My 12 Day packed suitcase
 

Traveling to Normandy and Paris May 4-16.
Forecast Mid 40's' to 71, Cloudy, Rainy, Rain, Sunny/Partly cloudy, Cloudy/partly sunny,Sunny

Taking a rolling 21" carryon and a 14" boarding tote bag, shoulder pocket book inside tote bag.

Raincoat
Hat/scarf/gloves
Blazer
2 cardigans
1 skirt
2 slacks
2 LS tops = 1 blouse/1 pullover
3 SL pullover tops
3 neck scarves
2 bras
6 undies
4 pr socks
1 pr hosiery
PJs/Bathrobe
walking shoes
walking loafers
Small evening purse
Jewelry: wedding band-watch-2 necklaces
3 pr earrings-bracelet.
Minimal toiletries/cosmetics/OTC travel size
or 2 oz naglene bottle.
sink Laundry: Soap-clothesline-sinkstopper-small microfiber towel.
RS Hideaway bag, lays flat bottom of suitcase, for shopping/laundry/souvenoirs-gifts way home.
Ziploc bags/minitravel alarm/convertor-adaptor/2" flashlight/2 flexilocks for train.
Mini pad & pen.
Digicam/charger/battery/2 cards.
Headphones/neckrest/earplanes/eyeshades.
Travel documents & copies.
Travel guide=
(2)DK Top Ten Normandy & Paris.
Paris city guide map.
Michelin 512 driving map Normandy.
RS Paris walks & musuem outlines.
DK walks, markets, shopping pages.
Fodors Forum pages: Do it yourself Bus Tour,
passages, rainy day ideas, restaurants.
Mini Frommer translator/phrase book.
Typed address labels of family & friends.
Self address labels.
Lined pages to write on/ 2 pouches for momentos/4 sleeves to put pages in for the day/ pen/highlighter.

Add homemade meal/snacks/water day of trip.

Wgt of 21" bag 19 pds.

Wow! As I'm traveling to the Baltics this summer facing similar temperatures, thank you for posting the contents of your luggage. I'll be gone for 20 days and with 45 days left, am starting to get things together for my own travels.

Have a safe trip! :)

Good list, I'd leave the bathrobe home unless you are staying in accommodations with bath facilities down the hall. Does the 19 lbs include the suitcase? If so, you did mighty fine. How much are you wearing? :) I usually can't get by with less than 24 lbs including the suitcase. I love Normandy, don't miss Arromarches and the Bayeaux Tapestry. Barb

Yes suitcase is 7 pds of the 19, bought it from RS, lightest one around.

I'll wear blazer, cardigan, SL top, slacks, shoes on plane. I just delayer as I move along. You can carry your coat or for now I have it folded
on the larger outside pocket. It's been
raining here in Boston so I may even be wearing it!

I get cold and also I enjoy my silk robe for lounging around in or for a
nap.

BasB, some of the stuff that would weigh down the suitcase are inside the tote

Also have (1)20" tube for art prints/ posters so they are not ruined on way home.

Sorry, forgot to list
1 pr lightweight silk longjohns,top/ bottom.

Good idea about the mailing tube, DiG.

DiG -- I'll be leaving soon too (on the 17th) spending time in Italy and Paris. Can't wait!

I'm "borrowing" 2 tips from you. The tube and the mailing labels. Quite often my family/friends do not receive postcards because I don't take the time during the day and then fall into bed at night. What a great idea to have them ahead of time :)

Author: DiG,
What is RS?

Thanks

RS is Rick Steves. Go to www.ricksteves.com and he sells luggage and other travel stuff. I use the packing cubes.

I wear a favorite soft large loose cashmere sweater instead of robes on trips. It can be used outdoors also and does not take up as much room or weigh as much as a robe.

Great list, Have a wonderful time!!

I am very impressed with the amount of clothing you are bringing. You certainly aren't carrying much weight. Great job. You don't mention an umbrella. Are you expecting to wear raincoat at all times? Does it have a hood? I always seem to need an umbrella whenever I am in France. Have a great trip. Deborah

Great list...I'm taking notes. :)

Good listing, DiG!

FWIW for anyone that's in the market, Target has a bag that's practically identical to the RS Hideaway Bag. Target's price is $10, whereas RS sells it for $20. It's made of durable nylon and holds a ton of goodies!

Happy travels!

Hi DiG, if your hair is shoulder length or longer, bring a pony tail holder/rubber band if you'll be touring the Normandy beaches. We visited in February (temps around mid to high 30s) and it was SO windy that my hair kept whipping me in the eyes, ouch.

Here's wishing you blue skies...BTW, hosiery and vacation are two words that I can't reconcile!

I think it sounds like a great pack job! I carry a few less gadgets and a few more clothes, but since your total weight is so low... well that's great!!

Wow! A great list. I'm leaving for Brittany & Normandy in 13 days. Can I *borrow* a few ideas from you? :)

Thanks!

HI--My husband and I are going to Venice for 4 nts in OCT and then on a 14 day Black Sea/Mediterranean cruise on Celebrity Cruise Line. I tend to OVERPACK and now I need 3 nights of formal wear as well. HELP--Is there a book or anyone have some advice on how to carry enough that we can actually LIFT and not be burdened by our luggage? THANKS

Wear the same formal outfit for 3 nights. People are only concerned with what they wear. If you look appropriate, they won't even notice if you wear the same outfit more than once. If they do notice, they aren't the type of people you want to be spending time with.

Thanks Barbara in Ct--any packing suggestions