Packing Challenge

For years, Jim and I have been traveling with just two carry-ons each.  My set is red; Jim's is black.  The larger cases have wheels with telescoping handles.  The smaller cases have back straps for stacking.  We simply slip the smaller cases's back straps over the larger cases's telescoping handles and off we go.

Even for winter trips, we've managed to pack all we need in our carry-ons.  And by streamlining our luggage, we've eliminated a lot of travel stress.  We've only had two small bags each to keep track of, and to haul in and out of shuttles and planes as well as through terminals.  We've also never had to worry about checked bags getting lost or damaged.  But, best of all, we haven't wasted time waiting in baggage claim.

For our upcoming trip to Ireland, however, we won't be able to use our well honed system.  Aer Lingus only allows one carry-on, plus a smaller item such as a coat or "small" purse, per person.  I'm a good packer, but I'm no Rick Steves.  So we'll be checking a bag this trip.

My biggest problem is fitting a change of clothes in each of our carry-ons in case the checked bag gets lost.  Since it's an oversea's trip, our carry-ons will already be stuffed with noise-reduction headphones, travel blankets, and neck pillows. Yep, I'm definitely facing a packing challenge.