My wife always packs for shirtsleeve weather. If we run into cooler weather, she just buys something there. Some day I'm going to wise up to this scheme.

Layering is the key. If you take one lightweight cardigan sweater to put on over short-sleeved tops, you can eliminate all your long-sleeved tops just like that! I, too, laughed at your comment that you added an extra top this morning! I've done that so many times - often within an hour of leaving for the airport! Have always regretted it. I've never felt like I've brought too few clothes. And no way would I take two pairs of sandals - what for? If you make sure your clothes are color-coordinated, one pair should do the trick. Good luck - you'll have a great time (even if you do end up with a few too many clothes!) :-)
Karen

<<What airline do you fly that makes you check a 20 lb. carry-on>>

British Airways will absolutely weigh your carry-on and require that it be checked if it weighs more than FIVE kilos! Yes, tat's right 11 pounds.

Ridiculous. And a good reason not to fly BA, in my opinion.

Best wishes,

Rex

That seems fine as long as you're planning to check it. My last trip was a 24" suitcase that weighed 26 lbs.

I always find it's the "extras" not the clothes that I have to watch out for, things I start tossing in at the last minute... books, flashlight, OTC medicines, the "maybe I might need this" stuff. And I severely downsize all cosmetics & toiletries into tiny bottles, that can save alot. Make sure you taking just enough for the length of your trip (shampoo, etc.).

"Do I weigh too much?" Yes, most certainly. I'm beginning to wonder when the time will come that they start weighing the passangers? Women over 125 lbs., 100.00, men over 185, 150.00.(:

I'll be traveling to France for three weeks and will be using the trains extensively. Is it really that difficult if I brought a large suitcase? What is the storage situation on the trains? I am going to try to use all the suggestions to keep my packing light but I only have one standard piece of luggage.

I suspect the first thing you should try to understand is that in Europe suitcases will be weighed in kg, so try to convert and think in that way.
The second thing you should try is to pack a large but very light holdall in your baggage somewhere for your return, as you will surely have much more coming back than going.
Another tip my wife uses is to take with us, older pants and socks, throwing them away as we go. We even left 4 large beach towels once to allow us to cram all our returning stuff.
In Australia, baggage handlers are not allowed to lift anything over 30 kg, due to H&S laws, not sure if its the same in Europe.
The other thing you perhaps ought to consider is that 30kg is an allowance ...not a target...lol
;-)

Good Luck
Muck

Crefloors, LOL, I have had that thought too!!! And guess Southwest "sort of" sizes every passenger up and down. Take good care.

<<Women over 125 lbs., 100.00, men over 185, 150.00>>

Let's start a betting pool...

How many 184 pound women would file a a discrimination lawsuit on the first day something like this were enacted!!??

:)