HunyBadger

Unless you are staying in hostels, you don't need to bring a hairdryer. They are in most hotels these days.

JanDelaware

Consider bringing some clothes that are ready for the Goodwill and leave them behind in hotels when you travel. That will make room for purchases. (I always leave a note for the maid, so that she knows it's not been forgotten.)
Also, I always bring a beautiful shawl and a silk scarf or two--they take up no room and dress up a plain sweater for evening wear or to keep you comfortable when the sun goes down. I always pack a pair of light gloves for unexpected chilly days--they can occur at almost any time of year, and my hands get cold. Try not to take more than 2 pairs of shoes--they're heavy and they take up a lot of room in your luggage.

If you're going to be on a long trip, I find it easier to travel with two medium size bags than one huge heavy bag. There will times when you have to get your luggage up the steps of a train, or down a staircase in a hotel or a station that has no elevator or escalator. Be prepared to lug your bags without a porter!

suze

A few people always suggest that idea every time we discuss packing light...

NO WAY am I wearing ratty old underwear, or clothes that are so bad I want to throw them out... when I'm lucky enough to go on a trip to Europe!

JanDelaware

I read the packing preferences with interest--as none of the posts include my favorite way of packing, honed over years of heavy travel: put your clothes on vinyl-coated wire hangers (they're narrow and can be used for hand washing without rusting), doubling up pants and tops. Cover everything with plastic drycleaner bags. When all your toiletries (in ziploc bags) and heavy items are in the base of your suitcase, make a "roulade" of your clothing (I fold in thirds, hangers first) and place clothing on top. I travel to Europe with a 2-part duffle on wheels--heavy items, shoes, etcetera go in the base and the clothes go in the top part. When you arrive at your hotel, just shake the clothes out, hang in the closet and you're good to go. The plastic retards wrinkling. This is a lot faster than weaving your clothes into bundles--and it also works if using a rollerboard suitcase.

Also, pack a soft nylon Le Sac type bag and an extra TSA lock (you do have TSA locks for your baggage, don't you?). Then if you pick up bulky items in your travels, you'll be able to transport them home without having to purchase another bag. You can pack this soft bag with laundry, sweaters, shoes and other items that can't get damaged in transit. Use your luggage locks in your hotel room--even if you also use a safe for jewelry. Things sometimes disappear from unsecured luggage.

JanDelaware

Reply to Suze: of course, I wouldn't want to be caught in ratty underwear or clothing. Everything is relative--you may have some tops or shirts that you're tired of or pants that have seen better days, but aren't threadbare or ratty. They may be good enough for the plane trip over and then left behind. I find that I don't want to wear again the clothes I've traveled/slept in overnight on the plane until they've been laundered. Also, it's worth packing lighter and using hotel cleaning services, if needed. They're not cheap, but less expensive than overweight baggage.

vickmar

When I travel, for a few nights or two weeks, I use the travel space bags. You can fit double the clothes that would normally fit in a carry-on suitcase.
They can be purchased at most stores, but Wal-Mart has the best selection.

BarbSG

I'm with Suze. I couldn't take things that I'm ready to throw out. I'M GOING TO EUROPE!..........ON A HOLIDAY!..........I couldn't schlep around looking like......well whatever. But I appreciate the suggestion. Unfortunately the way you dress creates an impression to others you don't yet know and might influence the service etc. you receive. I can't imagine me saying, "Well I have a wonderful wardrobe at home but I can't pack efficently....I'll have Kir Royal please even though I look like I can't afford a coffee."

travelgourmet

<i>Unfortunately the way you dress creates an impression to others you don't yet know and might influence the service etc.</i>

I don't find dress nearly as important as your bearing. Acting like you belong, or better yet, knowing that you belong, means much more than dressing in a costume. Personally, I find nothing more ridiculous than an ill-fitting suit - and many people wear ill-fitting suits.

That being said, I don't see the point in wearing clothes that you don't like or that are too old and ratty to keep, regardless of whether you are dressing formally or casually.

BarbSG

ahhh yes you may be correct. But heh if don't like wearing suits.....don't wear them.

BarbSG

and of course grammar helps. lol

lukehead

I never take jeans. Too heavy, too hot and when they get dirty, they stay dirty beacuse they don't dry quickly.

I almost always fly carry-on because I choose to. I am not a little, young thing but have no problem packing a generous, versatile travel wardrobe for 2+ weeks in a 21" wheeled carry-on. It is light enough for me to stow in and retrieve from the overhead bin on my own.

cathies

I think the idea of wearing old undies and discarding them along the way is disgusting - pity the poor hotel staff who have to empty the bins.

My only tip is that as well as my other clothes, I like to add a pair of yoga pants (or similar) as they are really comfy at the end of long days when travelling.

sunsurfsand

re:clothes, choose a colour scheme and make sure that nearly everything will go with everything else ie: the black top will go with the black pants, shorts, skirt + the black & beige skirt, olive green shorts etc etc. Ditto if you are a bloke unless of course you do wear skirts.
Also, unless you feel you cannot live without electronic gadgets, it will save a hugh amount of space and weight if you leave all that stuff at home.
And only take sample packs of shampoo, conditioner etc.

heatherNpablo

I did a two-week group tour of Greece with only what is allowed to carry on, and next week I leave for three weeks in Europe with the same carry-on.

On the two week trip around Greece there was copious walking. I learned that my feet like a change of pace (not the same pair of shoes all the time) and I ended up buying a pair of sandals. Other than that I wanted for nothing. I packed enough panties to change each day, one khaki skirt, one khaki pants, one khaki shorts, one bathing suit, one sun hat, 5 rolled up tank tops and one thin, long sleeve button up to protect when the sun got to be too much. Plus a camera, small binoculars, and a travel journal.

I'm pretty proud of myself.

BarbSG

As well you should be Heather! It's given me another idea. Thks. Someone said here, you end up wearing the same things anyway. I always end up taking way too many SHOES! Then buying way too many SHOES!

kfusto

I find I do end up wearing the same things over and over so I have learned over the years to pack those pieces that really work for me. My feet do need a change of shoes mid day so I always have two pair of walking shoes and a pair of dressier shoes for evening which I wear every night.

Black pants and a variety of tops/twin sets that I can mix and match work for me. Camisoles are light weight and can change the look for an outfit as can scarves and wraps. We generally visit Europe between late October and early April and I find that time of year easy to pack for.

I am happy my hair is short and low maintenance - I don't pack electronics except a small steamer.

Luisah

<<Sure a size 11 EE shoe is a LOT larger than my 5 1/2 B -- but that doesn't really matter. Since you use the space in the shoe to hold all sorts of bits and pieces, it really works out about equal.>>

A size 5.5 is half the size of an 11. An 11 uses more than half the length of the suitcase. Two 5.5 shoes are equivilent to one size 11. Two pairs of 5.5's are equal to one pair of 11's. I do put small stuff in the shoes but it still takes up 11 inches of a 21" carryon.

I didn't say that I don't know how to pack light, I wrote that I couldn't get that many clothes in my 21" carryon(outside measurement, including handle and wheels) nor would I want to.

<<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...>> I'm not being snarky but wonder why you would need two jackets, two cardigans and a pullover.

I take one jacket, one rainjacket, one sweater -- cardigan or pullover, three pairs of pants (wear one, pack two) one pair of capris (if going to a warm climate), and six or seven tops; two pairs of shoes, bathing suit and sarong if I expect to swim. No skirt or dress unless going to special event.

I could pack everything in a carryon but don't because I usually have more than one connection and want to be rid of the luggage.

If using just carryon you have to check the airline regulations. On my most recent trip, domestic flights in both Australia and New Zealand limit carryon weight to 15 pounds -- and they weigh the luggage. Some European airlines have low limits too, so know before you go.

kfusto

Know before you go is good advice. The budget carriers in Europe in general have many restrictions on carry on as well as checked baggage.

USNR

Throughout the year, we put underwear that has seen its better days into the "travel drawer." Underwear with holes or tears, underwear that is just plain worn out. Into the suitcases it goes. As we move along, we simply toss it. Our suitcases become lighter with each passing day, with each passing shower. Sometimes old shirts get the same treatment. Several pairs of trousers go, too. No problem.

BarbSG

OK will people stop telling me about how they travel with old underwear.

I think the black pants and several tops thing works. Seemed to on the last trip. I end up taking way too many toiletries because usually stay in villas/houses etc.