Could You Vacation Without Your Luggage

Yes it happened to me.

Yes I went to Walmart and bought a 4 day wardrobe (socks, underwear, jeans, shirts, deodorant, toothbrush, etc.).

It was not nearly as traumatic as the queens may think.

Just do not pack your meds, your phone/laptop/iPad/keys/etc. Do not pack anything that can't be bought at Walmart/Target somewhat cheaply.

My luggage was lost once - on a connection from Chicago to Heathrow to Belfast. Talk about whacked. Trying to find clothing for a hopefully short-term delay was hard because my destination was 30 miles outside Belfast and the train stopped at every sheep pasture and fairy ring on the way.

It took four days for the luggage to arrive. Two women at my destination hadn't received theirs during the whole travel.

It was for two months. Poor gals.

The thing I get pissed off about is the people complaining because they need their medications. I take prescription meds every day. Several pills a day. And I NEVER pack them. They are always with me in my backpack or carry on. Always. And I usually bring a change of underwear and a clean top or sweater depending on when and where I'm traveling. Now this storm front was discussed for several days before it hit. So WTF didn't people take precautions?

This happened to me on a work trip I got to Target one hour before they closed and bought four days of clothes, Dark Jeans, Dark polos, socks, underwear, and some passable shoes. I was better dressed than 90% of the people I went to meet with.

People should have stuck with carry ons. Checking luggage is the problem. They knew a storm was coming.

If I was going to a warm weather destination, yeah. I can buy swimming trunks and a couple pairs of shorts, maybe a few t-shirts when I get there.

Obviously not every vacation destination has a Target or a Walmart.

r5 normally I do but they asked to gate-check my bag due to space issues. The plane took off without my bag at all.

Sure. I've been separated from my luggage a few times. The only time it was for much more than 24 hours was a return flight home so that was not a problem.

Otherwise I just shopped for clothes I liked knowing they would be with be me after the trip, so no need to try to buy everything on the cheap.

Medicine, electronics, a toothbrush and toothpaste, and usually a sweater of jacket always go into a carry-on bag so I have the necessary things and a little flexibility with an extra piece ir two of clothing.

[quote] Could You Vacation Without Your Luggage

Yes, I would simply grab someone else's luggage. Problem solved.

Well aren't we all just SOOOO Smort!

No, especially if I just got my prescriptions filled and I put them in there.

The trick is to pack a carry-on bag (small enough to go under the seat in front) and always have one change of shirt, socks, and underwear in it. On warm-weather trips I also put a bathing suit in (those can be hard to find -at least ones that fit in a flattering manner). Electronics and meds, and a toilet kit. I take a lot of cruises, and it's nice to have all that in your cabin right away, as sometimes your luggage doesn't arrive to the cabin for hours.

It's called experience, R11. If you've traveled as much as I have, you learn how (and what) to pack -and how to pack light. :)

It's odd to me that do many people freak out and try to take clothing for every possible exigency.

I prefer to take less than needed and buy socks, underwear, shoes, whatever clothes I run short of or hadn't planned for. I can buy things I wouldn't find in my own city and you can always buy an extra cheap bag to bring back if your luggage is bursting with things acquired on your trip.

I went to Buenos Aires and Patagonia with my sister and mother for 2 weeks. My sister told me that she was bringing 2 carry ons. The weather there started as spring like in BA, to winterish in Ushuaia, and we hiked as well as had fancy dinners. I brought 2 carry ons as well and was perversely proud of myself for doing it.

There's a whole Reddit sub regarding travelling with only one bag.

OP= Sam Brinton, non-binary luggage thief

I could not. I'm the person who always overpacks. I sort of envy those people who can put a few things in a backpack and just go. That's not me.

Maybe the trick is not pack any clothes, and buy clothes at your destination,

I have a trick that I use if I'm not going to be doing anything formal: I pack clothes I am ready to donate to Goodwill, and then dispose of them along the way. I don't do laundry (except on very long trips) and my suitcase keeps getting lighter instead of heavier. It also makes room for the stuff I buy on the trip. This is great for dealing with old socks, underwear, t-shirts, etc. Even an old pair of shoes that are on their last legs.

[quote]This is great for dealing with old socks, underwear, t-shirts, etc. Even an old pair of shoes that are on their last legs.

This is what I do as well — when underwear, socks, undershirts get ratty, they go in a packing cube for my next trip.

I did get chased down a hotel hallway once by a confused housekeeper who wanted to let me know I'd put my shirt in the garbage can.

When I stayed in the White Lotus in Sicily the airline lost my luggage, so my wife just bought me a new wardrobe at the gift shop.

On an unrelated note, I showed my dick to my friend's wife on the same trip.

Somewhere in the US? I could.

I am 6'6" and just north of 300 lbs. Aside from underwear and socks, I can barely find clothes that fit me in a regular store in the US, let alone in another country save, maybe, Canada. Thankfully the three times my checked bags did not make it with me were on the return trips home.

lol -That has happened to me, too, R20. I always tell them what I'm doing, and tip them extra for looking out for me.

Why would you want to wear your oldest, crummiest clothes on vacation, though?

[quote]Why would you want to wear your oldest, crummiest clothes on vacation, though?

Both posters, r19 and r20, cited socks, underwear and undershirts to wear and jettison. Who is going to see those?

It depends on the vacation, R24. If I'm hiking, or even doing lots of walking in a city, no one is going to see my socks and underwear. It's about saving weight and space in the suitcase -not being a fashion plate (which I never am, in any setting). I try to make sure I am always clean and presentable -but I don't give a fuck about looking chic. On the contrary, in many places it helps to look a little down-at-heel -you're not as big a target for pickpockets!

Oh, yes, I lost my luggage in New Orleans once, I ended up with much better ones.

~r25

I've had a bag delayed for a few days. I ended up buying a couple shirts, underwear and a pair of pants at Target and it wasn't that big a deal. I was smart enough to pack medication in my carry-on, but not my dop kit that had my contact lens solution, case, and eyeglasses. So I had to live without my glasses for a few days.

[quote]Obviously not every vacation destination has a Target or a Walmart.

Obviously, R7, but who can fault these fancy pants travellers for dreaming big?

I have over the counter meds for every occasion as well as prescription meds. I have aspirin and Advil, cold medicine, sinus and allergy medicine diarrhea medicine, constipation medicine, Lactaid, heartburn, nausea, dramamine, antiseptic ointments and bandaids. a small manicure scissors, anti bacterial wipes, and also the kind of wipes (Clorox or Lysol) you use to clean counter tops toilet seats and telephones. IMO nothing is worse when you don't feel well, than not having something for it, and needing to either send for it and wait...or leave your sickbed to find a pharmacy to buy something.

R30 and her OTC meds take a quick week-ender.

Clothing-wise, yes. When travelling, I only take the meds I need with me. I have a days of the week detachable vitamin carrier. When travelling, I only take the days that I need. I guess I should pack a couple extra days' worth with me - just in case. My glasses, phone, charger, iPad, are in my carry on.

I've only had my luggage "lost" once. It went home without me after my flight was cancelled. Coincidently, it was the ONLY time I've ever checked a bag. Anyway, a coworker took me to a local Target so I could find something to sleep in and something to eat.

If I was in a destination with fashionable stores I could. I wouldn’t get clothes from a Walmart. I couldn’t travel in ratty clothes ready for charity shop donation either.

That's one reason you buy travel insurance. . . though read the fine print or at least, don't take it at face value.

If you're staying for an extended period, ship the majority of what you need... yes, things can be tied up in customs and still lost but in the long run, it's a lot less headaches.

Let's be real, if in a gay-friendly area.. many guys are generous. Failing that, there's likely more than a few resources you can utilize. Younger people might find solutions with local hostels. And there's probably a few places you can find day work or room/board in exchange.

Popular "tourist" destinations makes freeganism easy and if desperate, you could probably find something from the lost and found until you can arrange for a transfer.

"Homeless" services are variable when it comes to travelers, and language can be barrier for some.... there are a few stranded tourists, backpackers and expat organizations that might be able to help you find some resources.. and there's also the possibility that an embassy may be able to help in some capacity.

^ likewise, there might be a volunteer organization doing missionary or relief aid in the region, and sometimes they can offer assistance or again, point you to local resources, help with translation, etc.

R25 Actually one mentioned shoes, and the other mentioned a shirt the housekeeper didn't think he wanted to throw out - so I didn't think it was an undershirt.

I can definitely fit most clothes into a carry-on. In a pinch, I might be able to do a backpack—particularly if it’s a 2-3 day vacation trip

[quote][R25] Actually one mentioned shoes, and the other mentioned a shirt the housekeeper didn't think he wanted to throw out - so I didn't think it was an undershirt.

Yes, r24 / r36, they did mention shoes and "items ready for Goodwill". Both though, stressed underwear, socks, and undershirts, which is hardly the same as " wear[ing] your oldest, crummiest clothes on vacation".

[quote]When I stayed in the White Lotus in Sicily the airline lost my luggage, so my wife just bought me a new wardrobe at the gift shop. On an unrelated note, I showed my dick to my friend's wife on the same trip.

You were lucky. You should have seen what happened to my luggage at another White Lotus.

R38 Well that's because I was referring to everything they mentioned, not just what you cherry picked.

I have a rolling carry one that can fit under the seat. I can fit a week’s worth of clothes in it. Some of you pack too much.

Two weeks in Baltic States with small “fishing bag” of meds, shaving and dental stuff, plus two changes of “quick-dry underwear”, in addition clothes I was wearing. . Bought 2 tees in Estonia. Airline finally found luggage and offered to send it to Leningrad Airport; to avoid that potential mess, I opted to have it send back to Kansas. Found I could travel very comfortably with MUCH less. Great lesson.

I actually try to travel just with my carryon. I’m pretty modest in terms of fashion so it’s not usually a problem.

I don’t know if that’s cheating or not based on OP’s hypo.

The one time I was asked to gate check my carryon I made a big production of opening it up to remove my electronics, meds, toiletries and change of underwear and then asked the gate attendant for a plastic bag to put them in, holding up the boarding process for everyone. This was before you had to pay for a carryon and I was singled out while women with enormous purses and carryon bags were allowed to bring both on.

I usually have the important things with me in my carry on like my laptop, meds, extra clothes, dildo, toiletries. I always want to be prepared.

[quote][R38] Well that's because I was referring to everything they mentioned, not just what you cherry picked.

Ah, I see you want an argument, r40, rather than an answer. I am not "cherry pick[ing]". I am responding to your question "Why would you want to wear your oldest, crummiest clothes on vacation, though?"

and focusing on what r26 said in response to you as well. R19, r20 and myself all pack old socks, underwear/shirts. We may even pack a pair of old shoes or yea, verily, even an old non undershirt shirt. r20 only mentioned "undershirts [that] get ratty", by the way. If I am cherry picking, you are making things up (" the other mentioned a shirt the housekeeper didn't think he wanted to throw out - so I didn't think it was an undershirt."). You only *think* it wasn't an undershirt - but only r20 can say for sure. :)

In any case, these things barely take up a corner of my luggage, so it doesn't affect my sartorial splendor at all, much less am I wearing my "oldest, crummiest clothes on vacation". Just some old socks, and underwear/shirt, worn once and then discarded. I even sold a pair of old Converse sneakers in Leningrad once.

[quote]Let's be real, if in a gay-friendly area.. many guys are generous. Failing that, there's likely more than a few resources you can utilize. Younger people might find solutions with local hostels. And there's probably a few places you can find day work or room/board in exchange.

R34/R35: What question are you answering with your reply about travel insurance, freeganism, wrangling a free stay at youth hostals, and bartering for the generosity of gay men?

I thought the subject was what to do when separated from a suitcase, not when separated from your credit cards -- and a pre-lubed hole.

[quote]The one time I was asked to gate check my carryon...

Lucky you, R44. I've been on a great many flights where I had to gate-check a carry-on bag. I figure there's a good chance that it will happen and carry critical/valuable things in a small duffle or something that will fit easily under the seat.

And sometimes seeing the pre-boarding queues and everyone with all kinds of large carry-on bags bad multiple personal items and presents for all the family back home in their bail-handled shop bags, I just check my bag at the boarding desk. Baggage claim can be the pleasanter alternative to fisticuffs over overflowing overhead bin space.

When I travel I pack everything into my carry-on. All of my trips are casual and for pleasure. I cannot imagine dragging large suitcases around. No fun.

R49, you are so right.

Years ago, I was on a business trip to San Antonio. I dropped my car off at the airport, only to find out my flight was delayed by about 3 hours. Since this was after 9/11, there were no lockers at the airport. Someone suggested I take the tour of the Alamo. Unfortunately, I wound up dragging my wheelie case throughout the tour of Alamo. It was an overnight flight and, in hindsight, a soft sided carry-on would have been better.

I take shitty clothes on vacation. I’m not someone who parties at swanky clubs on vacation.

I see the tourists sites and sit on the beach

[quote] The one time I was asked to gate check my carryon I made a big production of opening it up to remove my electronics, meds, toiletries and change of underwear and then asked the gate attendant for a plastic bag to put them in, holding up the boarding process for everyone.

I wouldn't be proud of this.

r22 6'6" and 300lbs? If you are a top I will marry you.

r52 she graduated magna cum Karem

Another light packer, here. I had a regulation-sized carry-on that could fit in the overhead. Due to being asked to gate-check it, I downsized even further to an under-seat bag. I get cold on planes and wear my bulkiest clothing on the plane (saving space in my bag).

This has happened to me twice. Once I was in Ireland when I was a poor graduate student doing research in Dublin, and it took three days for my luggage to reach me. I wore the same clothes every day because I was too poor to buy new ones and I was miserable--they were stinky and felt clammy and terrible (especially the socks). Ten years later it happened in France, and I was by that point a college professor and could afford to buy new clothes. I bought a bunch of new ones in Tours (where I was attending a conference) the day they told me my suitcase was lost, and I had some nice new clothes to wear until the suitcase arrived (again three days later).

I think I might try this during my next vacation. Go to a place with minimal luggage. Spend a few hours buying new clothes. It could be fun

I was going to Singapore and Hong Kong for business and planned a 4-day stopover between the two in Phuket. I had one checked bag for the 2 week trip. My bag never arrived in Phuket. (It was located in HK the following week.) Finding clothes other than swimsuits and t-shirts for someone my size (6'-1") was impossible. Still, it was one of my favorite holidays.

[Quote]wear my bulkiest clothing on the plane (saving space in my bag).

[quote] The thing I get pissed off about is the people complaining because they need their medications. I take prescription meds every day. Several pills a day. And I NEVER pack them. They are always with me in my backpack or carry on. Always. And I usually bring a change of underwear and a clean top or sweater depending on when and where I'm traveling. Now this storm front was discussed for several days before it hit. So WTF didn't people take precautions?

Mary, you are truly the Goddess of Forethought.

I would congratulate you, but you've already congratulated yourself so extensively it would hardly matter.

I can't, and I WON'T.

[quote]normally I do but they asked to gate-check my bag due to space issues. The plane took off without my bag at all.

This is why I always get early boarding, whether it's by paying for it, having an airline credit card, having elite status, or by flying first class. I've never had to gate-check a bag, and it's a hell of a lot cheaper than buying a whole new fucking wardrobe at your destination.

Budget travel expert Rick Steves saves luggage space by washing his underwear in the bathroom sink in his hotel room each night. You can get by on a single pair for two weeks around Europe this way.

^^ No thanks.

R64 Ditto

Once when I took a plane back to college (which was in the East, several hundred miles away from my home) I had to transfer planes at Kennedy. My luggage (I later leared) went on to Hawaii, and then the Far East. This was a huge, worldwide airline that no longer exists. I only had the clothes on my back, I didn't really have anything in my dresser at college except a pair of Addidas shorts, and this was winter. I didn't have any extra money, but I scrounged up enough for another shirt, a couple of t shirts, briefs, and socks. I was able to live with a blue shirt, a white shirt, tan cargo pants that had paint stains, and white sneakers, for weeks before my luggage was finally located and sent back. This taught me you don't really need a lot of clothes.

[Quote] The thing I get pissed off about is the people complaining because they need their medications. I take prescription meds every day. Several pills a day. And I NEVER pack them. They are always with me in my backpack or carry on. Always. And I usually bring a change of underwear and a clean top or sweater depending on when and where I'm traveling. Now this storm front was discussed for several days before it hit. So WTF didn't people take precautions?

You sound fat. Have you thought of losing some weight?

R62 that is smart, especially if traveling for work and they pay for it.

My niece came to NYC from Europe for a work conference. They lost her luggage and told her it would be at least 24 hours. I took her to Saks and she bought two days worth of clothing, shoes, makeup etc. and charged it to her company.

[quote] I've never had to gate-check a bag

If you're getting on to a connecting flight (different plane), you don't have that much control over how early you want to board. I've missed connections in both Atlanta (Delta) and Dallas (American).