WHAT SHOULD I LEAVE OUT OF THE SUITCASE!!???

I never leave anything out!
Why "suffer"?!
Life's too short!
(from one Barbara to another)

Half of the clothes you have on your bed ready to pack!

LOL

since we don't know what useless things you are planning to take - it is hard to tell you what to leave home . . . .

Let me check my crystal ball and get back to you!

Anything which you won't wear at least twice, and anything that may ruin you photos or anybody else's.

Anything tight (it's too warm to be uncomfortable)
.
Leave out everything you don't love to wear... if you're not sure leave it out!
Don't take any shoes that aren't comfortable and make sure you can walk miles in them (OK, there might be an exception for ONE pair of heels for a special dinner ...by taxi!)

Leave some space in your case to buy something gorgeous to remind you of your trip.

Something to add to your suitcase......is another suitcase to carry all the treasures home. No kidding! I folded up a duffle bag and stuffed it in. I bought SO much on my first trip that I had to buy one of those HUGE things to get it all home. My second trip I was a little more frugal, the purchases only required the duffel bag.

I reiterate.
TAKE IT ALL.
And have a good time! Why even ask?

I think it's safe to say that you do not need to pack the kitchen sink...

1) Anything heavy
2) Anything bulky
3) Anything (other than underwear) that you'll only use once

Unless you can really really really justify having them

i have learned on this trip to roll everything..i like to be superorganised when packing but as others have said..you waste a lot of valuable little niches when you use the compartment or ziplock bag method....i swear that when i was coming home i could pack everything i took into half the space of my bag by rolling and squashing down ...i took only 15 kilos and was allowed 20 on most flights and 23 on the last leg with british air...i really couldve taken a couple of more tops
i never take evening shoes unless im travelling in very warm places wear i can pack light pretty flats/sandals but the rule is i have to be able to walk home in them and negotiate cobblestones if need be
yep i felt a bit funny in my hikers/black walkers at night when we did stay out ..but i held my head high and just made sure my hair and makeup was done

oh
and about packing that second bag..make sure youre allowed that extra piece of luggage..we had a nasty surprise coming home from london
we were still under the weight but were charged 64aud to bring on the 2nd piece for OH...and the bag was too big to take on as hand luggage..something that we didnt think we could do...we did read the website but somehow didnt make sense of it...
we were actually allowed to bring 23kg of handluggage as well as 23 kg of checked as long as the checked luggage compromised of only one piece each
saving on baggage handling i expect

Janis said " since we don't know what useless things you are planning to take - it is hard to tell you what to leave home . . . ."
Come on Janis! The OP is speaking in general terms.

Take no more than two pairs of pants, two shorts, a supply of underwear,socks T shirts or tops for 4-5 days. You can always wash these items in the hotel sink.

I like this post and I think we all know that we probably take way too much.

<<I like this post and I think we all know that we probably take way too much.>>

I disagree. There is even a poster here who teaches packing classes. I hardly ever take too much, but I've honed my packing skills over hundreds of trips. I start packing a couple of weeks ahead of time and winnow it down to the bare essentials, which still doesn't mean that I don't have loads of outfit options or am living without shampoo or deodorant. You just have to lay out everything you'd LIKE to take, then look at it with a jaundiced eye and remove anything you don't absolutely HAVE to have. Europe isn't a remote or developing continent - you can always pick something up there if you absolutely need it.

Go to Fodor's "Travel News" and read editor Doug Stallings article: 10 Easy Tips for Becoming a Carry-on Traveler

If you post your packing list, we will tell you what to cross off of it, as others have mentioned.

Basically what you should leave out, is anything you really don't need

Post my packing list? Are you kidding? LOL But I agree don't take anything you don't really need! I got some great ideas. Thanks!

The German father of the family I stayed with in high school once told me "Lay out everything you plan to take. Put away half of the clothes you have laid out. Take twice as much money as you have laid out. Now you will have a wonderful trip!" (loosely translated!)
I think of dear Reinhold whenever I pack.

BarbSG, Then our method may work for you. Do not pack anything that you wouldn't be willing to post on a list on this forum!!!

LOL

Also, you didn't say, at least on this thread, how long you're going for. That makes a difference. BUT, FWIW, here's my general guidelines for a 2- 3-week trip (in summer):

underwear (half the amount I need for the days alloted; I wash out the rest)
Something to sleep in (T-shirt, nightgown, whatever - of minimal weight)
2 pairs of shoes (one sandal, one nice like ballet slippers, and one worn on the plane, so only pack one)
One pair of long lightweight cotton pants
2 pairs capris or long shorts (nice ones, suitable for visiting friends, having a nice lunch, etc.)
SOMETIMES: 1 pair of really lightweight stretch jeans
2 cotton skirts (OR i skirt and two dresses, see below)
1 nice dress, cotton and usable for both daytime and evening dress-up
6-8 tops ranging from really lightweight cotton to at least one long-sleeved cotton top in case it's cold.
1 sweater or light jacket.

Everything is color coordinated so I can put together about 50 outfits if I want to. I tend to love color, so I usually bring some basic colors plus some bright ones. I love skirts and dresses, so I'm always ready for the unexpected tea or invitation to someone's home or whatever.

Beyond what I've mentioned, I just take a pair or two of socks (which I don't wear in summmmer) and all the other non-clothing paraphernalia. It all fits very well in a 22" rollaboard.

Do not pack those cool collapsible translucent vases that come in 3 sizes. I have yet to have enough table top space in my cheap-ish hotels to enjoy any flowers (and I worry the scent will be too strong at night when I'm laying there trying to go to sleep). (but they are way cool!)

Travelnut, you know, in my next life when I become someone very rich, I'd LOVE to have fresh flowers in my hotel room.

Alas, not only I'm too cheap to buy these cool collapsible vases, I'm even too cheap to buy cut flowers...

As for the OP, I used to pack scented travel candles (Green Tea), as I've always gotten stuck in a room with cigarette smoke smell. But I stopped packing that in the last year, as I find European hotels are getting better at banning smoking in their rooms and I haven't been in a smoky room for a while.

Heh thks StCirq that's really helpful.......if I'm still alive after the first week. lol
No, but that list will be useful.

yk, didn't you see the inexpensive fresh flowers all over Budapest? I think I paid 150 forints for the whole bunch.

I wonder about the advice to bring only things you love. When I have worn the same clothes for 2-3 weeks (5 shirts, 3 pairs of trousers) I never want to see them again. Since I can't afford not to wear them, they go to the back of the closet and only come out for travel.

One year a brought a suitcase the size of a small car. The worst....the worst assortment of whatever. Useless. Thanks so much for all your ideas.

The condoms..wrong size anyway

StCirq....ALL of that fits in a 22" rollaboard?? They must be Barbie clothes or you're a very petite lady! I admit I'm trying to pack light for my upcoming trip but I know I'd never make it in a 22 incher!

Don't pack any clothes that aren't black. Black hides dirt, matches other black clothes and shoes, and makes you look slimmer.

God help me, I have to pack bike shoes, running shoes, a bike helmet, kit, and pedals. THEN...I get to try to find room in a carry-on for some clothes. I imagine I'll be wearing the same LBD every night.

When I have been in Italy and have purchased flowers or have been given a bouquet of flowers from friends in Italy the hotels has always been gracious about loaning me a vase to use. If one is staying at the same hotel for some days it is lovely to have some fresh flowers in the room.

Black, black and black..that sounds like my wardrobe. Three pair of shoes, two walking (one pair sandals) and one pair for evening. One pair worn on the plane of course so only two pair to pack. I also throw in a lightweight pair of flipflops which take the place of sandals and can be used for going out for early morning coffee etc.

AmyP22: Sure -- all that stuff (and more -- though you wouldn't need more) will easily fit in a 21 inch bag.

I just got back from a 2+ week trip to the UK, and my little rollaboard had 2 pairs of slacks (I wore my jeans on the plane), 2 pair shoes (another pair on my feet on the plane), 2 cardigans, a jacket (I wore another jacket onboard), pullover sweater, 2 tanks, 3 blouses, 3 other tops, a skirt, pashmina, scarves, sun hat, underwear, socks, fold up raincoat, plus all the bits (umbrella, flat iron, plug adapter, toiletries, etc etc etc) -- and my bag was about 3/4 full.

Like Amy, I find it hard to believe that all those clothes plus "all the bits" would fit into a 21-inch bag with space to spare. I too wonder at the sizes, both clothes and shoes. Two pairs of my size 11 shoes take up most of the space in my 21-inch carryon.

Well two that have posted here about only taking a carryon bag are adorable petite women. The size of the clothing and shoes does make a difference.

There are so many great replies you probably don't need any more advice. I think everyone is different with what quantity they like to take. I would sacrifice ANYTHING in order to not be that person trying to lug their gigantic bag.
Therefore I'd rather bring items that match well, that I can easily wash and that I don't mind wearing a few times. It much more important to me to be unencumbered than to have a ton of outfit choices.
It just depends on what is most important to you. It also depends how much transferring on and off of trains and buses you'll be doing.

Gina hit the nail on the head. To become a truly "light" packer, you DO need to be willing to wear your clothes over & over again.

The two women who have so far stated that they can easily fit their travel wardrobes into 22" bags may well be adorable and petite, but that's nothing to do with the packing. I do it in a 19" bag and still have room for my pillow. My husband also does it, and at 6' he's nobody's idea of petite. We'll skip the question of adorability for the moment.

OMG St Cirq - that exact packing list is what I just took to Italy for our 12 day trip! I NEVER thought it would fit into a 21 inch roller bag but it did! The only thing I didn't wear was a long skirt because it was too hot - wish I had brought another short skirt instead.

I teach a packing class and have taken groups on overseas trips. The men have been up to 6' 4"-ish, 250--ish, and women from size 0 to size 24 -- It honestly makes not much difference. Or very little anyway. In the last 4 or so years I've had nearly 3000 people attend my classes - and nearly every week I get an e-mail from someone back from a trip thanking me - that it really DID work . . .

Sure a size 11 EE shoe is a LOT larger than my 5 1/2 B -- but that doesn't really matter. Since you use the space in the shoe to hold all sorts of bits and pieces, it really works out about equal. I don't wear the same things over and over and over. In my classes I pack a woman's suitcase and a man's either suitcase or duffle bag.

But you can't just put things in the suitcase willy nilly. To make it work best, you either have to either roll the clothes (lots of folks do that) or -- my preference, use the bundle method. I personally think bundling works better since nothing gets wrinkled. I don't iron at home - I sure as heck won't while on vacation

How about a challenge, seems most offering "sample" packing lists are travelling in warm weather months. How about cool to cold months. Say late October through March, there is a good swing in temps during this time, as well as percipitation types, but that to me is the real challenge.

janisj, what is the bundle method?

Doesn't it comes down to whether you want to go carry-on or checked luggage? You can do it if you want to and if you don't you don't have to.

delvino: Warm or cold weather make no real difference. Warm weather clothes are thinner/lighter - but people generally wear more garments. Meaning they change more often -- morning sight seeing, then afternoon in the pool, then out in the evening or whatever.

Cold weather clothes are a bit heavier (not necessarily "HEAVY" since layering is more effective than wearing really heavy clothing). The hypothetical trip I pack for in my classes is three weeks in November to Paris, London and a week in the country. That way I can cover all sorts of weather/clothing "issues"

The bundle method is sort of hard to explain - there was a thread a couple of years ago where I did a looooong narrative. Maybe you can find it if you search.

But this website shows a semi-version of the method I use. http://www.packinglight.net/plight/text_1.asp?tx_id=77&

I do several things a little or a lot differently (better IMO of course ) - but this at least shows the general concept

The pumpkin? The bowling ball?

I take whatever I want and buy the rest.

Regards,

Not a Carry-on Person

You might try leaving out the capital letters, they take up an awful lot of room. And they're so noisy!

i watched the butler video someone (put the link up here) but in mky opinion you really do get more into your suitcase by rolling and stuffing the crevices..i tried the bundling method but i dont like the way the clothes kinda weave in and out of each other

it may be fine if youre travelling to one destination and then unpacking for the entire time but im not fussed on it if youve got lots of stops

id really just prefer to give something a quick iron anyway when im travelling

I remember once taking a suitcase so big my husband and I had to both carry it up a circular staircase in teeny weeny pensione in France. He said, "What in god's name to you have in here." The next year.....the complete opposite. I had one carry on and my brother-in-law said, "Barb I can't believe you only have one small suitcase. Look it everyone she has a different outfit everyday. She's like Houdini......

1. Choose the suitcase you are comfortable with.
2. Fill it.
3. Walk down the garden and back with it.
4. Can't breathe??? Remove 10% and go back to 3.
5. go to airport.
6. Have a great holiday.

Roger Bruton

http://www.fermedecandeloup.fr

We just got back from 2 1/2 weeks in France and for me (5' 11", size 11 EE shoes my husband (6' 3") and our two boys (8 and 11) we took 2 x 21" roller carryons plus a tote (which mostly contained books, maps and sandles.) We each wore a pair of jeans and a sweater/sweatshirt/jacket equivalent and our shoeier shoes (i.e. not sandals) on the plane, and the rest of the clothes we packed were lighter (shorts, skorts, lightweight shirts). We brought minimal toiletries - bought shampoo and soap etc in France and left it there.
I brought a curling iron that I never used - so that is the only thing I would have left out of my suitcase!

lanejohann: yes, a lot of people like to roll. When I teach bundling, I explain how to do it for various scenarios. For a one or two or three destination trip - just one bundle works best.

For a 1 or 2 night stand after 1 or 2 night stand sort of trip, then I recommend doing two bundles. Half the clothes/underwear in one and half in the other. Since the bundles can come out of the suitcase cleanly w/o disturbing the contents. For the first couple of stops use one bundle and just lay the other one aside. Then the next stop wear things from the 2nd bundle. Hopefully one isn't pulling 1 nighters for more than a few days. Then at the first longer stay - undo everything, do laundry if needed, mix things up and re-bundle so one doesn't have to wear the same outfits over and over.

For other types of trips . . . . Like for a 1 nighter followed by a longer stay (a one night layover before moving to the ultimate destination, a night before a cruise, that sort of thing) you can use one bundle - but hold out one full change of clothes/underwear and just lay them on top of the bundle in the suitcase.

Baggage restrictions and costs are too troublsome to put up with. Airport delays are also caused by baggage. Learn the maximum size carry-on that your airline allows without fees. If you are travelling on other lines be sure you're 'legal' with them. You can buy everything you need once at your destination.

I just pack it all. Underwear for every day. Socks for every day. Enough shirts for every day - two if it will be hot. Undershirts. Etc. Etc. I have no interest in wasting even 5 minutes washing my clothes in the sink. As long as I don't go overweight, I don't worry about it. I even pack <gasp> jeans!

About the only time I pack really light is if I am going on a "shopping" trip, such as when I go back to the US. In those cases, I will pack enough clothes for a couple of days maybe and just check empty suitcases and fill them with purchases for the return.

I'm a member of the roll your clothes school. As long as you pay a little attention to what you are bringing it's not too bad with the wrinkles. Knits are good since they tend not to wrinkle and they compress well. The size that you wear doesn't make a huge difference, but the type of garment that you bring does. Avoid bulky stuff at all costs! I rarely pack jeans, or even slacks, for that reason. I will not re-wear a shirt usually, or wash-out my underwear, because I do not feel really clean doing that, but packed properly, underpants and cami's or t-shirts don't take up much space. In summer I would take lightweight cotton skirts, t-shirts/camis sufficient to the number of days plus a couple of extras, ditto for underwear, one or two lightweight cardigans, possibly a pair of shorts (depending on my destination) or capris, 1 pair of lightweight knit pants, 1 or two very lightweight sundresses, a pair of ballet flats, dressy sandals, and one or two pairs of flip-flops. I can get all of that (up to about 2 weeks worth) into a 21 inch roller if I scrunch and roll and fill all of those nooks and crannies. Winter is a little more problematic, since the clothes are heavier, but I would pack longer (and possibly heavier) skirts, add tights, ditch the sandals and flip-flops in favor of an additional pair of flats and light-weight boots, and replace the sundress and shorts with a couple more sweaters. I might see if a pair of jeans or slacks could be persuaded to get in there too. That said, pack the minimum that makes you feel not skeevy, make sure everything pretty much goes with everything else, and ideally you should be able to lift it and run with it through an airport if you have to.

Sine you're traveling in summer: Don't pack denim jeans, take instead summer pants/shorts made from a light-weight material. Jeans are heavy to carry around, and take forever to dry when washed. Drying them will cost you a fortune in time and/or money. Laundrymats don't always have them, and most people do not have one in their home. If you have a chance to do laundry on a visit with a local friend or relative, chances are you will be hanging your clothes on a line outside in the yard/balcony or in the basement if it's raining.

take old underwear and stuff you really don't like and toss it along the way.

frenchwow, I really like the way you think!! Leaves a bit more room for bringing stuff home. = ) As said already, give plenty of thought to what you really need. Lay it out, look at it a day or 2, thin, repeat. You can always pick up what you might forget...

But why would you want to spend two weeks wearing crappy things you don't like?? There is no reason to throw things away - take what you like and look good in. Just don't take too much.

Barb, how long you're going and what you're going to do helps determine how you pack and what you leave behind.

What do you usually need at home for a period of that length, in the sort of weather you'll have on your trip? Make a list of those items. Now, can you whittle that list down? If you wear a pair of pants once at home, can you wear them twice or three times on a vacation? Can they be washed either mid-trip or in the sink (items needing special laundry care are a serious pain)? Now how about shirts... same idea, what can be easily washed, easily packed, easily matched to other items. Don't put together outfits, but coordinating pieces that can be mixed and matched. Don't take half a dozen pairs of shoes.

Whatever you decide is needed to go, pack it in the suitcase you want to take (I love my 25" even though it's not carryon size, and I highly suggest avoiding anything 27" or larger). The suitcase needs to be able to close easily, you have to be able to manuever it (can you walk with it for a distance, can you carry it, can you lift it easily, etc), and there should be plenty of space and weight allowance left for whatever you want to bring back with you. I tend to take a folded up duffle bag to take as carryon on the return trip for fragile purchases. Either buy a cheap luggage scale, or stand on a scale holding the bag, and compare the fully loaded bags weight to what your airline allows. Is it well under the limit?

Good luck and have fun

Unless you are staying in hostels, you don't need to bring a hairdryer. They are in most hotels these days.

Consider bringing some clothes that are ready for the Goodwill and leave them behind in hotels when you travel. That will make room for purchases. (I always leave a note for the maid, so that she knows it's not been forgotten.)
Also, I always bring a beautiful shawl and a silk scarf or two--they take up no room and dress up a plain sweater for evening wear or to keep you comfortable when the sun goes down. I always pack a pair of light gloves for unexpected chilly days--they can occur at almost any time of year, and my hands get cold. Try not to take more than 2 pairs of shoes--they're heavy and they take up a lot of room in your luggage.

If you're going to be on a long trip, I find it easier to travel with two medium size bags than one huge heavy bag. There will times when you have to get your luggage up the steps of a train, or down a staircase in a hotel or a station that has no elevator or escalator. Be prepared to lug your bags without a porter!

A few people always suggest that idea every time we discuss packing light...

NO WAY am I wearing ratty old underwear, or clothes that are so bad I want to throw them out... when I'm lucky enough to go on a trip to Europe!

I read the packing preferences with interest--as none of the posts include my favorite way of packing, honed over years of heavy travel: put your clothes on vinyl-coated wire hangers (they're narrow and can be used for hand washing without rusting), doubling up pants and tops. Cover everything with plastic drycleaner bags. When all your toiletries (in ziploc bags) and heavy items are in the base of your suitcase, make a "roulade" of your clothing (I fold in thirds, hangers first) and place clothing on top. I travel to Europe with a 2-part duffle on wheels--heavy items, shoes, etcetera go in the base and the clothes go in the top part. When you arrive at your hotel, just shake the clothes out, hang in the closet and you're good to go. The plastic retards wrinkling. This is a lot faster than weaving your clothes into bundles--and it also works if using a rollerboard suitcase.

Also, pack a soft nylon Le Sac type bag and an extra TSA lock (you do have TSA locks for your baggage, don't you?). Then if you pick up bulky items in your travels, you'll be able to transport them home without having to purchase another bag. You can pack this soft bag with laundry, sweaters, shoes and other items that can't get damaged in transit. Use your luggage locks in your hotel room--even if you also use a safe for jewelry. Things sometimes disappear from unsecured luggage.

Reply to Suze: of course, I wouldn't want to be caught in ratty underwear or clothing. Everything is relative--you may have some tops or shirts that you're tired of or pants that have seen better days, but aren't threadbare or ratty. They may be good enough for the plane trip over and then left behind. I find that I don't want to wear again the clothes I've traveled/slept in overnight on the plane until they've been laundered. Also, it's worth packing lighter and using hotel cleaning services, if needed. They're not cheap, but less expensive than overweight baggage.

When I travel, for a few nights or two weeks, I use the travel space bags. You can fit double the clothes that would normally fit in a carry-on suitcase.
They can be purchased at most stores, but Wal-Mart has the best selection.

I'm with Suze. I couldn't take things that I'm ready to throw out. I'M GOING TO EUROPE!..........ON A HOLIDAY!..........I couldn't schlep around looking like......well whatever. But I appreciate the suggestion. Unfortunately the way you dress creates an impression to others you don't yet know and might influence the service etc. you receive. I can't imagine me saying, "Well I have a wonderful wardrobe at home but I can't pack efficently....I'll have Kir Royal please even though I look like I can't afford a coffee."

Unfortunately the way you dress creates an impression to others you don't yet know and might influence the service etc.

I don't find dress nearly as important as your bearing. Acting like you belong, or better yet, knowing that you belong, means much more than dressing in a costume. Personally, I find nothing more ridiculous than an ill-fitting suit - and many people wear ill-fitting suits.

That being said, I don't see the point in wearing clothes that you don't like or that are too old and ratty to keep, regardless of whether you are dressing formally or casually.

ahhh yes you may be correct. But heh if don't like wearing suits.....don't wear them.

and of course grammar helps. lol

I never take jeans. Too heavy, too hot and when they get dirty, they stay dirty beacuse they don't dry quickly.

I almost always fly carry-on because I choose to. I am not a little, young thing but have no problem packing a generous, versatile travel wardrobe for 2+ weeks in a 21" wheeled carry-on. It is light enough for me to stow in and retrieve from the overhead bin on my own.

I think the idea of wearing old undies and discarding them along the way is disgusting - pity the poor hotel staff who have to empty the bins.

My only tip is that as well as my other clothes, I like to add a pair of yoga pants (or similar) as they are really comfy at the end of long days when travelling.

re:clothes, choose a colour scheme and make sure that nearly everything will go with everything else ie: the black top will go with the black pants, shorts, skirt + the black & beige skirt, olive green shorts etc etc. Ditto if you are a bloke unless of course you do wear skirts.
Also, unless you feel you cannot live without electronic gadgets, it will save a hugh amount of space and weight if you leave all that stuff at home.
And only take sample packs of shampoo, conditioner etc.

I did a two-week group tour of Greece with only what is allowed to carry on, and next week I leave for three weeks in Europe with the same carry-on.

On the two week trip around Greece there was copious walking. I learned that my feet like a change of pace (not the same pair of shoes all the time) and I ended up buying a pair of sandals. Other than that I wanted for nothing. I packed enough panties to change each day, one khaki skirt, one khaki pants, one khaki shorts, one bathing suit, one sun hat, 5 rolled up tank tops and one thin, long sleeve button up to protect when the sun got to be too much. Plus a camera, small binoculars, and a travel journal.

I'm pretty proud of myself.

As well you should be Heather! It's given me another idea. Thks. Someone said here, you end up wearing the same things anyway. I always end up taking way too many SHOES! Then buying way too many SHOES!

I find I do end up wearing the same things over and over so I have learned over the years to pack those pieces that really work for me. My feet do need a change of shoes mid day so I always have two pair of walking shoes and a pair of dressier shoes for evening which I wear every night.

Black pants and a variety of tops/twin sets that I can mix and match work for me. Camisoles are light weight and can change the look for an outfit as can scarves and wraps. We generally visit Europe between late October and early April and I find that time of year easy to pack for.

I am happy my hair is short and low maintenance - I don't pack electronics except a small steamer.

<<Sure a size 11 EE shoe is a LOT larger than my 5 1/2 B -- but that doesn't really matter. Since you use the space in the shoe to hold all sorts of bits and pieces, it really works out about equal.>>

A size 5.5 is half the size of an 11. An 11 uses more than half the length of the suitcase. Two 5.5 shoes are equivilent to one size 11. Two pairs of 5.5's are equal to one pair of 11's. I do put small stuff in the shoes but it still takes up 11 inches of a 21" carryon.

I didn't say that I don't know how to pack light, I wrote that I couldn't get that many clothes in my 21" carryon(outside measurement, including handle and wheels) nor would I want to.

<<2 pairs of slacks (I wore my jeans on the plane), 2 pair shoes (another pair on my feet on the plane), 2 cardigans, a jacket (I wore another jacket onboard), pullover sweater, 2 tanks, 3 blouses, 3 other tops, a skirt...>> I'm not being snarky but wonder why you would need two jackets, two cardigans and a pullover.

I take one jacket, one rainjacket, one sweater -- cardigan or pullover, three pairs of pants (wear one, pack two) one pair of capris (if going to a warm climate), and six or seven tops; two pairs of shoes, bathing suit and sarong if I expect to swim. No skirt or dress unless going to special event.

I could pack everything in a carryon but don't because I usually have more than one connection and want to be rid of the luggage.

If using just carryon you have to check the airline regulations. On my most recent trip, domestic flights in both Australia and New Zealand limit carryon weight to 15 pounds -- and they weigh the luggage. Some European airlines have low limits too, so know before you go.

Know before you go is good advice. The budget carriers in Europe in general have many restrictions on carry on as well as checked baggage.

Throughout the year, we put underwear that has seen its better days into the "travel drawer." Underwear with holes or tears, underwear that is just plain worn out. Into the suitcases it goes. As we move along, we simply toss it. Our suitcases become lighter with each passing day, with each passing shower. Sometimes old shirts get the same treatment. Several pairs of trousers go, too. No problem.

OK will people stop telling me about how they travel with old underwear.

I think the black pants and several tops thing works. Seemed to on the last trip. I end up taking way too many toiletries because usually stay in villas/houses etc.

It sounded in an earlier post that you were packing without a packing list...don't do it! Always have a list to go off of or you forget the stupidist things. One year on a camping trip I forgot the sleeping bags. Now I have a personalized list saved on my computer for different travel needs; camping, car trips, air travel and seasonal. I started with a basic packing list from Rick Steves. After a trip I come home and delete things I never used, and so over the years I have honed it down pretty well. I wouldn't worry too much about toiletries, because if you run out some of the fun of the trip is going into a store and finding something that you think looks like deodorant. That's how I found my favorite, can't be found in the U.S., lip gloss. The best thing to pack is your sense of humor and adventure!

Heh that's a great idea netmartin. Making the list then revising it each time you go. VERY GOOD IDEA.

I take my worst underwear and as I use them I throw them out at the end of the day and thereby lighten my load along the way. Pack light. If you forget some small item you can pick it up there and sometimes that can be fun in itself. You aren't going to the Moon.

OMG not a old underwear story again..............ANYWAY........shoes are my problem OK? How many should I take?

I have a list but but more for incidentals than clothing as weather and destination will affect clothing choices.

I lay all my initial choices out on my bed and make sure they pass the mix and match test. I run and work out, so always have to take attire for that as well. I limit myself to two sets that I can easily rinse out and that dry quickly. I also have no problem hand washing lingerie (add me to the list of those who do not bring old underwear on a special trip).

As for shoes, I always bring two pair of walking shoes and one pair of shoes for evenings (mid heel boots or sandals, depending on the season). Add to that one pair of running shoes and I wear my heaviest/bulkiets pair of shoes/boots on the plane.

Fabric is really key IME to packing light. Microfiber is a great choice and I like to layer. We avoid Europe in the summer season but when I have traveled during hot weather, I stick to tank dresses and skirts/tops in easy fabrics and bring a nice pair of slacks for evening with a variety of tops.

Luisah:: "I'm not being snarky but wonder why you would need two jackets, two cardigans and a pullover"

Precisely because I don't enjoy wearing the same things over and over. Plus I was taking a group and we had events like two posh dinners, theatre, outdoor evening things and daytime country things -- and one jacket was casual the other quite dressy. And it was England where the weather could have been very cool or pretty warm (and was mostly on the cool side). And everything easily fit in 3/4 of my carry-on so why the heck not???

One doesn't have to be a schlubb and wear the same 6 things over and over and over to travel w/ just a carry-on.

Don't fixate on the shoe sizes. You pack large shoes differently than small shoes. See if this makes sense. 2 pair of small shoes would go in like this == along the top and bottom edges of the suitcase. 2 pair of large shoes would go in like this |=| w/ one shoe on each end and one shoe at the top and bottom sort of like a picture frame. Then all the other bits and pieces would be inside the frame. Then the clothing goes in on top of all those sundry items.

How big are these undergarments people are throwing away?

And I'm assuming that janisj's already pointed out that you pack inside the actual shoes. Think of each shoe as it's own little suitcase and cram it full of of things that are impervious too wrinkling: small electronics, underwear (mine come home with me, thank you), personal grooming items (nail file, hair barettes, etc.), dry toiletries, socks/stockings. I routinely travel with high heel knee high boots, and have no trouble fitting a large and varied wardrobe in with them (and typically another pair of shoes as well).

Heh I'm liking the "picture frame" idea janisj and the "shoe suitcase" idea Therese. Excellent. Excellent.

My 2 cents Re MEN vs WOMEN

I have no trouble packing 2 weeks' of clothing in my 19" carryon. However, packing 2 weeks' of my husband's clothing in a 21" has always been a challenge.

He is not obese or huge, he wears Mens medium and wears size 10 shoes. However, one pair of his shoes = 2 pairs of mine.

One polo shirt of his = 3 T-shirts of mine

One pair of Khakis of his = 2 pairs of my pants; or 3 pairs of my skirts

And don't get me started on underwear. Basically, to take the same # of pieces of clothing as I do, his clothes take up 2-3 times as much space, no matter how I fold or roll them up.

Wearing underwear with holes and tears or just plain worn out. Didn't your mother ever tell you to always, and I mean always, wear underwear that is clean and in perfect condition just in case you were hit by a bus? Sorry, just couldn't resist, lol.

Honestly - if you can't figure out how to pack a suitcase you probably shouldn't be traveling.

yk - Thank you. I'm not sure what the people who say "man or woman, it doesn't matter" are smoking, but they are smoking something. Men's clothing takes up at least twice the space of a woman's - except for this random couple that lived in my apartment building, where she was a very large 6'2" and he was a very scrawny 5'5". We won't get into the fact that men probably need to bring double the clothing (or wash twice as often) because they sweat more.

For a man, frankly, I don't think it is worth bothering with a carry-on only strategy for more than 4 days or so.

Everything that you packed for your last trip and never used.

"I'm not sure what the people who say "man or woman, it doesn't matter" are smoking, but they are smoking something. Men's clothing takes up at least twice the space of a woman's"

Nope - no smokin' here (of any sort). In the long version of my packing class I pack a woman's 2-3 week wardrobe - AND a man's 2-3 week wardrobe in 21 inch rollaboards.

It honest to goodness makes no difference whatsoever. Yes - most men's clothing/shoes are larger -- but they they tend to need less "stuff". Fewer toiletries, no scarves/accessories/pashminas, flat irons, etc.

The first year or two of my classes 90-95% of those attending were female. But for the last few years it is more like 60%-40% and sometimes 50-50 and the men actually convert easier than many women.

You may not want to do it - and that is perfectly OK. But don't for one minute think others can't do it.

I think sometimes the fabric in men's clothes is bulkier, and fabric makes a huge difference. DH's and DS's golf shirts take up much more room than mine, but not much difference from each other. The size difference between DH's shirt (3X) and DS's shirt (men's S/M) is probably greater than that between DS's and mine (women's S/M or child's XL-I have little T-Rex arms and the sleeves are always better). Same thing with shorts and even jeans. Needless to say they don't wear skirts (or even sarongs).

OK I'm going with this one....

welch on Jun 22, 09 at 07:16 PM
I never leave anything out!
Why "suffer"?!
Life's too short!
(from one Barbara to another)

or this..........

missmolecule on Jun 28, 09 at 06:30 PM
Honestly - if you can't figure out how to pack a suitcase you probably shouldn't be traveling.

Seriously this has been a fun and interesting discussion. Thanks for all your ideas. Arrivederci!

Barb... you could try packing old undies and ditching them as you go.

Sorry, I couldn't resist. I'm one who would simply refuse to travel in holey undies. I'm by no means a fashionista, but I do like to be comfortable and I can't imagine holey undies as being comfy. After throwing out the entire trip worth of undies, I think you would only lose a pound of weight and gain a very small amount of space.

Have fun

janisj - we will have to agree to disagree, I guess. I just can't get the math to work. I mean, think about it this way:

- We both agree that a man's shoe might take up double the space. You, rightfully, point out that you can stuff things inside the shoes, gaining back some space. The issue I have is with the claim that this makes it even. I mean, you can do the same thing with the woman's shoe, right? Let's assume you stuff the shoe with underwear - woman's underwear takes up half the space of a man's (probably closer to 1/3 or even 1/4, but we will say 1/2), so you are left with the same number of shoes and same amount of underwear in half the space.

- I'm not really getting the toiletries thing. In a carry-on, you can only carry the 1 liter anyway. For a man, the bare essentials of shaving cream, aftershave, and (maybe) cologne and/or face wash would be close enough to filling your liter. Yes, women may have a flat iron and a make-up bag, but that is about the same space as 1 or 2 undershirts.

- And there, to me, is the rub. Assuming you are not auditioning for the Sopranos, a man is likely to wear undershirts. This is like doubling your "nice" tops. Socks would be another area where men would need to pack more. I struggle to think what stuff a woman would bring that can make up for, say 4 undershirts. Which brings us back to the differential in size for everything else. This is exactly what happens when I travel with the wife. She brings obscene amounts of toiletries (we usually check, so no liter limit), yet it never takes up any more space than my undershirts. For all of the rest of the clothing, she can fit double the number of garments that I can.

- Finally, there is the perspiration issue. Men sweat more than women, on average. Indeed, most men I know would need to wash their clothes after spending an entire day walking around sight-seeing. So, double-up the socks and double-up the underwear. Even assuming that men and women can fit the same amount of clothing, I would think the man would have to wash more frequently. You end up with the issue that a man needs more clothes, but can fit fewer in the bag.

I agree that anyone can do it, I just don't see the point. There is not enough benefit to justify having to do laundry or wash things out in the sink. The benefit for the man is even less than it is for a woman, since they are (on average) less likely to be bothered by lifting 50 lbs, rather than 20. To me, it is a cost-benefit issue, and the benefits simply aren't there.

Im currently spending 3 weeks in Aix-en-Provence, and I'm so glad that I discovered Target's super-lightweight, cheap t-shirts. They come in many different colors and degrees of looseness (one is as loose as a smock). I bought a bunch, and have been wearing them alone or layered with the two pairs of black pants and one flowered skirt I brought, I also brought a cotton-spandex little black dress, raincoat, and yoga workout gear in addition to sleeping stuff and a swimsuit. The t-shirts are easy to wash in a tiny sink and dry very, very quickly. This is the least amount of clothing I've ever brought to Europe.

I usually start packing about a week before my trip, putting what I want to take in a pike. Then I do, as others have recommended, simply take half of it away. This is a great thread~!

My husband actually packs more clothing options than I do. He has an athletic, slim build, wears a M shirt and 32" waist.

He packs Nike DriFit tops almost exclusively for daytime, does not wear undershirts except to layer a white or black short DriFit under another shirt for warmth. These are practical and come in a large range of styles and colors, including turtlenecks. He packs microfiber golf pants and two pair of shoes for day and another pair of dressier shoes. He always looks fabulous and yes, in a carry on and back pack.

Those who do not see the advantage of carry on lost likely have not had to deal with lost luggage in Europe, a process not nearly as automated as here in the US. And I have to believe they have not schlepped their own bags on and off of many trains. We travel by train to move between cities and find it much more convenient and comfortable to pack lightly. Then we watch the other tourists struggle with their big suitcases, not only getting them on and off the trains but also finding space to store those big pieces. Ours fit right overhead or behind the seat.

OK the suitcase is packed but............this arm and hand that is attached to my body that obviously belongs to someone else keeps adding things.........a sweater and another pair shorts. Do I need? What in god's name can I expect in weather?

When I go someplace warm, I try to take a top and a lightweight skirt or pair of pants that I will *only* wear in the evenings. I get hot & sweaty during tourist stuff during the day, then come back to the hotel and shower before dinner.

Having one "extra" outfit that never gets sweaty winds up actually *reducing* the total amount of clothing I need to take. It's particularly useful if I'm moving between hotels and in danger of having insufficient time for rinsed-out shirts to dry.

Gee I hope I remember my passport.......lol

BarbSG, I personally do not pack shorts as they cannot be worn everywhere so they would not make my short list. Skirts, dresses, even capris are more functional.

travelgourmet -- perhaps if you had been on BA yesterday - LHR - T-5 -- you would have seen the "point". More than 5000 travelers simply could not take their flights because the baggage system went on the fritz and only those w/ carry-on-only could board the flights.

Or maybe if you were flying back to the States over Thanksgiving weekend a few years ago when the midwest/east coast were blanketed w/ blizzards and many connecting flights were being cancelled. If you had carry on only you could have jumped to another flight. As happened to me. My AA flight from Logan to SFO was cancelled but one to San Jose was showing on the monitors. So I went to the gate to see if I could get on (my car was parked at SFO but at least I'd be w/i 40 miles instead of 3000 miles). "Only if you don't have checked bags" -- Hooray! So I flew to SJC -- and AA even paid for my taxi to SFO . . . Or I could have spent the night sleeping on the floor at Logan since every hotel was full.

Or my friend who took a med cruise but her luggage didn't. The bags finally caught up w/ them in Barcelona the day after the cruise docked. She went through Athens, Venice, Rome and I don't know how many other ports w/ basically the clothes on her back and what she could pick up for the small stipend from the airline.

I know you don't believe it - but lots of men travel carry-on only all the time. Even on business trips w/ suits. I once taught our local youth symphony - more than 200 (between musicians, parents and chaperones) were on a 12 day trip to Finland, Latvia and Russia. Three concerts, long black dresses/heels for the girls and tuxedos/dress shoes for the boys. Plus all the casual clothes etc. and because of all the instruments, they were each limited to carry on only. Yep - every single one managed, tuxedos, dress shirts, dress shoes, jeans and whatever.

2 more cents from me:

Yes, my husband and I only do carry-on only. I'm just saying that even though he is lower maintainence than I am, his clothes still takes up more space than mine. (I don't pack flat iron/hairdryer nor excessive toiletires.) One pashmina and one scarf of mine takes up less space than one of his polo shirts.

My husband does not like thin or fitted polo shirts. I can't force him to wear those. As a result, one cotton Izod polo shirt of his equals 3 Gap T-shirts of mine.

Having said that, we still stick with carry-on. It is doable, just not that easy. I usually have extra space in my 19" after I packed my clothes, so there's room for some of his clothes. I limit him to 2 pairs of shoes only (wearing one pair), a compromise to stick with carryon.

The last 2 years in a row, we were invited to weddings in France in the Fall. On both 10-day trips, we were able to do carryons only, even with his wool suit, dress shirt + dress shoes; and my dress, evening shoes + evening purse. It wasn't easy, but possible.

It all boils down to personal choice. For me, I'd rather others check their luggage, so that there's more room left for my carryon suitcase!

<<It all boils down to personal choice. For me, I'd rather others check their luggage, so that there's more room left for my carryon suitcase!>>

Two good points here. Personal choice: my choice is to check a bag and take a lightweight carryon with a change of clothes, camera, and other essentials.

On my next trip I'll have five hours in Atlanta and 1.5 in CDG to make connections. I don't want to be rushing through CDG pulling a 25-30 pound carryon and I don't want to be saddled with it for five hours in Atlanta.

<<more room left for my carryon suitcase>> Exactly. I've been on flights where carryons were taken at the gate. On a flight from Cairo to JFK one woman was crying in the aisle because they'd taken her carryon that had "everything" in it. They took mine and also took several small backpacks. And how many times have you opened the bin over your seat to find it full so you have to walk the aisle looking for bin space.

And another two cents re men doing carry-on only...

It took a while but I did finally convince my husband (who is tall and has disproportionately long arms, so his shirts are so large that I can't even buy them in regular stores) that he could do carry-on. He was finally converted a few years ago when a last minute decision to check our bags for a return trip from London (the entire family, spring break) resulted in no bags at all when we arrived in London. All that time wasted waiting in vain for the last bags to arrive, the hassle of dealing with the lost luggage paperwork, and just the general aggravation of it all (he gets aggravated a lot more easily than me) finally convinced him, and he's been carry-on only ever since.

And in case you're wondering, he dresses exactly as he normally does here, and that includes wearing a jacket and tie to give a lecture (or take me someplace posh for dinner) or takes the kids hiking in the Alps or whatever. He doesn't re-wear clothes (except for things like jeans and sweaters that he'd re-wear anyway) and he doesn't do laundry (seriously, my husband do laundry?) and he routinely returns home with a couple of unworn shirts.

On the other hand, if you'd rather check your bag that's certainly fine with me---plenty of room in the bin for my bag that way.

This was a fascinating thread! I've been using (and refining) packing lists for my past 5 trips, rolling clothes, taking carry-ons only, using shoes as tiny suitcases, fitting all liquids easily in a 1 quart ziploc bag, and buying flowers for my folding vase. On a recent trip to Tuscany, I used a backpack from Sportsac. I bought a lighter version from them that has straps that can be folded into an outside pouch and small handles that can be used instead when I don't want to look too casual.
For things I use on the plane, I carry the lightest weight nylon shopping bag and at the Security check-in, my handbag fits inside to meet the requirement of carrying only 2 bags onboard.

I'll be spending New Year's in Paris, so I really appreciated the advice about packing for cold weather.

You're right kfusto. Chuck the shorts. OK....one small suitcase to check and one teeny weeny (really) carry-on. Now I won't have my head in my suitcase most of the time trying to find something instead of watching the Tuscan sky.

Barb, Barb, Barb...detach the hand. You really don't need shorts. And try to remember that if you really, really need something, you can buy it. It's Europe. They have stores.

Now go and have a wonderful time!

LOL. Thanks StCirq. Will let you know how it all goes!

Barb, not sure if you left yet, but here's what I do to resolve the shoe dilemna--aside from my regular walking shoes, I take a pair of slip-on flats from SAS. I know, they're not the best-looking, but they offer a lot of versatily in that they are walking shoes, look fairly decent for dress occasions, are are easy to slip on and off at airport security lines. Hope this helps.

Another big fan of carry-on only.

Last year, we were flying to Florida for a week... using ff tickets. Couldn't get into Orlando, so we were going to fly to Jacksonville, stay overnight, and drive the next day. Our flight was overbooked and I offered them 5 seats if they would get us seats directly to Orlando that night. (I've learned to make sure you get a boarding pass with a seat number!). Since we were carrying on, we did it. Saved us a bunch of time!

We routinely carry on for 5... 3 small duffels and everyone carries a backpack of airplace activities (dh carries his laptop, I carry the backpack with food supplies and electronic items). We've learned to only take 2 pr. of shoes (sneakers for walking and sandals/crocs/flipflops for casual).

One trick I learned when going to Paris in winter... instead of taking bulky sweaters, I took a handful of turtlenecks... and layered them. The dirty one I would wear underneath with the clean one on top and then move that one down. Worked well with similar shades of colors... black, grey, blues, greens. Also, the layering kept me warmer without the bulkiness of a sweater walking around. And with a nice necklace, a black turtleneck can look dressy enough for dinner.

I always take far too many pairs of shoes lol and then end up sticking to the most comfortable pair for the entire trip!! Have you got excess shoes?!!

surfmom, a black turtleneck is my staple for fall and winter evenings in Europe. I have a few in ribbed silk that are easily dressed up with a belt or scarf or jewelry.

Black pants, black turtle, black leather boots - this outfit can go anywhere!

I'm a pack-light nazi because it's so much easier to get around. It's hard to turn on a dime or to track down that hidden B&B with three big suitcases in tow.

And I always have a "well I'll be damned" moment when I get home and unpack and realized how little I actually needed for a 3-week trip.

My advice is never take something just on the off-chance you might need it. Assume you won't need it. And if it turns out you do need it, I'm sure you can buy it anywhere in Europe.

surfmom - you basically summed up exactly why I don't think carry-on only is all it is cracked up to be. Sneakers and Crocs as your only shoes? Wearing your "dirty" turtleneck under your "clean" one?

Again, packing in a carry-on only simply isn't that difficult. If you are willing to wash stuff in the sink or wear dirty clothes, then it is incredibly easy. The question is whether it is remotely worth it. Frankly, I am unconvinced it is.

I mean, we have a lot of anecdotal evidence about lost baggage, but the fact of the matter is that misplaced baggage is pretty rare and you probably have a less than 1% chance of it happening to you. Even then, most bags are delivered to the recipient within a day - packing a single change of clothes would protect you in most circumstances. We also have a lot of discussion about "I was able to take a different flight", but what if I were to tell you that I have taken bumps, even with my bag being checked? It isn't usually whether you have a bag but more about how insistent you are that it travel with you. Again, a single change of clothes would protect you.

But, while we are offering up anecdotal evidence, I travel probably 150k miles per year. I probably check bags for about 100k miles, totaling maybe 20 round-trips and maybe 45 segments each year. I have a delayed bag perhaps once per year (though I had a bad run a couple of years ago). The longest I have ever waited for a bag was 3 days, all others arrived the next day.

It is a simple risk/reward calculation. If you are physically unable to manage a single checked bag and a carry-on, then carry-on only. Similarly, if you don't want to wash your clothes in the sink or overly limit your clothing options, then check. Checking to avoid misplaced baggage or to make that tight connection simply ignores the probability of either happening and overplays the downside should it come to pass. I mean, if carry-on only means I have to wash my underwear or wear that dirty turtleneck, why wouldn't I be ambivalent about doing that on day 1 of my trip, as opposed to day 4?

We bought new suitcases - we had it down to 2 different ones in the store. So... we took a walk around the sore with both of them and bought the ones that moved the best.

travelgourmet: Don't be so condescending! "packing in a carry-on only simply isn't that difficult. If you are willing to. . . . . . wear dirty clothes, then it is incredibly easy" You don't see the benefits of carry-on's so you glom on to surfmom's comments to paint all of w/ the same brush of drity, unwashed, ill shod plebes . . . .

I for on NEVER wear dirty clothes, do not own any crocs, seldom take sandals unless I'm going to a resort area, and have been able to attend very formal events, hiking, and everything in between out of a carry on.

Just because you don't see the value in traveling light does not mean those who do are slobs. I don't blame people who take a lot of "stuff" so why do you have to look down on those who manage w/ less?

Essentially -- "I pack a lot because I can. If you do carry on, we know you look like street people" My goodness - what a snob.

Essentially -- "I pack a lot because I can. If you do carry on, we know you look like street people" My goodness - what a snob.

I have repeatedly said that you can also wash your clothes in the sink. I know that you are proud of your business, but it isn't the only way to travel. Don't make me out to be the snob when you are so adamant that going carry-on only has such myriad (anecdotal) benefits.

You haven't actually addressed the fact that you can only fit a finite number of items in a carry-on. For the sort of person that can only wear things for a single day of sightseeing (i.e. most men and many women between 15-65), this means washing things along the way. This is, frankly, a hassle. I am not going to recommend it when the alternative is flexing your muscles for maybe 2 minutes each day that you actually travel to lift a heavier suitcase.

On my last trip (17 days)in the UK) I had more than 30 distinct/unique outfits to choose from - which is probably more than most folks can manage in a 28 inch suitcase. I washed things once - and then again on the last evening before I returned home. That was totally unnecessary since I could have done laundry back home.

I don't object to folks packing lots - that isn't the issue. It is your attitude that those who have figured it out must be Rick Steeves look-alikes wearing the same schlubby things every day. Just ain't so . . . .

On my last trip (17 days)in the UK) I had more than 30 distinct/unique outfits to choose from - which is probably more than most folks can manage in a 28 inch suitcase.

Did that answer my question? How many shirts did you pack? How many bottoms. How many pairs of underwear?

This is the crux of the issue. I don't give a toss whether someone sees me in the same outfit twice on a trip. I don't think they would notice. The issue is how many times you have to wash you clothes.

For the average man doing sight-seeing, this means that the t-shirt they wear out during the day can be worn once. I have friends that claim they can wear a t-shirt twice - they are wrong. The underwear you wear during the day can be worn once. Chances are, you might want to change before dinner, so make it 1-1/2 to 2 pairs per day. Ditto for socks. It adds up. Too much washing for my tastes, at least for anything over one week.

I posted this on another thread a couple weeks ago. This is what I packed for our last trip to Paris, which was 7 nights.
*********

I just finished packing. Wow, this is the lightest I have ever packed! I have a 21" rolling bag and it is just barely over half full, and the only thing left to add is my ziploc of cosmetics. I have 2 pairs of shoes in there, 8 undies, several bras, 4 pants, 1 skirt, 1 cardigan, 6 knit shells (sleeveless tops), 1 cami, 1 longish knit top,2 sheer blouses, and 1 regular blouse. Oh and a scarf and pj's. I just weighed it with my travel scale and it comes in at 7.95kg which is 17.5 pounds. Not too shabby! And I tossed in my cosmetics bag for the weight.

********

I never had to do laundry. We have also done a 3 week trip to Europe in the winter and managed with each of us having just a 22" rollaboard. Granted, winter is a bit tougher, but it can be done.

Half the clothes you have already packed .You don't need a different outfit for everyday.Whos going to know you wore those same jeans the day befor.Change your top and take things that dry fast and wash them out at night.Bags get heavy on those cobblestone street,and trowing them on the train if you go that route.

I use a method similar to the one JanDeleware describes up the thread. Drycleaning bags are wonderful and do prevent wrinkling, but no more than two items per bag. Not dismissing others'tried and true methods at all, but the drycleaning bag method is brilliant and my favorite.

I am also a big fan of black clothing both as a traveler and in "real" life, HOWEVER, I learned my lesson wearing a black cotton t-shirt last summer in Turkey. Never again. I was one step away from taking the thing OFF on a tour of Aphrodisias. Black tops only for evening/night during the summer months for me.

Sticking with a color scheme works well. On my last trip, all my clothes were black, white, brown, tan, and khaki, to include both solid and patterened items. Shoes included one pair of black Dansko sandals and one pair of brown Sketchers Mary Jane type trainers. Took one pair of "dressy" Reef and one pair of Yellow Box flip flops to wear with sundresses in the evening. This combination worked the best for me for any trip I've taken. (If fine dining had been on the itinerary, I would have taken a dressy light weight pair of sandals.)

Pack your favorite clothes because that's what you want to see in your pictures.

wow, I've been called many things, but this is the first time for "dirty, unwashed, ill shod plebes . . . ."

travelsnob, oh I mean travelgourment, the sneakers and crocs were for kids at Disney. omg, we went to Disney ? Quelle Horreur! Since we didn't do anything other than parks and pools, they didn't really need anything else. Pour moi? Sneakers (yep, make walking all those miles a little easier) and sandals. We don't do gourmet dinners since we are busy putting kids to bed (in bed by 8pm even on vacation). Since we're busy being parents, we're allowing the gourmet snobs to enjoy a kid-free dinner.

With regard to my 'dirty' t-neck, Did you ever hear of wearing an undershirt underneath ? Forgive me if I didn't specify that. My point was that layering them is a great alternative in winter to dragging bulky sweaters.

I'm a fan of carry-on only. I'm glad you were able to express your opinion and insult the rest of us at the same time. well done. I prefer to control my own destiny with carry-ons. I abhor standing around waiting for 20-30 minutes for luggage after I've landed.

As for my anecdotal bump... we couldn't have done it if we had checked bags. We changed cities (which was much more convenient for us) and got 5 free tickets to boot. Def worth not checking luggage!

surfmom I wasn't casting aspersions at you - that was paraphrasing travelgourmet's attitude . . . But you got that, right??

I did janisj... you've always been a great source of info re: London and a fellow golfer.

cheers

I went off to S.E. Asia (Bali/Singapore/Bangkok/Chiangmai) on a solo trip for 3 weeks and only had a carry-on suitcase and my purse. It's easy to pack light in warm weather.

Packing depends on how long one is going somewhere and how long one is staying in one location. For example, I look at the place where I'll spend the most days and then that's how many clothing outfits that I'l take. So, if I'm in one place for 4 days, then it's 4 outfits. Then when I move on to the next place, I start to rotate those same 4 outfits.

A lot of people try to pack nearly a different outfit for each day. But, if one sticks to about 3 or 4 colors, then it's easy to mix and match. I used to give packing lessons, back in the 70s, to those interested. Back then people used to really pack a lot of clothes and with all of the matching suitcase pieces.

As for shoes, if it's in the colder/cooler seasons, I only pack the ones that I get on the plane wearing which is a good pair of knee boots that will go with the entire, packed wardrobe. In summer, I pack two pairs of shoes.

And as for accessories, I accessorize a lot. Scarves and costume jewelry is a lot easier to pack than extra clothing items. And in the cold/cooler seasons, I accessorize with different pairs of gloves, scarves, and caps. Happy Travels!

I could never travel with one pair of shoes. My feet appreciate a change after many miles of walking and I like to dress for dinner so I always bring a pair of dressier shoes/boots. I still pack carry on so this has never been an issue.

I find winter much easier to pack for than summer. In summer, I need to launder/have laundered clothes because I cannot get much more than one wear of them generally, due to the heat. I am very ok with wearing clothes multiple times but I do need them to be fresh and clean.