I Didn't Think I Could Do Carry-On for a Week in Paris, But I Can!
Jan 1st, 2005, 04:35 PM
#21
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Suze, I'm bringing two chenille tops with me. They're as warm as cashmere (really) but have the advantage of being synthetic fiber so if I need to, I can always wash them in the sink.
Also, that Chico's traveller's fabric is actually rather heavy weight. You wouldn't think so, since it's so slinky looking, but it's warm! I had brought several pieces of it when we went to France in Sept/Oct but didn't wear it because it too much for the warm weather we enjoyed. And yes, I'm someone who is almost always cold. I'm wrapping my neck up with the scarves, too, and that always helps keep the shivers at bay.
LoveItaly, it's ordinary luggage although I love the color: Red with black trim.
Kate, great extra tips for all of us!
Also, that Chico's traveller's fabric is actually rather heavy weight. You wouldn't think so, since it's so slinky looking, but it's warm! I had brought several pieces of it when we went to France in Sept/Oct but didn't wear it because it too much for the warm weather we enjoyed. And yes, I'm someone who is almost always cold. I'm wrapping my neck up with the scarves, too, and that always helps keep the shivers at bay.
LoveItaly, it's ordinary luggage although I love the color: Red with black trim.
Kate, great extra tips for all of us!
Jan 1st, 2005, 04:43 PM
#22
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I'm the first to admit that not overpacking is SO hard!
I pretty much live in a uniform of black pants and a black cashmere turtleneck when traveling this time of year, and spice it up with different scarves and jewelry.
Cashmere is so perfect for traveling, because it's warm but not bulky.
I'm having difficulty figuring out the coat issue, too. When I went to Paris in November I wore my nice wool coat on the plane and packed my suede coat in my carry-on. ( The suede one is washable, so it doesn't look like an all-weather coat, but it is.)
I really needed it, too, because it rained a good part of the time that we were there. Looking at the ten-day forecast, it looks like we'd better go prepared for rain again this time.
This time I may take a different all-weather coat, that looks like a nice satiny-finished raincoat, but has thinsulate or something, so it's pretty warm.
I could probably make do with it alone, but I REALLY want to take my pretty wool coat with the detachable fur collar!
And, oh, the agony of paring down the shoes! I'm probably wearing my really comfortable Munros on the plane and packing my pointy-toed high-heeled ones, and that's all, but it's so hard to not bring any others!
For traveling I've got my cosmetics and toiletries pretty well pared down and in small containers, but I DO have to have a certain amount of "beauty supplies"!
It definitely would be easier to pack light if we weren't "girly-girls," but c'est la vie!
I pretty much live in a uniform of black pants and a black cashmere turtleneck when traveling this time of year, and spice it up with different scarves and jewelry.
Cashmere is so perfect for traveling, because it's warm but not bulky.
I'm having difficulty figuring out the coat issue, too. When I went to Paris in November I wore my nice wool coat on the plane and packed my suede coat in my carry-on. ( The suede one is washable, so it doesn't look like an all-weather coat, but it is.)
I really needed it, too, because it rained a good part of the time that we were there. Looking at the ten-day forecast, it looks like we'd better go prepared for rain again this time.
This time I may take a different all-weather coat, that looks like a nice satiny-finished raincoat, but has thinsulate or something, so it's pretty warm.
I could probably make do with it alone, but I REALLY want to take my pretty wool coat with the detachable fur collar!
And, oh, the agony of paring down the shoes! I'm probably wearing my really comfortable Munros on the plane and packing my pointy-toed high-heeled ones, and that's all, but it's so hard to not bring any others!
For traveling I've got my cosmetics and toiletries pretty well pared down and in small containers, but I DO have to have a certain amount of "beauty supplies"!
It definitely would be easier to pack light if we weren't "girly-girls," but c'est la vie!
Jan 1st, 2005, 04:53 PM
#24
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suze, that is what I will be doing, wearing the warm coat with the warm sweater and my good ole pashmina around my shoulders on the plane 
I will look like I am on my way to Siberia. Then some warmth will come along and I will be shedding layers like crazy on the plane!
Cashmere is great, I have to wear it over something ( still itches) so I swear by those thin cotton/lycra long sleeve tee shirts that stores like J Crew and Banana Republic sell.
I am hoping this weeks shopping spree in Orlando will result in a pair of comfortable boots that can also be worn at night when more dressed up. Otherwise, I too am wearing those Munroes..soft like butta, flat and homely
I will look like I am on my way to Siberia. Then some warmth will come along and I will be shedding layers like crazy on the plane!Cashmere is great, I have to wear it over something ( still itches) so I swear by those thin cotton/lycra long sleeve tee shirts that stores like J Crew and Banana Republic sell.
I am hoping this weeks shopping spree in Orlando will result in a pair of comfortable boots that can also be worn at night when more dressed up. Otherwise, I too am wearing those Munroes..soft like butta, flat and homely
Jan 1st, 2005, 05:17 PM
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I've never understood the big whoopee about not checking a bag. We lived overseas and travel to Europe about twice a year....often travel in Nov. or March. It seems so much easier to check a small suitcase, and I go for two weeks with a 24". ...however we usually have a car(not in Paris, or other major cities) for out in the countryside and can stop at a laundrymat.(a great experience, to meet the locals) Three black slacks, 5 colored tops, black cardigan...3/4 length all purpose coat etc does me just fine. I get a little "tired" of myself in my "uniform"., but then practicality takes over and it all works out well. and ANY polyester slack will do...very comfortable, classy looking ,no wrinkles, and easy to pack. By no means does it have to be Chico..(of which about 90 cents on the dollars goes for Chico name...and since they are mostly made in India or overseas the mark up it VERY great).
HOWEVER...to each own, and we all have our different ideas.
My agreement is that you are going at a wonderful time of year....off season is so great in Europe. Have a WONDERFUL time, and I know you will.
HOWEVER...to each own, and we all have our different ideas.
My agreement is that you are going at a wonderful time of year....off season is so great in Europe. Have a WONDERFUL time, and I know you will.
quot;>
Jan 1st, 2005, 05:21 PM
#30
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Well Din you sent me back up to my closet to rethink my packing ideas for our Fall trip. On another board someone suggested yoga pants.
Question: I have Chico black and navy travelers pants.. Do you thnk they are too warm for warmer weather in Paris? or could they span the season?
What are the long sleeved Chico tops????...maybe I need to go back and look. Are they like tshirts with long sleeves????? decorative???..
I have several Chico jackets but they seem awfully dressy ...???
However you have given me incentive to go back to Chicos and look again.
So happy you posted. My husband and I discuss packing all the time. We are going for 61/2 weeks so you can imagine the discussion ..
Question: I have Chico black and navy travelers pants.. Do you thnk they are too warm for warmer weather in Paris? or could they span the season?
What are the long sleeved Chico tops????...maybe I need to go back and look. Are they like tshirts with long sleeves????? decorative???..
I have several Chico jackets but they seem awfully dressy ...???
However you have given me incentive to go back to Chicos and look again.
So happy you posted. My husband and I discuss packing all the time. We are going for 61/2 weeks so you can imagine the discussion ..
Jan 1st, 2005, 05:22 PM
#31
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Like Scarlett, I like the long sleeve slinky tee that Banana R. and J. Crew sell, but I also take along silk long underwear (2 tops, and tights). They are extremely warm and compact and weigh nothing.
I take plenty of underwear, but I put it all in the rails of my rolling carry on. This is a good use of wasted space. Someone (LL Bean?) makes a bag with a pouch that fits face down in the rails, but it is expensive and I already have way too many rolling carry ons.
Well, way too many by some people's standards. ;-) I actually believe that one can never have too much luggage, because every trip requires a little something different.
We always do carry on only, and we are usually in Europe from a week to 12 days. My "kit" includes a laundry pouch with super concentrated soap and a blow up hanger. I also take a small can of wrinkle spray.
I wish I looked better in Chico's travel clothes. I'm short and chubby and they do nothing for me, even though I wear lots of other things from Chico's.
Our family joke: I always say, "Chico's: clothing for women who used to be hip." And my cousin answers, "Chico's: clothing for women who used to wear zippers."
We howl. ;-)
I take plenty of underwear, but I put it all in the rails of my rolling carry on. This is a good use of wasted space. Someone (LL Bean?) makes a bag with a pouch that fits face down in the rails, but it is expensive and I already have way too many rolling carry ons.
Well, way too many by some people's standards. ;-) I actually believe that one can never have too much luggage, because every trip requires a little something different.
We always do carry on only, and we are usually in Europe from a week to 12 days. My "kit" includes a laundry pouch with super concentrated soap and a blow up hanger. I also take a small can of wrinkle spray.
I wish I looked better in Chico's travel clothes. I'm short and chubby and they do nothing for me, even though I wear lots of other things from Chico's.
Our family joke: I always say, "Chico's: clothing for women who used to be hip." And my cousin answers, "Chico's: clothing for women who used to wear zippers."
We howl. ;-)
Jan 1st, 2005, 05:23 PM
#32
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www.zagat.com
publishes many forms of books that are surveys of the public for shops, restaurants, etc
They started with New York restaurants guides and now they are expanded all over the place.
publishes many forms of books that are surveys of the public for shops, restaurants, etc
They started with New York restaurants guides and now they are expanded all over the place.
Jan 1st, 2005, 05:26 PM
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>it can be very windy and cold on some of those streets, by the Seine, waiting for a taxi....
Aren't sweaters too bulky? <
Yes.
My Lady Wife has a wool wrap that she takes with her. It is not bulky and very warm.
We got it at the Scottish shop in Bath.
Aren't sweaters too bulky? <
Yes.
My Lady Wife has a wool wrap that she takes with her. It is not bulky and very warm.
We got it at the Scottish shop in Bath.
Jan 1st, 2005, 05:30 PM
#35
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LoveItaly, the Zagat is a small slim book that rates all the Paris restuarants. Marcy is a walking Zagat, what with all her restaurant "files" so I don't need to buy the book for this particular trip! Between the two of us, we have reams of notes devoted to Paris food, fashion, and tourist sites (confirmed Fodorholics that we are, how could we not?).
Loisco, the long sleeve Chico's tops are made of the same material as the pants. The neckline is a jewel neckline, so it's dressier than an ordinary cotton tee. The Chico's clothing did present a little bit of thinking in terms of how "dressy" they look: I couldn't bring my clunky walking shoes because it would have looked completely dorky, so I opted for Naturalizer flats instead, which bridged the gap between comfortable for touring and stylish.
Loisco, the long sleeve Chico's tops are made of the same material as the pants. The neckline is a jewel neckline, so it's dressier than an ordinary cotton tee. The Chico's clothing did present a little bit of thinking in terms of how "dressy" they look: I couldn't bring my clunky walking shoes because it would have looked completely dorky, so I opted for Naturalizer flats instead, which bridged the gap between comfortable for touring and stylish.
Jan 1st, 2005, 05:35 PM
#36
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loisco,
Packing for 6+ weeks would be REALLY hard! It's not that you need any more clothes for 6 weeks than you do for one, but you'd get so tired of wearing the same ones!
Now, here's another tough decision for all of us compulsive planners: What guidebooks to take?
I'm thinking about my Michelin Paris green guide, and my Suzy Gershman Born to Shop- Paris (After all- this is at least partly a shopping trip!)
And then I have to take my French-English dictionary. And I'll have all my notes and info from Fodors printed out from my computer (but those I can throw away at the end of the trip.)
And then, PURSES!! I really want to take a couple of cute small bags to carry in the evening, in addition to my larger one I'll carry during the day.
It would be ironic if DLN gets her stuff all into a carry-on and I end up with tons & tons!
Packing for 6+ weeks would be REALLY hard! It's not that you need any more clothes for 6 weeks than you do for one, but you'd get so tired of wearing the same ones!
Now, here's another tough decision for all of us compulsive planners: What guidebooks to take?
I'm thinking about my Michelin Paris green guide, and my Suzy Gershman Born to Shop- Paris (After all- this is at least partly a shopping trip!)
And then I have to take my French-English dictionary. And I'll have all my notes and info from Fodors printed out from my computer (but those I can throw away at the end of the trip.)
And then, PURSES!! I really want to take a couple of cute small bags to carry in the evening, in addition to my larger one I'll carry during the day.
It would be ironic if DLN gets her stuff all into a carry-on and I end up with tons & tons!
Jan 1st, 2005, 05:41 PM
#37
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I am taking copies from any research I do. No books this time, but the Zagat and my maps.
We sort of know already what we want to do, so the next couple of months will be reading and taking notes..those go with me, the books stay home.
I take maps and my Marling Menu Master so I don't tell the Yankee that <i>moelle</i> is mussels LOL <i>moules</i>
We sort of know already what we want to do, so the next couple of months will be reading and taking notes..those go with me, the books stay home.
I take maps and my Marling Menu Master so I don't tell the Yankee that <i>moelle</i> is mussels LOL <i>moules</i>
Jan 1st, 2005, 05:53 PM
#38
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First of all, I am so very glad that I am not the only one that fumes and fusses about what to pack, LOL.
Secondly, oh duh, the Paris Zagat. Thank you Elaine and dln. Although I have never read any reports, yes I do know what Zagat is but I got so involved with all the clothes and packing situations that I thought "oh, have I missed out on some new designer, a new clothes line, shoe line, purse line". Oh well, egg on my face for sure
Reading all these threads is why I never pack ahead of time. I always start to outguess my packing decisions.
Am I am so working on not overpacking as I have mentioned on other threads.
Black pants,tops,cardigan and coat works the best for me, along with a couple of silk dresses. Three pair of shoes, one tiny bag for evening. Think I will try the PJ's next time instead of nightgown(s) and robe.
Love Scarletts description of what she wears on the plane. Me too!
I have been to Italy for 3 months. Packed enough for one week. Honestly it worked perfect. Hand laundry and cleaners are always available. Although cleaners in Italy always fold everything instead of putting on hangers but I think "what the heck, that is how the Italian women get their clothes back".
My thinking dln is this. You have made your packing decision, stick with it! Honestly. You are all ready to go. Do not start to second guess.
Marcy, one small evening bag is enough, LOL. It would be funny if dln arrives with just a carryon and you have check in luggage.
Can hardly wait to read the trip report bet it will be fantastic.
Good luck ladies, with the packing and the vacation. Happy travels!
Secondly, oh duh, the Paris Zagat. Thank you Elaine and dln. Although I have never read any reports, yes I do know what Zagat is but I got so involved with all the clothes and packing situations that I thought "oh, have I missed out on some new designer, a new clothes line, shoe line, purse line". Oh well, egg on my face for sure
Reading all these threads is why I never pack ahead of time. I always start to outguess my packing decisions.
Am I am so working on not overpacking as I have mentioned on other threads.
Black pants,tops,cardigan and coat works the best for me, along with a couple of silk dresses. Three pair of shoes, one tiny bag for evening. Think I will try the PJ's next time instead of nightgown(s) and robe.
Love Scarletts description of what she wears on the plane. Me too!
I have been to Italy for 3 months. Packed enough for one week. Honestly it worked perfect. Hand laundry and cleaners are always available. Although cleaners in Italy always fold everything instead of putting on hangers but I think "what the heck, that is how the Italian women get their clothes back".
My thinking dln is this. You have made your packing decision, stick with it! Honestly. You are all ready to go. Do not start to second guess.
Marcy, one small evening bag is enough, LOL. It would be funny if dln arrives with just a carryon and you have check in luggage.
Can hardly wait to read the trip report bet it will be fantastic.
Good luck ladies, with the packing and the vacation. Happy travels!
Jan 1st, 2005, 06:22 PM
#39
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Of course you can do it - I always bring a carry-on. I LOVE traveling light. Also, you might pack a foldable duffle bag and lay on top of your things in your suitcase, that way you have a sturdy bag to bring home your souvenirs/purchases in as a carry-on.
Jan 1st, 2005, 06:33 PM
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If everyone on the plane tried to stash on a rolling 20 to 22" suitcase..in the overhead bins...there would be no room for them all! It's highly inconsiderate, and rather silly, when there is a perfectly good check in system. ..(though I guess there will always be some paranoia with people who are afraid of losing their luggage???) HOWEVER<,"to each his own" >
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