Me, too. I always take two pairs of shoes. But I always manage to fit a sweater in, too (in a 21" roll-on). I'm wondering what else you might have in that suitcase that might not be needed?

Thank you all for the advice. That silk underware thing could get me blackballed from the "we're real men" club, but I appreciate the suggestion nonetheless.

How funny...I guess Jn is a man and we're all giving advice like he's a woman. Anyway, thanks for the silk underwear education. It sounds perfect for me (sorry Jn) and just ordered a pair. Thanks to all! Denise

Additional silk underwear points:<BR><BR>1)Rand was right--for some reason, silk doesn't absorb body odor the way everything else does. My smallest child likes to use hers as pajamas and then wear them all day. Then again, hygiene and she are mutually exclusive anyway.<BR><BR>2) While one is supposed to hand wash and drip dry the underwear (and since it cleans beautifully in the hotel sink and dries quickly, it's perfect for travel), my home laundry system is "survival of the fittest." When we arrive home, four sets go into the wash; four sets go into the dryer. <BR>All, I'm happy to report, have survived the experience.<BR><BR>3) I like the bottoms better than pantyhose/tights under slacks because the silk has little or no static cling. Plus if it's really cold, then I can wear tights, too.<BR><BR>And to the poster from Germany: you have a wardrobe from which to select appropriate wear each day, so it's unlikely you personally are going to need silk underwear in the spring. Those of us trying to travel light are facing a possible 20-degree range of temperature with only the small wardrobe of a tiny suitcase.

Jn - not at all, REI, Eddie Bauer, wintersilks, all have more styles for men than for women. Most of us assumed you were female - but the rec is just as valid for men. My ex ALWAYS takes silk underwear on every trip to Europe.

Do you really think that you should be going at all? If you're unable to make common sense decisions such as what to pack then I'm really rather concerned that you should be let loose in any foreign country... It must be a nightmare waiting for you to decide what to choose off a menu...!!!<BR><BR>

http://www.wintersilk.com/<BR><BR>What I like about this company is they have several different weights, and they have women's tall. I wear the lightweight bottoms a lot under nylon pants. I wash and dry mine by machine.

Bemused:<BR>What a thoughtful response. I bet you're fun! I do hope we can meet one day. Perhaps at an etiquette for travelers class?

Jn... I vote shoes... while my husband took just one pair for a 10 day trip, I like being able to trade off shoes and pants, 2 days each, with airing in between. Good shoes (not wet or smelly) can't be underestimated!

JN.<BR>Wearing silk longjohns may get you 'blackballed' from the 'we're real men club' only if they are a bunch of 'woussie city slickers'. If your club includes outdoorsy types who live for skiing, mountain climbing, hiking, then they already know about the merits of silk and are waiting for you to figure it out on your own.<BR>

Silk underwear is too warm. Shoes in Europe are expensive and you don't want to wear new ones. You want shoes that are broken in and comfortable, preferably with some waterproofing. Wore silk underwear thru Eng, Scotland, Wales in March and in Toronto in Ocotber. Ended up taking it off due to sweaty warmth. Had a lightweight v-neck sweater over it, with a very lightweight jacket that repels rain. That jacket is going everywhere with me because of its comfort in different weathers. Walking tours, etc. are strenuous and you heat up. Rain can be cold so silk is great until you come inside and overheat.

Are you saying you would only take the pair of shoes you wear over? I can't imagine not having a second pair. The one thing i don't want to have a problem with on a european vacation is my feet