I thank all of you for being so kind in replying about how to manage the clothing 'wrinkles' issue. There a so many good ideas, and I will give the hotel an opportunity to allow me one of their irons,or if time permits (since we are on a tour...first timers...),see if their schedule will be like our schedule, and just ask them to press a few items.
I really like to have the option though, to be able to just do it myself, so I may still purchase one,,thank you for the website and info. Never thought of the 'steam in the bathroom trick, but even if some say it doesn't work, you just know that I am going to have to try it!!
The spray bottle, and the Downy Wrinkle Releaser are also something to consider. Once again, I thank all of you! Ciao'

I stopped taking travel irons and then I stopped taking steamers and usually use the "bathroom steam" method.

Now, as to those who have decided that letting steam fill up a bathroom isn't "green" please consider the fact that the energy to heat up that water has already been USED before you even turn on the hotr water tap.

If this "logic" about "wasting steam" (actually it isn't even steam) makes one wonder how wasteful taking a shower is.

I also use the bathroom steam method..The water isnt wasted as I am soaking in a bubble bath as the steam rises!

In 16 trips to Italy I have never had a hotel provide an iron, even on request. Perhaps only the very $$$ hotels do but it is considered a fire hazard.

I pack a small dual voltage steamer with an attached brush. It weighs nothing and works great. While the steam in the bathroom method works for some things, it does not work consistently, at least for me.

catiecat: Maybe you know this, but if you are going to depend on hotel laundry services, it is wise to ask BEFORE you have things done about what the cost will be.

I've read comments on this forum that suggest that the prices can be exorbitant.

I also agree with the Downy Wrinkle Releaser. We used it a lot this past summer while in Europe. We would only unpack the clothes we needed for each stop and would put the wrinkle releaser on them the first night there. Most of the clothes were unwrinkled by the time we needed them in each city. Hope that helps.

A freind of mine just bought a combination hairdryer/iron. She is lending it to me for my trip to Italy next week. It's quite small, comes in a carring case. I don't know how it works but I figure it's worth a try. She bought it at Brookstone.

Steam takes out large loose kinds of wrinkles from certain fabrics, but it's not going to make a white cotton shirt ironed-crisp, for example.

This doesn't help catiecat, but any clothes I pack do not need ironed. There are not special travel clothes, but when I get new things I always have an eye out for "travel worthy" pieces.

nytraveler~ an unused ironing board also makes a good place for a cat to sleep!

The hairdryer method works great (like Betty & Lady Wife -Ira suggest)but you do have to pull on the garment to stretch it whilst blowing it with the hot air. ( husbands hands are needed here!) Works best with clothing made with some synthethic content.

I use the "pack my clothes within dry-cleaner bags and roll them" method, rather than fold- works like a charm. I did ask for an iron once in a small Parisian hotel and was escorted to the laundry room and got to use an iron right there with the hotel workers! What a treat to see the inner workings of a hotel, practice my language skills and exchange some smiles!

karrie:
please tell me how to do the dry cleaner bag bit...I know i have read it before, but have forgotten. thanks

I've successfully used the dry cleaner's plastic for years. I don't roll my clothes, though. I put a thin layer between every fold of the garment I can. For example, I'll lay a pair of slacks in the suitcase and place a sheet of plastic between the legs, then I fold the pants, placing more plastic between the folded part. Then I'll put a layer on top before I add another garment. Oh my, I don't think I've made this sound too clear. Everything's sandwiched between plastic. At any rate, I seldom have things wrinkled. It DOES add some bulk because I don't compress it and air pockets form. But when I pack to come home, I leave the plastic out and I have more room for purchases.

Beware of Downey wrinkle releaser it may leak and in case you are sensitive it is highly perfumed. Anyway, I use the dry cleaner bags. I place the item or items on the bag and fold them with the bag. Upon arrival everything gets hung up and rearranged anyway and later placed back in the bags. I rarely have wrinkles and like Suze I take items that are travel worthy. My husband often has laundry done through the hotels in Europe and Latin America and has almost always had good luck. It can be pricey, however.

This thread cracks me up (in a good way). Only because I don't iron my clothes at home, why would I need to when I travel?
:-)

suze, if you don't iron your clothes when you travel, you might be taken for a tourist, even if you avoid the capris and white sneakers.