Ladies!! Chronic overpacker needs some help.

Bring 3 pairs of shoes total, including the shoes you will be wearing as you travel.

Bring 4 pairs of slacks total, including the ones you will be wearing as you travel.

Don't worry about the undies--they are small and lightweight. it is the shoes and slacks that take up space and weight.

2 pairs of slacks
1 pair of capris
1 day dress
1 sweater
3 pairs of shoes

That would be a male's list (packing for a lady, not for himself).

5 pairs of slacks is 3 too many - 5 means you change them almost every day - 2 pair of dark coloured slacks - black is best, 1 pair of capris and 2 pair of shoes should be enough. So only one pair of shoes in your luggage with underwear stuffed in them to save a bit of space.

Are the blouses all white? Can't you wear the same top twice a day or so apart?

Too many pairs of slacks and too many shoes.
I only take two pairs of shoes with me and one pair is on my feet but sometimes I purchase a pair on vacation .
In winter I have one pair of boots in addition to the shoes.

3 pairs of slacks is generous for a week away with the rest of your packing list (plus whatever you wear on the plane).

Not sure how many blouses you're taking but I take a maximum of one per day so 8 (-1 because you're taking a dress and minus another 1 if one of those days is your arrival day).

Between the slacks and capris you've got 7 pairs of pants for 7 days - 3 X too many.

2 pairs of slacks
1 pair capris
5 tops (3 short-sleeved, 2 long)
1 dress
2 pairs of slacks
1 sweater
1 light jacket
2 pairs shoes

This includes what you wear on the plane.

Personally, I'd substitute a skirt for one of the slacks, but I love to wear skirts.

Ooops, didn't mean to repeat 2 pairs of slacks.

echaton's list is correct. I don't think you need more than 5 blouses. If you need to wash anything there are laundromats everywhere. Also, don't pack extra shampoo, toothpaste, a whole bottle of aspirin, etc, etc. If you run out you can buy it there. I pack for 3 weeks in a 20 inch, but I wash at the end of each week. I also only pack 2 pair of shoes and the ones on my feet.

3 pairs of pants (or 2 pants/1 capri), 2 pairs of shoes (including the ones you wear on the plane). I think StCirq's list looks spot on. Carry-on travel is not the time to be a fashionista. I know it's tough - you're going to be in Paris and you want to look fabulous! You just have to be savvy about it.

The shoes are probably the heaviest/bulkiest items you are packing, and 4 is way too many. You should have one pair of very comfortable walking shoes that you are comfortable wearing all day every day and one dressier pair to wear out at night.

(I lived in France for 4 months in college and only brought what I could wear on my back, so I could backpack across Europe at the end of my stay. That meant 2 pairs of shoes. For 4 months!!)

My mother (77) and I (47) have been traveling to Europe for well over 30 years. I share our ages because I do think that changes your needs/preferences (pants/capris/skirts). My mom recently went for two months with less than you're suggesting and looked classy (and clean). Packing light allows us to fit in the empty duffle bag to fill with all our purchases on the way home! In June we are off to three weeks in Paris and Provence.

I'm with Morninglory47...Two pairs of shoes MAX. Comfy for all day walking and a nicer pair to dress up day or night. Rewear the shirts(the Tide sticks/Shout wipes save the spills)or layer with one light weight go-with-everything jacket/sweater (I have a flax color linen "jean" jacket that I always take). The key is coordinating everything you take to make a new outfit every couple days with the same pieces. I also throw in a lightweight silk scarf to dress up a basic solid tee shirt at night. I am a skort lover! They go day and night. My mom tends towards capris and one nice pair of black pants to dress up, maybe a skirt. Oh, and this may be too much info...I pack the underwear that should probably be thrown out and throw it away after I wear it. I'm sure I've given a housekeeper or two a good laugh but it opens some luggage space!

Good luck, Eliza61, you'll do great and will have a wonderful time, too! And if you think you underpacked...you can always buy a special piece or two in Paris!! Oh, and a few simple, inexpensive pieces of jewelery to change a look at night will make you feel a bit more dressy. You'll be tired of your clothes but other than your travel companion, no one else even knows or cares!

One last question, ok if I get rid of some slacks, do you guys change for dinner. We have 3 nights at 3 different restaurants including one at the Eiffel Tower. I just can't imagine rolling into Jules Vernes in a pair of capris.

I will be the lone dissenter about having at least 3 pairs of shoes. Depending on how much walking you plan to do, you might need those shoes. I am notorious for getting blisters no matter how broken in/comfortable my shoes are. I took 3 pairs last month for 8 days in Spain: 1 pair on my feet on the plane, 2 in my bag. I rotated them everyday after miles of walking.

I agree that you have too many slacks and blouses though. We rarely changed for dinner, but if you are dining somewhere more upscale, I would bring a lightweight dress to wear.

I would reduce the shoes and pants. Do you really need clean pants every day ? Hang them up at night and a little fresh air and they are fine. Same goes for a shirt... the first day wearing is only breaking it in, so it fits better the second day! Unless I'm totally wedded to shoes, I have a hard time with more than 2 pair.

Ditch some shoes! Wear one pair and pack one or maybe two more at the most. Wear your sweater on the plane.

As a general rule, plan on wearing each pair of pants twice and adjust the pairs you take accordingly. You said that you have various blouses for each... what does that mean? Did you pack two or three blouse options for each pair of pants? You don't need very many. Plan one for each day and take things that can be layered and mixed and matched. Don't think of outfits so much as think of coordinating pieces that can be mixed at will.

What else do you have packed? Use trial size bottles (I pour stuff into 3oz bottles from Walmart) for shampoo, conditioner and lotions. Do you have a hair dryer packed? If yes, do you need to bring one or is there one where you're staying?

Look at everything you have packed, not just clothes, and decide if you need that item or if something else you have can do double duty. Can you easily put anything into a smaller container so you take 3 oz instead of an 8 oz bottle?

For your follow up question about dressing for dinner, one of your pairs of slacks can be dressy. For example, take a pair of black dressy sandals, black slacks and then vary the top by adding a different color scarf or different jewelry. Take one or two dressy tops that can be matched with those dress slacks. I often take a pair of black slacks, a white t shirt that I can wear during the day and then dress it up with a scarf or my cardigan sweater. Instead of slacks you could wear a dress. A simple dress can be turned into three different outfits by wearing different jewelry or adding a belt or scarf.

I feel your pain times 6.
I need to pack for 8 weeks and I only have a backpack for it.
The upside is that my daughter is also bringing a backpack so I will give her the light blouses and dresses to carry and I will carry shoes, pants, jackets.

I can't compromise too much on shoes because I need my running shoes, hiking boots for Italy and Switzerland and 2 pair of sandals, with and without heels. I'm debating on a number of pants and blouses. Right now I have 4 slacks, brown, white, black, jeans, brown capris. Dresses that I can wear with leggings at night and a couple of skirts.

I still have 2 weeks so everything I think of taking is on a chair in the room, pile that will go down as I start to sort out stuff before I pack.... I also pack on those vacuum bags to minimize space.

I recently returned from a 21 day trip in Europe, and I packed:
2 pairs of slacks (one casual, one dressy)
1 skirt (skirt/shorts combo)
2 pairs of shoes (you need at least two pairs, one for walking and one for dressier occasions)
4 tops
jammies

I sent my stuff out for cleaning when needed, I'd rather do that then haul all that stuff around with me!

As a male...I would never bring one pair of pants for every (or almost every) day. Underwear fine, but since pants are the heaviest, for one week I would bring 2-3 pairs of pants. Unless you are climbing around ruins everyday, the pants will not get dirty
I would assume also some washing of clothes while there (sink/tub)

Wear your dress when you roll into Jules Verne.

And don't underestimate the power of nice accessories. They can totally transform an outfit, and aren't heavy and don't take up space.

Just as an extra note for packing light, you often don't need to wash the full pair of pants in the sink and can just rinse out the waistband. If I get really hot I might rinse just the waistband and very top of a pair of pants in the hotel sink that night. They can dry overnight and the next day and they feel/smell fine the second day.

It's a happy medium between wearing a new pair of pants each day and having a very heavy bag, doing laundry constantly and feeling a bit grungy.

I sometimes do change for dinner, especially with as much walking as I do on vacation. I save a nice outfit such as the dress or dress pants with a nice top/jacket and repeatedly wear them in the evening only.

Iowa_Redhead: Great tip!

You must be brutal!!! I overpacked last summer to Paris and then shopped! My solution was to leave behind items that I had brought. Next time:
3 dresses
(the light weight polyblend kind you can roll up and spritz with febreze at night on a hanger in the room -2 black and white prints and 1 black)
2 black pants(plane)-
1 khaki pant/capri
3 shoes (2 darling black walking flats-switch off each day-and 1 sandal)
1 black cardingan sweater(plane)
1 black trench/raincoat(plane)
1 black and white print top(plane)
1 black top
1 white top
1 set of silky jammies(lightweight and take up no space)
2 pairs of socks(use as slippers & wear on plane/trains)
2 darling scarves (that accent black and white theme)
3 pair of earrings (2 day/1 night)

Skip jeans too heavy and they strech out.
Skip big clunky walking shoes (get cute streamlined flats with support and good soles)
Skip heels

Pick a color theme and buy lightweight wrinkle resistant fabrics (poly blends)
This is Paris...you could go naked and buy what you need!!

I pack only black slacks (and, sometimes a black skirt or dress). And, they dry overnight when washed in the sink. (I pack a plastic hanger with skirt clips.)

If I change for dinner, I wear that the following day.

I love black knit slacks for the plane.

I always take my raincoat (with hood, and the pockets are handy) to Paris.

When checking the forecast, pay attention to predicted low temps, as well as high. You may need warmer outerwear...

25" is not a carry on bag. So long as it's not overweight, and you're not traveling by public transportation from/to the airport, fill it up!

Wow, Tina: You've really been thinking this through!

My own packing style is somewhere between StCirq's and Tina's. I have bad feet w/high arches, so I need to alternate walking shoes. Fortunately, I have very small feet and so my slim, flexible "sport Janes" take up very little space. I have no idea how Parisians run around their city in heels.

Also, I like the black & white combo theme Tina and others utilize, but I am a Celtic-colored brunette w/strange gold eyes and look much better in dark brown & earth tones. I thus alternate black with dark brown and use cream or beige shirts & accessories that match them both.

I like the rule of thumb about packing 3-4 bottoms & tops to mix & match, then do laundry every 6-7 days.

djkbooks: Do you take your raincoat (lightweight trenchcoat, I assume) to Paris even in the summer months?

sap- I thought it through so much this morning that now I think I must go to Paris THIS weekend. Afterall, I have the whole trip packed in my mind. It's funny you said the "color" comment...it works with any 2 basic colors and accessories. We are brilliant. Want to go to Paris this weekend? I can be ready in a flash!
Plus: I do take the raincoat in summer:mine can double as a smart eveningish looking overcoat and is lightweight and stylish.
Ooooh come on let's go!!


Tina

Ha, Tina! What & give up trimming my lavender & taking my kid to his game? Oh, I dream of the day I can just take off like that! If I said, "Bye, honey, I've decided to drive up to SFO and leave for Paris," DH would think I'd gone totally mid-life.

Some very good tips on the above posts.

After our luggage was lost and we had 3 wks. in France with just a carryon, I got used to it and now that's all we take. It was nice to look in the closet and not have so much to choose from. Most of the time you wear your favorites first and bring home clothes that you never wore.

I agree about accessories, they work wonders for changing up an outfit and don't take up much space.I also like to change for dinner and have found that black slacks work wonders. Those and a simple dress should do it.

Now I like to wear jeans because they are so versitile and look good in any country. I found a pair of darker wash, thinner material jeans they called city jeans that I wear on the plain with a cute top and a black jacket(a cute one that I had from a suit that will go day or night). I also carry a black, non-wrinkle 3/4 type thin coat on the plain, but then we do go in Sept. and it might get cool. In 7 trips, I wore the coat 2 times----I may leave it home next time.

I also take 3 pairs of shoes-- 1 day pair I wear on the plane then pack another day pair and 1 night pair. Since you do so much walking in Paris make sure you look at comfort first.

Also remember that you will see different people every day and night at different places so nobody will remember what you wore last night.

Have a great trip, we'll be waiting for your trip report.

We leave in the morning for 4 weeks in Provence and Dordogne. When we were young, inexperienced travelers we carried 5 bags ... yes that's right ... 5 bags! ... on our first trip to Europe 35 years ago. We're now a little more sensible, at least about how much we pack, and are now one bag travelers whether we go for one week or 8. I've just finished packing:

2 pairs of pants (1 tan and 1 black both of which convert to capris)
1 pair of black dress pants
3 pairs of shoes ( walking, sandals and dressier black shoes ... can't compromise because of foot problems.)
6 tops (4 short sleeve and 2 3/4 length)
2 scarves, a necklace and a pair of earrings to change the look of an evening outfit
1 light weight flax colour jacket
3 sets of underclothing
silk jammies

This includes what I wear on the plane and a vacuum pack of 1 change of clothes (not shoes) and carry it in my purse along with travel size toiletries, meds, a book, travel journal, phone and camera ... all small and light weight. If I need anything else there's always a Superstore nearby. There'll be a hair dryer, and a washer/dryer in each of the gites. It's always a challenge for me to pack a carryon and I change my mind a zillion times but still somehow manage. And it's great bypassing the luggage pickup area and never have to worry about an aching back later.

Have a great trip! Paris in springtime is wonderful!

I'd like to chime in and vote for only two pairs of shoes total. The really good blister bandaids take up WAY less space than another pair of shoes, and work perfectly. They used to be sold under the Compeed brand, but I think Bandaid bought them. You can get a variety of shapes/size at Target or any drug store, finding them in with the rest of the Bandaid stuff.

Also, here here for accessories! I can take fake pearls and a jazzy super thin silk scarf and go from day to night in the street on my way in to a nice restaurant. Abracadabra!

Finally, don't underestimate the weight/space requirements of non-travel PJs. Ultra thin silk jammies are a must if you're trying to pare down space/weight.

25 inches? I could survive on a desert island for a year with a 25 inch bag. Less is more isn't just a cute saying - it's true for travel. I've been traveling light for at least 20 years and no matter how light I travel there is still always something in my bag that I don't wear.

You can do this!

<<djkbooks: Do you take your raincoat (lightweight trenchcoat, I assume) to Paris even in the summer months?>>

I've only visited Paris in June, May, and September. One June, a week of temps in the high 90's was followed by very chilly weather. I love LLBean's H2Off.

How do pants convert to capris?

Eliza 61- maybe you should just get a bigger bag! Actually, you've gotten a lot of good tips just be sure to save room for your purchases. I don't have any tips to add, just a story.
Your comment about Cleopatra's barge made me laugh. We have an older family friend who has traveled everywhere with tons of luggage. She has been known to take a weekend trip to Las Vegas with 5 pieces of luggage. Of course, she always looks fabulous and is now in her 80's. She reminds me of the wife on the show "Green Acres"!
Last year she went to New York for a week and her husband warned her that she could only check one bag due to increased baggage fees. Punch line of story- she mailed her suitcases there and mailed them home.

St.Cirq I had them tailor made from a lovely pattern (in HoiAn Vietnam) ... beautiful work and at a very reasonable price I might add!

I like taking 2 pants and two skirts with six tops of varing length sleeves to mix and match. Skirts are cool when its hot, pop a pair of tights on if it's cool, dress up or down as needed. Also take two scarfs for further outfit options.

Packing light is liberating.

Sounds really interesting, NLSPirit. I'm having trouble imagining them, but still sounds cool.

Hi, I did this trip just last year, but in July not June. I took, 3 pairs long pants ( really only wore two of them). 2 pairs capri's- walking shorts. One sweater, one raincoat - you will probably need this. Two long sleeved shirts, one a Nike dry fit w/zippered collar to wear over the other one when cold. I brought only 3 pairs shoes, one walking shoe ( Puma), one pair walking sandals, and one pair dressier flat sandals for evening. I wore the pumas on the plane so I only had two pair of sandals in my bag. Assorted T-shirts, 2 short sleeve and two tanks. Two dresses, one for day, and one for evening. I was fine everywhere, and had room in my suitcase for my purchases.

StCirq, I wonder if they're simply zipoff pants. I've seen these tons of times (mainly for men) where the pants zip off into shorts.

http://www.google.com/search?sourceid=navclient&ie=UTF-8&rlz=1T4ACGW_enUS318US318&q=zip+off+pants



eliza, one trick is to get everything to fit into a carryon size bag and then actually take and check the 25" bag. That way the bag isn't full so you have space and weight allowance for purchases. It's much easier to limit yourself when there's simply no more space in the bag. If I have space in my bag I'm likely to throw in another shirt or something.

My apologies StCirq ... I should have explained. Iowa_Redhead is right. They are similar to zip offs which convert to shorts except these convert to capris and don't have a zipper. Many adventure travel pants are designed for outdoor experiences and are made of an ultra light material which washes and dries overnight. They also have several pockets. Mine are an ultra light, similarly soft material and roll nicely from the bottom into a cuff. They also have a little tone on tone design around the cuff itself which helps you know where to fold it. Hope this helps.

Eliza, you can do it. Each year we go to Paris, we take less and less. My recommendation is not to skimp on the shoes, however. Paris is all about walking and that's all about the feet - they're either comfortable OR hurting. I vote for comfortable, so best to be mindful to take a few comfortable pairs. If the weather is warm, even the most comfortable shoes can cause problems....and you'll be happy you had another pair to change off with rather than moleskin. There's been some good advice already: one nice suit/dress for evening can get you through a full week with different tops & scarves. The top you wear to dinner (perhaps after a quick shower) can easily be worn tomorrow with jeans or capris during the day. Whatever you do, pick one color scheme (black/brown/khaki/navy) and try to have all your clothes mix and match. Bon voyage. EJ

I'd take fewer pants and shirts. I went to Rome for New Year's and spent 10 days (not including travel days). Besides the clothes I wore on the plane(jeans, long sleeved sweater, wore my coat onto the plane) I brought:

1 pair black pants
1 pair dark brown corduroy pants
1 pair dark grey jeans type pants (hard to explain the material but incredibly lightweight)
Black turtleneck
Grey turtleneck
2 long sleeved lightweight sweaters
Dressy blouse for New Year's Eve, which I wore with the black pants.
1 pair low-heeled walking boots
slippers (hate walking around hotel rooms barefooted or even in socks)
lightweight pajamas
5 pair undies (had one washing day halfway through)
Socks
A couple of lightweight scarves, gloves and a couple pieces of jewelry.

Everything coordinates so I can take fewer things.

I have packed a smaller backpack for a 28 day trip and I know it can be done with some serious editing.

No apologies needed, NLSpirit. I get it now. Sounds very practical.

REI has a large selection of women's pants that convert to capris. Some are zip-off and some are roll-up.

http://www.rei.com/product/798925

http://www.rei.com/product/794900

I brought a roll-up style to Greece and liked it a lot for the versatility. Rolled up the cuff when trekking around the volcano and getting dirty, and rolled down at dinner time. They are casual pants, not dressy, but I had another nicer pair too.

With practice, it is not hard to pare down to a carry-on. I traveled to Greece with a friend who is even more a girly girl than I am, and we both managed with a 22" only (maybe even 21" for her), and looked pretty good. A pair of nice black pants and a bright festive top will take you almost anywhere, and we each brought a simple black skirt that worked with all our tops. As everyone has said, the key is that every top works with every bottom (black and khaki pants, black skirt always works for me).

Shoes are always the trickiest for me, and it's taken a lot of trial and error, but I can get by with 3 pairs that work for most occasions: one pair of hiking shoes that I wear in transit, one pair of sturdy walking sandals (or flats, whatever you can walk all day in, depending on season), and a pair of dressier sandals for night usually does it.

I don't have so much trouble packing clothes. It's all the other stuff...hair products and comb, brush, curling iron, make-up, moisturizers, vitamins, chargers for the phone, camera, netbook. Does anyone else pack all this junk? I have fine straight hair, so I really need the hair stuff, and I am blond, so I REALLY need the make-up. But all the weight adds up.

my favorite packing tip was to pack weeks in advance, and then try living out of your suitcase for a week.It helps you get used to just how much shampoo and make up you really need. Take the smallest containers possible.

I've now learned that any length trip needs the same stuff I need for 3 days. I wear everything twice (except underwear - wear one set pack 6 -they don't take any room)and do laundry once a week.

All slacks are black. Blouses are dressed up by pretty and easy to pack silk scarves

If cold and rainy weather anticipated - I wear my coat/raincoat at the airport - even if I don't need it that day. It makes a nice blanket in flight. Same with sweaters - I wear them boarding.

Scatcat: No, I leave the curling irons home, I put face creams in little jars, I take eye make-up only, netbook doesn't take much space, camera is small, chargers are small, vitamins I put in the thin 7 day weekly containers (it fits 3 weeks worth). I've been traveling for years and years not having vitamins in the original containers and no one has given me any problems even when they open my suitcase. I have thin straight hair also and I tie it up. I don't fuss when I'm away. I also leave all the jewelry home.

Our policy is "you pack it, you carry it" and I just don't have the strength to drag around my whole world.

IMHO a 25" bag is fine and who cares what it weighs as long as you won;t be carrying it?

That said I think 4 shoes is overkill for a week - you should be able to wear 1 and pack 2.

And don;t think you need 5 pants plus 2 capris plus pants you are wearing on the plane (you should be able to get 2 wearings unless they are white and get dirty very easily) unless a couple are for evening in a nice restaurant.

And I wouldn;t call you an "overpacker". My SIL is an overpacker - a bulging 30" suitcase plus 2 large carry-ons for a 2 week trip. (She takes a terry bathrobe with matching mules, and never mind what else.)

I'm new here and see I'm in the minority.

Eliza, we may be related. I'm a chronic overpacker as well but I've rationalized it and it helps to have an overpacker for a husband (he insists on bringing his Uggs for lounging in hotels). It seems to me that if you're staying put in one hotel in one city, you can take a larger suitcase. You're going to Paris! It will be fun to look great and have choices. If you really want to cut down though, I think you could eliminate 2 or 3 pairs of pants and if you eliminate those, you may be able to eliminate the shoes you planned to wear only with those pants.

<<I don't have so much trouble packing clothes. It's all the other stuff...hair products and comb, brush, curling iron, make-up, moisturizers, vitamins, chargers for the phone, camera, netbook. Does anyone else pack all this junk?>>

Yup. Sounds exactly like my "bathroom bag". Plus plug adapters, pharmaceuticals, etc. Now that Air France charges for a second bag, I'm faced with the challenge of getting all that into my main suitcase, without going back to the larger one. I've refined the "collection" over the years, but still! I can use only totally unscented products, so absolutely have to bring those.

Rollin clothes saves room, tuck smsll items in shoes.

cstearns - I giggled at your "leave undies behind" comment. Undies don't take up much room. When I pack for the kids their travel wardrobe was always items that they were about to outgrow or were "tired" looking. These clothes were left behind (I always hoped they found new owners) to make room in the carry on for their souvenirs. Fast forward 10 years, my children, now adults, still only pack a carry on to avoid the baggage claim and lost luggage and they pack clothes that don't necessarily need to make a round trip. I vote 2 shoes, 2 slacks (light & black) shawl, dress, 1 top for ea 2 days AND HAT during the summer--this includes what I am wearing.

Your overpacking sounds like me! My husband and I each take a 29-inch but with the weight change from 70 to 50 pounds, it becomes too heavy. I'd like to downsize to 26-inch. We have nylon duffles that we use as carry-ons and then pack the contents in the suitcase since we're allowed one bag on the tour bus. They don't complain about weight. We are going on two back-to-back Trafalgar tours and will be gone 17 days. We rarely get 2 days in a city and days are full. How do I manage laundry for that? People will see us wear the same stuff over and over. Do you have an intervention to offer us to fix our addiction? Thanks.

Although I understand the desire to pack light and do so myself I just want to point out that the checked bag fees , while annoying, are not that much when figured as part of a vacation costing thousands.

It's true that, relatively speaking, the dollar cost of baggage fees are minimal. But the true cost of carrying heavy is in the toll it takes on your body (lugging, shifting, maneuvering) and your time (deciding, maneuvering, repacking). Packing light is more than sensible or economical, it's liberating.

Thanks everyone,
Ok I'm eliminating one pair of shoes (sorry, I need 2 comfy pair and a dressy pair) and 2 pants.

I can check the big bag for free and my carryon goes with me. I gave myself a giggle because I realized that I am now taking more colors of lipstick than pairs of pants.

I appreciate everyones help and suggestions.
I'll have my laptop with me so look out for a trip report next week.

Happy trails.
E

Trust me, no one on your Trafalgar tour will notice how many times you wear something. They are too concerned with their own wardrobe to notice yours.

<<We are going on two back-to-back Trafalgar tours and will be gone 17 days. We rarely get 2 days in a city and days are full. How do I manage laundry for that? People will see us wear the same stuff over and over. Do you have an intervention to offer us to fix our addiction?>>

Do you think they aren't going to be wearing the same stuff over and over too?? Anyway, who cares? It's not a bad thing if people see you wearing the same clothes a few times over a few weeks.

You absolutely can make a 17 day bus tour with just one bag. Most of the Trafalgar tours aren't like cruises where you change clothes three times a day. Take a pair of black slacks or a simple dress and dress it up and change the way it looks with a scarf or jewelry. On the last tour with Trafalgar, about half of the group dressed up a bit for only the last dinner. When I say dressed up, nobody was dressed up more than business casual. We usually didn't waste much time with worrying about looking fancy, there were much more fun things to be doing! Beyond that, you said back to back tours so you'll be with two different groups of people anyway.

For curiousity's sake, what tours are you taking? I like Trafalgar and tend to travel alone so I join tour groups like Trafalgar or Cosmos.

Don't try to pack for 17 days, that's overwhelming and you end up with a 60+ pound bag. Pack for 6 or 7 days. I use a 25" bag and pack more than I really need to, but it works for me. The trick is to take clothes that mix and match and not specific outfits that can only be worn together.

Remember that for most tours you don't really get too dirty/sweaty anyway, so you usually don't need to wash clothes after each wearing. Socks, bras and undies can be washed in the sink and dry overnight. Otherwise those are all small and lightweight and you can pack extra. A tiny bottle of febreeze might help your clothes feel fresh if you want (I don't do that but some people like to). You can rinse out the waistband of pants in the sink and if they're not 100% dry the next morning you can use the hairdryer on them as it's a pretty small area.

Keeping in mind that I pack more than I really need to, I tend to pack something like 3 pairs of jeans and a pair of black slacks. 5-6 t-shirts, 7 or 8 each of bras, socks and undies. Walking shoes and black comfy dress shoes. A cardigan sweater. Various bathroom items, electronics and any special items for the specific trip such as a coat and gloves or a cotton over-shirt to hide from the sun. That all includes what I wear on the plane.

One trick is to use a packing list, lay everything out on a bed ahead of time and see if anything can do double duty so that you can leave an item home. Pack everything into your suitcases. Ignore your carryon duffle bags at this point. Remember that since you're traveling with you husband you likely only need one of many items such as shampoo, bodywash, toothpaste, etc. Leave one days worth of clothes and shoes out of the bags and weigh the bags. The goal is to leave with each bag weighing no more than about 35 pounds. When you get ready to go, simply pull out the items you want to take in your carryon and you're set. Pack ahead of time as a trial run so you're not messing around with suitcases at 3am the night before you leave.

You can absolutely get down to a 26" bag and have it weigh under 35-40 pounds when you leave.

One thing to remember.....pack light so you have room to buy things you want. If you run out of blouses, you can buy one..a great memory of your vacation. Most of my clothes and shoes are from Italy. The reason is because the clothes and shoes in Italy fit me better (probably because I'm from an Italian family) So whenever someone says...Oh I love that where did you get it?....I say, Italy. My husband had to buy underwear in Rome thanks to the volcano and they're the most comfortable ones he has.

<<I am now taking more colors of lipstick than pairs of pants.>>

Wow. I never take more than one lipstick on any trip.

And so true about buying something if it turns out you need it. Almost all my clothes at this point come from Europe. It's true that I always come home with more clothes than I left with.

We are taking Wonderful France and then Treasures of France. We have been to Paris twice but this will be our first time to travel the country. We have used Trafalgar to tour the UK, Italy and Eastern Europe. We also took one that was only London and Paris which was mostly on our own. While the more adventurous don't like bus tours, it suits our travel style well. We have been lucky with great tour guides who make sure we have interesting places to visit in the evening. I know they get kickbacks, but we aren't forced to buy anything. We enjoyed the opportunity to try restaurants we wouldn't have seen on our own. It's also fun to meet people from a variety of English-speaking countries.

You will wear black trousers over and over. They go everywhere and with everything.

Buy cheap cotton panties from the big box store and throw them out at the end of the day!

Way to many clothes .If you must wear different pants everyday .Just rotate them and hang the ones you wore the day before to air out by the window..If you really get sick of wears them more than once .Your in Paris go shoping.

Ohiobarbara, those tours look like fun! I used Trafalgar in Egypt and will again for an upcoming trip to Italy.

You have two nights in Nice and could do a bit of wash in the sink and know it would have plenty of time to hang dry before you were on the move again. Then you have time in Paris and could find a laundromat. Ask your guide or ask at the hotel desk and they can point you to a laundromat. That should get you into your second tour and to Amboise where you have two nights again and can do a bit of wash in the sink.

You can definitely get into a 26" suitcase with those tours and you'll have a great time!

I would cut the number of slacks, and the amount of shoes, I would combine and layer some outfits, you want to be able to bring home some souvenirs, yes?

I'm not a superlight packer, so can't travel like some of these folks (which I could sometimes) but I also think you have too many slacks. Other than that, it doesn't sound that bad to me. I cannot wear the exact same pair of shoes every day. Besides, at this time of year, I want one regular pair of walking shoes, say, and a pair of walking sandals. Capris look kind of dumb with enclosed shoes (to me).

I don't really see why this is such a big issue given your itinerary. What difference does it make if you are only going to one city and staying in one hotel? I personally wouldn't worry at all about taking a 25 inch bag to one place like that, depending on how you are getting to/from your hotel. I usually take taxis, so it really wouldn't matter if I had a 25 inch bag. In fact, I do take one on trips like that. I have a nice lightweight one, though, which basically saved about the same weight as when I used to pack super-heavy in a 22-23 inche one.

ON the other hand, I have no problem washing undies in the sink. I would never wash pants or slacks in the sink, I can't even imagine that.

Thought I would weigh in with a few comments! Isis for Women (got my 3 pairs on Backcountry.com)has some great pants that convert to capris..they roll up and have 2 tabs to keep them up. Also are made of a lightweight, easily dried material and don't stretch out at all. When rolled down, they pass for dressy pants. I actually wore 1 pair for 5 days(without washing)in New Zealand and they still looked fine. We have to limit bags to 24" because we travel(usually) with another couple and that is all the trunks (boots) of the rental cars will hold (4 24" suitcases). Once you get used to packing light, it is very freeing!! AND we like to shop in Europe for "stuff", not usually clothes, but that all has to fit, too. We use compression bags to save room and take mostly clothes that won't wrinkle (and if they do, hang them up and spray them with water..voila!!). A 6 week trip to New Zealand (cold) and Australia (hot) worked in a 24" bag...with a few washing days. This year we are going to France for a month and I will take a black skirt and 3 pairs of pants (plus 1 on the plane), 2 short sleeve shirts, 6 3/4 sleeve shirts, plus a sweater, trenchcoat, silk underwear, etc but it will all fit in the 24" bag. A skirt is necessary to me, because it goes anywhere, can be dressed up or down with scarves, jewelry, whatever and can be worn over and over if it is the right material and dark. I see packing as a creative accomplishment to have room left over (for purchases!)when I have packed everything!!

Gosh, there's so much advice here!

Things we discovered about travel: if we don't take vitamins for 3 weeks it won't kill us. Nobody will notice that you wear the same jewelry every day. If it rains we will buy an umbrella and leave it behind when we go home. We tear apart travel books and only take the pages that we need. (they get outdated, anyway.) Now that I got my knees replaced I don't need to take a folding cane any more.

Our biggest problem is that we are avid readers and three weeks in Italy leaves us desperate for books in English. I am not ready to spend the money on an electronic reader, but probably will in a year or so. And we'd have to buy two of them!!

Charneese: We take whatever book we are reading and most hotels have a book exchange. We either leave the finished book and take another or we just leave the book and in most bigger cities most book stores have and English section. In Florence on Borgo Ongisante there is an English book store. In Rome there is a book store with a lot of English books near Piazza Republica. Most of the stores we go to in Rome have at least a small English section. So there's no need to carry a lot of books.

Sheesh you guys travel heavy. I just came back from two weeks in Turkey and took only carry on.

I enjoy reading too while traveling. I buy wonderful titles at the Friends of the Library room at our library for a low price. Then read them on trips and leave them behind or hand it to someone I meet. Most often people are happy to get a new/used book. Helps my library, me and also the person who gets to read it after me.

Hastobe.....how about a month with carry-on? I wash and take very little.

When you learn to pack light, you learn that there are a lot of things you can easily live without and being without them (like flat irons, nail polish, extras, etc) makes your life so much easier. When you get home you can get back to your regiment.

<<People will see us wear the same stuff over and over. Do you have an intervention to offer us to fix our addiction?>>

They won't notice what you wear unless it's something exceptional, like a brightly patterned shirt. If you stick to basic colors and mix and match no one will notice. You can change the look with scarves.

Most group tours limit the luggage to one suitcase per person, so everyone will be wearing the same clothes several times.

Ohiobarbara,
We were in Paris for a week a couple of years ago at the beginning of a 6-week trip for me.
I found a self service laundry near my hotel in advance either from a website or a travel book like Rick Steves.
It was quick, easy, and inexpensive. The instructions posted were a little confusing, but a couple of Australians were kind enough to share their experience.
Often when I travel for long times like this, I specifically book a hotel that has a guest laundry. Because I usually stay in budget hotels like the Ibis, this is common.

Luisah

That's what I do - take primary coloured t-shirts etc and then add scarves. A larger cotton scarf also doubles as a beach wrap over a bikini, a beach 'mat', it covers head / shoulders etc when visiting mosques or temples....

Hi, I just glanced at the request for light packing and noted a simple addition was missing. Take away all the cotton panties or silk if that fancy (they dry super fast) and add thin pantyliners. They are extra flat, extra easy, and extra clean.

"That's what I do - take primary coloured t-shirts etc and then add scarves. A larger cotton scarf also doubles as a beach wrap over a bikini, a beach 'mat', it covers head / shoulders etc when visiting mosques or temples...."

That's good packing. I was on a three week trip last year and only remember the scarves one woman wore, can't remember the tops or pants, so guess they were black or brown. She had brought several scarves, but they are so lightweight it's no problem. I thought of them as an accessorie, but reading this, they can be a distraction -- from your top and pants.

Bringing a large, multipurpose scarf is a good idea, I'm going to keep that in mind.

Hi overpacker... I was inspired by a local travel store that gives a workshop on packing light... and confess I have transformed myself from an overpacker to a light one. Since... I've made 3 trips with only a carry-on and backpack. Trips were 2 and 3 weeks long each! It can be done! It was well worth it. With only 8 days... you can surely do this. As I was told... change countries not clothes! Best advice I ever had.

I'll comment on makeup. I love makeup that does double and triple duty for vacation. There are several brands and ideas.

Nars makes a product called "The Multiple" which is used on eyes, cheeks and lips. It makes for a really natural and sheer/clean look. I really like it.

You can also go with a pigmented loose powder (many brands such as MAC) which is also used on eyes and cheeks - combined with gloss it's for lips.

This helps pare down my makeup by a lot...and it's fun to buy a new product.

Good luck!

I think shoes are WAY more important than pants or tops. You could wear the same pair of pants for 8 days (I'm not saying you have to -haha- just that you could) and be no worse off for it. But if something goes wrong with a pair of shoes (they get wet, wear a blister, whatever) and you only have one or two pair, you're screwed.

People know you are traveling. No one CARES if you wear the same stuff "over and over".

Not everyone could or would want to do this but I don't travel with anything electronic. That really lightens the load (no cell phone, ipod, laptop, digital camera, hair dryer, curling iron, adaptors, hot pot, etc. etc.)

And my toiletries and cosmetics are just exactly enough for the length of the trip. Lots of very tiny (1-2oz.) bottles packed in ziplocks.

HI Again...
I Agree with Suze..at least about the hairdryer/flat iron adapter. None of mine worked and they had what I needed in the hotel.
I wish hardcore travelers would realize some of us simply will not wear two pairs of pants 5 times each. Yuck. Just can't do it!! Working toward a reasonable middle ground for an chronic over packer is the goal....Not traveling with a backpack and a convertable pair of capri/pants.
La de dah.
Tina

Just having a chuckle to myself here, as I've been following the "Atheists" thread in the Lounge of late. Packing light is like a religion - if you really believe in it you can't help yourself from trying to convert others!

spcfa: That's a great analogy. On the other hand, the OP did ask for help with her "chronic overpacking," so the proselytizers were invited this time. I think she wanted to be baptized.

Oh boy, I can't follow this thread! ( know Eliza has already left, but here are my thoughts anyways, having just got back from 5 days in NYC, with incredibly varied weather:

- 3 pairs of pants, wear the heaviest on the plane
- 1 lightweight rollable skirt, to dress up in
- 1 pair of capris
- 7-8 tops total, including what you are wearing. One long-sleeved in case it's cool, and one dressy (to wear with the skirt)
- 3 pairs of shoes (one walking shoe, one comfortable day sandal, and one strappy little evening sandal.)
- a silk shawl or wrap to wear if you think it's going to be cool in the evenings
- your oldest underwear, so you can throw it out as you use it
- socks for your walking shoes
- if you have a tiny travel umbrella, take it. Otherwise, just buy an umbrella if you need one.

An iphone / good mobile can be very useful. Mine has a good still and video camera, internet access and it holds key information like emergency numbers for travel insurance and bank/passport insurance etc. It's tiny and so takes no space.

I laugh everytime I read the recs to take your old underwear to toss along the way. What brave and hardy souls!

I travel in my nicest underwear in case I'm caught dead in it.

I'm with you, sap. (Never mind that the weight/bulk of my underwear is of small cocern compared to shoes and pants.)

Actually, I just wad up my thong underwear and jam it into my convertible capri pockets!!LOL
Tina

Or I wear them as headbands!!
Sorry too much coffee.
Tina

There's a LOT of room in between 7 pair of pants for a 7 day trip (our OP) and <traveling with a backpack and a convertable pair of capri/pants>

This person asked for our help, tinabina. The only way to pack light is to be willing to wear your clothes more than once.

Like - why do you need 8 tops for 5 days in NY?!?

true, it is funny what some people do and what others could never do. LIke me -- I could never wash pants in a sink, and I'm not being snarky by saying that -- I literally do not comprehend how people can do that given bathroom sinks are so small. Pants are large, they wouldn't have enough room to swish around and get clean and be rinsed off. If I had pants so thin they could do that, they wouldn't be warm enough, I think. Even my thinner cotton ones are too thick for that. However, I wouldn't wear underwear that was ready to be thrown away. Ugh, I don't wear ratty, ugly underwear with holes in it or worn out elastic (which is what that means to me).

I don't travel with electronics, either, at all (expect an MP3 player and noisecancelling headphones for the flight -- I cannot live without those). I have a book problem, also. I need to read. I won't read random books that others leave behind, as it's usuaally junk (and very few places I've ever stayed at have something like that). My time is too valuable for me to read random books. But I don't take guidebooks, I Xerox the pages I need.

Shoes are very important to me. I think some people just don't care about looking decent at night in restaurants or something, if they travel with only a couple pair of shoes. The shoes I wear all day walking around would look horrible with a skirt, for example. I don't wear "strappy little evening sandals" on vacation for dinner because you invariably have to walk some distance to/from your hotel--blocks or up to a half mile, often. I don't even take such things on vacation. I will take a nicer pair of flats/dressy loafers, as well as a nicer sandal for evening (with a somewhat cushioned sole, but not heels), but it won't be flimsy and little. I also would not travel with just sandals for any occasion (like evening), unless I were going to the tropics. Every time I've been in Paris, even in July and August, there were days when it poured rain and were quite cool, and others when it was hot. I would have been unable to go places if I didn't have several pair of possible shoes in such situations. I will not wear ugly walking shoes that I've had on all day out to dinner.

But everybody has what's important to them. I am not a super light packer like some of these folks, but I'm not terrible, either, I guess. I am always astounded by the number of women who can't exist with an electronic hair flatiron, for example, who post on Fodors. I don't know that many people who even use one, but certainly not every day. Some people at the checkin places at the airport have told me I have done really well compared to many people, and I know I have. I usually take a 25 inch bag which I check, and then a smaller carryon. Sometimes it would be easier to only have a 22 inch, I'm sure, but most of the time, it doesn't really matter.

Pants are large, they wouldn't have enough room to swish around and get clean and be rinsed off. If I had pants so thin they could do that, they wouldn't be warm enough, I think. Even my thinner cotton ones are too thick for that.

They are never Bridget Jones knickers are they???

Actually silk knickers are light, pack very small and wash and dry very quickly (viz overnight)...and they are definitely sexy

Good one, HK. The meanings lost (or found) in translation can be very funny -- especially twixt Brits & Yanks. Like Christina, I forget that "pants" thing every time.

christina, I'm sort of with you about books -- most of the ones that are left behind are pretty bad -- although sometimes we are desperate enough to read them anyway. And the selections in the English-language bookstores are odd, sometimes. Plus, because we have gone to Italy so many times, we spend time in smaller cities and little towns, where there is no hope of finding books in English. Because I can't spend large amounts of money for a Kindle or IPad (spending to go to Italy is hard enough) right now, I am still struggling with the books issue.

She wasn't talking about washing "knickers" in the hotel sink. Rather people who try to wash out slacks/pants/jeans.

If you can't bear the thought of washing your smalls (or not so smalls) there is often a local laundry / cleaning service available. In any case, it's perfectly possible to wash stuff out in the shower / bath tub. Summer weight trousers dry quickly and if you choose the fabric and style carefully they won't need ironing. I tend not to travel with jeans (denims) as they are far too heavy and if they get wet (e.g in the rain) they stay soggy and uncomfortable for ages. Even at home, I would never wear jeans only once before washing - unless I spilled something on them.

I think what those of you who need a 25" suitcase (for any length of time) don't understand about those of us who can travel for a month with 21" case is that we ENJOY THE CHALLENGE in addition to having an almost religious zealousness about the freedom of light packing. I am a self-admitted travel nerd, who probably thinks about some new way to take weight out of my suitcase as often as a grown man thinks about sex. It's fun for me, and I never feel short-changed or self-pitying about not having the perfect shoes for each outfit or the need to wash anything out at night. I loved being prepared for any variety of contingencies within that small bag. Continuous improvement makes it endlessly interesting. Plus, my husband thinks I'm the coolest female on the planet because of how lightly I pack, how prepared I always am and how fast I can get ready!

I just want my suitcase to be easy enough to get on and off trains. So, lightweight is a necessity for me. And I like to be able to put it in the overhead compartment without expecting help. Help is nice, but I don't depend on it.

I am always astounded by the number of women who can't exist with an electronic hair flatiron, for example, who post on Fodors. I don't know that many people who even use one, but certainly not every day.

Hi, Christina. Nice to meet you. Some of us have thin, fine hair which must be cut too short to put up and is just wavy enough to need a hair dryer/straightener - but not wavy enough to look good curly. Not that I speak from experience...

(But lots of us in that situation have learned to just pick up something small and cheap when we get there, rather than trying to take our precious Chi to Europe!)

There are women who do not need a flat iron or curling iron every day, but 3 weeks without one? I am not willing to. But I have seen some women who certainly have not styled their hair and it shows. And my curling iron is from Europe as well as my phone charger.

I would never wash pants in the sink either. I don't even understand how that would be possible, and I wouldn't want to try.

I'm a light packer, and I've never had to wash anything in a sink. On a 2-week trip, I generally drop clothes off at a laundry after 1 week, so I don't wash my underwear in the sink either. I don't really find it to be all that challenging or difficult. (Toiletries, a little at first, but not anymore. And I don't even know what a flatiron looks like, so obviously it's not something I need.)

LOL at the "pants" confusion. In the USA we don't have "smalls" or "knickers" (unless we're golfers, and they're definitely not sexy), and we wear our pants in public.

<but 3 weeks without one?>

Yes, actually I've gone a LIFETIME without one. If you are offended by my naturally curly hair "style"... well i guess so be it

I am not offended by your naturally curly hair "style" and I am not OFFENDED about the women to whom I was referring. I don't care if they don't style their hair. But I do care about styling my own. To each his own.

Sorry I thought you actually were asking a question, about how someone could go 3 weeks without a flat iron.

I can't go 3 weeks without one.

suze--you are lucky to be happy in your own skin or should I say your own hair. My niece has naturally curly hair and will not go out of the house until she straightens it. I have naturally fine straight hair and I have often wished for curly hair. We always want what we don't have.

Honestly I've never really considered doing anything different (or at least not since I got out of high school where I did in fact manage to have "straight" hair and believe me it was not easy).

Put all your shoes, undies and toiletries in a suitcase. When you get to your destination, head for the local equivalent of Salvation Army, Goodwill or Oxfam. Buy all the clothing you will need for your trip second-hand for a fraction of its original cost. When you are ready to come home, donate the clothing back to the store. Take a tax chit, if applicable. Lots of room in your suitcase for souvenirs and other goodies you acquired on the trip.

When we travel in Europe on trains and have to travel super-light, I wash clothes in the sink every two nights or so. I don't understand why some people are so adamant that they will not do this. It is so nice to always have things clean to wear and to pack. My husband has a pair of casual pants that he only wears in Europe that I can wash and they will be dry in the morning. They are black and I usually wash them after 2-3 days of wear and they look great. I love to pack light.

suze: I'm jealous of your naturally curly hair! I love it when I see women with beautiful, full, curly hair.

"Like - why do you need 8 tops for 5 days in NY?!?"

I was extrapolating to a 7-day trip to Paris.

Actually, I took one silk shirt, one long-sleeved cotton and 4 t-shirts to NYC. And used them all, since the weather varied greatly and I got soaked one day from driving rain, and soaked two other days from heat and humidity.

Cropped pants, jeans for the plane, and lightweight nicer pants for the theatre--never got around to wearing my skirt. And I didn't take strappy sandals either, just utilitarian ones, so that's probably why I didn't wear the skirt!

<<spcfa on May 26, 10 at 3:38pm
I think what those of you who need a 25" suitcase (for any length of time) don't understand about those of us who can travel for a month with 21" case is that we ENJOY THE CHALLENGE in addition to having an almost religious zealousness about the freedom of light packing.>>

I'm all for packing light but part of the reason I take a 25" suitcase is so that I can bring back whatever I find and not have to wonder for a second if it'll fit in my bag or not.

If it wasn't for the dang liquid restriction then I'd be more likely to take a fold up duffle bag to expand into if I found anything larger that I wanted. With the liquid restriction and ridiculously long hair, carry on only simply doesn't work well for me for anything over a week.

I don't stay in Hotels if I can avoid it because of the kids.
I'm renting apt most of the 2 months trip and I made sure that most of them have a washer machine. I will be doing laundry each 7 days at least. I'm bringing a medium size backpack, not sure how many cc.

What I can't compromise too much is on shoes as I need my running shoes and hiking boots, I may bring 2 pair of dressy sandals, flats and heels also.

BTW does Europe have thrift stores where you can get second hand clothes?

I think I am a everything-but-the-kitchen sink packer because of the 'incident.' Many years ago I had packed too lightly and I had to borrow a dress from my size 16 sister and wear it on my size 10 body. Not pretty. Now, although I am getting better, I still tend to bring too much. I just put 4 pairs of shoes on the bed for out upcoming Paris trip. (But my black knit dress looks soo cute with those silver sandals!!!!!! I've gotta bring 'em, otherwise the ensemble just doesn't look right! hahaha)

<<I think what those of you who need a 25" suitcase (for any length of time) don't understand about those of us who can travel for a month with 21" case is that we ENJOY THE CHALLENGE in addition to having an almost religious zealousness about the freedom of light packing.>.

I do pack light in my 25" suitcase, which I check. I can fit all my clothes and cosmetics in a 21" but I can fit a trekking pole and a poster tube in the 25". I have plenty of room for purchases --I've brought back rugs from Morocco and Turkey, among other items and still been under the weight limit.

I don't wonder or care what size suitcase anyone else uses, everyone has their own needs and style.

Yes "Europe" has thrift stores.

I bought back gifts: three large wool / silk scarves, two hand painted ceramic bowls, two raki glasses, Turkish delight, three lots of jewellery and two sets of hand made soaps...all in my carry on. (They took the place of the boxed three sets of ceramics I took out as gifts for our various CS hosts). My friend travelled with only her son's school back pack (day pack) and bought back four throws / scarves, jewellery, four ceramic coasters and two pot stands...and a rug! We also bought duty free - but that can go as a separate hand bag.

It is possible to souvenir shop with only carry on...though I may have struggled with the nargile (water pipe) another friend bought back!!

<<It is possible to souvenir shop with only carry on...>>

Sure it is, but I don't want to.

I never have direct flights. I have to make at least two, and sometimes more, connections to get home and have to change terminals (CDG, for one) and/or rush to a gate in a different concourse (ATL) and don't want to be running through a terminal pulling a fully packed carryon.

My idea of "freedom" is checking my suitcase in at my regional airport and picking it up at my final destination.

I have little clothes (at 4'10") so I managed to get alot into a small roll on bag for Hawaii -- 2 dresses, one skirt/top, white jeans, 2 tops, peach capris/top/shrug, pjs, 2 swimsuits, 2 cover ups, hoodie, 2 pair shoes, flipflops, white embroidered mu mu.

I don't use those wheely thingies - they are heavy, awkward to manoeuvre and hard to pack efficiently. I use a very lightweight backpack.

<<Luisah on May 28, 10 at 8:16am
<<It is possible to souvenir shop with only carry on...>>

Sure it is, but I don't want to.>>

Exactly!

<<It is possible to souvenir shop with only carry on...>>

I only carry on and I always have space coming back because I bring gifts for over the family when I go to Italy. So, yes I can shop and bring things back in carry-on.

I love thrift shopping and I found one in Lisbon and some others in Barcelona (Humana), I will dig also in San Sebastian.

I can't compromise on shoes as I will no wear used shoes, but clothes is another story, mostly when I have washer in almost every apartment I'm renting.

I guess I will never master the art of packing. I have a sister in law who always looks fabulous everytime we travel together, or when I saw her travelling pictures. She seems to bring her wardrobe and squeeze it into her suitcases. She will wear different clothes everytime, sometimes with different shoes and bags. She wouldn't forget bout the accessories either.
I don't like the hassle of dragging too many bags so I tried my best to pack light. But for example when I was in Paris and surrounded by beautiful Parisian women, I couldn't help but to think to bring my little black dress and high heels when I had dinner in a nice restaurant. Or when I saw my holiday pics I saw how boring I looked wearing the same clothes (tho with different pair) and always in 'safe' colors : black, brown, white.
I guess we can't get it all.

Lightload towels www.ultralighttowels.com are beach towels that fit very comfortably in a pocket. For packing light and space saving they are unbelievable. They also provide insulation from the cold and rain. I totally recommend.

inspired_traveler,

Since I have 'travel clothes' they become nostalgic. When I look back at our travel pictures I often think, wow I can't believe how long I've had that (fill in the blank) - what a great purchase that was!

I usually look the same (+/- 10 lbs) so it's the backdrops that change. That seems appropriate to me. Old clothes are old friends and I never mind seeing them. It's a shame that you don't feel good about your old pals.

Eleanor Roosevelt said (my favorite quote of all time): "No one can make you feel inferior without your consent."

A question regarding the oft-repeated suggestion of packing a couple of pair of "slacks" -- I was wondering how useful they'd actually be in the heat of summer in Europe. I've been leaning toward bringing mostly capris due to the heat, and maybe wearing a pair of pants on the plane over. And if we don't anticipate eating out anywhere fancy, how necessary is a dress? Thanks.

beeswing,

Often slacks are cooler than jeans and can be anywhere on the spectrum from casual to dressy. Many people take slightly dressier ones so that they can dress up if/when they want without packing anything extra. I generally don't wear capris because I think they're unflattering on me and I burn. I'd rather cover my skin with lightweight fabric than have it open to the sun.

As for packing a dress, it entirely depends on you and your plans. For many women dresses are comfortable and very cool. For me, I'd only pack a dress if I knew or had a very good idea that I would need to dress up more than black pants. I don't think I've ever packed a dress for travel. I pack a single pair of black pants and know that those are plenty dressy enough for anywhere I'd be going.

<<And if we don't anticipate eating out anywhere fancy, how necessary is a dress?>>

I think dresses, or skirts and light tops, are always cooler than slacks or jeans (I do usually take a pair of ultra-light jeans, though). I don't take them just to get dressed up for dinner or whatnot; I frequently wear dresses and skirts during the day for sightseeing. They have to have pockets, though.

If you like skirts (and I do, unless I'm hiking or something - I think they're cooler than slacks or even capris in the summer), something like this could be a flexible option. It's a long skirt or you can wear it as a bandeau/halter dress. I wore my black one that way to a wedding, with a blue wrap, and it looked great. Just gives you a dressy option that doesn't take up any more space!

http://www.patagonia.com/web/us/product/patagonia-womens-kamala-skirt?slc=en_US&sct=US&p=58665-0-376

I pack a couple of light skirts with my capris. You can wear them to dinner with a nice tee (not with writing) and a little jewelry and sandels and be perfectly fine. Just a note ladies..... unless you know the ladies room facilities of where you're going....slacks and capris are not the easiest when you have a porcelain hole in the ground....skirts come in very handy then. Yes, you find them in Italy. I haven't run into them anywhere else yet.

beeswing~ Yes, I only take capris (& knee length shorts) for Europe in the summer. I would never wear long "slacks" in the heat and I don't like skirts/dresses for myself. For the kinds of places I go, this is a perfectly fine wardrobe.

"slacks and capris are not the easiest when you have a porcelain hole in the ground....skirts come in very handy then."

That's a different topic, but I don't agree with the above statement.

I don't think there is an easy way to use the hole in the floor.

Top tip when using holes....remove mobile phone from pocket

OMG!
How often do you encounter this "Hole in the Floor"???
I thought those were popular only in China, per my ex FIL

The last one I encountered was at the restroom at the Chiavari train station. Nice new tile on the floor...small round hole.

They are common in a number of countries in Europe - France and Turkey spring to mind.

I found a "squatty potty" in Padua at the Cathedral. Solved the problem by holding it until I could find a regular toilet. One of my best travel tips is if you find decent facilities, use them whether or not you think you need to. It could be a really long wait if you don't.

Sorry-not Chiavari but Chiavenna. Don't know about Chiavari. I didn't use it.

San Gimignano has them. Now that I think of it, before they remodeled the station in Caen there was one, but you could pull a seat down from the wall. I just couldn't see how that could be better.

Hastobe_Katt: I don't even want to ask about the cell phone.

Ohiobarbara: "One of my best travel tips is if you find decent facilities, use them whether or not you think you need to."

That is our theory also.

I've saw one in a restaurant in Venice, in the tourist area. It was very clean and no big deal. It did take a little extra coordination.

For a MONTH in south america I took

2 pairs of trousers (combat type)
1 pair long shorts
1 pair of nice trousers to wear in the evening

2 pairs of shoes (but I only wore one)

2 long sieved T shirts
2 short sleeved T shirts

2 scarves

1 denim jacket

1 hoodie

Enough underwear for a week.

Yes I used the laundry a couple of times.

Basically plan to wear everything twice, if you are eating out in the evening take one pair of nice trousers, rotate with different tops and scarves and no one will notice. If you are having a shower before you go out and only wearing them for a couple of hours they should be fine for several days - fabreeze might come in handy though.

I like to wear scarves as it changes an outfit and take up no room in the bag.


Re the hole in the floor loo - my cousin's first trip to france was summed up as "every toilet is a new adventure"