and makes more room in your suitcase. Last item, take your suitcases to Publix to weight them to make sure they are under the limit. 

From Maria:

I do this too! I didn’t know other people do as well…but for my new clothes, I always wear them a couple of times and give them to my sister-in-laws (we stay at my in-laws for free) so they see that I JUST took the tags off and wore it only once of twice and disperse among my sister in laws…maybe you can do the same with your mom if you guys are the same size?? That way they get extra gifts, and you got nice picutres and room in your bag! I also take the perfume I am using at the time..A full bottle never gets done in time. ALSO to take less clothes, take more scarves, big chunky necklaces and statement earrings…sam moon has some great ones!! Accessories really make the outfit

From Paula:

Also to Asia take a triple Antibiotic Ointment. Always comes in handy.
Since you want to travel light, take a Sarong for you and the girls. It can be a skirt, bath robe, beach towel, sun shield…..I have even used it to carry Mangos home from the market.

Click to see the last China Post – Who Gets To Go