Way back I used to pack a travel iron, not any longer. Even a tiny one takes up too much room and is too heavy, not even mentioning the electrical problems.

I pack clothes that don't need ironed. If you really have to have a couple things that need a touch up, I'd borrow an iron from the hotel, or even drop it off for pressing somewhere. But seriously, if you choose the right kinds of pieces/fabrics to pack, a quick steam while you take a shower and shake-out should be sufficient.

I have never had any results at all with the shower/steam technique. Does this Downey stuff really work?

I use the steam in the shower technique, but use around 20,000 gallons of water per pair of pants.

I stopped taking irons when I literally blew out the circuits on an entire Amsterdam hotel floor by using one.

I have had no trouble with the shower technique provided there has been enough hot water; in Lucerne that hand-held mosnter got away from me and steamed the skin on my legs, too

I am convinced that plastic bag technique is a myth perpetuated by the dry cleaning industry since i have never gotten it to work.

HEAVY starch on shirts..now THAT works!

Yes, the Downey stuff really works, although I wouldn't use it on silk. You do need to do it the night before, and after spraying give the garment a few tugs, then hang it overnight and Voila!

Re: the steam in the bathroom. I don't find it works on all fabrics, although I've had luck with wool gabs and crepes. I don't do the shower bit though. I fill the tub with steaming hot water right before going to bed, hang the clothes in the bathroom and shut the door. That seems to work a bit better than other options.

I actually prefer both of those over an iron as it seems you never know what a strange iron will do! Sometimes they spit out water with little white bits, sometimes the heat gauge is off, I've had worse luck with hotel irons so am not very trusting I'm afraid.

I went to House of 220 and bought an Oster dual voltage travel iron for my 3 week trip this past April. It's compact and worked pretty well, considering I used the bed or a dresser-top as make-shift ironing boards. Got the major wrinkles out, so I didn't have to feel like a slob. I'm really glad I took it.

I agree with Dayle and others It is illegal to iron in yourroom in Italy. They have had a few fires and people died

try Downy Wrinkle Release. They sell it in travel size bottles in Wal Mart It's really great stuff. Spray it at night, and let hang dry - it gets big wrinkles out no problem. The clothes won't look fresh pressed, but they are going to get rumpled anyway!

Given that Italy is suffering from a drought, it might not be a good idea to use the steam in the bathroom technique. This Downey stuff sounds great. I wish we had it here. I don't mind a few wrinkles, (my face has it's fair share after all -does Downey work on faces too?) but DH travels on business and always ends up with wrinkled shirts, no matter how I treat them before he goes. Last year I found myself ironing shirts in a New England hotel room. Not what I'd had in mind when I was allowed to tag along for a change....

Yes. Unless specifically prohibited. Inquire at Reception.

Wearing clothes that are properly ironed is important to me. IMO, it's part of being well-groomed, like showering or putting on make-up.

There are so many threads about what to wear in Paris or Italy, how not to look like a tourist, what's in fashion, jeans, trainers, etc. etc.

But one difference I noticed between how continental Europeans and North Americans dress, is that Europeans' clothes are well pressed. I think it's part of the reason why continental Europeans (both men and women) appear so much more attractive and put together.

I pack a travel steamer and it works well. I always press my clothing as I refuse to look unkempt.

I feel the same way about "straight from the wash" wrinkled clothes which is why I am bringing a small dual voltage travel steam iron from Brookstone. It weighs less than a hair dryer (which incidentally I will not be needing).

My DH (Dumb Husband) and I never use the hot water to steam out our clothes, just a waste of water.

Hi J,

My Lady Wife brings a plant mister (available in Europe) and moistens her garments before hanging them on the back of a door.

My jacket is hung on the back of the bathroom door and moisten when we shower.

Wrinkles hang out.

I have a small German travel iron that I usually bring. Since I travel with a 22" suitcase, I sometimes have to wash a blouse in the sink and then wring it out, and I really need to be able to iron it.

I'm careful about doing this and have never had any problem, though I know I'm not supposed to be ironing in the room.

Pago, presumedly you and your husband have a shower or a bath. Just hang the wrinkly clothes in the bathroom while you're showering and let them dry out afterwards. Unless of course you're in one of those Italian bathrooms where everything gets wet.