Help! Packing for month long trip in Europe. What have been your mistakes?
Jun 4th, 2004, 10:54 AM
#24
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If you are checking baggage, always pack an outfit and some toiletries in your carry-on. If you are traveling with someone, pack one half of your things in your companion's bag to be checked, and vice-versa for your companion. You will have at least a few days' worth of clothing, even if your bag is lost or delayed.
We bring paperbacks to read and then leave at the B & B or hotel for someone else to read. English language books are hard to find and expensive in non-English speaking countries. It is great to be staying at a hotel in France, Spain or Italy and to be out of reading material, and then find a popular novel in English.
We bring paperbacks to read and then leave at the B & B or hotel for someone else to read. English language books are hard to find and expensive in non-English speaking countries. It is great to be staying at a hotel in France, Spain or Italy and to be out of reading material, and then find a popular novel in English.
Jun 4th, 2004, 11:12 AM
#25
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WonderShay:
As the others have been saying, the danger is packing too much. Remember, you can wear your clothing items over and over again; and thereby reduce the quantity you bring with you. In the past, I have made the mistake of packing too much and ended up not wearing all the stuff and was lugging around a heavy suitcase. Now I know better! I have stayed 6 weeks at a time in Europe and bring a small/medium size carry-on suitcase. You can always wash out your clothing items in your hotel sink or bathtub, or even utilize a local laundromat.
A pair of khakis in a linen/cotton blend or those travel blend pants sold at Eddie Bauer and Travel Outfitters wear well and don't wrinkle too much. Some light-weight tops in pastel or summery colors that have 3/4 length sleeves can double in the evening when going out to dinner when the temp dips a bit. Also, bring a light-weight sweater as back-up. I would avoid sandals if you are planning on doing a lot of walking as it can be difficult walking in them. If you have a very sturdy pair with straps that stay securely on, then fine. I have a pair of comfortable Easy-Spirit/Mushroom brand shoes with ties and wear them with my pants. I can walk all day, everywhere in them in comfort,
As the others have been saying, the danger is packing too much. Remember, you can wear your clothing items over and over again; and thereby reduce the quantity you bring with you. In the past, I have made the mistake of packing too much and ended up not wearing all the stuff and was lugging around a heavy suitcase. Now I know better! I have stayed 6 weeks at a time in Europe and bring a small/medium size carry-on suitcase. You can always wash out your clothing items in your hotel sink or bathtub, or even utilize a local laundromat.
A pair of khakis in a linen/cotton blend or those travel blend pants sold at Eddie Bauer and Travel Outfitters wear well and don't wrinkle too much. Some light-weight tops in pastel or summery colors that have 3/4 length sleeves can double in the evening when going out to dinner when the temp dips a bit. Also, bring a light-weight sweater as back-up. I would avoid sandals if you are planning on doing a lot of walking as it can be difficult walking in them. If you have a very sturdy pair with straps that stay securely on, then fine. I have a pair of comfortable Easy-Spirit/Mushroom brand shoes with ties and wear them with my pants. I can walk all day, everywhere in them in comfort,
Jun 4th, 2004, 01:33 PM
#26
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Amateurs, all amateurs--not real travelers at all! "Pack for a month like you pack for a week." HAH!
A REAL traveler packs for a month the same as for a DAY!. Everything should fit into your pockets and one sandwich size ziplock baggie that doubles as a neckrest on your flights and 8th class trains.
Any more than that exposes you as not being a TRUE fodorite and experienced world traveler, but that lowest of all lifeforms, A TOURIST.
A REAL traveler packs for a month the same as for a DAY!. Everything should fit into your pockets and one sandwich size ziplock baggie that doubles as a neckrest on your flights and 8th class trains.
Any more than that exposes you as not being a TRUE fodorite and experienced world traveler, but that lowest of all lifeforms, A TOURIST.
Jun 4th, 2004, 04:09 PM
#27
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suitcase: A 20- 22" bag is pretty small inside, I would go with a 24", plus a carry-on bag.
Clothes: I choose 3 colors, like white tan & black and keep to natural fabrics, avoiding cotton, which gets soaked. I favour the breathable silk, linen( both do fail the wrinkle test, I know) and pique (a la golf shirts). Also good as a layer next to the skin if you are going to the mountains, on the water or cooler climes.
Shoes: one pair of well-broken in walking shoes with steel support ** not sports shoes or "butter soft" leather- your feet will get too tired**, one pair of slip-on crepe bottom shoes, for the day after you've overdone it with the exploring, as a break from the laces, and for women, a flat dressier shoe broken in for eves.
"Just this side of disreputable" - what a great phrase & so true.
Pack for one week, and then take out 4 articles of clothing. Bring a nylon shoulder bag that can be folded up into a sandwich baggie size for market or exploring.
I always bring a travel iron and use it, but I leave hair dryer home in favour of a terry turban. Don't forget, in Eurpoe a washcloth is considered a personal item and not provided by most hotels. "Travel clothes" are a ripoff, synthetic microfiber that is expensive and clingy. But "travel" underwear and socks are a dream come true. Keep you dry and avoid chafing and blisters on feet. Also get some Coolmax leggings. Mini travel size bottles of your toiletries, discarding by trip's end. Bring a folding alarm clock and trailmix until you find a local market. And finally, do a trial pack 1-2 weeks before your trip - and that means with every single thing you are bringing. You'll be surprised how the little items add up. Hey, it's trial & error, so enjoy!
Clothes: I choose 3 colors, like white tan & black and keep to natural fabrics, avoiding cotton, which gets soaked. I favour the breathable silk, linen( both do fail the wrinkle test, I know) and pique (a la golf shirts). Also good as a layer next to the skin if you are going to the mountains, on the water or cooler climes.
Shoes: one pair of well-broken in walking shoes with steel support ** not sports shoes or "butter soft" leather- your feet will get too tired**, one pair of slip-on crepe bottom shoes, for the day after you've overdone it with the exploring, as a break from the laces, and for women, a flat dressier shoe broken in for eves.
"Just this side of disreputable" - what a great phrase & so true.
Pack for one week, and then take out 4 articles of clothing. Bring a nylon shoulder bag that can be folded up into a sandwich baggie size for market or exploring.
I always bring a travel iron and use it, but I leave hair dryer home in favour of a terry turban. Don't forget, in Eurpoe a washcloth is considered a personal item and not provided by most hotels. "Travel clothes" are a ripoff, synthetic microfiber that is expensive and clingy. But "travel" underwear and socks are a dream come true. Keep you dry and avoid chafing and blisters on feet. Also get some Coolmax leggings. Mini travel size bottles of your toiletries, discarding by trip's end. Bring a folding alarm clock and trailmix until you find a local market. And finally, do a trial pack 1-2 weeks before your trip - and that means with every single thing you are bringing. You'll be surprised how the little items add up. Hey, it's trial & error, so enjoy!
Jun 4th, 2004, 04:52 PM
#28
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Hi WonderShay,
WHERE in Italy/France/Spain will you be? (Hint: July in Normandy is different from July in Granada... will you be mainly in the south? Or all over the place?) And will you be doing a lot of moving around, or only staying in a few places? Car trips or train?
I ask because these factors make a difference in how you'll need to pack. I've done 4 months out of a backpack and 4 days out of a huge set of luggage, and everything in between.... I'd be happy to share some tips (many learned the hard way) if you give me a better idea of your plans.
WHERE in Italy/France/Spain will you be? (Hint: July in Normandy is different from July in Granada... will you be mainly in the south? Or all over the place?) And will you be doing a lot of moving around, or only staying in a few places? Car trips or train?
I ask because these factors make a difference in how you'll need to pack. I've done 4 months out of a backpack and 4 days out of a huge set of luggage, and everything in between.... I'd be happy to share some tips (many learned the hard way) if you give me a better idea of your plans.
Jun 4th, 2004, 06:35 PM
#29
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Determine what you think you should take.....and then take only half of it!
Like other posters, we seem to take less and less each trip and still find that we take too much. I hate schlepping a heavy suitcase all over-wheels or no wheels. We also have another rule...if you pack it, you carry it. This has worked well.
Like other posters, we seem to take less and less each trip and still find that we take too much. I hate schlepping a heavy suitcase all over-wheels or no wheels. We also have another rule...if you pack it, you carry it. This has worked well.
Jun 4th, 2004, 10:01 PM
#30
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Another answer to #3: take short skirts
instead of extra pairs of slacks/jeans
(I'm presuming you're female <eg>
. Short(er) skirts are perfect for the
countries you're going to and you can
pack two for every pair of long pants.
Also, they'e cooler and need less
laundering.
instead of extra pairs of slacks/jeans
(I'm presuming you're female <eg>
. Short(er) skirts are perfect for thecountries you're going to and you can
pack two for every pair of long pants.
Also, they'e cooler and need less
laundering.
Jun 4th, 2004, 10:21 PM
#31
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Form should follow function. What are you going to do in Europe or where ever? How old are you? How are you travelling..economy or deluxe? Any health problem? Can you carry 20% of your body weight? Again, You can buy anything you really need and didn't bring. Yesterday I bought a re-chargeable three function flashlight for $3. Try this one, use a "data bank" wrist watch. Store all pertinent numbers in it. Add toll free numbers from outside USA for card companies. Once a week mail accumulated gifts and such back to US/giftees. Some duties can be avoided.
Jun 5th, 2004, 07:45 AM
#32
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My travel rules for myself:
Luggage:
* Never take more luggage than I myself can move at one time. Ever.
* For trips when I expect to be mainly on trains or to need to squish bags into odd spots, I carry a medium-sized squarish duffle. Otherwise, I carry a small rolling suitcase.
* Biggest lifesaver on any kind of trip when I'm packing & repacking (multiple hotels): Eagle Creek Pack-It system folders (for pants, shirts, etc.) and cubes (for underwear, rolledup Tshirts, etc.). I *love* these -- effectively creates "drawers" in your suitcase, so you can take out one or a few things without messing everything else up. You can buy these at any travel store or REI, or at many places online.
* Always take a folded empty suitcase to carry home whatever I buy. I generally take a folded duffel that I could check on the way home, and also a zip-it-up-small bag from Totes that is a perfect carryon for fragile treasures.
Stuff to take:
* Small packets of Woolite for doing underwear, etc. in the sink. Can get them at travel stores.
* A Polarfleece or other heavy sweater, especially if I'm going to any mountainous areas (can get shockingly cold even in July).
* If you're a tall woman, do *not* assume you can easily buy extra slacks/jeans if you need them. I've faced this problem more than once in Europe.
Luggage:
* Never take more luggage than I myself can move at one time. Ever.
* For trips when I expect to be mainly on trains or to need to squish bags into odd spots, I carry a medium-sized squarish duffle. Otherwise, I carry a small rolling suitcase.
* Biggest lifesaver on any kind of trip when I'm packing & repacking (multiple hotels): Eagle Creek Pack-It system folders (for pants, shirts, etc.) and cubes (for underwear, rolledup Tshirts, etc.). I *love* these -- effectively creates "drawers" in your suitcase, so you can take out one or a few things without messing everything else up. You can buy these at any travel store or REI, or at many places online.
* Always take a folded empty suitcase to carry home whatever I buy. I generally take a folded duffel that I could check on the way home, and also a zip-it-up-small bag from Totes that is a perfect carryon for fragile treasures.
Stuff to take:
* Small packets of Woolite for doing underwear, etc. in the sink. Can get them at travel stores.
* A Polarfleece or other heavy sweater, especially if I'm going to any mountainous areas (can get shockingly cold even in July).
* If you're a tall woman, do *not* assume you can easily buy extra slacks/jeans if you need them. I've faced this problem more than once in Europe.
