Eight pounds is not a lot of money for even a budget traveller. Buy one back home - one can purchase really small and lightweight ones nowadays.

I can't believe people are asking whether to take an umbrella on holiday. I always take a small collapsible one that I've owned for years, a quality umbrella will last you a lifetime. If it is raining before I leave the hotel, I will take a much larger golfing style umbrella provided by the concierge.

Eight pounds in inconsequential, don't have a drink have an umbrella, as for Patrick, dear you make me laugh, how do your shoes and super 150 suits feel about the rain? I know my wardrobe would just detest it.

I can't stand it when people say everyone should be pleasant, people should always be courteous, but some self-confidence with your travels would be appreciated. When I travel I pack what I'd need if I was staying at home for that weather and period of time, simple!

<<I can't stand it when people say everyone should be pleasant...>>

Am I wrong in thinking that most people prefer to be treated in a pleasant, respectful manner?

No one is saying you HAVE to be pleasant, but then don't be surprised when people take offense to your posts.

Katty, you're welcome. :)

I think Patrick's comment is valid. Rain in summer in London is generally a mild sprinkle. However, in Paris it can be torrential. Patrick's comment about the umbrella opening up on the tube made me laugh -- I think I was on the other side of that umbrella!

I have an "organizer" purse that has a zipped space in the bottom that includes an umbrella, sort of like a secret pouch. Problem I have is that I forget I even HAVE an umbrella. (it rarely rains in California). You can find these easily in department stores. The whole thing is inexpensive and easy to "haul" around.

I would never go anywhere in europe - except southern spain/italy - at any time of year without an umbrella. We've been caught in torrential downpours in italy, france, germany as well as england - you name it. Just take a tiny one - its no trouble to carry as long as you're already carrying a purse, guidebook, camera, sweater etc.

(Doesn;t it rain in Australia? - not being snotty - just never been - and assumed everyone would have an umbrella for the rain wherever they're coming from.)

You can't predict the weather, but www.weather.com does a pretty good job with their 10 day forecasts. We planned to hike the Swiss Alps mid-October '95 and were thrilled to have discovered beforehand that the temperatures were to average high 70's F. Tee shirts and shorts were the attire of choice - not what I was going to have packed!

Thank you for all of your input. We had to make a quick decision on whether to take the apartment with more room for the 5 of us or stay in seperate hotel rooms that have a/c. We opted to stay together in the apartment and hope for no humidity and cool weather. The rental agency said that they would provide fans if necessary. As far as needing umbrellas, I'm from California and we don't get that much rain, but I've lived in Georgia and have learned that you should never go anywhere in the summer without an umbrella. Thank you for all of the replies.