kswl

Spygirl, I think the undies were 5 euro last time.

I don't mind paying for clean laundry when it means I don't have to lug around a bigger suitcase. And we save in other ways. I am a rabid bargain fare hunter, and sometimes we travel just because the fare is so low we can't afford NOT to go. That's how I convince the DH, anyway

I also have problems with a shoulder (separation, rotator cuff tears, etc.) and can't physically lift anything heavier than a 22", so for me it is almost necessary to send out the laundry. No little oompaloompa porter to follow me around, more's the pity.

Spygirl

Oh, if you can afford to send out for hotel cleaning, that's great, I wish I could -(and let me tell you, there is no WAY I will wash undies out in a sink to wear again-nope, to me, that's depressing and icky-which is not to say I haven't had to do it on occasion but most of the time not). That's why I bring hundreds of undies! (only a slight exaggeration).

As for the lugging, I have wrist and elbow problems (tennis elbow) so it's NOT easy dragging that big suitcase around. But there's usually someone around to help me get it on and off and up and down, or, if there are porters then they can deal with it-I will pay for that-it's certainly not much, and definitely worth it.

Linda431

Julies...I feel your pain.

I always have a problem packing for 2 climates, and yes I know "layering" is the key. It's still hard to manage. You'll need nice heels for the wedding and probably won't wear them again.

I have the perfect outfit that would work, black silk shell & skirt (could you get away with pants?) and a cream embrodered tie front sweater with tiny sparkles on it. None of those pieces takes up much room and the sweater could go over more causal pieces.

Maybe you could come up with some version of my outfit.

kswl

Well, Spygirl, to each her own. I would rather pay the laundry than the porter.

FainaAgain

Spygirl, bring anti-bacterial towlettes, they now sold individually wrapped, so you can bring as few as needed, wipe off the sink, and discard the towlette.

maryann

Love this thread and I'm going to have to read it all over again to make sure I catch all the ideas.

Love the idea of bringing a spare space bag to 'squish' some clothes for more room. We will sometimes bring some 'gently used' items to leave at our last stop to make more room.

Keep the ideas coming.

Ardie

I've had people tell me they bring items that they intend on throwing away or just leaving in Italy (like old comfy shoes). Anyone have any other items that can be easily replaced and serve as a "must have" momento of the vacation?

Carrybean

I pack lighter than I used to but I'll never do a 3 week trip anywhere with a roll-aboard. I agree with a lot of what Spygirl says & frankly, I get sick of wearing the same thing over & over. Call me shallow. . .

So if a roll-aboard works for you, that's great. It doesn't for me.

Jolie

I need to take a carry-on because of a bad experience I had once, when the airline lost my bag. I am a short person, and it's difficult for me to find clothes that fit without being altered (shortened) even at home, let alone in a foreign country where I do not speak the language and have limited vacation time. I was so scarred by that experience that I vowed NEVER to check my bag again, at least on the flight over.

So long as I wear the bulkiest items on the plane (ski jacket, hiking shoes, etc.) I can fit even three weeks of clothes into a carry-on. Maybe that's the (only?) benefit to being short - my clothes take up less room. I don't really care about the weight, unless it affects the carry-on-ability (is that a word?) of the bag.

vino

Thanks for all the great advice!! I'm using the one about focusing on a color scheme-which will limit the extra shoes and accessories. We also plan on bringing our older beach towels for the pool and plan on leaving them when we return home.
But- I still have no idea how I'm going to pack everthing I need in my little- 29 inch suitcase-LOL!! Congrats to all of you that use a 22" bag-you're amazing!!!!!!!!!! I'm the one with the HEAVY sticker on my bag
V

LoveItaly

Whatever works for each of us, lol.

I could go on and on about how I pack and what I pack, how my lingerie gets washed not only at home but also on trips. How I deal with dirty laundry while travelling etc. But what is the point

We all have different thinking about how many clothes and what type of clothes we want to take with us on a trip, what works for each of us on a trip etc.

enpleinair

Ardie,
In Switzerland, I left a new pr of capris & levis in my hotel with a note to 'find a home' for them (so the staff wouldn't think I unintentionally left them) Because I bought a beautiful ski parka & had no room for it. Levis are easily replaced ;o0

kswl

"But- I still have no idea how I'm going to pack everthing I need in my little- 29 inch suitcase-LOL!!"

Lord in heaven, Vino! A 29" suitcase is a whale on wheels!

Luisah

<<Actually - when I pack light I tend to dress better than when I take everything plus the kitchen sink.

If one takes the time to select a coordinated travel wardrobe and attractive accessories - then every outfit will look good and be in fashion.>>

Exactly! It's not quantity, it's quality. A few quality, classic pieces with great accessories (silk scarves, wraps, jewelry etc.) = style. European women know how to do this. They generally don't have closets full of clothes.

<<As for the lugging, I have wrist and elbow problems (tennis elbow) so it's NOT easy dragging that big suitcase around. But there's usually someone around to help me get it on and off and up and down, or, if there are porters then they can deal with it>>

I'm in my sixties and have arthritis and a bad knee, but I don't expect anyone to carry or lift my luggage. If I can't lift it, I don't take it. Where are the porters? I haven't seen one in years.

Interesting posts, lots of good ideas.

Spygirl

"Where are the porters?"

Answer: They're all over the place, airports, hotels, even porters who will drag your bags through the streets of Venice, if that's what you want, and sometimes you do.

Again, for those who like to go with the "few classic pieces" plus accessories, more power to 'ya. Myself, I find that a tired old refrain. I prefer several changes of clothes. Otherwise, it's just too boring.

suze

Vino- Most places that offer a pool, also offer guests pool towels to use at it. I would check before bringing your own. You can pack ~ 4 pieces of clothing in the space of (even a thin old and raggedy) beach towel.

hopscotch

I can't tell if it is starrsville or justretired who posted this. Whoever, thanks for the vivid confession, and accept a 21" salute.

suze

Justretired posted it as part of another thread. Starrsville moved it over here to be a thread on its own.

FainaAgain

I am a light packer and never take what I don't need except medications.

What I didn't get yet - moving between cities, having a 22" packed so there is no air, how do you carry souvenirs on the trains and buses moving from place to place?

Do you leave all shopping till last day? - done that once, didn't like at all!

Or you don't buy anything?

janisj

Hi FainA

Well, speaking just for me - my 19 (or 21) inch bag isn't &quot;<i>packed so there is no air</i>&quot; It is really only 2/3 to 3/4 full depending on if it is a winter or summer trip. So there is quite a bit of space for new treasures I buy along the way. Then when I use the SpaceBag and the little expandable pocket on the back of my 19 inch Travelpro I have a LOT of space for last minute buys.

The bag can't be carried on when the back pocket is expanded so I only use it for my return flights.