<< Yes some hotels we're staying at are cheap. Most of them are under $200 a night. >>

OK...you and I have a different definition of cheap. $200 per night is expensive to me. I don't think I've ever paid that much for a hotel room in Europe. You'll get soap and shampoo for that price, except perhaps in apartments.

DebitNM - I can't believe that Purex is no longer making these sheets. They're wonderful. I'm glad I have most of my large box that I bought in a local supermarket.

About that layering thing. Once you get off the plane, you still have to carry all those layers or put them somewhere. And not a lot of room on the plane to stash them unless you are flying in the front seats.
We check bags. Rarely have we waited all that long for luggage. But IF you are taking budget airlines, you will have to pack small and light.

I don't pack ridiculous amounts, but I've tried both carry-on and checked luggage, and I prefer checked luggage, although I'll do carry-on for sufficient cost savings or a compelling itinerary reason. I like not having to think too hard about an extra pair or two of shoes, having machine-laundered/dried underwear and socks for the duration of my trip, being able to wear two different outfits in a day without concern, and so on. I have also used laundromats in Europe, and enjoyed the experience. I know some people are fine with wearing the same shirt 4x without washing, but for me that's a bad idea.

Even if using a mainline carrier in Europe, the luggage restrictions can be quite strict. For intra-European flights, I never tried to do carry-on only, even if I did it on my flight over, because the restrictions are just too difficult, and the penalty for failing at the airport is too great.

I have some favorite clothes that I keep wearing even if they have more than past their expected living time and often a trip is an excuse to me to finally say good bye.

For example on a 4 weeks trip a while ago, I finally left behind 4 T-shirts and a jacket I was very fond of. While at middle of the trip, I asked hotel stuff if anyone would like them or if a charity organisation would accept them. One person seemed to like my jacket so I gave it to her straight away and I left T-shirts with front office staff. I told them if no one wanted them, feel free to throw them away or rip them in pieces and give to housekeeping so they can use as dust-clothes or something.

I often pack a combination of new and old underwear too. I wear old underwear on start of the trip and simply throw away after use. This way I avoid doing laudry very often and I allow space on my bags to buy some souvenirs or new items or simply I enjoy traveling even lighter.

Leaving clothes reminds me of my first trip to Europe--6 weeks, partially cycling, small canvas bag--and before the "miracle fabrics". Near the end of the trip I had finally had enough of a skirt and left it in the room. BUT one of my very thoughtful comrades on the trip had retrieved it for me to return it!!

I wouldn't wear anything on a trip that was on the point of being thrown away, but maybe I wear my clothing a lot longer than some of you. I still have some things that I brought with me from the US 16 years ago. Lots of people who have visited me here in Italy have discarded luggage and all its contents at my house, just because they're sick of carrying it around. (Another arguement for packing light.) I've rescued some of it myself, especially the luggage, and given the rest to the local Caritas.

When I was a child, only Lady Macbeth took a shower every day, and very few people changed their clothing every day. Women wore some sort of underarm protector so that their blouses didn't get stinky. If we want to save the earth with a livable climate, we're going to have to rethink this manic cleanliness.

In February, the clothing you'd be wearing could take days to dry, and you're planning to move very often. The only thing I would count on washing in the sink at the hotel is underwear and maybe socks (if they're not heavy). After washing them, place them on a towel, and then twist the towel very tightly to wring all the moisture out of them. At that point, they should dry overnight, especially if you put them near the source of heat in your room.

I agree with Adrienne that $200 a night is not what I call a cheap room. However, I disagree with her on another point. Even the cheapest hotels I've stayed in have some sort of soap and shampoo. Sometimes it's an all-purpose liquid soap/shampoo in a dispenser in the shower, and next to the sink. I've used it both as shampoo (not the best, but OK) and bath gel, and also to wash some underwear in the sink. Sometimes I carry a very small plastic bottle of shampoo in my "toiletries" bag, which is a zip-lock plastic bag that I also use for my liquids bag for airport security.

The only toiletries I usually carry are small (less than 100 ml) amounts of shampoo, all-purpose hand/face cream, and little sizes of travel deodorant and toothpaste. I sometimes carry a small camping salt shaker, with a lid, into which I put some talcum powder. Traveling light has made me realize that a lot of the products I used to use at home are pretty useless, so I don't use them at home now, either.

Buying detergent can be quite cheap. When you're ready to wash a few clothes, just run down to the nearest shop, buy some detergent, soak in the sink (or the empty garbage can), handwash and then hang it up on the towel rack. Just remember, depending on the fabric, clothes take between 8 - 24 hours to dry.

I broke in the brand new washing machine at the Hilton last week in Portsmouth. Four dollars and we had clean clothes. I had brought a dryer sheet and we get those great little pods for the machine that we take. Shampoo in the sink for my undies. You all are so finicky, wash quick dry shirts out, roll them in a towel to rid of extra moisture and they are dry in the morning. I love Italy because everywhere you stay they have drying racks inside and out.
I use public transportation and don't want a suitcase I can't drag on and off the train or carry up and down the stairs alone.

Our plan to wash clothes each night died a quick death. Our first night in France I was really tired and let it go. So the second night I had two days' worth of clothes to wash, and that's when I realized how small the sink was (and that has been true wherever we've stayed). I had to wash in six batches. The only place to hang things was on the shower rail, so things dripped all over the floor. The next morning none of it was even close to dry, not even the lightest things.

We've learned to enjoy our laundromat stops and do as suexxyy suggests. We talk to people, take turns strolling around outside, read, email. European washers and driers take much more time so we do try to minimize the number of laundry stops. We do laundry when we're wearing our last clean outfit.

MsWorthy,

I long ago solved the problem of packing light in winter by investing in several pairs of silk long johns from Winter Silks.

I am a road warrior and I never do laundry on trips through Europe and I only pack carryon. I pack all the underwear and socks I need for a daily change. But other than that I pack two trousers (1 nice enough for dinner) and about 4 tops. Wearing long johns really eliminates the need to pack bulky sweaters. Silk long johns will dry overnight when washed out in the sink (I use hotel shampoo or hotel bar soap.) So I just rotate my clothes.

In winter I travel wearing comfortable boots that are nice enough to also wear to dinner. I will admit that since I am wearing boots and trousers I often pack mismatched socks that I throw away as I go along. Socks generally will not dry overnight so were I go for 18 nights I would pack 20 pairs of socks.

Of course I also wear an overcoat, wool scarf, hat and gloves and I am extremely fond of a zip up fleece vest I bought years ago. It really travels well through different climate zones. In Rome or Lisbon I can walk around with just the vest sometimes during the day. But in someplace like Paris, I can put on the vest and my coat over it and be very warm for sightseeing outdoors.

Hope that helps.

http://wintersilks.blair.com/c/sale/...pc/262/276.uts

http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/pr...ductId=4481011

http://www.lacanadienneshoes.com/us/boots.html

I meant to add that I think a soft sided regulation sized backpack is much preferable to a carryon you need to carry. Usually wheeled carryons are too heavy (because of the wheels) for budget airlines so a backpack is nice and has nice compartments. Just make sure it is the right size for a carryon.

Also, in case it wasn't clear, I pack 2 trousers but I am of course also wearing a fresh clean pair to the airport! So I have 3 for travel for a 2.5 week trip. I never wear the same pair 2 days in a row.

In winter in Europe, everybody on the street is so bundled up you can forget about being a fashion plate. Pack your favorite durable basics.

<i>Just make sure it is the right size for a carryon.</i>

And a point that cannot be stressed enough: just because it fits in the overhead compartment of an American aircraft, don't assume it will fit in the overhead compartments in Europe.

We did 30 days in Europe with just a duffel bag each, plus a small tote bag that I carry (Baggallini). We washed our underwear in the hotel (carried travel packs of Tide) and sent the pants out to the hotel laundry or, on one occasion, used a laundromat, which was an interesting experience because it was so different from ours.

We buy Travelsmith and Ex Officio underwear because they dry fast. We stick with basic colors (black, gray, navy) and complementary tops. We pack in ebags packing cubes. My bag is an ebags Motherlode rolling duffel and DH carries a Tumi duffel. I always come home with clothes that I didn't need--even when we've gone on cruises. The key is to not think that you have to have a big wardrobe. You're never going to see these people again so just take some basics.

For cold weather travel, I also take several lightweight silk long john tops from Wintersilks. They have some deep V and deep scoop necks so they go under clothes well. Those and a couple of cashmere sweaters will get you through may days. Add a nice scarf and you look good too. I also have a couple of synthetic T shirts from Mountain Hardwear that dry really fast. They don't feel as comfy as the silk shirts but dry in no time at all.

I have one tip to add for laundry. Magellan sells little sheets of laundry soap in a compact for travel. Works well and takes up no room at all. Also, someone mentioned twisting things up in a towel to dry them. I roll them up in a towel and then "walk" on the roll to press the moisture out. It works really well.

Sandralist mentioned socks. Especially in winter (light weight wool socks work just fine in the summer, too), I recommend wool socks. They can easily be worn mutliple times without stinking. Plus, they're durable and warm in the winter, yet wicking in the summer.

This thread is endlessly entertaining. I think some travelers are much more careful than I am. I want my body to be sparkling clean and fresh every day, but with my clothes, it's another story.

I will wear tops and pants two or three days until they look baggy or soiled. My undies and socks I change every day, but they don't take up much room. I do wash undies and socks in the sink, but only when I will be in the same room for at least two days. If the item is a bit heavy, I will squeeze it out with a towel.

For me, it's worth the cost to have the hotel wash or clean heavier things, as long as I'm staying at the same place for several days, which is almost always the case for me.

I can't imagine doing the kind of trip the OP is planning. I tend to spend two or three weeks in one country, and at least two nights in a city. but more like three or four nights.

I almost always check my bag. Only once in the past 40 years of traveling has my bag failed to arrive on time, (though maybe that's because I usually fly internationally only once a year.) The late bag occurred when I did the first leg with Alaska and the second leg with Lufthansa. I'd done a similar trip the year before--Alaska, Lufthansa, Air Berlin--and my bag had arrived on time.

Those of us who'd flown first with Alaska didn't get out luggage on time. Lufthansa did deliver the luggage two days later.

Endlessly amusing, someone who never wears anything more than once without washing it. Gads, that's pretty OCD. Even silk shirts and corduroy or polyester pants? One does bathe, I would hope. And you aren't out plowing the back forty that you should get that sweaty. There was a recent news article about how you aren't supposed to wash your jeans very often at all, and some famous people were quoted as to going really long between washings.

I am in agreement with the concept of washing things out in hotel sinks, and am baffled when people say they do that. Underwear, of course, but they say they wash everything in the sink. Which is pretty impossible in the hotels I stay at, the sinks are too small. And they talk about "rinsing out" things. Sorry, rising doesn't cut it, you need soap.

But there's no magic act here, you just have to be willing to take only a few clothes, it's that simple, a few tops and a couple pairs of pants and a skirt, maybe, plus the undies and socks and very few shoes. I can't do it but don't really care.

But just find out the limitations on the plane and get a suitcase that will pass (and not many really do if they want to measure it, my 22" doesn't pass when it is full due to the thickness limits which are very low nowadays. You'd have to pack a 22" bag not even full so that the top can be slightly indented to pass the limits, unless you buy a bag with different than the usual dimensions. SOme airlines only have total linear but others specify each direction, and those are the problem. Many limit carryons to 22X14X9 inches, and it's the 9 inches which is hard to meet if your bag is packed full.

YOu wouldn't be allowed on any airline with a large backpack because it violates size limits, the husband doesn't know what he's talking about. It's the size that matters, not whether it is a backpack or other type of luggage.

OK - hope this doesn't get buried in all the wardrobe/luggage/laundry discussion (I personally always travel w/just a carry on sized roller bag -- mostly carry it on, sometimes check it . . . but always the same size whether it is a 3 day trip or a 3 week trip)

BUT -- you say the Victoria Apartments and you want to change the booking. What is the actual name of the flat or agency? Is it the "Victoria Apartments" - or just an apartment near Victoria? Provide a link if you can.

And why do you want to change it? Victoria is a very central/convenient location w/ direct coach connections from Stansted where you are flying into.

@janisj - link for Victoria Apartments is here http://www.booking.com/hotel/gb/apar...don.en-gb.html

The reason why husband and I want to change our booking is because mixed reviews...It's rated as passable in booking.com but has 2.5 stars in tripadvisor...

We don't want to be too picky given our price limit but would also want the biggest bang for the buck!

Thank you sandralist , dweislaw,Jean, socaltraveler, WillTravel, mariha2912, kleeblatt, sparkchaser, happytourist, indyhiker - your suggestions and comments are much appreciated!

Learning a lot through this thread! Our game plan is still just bring carry on, do not check in any bags. :) The input on detergents and purex are awesome! And also the tiip on hanging clothes! All good!

Thanks flpab - yes we will be relying heavily on public transpo so we don't want to haul too many things all the time. I mean we don't want to spend too much on cabs.

Quick note. La Canadienne makes the very best waterproof shoes and boots I have ever owned. A couple of pair of mine are at least 10 years ok and still look great. incredibly comfortable as well. Expensive but not when you figure out cost per use.

Don't know how you landed w/ that apartment . . . Your travel agent again?

I am very familiar w/ that neighborhood and I've never heard of it.

You are only in London a few nights, so may book a traditional hotel - that place looks like a dump. I don't live/die by trip advisor reviews but if I see one where there are NO excellent and more terrible than good rankings . . . I'd run. Hopefully you didn't book a prepaid non refundable stay.

@janisj - Yeah,it is cancellable. Some of their pictures aren't that bad but yeah, some say it's a horrible place to be in but for $166 a day for a studio it will be a lot bigger than a traditional with double bed.

Do you have a few hotels that you can suggest?

BTW, thanks ceezee for the tip!

I travel for pleasure almost exclusive in the late fall or early spring because I dislike hot weather and the summer vacation crowd, and have traveled with a 19-inch rucksack for 10+ days of trips, plus an empty daypack that I use as a "purse" and also as extra storage if I want to bring back souvenir. In addition to what I wear onto the plane, I pack 5 days of underwear (including thin thermal t-shirts that I wear as baselayer and sleepwear and change everyday) and socks, 2 button-down shirts, a pair of pants, and a pair of flip-flops or flats (not both). I don't handwash but go to the laundromat every 5 days. I don't mind using the laundromat and enjoy people-watching or go on Facebook while waiting.
Regarding the Purex sheets, the alternative I am using are the laundry detergent pods, however not the liquid ones, but ones filled with powder. I get the Ajax brand from my local store but I'm sure there are others.

If you mean CAN$166 -- that is only about £90 which is low for London.

Your best bet is likely Travelodge. There are MANY all over central London and there are often deals from £35-ish to £75 or so (some locations like Covent Garden seldom have rates under £100 but sometimes)

Plug London and your dates in here and see what you can find rate-wise. Then ask here before booking - since there are so many London properties, not all are in the best locations but some are in really terrific areas.

http://www.travelodge.co.uk

While on a limited budget a few years ago I spent about 2 weeks in London end of January/start of February, choosing Victoria area for convenience and affordable accommodation.

Luna&Simone was a decent functional B&B in walking distance from Victoria station and a bus heading to Trafalgar Square direction stopped exactly in front of the hotel. I think I e-mailed hotel and asked a deal for long stay and they offered maybe ~5GBP less per night than the usual rate, but I paid only about 60 GBP/night traveling alone. A double might be within your budget(or not, as I think they have made a renovation since then. Still it doesn't heart to e-mail and ask an early booking deal or something).

The cheapest waterproof boot is US$295.

...and the Canadian dollar prices are the same.

Travelodge Waterloo - good location, cheaper than the other London Travelodges and huge rooms.

@mariha2912 - Luna and Simone's price per night is $50 higher than the deal we got now. $166 per night at Victoria Apartments.

@ceezee thank you for the tip on boots! We're a little worried with our shoe situation too! Can we use winter boots in Athens in Feb? Isn't it warm there and in Rome too- around that time?

The weather can turn "warm" any place in February but Rome will not be warm. It's about the same latitude as Newark, NJ which can see some warmish days in February but that's relative. I've seen women wear winter coats in April in Rome.

February is still winter, and it's still the rainy season, and it can be damp which means it will feel cold. I'd take the boots.

Where do you live?

My last comment about the boots, promise! Zappos carries them so if you can't find them locally to try on, you could order s couple of sizes and just keep the ones that fit.

I second the vote for La Canadeinne boots. Not only are they weather proof, but they have styles that are comfortable without being ugly. Another great brand is Aquatalia, but they are more expensive.

A lot of Italians wear winter coats by the calendar, not by the thermometer. You can't compare the climate here to that in New Jersey. It's entirely different. In Rome, the temperature doesn't often go below freezing, and almost never all day long. Snow is very rare. I wouldn't think you'd ever need a winter coat there. I seem to remember that your trip is in February, and in Rome it could sometimes be full spring by then.

When I go to Rome in the winter, I wear a spring-or-autumn weight jacket and take a wool sweater to wear under it if necessary. In fact, that's what I'd use for the entire trip if I were you. With your many destinations, you don't want to have to take two coats. The outer jacket can be layered up with sweaters; and a warm hat, scarf, and gloves will make it work everywhere.

I also wouldn't want boots for a trip like this, but I find boots, even light-weight ones, too heavy and hot indoors; they might be all right for a walk around the city but if I went into a museum wearing them, I'd be dying in half an hour. A good pair of walking shoes with and wool socks would be more versatile, in my opinion.

Honestly - All this about washing in the sink or tub. You can afford to go to Europe, pay $1000 a piece for flights as well as $200+ a night for the hotel. You can afford to have your laundry done. Who wants wet laundry hanging about or spending the time and effort to wash it?

Please, avail yourself of the concierge or front desk clerk, who keeps a discreet list of local women who will pick up, wash your clothes and return them the next day, folded and pressed. We have never paid more than $30 to have this done.

You are on vacation, for Pete's sake! Unclench.

Early on in my travelling life I picked up a tip of taking an inflatable coat hanger. I've done this ever since. It really does assist things to dry quickly overnight, and deflates to almost nothing.

Continental_Drifter, I applaud you for putting things into perspective.

<i>internetbrofist</i>

Warm is a relative term. I didn't think Rome was warm in April. I thought the weather was pleasant for me but not warm. That's why I asked where the OP lives. Warm to me is bordering on hot - about 70 degrees F.