I’m not a light-packer. I never have been, and I have accepted that I never will be. I don’t just like options. I need options. Vacations are meant to be enjoyed to the fullest extent, and nothing brings me more joy than heading out for a new day in a city that’s not my own with an outfit I’ve styled from head to toe.
While most people deem it unnecessary to bring more than 1 or 2 bags for a one-week holiday, that’s not how I roll. During the last few international trips I took, I packed an array of bags to suit all of my needs and outfits.
When I traveled to Paris last fall, 5 bags came with me: Celine Small 16, Bottega Veneta Cassette, Bottega Veneta Mini Jodie, Prada Cleo and JW Anderson Bumper Bag. The Celine 16 was my airport bag due to the size, which I tucked into a larger tote to go under my seat, and the rest were packed in my carry on.
Perfect Packers
While my bags all arrived without issue, on the way home, one bag did not fair so well. My Prada Cleo was crushed when I pulled it out of my suitcase at home. I too, was initially crushed as it’s one of my favorite bags to carry.
Fortunately I was able to re-stuff the bag and push the Spazzolato leather back out, though if you look closely you can see some puckering on the bottom of the bag at its seam.
While I found the soft construction of the Bottegas and the JW Anderson to hold up well when packed, I likely won’t travel with my Cleo packed in a suitcase again.
As I prepare for a ten-day trip to Paris this Spring, I’ll likely bring 5 or more bags again, and this last hiccup really has me wondering; what’s the best way to pack your bags for a lengthy trip?
How do you ensure your bags hold up when traveling with them? Are there any tips and tricks I should note?
just fyi, do not pack expensive items in your checked luggage, as liability limitations apply to lost luggage. they are usually at around 1.300Eur.
My carryon includes the 2-3 bags I bring. I will never ever pack my purses. I use small to mini bags during travel and my Polene numero Dix. I don’t trust the airline employees.
If I travel with multiple bags, size or delicateness dictates which one is carried on with me (always inside another tote) and which one(s) are packed in a suitcase. The ones that go into a suitcase are stuffed with paper (or soft, small clothing items that were going on the trip anyway) and inserted into their respective dustbags before being packed. I also try to situate them along the interior of the hard walls of the suitcase for additional protection. I make sure all toiletries are in sealed bags to avoid leaks, and shoes are in shoe bags so the bottoms are not touching my clothes or bags. On one occasion, I purchased multiple bags on a trip and because of their size I was able to nest them one inside the other before going inside the suitcase.
I too would never put a luxury bag into checked luggage. I use my speedy 35 typically as my personal item on the flight, and then have an LV toiletry case I can use as a clutch inside. Then I also usually have room for another small bag. Depending on the destination and the season I will change it, but usually it is a bag that can serve as a wallet while in the speedy (pochette Felicie, ysl envelope, etc). I also throw in a casual canvas tote as well and then I have a variety of options for my stuff
I agree it’s prudent not to pack luxury items including expensive jewelry, etc. I read a story, a few years ago, when a woman packed 2 Birkin’s, but they were stolen by Security who tried to sell them on eBay. She was diligent & reported the individuals who were prosecuted.
I just returned from a trip with friends who were shocked when i told them I never include my luxury handbags in checked luggage. The bags always come with me as a carry on- if I can’t carry with me, I don’t bring. No way I trust the airlines with multiple thousands of dollars worth of handbags.
I basically travel with three bags: the main everyday bag, one for evenings, and a small, cross body bag that functions as my “breakfast bag” — contains my phone, a credit card holder, hotel room key, and some kleenex. Just big enough for those essentials and it doesn’t get in my way while hitting the hotel breakfast buffet.
We usually travel by train, but for flights, my bags go in my carryon roller. The bags are stuffed with socks, underwear, etc, so they’re not “wasting” space in the bag. I would never put my bags in checked luggage.