Pack one or two of the super absorbent fast dry travel towels (cheap car clothes work too) to help wring clothes dry after being washed in the sink or shower. I pack baggies of laundry soap--its easily proved to be soap and nothing more harmful by customs agents and I've never had a problem--and wash underwear and socks ever night.

Chicos Travellers line of clothes also wash and dry quickly as do thin cotton tops or ones with a bit of lycra (also helps tops to keep shape after handwashing).

In summer, not including what I wear when I leave, I usually take 2 pairs of underwear, 2 pairs of socks, 1 pair of pants or skirt, 1 pair of shoes, 2 nice cotton-blend tshirts , 1 dressier top, 2 camisoles for layering/sleeping in, nylon shorts to sleep in, and a light sweater and a rain jacket. Less than 3 minutes of laundry every other day gets the job done without paying for a laundry service (I don't pack enough for even half a load anyway).

Since you addressed "Summer", let me make a Winter note for those who may come across this thread later.

Though winter clothes are heavier, you can still plan on their drying overnight. Remember: in winter you'll have radiators and towel warmers to speed the process along.

LoveItaly, I remember that story, it's great. I think you should tell it again for those who missed it. Only if you want to, of course.

Ashields, thanks for the suggestion about the super absorbent towel. That's going on my packing list.

Hi, I just love Downey's Wrinkle release--use a small spray bottle--takes out odors and wrinkles.

Mix and match clothes
Two pairs of shoes
travel size everything

I use my shampoo as detergent if I need to wash anything. I used to bring shout wipes with me (got pooped on by a Parisian pigeon one trip and that darn shirt would NOT come clean with shampoo) but last trip I spotted the Tide to Go instant stain remover--it's a pen and freakin' brilliant. I carry it in my purse everyday now.

Definitely mail stuff back home. It is so worth the trip to the Post Office and when you get home you keep getting presents from your vacation!

I must admit that I ignored all these rules on my March trip to Paris. The trip was a present to myself for my 30th birthday and I figured after saving for a year and a half I was going in style. Stupid, stupid Jenny! I was miserable lugging that crap around. Never, ever again. I will shop for clothes if I get tired of what I brought along before I ever pack that much again. I should have put that in my trip report as I think it was quite possibly the most valuable thing I learned on that trip. (Aside from finally mastering the Subjonctif.)

Nycjenny - what a great lesson you learned - I'm trying to learn it for my upcoming trip. I am absolutely going to take only a 21" roller and a flight bag, but do you have any suggestions how to convince my 20-y-o daughter that she should do the same?

Are you going to a big city? If so I'd bribe her with some cash to buy some new clothes while there! Or tell her that if she can pay for the cabs to and from airports, train stations, hotels, etc she can bring as many suitcases as she wants. The threat of having to spend her own money usually works on my younger sister in any situation!

Maire- I say let your daughter pack whatever she likes, just let her know she will be carrying it herself. Maybe have her do ye ole test of packing her bags then walking around the block a few times at home with everything (age old pre-trip advise).

Believe me, that's the best cure for overpacking. I notice the women who are self-proclaimed overpackers here, freely admit they have a husband to tote and fetch for them -LOL.

Good idea, Suze. I'll make her do that!

Ooooh, good idea, Jenny! Bribery to get new clothes in ITALY ought to do the trick!!