Those neck/head rests are great for the long plane rides too!

I could not find 2 gallon ziploc bags anyplace. I've checked WalMart, Sam's Club and our grocer. I've looked on the net but all I find there are huge quantities. Any suggestions?

I couldn't find those 2-gallon bags here in Canada either. Not sure if they are even available in Canada. Does anybody knows?

Just checked the boxes I have and I got mine at Albertson's--which may not be a grocery chain where you live. I have also gotten them in the discount type stores: Big Lots or similar, or maybe even the Dollar Stores. They might also be available in stores that cater to people who can or freeze foods. They might be more available during certain seasons of the year. Sometimes, drug store chains like Rite-Aid, Walgreen, or similar, might have them in their misc. departments.

When (and if you find some), buy several boxes. They can usually be used on more than one trip, depending on how careful you are with them. I also have used the 1 gallon bags for smaller items like underwear and they work OK too. I also take a few extras in my case, just in case something happens to the ones I have--they don't take up much room!!!

Seems to me that a similar thread was on the BB last year and there were other suggestions about where these bags can be found. Maybe a search on "packing" might bring up some other suggestions.

Hope you can find some, as they really work.

HMH

Luggage specialty stores often carry the professional type space bags. They are much stronger than grocery store zip type bags and will take a lot of abuse and last for many trips. I have noticed that the cheaper ziplock types tend to give out after a few uses and refuse to stay airtight. I finally bought a real space bag and intend to use it on my next trip. I bought a medium size but it is quite large and will probably hold most of my stuff.

I bought boxes of Hefty brand 2 1/2 gallon bags at Target.

To add to my post above: I just found a box of Ziplock 2 gallon bags in one of my "well-organized" kitchen drawers. Will check out the 2 1/2 gallon ones at Target, next time I'm near one. Thanks for the suggestion. HMH

got my 2 gallon ziplocks at a local grocery store. Could not find them at Walmart....

Can someone PLEASE tell me what "windpants" are!!

Big hint- NEVER use that phrase in Australia or in front of any Aussies on your tour. You will get loads of giggles and funny looks.

At the moment, I'm thinking in terms of something that could be worn the "beans" sketch of the Blazing Saddles movie!
Cheers, Linda

Linda_T......windpants are made of very soft nylon and mine have elastic at the waist & ankles. They are very comfortable and very lightweight. will keep u warm for cold weather, especially if its a "windy" day. Very easy to roll & pack. Don't have to worry about wrinkles either. I have jackets that match my pants too. I usually wear a bodysuit (snaps in the crotch) with mine so the shirttail will stay tucked in. Anyway, hope this helps your ??? They look good with Reebocks or sandals.....

BillieB-- Good luck! After dragging around my 26", I was sure I could go lighter. I used a 22" and a small canvas bag for on the plane comfort items for the 11 day Real France, and it got a little dicey. Just don't forget that for the plane, if you carry-on you can only take 2 bags, and that includes your handbag. Also, TT only pays the hotel porters to carry one "bag" per person, so I had to find & carry the little one myself. I am sure I'll get better at it with practice. I did use the plastic baggies with the zippers, and it really does help when doing a quick partial unpack on those one-night stops. I agree with LeannaT - linens are the way to go, better than cotton. Natural, breathable fabrics, like silk, also pique/golf shirts, which I forgot this time. I fold, fitting small items in the odd spaces. Thanks for the iron names. Hotels used to lend them and my own was heavy. With the cottons and linens I need one. I found on this last trip that the hotels were only willing to provide paid pressing services.

Linda T
We call windpants and jackets - parachute pants and tops, but I guess you've figured that out by the earlier reply.

Cheers.

Valencian..thanks for your advice about 22 inch luggage. Using the baggies, and packing light..i think we'll be fine. The airlines told us that we could carry the 22 inch roll-on AND one personal item such as a purse, laptop, or small backpack (I'm putting a small purse inside the backpact with my toiletries/medicine). Hope we have no problems as I do not want to check in any luggage. We will be making connecting flights & am afraid of losing my luggage.

BillieB- Sounds like you'll be fine. Glad to help. As on any trip, I found that I can streamline things even more, less socks and layers. The challenge of the 22" is finding things in a tightly packed bag, thus the baggies. Purchases, too. I only bought a scarf, some perfume and a tablecloth, so I was ok. As for old clothes and underwear, I go with the old proviso, when you are wearing nice things you feel good. I want my garments to be familiar and comfortable, and I can't see how lightening the load with underwear can make that much difference, just pack 3-4, not a dozen. As soon as I get into the room on the 2-night stays I take 5 minutes to rinse and hang my socks etc. I also pack a few wire hangers in the outer pocket of my suitcase, since most hotels have these special hangers that you can't remove.

I found some nice, large zip-loc bags in the camping section at Wal-Mart. 6 in a package, I think. Much cheaper than the bags at luggage stores.