GypsyGurl,
In the 25 years that I have been traveling to Europe, I have learned to be resourceful. And I have adopted a European city attitude of "less is more" with a classic with a flair look....mostly dark basics with colorful scarves. I am preparing for a trip to Italy in mid-May, and I just tweak my clothes with lighter versions.
You are going to be fine. Just trade the flannel shirt for something more simple. And, I have no doubt that you are going to look great in leggings and boots. I just returned from Paris in mid-March. Jeans or leggings with boots was the "uniform". Treat yourself and buy a pair of gorgeous boots in Italy!
But more importantly, your trip with your husband and daughter, and with plans to immerse yourself in the tradtions of Italy with wine, walking, and people watching will set the tone for a wonderful, memorable visit. But don't forget Pasta!!
Buono Viaggio

<<StCirq, we are talking 21 days!!>>

Most of my trips are 6-10 weeks and I do fine with one pair of jeans. As I mentioned, I take lightweight, stretchy ones that wash and dry in a heartbeat. I'd never take more than one pair of PJs, either, no matter how many weeks.

Don't know if the what is middle age question was directed to me or not, or whether it pertained to leggings, but I'm just shy of 60. Weight? 110 lbs. I like leggings as long as the top is at least mid-thigh length. Agree that with a jacket and boots (and a scarf), it's a good, comfortable look. Agree leave the flannel shirts at home!

21 days? I brought one pair of PJs for a 6-week trip. They do have washing machines in Europe.

4 pairs of jeans and 3 pairs of PJs is not my definition of "packing light." I don't know how anyone would manage to do carry-on only with 4 pairs of jeans and 3 pairs of PJs, unless you are doll-size. Or you manage with one top.

I have a problem with the "leave my underwear all over Europe" concept. Not really a Green idea. So easy to rinse a pair out in the sink. Takes less than 5 minutes. We usually take 2 pr undies and 2 pr socks; this year we might amp it up to 3 pr each. PJs? 1 nightshirt is ample.

"They do have washing machines in Europe." They even have laundrettes and laundries that will do your wash for you for a fee :)

I have no problem spending a couple of hours reading a book or planning the next week's activities in a laundrette one morning a week. The difficult part, apart from finding the local word for laundrette and then finding one, is working out how to use their machines and what coins are needed.

That's also part of the local culture. I have met some very interesting people in laundrettes, including other travellers.

When I travel is the only time I wear PJS. Take three? You've gotta be kidding :)

I store my laundry in a large plastic bag (often one of those supplied for the purpose by hotels for their over-priced valet service) and do it about once a week, more often in sweaty climates. That's why I take a week's worth of underwear and socks. Trousers can be worn for several days and I get at least two days out of a shirt. But PJs? They will happily last a week.

I appreciate all the good advice given by my fellow travelers, and the issues addressed on this forum. I have learned and utilized much. I hope I have made some good contributions.
I give credit to all of you who do laundry while on vacation, but way too much culture, and lucious food and wine vie for my time and attention.
It is never my intention to impress anyone, but to enjoy myself and look nice while doing that.
And, yes, I have taken 4 pairs of lighter weight/spandex jeans (worn 1 as well as my bulkiest items for air travel) and 3 pairs of old PJ's, which I discard (light-weight silky material) and the rest of the wardrobe and necessary toiletry items listed in 1 rolling carry on.
The frustration of packing has presented me with many, many challenges, but with practice and experience, it is surmountable.

I did not mean to stir up trouble when I started this thread. I guess packing techniques trigger alot of feelings! I have learned so much from reading everyones posts. The banter between posters about what to carry and what not to carry has been insightful as well. I also have learned that everyones packing techique is personal, and that there is no right or wrong thing to pack. Some people like jeans, others like leggings. Some people like the culture aspect of washing their clothes with the neighbors others like to toss their laundry in the trash and spend that time drinking wine or strolling the streets. The most important things I have learned from all of the experts on this forum are this:
1. Definitely pack light!
2. Be prepared for weather.
3. Pick up aspirin and other OTC medicines in Italy.
Focus on my trip and my family and if I run out of clothes, go shopping!!I have printed out all the suggestions and they are tucked away and highlighted in my "Italy Folder."
And I think as a happy compromise on the P.J. discussion I will just sleep "au natural" in Italy! :)
GG

GypsyGurl,

WAY TO GO!!!!!!!

Ha!! I thought you would like that GoodLuckGirl!!
:)

Trav_Eller: LOL "The difficult part, apart from finding the local word for laundrette and then finding one, is working out how to use their machines and what coins are needed."

One of our Paris trips I went to the laundromat the night before to read and ask how to use the machines so I'd be prepared. My DH and daughter were going on their own the next day so I didn't have help.

As I was waiting for the laundry, I was not able to read. Other people were coming in to do laundry and asking me how to use the machines. In fact a couple were French. I had to laugh that I was teaching even locals in a foreign country. The time went fast and we had a great time talking.

PS the funny thing is that when we visit our family in Italy..... after all these years, I still have problems with their washer.

One more thought...when planning for a trip with several stopover locations, I pack outfits for each town in a separate jumbo ziplock to minimize the whole unpacking/packing thing. I just pull out the bag for each stop and leave the rest in the suitcase.

I also plan to wear an outfit first out at night (when all I do is go out to dinner and stroll around usually), then wear the same outfit for daytime. Washing out underwear only takes a moment, and I do that the first night in a new town; that way it's dry by the time I have to repack. In the long run, that keeps the baggage lighter than bringing things to dispose of along the way.

I agree that if everything goes together, it's much easier to keep it light. The hard thing for me is always the shoes! However, I usually find that one pair turns out to be the most comfortable and I end up wearing them everywhere night and day. Next trip, the only shoes I'll bring will be my "faves".

It's also helpful for the next trip if you keep a copy of your packlist on the computer. That makes it easy to tweak the next time you're packing.

Have a wonderful trip!

<Some people like the culture aspect of washing their clothes with the neighbors others like to toss their laundry in the trash and spend that time drinking wine or strolling the streets.>

It does not have to be an either or. I can use a laundry matt (or wash stuff in the hotel sink using hte hotel shampoo) AND still have plenty of time for drinking wine and strolling the streets! Trust me on that one.

Cybertravelr,
Love that idea!
GG

OK - got the clothes thing down. But what about shampoo/conditioner. Going to Europe for 3 weeks - do I just pack the minimal allowed amount and buy there?

Best,

The shampoo and conditioner I use is very concentrated. I can go 3 weeks with a 3 oz. bottle of each.

CeliaT,
Either pack extra 3 oz bottles (you can probably fit 4 easily in your baggie), buy there or if staying in hotels then use what's provided.

Shampoos are a personal thing. I happen to like the shampoos in Europe better, but always have, for emergencies, one of those hotel giveaway small bottles of shampoo-cum-conditioner with me when traveling, along with one of those small bars of soap.

Otherwise, it's easier to just pick up a bigger bottle over there once the plane ride is over and the weight limitations go away.

Travex makes a very lightweight, fast-drying black pants that has two zippered pockets, one inside a regular pocket and one just below the knee. The regular pockets are mesh for fast-drying. Believe you can also get it in gray.

These pants can be both for daywear and for evening. My friend, who's in the fashion industry, says the "cut" is not very good - but heck! personally, the pants are very serviceable. All one has to do is to change to a fancier top and drape a colorful scarf around at night.

I'd strongly suggest looking at new products like this to cut down the weight. Blue jeans are fine, but they take up too much of the weight allowance, unless one is wearing them on the plane.

The other new product of immense utility for me has been a Scottevest. Flying from GB to the continent on a budget airline, the one bag only rule was strictly enforced, so I stuffed everything else - including my netbook - into the Scottevest and wore that. The attendant couldn't care if I looked like the fat lady from the circus as long as there was only one bag. The Scottevest has so many pockets, it can carry a lot of things, especially weighty things like cameras, chargers, etc.

For laundry, I carry a long elastic cord which takes up less room than hangers.

My personal quirky needs have to do with my feet. My socks are always thick bulky ones, no matter what the weather. That's because the thicker socks are great for cushioning when a lot of walking/hiking needs to be done. My walking shoes are slip-on Merrills, which are great for slipping in and out of at airports and are great for long distance walking. There is no compromising on these items.

Oh, and slippers. Always have to have slippers when traveling. :)

Not sure if it was already suggested as I didn't read every response, but out of those I did read, I did not see any suggestion of taking underwear that may be ready to be replaced. Take a pair for every day of your trip. Wear them, and toss them. Then you also make room, little as it may be, for a souvy or two. I did this for a 3 week African safari and it worked very well.

Lots of other great suggestions, too. Will definitely be taking some notes from this thread.

I recently wrote an article about packing for a long trip using just a carry on. It's full of good tips for traveling light, and it's humorous. Go to www.AnniesNuggets.com and look for the post titled, "Help for a Heavy Burden."