Ziana

Oaktown Traveler,
I am leaving April fool day.
3 days Paris, 8 Hamburg visiting a friend.
Seat covers? It was surprising, tell more.
Little bottles I remember you
recommended it before, but some drinks
are abou to be served on plain, right?
I was wondering if they like candles as much?
I am still looking for the gift for
my friend, she is 40(young).
I got gifts for everyone but her.

CarolJean

I never go without Imodium. It now comes in liquid or capsules. Yes, you could go to a pharmacy to buy it, but if you need it, YOU NEED IT NOW! Have a great trip. Looking forward to your report CJ

Budman

How do you get all that stuff in your luggage? I can barely get the zipper zipped now with the wife's kitchen sink

The cork screw, in any way, shape, or form, is the only "must."

OaktownTraveler

Ziana:

Yes, they(the arlines) do serve wine and other alcohol/soft drinks on the plane but you come out a tad bit ahead
if you BYOB. You also have these little bottles of wine etc. for your hotel etc.

The seat covers are kinda like tissue wrapping paper and they completely cover the toilet seat.

Your friend may like candles...today they name the candles things like: Faith, happiness, sea, fun, and you name it. Go to any stationery or gift store to see what appeals to you.

I bring the candles for me or for me and hubby...awesome touch after a long day of sightseeing, eating and drinking!

OK, you have 11 days to dress...Here goes:

For the plane wear black linen or cotton pants. Nicely pressed, preferably new. They work well for the climate on the plane and more...if you spill no one can see. Black is classy and stylish if done right!

Pare these with a lovely linen blouse and bring a Pashima which also doubles as a blanket should they not have enough or should the plane provided blankets be covered with the hair of previous passengers...

Select nice and vivid colors for your blouses...style and color starts conversations... should you wish.

Others will say select colors to blend in...I say again, you are not in a kitchen so all that blending is not necessary.

Upon arrival you will see the color, the style and the good decisions walking all around you on the Parisian women.

Oh, the shoe should be a low to no heal classic black mule. You can slide your feet out while on the plane at will.

Pack a nice and fun pair of socks to put on your feet when you do not have your shoes on while on the plane.

Of course light make-up and a good hair style that will take you through your travels...no barretts, scrungies or other child-like accessories.

No travel books at this time...unless you must...Have an interesting novel or two and journal like crazy!

For your days and nights in Paris go very stylish!

Again, style is not uncomfortable. Nor does style take up more suitcase.

I think some think style is not FAST or necessary...style takes little to no time or space...check out the cover of this months Conde Nast for something that takes up zero room in your suitcase. That traveler on that cover is me. How affirming!

I also think some believe that as travelers we should shelve sensuality, beauty and the like. Nothing could be further from my truth.

These qualities, beauty, sensuality, style, pride, cleanliness and self respect make up in part who we are. Why hide or disguise these gifts and assetts if you have them?
Not hiding does not mean flaunting.

Flaunting is ok too if you want. Confidence is my choice.

Now I know I will get it for that but you can get attacked being unattractive, not stylish etc. too.
Hopefully no one woman gets attacked for being sensual, confident and attractively dressed period. Dressing dumpy and frumpy is not the answer to not attracting the ill will of one either.

Now Ziana:

3 days means 6 outfits.
You need an am and a pm outfit. No mixing and matching...remember, you are not in the kitchen.

You my dear are a woman traveling to Paris and Hamburg!

Bring three beautiful dresses or skirts.
You will need to carefully pair three stylish blouses with the skirts so decide which will be more fun for YOU!

Dresses are so feminine and special!

Pants are too if you have the cocktail ones and the lovely evening blouses that flow...great jewelry, a slightly higher heel...etc. Head held high!

You have to bring jewelry that compliments what you will be wearing. Earrings are the bare minimum.

Your lovely Pashima will bring a complete look to all of this without making you look dowdy, frumpy and the like.

Shoes matter! Those stylish yet comfortable mules with the low heal can set these outfits off nicely! These are your pm clothes so no need for "walking" shoes as if you are hiking or moving large furniture.

Your nice and stylish evening dresses will get you far! You will do lots of meeting and greeting with the locals.

For the days I say no to the fad of wearing Capri or Cargo pants.

You really have to me a true size 10 MAXIMUM to pull these off without looking like a tourist.

Capri pants are porportional and many women are not aware of that. Capri pants need the attention of coordinating a complete look. These are considered the lazy woman's pants least you do the job or pulling the look together. The look is European...thin, moped riding, smiles...
We American women put on the pant without completing the look. No, you do not need a moped but you do need an iron and the like. These pants are also cheaply made unless you go to a boutique where they will suggest the right ways to have you pull this together. Lots of trouble for a fad IMO.

I would go with a classic slack and if it is cool a nice and colorful oxford or golf shirt. Your Pashima works well with this look too. With a golf shirt you will need a cardigan to wear or to tie around your shoulders.

If you must wear a walking shoe go with a classic, clean and white ked or Tretorn. You want that casual look while being comfortable. You do not want that sloppy, dirty, thrown together, I-live-out-of-my-suitcase look.

Those who do not care...we know, we can see you.

The running shoe is too clumpy and stops the fashion and style attemps...dead.

Those other named walking shoes are unattractive...do not work well with stylish clothing and for the price you could do much more!

The unattractive walking shoe also adds unnecessary age to a woman. Kinda like the modern day Orthopedic shoe...It's a wrap for me as a lovely woman is what this says...stomp, stomp, stomp...

Avoid the color kakhi...overdone. Your slack can be that nice black one that you wore on the plane and two others in fun Spring colors... you pick! Your blouses follow your selections.

I know that colors per se are considered travel packing no-no's for some do or die travelers...

However, have you gotten a REAL good look at the folks telling you to pack in blands/blends and the like?

Do you really want to look like them?
It is your choice but there is nothing good about wearing funky clothes that have been hand washed and are as wrinkled as a discarded trash bag!

Can you "see" travel posters per se that dish this boring method of attire?

The next 8 days in Prague, you may rotate...not mix and match these items plus 4 new ones. You need two more evening outfits and two more day time outfits.

Try and remember that your photos will be really pretty and that you will meet more people too!

You do not have to carry your suitcases most of your trip. Think about it. AT the airport...PORTER. At the curb...Porter...At the cab...Porter/driver... hotel...PORTER...when do you need to bother with them?

I do not get the pack light. Makes not one bit of sense to me.

I of course travel with one over the top evening outfit, shoe and the works... I have always had a reason to wear this outfit as I or me and my hubby are invited to join some local couple or something special.

My over the top travel outfit is a St.John evening outfit, a Manolo Blahnik shoe and an excellent purse like a Judith Leiber or a evening bag by Ferragamo.

An exception to the barret is a beautiful rhinestone hair comb or decorative clip from say a Neiman Marcus or Saks.

I bring lots of beautiful lingerie, abundant pretty undergarments, no granny panties, and more. You need to buy one new nighty...just for you.

For 11 nights I would bring 4 different sets of sleepwear. Keeps things exciting for both me and hubby.

I know you will pack what feel right for you and you will have a grand time!

Thanks for asking...
Oaktown Traveler

Budman

OaktownTraveler, sounds like your hubby has to haul around 2 kitchen sinks when you travel.

Ziana

O dear !
I listen to you...
I am bad, so bad. I have already packed 3 evening outfits !!!
OT, please, save me from this horror of having to buy one of those spring/fall sport jackets. I always wear long coats when at home, like light weight and comfy and style...ish
Can I just have those with me instead of London Fog type of jacket?

Somehow I was always thinking I will walk - I need sneakers. And what goes with sneakers? You know...

I love your writing style.

Yeah, about 4 "night outfits" - ILMAO - I would have my 9 y/old with me in Paris in room, and in Hamburg we will sleep in friends living room. I don't suppose anyone will really appreciate my "french made" look )))))))))except may be her DH OUCH I didn't say that

Ziana

Yeah ! And seat covers were for the toilet ???
I thought "what can be so bad about plain seats so she covering those ?"

And you know - I might just bring candles...

beth23

Don't know if this was suggested yet, but:
bandaids
laundry bag
small zippered puc to keep on your perosn--great to keep your money, tickets, etc., close

Thanks for the tip about Redken--do you buy in specialty store?

johanna

Hi; You are a packer like me...Have been all over Europe the past 3 summers solo and never go without my lightweight rain jacket and umbrella that fits in pocket..have always used my small flashlight,travel clock, purell. Leaving in April for 4 wks to Prague, Krakow, Warsaw and Vilnius and may have to lug my luggage solo. Have never needed the toilet paper or antibiotics that I bring. Have used the moleskin several times. Have fun!!

johanna

Just thought of a tip someone else gave me that saves lots of time..I take return address labels from myself, kids and parents and use them to address postcards. Usually send a few to myself with what I am doing and enjoying the most and then know when they arrive.

OaktownTraveler

Ziana:

giggle... no need to buy the lightweight jacket. Think Pashima...

No need for the trench coat either. Bring what you have and add a nice scarf...one that you pick up in Paris...

LOL! Get good nighties. No need for the French Maid get-up... unless...nevermind!

In Hamburg, what if you get asked out?
Bring just one more outfit for that...ok?

The toilet seat covers are for those public bathroom stops. Do not use these in your friend's home.

Candles help with everything...

Budman: Too funny! Hubby has his own bags and again: P-O-R-T-E-R-S...

Happy Packing!
Oaktown Traveler

p.s. Ziana: Thanks for the compliment.

Lesli

Oaktown - You obviously travel in a stratosphere other than mine, where porters actually exist and you can afford to tip all of them every time you need one (which apparently is at each arrival or departure to/from anywhere! )

But does it truly *never* rain on your parade? Or do you hire a porter to follow you around holding an enormous umbrella over your fabulous pashmina?

While my budget is no doubt unimaginable to you, I assure you that I manage to be well-dressed nonetheless. But yes, I do mix and match and (horrors!) even wash things out in the sink.

And you are entitled to your opinion re capri pants, but they were adorable on Audrey Hepburn decades ago, and they have been back for several seasons now. Though I'll agree with you that they look best on those a size 10 or smaller.

OaktownTraveler

Lesli:

Laugh... We are big on tipping at home and abroad or while we travel period. We actually get tons of singles for our journey for just that purpose.

The weather is tricky. If you read any of my trip reports(click on my name) you will see that it does rain plenty on Oaktown Traveler...I love the rain, maybe that is a big part of it...

I do have a lovely white Ralph Lauren thigh length trench coat that folds flat on the bottom of my suitcase. It's a keeper.

I have one of those stylish wide brim hats that folds and unfolds with no wrinkles if things get rough.

When in ALaska I did have to forego the mule and Manolos...I wore a very pretty hot-pink Timberland boot that got me compliments galore! I also alternated with the fire engine red Timberland boot which is an awesome shoe on a woman in the wilderness...

I do not own an umbrella. I don't like them.

On clothing, I grew up in the fashion industry. I have eight closets filled with classic clothing and awesome shoes to match everything.

I buy one major piece of clothing a year. This year it will be a custom made Channel suit. That's it.

I do not do malls or shopping and all that stuff. I love the out doors, reading, lunch with the girls, golf with the guys...that's it.

Time traveling or hanging out with hubby is good and time with the teen is great. Teen is where the money goes.

We have worked very-very hard, me since I was 8 years old, and we are strategic about finances, investments, retirements,assetts, etc.

Hubby is down right frugal, some say stingy, and has to be forced to buy anything new...his albums,yup...still has them and collects them, are even old and used!

We are California "house-rich" and I recently went back to driving a BMW with no blue book value that I have owned for years.
Sold my luxury SUV, that I loved, and have not looked back.

I actually thought of mentioning Audrey Hepburn as an icon of how us American women may opt to dress while travelling.

So sad that some women try and do a Jane Goodall or Margarget Mead travel look without having one stitch of animal research on the docket!

Oh horrors about that sink thing...giggle...I forgive you!

Just Another Woman From Earth Too...
Oaktown Traveler

Scarlett

Oaktown, a word from another lady in another statosphere
I would love to have a white trench but something about me, things seem to just fly through the air and land on anything white. Probably why I did so well with the NYC Black ensemble all those years ago. Although here in Florida, I am seeing lovely pale pink dusters that are pretty charming!
But I digress, I just wanted to say that you must mean CHANEL? or is Channel when you are crossing from the UK to France

Scarlett

And Lesli-
how much room can undies or clothes take up that you have to wash them out in the sink ?We usually travel for 10 days to 2 weeks, I always bring more than I need including too many shoes and I still find that I don't need to scrub my clothes in the bathroom late at night before bed..how dreary!
Maybe it is just a size thing?

StCirq

Oaktown is obviously traveling in different Channels from me, wherever she goes, though clearly she's not headed to deal with plumbers about clearing out the septic tank in her French house, as I often am.

Ziana: You don't need to take the advice from these fashionistas, you know, unless you want to and it's your style of travel. When I appear in Paris on Easter Sunday having taken the train from Avignon I will have on a pair of black gabardine slacks, a peach-colored cashmere sweater, some black Aerosoles with a mid-height heel, black socks, a 22" roll-on suitcase, and a black leather rectangular large purse that accommodates my Dell laptop. I'll have a light-orange windbreaker and a black umbrella to guard against the wind and rain. And a Hermés scarf that I've never used in orange and pale blue in case I feel the need to show off. It weighs nothing. I'll be totally in sync with the Parisians who are headed off to dinner at the same time I am. Do NOT use Oaktown's list as the standard for traveling to Europe unless you are a wealthy primadonna. I KNOW Europe - I have a house there and go there several times a year, and unless you are desperately trying to impress people there is no reason to travel there with more than about 4 outfits for a trip of 10 days or more. These wealthy Americans who go on the equivalent of 19th-century Grand Tours aren't living in the real world.

summersquash

After reading all these replies I am more worried than ever. I don't know if I have enough or too little of everything. I have several dressy items but mostly I planned just casual wear, kahkis, slacks, jeans. also a rain jacket & umbrella. I do hope jeans will be o.k. for day wear and sight seeing. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

SalB

Pashmina and capris are so démodé.

Just got back from Rome where all the Italians (or at least the fluent Italian speakers) were wearing blue jeans and sneakers. So much for advice on dress.

Yes, the business people were dressed elegantly for work, but the only way you could identify a tourist was by their shiny new clothes! When someone had brand new clothes with the packing creases still in them, they invariably were speaking American, British, German or (dare I say it) French.

Ziana, wear the clothes you wear at home. You'll be comfortable and feel normal and hence, look normal. Unless you're taking the kids to the opera in the evening, you won't need evening wear . . . and leave the TP at home. They have it there.

CarolA

Some of these threads provide my laugh for the day.

I agree that white is about the most impractical color for a travel coat I could possibly imagine.

Personally, I think taking TP is WAY overboard. But that is just me.

ezlivin

What's with all this self-adulation, trash-talk here? Just to help somebody pack?

It's easy to tell the try-hard trailer-trash glam traveler wannabe from the chic and sophisticated Euro-traveler.

Now to help Zianna pack. How about slippers or something soft, light and comfortable for your feet. Some hotels do not provide them and you want to keep your feet protected when in your room (especially in the cold hotel bathroom floors).