Patsy_KB

My husband and I are finally visiting Europe for the first time. We start with an AMA Waterways cruise on the Danube, from Budapest to Prague (15 days including a few days in Budapest and 4 nights i Prague). Then we will be in Lyon (4 nights), followed by a 3 nights in Paris. We'll be there May 18 - June 7.

We want to be prepared but not overpacked; and we want to dress appropriately, but not over or under dressed. The weather for the various areas we'll be visiting could be in the 60s and cool all the way up to sunny and high 70s or even low 80s (Lyon - my niece lives there).

I have a Travelsmith stylish black raincoat that packs into a little pouch; and have access to a reversible tan/black medium weight Travelsmith coat which I can borrow - do I need both? I'm thinking of staying with black/gray/a little white/and either green or blue for a little color for my clothing...but don't know how dressy (or not) to go.

Shoes - I have ballet flats (black) which are very comfortable for walking (Clarks UN Structures) and some Clarks Wave Wheel walking shoes (black)...should I also bring sandals or slides? The walking shoes aren't pretty, but they're also not totally clunky.

Obviously, I need as much help as possible - this being our first time. I'd ask for advice for my husband, but he'll do as he wants - I stay out of his packing! I'm asking only for myself.

Jeans? (black) or not. Chico's travelers or J Jill wearever? Or not? Capris? or not?

Any wisdom would be greatly appreciated

Christina

Wear whatever you think appropriate for that weather. As long as you know the weather and temps, you can choose what you like and would normally wear. There isn't anytning special about Europe that you should dress differently there than you think appropriate anywhere else.

Whether dress is appropriate or not depends on what you intend to do. What is appropriate for visiting tourist sites during the day would not be appropriate for a 3* Michelein rstaurant, for example.

As for shoes, I can't imagine traveling that long with only a pair of ballet flats and walking shoes. But I don't consider any ballet flat good for walking.

nytraveler

Very much doubt you wil need a warmer coat.

For shoes sitck with 3 pair - 2 comfy walking shoes (as in 10 mile a day - not 1) with ballet flats of low wedges for going out in the evening (cobblestones and uneven pavements are hell on high heels - I do them only for special events when I will be cabbing door to dooor).

I don't like jeans in potentially warmer weather -they're too hot - stick to cotton, cotton knit, linen or silk for evenings. Capris, pants and skirtsa re fine. Shorts are for tennis or biking or hiking - not cities (IMHO - although obviously many people wear whatever they choose - often I think without using a mirror).

Agree that in europe I wear the same clothes I do at home - but some people spendmost of their life dressed for cleaningout the garage - and for them - packing/dressing for europe may be aproblem. )Not referring to the OP who seems to have it together.)

Dayle

Patsy,

Regarding the shoes. I would not take ballet flats. Not enough sole, traction, cushion. You will be walking many miles a day on mostly hard, uneven surfaces.

I have taken Munro (boots) , Clarks (walking shoes), Mephisto (sandals) on trips before and all have worked very well. All my Europe shoes have a thick, cushiony, rubber sole!

If you plan well, one pair of shoes (wear on plane), pack one pair and one pair sandals. You shouldn't need more than the rain coat, if you also take a warm layer like a sweater that goes with everything.

Even if you think they are completely broken in - you will still get hot spots and blisters. Take moleskin (Dr. Scholl's product) and some tiny scissors to cut it. You can cut it to suit the area where it's needed - IT STAYS PUT - and chsions blisters. Bandaids will wrinkle up and fall off and are useless on feet.

kismetchimera

I doubt that the weather would be warm during that period, not in these countries.Even Paris can be very cold the first week of June..We never know and is hard to tell or to predict the weather anymore.
Dress in layers and wear comfortable shoes.

LisaG

Patsy,

I'm in Europe now for 5 weeks of traveling. My husband and I have been doing this for several years (our gift to ourselves) and here's what I've found and recommend after making mistakes:

-- Chico's travelers are great. You can wear pretty much the same thing, and wash everything out at night and they're definitely dry by the AM.
-- I stick to one color for clothes, and get other colors with scarves.
-- I buy 2 or 3 pairs of very comfortable walking shoes at Payless before I leave and break them in. I usually don't spend more than $20 a pair. 2 pair of sneakers or walking shoes, and 1 pair of flats. I try them on with the socks I'll be wearing with them, and an extra cushioned insole. Because I consider these fairly inexpensive purchases, I don't freak out if it's pouring rain or ice cream drops on a shoe! I've even thrown a pair away on the way home when they got trashed. You can't believe how tired your feet will get after 8 hours on cobblestone.
-- Moleskin is a must. I've never actually had to use it, but I wouldn't leave without it.
-- I don't think I'd bring 2 coats. More useful would be a down vest that squishes into nothing if you think you'll be cold.
-- One of my big discoveries is Travel Folders (not travel cubes). Travel Folders are made by Eagle River. You can look them up to see what they look like. I am currently traveling with 4--3 18" and 1 15". My entire wardrobe is in them. Tops in one, pants in one, jackets in 1, scarves in 1. All underwear in a ziplock. Toiletries in toiletry bag. Shoes in plastic bags. Nothing loose in my suitcase, and I'm unpacked in 30 seconds while my husband is still figuring out where to put his stuff. I keep everything in their folders and use them essentially as traveling drawers. The reason they are better than the cubes is that the velcro flaps help to squish everything together. Cubes don't do that.

So...that may be more than you asked for, but I've got time while my husband is napping after our day out in Urbino!

Happy Travels,

LisaG

Patsy_KB

Thank you, all - you're all of great help. It's going to be a weeding, editing, clarifying, simplifying project getting ready for this nearly 3 week trip.

Just to be clear, though, so you don't all think I'm crazy, my flats aren't the typical no-support ballet flats - they're the Clark's Un.Beam - http://www.zappos.com/clarks-un-beam-black-leather - I have wide feet, so need to shoe shop carefully. These have great cushioning & soles, good arch support, and are wide enough to accommodate my foot width.

I'm open to any or all wisdom from anyone else - I view this as my FIRST trip to Europe. My husband thinks this is his first and only...we'll see about that.

tomboy

The well dressed woman in Prague is frequently seen to be wearing lederhosen with matching dirndls. April fool.

starrs

Be sure to take a least two pairs of shoes. I splurged and bought Mephistos with cork soles and wore them almost every day - and then every day after I got home. I would definitely make your second pair sandals.

It was COLD in Paris in May when we went. We wore hat, gloves and coats. I wore black jeans most of the times and layered with different tops. Thin cashmere sweaters were my favorite choice in Paris when it was cold.

When moved to Provence it was much warmer and I wore summer clothes. Still the black jeans with summer tops (mostly light cotton tunics) and even crop pants <gasp>. I used large ziploc bags to divide up the clothes in the suitcase. I unpacked the ziploc for the current weather/temps, wore them, and the put them back in the suitcase in ziplocs when the weather was warmer.

Enjoy your trip! It sounds like a great one

kismetchimera

Great shoes Patsy..I also have a foot problem and the only shoes that I can wear must have a good sole support.Did you wear them for long walks to see how they feel?

I am also looking for a new pair of casual but comfortable shoes for my next trip to Europe this September.

I am going to Rome,Verona,Venice, Dubrovnik and Paris this September and these shoes would look great with my capris..

Usually I wear SAS shoes and sandals.

Barblab

I think your Clarks will be fine. I have a similar pair that are great walking shoes and fine for going out in the evening too. Whatever shoes you decide on be sure to "test drive" for several miles first. Mole skin is a great suggestion, my husband uses it everytime even with well worn shoes.

I always bring jeans, in a dark wash and or black. I also like bringing a skirt, which I wear with tights. I find this more comfortable than pants, especially if it warms up, and can also be a dressier look for evening. I like bringing a couple scares too, which if you end up wearing the coat everyday will give you a different look.

I also do not travel with my jewelry. I dont wear a lot anyway but when I travel I wear a simple wedding band and leave the rest home. As for a purse I have one that has a strap that goes accross my body, has zippered closures and an outside pocket for a map and or guide book. It also has another zippered pocket on the inside where I keep money and my passport.

Have a great trip!

cathies

Those shoes look fine. I also leave most of my jewelery at home and just take some costume pieces that I wouldn't be distraught about losing. Plus my watch and wedding band.

I also pack yoga pants which a lovely for when you get back to your hotel after walking for hours and hours and hours and you want to shower and change into something comfortable for a while before heading out to dinner.

I hate wearing jeans in the hot weather, but that's just my opinion. A light weight pant is much nicer to wear.

You sound as though you are on the right track though.

marcy_

Hi Patsy,
Your trip sounds like it's going to be wonderful! And it sounds like you're on the right track as far as clothes and shoes.

The packable raincoat sounds fine. I definitely wouldn't take two coats. You can wear a sweater underneath if it's really chilly.

Your shoes sound perfect. I often take one nice pair of heels for going out to dinner. If we're walking to dinner I wear my ballet flats, carry my heels in my large purse and change before we get to the restaurant. Frivolous, I know, but I do like to wear shoes with a little more va-va-voom in the evening!

I usually pack a nice-looking pair of jeans for daytime, black or dark wash blue are good. Since the weather could be either cool or warm, layers are your friend. I would take a lightweight linen jacket and a couple of spring cardigans that you can layer over summery tops.

For our most recent trip I bought the J Jill Wearever black tank dress, and could have worn it almost every day! During the day I wore it with a cute little jacket or cardigan, then in the evening it was great with a nice pashmina and a pretty necklace. It is the most versatile piece ever! I bought a second one as soon as I got home from our trip. It runs really big, though, so size down, otherwise it fits like a tent.

For the inevitable sore spot or blister from all the walking I like gel blister bandaids- they're a lifesaver! I haven't tried moleskin, but I suppose it would work, too.

I like a cross-body purse for travel, so I can have my hands free for walking, and I guess my shoulders must slope, because shoulder bags always seem to slip off when I walk briskly.

As far as jewelry, I wear my everyday pieces that I wear at home (including diamond wedding ring), but I don't bring a lot of extra pieces that I'd have to leave in the safe in the hotel.

The most important advice I can give is to NOT overpack! It's so much easier moving from place to place if you don't have too much luggage. You really can wear the same basics over and over again if you have a few accessories to change the look.

Have a wonderful trip!

Patsy_KB

What great help - I love the idea of the JJill wearever black tank dress; since I wear JJill anyway, I'll try it on next time I'm in the store.

As long as I'm sharing shoe info, here are my walking shoes - lace up, black, incredibly comfortable (also still returnable if I find something else):
http://www.zappos.com/clarks-wave-wheel-black-nubuck

I agree about jewelry, and in fact, may even leave my diamond ring at home - it's sizeable and a family heirloom. Just don't want to risk it. Aside from that ring, I tend to wear inconspicuous, simple, not-expensive jewelry, so that's easy.

Just received my travel handbag - the PacSafe CitySafe 200 - in black; it looks like it will be the only handbag I need on the trip - big enough, but not huge; and a bonus is that it's big enough for my iPad, should I decide to bring that along.

Dayle

Patsy,

I also have wide feet (C or D) and an extremely high instep. I've enjoyed Clarks, LOVE Munro and Mephisto. I've just trashed my second pair of Mephisto sandals. Both pair have lasted 3 years, both including a Europe trip. Once you wear them, you won't wear anything else after your trip.

I just came back from Chico's (bag in hand) and they have got a GREAT spring/summer line. Lots of new looks for their Traveler's wear too. Check it out.

denisea

I agree with posters who warn against ballet flats....not enough arch support for all the walking!

I highly recommend a cashmere wrap! I use it on the plane as a blanket/pillow and they are great to take along in your bag and use as scarf when needed. Also great to wrap up in when you have removed your coat while dining and feel chilly.

There is a great thread on travel clothes, shoes & more from a few months ago. Search for threads by mariacallas2.

CarolJean

So Susan is this an ad?

Patsy_KB

Thanks, all - I think we're under control now and have everything we need for our trip.

By the way, although I understand the caution about ballet flats, mine are very sensible, well-cushioned, supportive Clark's and I'm finding them very walkable here in my home town. And they look nice, so they, along with my Clark's Privo Waves and maybe a pair of sandals will be my 3 pairs of shoes.

Patsy_KB

One last question - although I was intrigued by the JJill tank dress mentioned by Marcy, I realized that in my "real life" I never wear dresses or skirts.

This makes me wonder: am I at a disadvantage not taking a dress or skirt? I figure it's best to be me; to dress comfortable (i.e. slacks, capris), rather than changing wardrobe just for this trip. I'll be okay with slacks, right? I have nice Chicos Travelers for the very few nicer evenings; the rest of the time is casual.

scatcat

I never take a dress. Even if you go to a high end restaurant, nice black pants and blouse will be just fine.