10 day trip in August
 

Hi! A girlfriend and I are going to Ireland August 8-18. I'm trying to not take too much in the way of clothing. Can someone recommend what I might take? We are casual people; no fancy restaurants, just sightseeing. We will take in a play but hope we don't have to dress up for that. I tend to be a blue jean/khaki type gal. I'm just not sure about the weather.
Also, I am considering getting an American Express Fund Card but am hesitant because I don't know if the ATM machines will accept that card or if businesses will accept it.
Any help anyone can provide me will be greatly appreciated. I want to take a suitcase no larger than 20 inches.

For a 12day trip in late June, I got by on 1 pair of jeans, and 1 pair of khakis (I prefer jeans too). Didn't take shorts.
Windbreaker that's waterproof would be good. I took mostly t-shirts and a few long sleeve shirts, it didn't matter what they looked like because I almost always had my windbreaker or a sweatshirt on over. 1-2 sweatshirts (nothing too bulky) would be good that you can switch off with.

Good walking shoes. If you have a waterproof hooded jacket, you probably won't need an umbrella. My windbreaker wasn't waterproof, but luckily we didn't encounter too much rain.

You could always pack for one week, and then find somewhere to do laundry. 20in suitcase isn't all that big. Depending on your airline, maybe you can get most of your stuff in that, and also take a duffel bag carry-on. Doesn't leave much room for souvenirs, etc. Any specific reason you don't want a larger suitcase? Are you trying to make it all carry-on?

Thanks for responding! I'm trying to go as small as I can because we will be on our own and I have to carry my own luggage. It would not be a problem but I have a bad knee and cannot overstress it. I could go bigger on the luggage, maybe a 24"er.

My suggestion would be to lay out ALL the stuff you think you might need to take and see if you can fit it in either size suitcase. A "practice" run thru. :) Try starting with a full 10days (maybe 11 just in case) worth of clothing. If it's impossible, narrow it down to 1 week's worth and plan on doing laundry somewhere.

If you stick with t-shirts and 1-2 pair of pants, plus socks, etc.. you might be able to squeeze it in.
Suitcase with wheels will help out, as you can usually roll it all the way to your BB room, and even up the stairs.
Even with the small suitcase, you can still take a small-medium duffel bag and put stuff in there... You can carry it, or attach it to the suitcase while you roll along.
Good Luck!

I found khakis better than jeans. They don't weigh as much and they dry more quickly.

I'd take 2-3 pairs of khakis, a few short and long-sleeved Tshirts, a fleece pullover, and a rain jacket or windbreaker. The weather can change quickly, so dress in layers that you can peel off as it warms up.

As for an AMEX Fund card (i.e., like a debit card plus ATM) I din't think I would chance it. It's totally new and Irish ATM's might not yet be configured to accept it. As a matter of fact, I found few places in Ireland that would accept any debit card. Most businesses will accept Visa or MasterCard. An ATM card from your Credit Union would be best (i.e., no transaction fees). You might also use a Visa or MasterCard but many of those have exorbitant Foreign Currency Transaction charges (4.5%). I use my regular ATM card and pay cash for meals, drinks & lodging wherever possible.

As for clothing: August is Summer in the Irish Republic. You shouldn't need sweaters or coats. A lightweight nylon jacket will suffice. In most cities of any size you should be able to find a laundromat (if you want to recycle your wash & wear things). I didn't see anyone wearing walking shorts except on a Golf Course (lady from Switzerland).

"You shouldn't need sweaters or coats."

you shouldn't....but this summer seems to be the exception to the rule. Everyone in my office is back in their winter boots and jumpers. The winter coats are still packed away though (only just!!). I still have the heating on at home and I put on a fleece every night when I get home to keep me warm!

Thanks to all who responded. I have a much better idea of what to take and what type of credit card to take. I won't get the AMEX fund card and I will take some warmer clothing to layer on as I get cold easy. What a wonderful group of people!!

Translation help -- Jumpers = pull over sweaters.

There should be no need for anything bigger than a 19 - 21 inch rolling suitcase or backpack. Three bottons (Khakis/jeans etc) plus 6 tops plus 1 cargigan plus one jacket of some sort will give you more than 20 different outfits. This would easily fit in a small bag and leave lots of room for souviners on the way home. Take 2 pairs of shoes (in case one gets wet). For the flight wear the bulkiest shoes on the plane plus one of the pants/tops/jacket from above list and there is really not much in your suitcase.

Be sure to take at least one warm-ish jacket or sweater because even a warm day can be cool to cold on the coast.

As for the Amex fund card - absolutely not if you already have a checking account and ATM card. The AMEX card is very expensive to use - lots of extra fees that you would not have to pay when using an ATM/debit card.

IF you don't have an ATM card and don't want to get one for some reason, then the AMEX card makes a little more sense.

mjb1: I was writing the same time you were posting - sounds like you have things figured out just fine . . . . . .

Message: I still appreciated your input. I got into trouble while in Italy in May. I used my ATM card from my bank. They had told me that when I got cash from the ATM in Italy just specify to take it out of the savings acct. However, once there, I realized it does not give you that option. So I called home and told my husband to contact the bank, which he did. They said not to worry, when it came through they would transfer cash from the savings acct and put into our checking acct. Well, they did not do that and I ended up paying hundreds of dollars in overdraft fees. I'm not comfortable using it now in Ireland. And I have heard that AM EX traveler's checks are not very welcome. I know this to be true because I have traveled a bit and when I used to pull them out they would say no. So there you have it.

When I was in Ireland in May, I only took one pair of shorts and wished I had taken more. I am never a blue jeans person when traveling, because I think they are bulky and take up too much space, not to mention that I get hot in them easily. I would take a couple of pairs of shorts and then a couple of pairs of khakis or capri pants. I think American Express is not as commonly accepted as Visa, but I am sure others on here have more experience with that than I.

As often happens - US banks seldom know what they are talking about when it comes to foreign ATM transactions. Just make sure your money is in the checking account before you leave for Europe - you will not have the option to "withdraw from savings".

if you have $ in your checking account the ATM card is the best way to go.

BTW - I would have REALLY raised a stink w/ the bank and gotten those fees reversed. They have a fiduciary responsibility and advised you incorrectly . . . . .

A couple thoughts from me on suitcase size. I travel light but need at least a 22" or my new one which I haven't tried out yet is a 24" with expandable capacity (zipper around which adds another couple inches for the way home!).

You don't say if your goal was to carry you 20 inch onto the plane but... Depending on your airline, some are very strict as to weight these days not just size (British Air for one). So a well-stuffed small case might need to be checked, not carried-on. I've gotten used to this and find it more convenient, which might be true for you with a bum knee- not to have to haul it thru all the airport transfers etc.

Wearing layers of clothes and your heaviest pair of shoes on the plane can get you a few extra pieces without crowding your suitcase (t-shirt, vest, jacket for example).

Just one more comment about what kind of pants to take: I really like those hiking pants that are very lightweight and can be unzipped at the knee to make shorts. They dry out quickly and have pockets all over them. They're not really all that attractive, but who cares? You can find them at REI, Galyans or other camping stores.
Re money: Whatever you do, try to use up all your Euros or other foreign money before you come back to the U.S. The exchanges are the biggest rip-off in the whole travel industry, and that is saying something.

Message: Well actually, I'm on my way shortly to the bank. As I said, I went in May and am still having problems. They will experience a side of me that most no one ever sees. Not angry but firm and insistent.
Also, I usually like to check in my luggage. I generaly take a small carry on for an emergency- clothes, toiletries, a book to read and water.