DiG, a bum bag is also known as a fanny pack. "Fanny" is a pretty rude slang word in Australia and New Zealand, hence the different name.

Lee Ann

Hi DiG,
Most of your questions have been answered: However:
1* All shirts are polo type, therefore shortsleeved. Also easy to wash and dry.
2* Shoes are leather laceups of the Sioux brand. And they are size US13.
3* A windcheater is a long-sleeved, crew-necked pullover.
4* I'll be in Europe this year from late August for eight weeks, and I am usually there in the warmer months.

Hi Intrepid,
I'm 6'3", and weigh 280lbs. If I can get by with that packing list, then so can most folks!

Michpeg - I would definitely take something smaller than a 29" suitcase. I just did a domestic trip with a 20-21" roller and a flight bag. Even these got pretty heavy lugging them up ramps, down halls, up steps, etc. It convinced me that I don't want to take any more than that for my upcoming Italy trip.

bookmarking. Thanks

Michpeg, is this a bus tour like Globus where you don't have to handle your own luggage?

If yes, first of all confirm with the tour this size is acceptable - different tours may have different allowances.

And I recommend to take a large suitcase BUT fill it only half-full. You will need room for souvenirs, but only one suitcase per passenger is allowed.

If this is not a bus tour, if you'll have to handle your own luggage, than take the smallest size possible.

Wow! I admire those of you who can pack light--I'm not one of them. I often wear at least 2 outfits w/ accessories per day when traveling through Europe. The best I can do is squeeze it all into a rollaborder and my "personal" item for a short trip (1-5 nights). For 12 days, forget it--I'm bringing the same, plus checking the big 29".

It's not a vacation for me if I have to do laundry, although I have been known to use the dry cleaning services of the hotel once or twice!

BRAVO!!! So glad you did not pack a pair of dress shoes/mules/pumps...BUY in PARIS!!! Have Fun!!!

Great tips!

LoriS
Don't feel bad: there are more people around like us (I also cannot travel light). I see them all over airports, pushing carts full of large suitcases....

Great packing tips. I'm going to Vienna, Geneva, & Paris, two weeks each, on business, in April and May. I'd appreciate advice. I want to pack light but be well-dressed. I'll have some down time to explore and do day trips. I'll be in nice hotels, plus one apartment. Do I need a blow-dryer? I was planning to pack minimal toiletries and buy there. Same with umbrella.

I'm really trying to pare down. Considering the following:

blue pin-stripe suit
blue pumps
black jacket and slacks
black pumps
black walking shoes
2 white blouses (1 plain, 1 lacy)
black lightweight cashmere sweater
white sweater
dressy lace jacket
3 shells (solids)
1 twin set (white or red)
black skirt
2 pair reversable hose (black/blue; black/brown)+ 1 blue and 1 black pair
kimono robe
3 socks
light short raincoat
underwear

I was also thinking of brown or khaki pants for casual traveling around days.
Does this sound like I'll need a steamer trunk?

BookishBabe, couldn't you wear the black pumps with the blue pinstripe suit? Then you wouldn't have to bring the blue pumps which you would only be wearing with one outfit anyway.

bookmarking

I had thought about that. You don't think black shoes will look tacky with a blue suit? I'll go with the consensus! :-)

*I* don't think so, as long as you don't wear blue hose. :) Black hose or even nude hose would be fine.

I packed light for the first time in my life last summer, using the carry=on RS bag. (Usually I overpack). It was great, liberating actually, to travel so lightly. (Europe, 2 weeks)
I had 2 pr slacks and 1 skirt - and next time I may leave the skirt behind (although I enjoyed having it).
Basically:
2 pr slacks
1 skirt (optional)
2 sleeveless tops
1 short-sleeve top (cardigan style for layering)
1 long-sleeve top (cardigan style for layering)

I found terrific travel clothes (Babette) non-wrinkle microfiber, comfortable, sink wash cold, dry in 30 minutes. Each piece folded into a med. ziplock bag.
Tilley's socks and underwear also easy wash/fast dry.

My only regret was not packing an extra foldup zip bag to bring home souvenirs. We tried to buy an extra bag in Paris but too expensive.