What to wear/pack....Part 2

So, what did I pack?

The first week in Athens was work, a meeting at which I was speaking (to audiences sized from 30 to 300) and so needed to look pretty professional. I'd also be doing a bit of touring during the day and attending various meeting dinners/galas at night (but the nature of these dinners was unknown: party on the beach with a bonfire? dance party? tour of the Plaka at night with dinner at the foot of the Parthenon?). I knew that the days would be warm (they were actually quite hot, hotter than had been predicted) and the nights likely chilly. So up to three different ensembles per day.

Italy was more predictable in terms of my activities, but the weather possibly hot, possibly cool, possibly downright freezing and wet. Most likely two ensembles per day.

Oh, and just in case it's not yet apparent, I'm pretty vain and like to look nice, even when touring. And I like to shop for clothes and gifts when I travel. I did bring an extra bag (packed flat in my suitcase) to bring back purchases but didn't need it.

Did I mention that I travel with my own pillow and sheet?

Because I brought so much stuff I'm breaking it down into categories.

I'll start with shoes. Shoes are an important decision, as they're bulky and need to be comfortable if you're touring (and even if you aren't---you're likely to walk more in Europe even if you're there for business).

I brought a total of three pairs:

1. black leather boots, very low heel (nearly flat), dress up or down

2. black leather boots, high heel, dressy (but comfortable)

3. black leather mules, mid-heel, dressy but not truly evening (comfortable for meetings and dancing, but not for touring)

I wore the flat boots on the plane, along with black jeans, a white camisole, and a black cotton sweater cardigan trimmed in white. Good travel clothes overall, though the jeans were a bit too loose to start and got looser during my stay.

I needed fairly formal work clothes for the meeting. As you've likely already gathered from my choice of shoes, black is my "anchor" color of choice.

Clothes I brought specifically for work, that I was unlikely to wear on holiday unless my plans changed, included

1. black blazer, very tailored, in a non-wrinkling material from Ann Taylor

2. black and white tailored trousers (not exactly houndstooth check, a bit more subtle), also non-wrinkling, also from Ann Taylor

I also brought several more pairs of trousers, all in some sort of non-wrinkling fabric:

1. black, to wear with flat boots (two pairs, one cut a bit looser than the other)

2. black, to wear with high boots or mules (two pairs, one cut a bit looser than the other)

3. taupe, to wear with high boots (I can't wear black all the time, can I?)

In addition to the jeans I'd worn on the plane, I brought

4. lightweight black denim jeans, to wear with high boots

And I brought a skirt, because I wanted to:

5. black and cream print knee-length skirt to wear with mules

Layers are key to traveling light---you can change a look easily, accomodate changes in the weather, cover up if you're unexpectedly visiting a church.

In addition to the black and white cardigan I wore on my way to Athens, I brought another

1. black cotten sweater cardigan

I also brought two large scarves that serve as shawls, both of which I'd purchased on previous trips to the south of France. I did mention that I like to shop, right?

2. orange cotton provencal print

3. black silk chiffon provencal print

While in Florence I bought a

4. heavy woven silk print in pink and orange and cream

And of course I had my work blazer if I needed a heavier wrap.

Underwear and socks are important, not only because they are key to your comfort while traveling, but also because they can take up a lot of space.

I wear microfiber everything, as they pack small and dry easily. I took

1. 10 pairs of panties

2. 3 bras (I don't wear one when I travel, as I find them uncomfortable if I'm trying to sleep and underwires can set off metal detectors at airports, though they're mostly plastic anyway these days).

3. 8 pairs of trousers socks (why 8? because that's how many I had clean when I packed, that's why)

By the end of my trip I was pretty sick of my bras, and bought two nice new ones in Venice at a shop around the corner from my B&B, pitching the others in the trash. I actually wore one out of the shop, leaving the old one in the trash there. This only took a few minutes, as the shop girl was very helpful and ran off to get me different sizes and cuts and colors as necessary.

I washed out panties and socks (actually used hotel shampoo---I'm not about to actually put that stuff on my hair) once in Greece and once in Venice. No problem drying overnight.

Therese, I love your packing sense and read your previous thread about your suitcase contents.

My question is a bit off topic because I would like to know if you thought it was possible to pack light if your schedule included attending a wedding in Provence in August plus three weeks of vacation travel following the wedding.

I understand the need to pack light but I think weddings in France involve hats, day suits for women and fun dressy clothes for evening parties, items I don't associate with packing light . I just don't see how I can pack light for this trip. Luckily I have many months to plan the perfect wardrobe.

We will be a family of four traveling by train and car so the less luggage the better.

Thanks for any suggestions,Deborah

Toiletries similarly important to ones comfort, and also potentially bulky and heavy.

When possible, use travel sizes and "low moisture" products: solid deodorant contains less water than gel products. Cream leave-in conditioners contain less water than wash out conditioners. Why bring six lipsticks when one or two will do?

Try and use up toiletries while you're there so that you can throw away the container for your return trip. Do you really need to bring home that last teaspoon of shampoo, or the end of the bar of soap?

I won't list what I brought with me, but I will point out that I threw away about half of it for the return trip, as it had been used up. I did buy some things along the way, including

1. three tubes of Marvis toothpaste: strong mint, jasmine mint, and ginger mint

2. perfume, including Mugler's Cologne (purchased in Glyfada), Patou's Sublime, Dior's Tendre Poison, and something new from Dior that I can't recall the name of (in Venice duty free). All of these are difficult to find in the U.S., so worth the effort (to me) of bringing them home.

DeborahAnn, I think you'd have no problem doing wedding trip/holiday you're describing. For evening parties in that part of the world in August you'll want silk---very easy to pack compactly and wash by hand if need be. A couple of coordinating slip dresses and shawl-size scarves and you're all set.

For the day suit aspect of things I'd go with a tailored jacket (hmm, maybe a sort of tone-on-tone brocade, you could use that to pair with other things, or over one of the slip dresses) and a flippy short skirt in something non-wrinkling. You can use the skirt later with a casual top.

Shoes important---you may be doing a lot of walking the day of the wedding, possibly over pea gravel or cobbles, and end up standing in a garden for some of the events. Mules are great, as they're more forgiving of swollen feet, you needn't have a perfect pedicure, and you can slip them off once you're seated.

Forego panty hose if you can possibly manage.

As for the hat, nothing wide-brimmed, and I'd probably try and buy it once I was there. A nice memento of the trip.

thanks, Therese, the suggestions sound perfect and very packable. You are a packing light marvel and quick thinking as well. thanks again, Deborah

I clearly wear trousers more than once, but can't really do so with tops unless it's cold weather, and it turned out to be hotter than I'd expected.

I brought with me, in addtion to the camisole I wore on the plane

1. black V-neck 3/4 length sleeve dressy T-shirt

2. white V-neck, 3/4 length sleeve dressy T-shirt

3. black deep V-neck T-shirt with gathered bodice

4. olive green V-neck T-shirt with embossed neckline (purchased on previous trip to Greece)

5. white fitted embroidered blouse (purchased on previous trip to Spain)

6. white rib knit sleeveless shell

7. black and white silk halter top

8. orange paisley sleeveless silk top with gathered bodice

I did wash out a couple of items along the way, but also did what I'd planned on doing all along, went shopping. Note that I could have packed the equivalent, as everything I list fit into my bags for the return trip.

So, I purchased

1. three fitted summer blouses (white, lilac, and aqua), good for work in Greece

2. four stretch sleeveless shells (white, black, red, olive---these fit closely, and work without a bra if you're not too, um, endowed)

3. aqua cotton gauze blouse

4. aqua fitted embroidered blouse (very similar to the one I'd bought in Spain)

I also purchased three peasant style tops for my 12 year old daughter and one T-shirt (with funny Italian cartoons on them) each for daughter and 15 year old son.

I'd hoped to buy a couple of dresses, but couldn't find anything I liked well enough.

DeborahAnn, tell us what you ended up doing in the end. I went to a wedding outside of Nice when I was a teenager and it was very cool indeed.

Any other questions from anybody out there? Like "what's up with traveling with your own pillow and sheet?" And "what else did you buy?"

Therese, I will be sure to tell you all about the wedding. It promises to be quite the affair. I am really looking forward to the trip. I'm saving this thread for future planning.

My husband and I are going to Italy next month, our first time there and I have the packing light down pat (in my mind at least). I haven't actually started the packing process yet. I want to wait to see what turns the weather may take first

thanks again for a well written and informative thread. Deborah

Does your husband also subscribe to the "pack light" point of view? And are the other members of the family your children (so you can pack for them) or potentially troublesome in-lawys or siblings?

Oh, and I forgot to mention a couple of clothing items that I'd brought with me.

1. white cotton peasant style top

2. white cotton long nightgown (I was rooming with a friend in Italy, so couldn't sleep as I usually do)

Hello therese, your clothes sound beautiful and perfect. What size was your small suitcase, the Eddie Bauer one? I ask because I have gotten rid of all my older pieces of luggage and now just have a 29 inch one that is usually to large (and consequently to heavy) for my needs. And although I know you packed "light" you really did manage to bring quite a nice collection of clothes so consequently I was curious as the size of your luggage. Thank you.

Looks like the Eddie Bauer model that I bought's been discontinued (per the Target web site, though you might still find them in the stores). I've got a total of three of the rolling suitcases (which are somewhere in the 20" to 22" range) for myself and my two kids, and more recently got a matching medium-sized duffle that Delta lets me call my "personal item" (I fit my purse inside of it when I'm traveling). They're red with black trim, but not the "Mt Baker" line presently featured on the Target web site (check out www.target.com for other options).

I've been really happy with this luggage, as it was inexpensive to begin with and has held up really well to lots of travel. Very sturdy zippers that withstand significant pressure from overpacking (heh heh, like I'd know anything about that), in large part because the zippers aren't on the seams of the bag itself. So the "mouth" of the suitcase is slightly smaller, but the zippers are spared the strain of much of the contents.

The other Eddie Bauer suitcases featured on the web site look like they'd also be very good. The "Tahoe" is an unusual green color called "Laurel Leaf", handy for ID'ing your bag on the luggage carousel.

Therese, I am also enjoying your tips for packing light. I am curious what you do for traveling in winter, as sweaters and such can get so bulky. I will be in Venice and Florence for two weeks in February and see that it could be anywhere from 20 to 50 degrees F, plus possibly (probably?) rainy. I have been planning on carrying on my 20" suitcase, plus a small tote bag. Any suggestions?

Shadowcat, the answer is layering. When it's really cold (and it can get really really cold in Venice in February---the wind is cold and wet) you'll get a lot of benefit from a very light layer very close to your skin (under everything else, obviously). Either long underwear (silk feels great, microfiber also nice) or just tights/stockings with a thin knit top will work.

Take a waterproof hooded jacket (try and find something stylish if you care---Lands End is a good source) that's lined in some way, either hip or knee length (or even a duster if you like that look). Don't pack it, wear it onto the plane and store it in the overhead for the flight.

The hood's a very nice feature, as you can turn against the wind. I'd bring a lightweight stocking cap to wear underneath (just in case it's really bitter cold---can you tell I've been in bitter cold in Europe?) and don't forget gloves. Buy a scarf while you're there---lots of great scarves in Florence.

You will, of course, want sweaters as well. Sweaters are extremely compressible (the air they trap is why they're so warm), and this is one instance in which I'd invest in some sort of compressible bag for packing them. Just a couple, as you'll be wearing them over other layers and so they won't be getting dirty in the same way that summer tops get dirty.

Hi shadowcat, I know Therese will have better answers then I do but here is what I do when I travel in winter. I wear a Tshirt underneath the pullover sweeater. That helps with warmth and keeps the sweaters clean so you can wear them more times. I find in cold weather clothes stay cleaner longer also compared to travelling when it is hot and muggy. If you can put another duffle bag folded up into your luggage you could buy a few sweaters in Italy (I love their sweaters) and use checkin on the way home.

Therese, thank you for the luggage information. I have a Target store real close to where I live so I will check out their selection and will also look at their website.

Having some color on the bag would be great, especially with checkin luggage (which I always do). And airlines are so careless with luggage that I don't want to ever again spend a lot of money on luggage. Just want exactly what you have...thanks again for your information. Best wishes.

Thought of some more stuff I brought on this trip...

1. black evening bag, big enough to fit my very flat wallet and a camera and lipstick

2. novel to read on the plane, Margaret Atwood's "Oryx and Crake" (a great read, by the way)

3. DK guidebook to Venice (my friend was arriving in Florence a day before me, so she was in charge of the Florence DK book)

4. work papers (fortunately not too many, but more than I wanted to bring); I pitched these when I left Greece

I'm a bookaholic, so in Venice I bought

5. two small paperbacks in Italian

Oh, yeah, I forgot something else. While in Burano (where we ate lunch) I stopped in a lace shop with some very pretty things. I wandered towards the back to find some people looking at tablecloths (the staff was unfolding them and explaining the sort of fabric, workmanship, etc.).

And I fell in love, right then and there, with a tablecloth (and 12 matching napkins). I do frequently buy linens when traveling, but usually tea or dish towels: cheap, local, colorful, something I can use everyday to remind me of my trip.

I bought it anyway. And I'm still in love (and it fit in my suitcase, though I was prepared to break out my emergency extra bag to accomodate it).

There was something I didn't bring that I wish I had: a hairdryer. I wasn't expecting to need one, but it turned out that my lodgings in Greece were a bit spartan. Oh well. I won't tell you about the shower.

Hi Therese
We are off to mostly Italy in November (husband and three teens) and are packing light and will dress in layers. But we will be all over from Milan to Pompeii to Venice. I am concerned about having enough to stay warm in all the different zones... It is amazing the difference in temps between southern Italy and Paris (as far north as we will go)and the Dolomite Region as well as Zurich!
Any thoughts???
Thanks,
Yolanda

Silk long underware is the best. It weighs nothing and takes up no room. A little more expensive but well worth it. Washes and dries in a flash.

Yes 1jan1, silk underwear is good especially when travelling in winter.

I don't know about the weather today but a few days ago the area of Veneto and the Dolomites were having very bad storms and terribly cold weather.

Thank you all for the suggestions. I have some silk long underwear that I will bring, but I also liked the idea of a t-shirt or other light top underneath that could be more easily washed than the sweaters. The compressible bag is also a great idea.

Perhaps if Northern Italy is having such an early start to winter, February might not be too bad! I'll keep my fingers crossed!

You asked for it Therese, do you fit a normal sized pillow in your small carryon bag? If you do, thats incredible! and the sheet? why one sheet? Thanks for the detail.

Therese:
I admire your organization but must admit, my 20-22# bags would never hold all you include. I must be missing something.....? 3-pr boots, all those pants, tops, blazers, sheet, pillow, extra bag for purchases would definitely not fit in my 22" and would be too heavy for carryon plus cosmetics. I so badly want to learn how to travel light - how heavy is your small duffle when packed and do you put this under the seat? I will re-read your info but thought I'd ask for clarification.

Shadowcat-

I am a dedicated light packer but my one trip to Europe in the wintertime I packed and checked thru a small normal size suitcase. I put ONE sweater into my usual summer 22" roller... and it nearly filled it to the brim. I don't care... compression packing bags, silk underwear, whatever tricks, I simply cannot manage carry-on only for cold weather travel.

Sure you can still pack light, but I think a rolling 24-26" is reasonable plus a large carry-on tote of some kind.

While I am lovin' all of this great advice, I want to ask the size of the suitcase(s), please? As a couple other poster mention, there is no way to put that number of pieces into a carry-on size suitcase (19-21"). You must have checked your bags, right?

At a glance I'm counting 8 bottoms, 20 tops, 1 cardigan sweater, 1 jackets, 3 bras, 8 socks, 10 undies, 1 pillow, 1 sheet, 1 shoes, 1 boots, 1 extra bag, plus cosmetics and toiletries.

I think your wardrobe advice is incredibly savvy Therese, but I am curious as to the size of suitcase(s) you needed to house it all.

Therese, we are sisters in packing! This is much on my mind as I leave next friday for Spain.
I too carry a 22" roll aboard and another "carry-on", smaller bag in which I put my purse.
Also in the "carry-on" I put my camera, book, toiletries bag, and usually a small zip lock bag with t-shirt and panties in case I have to check my roll-aboard and it goes astray. I'll be forced to check when I fly LFH-MAD on BA with their draconian carry-on rules.
I usually bring 2-3 pairs of black shoes as well, depending on the destination. If it's Europe then it will be a pair of slip-on black leather loafers, a pair low back boots with a 2" heel, and in summer, a pair of sandals.
I bring 2 pair black pants, sometimes jeans (gasp!) and another pair of no-wrinkle pants. Skirt in summer, none in winter.
Lots of nice, solid color t shirts with a cotton lycra blend that I buy at Target. These hold up well and look dressier than a standard T. They can be worn unders sweaters.
As for sweaters, you can't beat cashmere for warmth to weight ratio. They take up much less space than a big bulky cotton sweater. This is how I managed to do carry on to Paris in March and still stay warm.
I pack everything in big, zip-lock bags, and press out all the air. Not only does this compress the contents, but it makes things much easier if my bag gets searched. I can fit 5 t shirts into one, 1 gallon bag. I always buy the "One Zip" brand.
I also always bring a black pashmina wrap and a small, flat black purse for going out at night.
I'm not going to ask about your sheet and pillow, since I seem to remember a very heated thread on this a while back.

Okay, some answers.

First, the luggage. Several of you express doubt that I could really manage to fit everything in carry-on luggage only. But in fact I do. My rolling bag is 20-22" long in maximum dimension, very standard. There's no "expandable" section to it, and on my way over I'd actually underpacked a bit (because I knew I'd have purchases to pack on my way back). The other piece of luggage is a small duffle, total interior volume somewhere between one third and one half of the larger piece. I generally put both pieces overhead (remember, I board early) though sometimes will put the smaller piece under the seat in front of me so that I can prop my feet on it. Note that I only took the second piece because I was going on a long trip---for shorter trips I generally only take the 20-22" rolling bag.

I did not check my luggage on either the flight from ATL to JFK or the transatlantic flight JFK to ATH. I did check it on the ATH to FCO flight because I made the mistake of asking the Alitalia clerk whether it was okay and she made me weigh it and it was over the limit (I don't recall what the limit was). Delta doesn't use a weight limit for carry-ons, only a size limit. I also checked my luggage for the return flights to the U.S., largely because I was connecting at CDG, and there's often a lot of running around and going up and down stairs and on and off buses to get between terminals there.

Hi Kristina, I agree with you about cashmere sweaters. I love them also. They are lightweight, take up little room and at least in my case keep me warm.

I only carry a carryon bag on the plane. I have my travel documents, wallet, cash,credit cards, ATM's cards, glasses in this also. I haven't but I will in the future have a change of lingerie and some kind of a sleepshirt (silk) because last trip to Italy I was the only one at Venice that got my checkin luggage. How lucky is that? I was panicky for a few minutes, LOL. I put my day shoulder bag in my checkin luggage along with a small evening bag. Both have items in them so no wasted space. I could never pack for a European trip in a carryon but I am going to buy a smaller piece of luggage and it sounds like Therese's luggage has held up well.

BTW, I have always felt if I have enough for one week I have enough for a real long trip. Always packed that way for even a couple of months. Handlaundry at the hotel, take clothes to a local cleaners, rebuy cosmetic/bathroom items etc. Throw away any and all bathroom items before coming home. That opens up room for purchases. And a folded up duffle bag in checkin luggage on way over can be used for "dirty clothes" on way home which can be checked in also (gads if someone wants them they can have them, LOL) which makes room in the original suitcase for items. Happy travels everyone!!

There was a heated post about sheets and pillows? I missed that, I'm afraid.

Anyway, the pillow does actually fit easily into my small bags, but there's a trick: my pillow is made of soft latex foam. I've used this sort of pillow pretty much my entire life: my mother was instructed by our pediatrician to provide one for me when I was a child because I had pretty bad asthma, and they were considered hypoallergenic (and certainly preferable to feather pillows). They feel very different from regular pillows, and sleeping on a regular pillow, no matter how expensive or fluffy or whatever, gives me a stiff neck. They are hard to find (hotels never have them) and when I find them in a shop I buy eight at a time (because of course my entire family has fallen in love with them as well). They are, unfortunately, expensive.

On the other hand they are extremely compressible. I just squish it into my suitcase (usually the very last thing) and zip everything shut.

The sheet is because I don't always end up in the nicest lodgings (because somebody with a tight budget is paying for and booking my room). No issue with linens actually being dirty or anything, but they're often a bit scratchy, and since I usually sleepy without a gown it can be uncomfortable.

Oh,yeah, the extra bag that I pack in case I can't get everything in my luggage for the trip back? It's not the sort of bag you could ever check, really more like a shopping bag with handles except that it's made of rip stop nylon. It doesn't even zip shut.

So it's the equivalent, packing-wise, of another garment.

Agree absolutely about the cashmere for great warmth for relatively little bulk. Important for packing, sure, but even more important for the nicely-dressed traveler. Good quality cashmere is expensive, but worth it.

Hi Therese - we're kindred spirits - I'm a great packer also. But being a size 2 or 4, it's rather easy. I know my husband (usually a minimalist) gets frustrated when traveling with me when I have just a 20" rollaboard for Europe, and a purse. For our upcoming trip he has to use a 26" - highly unusual for him! But he has to pack an overcoat, sports coat, stuff like that.

I was wondering, however, what size you wear (if you don't mind)? Maybe some people here wear a larger size and just can't imagine getting everything in like you did. Maybe this might "comfort" people of the opposite sex or larger sizes and help erase packing anxiety.

PS: I carry my own down blanket on-board. It comes in handy for cold planes, waiting in cold train stations, fold it up for a pillow and helps me sleep in a strange place. Plus, it packs down to nothing and weighs nothing.

mom

Here's some other stuff I thought of as I was starting to pack for my own trip.
I found a very thin, lightweight, pair of black silk sleep pants. These compress into a couple of inches. I sleep in them with a t-shirt. I used to travel with pajamas, but this saves on a lot of space. I also have a lovely green silk robe that comes with it's own pouch, but I don't always bring it unless I'm renting an apartment.
I also bring an inflatable neck pillow and earplugs on the plane.
Therese, I did a search for the thread on bringing a sheet, but could not find it, sorry.

Aggiemom-
You are so right! Size does matter!
When we went to Paris, my husband had to make do with only one pair of shoes, which he wore on the plane. We could not fit another pair of his size 12's into his carry-on, along with his clothes which take up much more room than mine do (I'm a size 6 or 8).

Wonderful advice throughout.

I'm not a boot person unless the weather is cold or cooler. 'Suggest any of the nice flats on the market, or kitten heels for comfort yet dressier occasions.

Also: I'm also a basic black kind of person, but shots of color really help with the boredom. Therese has a lot of good ideas. I also recommend a top or dress from Issye Miyake, that often packs to nothing, or thin knit tops or dresses. Therese's idea of V-necks also work better than tpyical T-tops -- they feel a little dressier and do double duty at a restaurant.

I usually do a 22" or 24" suitcase if the trip gets very involved, and try to avoid the 26" one. The latter just gets too heavy, unless I am planning on a lot of shopping, i.e. I'll put up with it towards the end of the trip.

Yes, Kristina, size does matter! My poor DH is just an average guy (in the clothing department, that is) but no matter how he tries he can't pack like me. We have three teenage daughters (all petite like me) who push packing to the max.

We only have 20-22" in the house and they must use those. They are also responsible for handling their own luggage.

It's amazing what they can cram in there when they're determined they can't live without it. One time, our middle daughter packed five pairs of jeans, five pairs of shorts, 38 shirts, three pair shoes, three bathing suits, underwear, toiletries etc for a four-day trip to California!! She got it all in the 22" and even managed to squeeze in her vacation purchases on the way back.

Size definitely matters. I'm 5'6" and currently a U.S. size 4. So it's definitely a bit easier for me.

But my husband is 6', and has particularly wide shoulders and long arms (long enough that I can't buy his shirts in a regular store, but have to order them from Lands End) and he also manages to pack in carry-on luggage only, even for week and longer trips to Europe, even in cold weather, trips involving both business and leisure.

Tips for men:

1. Have your dress shirts (assuming you need them for either work or taking your lovely wife out to some really posh place for dinner) pressed and folded and stored in plastic sleeves. They'll be much easier to pack and won't wrinkle (except for the wrinkles introduced by the laundry, which don't show under a jacket or sweater).

2. Don't pack either your topcoat or your blazer/sport jacket. Instead wear them (or carry them if you're flying from a warm location, as we Atlantans often are). Since you've bothered to take them in the first place it's presumably cold enough at your destination that you'll appreciate having them available immediately.

3. Like the women, pick an "anchor" color and stick to it. If you don't know how to do this get help. My husband doesn't mind asking me for help on this issue, and if he can do it any guy can, believe me.

4. Choose plain (rather than patterned) V-neck sweaters rather than crewneck: they're easier to layer under jackets and coats and look nicer. Cashmere's just as great for men as it is for women warmth and bulk-wise, but non-bulky merino wool also works nicely. Very compressible.

5. Undershirts work beautifully, adding a layer of warmth and keeping your shirts wearable an extra day.

I'm actually surprised that other posters find it more difficult to pack for cold weather than warm: I go through clothes much more quickly in warm weather, and can't take advantage of layering, so I find it easier to pack for cold weather.

Therese, Thanks for confirming that your fabulous wardrobe really does fit into a carry-on case. You're got a great packing strategy, thanks for the helpful post. Yours in traveling light... s.

Okay, I've practiced packed again for my husband and have managed to squeeze it in a 21." (Clothing for 8 nights in France.) My DH is 6' tall, 190 lbs, rather average. But, boy, is men's underwear (including T shirts and socks) bulky! No microfiber stuff for him.

My question, and I'd like opinions, please:

Can my husband wear a nice leather coat as his "dinner" jacket (with a tie) in nice restaurants? It's cut like a blazer. This would serve double duty.

It's not imperative that we only pack to carry on. But my poor DH was dismayed at having to bring a 26" that we normally use for ski holidays.

My feeling is that we should bring the 26" and use the free space to carry our treasures home. DH, being a non-shopper, doesn't want the opportunity to fill up a half-empty suitcase!!

Therese, I've never been in Europe when it's bitter cold before. What do you think about a pair of yoga pants for Germany in late October? Without long underwears? Bad idea?

Yoga pants, tiaw? You mean stretchy soft pants that you'd normally wear for yoga? They should be just fine temp-wise (Germany in late October should be having fine autumn weather), but I'm not sure they'd be my first choice for touring. I'll barely wear yoga pants to the grocery store, and only then really hope I don't run into anybody I know (though of course I do, every time).

the ones I have are very nice. They actually look like nice business pants. So I thought they would make a great travel pants.

I agree, aggiemom, men's underwear is an absolute pain in the butt (well, not really, of course, otherwise they'd choose another style...). My husband requires a certain brand of knit cotton boxers, nothing else will do. Though I may try and switch him to microfiber somewhere down the road---he's liked the microfiber casual shirts that I've gotten for him in the past. Socks also too bulky.

But it still works, I just have to take those items into account.

As for the leather blazer, I'd have to see it to say for sure, but I'd probably say no to wearing it with a tie: too jarring a mix of informal and formal. Unless you're going to very swank places he needn't wear a tie in any case (and the leather jacket can be kept on or taken off as he'd like). And if you're going to places so swank that a tie is required then the leather jacket is not quite right.

Is there a particular reason that he wants to take the leather jacket? Because a tweed sports coat would be a lot more versatile and also nice and warm: dress it down with jeans and a polo shirt, dress it up with wool trousers and a dress shirt and tie (or no tie if it's not all that dressy, and few places are anymore).

So the yoga pants in question are really only yoga pants because they're stretchy, and so they're fine, and great for travel.

October in Germany will likely be lovely autumn weather. If it turns particularly chilly just run out and pick up a pair of tights or pantyhose to wear underneath.

In our travels over thousands of years over thousands of kilometers, we have always brought extra clothing with us. Some people trade clothings for other goods in the world. I admonish you to bring something to wrap yourself in, or you might be sari.

Do seek the truth in all your travels and you will never be without, never be overburdened, and will never be alone.

Re taking the underpacked 26" suitcase to accomodate en route purchases, aggiemom, I'd bring another small bag, either packed empty into another one, or just mostly empty---another small rolling bag would work just fine. Since you're planning to check it for flights it won't hold you up, and if for any reason your husband couldn't handle the large suitcase you'd have no problem handling the smaller pieces by yourself.

Thanks Therese!

Therese, I have to commend you on your packing techniques. I pack about the same amount and I have to use a bigger case, maybe a 24". I don't know how you get all of that into a 22"!! You are a size four and I am an eight (or a ten for pure comfort clothes) so I guess those extra inches really make a difference. Maybe I should just cut back on the pasta and chocolate for a while.....

SeaUrchin, I don't think clothing size will make a difference until one is up around at least a size 14. Remember, my husband isn't certainly isn't a size 4.

Do you compact your clothes in those plastic deflation bags? Or roll them? What am I doing wrong!!!! Can you lead packing classes in your spare time?

I neither roll nor fold, instead just laying the clothes in the suitcase. Obviously my clothes still need to be folded a bit, but generally no more than once for trousers and once for shirts (with the sleeves then folded in on top of the body).

I don't use any special compression bags (though I might if I were taking bulky sweaters), or even ziploc bags, instead using the suitcase itself to squish everything together at the end. The bags themselves have weight and occupy space, so what's the point?

Be sure to use every last bit of space associated with bulky items like shoes, tucking smaller items into and around them.

I do often use dry cleaner plastic bags to separate clothing items (I cut them into single sheets) and keep them from wrinkling (a trick I learned from my dad, who traveled a lot for his work), but this time I didn't bother to do that for anything but the tailored trousers and blazer.

I never did wear the blazer, by the way---it was too hot in Athens, so I just wore the trousers and one of the black tops.

I also didn't wear two of the tops I'd brought from home, and only wore the skirt and mules once. So I really way overpacked, didn't I?

Just remembered that there was another top that I never wore, the white rib knit sleeveless that I'd meant to wear under the blazer.

Boy, did I ever overpack.

Well, I admire your skills. BTW, you mention your suitcase doesn't zip at the seams, sounds interesting. Is there a curved zipper opening on the top? I have seen these on duffles and I do think that is a good idea, no stress on the seams.

The main compartment zips closed via a U-shaped flap on the front (the front if it's standing up on its wheels, the top surface if it's lying down to be packed). Not quite so handy as suitcases with the zipper on the seams, where the entire front of the suitcase folds back like a cupboard door, but less prone to breaking under pressure from the contents or to being damaged when the corner of the bag strikes something.

I have a very nice Samsonite carry-on with an expandable section (once expanded it's no longer eligible for carry-on) that I don't use as much as my Eddie Bauer bag precisely because I don't have as much confidence in the construction. It's actually a bit larger, but I still prefer the Eddie Bauer design.

Hi Therese

Thanks for the input. I'm still having a tough time, here. DH thought he could wear the leather coat as an outdoor jacket and maybe get away with it as a blazer. But, I gave it a second look this morning and I nixed it. Nice, but not practical if it rains, for example.

I think we'll go with a Ralph Lauren camel hair sport coat. That's probably a little more versatile, as you state. I'll coordinate his slacks with that.

I went out today and bought him a few shirts and a decent pair of comfortable shoes (Rockports). I, too, wish I could switch him to microfiber undies! All that cotton stuff takes up soooo much room.

I like your suggestion of going with a second small rolling bag. I think it's better than a half-filled big one.

Well, I'm off to try another practice pack!

merci,
mom

I think the camel hair coat will work nicely for both warmth and dressiness. Do watch out for the relatively light color, as well as the fact that it's a solid rather than a pattern: a subtle check, or even some texture make the inevitable smudge less noticeable.

Hi aggiemom, my husband always took a navy wool blazer or his camel's hair blazer when he travelled (wore it on the plane, did not pack it). Well blazer, sports jacket, whichever the correct description is. He never had a problem. But then again he was a very neat eater, LOL. Then there is me (especially regarding olive oil). Black really works for me, it covers various probems as you know!

I think this thread should be nominated for one of Fodor's "Classic threads". Lots of information and not a negative or snide comment to be found. My compliments to all of the light packers and those of us trying to become one Deborah

Hi LoveItaly

I'm the absolute worst - stains just follow me wherever I go... remember "Pigpen" of Charlie Brown fame? Well, I'm his twin sister!

Guess what color wardrobe I'm bringing???

mom

Thanks for the great tips. For our 10 day trip to Italy last October, my husband and I were each able to carry one 22" bag with a small carry-on. We did not have to check bags and could easily carry everything we brought - we loved the freedom and vowed never to go back to bigger, checked luggage.

However, we are going to London over Christmas week....I was beginning to worry it would not be possible to accommodate winter clothes in a 22" and that I might go to a 24" or 26." You have renewed my confidence that it can be done. On the other hand, since we are flying BA and are only going to one location for 8 days, perhaps it is not that crucial as we will probably have to check our bags and will not be schlepping from place to place.

As I love to travel and have committed to being a light packer, I notice that whenever I shop for clothes now I consider whether the article I am considering is ideal for packing. If I can't pack it, I rarely buy it.

One trick I learned over the years is to put your one of your heavier sweaters on (yourself) under your outer jacket or coat and then take them both off at once and lay them in the overhead of the plane on top of your carryon. This saves space in your suitcase in the winter.

aggiemom, LOL, it wouldn't be black by any wild chance would it?

Deborah, I pack less then most people I know however in saying that like dear Therese I always come home with clothes I have not worn. This is why I was so interested in her luggage, the smaller the bag the less one can pass (but maybe not if you are aggiemom's middle daughter, LOL). Loved that story!!

One rule I have always stuck to is this; a maximum of 3 pair of shoes, one being worn on the plane of course. And unless I know I will not need one I always wear my coat/jacket on the plane. I do checkin my one piece of luggage, and only have my carryon to deal with on the plane.

But obviously we can all learn so much from each other. Happy travels to all!

I'm hooked on packing light (and have completed a few tri-season, 2 week round-the-world work/holiday trips with a rollaboard); it's my husband who carries everything with him (his toiletries take up at least 4x as much space as mine do, and he refuses to throw out sny product with more than 2 grams left in the bulky bottle or tube). Sigh. Packing light is so ingrained for me, I stressed out when we started packing for our honeymoon (4 weeks, starting with a business trip in spring-like Amsterdam, then cities and scuba in Spain and hiking in Morocco, ending in London) and I couldn't fit everything into a 22" rollaboard. Luckily, my overpacking husband quite happily volunteered to lift our heavy bags whenever necessary (and there was that mule in Morocco who lugged our stuff around for us) ...

I'll add to my favourite packing light tips to the list:

a) Most hotels have hairdryers in the rooms (or available from housekeeping if necessary), so skip them unless it's absolutely critical that you have "your special dryer". If that's the case, shop around and test-drive the perfect mini version.

b) Many hotels provide basic toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, soap, body lotion - in tiny bottles that you can take to the next location that might not have any), so prioritize your toiletries and only pack travel sizes of the products where it's absolutely essential to your wellbeing that you use your own product. For example, I always bring face moisturizer but rely on the hotel for everything else.

3) Twinsets (cotton or silk) do double-duty. Wear both layers for days and evenings when the temperature is unpredictable (you can strip down or layer up); wear the camisole under your jacket or by itself; wear the cardigan over sleeveless dresses - for modesty or in the evening.

4) Heathery colours, like charcoal, and certain fabrics with a bit of a pattern in the weave or colour show dirt, fluff and stains less than shiny crisp dark or light colours. No point in dressing in black on the plane and then getting covered in airline blanket lint.

5) Pack old undies and socks, and then throw them out.

6) 2 cashmere/silk pashmina shawls - compress to about the size of a deck of cards or a bit larger, weight next to nothing. One comes on the plane and is the blanket for my upper half (I'm not about to let that plane blanket near my face). Another one in a bright colour that coordinates with one of my dress-up outfits gets packed. They're warm enough to serve as lightweight throws for hotel naps, add enough warmth when wrapped as scarves over a jacket, top or lightweight jacket, cover up stains when draped strategically ...

7) A neutral, unlogoed zip-up lightweight polar fleece jacket (I have a black one from Mountain Equipment Coop). I lived in this thing when I spent 6 weeks in New Zealand a few years ago and guessed wrong about how warm early spring would be. I wanted to burn it at the end of the trip, but I'm glad I didn't because I take it everywhere. It sometimes goes undress my dressy but lightweight black raincoat if I'm stopping over in a city with cool temperatures on what is basically a hot weather trip (e.g. London on the way home from Morocco). If I go out at night and it's cold out, I just wear both layers and strip them off together so that it's not obvious that I'm wearing athletic clothes.

8) If you're travelling outside summer time, pack a lightweight pair of polartec fleece gloves (purchased on my New Zealand trip). It's amazing how much warmer you feel if you're wearing warm gloves and a scarf.

9) A tiny lightweight flashlight. After the Toronto blackout in the summer of 2003, I don't go anywhere without one. You never know when it might come in handy.

10) Clean out your purse/daypack before you travel (including your wallet) and take only what's essential. Do you really need your Priceclub card, entire chequebook, etc. Every ounce counts when you're dragging it around every day. (And fewer things to lose or have stolen). Will your cellphone work abroad? If not, leave it at home.

11) Photocopy the relevant parts of your guidebook(s) before you leave home (2 sided copies) and put them in a three-ring folder. Then throw the pages out as you go. You can keep the guidebook at home for the memories.

12) Wear the same outfits more than once, and consider spending a little money to have things cleaned. I would rather wear the same silk sweater set 4 times in 3 weeks (likely in 4 different places, where the same people won't notice the repetition) and have it cleaned, then pack 4 sets and have to carry a larger suitcase. Hotel cleaning prices are sometimes outrageous and sometimes not. Take the risk, and if the hotel price is too high, you can probably find a place outside the hotel to do it for less. (But check their turnaround time; you might be leaving town before the garments are ready.)

13) Any my favourite suitcase is made by Victorinox. I have a 22" expandable one (I leave it unexpanded when I pack, saving room to expand with new purchases enroute).

Great tips, Kate_W. Numbers 4 (heathery patterns, textured fabrics forgiving of smudges and stains) and 10 (clean out your purse and leave stuff behind if you can) particularly helpful.

Your mention of twin sets reminds me of visiting London in late spring/early summer a couple of years ago. For our first afternoon we did a London Walks tour of Greenwich, starting with a brief (but chilly) trip on the Thames, followed by a walk around Greewich as the day grew progressively warmer.

Over the course of the tour I removed:

1. Black shawl (came in handy for draping around my head and upper body on the boat)

2. Black and white houndstooth check blazer

3. Black cardigan (the top half of a twin set)

4. Red blouse (top half of a different twin set)

I was left wearing the red stretch camisole that matched the red blouse. Our tour guide finally remarked that she didn't think it would get too much warmer, as she didn't think there was much farther to go.

Therese,

You are inspiring me

I flew to Amsterdam with US Airways back in July headed for a business conference in Luxembourg. US Airways managed to lose my big suitcase, so I was without everything until the evening of the next day when it arrived at my hotel. I had to use KLM to get from Luxembourg to Amsterdam and they said my suitcase was overweight. They were going to charge me $20, but the lady at the counter was very nice and waived the fee. Interestingly enough, they lost my bag on the return flight between Philly and Charlotte.

This trip was the turning point in my life for learning to pack in a carry on. Never again will I check a piece of luggage in with my clothes.

I went to a store called Tuesday Morning and found a Delcy 21" carry on that is extremely light weight that was a closeout for $60 and is one of the lightest suitcases made in this size. I have been searching for things all over the internet looking for how I can pack light. I just bought me two pairs of pants that convert to shorts from KneeShorts.com and I bought a packing folder from Eagle Creek so that I can keep all of my shirts and pants flat. Thanks for the information that you have provided here. I have gotten several more tips

BTW, I really would love to find a light weight water repellent parka style coat that has a warm removable lining so it can be used in different climates without having to bring multiple coats. Does anyone know where I can find something like this?

Lightweight coat w/lining -- possibly try Travelsmith?

anyone mention the "roll" method yet? I find this works best for me.

i always keep a spare totebag laid flat at the bottom of my suitcase for shopping emergencies..i can fill it with souvenirs and carry it with me on the plane. (i have boarded a flight many times with my carry-on luggage, a purse and a totebag--never once been told I had too many bags)

Hi Merlix - I, too, have used the Eagle Creek folding thing. I fit all of my clothes in a neat stack about 6" high. It's easy to take out of the suitcase and stays neat in a drawer. .

Miss Ziegfeld - I used to roll everything and, for short trips I still do. I found that Eagle Creek thing good when you have several hotel changes.

Here is what I fit in an approx 6" stack:

3 pr pants (inc jeans)
4 lg sleeve tops
3 sh sleeve tops
jammies
8 undies, socks, 1 bra
3 camis
1 twinset
1 light jacket

Merlix, check out LandsEnd.com. The 3-in-1 Extreme Squall Parka sounds like it fits the bill. You can even wear the zip out lining on its own.

Interesting. I wonder how these projected wardrobes and daily attire compare with the regular home ones.

Well, GSTeed, in my case regular home attire and travel attire (for either work or social time, domestic or international) are exactly the same. I don't buy any special clothes, so no Travelsmith non-wrinkling stuff or trousers that convert to shorts or tiaras that convert to top hats.

I don't even bother to get super duper comfy walking shoes, as all my shoes have to be comfortable enough to walk long distances (because I walk to work).

Just back from a work trip to Savannah, where I wore many of the same clothes I wore last month in Europe. Come to think of it I wore a fair number of the items that I bought in Europe.

And yes, I carried on the whole way.

GSteed's query about how closely travel wardrobes reflect our everyday wardrobes does bring up an interesting topic for discussion: how many of us do buy specialty gear for travel?

As I say above, I don't buy special lightweight underwear or pants that convert to shorts. I don't even use a money belt or pouch, unless you call that leather bag that zips securely (I hold it such that my hand covers the zipper opening, but I do that no matter where I am, even when I'm walking in my quiet neighborhood) that I wear over my shoulder a money pouch.

So, do people who travel a lot buy special stuff to make it easier?

I don't buy clothes from specialty travel outfitters, but because I travel so frequently (often long-haul trips combining business with sightseeing, plus lots of weekend breaks and adventure trips), I'm always on the lookout for regular clothes that travel well. I stock up on the things like twinsets (as I mentioned in a previous post), fabrics (slightly stretchy, heathery, not too crisp) and colours that travel well together (I've got my black-based wardrobe, my brown-based wardrobe and they come in winter, spring/fall and summer permutations), multi-purpose footwear (nice enough for business, comfortable enough to walk for hours), crushable raincoats, etc. I also buy multiples of things like socks (so they mix and match) and collect travel-size or travel-convenient products (individual sachets of bug repellent, sunscreen) around the world. And of course I'm obsessed with finding the perfect, functional luggage (to the point where my husband tends to say "STEP AWAY FROM THE LUGGAGE STORE AND NO ONE GETS HURT" when we're in shopping malls ...

Interesting question, Therese. I do have a travel wardrobe in that I wear alot more color at home than I do when I travel. Black is not the mainstay of my wardrobe at home. We usually travel in the off season when black works well. I have a favorite ensemble of jacket, ss top, long skirt, short skirt and pants all in black in a good travel fabric that I base my visits to Europe around. I pull things from my wardrobe to supplement and I don't wear my "travel blacks" except for traveling. So my answer is Yes and No . Deborah

So based on the two replies so far it sounds like we fall into two camps: those of us (like me and Kate W) who travel a lot for both work and leisure, and those of us who travel a bit less (like DeborahAnn, and so can have a dedicated travel wardrobe that's separate from the usual.

Pretty much my entire wardrobe is, in fact, a dedicated travel wardrobe. But it's not obviously one, as it's just regular clothes from regular shops.

There's an advantage to the dedicated travel wardrobe approach that DeborahAnn takes, as she doesn't have to put any thought into it at all, short of deciding whether or not the cut of her trousers and skirts are still reasonably in fashion and nothing's worn out. She doesn't get tired of the items because she only uses them for travel.

So as to keep my life reasonably simple I actually do have a lot of black in my wardrobe, though I do also use a lot of color and white and tan, just typically paired with black so that I can still stick with black shoes and handbags.

The only things that I specifically buy for travel are, of course, luggage (though I'm happy with what I've got at the moment, so don't spend nearly so much time as Kate W loitering near luggage displays) and travel-convenient toiletries.

Individual sachets/single use packets are great. Kate W lists bug repellent and sunscreen. I go through so much sunscreen that I try and find small bottles of very high SPF/low viscosity products. I've got one now with a top that snaps locked, so very low risk of it opening in my handbag.

Other single use sachets that are great:

nail polish remover

facial wipes (I use Stridex, as my skin is oily---great for freshening up on the plane without going to the WC, where it is extremely bad form to take more time that absolutely necessary or do anything more complicated than pee and blow your nose)

shampoo, conditioner, hair goo: Bumble & Bumble makes great products that come in little foil packs. They're billed as single use, but I can actually use most of these for at least three days, and I've got long hair.

I recently found a small shoe polish kit that comes with small applicator and chamois for polishing. I walk so much when I travel that my shoes get dinged up pretty quickly.

Any other cool products out there along those lines?

tt

Of course, there are those tiny bottles of hand sanitizer. And packets of kleenex, of course. (I went through my most of my supply of both on a recent trip to Morocco ...)

I also collect stuff from hotels and airlines: I think I've got 20 toothbrushes (I hate packing wet, used ones), 30 tiny bars of soap, shoe polish, body lotion, packets of kleenex, etc. I also give them to houseguest (not the wet, used toothbrushes, of course).

Blister packs of painkillers and antihistamines (makes it easier to prove to drug squad at airports that you're carrying what you say you're carrying).

In Singapore, I found these terrific, clear anti-itch patches for bug bites. They're like tiny bandaids.

Tiny sachets of Shout or other stain removers.

Little single use foil packets of antibiotic ointment. I rarely need one, but helpful if I do.

Need Advice Soon!!! Help!!! I already packed my boyfriend and my luggage for Italy. We leave Thurs morning. We have a 28" (?)large suitcase with all of our clothes and a 22" small suitcase with an extra pair of his shoes and shower essentials. Do you think I ought to pack 2 medium size suitcases instead of large and small?

Is it better for a couple to pack together or separately? I thought together b/c then we could put all dirty clothes rolled in 1 suitcase.

Thanks,
Kimberly

Yes. 2 medium bags are better and easier to deal with than 1 big and 1 small.

I pack a collapsible duffle in the outside pocket of the suitcase. On the trip, it becomes the carrier for dirty clothes, guidebooks or printed materials I no longer need for the remainder of the trip, etc. That leaves more room for souvenirs in the suitcases and I zip up the duffle and check it as baggage on the return. The duffles fit easily on the top of the rolling suitcase for easy manuevering.

Kimberly, I suggest two medium bags and split clothes between them (i.e. 1/2 yours and 1/2 your husbands clothes in each). That way if one goes missing you still each have some things. And yes, two suitcases are easier to manage than one 28" (lifting off the carousel at the airport, up and down stairs, etc.)

Remember to pack in your carry-on for the plane anything you can't live without such as prescription meds, glasses, passport, etc.

oops, b-friend not hubby, whatever, have a great trip!

>> how many of us do buy specialty gear for travel?

I don't. I wear my regular clothes, according to season and what may or not be in/appropriate where I'm travelling.

I definitely don't do the money belt thing. It's just not possible to hide one of those under what I actually wear. Can't they make one that's compatible with modern clothing styles, instead of frumpy baggy crap I wouldn't be caught dead in?

Thank you sooo much. I switched the clothes from a large one to two medium carry on bags 22". I'm so proud of myself for fitting everything into it. Thank you very much for your quick responses!

Also, it's okay about husband/boyfriend.

I agree about the money belt. I took a travel purse type thing with a buckle and zippers. The 2 medium suitcases worked out soo much better than a large one would have. Thank you very much for the advice especially since it was last minute. Where can I post and review my hotels... do you know how to add hotels to this site? The hotels we stayed in are not listed.

Thanks,
~Kimberly

I'm in awe if you can fit this all into one 22 inch carryon. how much does it weigh when you are done?

I've no idea how much my suitcase weighs in the end, just that it's well within checked luggage limits, and I have no trouble lifting it over my head into luggage compartments (and I have pretty pitiful upper body strength, in spite of working out, simply because I'm female) or up and down stairs in train stations.

The heaviest things in a suitcase are generally toiletries. Packing small containers (and throwing them away for the return trip) makes a big difference.

I'm getting ready to go to Paris for a week with my two kids. Each of us will be responsible for his/her own luggage, of course.

clearly I am doing something wrong then!

Where do you find microfiber clothing? I saw some on LLBean but I don't think they are the height of fashion.

I'm trying to decide what to take to Italy in May. I know I'll buy stuff when I am there but I'd like a head start.

good info.

Therese, glad to see the packing thread is still alive and remains civilized.

Things I learned on my trip to Italy in November. Weigh your carryon and make sure you know the weight limits for the airline you are flying. AirCanada was extremely strict with their carryone limits as the plane was at full capacity.

Don't always expect to "sweet talk and charm" your luggage onto the plane if it is over the limit.

Don't use the bundling method of packing if there is any possibility you are going to have to jettison clothes from your carryon to eliminate weight

We got off to a bit of a rough start but we had arrived at the airport early enough to handle our luggage challenges.

Having just a 22 inch roller each for my husband and me made train travel so much easier from Rome to Sorrento. Thanks for all the helpful advice here everyone. Deborah

Flygirl, I don't buy "travel clothes" but keep suitable-for-travel in mind when shopping.

JJill has matte jersey outfits (look at jjill.com). Eddie Bauer usually carries them too and they have some on clearance at www.eddiebaueroutlet.com. I haven't looked at Landsend recently but they often have items that are good for travel.

I also don't buy any clothing specifically for travel, or from merchants that specialize in "travel" clothes. I'm generally working when I travel, so have to look at least as professional (more so, actually, as I'm typically addressing large groups of people in a pretty formal setting) as I do at home.

Most of my tops are some sort of knit, and trousers, skirts, etc. made with some sort of "stretch" built in, such that they don't wrinkle.

I buy a lot of my clothes at Ann Taylor, with more casual stuff from Limited/Express or the Gap.

bookmarking for future travels. Thanks for the info...

Great tips! Thanks!

How would anyone suggest we pack for a three week trip - first four days in northern Italy (mid-May), then 12 days on a cruise to the Greek Islands, finally five days in Tuscany? Husband wears a size 14 shoe and wants to take a pair of tennis shoes for walking and one other pair for dress. What to do??

This is one of the best packing threads I have found. If I give you a brief outline of a 3 week upcoming trip in July, perhaps some of you may be able to give some packing advise.

Four of us are going to Great Britain leaving from Toronto flying into Glasgow on Zoom Airlines. I still have to check out the baggage allowance, but basically will be driving a(subcompact) car directly to the heart of England where we will be spending a wk travelling on a narrowboat. We have limited ourselves to a 19-20" roll-on,and a carry-on,as trunk space may be at a premium. Of course my sister and I will be carrying our handbags, which I am currently on the hunt for. After our week on the boat we will be heading to Northern Wales, catching a practice day at the British Open and travelling throughout the Yorkshires then ending our journies in Scotland. Sorry for the ramble, but I thought If I give you a thumbnail scetch. You will perhaps be able to give some ideas. Basically we will be moving from inn to B&B every 2 to 3 days. The first week will be very casual and relaxed, but being on a boat who knows the weather...so we'll have to be prepared for that. I have a bit of a wardrobe put together already, as getting out and shopping early to get size and selection was necessary. I'm a 14...,so this is my problem...I have picked up so far:

2pr of Eddie Bauer capris..one raspberry colour, one biege.

1pr of EB capri jeans.

1 EB dark denim shorter(to the knee)jean skirt.

1 pr. black cotton spandex pants
1 pr. black micro/spandex loose fitting crops..with a cuff

2 polo tee's with collar one navy and one french blue with our boating logo and Canadian flag (descreet)

1 white loose fitting cotton knit shirt with collar and roll up sleeves
1 blk polo,1 celadon green polo,2 blouses, one multi striped and the other white.

I am considering, a black cotton spanex blazer. I have white denim neru-collared jacket that I would love to bring, but I know that would be sooo impractical as I do get make-up on the collar occasionally, plus the weight would be crazy.
Shoes: Stone colored leather boat shoes,1pr- 1pr leather flats (backless)and 1 pr white leather Nygard flats dressier, but suitable for walking.Okay, there maybe 1 or 2 nights where a more formal attire is required...but mostly pubs. I do pack in theflat method where you lay all clothes flat and then layer arms over pantlegs etc, but any advise will be appreciated. Thanks...Cath

For kicks, I'm glad my husband only wears a size 10 because those shoes sure take up alot of luggage space If your husband has a pair of Rockport type of "comfort" walking shoe that look enough like a dress shoe he could get by with just the two pairs of shoes. That is what my husband does on our 2-3 week trips.

For ctoner; after just a quick glance at your packing list I wonder if you have enough long pants, I only saw one pair (black) and the rest capri length. Will the weather be warm enough on the water? I know it's July but it is England have you checked out any of the weather websites to see the stats for the area you are visiting?

Will the black jacket you are bringing go with all the pants and skirt? You certainly are limited because of the number of people getting around in a subcompact. Are you certain all that luggage will fit? When we have traveled with 4 we get a mid-size car if we are doing much driving. How many times will all of you and your luggage be in the car? Hopefully every top can be paired with every bottom to give you the most mixing and matching.

I look forward to reading the advice you both will be given. My husband and I have a very packing-challenged trip coming up and I hope to find some good suggestions here. Deborah

Deborah

Hi Deborah! Thanks for the quick reply. It's time to get all clothes out on the bed for further inspection. You're right.I have to consider one more pair of pants at least. I forgot to mention that I will be taking bluejeans and jean jacket. I will likely were those on the plane. I should really look at a nice windbreaker of some description. I have been getting the Manchester weather each day since last year ( this trips been long in the planning) and it seems like they get weather similar to Vancouver BC...but the worlds weather patterns have been wacky..so we'll see. Thanks for the advise and I'll look forward to more advise from the messages. Cath

Hi Deborah...The car we have rented is a Ford Monteo which I think is midsized.We are all to take no bigger than 20" and a carry on. Mine and my DH's is 19"x14"x9. Now I have a carry on that afixes over the handle and is the match so it fits exactly. Hopefully we all stick to the rules, although my sister and her husband, are quite seasoned travellers, so they are used to the one weekender rule. I may try to take a shopping bag that I can conceal for the trip back...Take care. Ctoner

kicks:

Your Italy/Greece trip should be pretty straightforward, and given that it's all leisure actually much easier to pack for than my trip to Italy/Greece that started this thread. You need to pick one base color (on the dark side, though not necessarily black unless you like it---navy or taupe would also work) and make sure the everything (and I mean everything) goes with everything else. Weather mostly on the warm side, but likely cooler in the evenings and on the water, so make sure you've got some lightweight cardigans in there. Remember that you can layer them if it's really chilly.

I'd also take (or acquire, since you start in Italy) a nice silk or silk/wool shawl to use as a wrap for the cruise. You can get away with something as simple as trousers and a camisole for dressier occasions on the cruise if you've got a pretty shawl to drape over it.

As for you're husband's size 14 shoes, he'll wear one pair on the plane and pack the other. Treat each of these enormous shoes as if it were a small suitcase and cram as much stuff as you possibly can into each. I'm pretty sure I'd could fit all of my underwear and all of my socks into just one of these shoes.

If your husband is thinking about bringing a blazer (and I think he should---it's a nice warm jacket and will instantly dress him up) he should wear it on the plane. Check or other pattern much more versatile than a solid, and of course it should match everything (and I mean everything) he's bringing.

Therese -

This thread has been a great help - especially for those of us who think we need an outfit for every occasion. Just one more question - are shorts acceptable on the Greek Islands (not the short-short type) or would capris be more appropriate? Also, how do I manage the "formal" nights on the cruise or should we just plan to eat in the buffet line, which is fine with us as I really don't want to take more than one 20-22" carry on.

Cath (ctoner):

Sounds like you've got a good start on your wardrobe. Since the trip's basically leisure, and largely sports-centered as well that pretty much dictates what you'll bring.

Some thoughts...

1. Good idea to wear the jean jacket and long jeans on the plane, as they're relatively bulky. I'd make sure that the capri jeans and the jean skirt also go with the denim jacket.

2. The raspberry and beige capris both sound a little problematic to me. The beige ones won't withstand more than one or possibly two wearings, particularly on the boat, unless you are very tidy indeed. Raspberry is a pretty strong color, and I don't think I'd use it on the bottom unless I were (a) stick thin or (b) wanted to use it as my base color and have lots of coordinating pieces (which actually could work very nicely if that's the idea). Plus you're traveling with friends, and they're going to get as tired of them as you are.

3. Bag the white denim jacket. Just don't even think about it, it will make you crazy.

4. Does the black spandex blazer match the black spandex pants? Only bring it if it does.

5. Lay out your clothes and try mentally putting on everything together, all at once. Do you just look bulky? Or do you look like you're a bag lady? If the latter you probably need to re-think a bit, making sure that you really can wear everything with everything else.

6. White shoes present the same difficulties as white denim jackets, and don't sound like they'd work well for evening. Do your other shoes work for evening?

kicks:

I've never been to the Greek islands, so can't speak directly to the issue of shorts vs capris, but given that it's largely a tourist area I doubt it makes much difference. I never wear shorts unless I'm actually hiking, and instead wear skirts or sundresses. Cooler, and no question of feeling underdressed.

I've also never been on a cruise, but do attend lots of dressy functions when I travel (and at home) and unless this is one extraordinarily formal cruise you should have no problem with using evening separates. By evening separates I mean trousers or long skirt in a nice stretchy matte fabric (black for me, and probably the best for you as well) without any sort of sporty details like pockets or belt loops, etc. and either a dressy top or a matte black top with a shawl over it. I can get away with pretty skimpy tops, so typically choose patterned silk halter tops or just a plain black camisole if I'm going with the shawl. Some nice earrings with some glitter to them or maybe a chandelier style will also dress things up. Black evening slides will take up very little room in your bag and also dress up your look.

You likely actually have the room for a cocktail dress or two, particularly as they tend to be pretty skimpy and made of fabrics that won't wrinkle. They should go with the dressy shoes that you've already picked out. Make sure that the dressy shoes are at least reasonable for walking so that you'll be able to wear them out in Italy if you want to go somewhere dressy.

Your husband also doesn't need more than one evening ensemble, even if he decides to wear a tie to dinner (apart from bringing more than one tie, or buying some nice ones while in Italy---definitely what I'd do). One blazer (which he wore on the plane), one pair of lightweight wool trousers, one white shirt (which he should have laundered and pressed and packed folded in plastic by the cleaners), and those size 14 dress shoes (be sure to take your underwear out of them). He'll wear the shirt only in the evening, and has to hang it up once he's done with it. If he's used to wearing undershirts that will extend the "life" of the shirt. If you plan on doing a lot of dancing, etc. he'll want to bring more shirts, but these actually pack easily, particularly if you've had the cleaners fold them and pack them in plastic sleeves.

Some more thoughts for Cath/ctoner:

I'd definitely include some sort of lightweight waterproof outer layer, nothing fancy. I'd also make sure to bring something like a pair of tights to wear under jeans for an extra layer of warmth if it gets weirdly cold. Normally I wouldn't suggest this for this time of year, but given that you won't necessarily be close to shops when on the boat it doesn't hurt to have a little bit of insurance.

Thanks Therese for all your advise! My description of colour is a bit off. The capris are more of a light rusty red if you can feature that and the biege I describe is more on the kakhi side. Sorry...The white jacket is gone.. and the other black shoes i think I may take are slides with a 1 1/2" heel. They are a little more dressy and would work with the black pants and jacket,which do match btw. I will throw everything on the bed and mix and match. Thanks again.

I think she was referring to light clothes in general getting dirty a lot easier than black ones.

you may luck out on weather but I wouldn't do most of my wardrobe around shorter pants in England in the summertime. sometimes it's quite warm and other times I've talked to friends over there and they said "I believe we had summer last week" (meaning it's back to cool and damp").

perhaps be prepared to buy a pair of trousers while you are there? that's always fun... just be sure not to call them pants!!

So that dusty red color for the capris rather than pink. I like that color a lot, and it feels a bit nautical. I'd just make sure that all of your tops go with (nearly) all of your bottoms.

Imagine the following scenario: you've packed two bottoms that each have three coordinating tops, but the coordinating tops can't be used with the other bottom. Now imagine that one of your bottoms is out of commission for some reason: a tear, a jammed zipper, bad stain. Instead of just losing that one bottom you've lost the bottom and those three tops.

Looking back over your initial list I think you might actually be too light on tops, particularly dressier tops if you want to go out in the evening very much. Even if you're going to a pub you want to feel as attractive as you would at home on a similar outing.

Flygirl's point about a possible heat wave is a good one. I've been in some very hot weather in England. Do you ever wear shorts? Seems like a pair would work for the boat.

"Are shorts acceptable on the Greek Islands (not the short-short type) or would capris be more appropriate?"

First of all I have to say that I've been a light packer for many years. My friends and family made fun of me at first (I travel with my pillow also...latex foam). I travel for 2 weeks with an 18" carryon and on-board tote. Now they are converts.

I've travelled to the Greek islands and then London every year for vacation for the last five years and to answer your question ... whatever you are the most comfortable with. I take both. The islands are very, very informal during the day (and depending on the island at night also). So depending on the weather and what I'm going to do that day I'll wear either.

I would say that if you are going to be sight-seeing and going into the many, many beautiful churches, I would wear the capris, and maybe throw a lightweight pashmina/cardigan in your bag if you are wearing a tank or sleeveless top. This is a great way to show your respect and still be comfortable. It can also be a little windy/chilly on some of the islands, especially Santorini.

My first trip there I purchased a longsleeve white cotton shirt ... gauzy style ... and that's what I take with me now. It cuts the wind and I can tie it at my waist when not wearing it. It doesn't matter about the wrinkles since it's already a wrinkled style.

Kate

Thanks for all of the good tips in this thread that I never thought about.

I can get away with an 18" case 'cause I take things that can be handwashed in the sink (and I'm a size 14/16). Everything is from my normal summer wardrobe also. After I wear it I wash it out (with the shampoo from the hotel usually) and hang it up to dry. I pack a shirt hanger and pants hanger (the kind you get when you purchase something and ask it to be left on the hanger). Many Greek island hotels will have shirt hangers, but they don't have pants hangers. At the end of the trip I just leave the hangers in the hotel.

Also for my pillow, I use a travel space bag purchased at Target. I can roll it up and put it in my tote, so that I can use it on the plane if I want.

Kate

katek013, how did you end up using latex foam pillows? Those of us who use them pretty much always have to bring them along, as hotels don't have them, but at least they're wonderfully compressible.

On an entirely different note, I wanted to mention a really great purchase I made while in Paris earlier this year: boots. Looking back through my packing list you'll notice that I use boots a lot, both at home and when I travel. I like them because they're comfortable from an arch support (because I can always use an orthotic) and sock point of view.

But because tall boots (to the knee, that is) are so bulky I don't usually travel with them, so I'm limited to wearing short boots with trousers. So I was delighted to find a pair of boots that combined a slight heel with a shaped foot and not drastically pointy toe with a stretch leather top. They work very nicely with skirts and dresses.

Because the top of the boot is soft it collapses easily for packing. They actually take up less space than athletic shoes. The brand is Finest, from Varese. Unfortunately I can't find any pictures of any of their products on the web. I bought them at a shop that specializes in comfortable shoes in Paris, and am hoping I'll be able to find them in Berlin next month.

I thought I'd throw in a tip here - Lands End has FABULOUS T shirts - very soft, well made (i.e. none of those cheapies that lose their shape and are vaguely see through) and they fold up nice and small. I bought a few to test them out - wonderful.

I'm going to take 3 white ones and 3 black ones (possibly one or two colored ones like lavender or red) with me on this next trip - they will take next to no room in the suitcase. Throw in a few scarves and some black trousers and you're all set. Not the height of fashion, but, neat and presentable and far better than pink running suits!

Another benefit to packing light: had this unfortunate soul packed light he/she would have had his coat and probably a sweater in the overhead, as there wouldn't have been room to pack it, checked luggage or no.

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=2&tid=34787531

Hi Therese, I've used a foam latex pillow since I was around 8 years old. I'm so glad that Linen & Things and Bed Bath & Beyond have started carrying them. They aren't cheap (around $30 for a standard), but they are cheaper than a good down pillow. I have my parents sleeping with them now.

Friends and family have laughed at me for years for lugging my pillow along ... but I always get a good night sleep. You know how awful some European hotel pillows are. They are really bad in the Greek islands.

I'd rather go without a few extra outfits than not have my pillow with me.

Kate

Theresa, you could start your own business with this! Go to people's homes who are packing for long trips and help them pack light. Even after reading this thread I'm not sure if I could do it alone so I think I would hire you!

Sorry, I meant Therese.

Wouldn't it be cool if I could make money packing for people, wyatt92?

As katek013 notes, latex foam pillows are expensive, but they're very comfortable and very compact (once you've squeezed all the air out).

My next trip is to Berlin in a few weeks, for work but with some social stuff and touring tacked on at the end.

Can't hardly wait.

For those of you out there that are true packing light junkies, here's the original "What to wear/pack" thread from an a couple of years ago. A trip to Venice with my kids when the layering principle came in very handy, as fair weather had been predicted and very cold wet weather happened.

Oh, forgot the link:

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=2&tid=34415078

I am a teenager, but I've done my fair share of travelling (US, Europe and South America). Some things I've picked up on recent trips include:

-Take the guidebook along, especially if you don't pre-plan your entire trip. But on the way home, give it to some tourist at the airport (they're fairly easy to recognize).

-I do tend to have a seperate wardrobe for travel, but only because I live in Alaska (the climate is rather obnoxious). I do save the things I get for one trip and wear them again the next, and have amassed several "mix-and-match" outfits. A skirt, Blazer, pants and two tops can turn into 6 or 7 outfits if cleaned appropriately.

- Check not only the weather but the local fashions. Especially in South America, you can get better deals on things if you look at least a little bit like a local. (Also knowing the language helps)

-Buy a handbag there. I check my luggage, but that is generally fairly light (my family tends to move around a lot when we get wherever we're going, so light, transportable luggage is a must). I bring a medium sized tote on the plane with me- and that is it. I always buy a small bag wherever I go, so a) I dont have to bring it there on the plane, b) I have a fashionable bag while I'm there and c) I have a unique, fashionable handbag when I get home. There's nothing like being asked where you got your purse and being able to answer "Paris".

-Give away whatever you can. I read a lot, so I'll bring two or three books for train and car rides, but when I finish them I leave them on a bench somewhere. Throw away toiletries, socks, anything that is even mildly disposable. If you're not going to miss it, leave it behind.

- If you're going from a cold environment to somewhere warmer (as I have on countless occasions), leave a warm jacket in your car, or if you dont have a car at the airport, see if they have lockers or something available for long-term rent. A few dollars will be worth it to not bring your down coat to the coast of Italy, but to have it immediately when you get back.

-I cannot praise the virtues of "performance underwear" enough. As an athelete, I was introduced to spandex underwear for racing, but I soon discovered that they are perfect for traveling. The wash easily in the hotel sink (hotel soap or shampoo works) and they dry in 5 minutes in the sun. They're light, pack tiny, and are usually seamless so they're not noticible under tight fitting pants. Make sure you get a size big enough that they fit comfortably. They're available at most sport stores, REI, and recently JC Penny's (they're cheaper at Penny's).

- Go shopping! I usually reserve the first or second day we're somewhere to go shopping. By this time I generally know what I've forgotten and what local trends I didn't hear about. Especially in places with great exchange rates (my recent trip to South America was good for this), it's cheaper to get what you need there than bring things with you. And if you're willing to check your roll-on, a larger shopping bag makes a perfectly acceptable cary-on bag for the trip home.

alaskakid, great advice, no matter your age. I just wish I could get my daughter to pack lighter but unfortunately she is her mother's daughter

I like the suggestion to purchase a bag while you are traveling as both a travel aid and a momento. Deborah

Great advice, Alaskakid. I am heading into unchartered territory: packing light. All hints are great to have.

here is my list, I am working on it still (specifically which tops, it's generic so far and I might take things with more oomph although the Lands End T shirts are cute enough and quite serviceable). this is for 11 days.

this also assumes I will be shopping heavily in Italy. i.e. even if I take the simpler tops, I'll be supplementing things over there. so I may end up keeping it simple after all.

I am hoping this fits in a 22 inch roll-on.

hope this helps anyone with their own lists...

Digicam and battery charger

converter

Sprint cell phone and charger

Ipod and charger

Visa
checking debit card
ATM card
PASSPORT

All tickets/hotel info

Contact lens – 4 extra
Solution
All meds, incl cold/stuffy meds
Eye glasses and sunglasses
comb

Toothbrush/paste
Sunscreen
Face cream

Shampoo
Makeup remover
Qtips
Face cloths - disposable
Cotton balls
All makeup

waterproof coat
Merrill Barrado slip on black shoes
red Born sandals

8 prs underwear
3 bras
3 pr black socks

2 jeans
2 pairs black pants
1 pr shorts (just in case)
5-6 Lands End T shirts
2 cammie tops
2 light sweaters/shrugs.
a couple pretty scarves
belt (s)

jammies

eye mask

swimsuit

BOOKS

Journal

Postcard address list

ps. the more "delicate" items will go into carry on purse. so I have a little more room than a 22 inch bag. the purse is large enough to fit my "daily purse" which is a Coach Rambler legacy bag. perfect size - a small guidebook fits into the back pocket of it, and there's enough room inside for a wallet, camera, and cell phone - with room left over.

Flygirl, my list is similar to yours with a couple of changes.

Instead of 2 jeans, I take a black skirt (knit) and I use Neutrogena pre-moistened towlets for removing make up or just freshening up.

Also, I take a few zip-lock bags of assorted sizes.

esm, do those work for makeup? I've tried, they seem to take forever - which is why I take separate remover and cotton balls. the face cloths are those dove kind - you just wet them and they get all sudsy.

I do put things in ziploc bags - especially things that may leak.

thought I should clarify - my carry on purse is a massive leather bag I bought in Italy 5 yrs ago. it fits books, my leather day purse, camera, etc etc etc. even though it is large, it counts as a "purse" by the airlines so I shove everything in it, purse included!

I can even fit my wind/rain jacket into it along with the other stuff. I bought a goretex one from LL Bean a few years ago, it's perfect. It is periwinkle colored, has a hood so I don't need to take an umbrella (not that I expect rain in Italy in May). It has one inside zippered pocket so it's a great place to put the credit and ATM cards when I wear it.

Flygirl, I don't wear a lot of make up, just pressed powder, eye shadow and sometimes mascara (not waterproof). The Neutrogena make up remover works on these for me.

Like you, I've pared down the clothes I take for travel. I stick to my favorite basic colors, black and white, with one or two colorful t-shirts a scarf or two.

I also have a very large tote bag with zipper pockets which does double duty. Mine is microfiber so it works great when caught in rain. LOL, we pack alike! I hate umbrellas so I take my rain jacket (similar to what you describe packed in my tote.

flygirl, if you make one of your scarves a big one, it can double as a sarong over your bathing suit, a light blanket for train or hotel naps, etc.

I took a pretty multi-colored Indian print one last year (gift from a friend from a WA DC museum gift shop, of all places)to Italy and Spain and besides the usual scarf/shawl purposes, it came in handy for all the above.

I also stuck it in my little daypack when we spent a day traveling by bus and walking around the island of Ischia -- so much easier to carry than a towel for our stops to swim and soak in hot springs.

my eyeliner and mascara don't seem to come off - and I use the Maybelline non-waterproof pink-tube stuff (Great Lash?) and you'd think that would be really easy! my eyeliner is Clinique or Estee Lauder something or other. it's still a pain in the butt to remove with regular cloths.

you'd think the above would be packing light! somehow it seems heavy though... (maybe it's the 6 guidebooks and a novel I take as well, ar ar ar)

The best mascara remover I've ever found (and I've tried lots) is Lancome's Bi-Facil. Small bottles of it are typically included in their "gift with purchase" sets (along with my favorite mascara of all time, Definicils) and I use those when I travel. I don't use cotton balls at all, just tissue (whatever's provided by the hotel) or TP soaked in Bi-Facil.

I agree with the "buy it after you get there" approach, both some shirts with "oomph" for flygirl and handbags for alaskakid. I can't buy a new handbag every time I travel, though, because I'd have way too many. I actually just use one routinely: just barely big enough to fit a DK guidebook and digital camera, but small enough to fit into a larger bag if I'm calling it my "personal item."

Shopping bags do work just fine for carry on if you check your bag for the return flight. Once I purchased a really nice straw shopping bag in southern France and used that as my carry on for the trip home. I still use the straw bag for marketing, and it reminds of the trip.

I just went back to the thread from 2003 and read about some of you transferring shampoos, etc. to small bottles. I do the same thing and label them by using a sharpie and then when dry, I use clear nail polish over the writing. I have been using the same little bottles (actually the J&J baby shampoo bottles) for over 5 years and the writing is still as good as when first done.

Great tip about the nail polish, Lydia. Thanks!

I may well use the tip re labelling small bottles with a Sharpie and clear nail polish for my next trip. I leave Monday for Berlin, another work/leisure trip, and I'm going to start a new thread "What to wear/pack...Part 3" to discuss it.

I'm trying to decide now whether to bother with the tiara or not. I suppose I could just pick one up after I get there...

Flygirl ... on your cell phone, make sure that your phone will work in Italy before you take it. I also use Sprint and mine will not work there.

Also with the make-up remover, I always buy it when I get there. There is a great towelette made by Comodynes. They remove anything (even waterproof mascara), smell good, and don't leave your face feeling all dried out.

Kate

I also bring little bottles of stuff that I label, mostly shampoo, conditioner, and washing detergent (good for rinsing out your undies in the sink). Big money saver, since the travel sizes can get quite costly and there never seems to be enough in the bottle.

Flygirl, one more bit of advice ... instead of taking a postcard address list, make up pre-printed address labels. That way you can just peel and stick.

if you call Sprint, they will activate overseas service!

it may be better if they do NOT because when I went to New Zealand they turned it on for me and my bill that month ended up being 350 bucks. so maybe I would have been better off not having it!

flygirl--
I have a Sprint phone....was that price because you made a lot of calls, or just for the privilege of having service turned on? Thanks.

calls were a 1.50 a minute. it doesn't take long at all to rack things up. I don't know it they are that much in Italy. I had some issues at home I had to take care of otherwise I would't have used it so much!

Thanks, flygirl.

flygirl, I have a Sprint cell phone, and although it will work in SOME countries, it will not work in Italy! On the Sprint website, there is only 1 GSM phone available and I really doubt that's what you use everyday. You better double-check!

I would like to know what actual size (dimensions) of a suitcase you take along. Even some of the ones that are sold as "carryon" size really aren't allowed. Just curious.

The size of the suitcases I use is discussed somewhere upthread, but they are, rest assured, well within the carry on size permitted by U.S. carriers. One of them (not my preferred) is Samsonite, and it has an expandable section which, when used, renders it unsuitable for carry on.

I'll repeat here that I don't necessarily carry on when traveling by air, particularly if I'm pretty sure that my bag will make it to my final destination. But it's still worth it to travel light, as I'm not encumbered with needless gear while I'm on the ground (using trains, public transit, etc.).

I was just re-reading this post to get ready for packing for our trip. We are going on AerLingus and their carryon says only an 18"x9" bag with a limit of 13 lbs. Mine will be in that limit but I can't wait to see if they actually stick to this limit for everyone.

Just a note... I am packed for a short trip to Paris (five days) My carry on is half empty! Guess that means I get to shop and fill it up for the return. (I also have a small tote for those things I need during the flight)

I have thought and thought, but I can't think of anything I have forgotten. (I leave Thursday, but had to pack ti with me on my business trip this week....I drive directly from my out of town location to the Atlanta airport and off to Paris...)

I've joked for years that someday I'll just not pack any clothes at all for a trip, and finally did it. I packed my usual toiletries, underwear, and shoes (high heeled black boots), but not clothes other than those on my back. And since the clothes on my back were a pair of black jeans. flat black boots, and a black and white print blouse, and the purpose of this trip was business, I had my work cut out for me.

Unfortunately I was visiting Toronto, not Paris, and so didn't have as much choice as I'd have liked, but did end up with a nice summer travel wardrobe (all from the same shop, so easily coordinated):

pink and orange print cotton skirt
pink and orange print cotton blouse

aqua and green print cotton skirt
aqua and green print cotton blouse

black cotton (but dressy) trousers

aqua fitted cotton jacket

pink and cream toile fitted cotton jacket

white sweater embroidered in aqua and periwinkle

white cardigan embroidered in pastels

black sling-back pumps with white top-stitching (couldn't find shoes to go with the pastel items, but have some at home that go nicely)

So, lots of flexibility, easy to dress up or down, very summer-y.

And I still carried on. I was flying small jets (Atlanta to Toronto), so our bags were actually checked at the gate as we boarded and retrieved as we de-planed. Very easy.

Therese, I am curious as to what kind of business you are in where you can wear such casual clothing on a business trip.

I am not the OP, but as I read her posts I note that a lot of the business is at conferences. In lots of indutries, conferences are business casual

For a business trip to Switzerland a few years ago I took several knit "suits" They pack well, take little to no space and looked fine for the work environment. It all fit in a 22" suitcase.

(I am a healthcare consultant)

Exactly what I do for a living is rather more information than I care to share here at Fodors, Ackislander, but in general terms it's to do with science and medicine. I'm generally an invited speaker, addressing an audience of my peers, and I could get away with dressing much more casually than I do, as I'm not involved in sales or anything like that, and nobody's in a position to critique what I'm wearing. I'm generally more formally dressed than the audience I'm addressing, and frequently the most formally dressed of all the speakers.

I do modify my dress for the time and place, considering local climate, formality of the meeting, and season when choosing what I'll take. An autumn meeting in a city in northern Europe would call for a dark tailored suit with a scarf, for instance, whereas a summer meeting at a resort in the Rockies might call for a skirt with a sweater twin set.

The items I purchased Toronto were more tailored than most people would consider for casual summer dress: skirts lined, shirts long-sleeved, etc.

Sounds like CarolA and I attend similar meetings.

Therese, what did you take to Berlin? Hubby and I are planning a month long trip to Europe in October, but I'll pack the same thing for a month as I would for a week. Just not sure about the weather.

Alas, Mollie, I ended up having to cancel the trip to Berlin at the last minute, but not before I'd packed and detailed exactly what I was taking in this thread:

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=2&tid=34795253

I actually had to unpack that suitcase, very irritating.

I didn't unpack my toiletries, however, and so had them ready to go for the trip to Toronto.

As for Berlin in October, it will be fine fall weather. Possibly some warmer days, possibly cooler, possibly rainy.

I'd be sure to take a waterproof coat (probably a trench or car coat length, not sporty) that I'd take on the plane (so as not to take up room in the suitcase and also be available when I first arrive) as well as an umbrella.

I find that taking an umbrella ensures dry weather.

Thanks Therese. Haven't been to Berlin since 1965 when I lived in Europe for three years. At that time, after crossing Checkpoint Charlie, we had to turn in our passports to the East Germans (or Russians?)and it was rumored they were copied before being returned to us. As I walked into the East, my friend, whom I thought was right behind me, had lagged behind to use the toilet and I had to communicate with an East German or Russian soldier, with a machine gun thrown over his shoulder, as to her whereabouts. Her Army doctor husband was waiting in the East calling to me about his wife, and as a military person could just walk across as the USA didn't recognize the East German government. Great story over the years but frightening at the time.

You're going to find that Berlin's changed enormously, Mollie: very exciting in lots of respects, and the weird mixture of history just makes it that much more interesting (but no longer so scary).

Great shopping, so if the weather's not quite what you'd planned for you can always supplement your wardrobe a bit locally.