April

I think the point here, Richard, was to make suggestions, not that he has to take ALL of these items. My partner and I travel with one smallish suitcase, a carry-on bag and a camera bag. The airport ticket agents always remark, "My...travel light, don't you?" Still, you won't find me leaving without my tape and scissors (duct tape - now there's a thought). They've come in handy too many times, including one instance of a boat building contest on a cruiseship. Still, buying locally when not a frantic necessity can be nice. I found a great hand lotion in the Netherlands. I agree with the others though that you might want to think about taking fewer clothes. <BR>

Donna

I'm sure Mike has the good sense to accept or reject the recommendations here depending on his preferences and needs. Less clothes? For 11 days? All this will fit in a carry-on. A one-inch compass on a pin or keychain is far less burdensome that wasting time on the aggravation of being lost! On the other hand, if you can't remember the last time you needed a needle and thread or a safety pin, you won't need the sewing kit. And, you're not likely to need any pharmaceuticals you never need at home, or anything else you never wish you had when out and about. Anyway, suggestions are just that. Everyone has their own needs and preferences.

Mary Ann

Mike; As Donna mentioned, a lot dependes on personal preference. The less you carry the better. However, if I may add, find the size of luggage you want to take then figure out how much you can put in it. All the expandable luggage that is out is great. When my husband and I travel we take a tote with essentials (toileteries, etc.) a rolling 21 inch carryon with enough clothes for both for 3 days and anything I would not want to lose intransit. We check one larger rolling bag going over. Coming back, the 21 inch expands to 24 for whatever we need. Other things, like sewing kits, can be as small as a matchbook. You may never need it, but if you do, it is convenient rather than spending time. Many small pensions, chambre d'hotes, etc, are not as fully equiped as 5 star locations. Where you are staying may help you decide what to take. Oh and Italy does have Laundry locations, at least in Venice according to Rick Steves.

Bob Brown

I think most of the above advice reflect personal experiences and practices by seasoned, experienced travel buffs. Even though the list is extensive, the cubic inch displacement of many of the suggestions is quite small. I think the major points are these: <BR> <BR>1. Pack no more than you can transport yourself if you have to walk several hundred yards with it. <BR>2. Take along those personal items of need and convenience that are hard to acquire away from home. (E.g prescription drugs and eye glasses) <BR>3. Have reliable sources of money with an emergency reserve. (Counting a credit card as a source.) <BR>4. Have adeqate safeguards for the vital documents: including passport, credit cards, driver's license, transportation tickets, and currency/checks. <BR> <BR>Those suggestions for little plastic bags, fold-up reading lamp, immersion heater, clothes pins, sewing kit, compass, etc. are items that could fit inside a pair of shoes. (A man's size 11 perhaps.) <BR>I know I never go anywhere without my hiking boots, so if I don't wear them, I can poke a lot of odds and ends inside of them. <BR>

lin delamaine

why would you take a "cheap camera"? you are travelling to two of the most beautifull countries on the face of the earth and are taking a "cheap" camera?! i have just returned and have taken some phenomenal photos - they are the only souvenir that will bring you years of pleasure! Also, take a pair of shorts and what we used most were our Marmot fleece tops, 100 weight - fitted, stylish, warm and comfortable.

Monica

Okay, here's what I took for my trip to Paris earlier this month: <BR> <BR>3 pairs of pants <BR>1 belt <BR>4 tops (but wore one of them only once, so next time will be 3 tops) <BR>1 jacket for the cool mornings and evenings <BR>4 pairs of socks <BR>a few pairs of undies <BR>2 bras <BR>1 night shirt <BR>sneekers <BR>Easy Spirit shoes (both were comfortable!) <BR>mini alarm clock <BR>earplugs <BR>1 very LIGHT mini umbrella <BR>adapter and hairdryer <BR>1 washcloth (got rid of at end of trip) <BR>1 clothes line <BR>wine opener <BR>shampoo, make up, etc. <BR>extra pair of contact lenses; cleaner; glasses <BR>15 rolls of film, camera, flash, extra batteries <BR>any medication <BR>bubble wrap (need it for ceramics!) <BR>a few large ziplock bags <BR>1 empty duffle bag that folds flat <BR>1 mailing tube for prints I knew I was going to buy <BR>Passport, tickets, 2 credit cards, drivers license, copies of passport <BR>Journal, travel book, 2 pens <BR> <BR>A few of the small items fit inside my shoes, like someone else mentioned. All of this fit into my carry on suitcase (with rollers and pull-out handle). <BR> <BR>I used my duffle bag for my shopping items. <BR> <BR>I coordinated my cloths to match so I didn't need but 1 belt. My only suggestion to you Mike is to get rid of 1 belt, 1 pants, 1-2 shirts. I'm saying this based on what my husband takes when we travel together. And yes, skip the <BR>brith cert.

Richard

In case you are going to Italy, you can only take 10 rolls of film into the country. But I also did not see customs going thru anyones bags either....

Richard

.......now that I look at Mikes list i think he seems to have packed smartly given the amount of time he will be in Europe.

Julie

A couple of other items for you to consider. I always bring a little bit of moleskin which is great if you do happen to get a blister. I have really comfy walking shoes, but on a recent trip to Provence, we left our hotel at 8am and didn't return until 10pm. Even comfy shoes can give you blisters after that much walking over several days. <BR> <BR>The other recommendation is, if you need to bring any appliances at all, such as a hair dryer, buy one thats dual voltage. That way, you only need to bring an adapter, but can leave the converter at home!