Packing for 16 days
 

I always overpack when travelling in the US, but now going on my first overseas trip for 14 nights in Naples, Pompeii, Sorento, etc. and am being told only one suitcase under 50 lbs and one carry on under 11 lbs! I think it is 4 hotels in all and I'm sure I'll spend a little time finding a laundromat, but ... Please help with suggestions on what to pack and what to leave home. I'm leaving in 4 more days - woo hoo!

Man or woman?

It will be warm, so you don't need much in the way of heavier clothing. The man or woman question is good: how big are your shoes?

What sort of activities are you planning, and do you "dress" for dinner? How often each day do you imagine yourself changing outfits? How often would you be comfortable wearing the same clothing during that 14-day period?

My 1st rule of thumb: Pack whatever you think you'll need, then lay it all out and cut it in half.

Wait: I had to reread this. We are talking about maybe 55 pounds of luggage? That's a fair amount of weight. I don't think it should be too much of a problem.

Have you weighed your suitcase, empty? That's a good place to start. I hope it's not too heavy. I really think you'll be able to take what ever you want with those weight limits.

I assume you've got your wardrobe together. Linen and cotton shouldn't weigh too much.

Leave behind any heavy books. For rain, take a very lightweight rain jacket. Don't pack anything electronic; things like hair dryers may not work and take up extra weight and space.

Sandals and lightweight walking/running shoes, all cotton socks and underwear.

Don't take large bottles of liquids such as shampoo and conditioner. Take travel size, and then replace them while you are there. Actually, no big bottles of anything, because they weigh a lot and you can get all sorts of great personal products in Italy.

In your carry on, it's the same: just very small sizes of anything. First, it's the rule for liquids, and second, you don't want the bag to be overweight.

If your suitcase is too heavy empty, think about using something different. I have an Eagle Creek which is the lightest piece of luggage I've ever owned. Admittedly small, because I'm a light packer, but it comes in larger sizes, too, and it is a very lightweight line.

Your trip sounds great, by the way. Dress and pack for hot weather. You will be fine, I'm sure.

I've learned (thank you, Fodorites), that no matter where I go or how long I stay, I only need to pack for one week. If you're staying for 14 nights, pack for seven nights and wash half way through. Experiencing a laundromat in Italy is a cultural experience! Onda Blu is a chain of Italian laundromats. Here's a list of the locations and their addresses.

http://www.ondablu.com/Template/list...p?IDFolder=163

hi, coltsfan,

thre are lots of threads about packing on this board, but this is my two pen'th.

the max. you need is clothes for 7 days - you should easily be able to find some way of washing/laundering clothes after a week.

even if you are in posh hotels, you are only staying in each one for 4 days, so you don't need lots of evening wear -two smart outfits, max.

europeans are vey casual in dress, and will expect you to be so too, unless you are staying in very posh establishments -see above.

three pairs of shoes should be fine - one walking, one pair sandals, one smart pair. wear the heaviest ones to travel.

you do not need to bring lots of cosmetics and hair care products with you. all hotels will supply them free and all pharmacies and supermarkets stock them. your hotel will also have a hair-dryer and an iron, should you need them.

you do not need any heavy coats - a light waterproof [which you'll hopefully never use] and a jumper for cooler nights should be all you need.

try to bring clothes that co-ordinate with each other. some people just bring black, and use scarves to jazz them up.

do bring a light blouse or shawl that you can use when going into churches.

don't bring a separate outfit for each day. 4 day time outfits, and 2 evening, is all you'll need. promise. and if you did need anything else, we have shops. lots of them. some may even stock clothes that you like.

stop worrying and start packing.

have a great time,

regards, ann

Just noticed that the address links are live. Click and there's a lot info about each location, including a map.

Map: Come raggiungere il punto vendita

Just noticed that the Onda Blu address links are live. Click and there's a lot info about each location, including a map.

Map: Come raggiungere il punto vendita

You can do it! :)

I don't think I've <u>ever</u> needed/taken 61 lbs of luggage. Even in the old days when I overpacked a bit. I reformed my ways in about 1991 and since then the most I've taken, whether for a week or 4 weeks, is 25-26 lbs.

Take about half of what you are allowed. Remember that you will doing the carrying.

Get a 22&quot; soft case with wheels. Four days clothing is all you need or want.

Do a google search for packing list europe and you'll get plenty of helpful lists from plenty of different folks. Take your pick or mix and match. The basic rule of all of them is pack light.

coltsfan: Trust the good advice that has been offered. Take less than what you think you need. I take high school students every year (mostly female) and few listen to me when I tell them to pack light. But most tell me later that they wished they had listened.

Here are a couple links (one to one of my travel blogs and one to Rick Steves, who spends two months per year in Europe and lives very efficiently out of a small bag.

My packing list was made before I spent 30 days in Europe this summer. I can tell you that my strategy worked - the synthetic materials traveled well and drying time was overnight, if not sooner. I am one who traveled to Europe the first time with two suitcases. It took me about 5 years to start taking less. I'm a slow learner I guess.

http://tinyurl.com/3xt8fv
http://www.ricksteves.com/plan/tips/packlist.htm

Travelling to Europe at least once, often twice a year, I have it down to very light packing.
I sometimes cut out portions of large travel guides, so I only carry the chapters I need and throw them away and all my Fodor notes as I go along. I carry paperbacks to read, which can be given away if I need the room.
I purposely bought 2 pair of black pants at Talbot's that were very inexpensive polyester and they wash and dry in the sink without needing ironing. I only wear them to travel. I have many light blouses that dry in a few hours and don't require ironing. I carry a couple of clip hangers and a couple of plastic hangers to hand my clothes to dry in the tub. 2 Pair of shoes, one is a black pair of walking shoes the other the most comfortable black with brown trim loafers that look OK at a restaurant and can be used daytime as well. So 3 pair of pants, 5 blouses for 15 days because I get bored with same clothes, and 3 days underwear and one night gown. Small containers of all cosmetics, shampoo, hairspray, etc. One windbreaker or nice sweater (replaced by a black jacket if chillier). SO I carry on my bag even for 15 days in China or Spain. I stick my purse in a carry on so it qualifies as my personal item. I have a foldable shopping bag, and if I buy too much stuff, I check my bag on the return trip and carry the shopping bag.

I always use a 24&quot; roller for Europe, which packed weighs 27-35 lbs, it's 8 lbs. empty.

Downsize all cosmetics and toiletries to just the amount you need for 16 days. 1-3 oz plastic travel bottles that you transfer your own shampoo, etc. into. Put all into a large doubled ziplock, lay flat in the suitcase.

I don't take any electronics (hair dryer, curling iron, laptop, cell phone, etc.) but that's just me.

My one luxury is taking 3 pair of shoes. One on my feet, and two in the suitcase, plus flip flops or slippers. My thinking is you can wear the same outfit for a few days, who cares, but if your shoes go wrong on a trip, it ain't pretty.

With 4 days to go, I'd hang everything up I'm considering packing, somewhere separately, like on the back of a door. Really be careful and only take the pieces that you love, the ones you'd reach for first on a weekend at home. Plan to wear them often.

Don't clutter up the suitcase at the last minute with &quot;oh maybe I might need this&quot;. I don't pack guidebooks, just internet info printed and neatly organized in one small folder in my carry-on. One paperback novel for entertainment.

Great ideas everyone, thank you. I know I shouldn't worry. The one comment about don't clutter your bag after you've packed thinking maybe I'll use this, is definitely me if there is extra room! On this trip, I know there will be things I will want to bring home. Oh BTW, I am female, mid-40's. Getting way too excited and really need to start getting my things together .... thanks again!

You will have a great time! I just wanted to add my two cents. Don't take cotton underwear, buy some microfiber stuff. Probably true for socks as well, as they dry overnight ( cotton won't). I went two weeks with a carryon bag last winter and I absolutely loved it! Just love the clothes you are taking and wear them every day. Dark colors are more forgiving ( I also had two pr of black slacks and wore them the entire time )

Wearing things more than once (except for undies and socks of course) really is the single best trick to packing light. Some people are laundry fanatics imo, nothing wrong with wearing the same couple pair of pants for a two weeks trip. Just try not to spill wine on yourself!!

bookmarking... to refer my 22 students to for our upcoming trip to Russia!!

%%-

Katya- I was involved chaperoning a choir trip- a suggestion. We gave them a clothing list and max dementions for their suitcases. We had the kids bring in their packed suitcases a day before the trip. We checked them and had the kids carry them up 2 flights of stairs. If they couldn't the cases went back home for repacking. Worked like a charm.

50+ pounds?? Are you nuts?

Whether I'm going for 2 months or 10 days I take a 22&quot; suitcase that weighs in between 25 and 28 lbs. And that's 6 lbs. the suitcase alone.

OK, I'll admit I'm pretty tiny (5'3&quot;and 112 lbs) and that means my clothes don't weigh much and I can't do much heavy lifting, but honestly, you can do this. I pack, for this time of year, one pair of long pants, one pair of capris, two skirts, one dress, about 6 tops (some short-sleeved, some long-sleeved), one sweater, one jacket, two pairs of shoes (one strappy low-heeled sandal, one casual walking shoe like a slip-on), underwear, lightweight pajamas, a small bag of toiletries....and that's it. I buy whatever I didn't bring (shampoo, conditioner, soap, toothpaste, etc) when I get there.
If I am suddenly struck by the fqact that I'm missing something, I go out and buy it. That's part of the fun, ya know?

You need to leave space in your suitcase because you will inevitably buy things! I always stuff an empty duffle bag into my luggage so at the end of the trip I can throw my dirty laundry into it and use my hardside luggage to protect anything breakable that I might have bought. Wash things out as you wear them. As long as you're traveling in Spring, Summer or Fall you should be set because the clothing is fairly lightweight.

Have a great time!

That's a good thought, travelbunny! I personally wouldn't be able to give up my suitcase that early- I am a habitual overpacker, I admit it. My kids are limited to one suitcase, 70 lbs (we are flying Finnair).

This is my 3rd time bringing kids to Russia, so I have some experience. Luckily, we are only really &quot;traveling&quot; 3 days- NY-Moscow (we will be in a hotel for 2 nights). Then we take the train to St.P, where we will be staying with host families for 10 days. Then we come home! So as far as constantly moving luggage, we don't need to- but we do have to bring gifts, etc.- so there is some extra weight involved.

I'm really going to try to keep it down this trip, though! I want to lead by example...

%%-

Returned last week, my husband &amp; 16 yr old son 2 weeks in Tuscany, also going to Venice, Florence, Rome, Elba Island, &amp; Cinque Terre. Survived just find with carry-on backpacks bought at my local outdoor store. Plan to wash, mix &amp; match, buy toiletries there and/or a scarf or accesories to spruce up a simple outfit for dinner. Wore my running shoes &amp; heaviest clothes on the plane &amp; had a small simple pair of flat black sandels packed. Tied my zip up sweatshirt around my waist (big space saver not packing that in the bag). Never packed that light before but will from now on. You realize all the stuff we think we NEED every day to survive is really not necessary. Good Luck!

I took my college-age niece on her first European trip--spring break in Italy. Before the trip I stressed that she could fit everything she needed in her new 22-inch rolling bag and the attached shoulder tote. We would be flying with carry-on only and taking trains. She would have to carry and handle her own luggage.

She seemed very skeptical. I sent her my packing list that I use for any trip, no matter how long. I mentioned many of the tips you've already heard: mix and match everything; rewear items; save the expandable feature for your return trip; don't add items at the last minute because there's room . . . I'm a larger size but still manage with a 22-inch bag.

We met at the departure airport and she excitedly shared that she had all she needed in her bag AND still had a little empty space.

She was especially pleased when we landed in Venice and breezed past all the people waiting at baggage claim.

Pack clothes for one week and a tube of detergent and wash your clothes in the hotel bathroom every evening.

I pack for two weeks in a 22 inch carry on and backpack.

I do not wash clothes on vacation, period. It is easy to find a cleaners where you can drop things off to be laundered or dry cleaned and the cost is reasonable. I do this each trip half way through.

I have never seen an iron in the hotel rooms in average hotels nor has the front desk had them to offer. I pack a small steamer. Blowdryers are fine for my short hair and I buy toiletries there as, again, not all hotels supply them nor do they supply a range of items.

I do not find the Italians to dress casually, except for the young. They dress smartly.

I pack three pairs of pants for day and two for evening; I travel in fall and winter. I pack around a central color theme (black and khaki, for instance).I add a pashmina and a scarf or two to change things around.

I need 4 pair of shoes because I run in the mornings. I pack those and wear my heaviest pair on the plane. I pack a nice pair of black leather books for nights and an alternate pair of walking shoes for daytime.

I also pack 2 sets of running clothes in microfiber to rinse and wear again.

Pack fabrics conducive to travel: knits, microfiber, jersey.

I swear by twin sets and always pack a black silk turtleneck or two.

Packing light makes travel soooo much easier.

Just want to point out if you're flying through or out of Britain, you may only take one item on board: one purse OR one laptop OR one rollaboard. The EU delayed implementation of this rule, but it may soon be in effect for all Europe.

To clarify mimar's post -- in the UK you can only take one item <u>through security</u>. You can take more pieces on board. So if your &quot;personal item&quot; can fit inside your carry on just while going through screening, after that point you can take it out and carry the two items on the plane.

I'm with suze. I have never washed anything and have taken up to 3 week trips. On a two week trip pack for a week and wear it twice. The top of my suitcase inside has a zippered mesh thing the full size of the suitcase. I fill that with underwear and socks for each day so it doesn't take up room in the other part of the suitcase.
Also bring shampoo and toiletries that you have put in smaller containers. And forget the hairdryer, most hotels have these. If they don't and this has not happened too often I just airdry my hair. I can pack for 2 weeks in a 22&quot; suitcase. Will not carry it on because I have to expand it and it usually weighs about 40 lbs but you can do it.
I use a small back pack for a carry on and I don't think I could find 11 lbs worth of stuff to put in it. Do not bring all the travel guides because they are really heavy, just copy the pages.

Long ago, I learned from a well-seasoned traveler that it’s better to bring shorts &amp; a tee-shirt to sleep in instead of pajamas. (or yoga type pants for winter). That way, in case of a hotel emergency and you have to get out in the middle of the night, you’ll won’t be outside in your pjs.

I recently went on my first two trips to Europe and the best packing tip I can pass on is this - use the large ziplock bags!

We just got back on Sunday from spending 11 days in Scotland and London. By using these bags, I was able to take ten short sleeve shirts, three pullover sweaters, 2 pairs of jeans (one pair worn on the plane), 2 pairs of black day pants, 1 dressy pair of black pants, 1 brown skirt, 1 black dress, five pairs of shoes (2 pairs packed down very flat and I wore the bulkiest on the plane), fairly heavy rain coat, underwear, socks, and two fun necklaces to dress up any outfit. All of this fit in my 22 inch rolling suitcase (without using the expandable feature) and small carry on tote. We also bought several things while on the trip and I was still able to fit everything in without expanding!

The bags also make it very easy to keep things organized when you have to take things out of your bag. I roll all the shirts in bags, the three sweaters in one, and underwear in another. Pants go in the bottom of the bag rolled as thin as possible.

You will feel so good about yourself when you have no problems with your luggage at the airport or on the train!

MarthaT and I pack same style, though I do wash out a t-shirt or some undies sometimes (using hotel shampoo).

The ziplock idea above is a good one but use it sparingly! Because this method makes clothes more compact so you can end up with an even HEAVIER suitcase (true story).

McAllister does what we do. Concentrate on &quot;black&quot; it goes with everything.
We always leave with carryon only and return with extra bags (purchases)that we check.
This year we travel ATL-CDG-FCO.
Connecting with Alitalia does have me concerned,especially for our return. Limiting us to 50lbs each will be tight (think olive oil,wine,etc.).
I've read that Alitalia actually has a 44lb limit intraEurope,but I'm assuming that our final destination is what thry consider.
Add all this to the fact that I will have only a one hour and twenty minute connection at CDG. This adds the distinct possibility of ours bags not arriving at FCO.
Oh well,at least we'll be back in Italy.

For those saying they are limited to 50 lbs.: is that for an transcontinental flight? (ie. US to Italy?). As far as I know all airlines in coach (even Alitalia!) allows 2 suitcases weighing 50 lbs EACH. Following is a copy of Alitalia's bagagge allowance policy :

Here are the registered baggage allowances for Alitalia flights:

Flights
__________________________________________________ __________

DOMESTIC

20 kg max
__________________________________________________ __________

INTERNATIONAL/INTERCONTINENTAL (weight concept)

FIRST/MAGNIFICA CLASS: 30 kg max
ECONOMY CLASS: 20 kg max
__________________________________________________ __________

USA, CANADA, MEXICO and area 2/3 (piece concept)

MAGNIFICA CLASS: 2 suitcases 32 kg max each, 158 cm max each (*)
ECONOMY CLASS: 2 suitcases 23 kg max each, 158 cm max each __________________________________________________ __________

BRAZIL (piece concept) for tickets issued until July 31, 2006:

MAGNIFICA CLASS: 2 suitcases 32 kg max each, 158 cm max each (*)
ECONOMY CLASS: 2 suitcases 32 kg max each, 273 cm max (*), of which one must not exceed 158 cm (*)

(*) Sum of length + width + depth

As of August 1, 2006 from Europe (&amp; Italy) and Middle East to Brazil (weight concept):
FIRST/MAGNIFICA CLASS: 30 kg max
ECONOMY CLASS: 20 kg max

The contrary route, from Brazil to Europe (&amp; Italy) and Middle East the &quot;piece concept&quot; mentioned further above remains valid.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
However, if during your stay in Italy ( or anywhere in Europe) you take an intraEurope flight ( not a connecting flight), that's where the problem occurs.

Coltsfan - I did almost this same trip 2 years ago and everything went in my 22&quot; roller. I read somewhere to take 5 tops and 3 bottoms and mix and match from there. Saves time and trouble and not much laundry to do BUT there is a nice little laundromat in Sorrento. Took one pair of walking shoes, and one pair of sandals, had a light jacket but rarely needed it. Go light - you won't need half that other stuff anyway.

I could never survive with 3 tops personally but, using my packing cubes, I take 3-4 daytime tops and several nicer ones for evening, all in one medium size cube. My pants get rolled and lingerie and workout gear goes in one small one.

My backpack holds my essentials including reading material (I read books then discard as I go, same for info on the places I am visiting), toiletries, etc., as well as pair of shoes and pashmina.