May 2018 - Notes on suitcases

Suitcases:  In the past, when we started traveling to Asia, we found a need for more space:  taking all the medicines and toiletries you might need for the trip and taking lots of toilet paper.  (Note on toilet paper:  you really need to carry your own in Asia.  But you can save a lot of space by getting TP marketed for camping/backpacking...they don't have the central core so they save a lot of space.)  Plus we now carried cell phones, upgraded to larger cameras and multiple lens, started bringing a laptop, external backup drives, and all the associated equipment, power blocks, and cords for these.  We also needed extra room to bring back presents - we actually bought a duffel bag on one trip.  

So, we now each bought a 25 inch suitcase to check and an 18 inch suitcase to carry on - and still they are full (nature abhors a vacuum syndrome).  And most of the electronics are carried in one backpack, since sometimes we have to check or gate-check the 18 inch suitcase.  

One goal is to get all the electronics into the carry-on suitcases, but still pack the backpack in case we need to transfer the electronics to it for carry-on.  So far, that has not happened.

Hints on luggage allowances:  Regional airlines in Asia are particularly stingy when it comes to carry on luggage allowances.  Before heading out you should check with your carriers to be sure that you will be able to take your carry on into the cabin.