WHAT SHOULD I LEAVE OUT OF THE SUITCASE!!???
Jun 23rd, 2009, 06:59 PM
#23
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Also, you didn't say, at least on this thread, how long you're going for. That makes a difference. BUT, FWIW, here's my general guidelines for a 2- 3-week trip (in summer):
underwear (half the amount I need for the days alloted; I wash out the rest)
Something to sleep in (T-shirt, nightgown, whatever - of minimal weight)
2 pairs of shoes (one sandal, one nice like ballet slippers, and one worn on the plane, so only pack one)
One pair of long lightweight cotton pants
2 pairs capris or long shorts (nice ones, suitable for visiting friends, having a nice lunch, etc.)
SOMETIMES: 1 pair of really lightweight stretch jeans
2 cotton skirts (OR i skirt and two dresses, see below)
1 nice dress, cotton and usable for both daytime and evening dress-up
6-8 tops ranging from really lightweight cotton to at least one long-sleeved cotton top in case it's cold.
1 sweater or light jacket.
Everything is color coordinated so I can put together about 50 outfits if I want to. I tend to love color, so I usually bring some basic colors plus some bright ones. I love skirts and dresses, so I'm always ready for the unexpected tea or invitation to someone's home or whatever.
Beyond what I've mentioned, I just take a pair or two of socks (which I don't wear in summmmer) and all the other non-clothing paraphernalia. It all fits very well in a 22" rollaboard.
underwear (half the amount I need for the days alloted; I wash out the rest)
Something to sleep in (T-shirt, nightgown, whatever - of minimal weight)
2 pairs of shoes (one sandal, one nice like ballet slippers, and one worn on the plane, so only pack one)
One pair of long lightweight cotton pants
2 pairs capris or long shorts (nice ones, suitable for visiting friends, having a nice lunch, etc.)
SOMETIMES: 1 pair of really lightweight stretch jeans
2 cotton skirts (OR i skirt and two dresses, see below)
1 nice dress, cotton and usable for both daytime and evening dress-up
6-8 tops ranging from really lightweight cotton to at least one long-sleeved cotton top in case it's cold.
1 sweater or light jacket.
Everything is color coordinated so I can put together about 50 outfits if I want to. I tend to love color, so I usually bring some basic colors plus some bright ones. I love skirts and dresses, so I'm always ready for the unexpected tea or invitation to someone's home or whatever.
Beyond what I've mentioned, I just take a pair or two of socks (which I don't wear in summmmer) and all the other non-clothing paraphernalia. It all fits very well in a 22" rollaboard.
Jun 23rd, 2009, 06:59 PM
#24
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Do not pack those cool <b>collapsible translucent vases</b> that come in 3 sizes. I have yet to have enough table top space in my cheap-ish hotels to enjoy any flowers (and I worry the scent will be too strong at night when I'm laying there trying to go to sleep). (but they are way cool!)
Jun 23rd, 2009, 07:08 PM
#25
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Travelnut, you know, in my next life when I become someone very rich, I'd LOVE to have fresh flowers in my hotel room.
Alas, not only I'm too cheap to buy these cool collapsible vases, I'm even too cheap to buy cut flowers...
As for the OP, I used to pack scented travel candles (Green Tea), as I've always gotten stuck in a room with cigarette smoke smell. But I stopped packing that in the last year, as I find European hotels are getting better at banning smoking in their rooms and I haven't been in a smoky room for a while.
Alas, not only I'm too cheap to buy these cool collapsible vases, I'm even too cheap to buy cut flowers...
As for the OP, I used to pack scented travel candles (Green Tea), as I've always gotten stuck in a room with cigarette smoke smell. But I stopped packing that in the last year, as I find European hotels are getting better at banning smoking in their rooms and I haven't been in a smoky room for a while.
Jun 24th, 2009, 03:15 AM
#28
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I wonder about the advice to bring only things you love. When I have worn the same clothes for 2-3 weeks (5 shirts, 3 pairs of trousers) I never want to see them again. Since I can't afford not to wear them, they go to the back of the closet and only come out for travel.
Jun 24th, 2009, 07:44 AM
#31
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StCirq....ALL of that fits in a 22" rollaboard?? They must be Barbie clothes or you're a very petite lady! I admit I'm trying to pack light for my upcoming trip but I know I'd never make it in a 22 incher!
Jun 24th, 2009, 08:13 AM
#32
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Don't pack any clothes that aren't black. Black hides dirt, matches other black clothes and shoes, and makes you look slimmer.
God help me, I have to pack bike shoes, running shoes, a bike helmet, kit, and pedals. THEN...I get to try to find room in a carry-on for some clothes. I imagine I'll be wearing the same LBD every night.
God help me, I have to pack bike shoes, running shoes, a bike helmet, kit, and pedals. THEN...I get to try to find room in a carry-on for some clothes. I imagine I'll be wearing the same LBD every night.
Jun 24th, 2009, 08:19 AM
#33
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When I have been in Italy and have purchased flowers or have been given a bouquet of flowers from friends in Italy the hotels has always been gracious about loaning me a vase to use. If one is staying at the same hotel for some days it is lovely to have some fresh flowers in the room.
Black, black and black..that sounds like my wardrobe. Three pair of shoes, two walking (one pair sandals) and one pair for evening. One pair worn on the plane of course so only two pair to pack. I also throw in a lightweight pair of flipflops which take the place of sandals and can be used for going out for early morning coffee etc.
Black, black and black..that sounds like my wardrobe. Three pair of shoes, two walking (one pair sandals) and one pair for evening. One pair worn on the plane of course so only two pair to pack. I also throw in a lightweight pair of flipflops which take the place of sandals and can be used for going out for early morning coffee etc.
Jun 24th, 2009, 08:45 AM
#34
AmyP22: Sure -- all that stuff (and more -- though you wouldn't need more) will easily fit in a 21 inch bag.
I just got back from a 2+ week trip to the UK, and my little rollaboard had 2 pairs of slacks (I wore my jeans on the plane), 2 pair shoes (another pair on my feet on the plane), 2 cardigans, a jacket (I wore another jacket onboard), pullover sweater, 2 tanks, 3 blouses, 3 other tops, a skirt, pashmina, scarves, sun hat, underwear, socks, fold up raincoat, plus all the bits (umbrella, flat iron, plug adapter, toiletries, etc etc etc) -- and my bag was about 3/4 full.
I just got back from a 2+ week trip to the UK, and my little rollaboard had 2 pairs of slacks (I wore my jeans on the plane), 2 pair shoes (another pair on my feet on the plane), 2 cardigans, a jacket (I wore another jacket onboard), pullover sweater, 2 tanks, 3 blouses, 3 other tops, a skirt, pashmina, scarves, sun hat, underwear, socks, fold up raincoat, plus all the bits (umbrella, flat iron, plug adapter, toiletries, etc etc etc) -- and my bag was about 3/4 full.
Jun 24th, 2009, 09:53 AM
#35
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Like Amy, I find it hard to believe that all those clothes plus "all the bits" would fit into a 21-inch bag with space to spare. I too wonder at the sizes, both clothes and shoes. Two pairs of my size 11 shoes take up most of the space in my 21-inch carryon.
Jun 24th, 2009, 01:21 PM
#37
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There are so many great replies you probably don't need any more advice. I think everyone is different with what quantity they like to take. I would sacrifice ANYTHING in order to not be that person trying to lug their gigantic bag.
Therefore I'd rather bring items that match well, that I can easily wash and that I don't mind wearing a few times. It much more important to me to be unencumbered than to have a ton of outfit choices.
It just depends on what is most important to you. It also depends how much transferring on and off of trains and buses you'll be doing.
Therefore I'd rather bring items that match well, that I can easily wash and that I don't mind wearing a few times. It much more important to me to be unencumbered than to have a ton of outfit choices.
It just depends on what is most important to you. It also depends how much transferring on and off of trains and buses you'll be doing.
Jun 24th, 2009, 02:09 PM
#39
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The two women who have so far stated that they can easily fit their travel wardrobes into 22" bags may well be adorable and petite, but that's nothing to do with the packing. I do it in a 19" bag and still have room for my pillow. My husband also does it, and at 6' he's nobody's idea of petite. We'll skip the question of adorability for the moment.
Jun 24th, 2009, 02:15 PM
#40
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OMG St Cirq - that exact packing list is what I just took to Italy for our 12 day trip! I NEVER thought it would fit into a 21 inch roller bag but it did! The only thing I didn't wear was a long skirt because it was too hot - wish I had brought another short skirt instead.
