Need tips on packing, don't want to check in baggage.
 

All the tips have been super helpful in planning our trip to Italy, I am so glad the car rental ordeal is taken care of! So I thought I would venture a new one on packing. We (15 year old daughter, husband who is ancient but still cute, and me) will be in Italy for three weeks. We are limiting ourselves to only carry on luggage. The reason for this is because I hate lugging suitcases around. I would prefer just packing one or two pairs of jeans and buying t-shirts as we move from town to town. However, that is not practical according to my sweet husband. So, I need ideas on what to pack for three weeks. We will have access to laundry facilities and I am using the tip of one other poster and purchasing Purex washer/dryer sheets to save space and money.
Oh, we also will be taking one messenger bag per person to carry as we tour Italy. Hints on what to put in those, (including the best camera to purcase,) would be great to.
Thanks so much for all your help!!
GG

When are you going? Jeans are not very comfortable in high summer (although you'll see many Italians wearing them). Besides, they weigh a ton and take an age to dry. Think light cotton pants instead. Seven T-shirts don't take up much space or weigh much.

There have been tons of helpful posts about "packing light."
Put those words into the Search the Forum box above. You'll find them good resources. We always carry on whether for a weekend or six weeks abroad. Shoes and books are always the problems.Cut needed sections out of guide books, or have Kinkos cut the binding off and rebind the book with the sections you want to pack. I take two pairs of shoes: a pair of walking shoes and aonther pair for evening.
You mentioned jeans. When are you going to Italy? I never take them as they get so hot and take a long time to dry but then I usually travel to Europe from May through October.

When we (family of four) went to Europe for 3 weeks in 2007, we wanted to do carry-on only, too. I read this tip and have traveled this way ever since:

Pack using the rule of three. Pick three complementary colors and have everything you pack mix and match. So for instance, I chose black, brown, and burgundy. I brought black jeans, brown jeans, black capris, brown capris, then bought three black shirts (one long-sleeved, one short sleeved, one V-neck), a brown shirt, a thin burgundy hoodie. My kids were black, grey, and blue - same deal with clothes. Can't remember what my DH was, lol. We also each had really comfy clothes (in black) for the loooong plane rides that could be used as back ups or to wear while we did laundry, if needed.

We packed basically 4 - 5 outfits, and then wore the pants twice before washing, shirts could be layered so also could be worn several times before washing by switching around what was closest to the body, and therefore got sweaty. Six pairs of undies and socks, just in case. And raincoats for all that we wore on the plane rather than packed.

We brought the packets of detergent and did laundry as needed, very fond memories of the laundromat in Lucca and doing wash in the sink of our hotel room in Sorrento (that had a clothesline on the balcony).

In our messenger-type bags we put snacks!, cheap paperback books we could leave behind as we went, all important papers, maps etc, cameras, ziplock bag of liquids to easily pull out during security, plastic folder to put momentos collected as we go, can't think of what else now.

HTH!

Sorry, I forgot to put in that we are traveling in October.
Thanks!

Thanks for your tips. Amamax2, your hints were good.
Thanks again!

I agree with the suggestion to choose basic complementary colors, but for photography purposes I like to have a bright color among them; I chose black pants, shoes and windbreaker but packed a variety of bright colored tops and sweaters that coordinated with the black basics.

Another suggestion I have is to buy large zip-lock bags to pack with. Put your clothing in them, zip up the bags leaving a small air escape hole, then sit on them! You'll be surprised how much stuff you can pack by compressing it like this.

GG congrats on your trip! I love the washing sheets and used all that I brought with me! I know it has been said before, but it is true. Pack the same whether you are going for a week or 6. I choose basic black for my pants (never jeans - too heavy even for October and take forever to dry) and skirts and leggings (worn under the skirts if it is a little chilly) and then have different colored sweaters and t-shirts (but no more than 4-5 tops) and then a couple of stretchy dresses. I am "bad" and bring 2 pair of shoes in addition to what I wear on the plane. And it still fits in a carry-on. Great job for teaching your kids to pack light from an early age!!
Ziplock bags are key.

I forgot to mention the clothes in the ziplocks - yes, that helps a lot!

BTW, we were in France and Italy in late Sept- mid Oct. Guess it depends on your cold/heat tolerance. :)) Started the trip in Paris - it was freezing so jeans and multiple layers of tops were a must, middle of the trip was pleasantly warm so my lightweight capris and my kids in shorts were perfect, ended in Rome where we had sun some days and pouring rain others. Jeans dried fine in a dryer, I wouldn't hand wash them and expect them to dry. :)

Thanks to everyone for posting such helpful tips. I also wanted to ask if my daughter and I should pack scarves. I heard from someone that we would need to cover our heads and arms when visiting Assisi and some of the other cathedrals. Also, it just sounds very Italian to have a scarf draped around my neck :)

The problem with taking books is that they can be bulky and heavy. I just got a Kindle and am loving it. It's about 5x7" and very thin, even slips into my purse. Try it as an alternative for carrying books.

GypsyGurl

Scarves are great for travel - and very 'in' for Europe, even for the men!

I use them to add colour variety to my basic outfits, and also for extra warmth on cooler days. Mostly I take silk; it feels so beautiful in warm or cool weather, and I twist and roll mine for easier packing and the crushed look. Di

There was a good feature on how to pack for "10 Days in a Carry-On" on the New York Times website. http://www.nytimes.com/slideshow/201...6-pack-ss.html

I found the tips handy for getting more into the same space

Adding to what azzure says above, we use of those shrink wrap food gadgets when we pack. They use specific bags, but with a small battery operated device, you can really shrink a number of items and pack very tightly...watch the weight though.

Five of our six member family only bring the shoes we wear. And a big container of foot powder. I'm betting you won't do this.

Here is a handy packing list, http://tinyurl.com/29elmem. Do not put any valuables in your messenger bag. Use a money belt. Keep your camera on a strap around your neck.

I usually only have black pants (I have lots in the 'slinky' knit fabric, which you can ball up for two weeks and still be wrinkle free, dry quickly). I have several shirts in different colors, but a few black as well. A couple scarves for color and variety. I roll each item up very tightly so they pack easily and compactly. I wear my bulkiest shoes (hiking/walking shoes) and put my other shoes (croc's sandals) in the carryon, with socks inside them. Underwear as needed. We're going for 2.5 weeks to Ireland in May, I'll have 5 full outfits, and laundry as necessary. I'll wear my jacket on the plane, use as a pillow or blanket as necessary. Drape it over my purse if not needed. Camera, meds and other valuables are in my purse.

I am taking black washable pants (2 prs.), expensive rinse out underclothing and blouses, small bags of woolite and two plasice pant hangers from my grandaughter's closet. We will still have to send out my husband's clothes or bring them to a laundromat though. I keep most of the above in my carryon in the storage closet all year-they are dedicated travel clothes. I have learned over the years not to check baggage.

Pat

This is actually my first Europe trip with carryon only. The last one (Scotland, 2008, three weeks) I didn't get my checked luggage until day 5, and only then after calling four times a day (not exaggerated) and finally finding one lovely lady willing to GET UP and go LOOK for my bag in the warehouse. The computer had the account closed out, as they had delivered my dad's bag already, and didn't care that mine was still missing. The bag was right there, complete with my name and phone number, itinerary inside, easily placed for anyone who LOOKED.

Since packing lite is the mantra of Rick Steves, his web site is loaded with information and packing lists for single carryon. In fact, if you even dream of taking a bag larger than a carryon size you will be ban from the site. We have been gone as long as 33 days on one carryon bag. IMO, two keys -- you have to pack on paper first and then stick to the list. Second, the clothing selection is critical -- we normally wear one and pack two changes of clothing with careful cross coordination. We avoid any all cotton just because of maintenance problems -- jeans are out for that reason. We use synthetic blends. It is learned behavior and you will do better the next time.

Always remember that wherever you go, the residents are the same physically as we are. Don't over pack over the counter meds you may only think you might need. The pharmacies have everything. Tylenol is Panadol, aspirin is aspirina, they have antacids, personal products, etc.

Wear blue jeans on the plane (if they are a staple in your wardrobe) and your mid-weight jacket or raincoat and the heaviest or bulkiest pair of shoes you are taking. (I take two or three pair, but our trips are usually long and it's not good for your feet to only have one pair of shoes.) The wardrobe you pack should be layerable and washable.

I disagree with the others regarding jeans - I think it will not be too hot for them in October and I find them indispensable in terms of the multiple-wearing function. I've traveled in May and late September and was always glad to have a pair, and if you have a place to dry them outdoors (i.e. not in a hotel room), they will dry just fine.

Yea, October can be really nice or very cold. One year in October we were warm in Ischia. Then the weather changed and Amalfi and Sicily were cold and rainy. In fact on the way from Amalfi to Naples we had snow. More north can be cool and rainy. Be prepared for both....yes you can do it with carry-on, we do.

bookmarking

Here's a great site for packing light and for lists/recommendations:

http://www.onebag.com/


I'm another non-jeans wearer (due to weight, dry times, comfort or lack thereof) but if that's your thing, I agree with wearing them on the plane.

I like black pants, a black shirt/jacket, and varied colored tops. Add a windbreaker or very light raincoat if you like -- if it rains and you are in a city people will suddenly appear to sell umbrellas for 5 euros (bargain them down to 4).

About scarves-- YES -- but I would buy them there--very reasonable and wonderful mementos of your travels.

Out of the disaster of the airlines losing our luggage for five days when we were in Amalfi, we found out a couple of things that became an adventure. We only do carry-on now even for three weeks plus. You can pick up items on your trip if you need to. It's actually fun to shop at some of the small stores and we even found some stuff at an outdoor weekly market when we were desperate. The funniest pictures are of me trying on pants in the back of a market truck. There is a great local shop, Mecca, in Amalfi almost built into the wall or mountain which has everything from deodorant to pots and pans. We now go there everytime we are there to visit the friendly owner and just look around. I buy a years supply of deodorant because I found that I like theirs better.

I also hoard tiny bottles during the year, like eyedrop bottles, and use them for things like hair products or lotions.

Pashminas and scarves are a great idea to buy there and can double as warmth or style.

The Kindle is also a good idea. We bought one before we went to Italy last October and not only did I put my travel books, and reading material on there, but I could email my travel notes (on Word) to the Kindle and even do a search with a key word to find a topic in my notes. I bought the 3G and it has free Internet in many countries although not too easy to navigate. It worked in a pinch. I could even check my email on it.

I do have to admit that we usually have to buy a duffle bag and check int in for the way back though.

Oh, and Tripit, an online service, can hold all your reservations, website information and contact details for your itinerary, if you have a smart phone and you know you'll have WiFi to access it.

I was sold on the eReader concept the first time I took one on a trip - definitely recommend them. I have a Nook, which is comparable to a Kindle, only more open about where you can get the books from.

I agree that if you don't bring something and realize you need it - you can buy it there. We always end up at a pharmacy for something.

bookmarking - great ideas!

LOVE these suggestions!! I am so excited to try them out that I will do a "test run" when I take a small trip with my brother and his family next month. Nowhere nearly as exciting as Italy but still it will be fun to test out these packing tips!
thanks!
GG

Commend your goal to pack light, just suggest that you leave at least a third of your suitcase (whatever size) empty. Also pack a lightweight duffle or something you can use as overflow luggage on your return. There are too many tempting treasures where you are going, and you will end up buying a suitcase there to haul them home if don't leave space on the front end.

Cringe at the thought of cutting up guide books. Keep a notebook with info that you collect while planning, and then maybe select a few small guidebooks for the places you will be at the longest. There is quite a variety of guidebooks available and some are quite small and lightweight. If you have easy access to the internet while traveling, you can look things up as you go -- if you find yourself wanting to change plans or explore something unexpectedly. If not, a cut-up guidebook may not serve you as well.

I carry a hooded sweathshirt (naturally black) and my coat, along with my pashmina for the airplane ride, eases up some in the suitcase. So excited this year to take my Nook along. We have scanned loads of documents from the guidebooks as well as the various notes we have. My "purse" is a large bag that holds my "3 ouncers", our travel docs, our mini laptop, my camera and other miscellaneous. You can take that as well as a carryon suitcase. My hubby can really pack light so that makes it easy for me. We didn't carry on last year and I was sorry about that. It is simply discipline. What the heck, we are going to Rome, shouldn't need to pack much!! I will say I am not as concerned about huge varience in the weather this year as I was last year, that made packing light very difficult. 115 days and counting...........

LuvToRoam,
What is a "pashmina for the airplane ride?"
Wayfinder, I like your hint about a duffel bag. My husband suggested we just check in an empty suitcase, but then we would be lugging the thing all over Italy. I like the idea of just a smallish bag to store our treasures. I am not a big collector, of course I have not traveled, so who knows what I will bring home! I am hoping to bring things back marked Prada :)
GG

The hardest part about carry-on only imo is the 1-quart limitation and 3 oz. sizes for liquids at the beginning. You'll need to plan on purchasing shampoo and stuff after arrival.

As far as clothes simply pick pieces that all go together and can be 'layered' according to the weather. And make sure you have a couple pair of VERY comfortable shoes.

The only trick to traveling without a lot of stuff is you have to be willing to wear the same clothes over & over.

"pashmina for the airplane ride" means a shawl that can also be used as a blanket (it's nothing I use myself but i've seen it suggested before)

Checking an empty suitcase when your goal is carry-on only is a crazy idea imho.

I would plan to check your suitcase thru on the way home & as your carryon simply take a shopping bag with handles or other tote you purchase with your souveniers in it on board. Thinking being if your suitcase is delayed on the trip home it's no big deal.

I always take jeans! I travel to Europe twice a year (in the early spring and then in the later fall). I do have several pairs of light-weight stretch jeans, purchased in Switzerland. They dry much more quickly than the heavier denim. I do agree that regular weight jeans will probably not be too warm for you. Layering is the way to go, and wearing things at least twice before laundering works best.

it may depend on one's shape, but for comfort, I prefer tights to jeans. I have several in different fabrics ( even wool) - all black. With longer tops and comfortable boots they are my choice for cooler weather travel.

I wear things (outer clothing) for an entire 3 week trip without laundering.

Thank you suze for clearing up what a pashmina is! All of the hints here are great!!