My, my, my!

Okay, deep breaths. I said I loved the thread, and I wasn't "freaking kidding", so come down off the chandelier. I admit I thought it was a put-on at first, but I just don't think anyone would put that much effort into a joke. I'm still in awe of your packing ability though. Seriously.

Irish...I apologize...I have just been reading some of the other forums in light of the latest airport security and it seems that the same people over and over just spit out a bunch of snotty comments at these people who are truly just looking for help.

Planning is just a part of me and it has bled into my travel plans and pays off professionally. I am leaving in about a month and rather than scramming around at the last moment. I even have a backup plan for my Digital SLR camera in case they do not let us take electronics on the plane. Certainly not going to put that camera in my suitcase...things in checked luggage get stolen all the time...sad but true. According to the TSA...they are still allowing laptops, cell phones etc...so hopefully by the time I travel...cameras will still be allowed. Just gotta pack the makeup in my check in and not bring a spare toothbrush/toothpaste on my carryon now. Just makes my carry on lighter...totally okay with that...just hope that i don't lose my suitcase!

Anyway...if there are others traveling from the states to London...here are a couple TSA links that will help you.

http://tsa-7.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/ts...er/std_alp.php

http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtrav...rocedures.shtm

One more thing...seperate your colors into gallon size ziploc bags...squeeze the air out...space is maximized!

HckyPris

The boots look great but I wouldn't advise wearing on the plane (which you probably weren't planning on). You need soes you can kick on & off with all the security requirements.

hckypris98, not a problem. I've seen some real carnage on these forums.

I've tried all the bag-squeezing, rolling, and other tips people have given me, and I've cut back on all my clothes, but the cases are still bulging, and I'm throwing all my underwear in my overnight bag. I'm sure it can be done, I just can't do it.

kureiff, if you're still reading, those shoes on TitleNine are cool. Have you actually worn them?

hekypris98-Oh to be able to wear wedge shoes and a cute swanky top again... You sound young and fasionable and you will fit in quite well with all those beautiful European women! We travel in September as well, but alas, no wedge shoes for me. Shirley

Shirley...you can do the swanky top!!!! It is all about how u feel...wear the top with confidence! You can do it! As far as the wedges...i dumped that idea...i am bringing a dress and stillettos for super super nice dinners and the casino in Monaco...and they will be worn if and only if a cab is involved.

i'd be fascinated to see your final packing list if you're willing to share that with us, hckypris98.

also remember with recent events you'll need to make room in your 24" suitcase for cosmetics and toiletries.

This entire thread has made me want to just leave tomorrow for France instead of September. I'll be packing my Born sandles 4 sure! Very comfy and sooooo cute! Also, I'm not sure if someone already mentioned it but it's important to pack along adaptors for your curling iron etc. Those plugs over there are strange...
Thanks for all the good tips!

At the risk of being ridiculed by Suze once again...I am posting my pack list...who knows...others may find it valuable...and the others can just look at it for "S" and giggles! ha ha!!!

1 - black short lightweight trench - wear on the plane
1 - black v-neck sweater - wear on the plane
1 - grey v neck sweater
1 - dark grey cashmere sweater vest
2 - white crewneck short sleeve t's - wear one on the plane
2 - black crewneck short sleeve t's
1 - blue longsleeve t
1 - white tank top for layering
2 - black tank tops for layering
1 - color tank top for layering
2 - pairs of seven jeans(bootcut)
1 - pair of citizen jeans(bootcut)- wear on the plane
1 - black dress
1 - pashmina
1 - hermes scarf
1 - ballet flats
1 - puma tennis shoes
1 - rockport boots - wear on the plane
1 - stillettos
1 - flip flops - just in case the bathroom in the hotel freaks me out.
1 - compact umbrella
socks and undies
toiletries & converters

if i forget something...i'll just buy it

When you do your trip reports, please provide a link to photos of your packed suitcase. Photos of you packing the suitcase together with minute details of which suitcase you brought, would be appreciated.

And, please, do not leave out photos of you lifting the suitcase(s) on and off a European train.

Thanks for all the "help".

Your list looks a lot better. I would cut out 1 T-shirt and 1 tank though - you don't <i>really</i> need 4 of each. Otherwise it looks good and transportable in a suitcase!

I'm leaving on Sept 16 for 15 days in France and appreciated all the above info. Shoes are the hardest part; being from So Cal I live in all kinds of sandals &amp; wedgies and running shoes if it's &quot;cold&quot;! We are so casual here for dining out etc. Makes it hard for traveling abroad. We all tend to dress younger than our age! ha ha:) And being the beginning of fall makes it hard to know what to bring for in between seasons.....

Katerbug...i feel your pain in the between season sense!!! I live in flip flops, stilletto sandals, and wedges all summer long! In the winter...cute high heeled boots, closed toe-ed pumps, running shoes and flip flops!!! Practical shoes are not in my vocabulary but I sucked it up and bought a pair decent looking Rockports...hopefully those will be the trick and the weather won't get super hot...cuz honestly...there are no summer sandals out there that are practical yet stylish! I have checked all the brands...all the &quot;walking&quot; shoe stores and have found absolutely nothing that did not look like sandals that my 66 yr old mother would wear! I am 35 and dress very stylish but appropriate for my age(would never be caught dead in a mini mini skirt and a ridiculous tight shirt). I am leaving the day before you and flying into Heathrow to start my whirlwind tour! 15 days in France! Wow...have u been there before? I have a feeling that I am gonna love France enough to go there every year! We shall see!

HckyPris:

Nice to see this thread still going on, just like the search for my shoes is still going on. I am so frustrated.

I just can't seem to find anything that looks nice and that will be comfortable. Oh well, i have 4 weeks left to keep on looking.

We have a Naturalizer here so I might check that out. I just don't want to spend a bunch of money on shoes that I will never wear again. Oh well!

Your packing list looks good. I agree one less tank top you don't really need a lot if you will just be layering them. My list will probably look about the same. I will be bringing jeans and one pair of black pants.

You are leaving soon! Hopefully you keep us posted on your travels! I am using a backpack for my trip, I just find them that much easier for me.

Anyway your advice about shoes has been great, anymore you might have to throw at me, as long as I can get them in Canada.

I was laughing out loud reading all of the postings since you rarely see such struggles between vanity and comfort .. I'm totally in sync with MadameX, though. I'd rather travel with 2 shirts and 2 skirts and take 900 pairs of shoes to prepare for every possibility. However, I think that, feetwise, I'm in denial. I always pack a pair of heels for going out at night, no matter where I'm traveling, and then wind up wearing my &quot;walking shoes.&quot; I was in total awe in Santorini and Mykonos watching chic 20-somethings spring like gazelles, UPHILL on COBBLESTONES wearing STILETTOS.

I wear a fair number of skirts and DVF wraps when I travel and the problem is finding comfortable shoes for hours of walking that look good when your legs are exposed. Jeans and/or trousers hide a multitude of sins, shoe-wise.

And traveling in October (going to Italy for about 8 days) is a dilemma since it may be too cool for bare feet and sandals and not cold enough for pantyhose/tights and closed shoes or boots.

Don't know how many men are reading this entire post but if they do, they must be laughing hysterically, too, for other reasons. My husband, whom I love dearly, is clueless when it comes to shoe fanaticism and always packs HIS shoes in 2 seconds (all 2 pairs of them) while I'm unearthing everything in my closet to see what looks good with what.

Yes, we are laughing our *** off, but not hysterically; that's something women do. Check the origin of the word.

There are some women, not laughing, but just shaking our heads.

HckyPris,

I finally bouught shoes today. They are comfortable, and still look stylish, and I can wear them in the cold Canadian winter afterwards.

I bought them at Browns and they are Hush Puppies. The sales lady tried them b/c she had pants on and I was wearing a skirt. And she didn't want to take them off.

Here is the link:

http://www.hushpuppies.ca/en-US/Shop...&amp;PID=11924

Finally the shoe issue is solved for me.

Hope everyone else has luck finding their perfect fashionable yet comfortable travel shoe!