The size of bag corresponds to the amount of "effectively usable" belonging you need to carry. One carry-on size (22") wheeled luggage is within reach for most folks if they can resist urge to bring things that cannot be used over and over.

Now you mentioned "Alps." Are you hiking? Then you are destined to carry at least a pair of hiking boots, an outdoor jacket, and perhaps walking sticks so it is difficult to fit into a carry-on size luggage. Also May is usually not a good time to hike high altitude trails. I presume you have already looked into just where in Alps you care to visit in May.

After taking one train, you quickly realize just how much pain it is to drag around a 26" luggage along with other belonging you would be carrying. Of course, if your look can attract guys, there will be no shortage of helping hands... LOL...

I agree with greg, a carry-on 22" would be my choice.

Depends on the airline -- some 22 in. bags are actually closer to 23 inches and too big for some sizer boxes. So I'd go w/ a 21" rollaboard.

If you want to do carry-on only then use a 21inch suitcase. If you don't care about carry-on, then a 22", or a 24" max.

I use a 22" bag with a collapsible duffel inside, which I check, and almost always do the Paris part of our trip last (as that is where I tend to shop) The 22' bag fits easily in the car trunk or train and I check the duffel coming home.
I carry a small bag on the plane and my husband carries a small backpack on.

We each take a 21inch roll aboard and check them in for 2 weeks to France and we each carry on a small bag so that when plane lands our hands are pretty much free so we just go. nce you carry on a lot of luggage onto a train you will never do it a second time. we learned the hard way.

greg -- no, we will not be hiking. Just taking photos and enjoying scenery from the ground.

Looks like I will need to think hard about what I really need to take with me as I rarely travel with a bag that small. All my products for contacts, hair, makeup, etc take up a lot of room, I tend to bring several shoe options, and I'm not a fan of wearing shirts more than once. High maintenance, I guess.

All my products for contacts, hair, makeup, etc take up a lot of room,>>

no reason not to bring them, but could you decant them into smaller containers?

When i can't do that, I save the ends of my favourite products and take them with me, and throw away at the end of the trip. They may not take up less room but they are lighter and they make more room when I chuck them.

and honestly, do you really need a choice of lipstick, eye-shadow, etc etc.?? you have time to think about what you really need and just bring that. ditto shoes - in May, perhaps one pair of shoes that are comfy for walking, a pair of sandals and a smart pair will probably suffice.

go on- you know you can!

I pack a 22" for a month trip usually with at least 2 weeks in Paris pack tohe same size for theDH and he taks a blazer and dress shoes and pants. I do do laundry as there is a laundromat right next to our apt! you are not going to get full size bottles thru security and I wouldn't put them in with my clothes. Shampp and conditioner can be bought in Paris, they have woderful products there

Of course, the lighter, the better is good advice. Having said that, I did travel with both a 21" roller board and a 24" rolling bag on all three of my trips to France last year. Two trips to Paris were made easier by taking a car to and from my apartment, but on a self-guided trip to Provence via the Nice airport, I had to schlepp both bags on long walks, airport bus rides, and then load them into my rented Peugeot. I made the most of the packing space by using small travel containers and Space Bags, which work wonders for all of those cute outfits we just have to take with us! Sensible shoes are key: sandals and a pair or two of flats. Note: The roller board has the 360 wheels, so rolling both was no problem. Have a wonderful trip! Je suis tres jaloux!

Since I travel solo and by train, I carry a 20" roll aboard and a small bag that fits on top. This keeps me from packing too heavy, knowing I may be lifting my bag into the overhead compartment. Many times, a man will grab my bag and stow it for me, but I have had to do it myself several times. I must do laundry to travel this light, but it works for me.

I think a 21-22" is best, but I use a 24" rolling suitcase (not a backpack convertible). I think from what you have said about yourself, that is the smallest bag you're going to get yourself into honestly. Plus get a nice large totebag of some sort to use as your pocketbook/purse and 2nd piece.

Decant everything you use for cosmetics/toiletries into small plastic 1, 2, or 3 oz containers. You can take a lot of different things but only pack exactly the amount you'll need for the length of your trip. No full-sized anything.

<I'm not a fan of wearing shirts more than once>

You either need to get over that, or plan to have some laundry or dry cleaning done along the way.

Definitely bring 2-3 pair of shoes. You can still pack light. I figure shoes are the most important for comfort. You CAN wear the same clothes over and over but if something goes wrong with your shoes and you don't have a backup, could really be a problem.

On trains the luggage is yous to deal with - getting it onto the platform, up several step narros steps to the train and lifting in to the overhead rck (but 26" won;t fit there). Youwould need to leve a bag that big either at the end of the car or fit behind of under your seats or? I travel with that and a SMALL carry-on - not a wheelie but just a tote bag for the shoulder.

I travel with that size suitcse all the time (since I am often doing business plus vacation and need 2 separate wardrobes and don;t find it a problem. But use mostly cars, cabs and hotels with bellmen. I rarely shop for clothing much in europe - since things are so much more expensive than in the US - and anyting sizable I have shipped home.

I beg of you...a 22 inch suit case and maybe a small tote with that. I can pack for a week in winter with one and I am a girlie girl. You will be so sorry if your try to use trains etc...with a larger bag. Even storing a large bag in many hotel rooms can be tough.

I don't take really nice or non-practical shoes and I love shoes. No more than 3 pairs of shoes, but 2 is good. Thin layers is the way to go.

PlumeriaTattoo on Jan 19, 12 at 9:48am
greg -- no, we will not be hiking. Just taking photos and enjoying scenery from the ground.
Looks like I will need to think hard about what I really need to take with me as I rarely travel with a bag that small. All my products for contacts, hair, makeup, etc take up a lot of room, I tend to bring several shoe options, and I'm not a fan of wearing shirts more than once. High maintenance, I guess.

Just go naked with your tooth brush and buy all those other essentials when you get there. Rumor has it that Paris has good shopping. I visited some big stores on Blvd. Haussmann and Rue de Rivoli.

High maintenance and traveling by train don't mix well. Whether I'm going for a week or 2+ months, I take a 21" or 22" rollaboard. Trust me, you will be SO, SO sorry if you haul a huge bag and have to lift it onto and off trains and haul it around with you.

Do remember that no one in Europe is going to care about whether your "products" or shoes are perfect. You'll never see these people again. Cut down on the products, wear things more than once, and take two pairs of shoes.

Travel isn't about maintaining appearances (which isn't to say you can't look put together); it's about experiencing new stuff.

Even with my very small bag, I find myself wishing that I had only brought a toothbrush and panties.

spaarne: Just go naked with your tooth brush and buy all those other essentials when you get there.

Betcha you'll have a line of men all wanting to help you stow away your toothbrush in the overhead rack.

The best thing to do is to pack up everything you think you can't do without in Europe and, if you have stairs at home, haul the suitcase up and down the stairs.

Then take the suitcase outside and roll it around, running with it would be even more realistic, on the grass - presumably you don't have cobblestones in your backyard.

Get back into the house and haul the suitcase up and down the stair again.

In the end, you'll probably take spaarne's advice...

Having traveled many times with friends who love to pack for every possible scenario we came up with the motto, "you pack it you carry it" They have all done much better after hauling needless crap all over Europe. We have it down to a science now. Black, layers, wear your heaviest shoes, pack the lightest shoes. There are drugstores everywhere and love trying new products from Europe. They even sell sample sizes. We did all public transportation last trip and loved having one suitcase under 22inches. I do laundry, wash out in the sink, rent apartments when we can and buy only items that lay flat and don't take much room in the suitcase. It helps me from buying a lot of stuff I don't really need. I tried a suitcase with the four wheels loaded with the handle extended and it didn't roll so well so am keeping my two wheeler.

These are all such great tips! Well, except the part about traveling naked. While I do love attention, that may bring a bit more of it than I need.

Tell me, seasoned travelers -- what sort of things are essential for European travel that I wouldn't normally take on a domestic trip? Some sort of electrical converters to charge all the devices and run my hair dryer? What else?

As far as I know, all you need for France is an adapter:

http://www.amazon.com/US-to-European-Plug-Adapter/dp/B0012S304W

I can't remember using anything else. You can get the adapters here in the States or in Europe.

I usually take a lightweight 25 inch suitcase for my longer European trips. I do travel by train, doesn't bother me. You can't put suitcases on overhead racks, anyway (not on the trains I take, like TGV, they aren't big enough for even a 22 inch suitcase), so it doesn't matter, they go in the luggage storage place at the end of the car or in-between seats (some are like that). No, they don't check bags for you on trains. I am not a wimp, I lift weights and am in shape, so I have no trouble handling my suitcase by myself. If I couldn't handle it, I wouldn't take it. I also take a smaller carryon bag with the larger 25 inch. But my carryon bag is not another suitcase, it is a small soft-sided bag, maybe 14 inch by 6 inch or something.

I have never used a backpack for luggage on a trip.

I do not buy hardly anything when traveling, I hate shopping.

PS re your last question, you don't take a hair dryer with you. Hotels have hair dryers, unless you are staying in real cheap places, which doesn't seem to fit with your MO, so I doubt it. Every 3* hotel I've been in has had one in recent years, and I think all the 2* ones, also.

You shouldn't have a lot of devices to charge. I don't take any, but I know some people do, I'm just not sure what as their phones probalby don't work over there.

I charge my phone and camera battery. Most electronics these days do not require converters, just plug adapters which are pretty small.....and inexpensive. Buy them at any luggage store in the states.

I have traveled to Europe many times over the years and stay for about a month!Each year I pack less and less and my suitcase have become smallerand smaller.This year I am finally going the route of a carryon!

<what sort of things are essential for European travel... Some sort of electrical converters to charge all the devices and run my hair dryer?>

Nothing for me. But that's because I don't take a hair dryer, cell phone, digital camera, laptop, or any electronics really, so I don't need anything special in that category. If you do, yes you will need convertors/adaptors.

I used a luggage fowarding service to send Switzerland bag to Zurich (hiking boots, warmer clothes)... was picked up by them again when we left. I brought a giant rolling bag and a carry on for the rest of the two weeks (Lake Como, Venice, Paris. I want more stuff with me, I guess, but have never felt overloaded or swamped. We also use hotel laundry service at least twice.

PlumeriaTattoo on Jan 20, 12 at 10:36am
These are all such great tips! Well, except the part about traveling naked. While I do love attention, that may bring a bit more of it than I need.
Tell me, seasoned travelers -- what sort of things are essential for European travel that I wouldn't normally take on a domestic trip? Some sort of electrical converters to charge all the devices and run my hair dryer? What else?

Here is a list to get you started.
http://tinyurl.com/29elmem

You definitely don't want to take any of your hair appliances (dryer, flat iron). The currency converters don't really work well for those as they pull a lot of power, so even with the converter, they don't really work. I had a flat iron ruined by trying to use it with a currency converter and many of those are expensive (and don't work well).

I bought a flat iron in Paris that I take when I go there. Use the hotel hair dryer. An iphone is dual voltage (as are many electronics) and you only need a plug adapter for that. A plug adapter should only cost a few bucks.

My biggest concern is charging up all our devices - iPhone, Kindle, two cameras. I don't want to fry them, and also don't want to blow a fuse at the hotel (which is an older 2* place). Is there a power strip adapter/converter that can be used?

Also -- this was posted on TripAdvisor and seems very helpful, so I will add it to this wonderful thread full of tips.

http://www.nytimes.com/slideshow/2010/05/06/business/businessspecial/20100506-pack-ss.html

Sorry to hijack this thread, but same topic and slightly different angle...

We are lucky to have been able to book a last minute trip to Paris and will be there end of June. When thinking (and internet searching) on an appropriate pack list, almost every site focuses on clothing. Most say that you really need to try and "dress appropriately" and forego the sweatpants or sneakers.

We are pretty laid-back, casual people. It's not that we couldn't afford nicer clothes, we just don't see them as important in the grand scheme of things. We plan to do tons of walking (and eating) and just want to be as comfortable at possible, and also want to minimize the packing. But some sites say it is downright disrespectful to enter some estalishments with the type of clothing I mentioned. These sites say we should expect to not be treated well/looked down upon.

How serious do I need to take this - or need not really worry? I certainly shouldn't liken it to visiting a religious site with inappropriate clothing, should I?

Thanks for any insight.

You'll collapse from heat exhaustion if you wear sweatpants in Paris in June. It's becoming warm by then.

You can look however you like, sloppy as all get out if that's your preference. Would you expect to gain entry to a nice restaurant in your home town dressed like that? I expect you will be allowed access to McDonald if that's your sort of place.

Singlet tops and short shorts may well be refused at lots of churches.

I don't wear athletic wear on the streets in Paris. I am past the age that short shorts are a consideration.

To stay cool, I usually wear a casual dress and always carry a sweater or wrap, in case it is cool inside. That also takes care of church appropriate wear. I don't wear flip flops...not attractive and not supportive for all the walking. I try to look presentable where ever we go. While I don't think you have to wear top of the line designer clothes, I do want to look nice and appropriate for all occasions.

As I understand it, Parisians wear work out clothes when they are engaged in sport but not around as street clothes. You can still look nice and pack light. Why risk being turned away somewhere because you are dressed poorly? However, if that happens, don't criticize the French for it when you return, it is your choice. I hope your trip is wonderful. I love Paris.

YOu can wear sneakers if you want (there are plenty of attractive ones that are not big ugly white things which many Americans seem to wear in public for some reason I don't get). Don't even think of wearing or taking sweat pants. Well, if you must have them for some reason (to me, those mean fleecy sweatshirt fabric, as noted, it's too hot for those anyway), use them to lounge around the hotel room, that's all. I do take some casual pants for that purpose, but lighter weight than sweatpants.

What about black yoga pants? I've been trying to decide if I should bring them. They don't wrinkle and can look great with flats or walking shoes. We are going to Dijon for two days, Provence for a week and Paris for 4 days in September.
I am taking one pair of jeans, a few skorts and tops for the Provence part of the trip. I have black jersey tops, dress and leggings for dinners.

You czn wear whatever you like, but if you're asking if you'll see Parisians in yoga pants outside of the studio.... its pretty rare.

Sweat pants are for exercising. Yoga pants are for yoga. You won't see Parisians or folks in Dijon or Provence wearing either unless they're exercising or doing yoga, but suit yourself. You also may swelter in jeans or leggings in Provence in September.

There's a huge gap between sloppy and elegant. What is so hard about throwing on a comfortable dress and a cardigan, or a skirt and cotton top with a light wrap? Or capris and a top? You can be casual and comfortable without looking like you're off to gym class.

Skorts? Really? I guess vintage works just about everywhere.

Actually, we would gain access to most restaurants in our town in just jeans and sneakers. It's pretty laid back here - when I think sloppy, I think more clothes with stains or holes or overly wrinkled. I don't care for most "fashion" and find a lot of it silly (e.g. leather pants), but that is just personal opinion.

The thing is that we know we will be doing lots and lots of walking and probably more casual cafe/bistro fare - and we want to be comfortable and not overheat/oversweat/overitch/overadjust. I don't think we are planning to do a really fancy dinner because that's just not our style. It is more just about sampling a little bit of everything in a lot of different places. And certainly we would want to be respectful in churches and such.

I may have exaggerated a bit when talking about sweatpants. I just meant more stretchy items that, yes, could be worn to run a quick errand and possibly what one would consider "gym" wear without being too short or too skimpy. Our sneakers wouldn't be the garish white ones, but more grey or brown. I know we will be obvious tourists and are not trying to pass off as Parisians, but I am just hoping the city welcomes and embraces that and we don't feel blatantly uncomfortable - seeing as the city has a huge tourism market. I am just trying to understand the whole "getting turned away" thing based on clothing a little better. I may be reading too much into the dress code suggestions I see, though.

Thanks.

Take all the dress code comments with a grain of salt..Be casually neat, comfortably attired(Shunnung short shorts and bra like tops) and respectful in churches etc. You will have a great time.It will probably be hot so long pantsmay not be your choice and taking a shawl,pashima, stole (whatever) will solve alot of your concerns as there may be some ac and you might be cold in restuarants.

bookmarking.

You can wear absolutely whatever you want - and will see just about everything on others. But yoga pants, sweat/fleece pants, spandexy/stretchy things will be awfully hot, especially if you plan a lot of walking. Jeans - totally acceptable, but if you mean real denim jeans they would be hot too. Capris, light/floaty skirts, lightweight slacks would be much more comfortable

And skorts? Like a golf skirt??

Stcirq
I guess you aren't familiar with Athleta and other similar sites. We plan on cycling inProvece and don't want to bring extra cycling clothes. Skorts look just like skirts but with hidden boy shorts. Not very retro, in my opinion, but practical. I should have known better than to ask a question on this site. So judgemental. I take it you aren't the bit athletic.
We are also heading to Singapore on the same trip so I have to pack very light and smart. I am with you on dresses. Not that easy to find a flattering non-wrinkle dress.

If you are doing athletics, you will be fine in athletic wear. I've never seen the type of clothing sold by Athleta while in Paris, and yes, I get the catalogue, and know what it looks like.

In Paris, I dress more like I dress in NY. I'm not trying to pass as a Parisian, but I want to go where I want to go and be treated like I belong there. For me, the same is true in NY.

Neither do we eat in very elaborate restaurants, but I find that dark colors, natural fabrics, and simple lines get me through most situations comfortably. I've been in many bistros in Paris where nearly everyone was nicely dressed. Cafes can run the gamut from very casual to pretty sophisticated.

Of course, you can dress in any manner you please. The interesting thing is that people come here to ask, and then seem to greatly dislike the answers given to them by frequent travelers to Paris.

I wear extremely casual clothing at home, but I don't mistake my home for the center of Paris. People in my hometown don't dress nicely. People in Paris do. Doesn't mean I have to; but I try to step it up a bit. I don't want to be left standing waiting for my table or turned away because I'm too casually dressed.

Tuscanlifeedit, what do you mean we don't dress nicely here in the 'burgh?

I think you said it perfectly, Tuscanlifeedit. Here in my small Washington State town "Dress-Up" means clean blue jeans. "Formal" means clean blue jeans with no paint spots -- big belt buckle optional. We found that out the hard way when we moved here from D.C., and went to our first "Formal" event. We walked in, with me in tux and my DW in a long gown, to find everyone else in jeans or khakis.

In Paris, D.C., or NYC, we dress to suit the ambiance; much more stylishly and put together. It's not that we expect to be taken for a New Yorker, or Parisian, but that we feel more comfortable not looking like country bumpkins.

what nukesafe and tuscanlifeedit said.

http://athleta.gap.com/browse/category.do?cid=46843 I'm sure you didn't mean that one but, "Jumpuit turned skort . . . uber-cute"???

nukesafe and tuscanlifeedit summed it up perfectly.

I'm from Colorado where Athleta has cult-like status, and you just don't see it in Paris.

If you want to see what Parisians wear, check out the street photos I took of average Parisians of all ages in non-touristy areas.

Summer 2011 - http://www.parisescapes.com/paris_wear_photos_summer11.html
Spring 2012 - http://www.parisescapes.com/paris_wear_photos_spring12.html
Fall/Winter 2011/12 - http://parisescapes.com/paris_wear_winter12_photos.html

Honestly, in Paris, its less about the style - after all good style is eternal - and more about the fit. If you look at the photos above, you'll notice that the clothes are not too tight and not too loose - they fit just right. They are also age appropriate.

A good approach to take is to pack items that flatter your figure and look good on you. Pack clothes that people have commented "You look nice today", "Have you lost weight?", "I like that outfit on you." These comments tell you that the clothes you are wearing look stylish on you.

I am going to assume that the clothes are also comfortable. Like jeans, pants, a sundress or a cute top. I know that I don't receive compliments on what I am wearing if I am uncomfortable and dying to "get out of this dress and shoes." Packing clothes that you think you should be wearing and you aren't comfortable in is a vacation disaster waiting to happen - been there, done that and learned my lesson

If you are interested, here's a travel story that I wrote a few years ago that sums up my thoughts on how Parisians dress.

The Eternal Question - What makes Parisians so Stylish - http://parisescapes.com/paris_travel_tales_nov07_chap5_cont.html

Getting back to the original topic, I pack a 21-inch carry-on suitcase when I visit Paris/Spain each summer for 6 weeks. You really need less than you think.

I love wearing easy, comfortable dresses and skirts in Europe when it's hot, but finding shoes to complement a dress or skirt is much more difficult IMO. Even flats are not good for walking 5- 10 miles a day, which we often do. Open to suggestions.....

Sue

I should have said that "except for a few notable exceptions, people here don't dress nicely" because you do.

I don't. And when I get off a plane at PIT, I am generally disheartened by the looks of the people I see. I'm not that judgemental, but after a week or two in Europe, the comparisons are shocking. Why do people here still have big bushy mustaches? Why do women and girls where pajamas to the airport? Can we not get a ban on sleeveless t-shirts for grown men?

People, granmere dresses remarkably beautifully. I've seen her.

For what it is worth, it has been very cold in Paris this spring and dressing accordingly will really help you enjoy your trip. Pack layers.
Here is what they were wearing on the street in Paris last Friday;
http://findingnoon.com/?p=868

sundriedpachino, loving the skechers Go Walk and Go Play shoes. Also mary janes by Jambu are good with skirts, etc. to walk and look good. Love Athleta's Whatever skort, have a hard time seeing how that wouldn't work in any city anywhere (wore them in New York last year no problem). http://athleta.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=46843&vid=1&pid=683764

Monica - yep, I was thinking that is just about the only skort from their whole site that looks interesting/"Paris-worthy".

Wow..the whatever skort..Even I (80 yrs young) would feel comfrotable in it, home or abroad..Get one, maybe two and have fun fielding the compliments..Paris, Madrid, Istanbul, Barcelona, Rome.. should be called the where ever skort!!!

The Whatever skort is already in my shopping bag on Athleta.com. Getting ready for Paris...

athleta also has awesome summer sun dresses that look great for traveling.

Parisescapes: I always marvel when people tell me they can pack in a 21 inch suitcase for long trips. I've done it a few times (10-14 day trips), but I took only a small P&S camera and did not take a laptop.

Nowadays my camera gear takes up one of my allowed carryons (a very, very large messenger bag posing as my purse). The laptop, though small, takes up enough weight and real estate, along with a few pairs of small shoes (ballet flats and sandals) and of course (minimal) toiletries that I don't have enough room for more than 2-3 days worth of clothings, maximum, in my carryon (which is probably 19 inches, come to think of it - and perhaps the most compact 19 incher Samsomite makes).

Do you not take a laptop and camera gear? Do you do laundry a lot?

To the OP: I am finding that dresses are the most comfortable way to sightsee (and as a bonus you look pulled together). Even in winter. Just pack thick tights and good walking boots in winter. In summer it is even easier. It's all about the shoes, at that point.

amer_can: Athleta DOES have a "whereever" skort...even prettier than the whatever, IMHO!

http://athleta.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=46807&vid=1&pid=219056

Sidny, I like the wherever skort, but it looks a bit too complicated. I am still in the whatever camp .

Deb, I was just kidding! And you look pretty chic yourself when I've run into you!

Tentek and Sydney
I tried the wherever but, as you say, too complicated. I actually tried both, it didn't like either one. If you arent very tall, order it in petite. The fabric on them is great, just didn't like how they looked on me.
I did see a skirt today by Horny Toad called the Chanel Skirt that I really liked. I'm also back to looking for travel dresses. Packing for two different places is tough.

Oh no, mine is already on the way.

Hi flygirl,

Once you get in the mindset that you aren't going to check a bag no matter what, it gets easier. Now, I don't find it any harder to pack for a month than for a week. I pack for a weeks worth of clothes and then rotate through them.

I pick a base color, like black, and another neutral, like taupe or gray. Then, I mix and match dresses, sweaters, skirts and tops in light layers. I use scarves and jewelry to dress an outfit up or down. I avoid pants, because they take up so much room. Like you, I am a sweater, tights and boots girl in the winter.

Even if I love it (like a dress in a unique color/pattern), if it doesn't mix and match, it stays at home. It helps that I live in a climate where it can be 80's during the day and 40's at night, so I normally live in layers.

I hand-wash most items and leave them to line dry. I try to pack natural fabrics, like wool and linen, that you can "air" out between wearings. In the summer months, I wash more because in the heat clothes get "ickier" faster.

Here is the Samsonite suitcase that I use (http://amzn.to/NcZFGu). I am in love with this suitcase. I spend about 12 weeks in Europe each year, so I fly a lot. And, i can pack so much more in this suitcase than others. I think because it is a simple square with no "fancy" compartments to get in the way.

I used to roll my clothes, but now I use an Eagle Creek folder (http://amzn.to/Oxpgac). I can pack six dresses, four sweaters, two skirts and a handful of top/scarves in the folder, then squeeze it into the 20 inch suitcase.

The other side of the suitcase, I use for shoes. I actually care more about shoes than clothes. Paris is pretty unforgiving on your feet. In November, I packed two pairs of ankle boots and a pair of riding boots on one side of the suitcase with the Eagle folder on the other side. I can't believe how much I can fit in this suitcase…it rocks my world

For electronics, I carry a MacBook Air, an iPad, notebook, ticket folder, 2 point-and-shoot cameras, iPhone, a Kindle, noise canceling handphones and chargers. I put all of this as well as makeup bag, etc. in a leather purse/satchel similar to this (http://bit.ly/Nd0VJZ) with strong straps. Yes, it weighs a ton.

Once I get through the bag police at security, I'll pull a Le Sportsac shopping bag ( http://bit.ly/Oxox94) out of the outside pocket of my suitcase and redistribute the weight.

I've been thinking of upgrading my camera, but I would have to start checking, because I literally could not fit another lens, etc. in my purse. So, I just stick with frequently upgrading my point and shoots.

Hope this helps. Now, I am psyched up to begin packing for my month in France/Spain leaving next week

TLDR: mix and match, layers, natural fabrics, hand wash, suitcase is key, use packing folders and stuff your purse.

Tentek
You will probably love it. It is a very popular skirt. There are lots of positive reviews on it, i think I just like straighter skirts on me. You will love the fabric. It's very lightweight and wrinkle resistant.

Paris escapes
Thanks for the great advice!

Thanks to whoever recommended Whatever SKort by Athleta. I just got mine and love it! I am definitely going to wear it in paris.

ParisEscapes, I don't understand how you carry on with the suitcase, your leather bag, and Le Sportsac. Do you put the handbag in the Sportsac?

sportsac in the leather bag, i think, grandmere. I love the leather bag by the way.

Tentek, how does that redistribute the weight, as ParisEscapes mentions, since Sportsacs weigh next to nothing? Maybe I'm being obtuse about this, but I don't get it! (And it probably does not matter!)

Grandmere, once you check in, nobody cares how many pieces of carry on you have.

ParisEscapes, I am amazed at all you can fit into such a small suitcase. And all the electronics you can carry, too.

i still like spaarne's original advice better:

Just go naked with your tooth brush and buy all those other essentials when you get there.

I tend to do much longer trips overseas than a week and my carryon suitcase is always a 20"- 21", very lightweight, 4-wheeler. The trip could be from north to south, from cold weather to the tropics, but everything has to fit into that one suitcase, plus a backpack...and my scottevest (I can hear the groans already )

I've learnt to have mix-and-match in basic colors (black, grey, brown) with blouses and scarves to add color. Everything is wash and dry (wash in wash basin at night, dries by morning). One pair of formal black shoes to go with everything, one pair of sturdy shoes, a washable pair of slippers. My one big luxury item tends to be socks. I'm a long-time hiker and I need those good socks to buffer my feet, regardless of the season. The socks usually weigh the most and take up the most room for any one item. One one-piece swimsuit (I'm much too old for a two piece!). Long ago, in India, I picked up a shalwar kameez which consisted of a beautiful lightweight long black "jacket" top and a pair of plain black pants. The pants are long gone, but the top is my formal/not-so-formal outer wear over a blouse. It's feather weight.

In other words, everything I carry has to be lightweight and has to be "classic" - to not stand out anywhere in the world, but - if it is a formal - isn't inappropriate or dodgy-looking. Oh, and everything has to be VERY comfortable.

My toiletries have been reduced to a small bag that was a complementary airline toiletries bag. It's 2"x3"x5", and has even some small packs of medication, like Neosporin, in it. That, plus the liquids bag, which is usually only 1/2 full.

You CAN do it - travel light and carry all your needs with you. I do encourage you to think out ahead of time on what color scheme (two dominant colors), how much weight each item will be, and what you can eliminate, eliminate, eliminate.

Either that or do as spaarne has suggested.