Being a not-reformed-enough overpacker who is continuously challenged by the task, I do agree with making a list and then forcing yourself to cut it down. But I always carry a couple of the Space Saver bags for the return trip, so I have extra room for the goodies. They're great--add no extra weight, and take up no room! By the way, you can get the Coleman brand in a box of 3 sizes at WalMart or similar for $10, rather than the same thing from the travel specialty stores for $25.

GlamGrrl..are you going to be in Milan the entire 7 night? Are you staying with your friend or will you be staying in a hotel? If you are going to be in Milan the entire time (except maybe for daytrips) you can give your passport and extra cash to your friend. You don't need to walk around Milan with your passport and extra money. That is what I do when I am in one city where friends live. You can put a photocopy of your passport in your shoulder bag so you have some ID with you at all times.

I love this forum. I no longer buy souvenirs. I buy PRIZES! Gosh, I love it. Thanks Daisy58.

There are two types of packable empty suitcases I have used.

The first may no no longer be available as I bought mine many years ago. It is totally soft/unconstructed and is made of ripstop nylon (like a parka shell) and strips of canvas that restrict it to a suitcase shape and provide a handle. A zipper lets it open and close. Empty, it fits into a very small zippered packet, which is actually the external small zippered pocket when the suitcase is expanded into a suitcase. This case holds the dirty clothing for the return trip. Soft inside soft means no problems.

The second type is readily available. It is a cheap rolling carryon that collapses flat (well, sort of flat as it is about 2 inches thick when collapsed). In its flat configuration, it fits inside the regular suitcase, and also takes up enough space to prevent serious overpacking. Fully opened, it will carry half a case of wine and enough clothes to prevent the bottles from clinking. Your milage may vary.

So, by taking one or both of them, I get enough carryhome capacity no matter how rediculous my carryback level is.

sorry I didn't back sooner...had to take a break from posting here to
work and make $$ for Italy! And yes,
I have been nesting a bag inside a
larger one for about 12 years now.
So on the way over, I am checking
one bag, on the way back, checking
two bags, so my airline baggage limit
is okay. I bring as my carryon to and
fro a small wheeled suitcase..not tiny
but conforms to the airlines carry on
size dimensions (I'm still at work so
I can't measure it, will get back to
you on this). notwithstanding size
retraints, I use this carryon to bring
my prizes :) home with me, and pack all
my other stuff in my two carryons. What, you ask, do I only buy a few
prizes??? Well, of course not!! I pack
hubbys the same way, and then commandeer his carry on!

almost forgot...reminds me of a little
story...When we went to China is 2001,
which, if any one of you has ever been,
it is a prize shopping orgy..As I was
single handedly supporting the Chinese
tourist industry, and overall economy,
my husband, gently, but believably,said, "Hun, just so you know, you cannot buy another suitcase here to haul home all this stuff!:-(
...party pooper....

...BTW, I meant to say previously
"I pack all my other stuff in my
two CHECKED bags"!

WOW!! Thanks so much for all the great info!!! The bag inside a bag idea is superb! And I will definitely have my friend hold my passport for me. I am staying in a hotel as he lives with family. And actually, I am kind of afraid of the whole shopping experience in Milan because I am a plus size in the states and find it difficult here, I can only imagine what it would be like in Italy! I think I can actually manage to get my things into one checked bag, with an empty gym bag inside and one carry-on. Would love to be able to do just the carry-on..we'll see how that works out for me. Thanks again for all the great tips! So very happy I found this forum as I wasn't able to get any "real" information on the millions of websites I've visited in regard to my trip

I live and work in New York City but have traveled quite a bit so feel I have some sense of city life. Don't carry any handbag that can be ripped off your arm unless you don't have any valuables in it. You may want to look for a purse with a long strap you can adjust for across your body. Also you need a money belt or something like it. Personally I find the ones that hang around your neck look ridiculous unless you are wearing a turtlneck and often wind up weighing too much to be comfortable. I like Rick Steves' advice on these topics.
Ask for help - they have wonderful toiletries in Europe; perhaps your friend could pick some up for you before you arrive. (The down side is you may fall in love with them and won't be able to find them in any local stores when you get home.)

I have assigned the task (burden) of
neck pouch wearing to my dear DH, who
likes to wear loose (comfortable, not
baggy) shirts. He will bear the responsibility of not allowing anyone
near my treasure shopping $$. I will be
wearing a coach bag that fits over my head, across my chest, hangs at my waist, and has a top zipper, so I can hold it close with my arm if need be for security. purse snatchers..move on to an easier target..I bite back!8-|)

Thanks for explaining, daisy58. I'm thinking of the Russian nested dolls - one inside the other.

When you get a chance, can you tell us the luggage you are nesting and the dimensions? I have Samsonite soft-sided luggage (wheeled carry-on and 26 inch suitcase - would this work?), but I am wondering if the weight limit will be a problem going to our destination. My husband and I only check in one bag each (the 26 inch) which we try not to over pack and I take a small bag carry-on for items I want on the plane with me. I always take a thin, foldable. nylon bag which we use as a beach bag, shopping tote, etc while on our vacation and then, on the way home we fill it with laundry items, shoes or "prizes" , depending on what is the best way to transport the newly purchased items.

I can't try the nesting idea right now because I can't even see my luggage since all our furniture has been moved around for some home renovations.

marianna-when I get home this evening
(it's 10 am here now) I will be happy
to get you the info.:)

Several years ago I purchased an inexpensive "set" of luggage - a large suitcase (I'd venture to guess it stands some 28" - 30" tall), with a smaller suitcase (both had pull-out handles and wheels), and a third which was just a suitcase sized bag. They are constructed of some type nylon fabric, so not very heavy. When purchased, they were all nested.

This past August we went to Mexico, and for that trip, I finally used the large suitcase (first time after all these years) for the same reason as Daisy - the large one held the medium one, and my clothes for the week were inside it.

Prices for prizes are *very* economical in Mexico, and I filled that large bag with everything from paintings on soft leather to woven hammocks, tequila, statues, blankets - just truly MANY prizes.

I have to admit, it was a bit of a burden lugging the two suitcases home, but for the prizes within, it was well worth it. On the other end of the spectrum, we went to Japan in November and I just returned from Paris last week - on those two trips, no *way* was I going to lug that extra baggage!

:)

Ooops! Correction - the third bag was not a "suitcase-sized" bag - it was a briefcase-sized bag.

As far as bringing things back into the US from an overseas trip, is there anything I should know about when going through customs? Do you have to claim certain things?

They will be sure to tell you the things you need to know for customs. The airline will pass out a card when you are still on the flight for you to fill out for customs, and it will give you the rules.

Buy one 24" wheeled suitcase... when it is full stop packing (easy as that)! In addition take a large soft-sided tote or oversized pocketbook for your carry-on on the plane. 7 days and staying with a friend you truly do not need very much clothing.