What to wear/pack....Part 2
Oct 10th, 2005, 02:04 PM
#61
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Hi aggiemom, my husband always took a navy wool blazer or his camel's hair blazer when he travelled (wore it on the plane, did not pack it). Well blazer, sports jacket, whichever the correct description is. He never had a problem. But then again he was a very neat eater, LOL. Then there is me (especially regarding olive oil). Black really works for me, it covers various probems as you know!
Oct 10th, 2005, 02:19 PM
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I think this thread should be nominated for one of Fodor's "Classic threads". Lots of information and not a negative or snide comment to be found. My compliments to all of the light packers and those of us trying to become one 
Deborah
Deborah
Oct 10th, 2005, 02:52 PM
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Thanks for the great tips. For our 10 day trip to Italy last October, my husband and I were each able to carry one 22" bag with a small carry-on. We did not have to check bags and could easily carry everything we brought - we loved the freedom and vowed never to go back to bigger, checked luggage.
However, we are going to London over Christmas week....I was beginning to worry it would not be possible to accommodate winter clothes in a 22" and that I might go to a 24" or 26." You have renewed my confidence that it can be done. On the other hand, since we are flying BA and are only going to one location for 8 days, perhaps it is not that crucial as we will probably have to check our bags and will not be schlepping from place to place.
As I love to travel and have committed to being a light packer, I notice that whenever I shop for clothes now I consider whether the article I am considering is ideal for packing.
If I can't pack it, I rarely buy it.
However, we are going to London over Christmas week....I was beginning to worry it would not be possible to accommodate winter clothes in a 22" and that I might go to a 24" or 26." You have renewed my confidence that it can be done. On the other hand, since we are flying BA and are only going to one location for 8 days, perhaps it is not that crucial as we will probably have to check our bags and will not be schlepping from place to place.
As I love to travel and have committed to being a light packer, I notice that whenever I shop for clothes now I consider whether the article I am considering is ideal for packing.
If I can't pack it, I rarely buy it.
Oct 10th, 2005, 03:04 PM
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One trick I learned over the years is to put your one of your heavier sweaters on (yourself) under your outer jacket or coat and then take them both off at once and lay them in the overhead of the plane on top of your carryon. This saves space in your suitcase in the winter.
Oct 10th, 2005, 03:07 PM
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aggiemom, LOL, it wouldn't be black by any wild chance would it?
Deborah, I pack less then most people I know however in saying that like dear Therese I always come home with clothes I have not worn. This is why I was so interested in her luggage, the smaller the bag the less one can pass (but maybe not if you are aggiemom's middle daughter, LOL). Loved that story!!
One rule I have always stuck to is this; a maximum of 3 pair of shoes, one being worn on the plane of course. And unless I know I will not need one I always wear my coat/jacket on the plane. I do checkin my one piece of luggage, and only have my carryon to deal with on the plane.
But obviously we can all learn so much from each other. Happy travels to all!
Deborah, I pack less then most people I know however in saying that like dear Therese I always come home with clothes I have not worn. This is why I was so interested in her luggage, the smaller the bag the less one can pass (but maybe not if you are aggiemom's middle daughter, LOL). Loved that story!!
One rule I have always stuck to is this; a maximum of 3 pair of shoes, one being worn on the plane of course. And unless I know I will not need one I always wear my coat/jacket on the plane. I do checkin my one piece of luggage, and only have my carryon to deal with on the plane.
But obviously we can all learn so much from each other. Happy travels to all!
Oct 11th, 2005, 05:38 AM
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I'm hooked on packing light (and have completed a few tri-season, 2 week round-the-world work/holiday trips with a rollaboard); it's my husband who carries everything with him (his toiletries take up at least 4x as much space as mine do, and he refuses to throw out sny product with more than 2 grams left in the bulky bottle or tube). Sigh. Packing light is so ingrained for me, I stressed out when we started packing for our honeymoon (4 weeks, starting with a business trip in spring-like Amsterdam, then cities and scuba in Spain and hiking in Morocco, ending in London) and I couldn't fit everything into a 22" rollaboard. Luckily, my overpacking husband quite happily volunteered to lift our heavy bags whenever necessary (and there was that mule in Morocco who lugged our stuff around for us) ...
I'll add to my favourite packing light tips to the list:
a) Most hotels have hairdryers in the rooms (or available from housekeeping if necessary), so skip them unless it's absolutely critical that you have "your special dryer". If that's the case, shop around and test-drive the perfect mini version.
b) Many hotels provide basic toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, soap, body lotion - in tiny bottles that you can take to the next location that might not have any), so prioritize your toiletries and only pack travel sizes of the products where it's absolutely essential to your wellbeing that you use your own product. For example, I always bring face moisturizer but rely on the hotel for everything else.
3) Twinsets (cotton or silk) do double-duty. Wear both layers for days and evenings when the temperature is unpredictable (you can strip down or layer up); wear the camisole under your jacket or by itself; wear the cardigan over sleeveless dresses - for modesty or in the evening.
4) Heathery colours, like charcoal, and certain fabrics with a bit of a pattern in the weave or colour show dirt, fluff and stains less than shiny crisp dark or light colours. No point in dressing in black on the plane and then getting covered in airline blanket lint.
5) Pack old undies and socks, and then throw them out.
6) 2 cashmere/silk pashmina shawls - compress to about the size of a deck of cards or a bit larger, weight next to nothing. One comes on the plane and is the blanket for my upper half (I'm not about to let that plane blanket near my face). Another one in a bright colour that coordinates with one of my dress-up outfits gets packed. They're warm enough to serve as lightweight throws for hotel naps, add enough warmth when wrapped as scarves over a jacket, top or lightweight jacket, cover up stains when draped strategically ...
7) A neutral, unlogoed zip-up lightweight polar fleece jacket (I have a black one from Mountain Equipment Coop). I lived in this thing when I spent 6 weeks in New Zealand a few years ago and guessed wrong about how warm early spring would be. I wanted to burn it at the end of the trip, but I'm glad I didn't because I take it everywhere. It sometimes goes undress my dressy but lightweight black raincoat if I'm stopping over in a city with cool temperatures on what is basically a hot weather trip (e.g. London on the way home from Morocco). If I go out at night and it's cold out, I just wear both layers and strip them off together so that it's not obvious that I'm wearing athletic clothes.
8) If you're travelling outside summer time, pack a lightweight pair of polartec fleece gloves (purchased on my New Zealand trip). It's amazing how much warmer you feel if you're wearing warm gloves and a scarf.
9) A tiny lightweight flashlight. After the Toronto blackout in the summer of 2003, I don't go anywhere without one. You never know when it might come in handy.
10) Clean out your purse/daypack before you travel (including your wallet) and take only what's essential. Do you really need your Priceclub card, entire chequebook, etc. Every ounce counts when you're dragging it around every day. (And fewer things to lose or have stolen). Will your cellphone work abroad? If not, leave it at home.
11) Photocopy the relevant parts of your guidebook(s) before you leave home (2 sided copies) and put them in a three-ring folder. Then throw the pages out as you go. You can keep the guidebook at home for the memories.
12) Wear the same outfits more than once, and consider spending a little money to have things cleaned. I would rather wear the same silk sweater set 4 times in 3 weeks (likely in 4 different places, where the same people won't notice the repetition) and have it cleaned, then pack 4 sets and have to carry a larger suitcase. Hotel cleaning prices are sometimes outrageous and sometimes not. Take the risk, and if the hotel price is too high, you can probably find a place outside the hotel to do it for less. (But check their turnaround time; you might be leaving town before the garments are ready.)
13) Any my favourite suitcase is made by Victorinox. I have a 22" expandable one (I leave it unexpanded when I pack, saving room to expand with new purchases enroute).
I'll add to my favourite packing light tips to the list:
a) Most hotels have hairdryers in the rooms (or available from housekeeping if necessary), so skip them unless it's absolutely critical that you have "your special dryer". If that's the case, shop around and test-drive the perfect mini version.
b) Many hotels provide basic toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, soap, body lotion - in tiny bottles that you can take to the next location that might not have any), so prioritize your toiletries and only pack travel sizes of the products where it's absolutely essential to your wellbeing that you use your own product. For example, I always bring face moisturizer but rely on the hotel for everything else.
3) Twinsets (cotton or silk) do double-duty. Wear both layers for days and evenings when the temperature is unpredictable (you can strip down or layer up); wear the camisole under your jacket or by itself; wear the cardigan over sleeveless dresses - for modesty or in the evening.
4) Heathery colours, like charcoal, and certain fabrics with a bit of a pattern in the weave or colour show dirt, fluff and stains less than shiny crisp dark or light colours. No point in dressing in black on the plane and then getting covered in airline blanket lint.
5) Pack old undies and socks, and then throw them out.
6) 2 cashmere/silk pashmina shawls - compress to about the size of a deck of cards or a bit larger, weight next to nothing. One comes on the plane and is the blanket for my upper half (I'm not about to let that plane blanket near my face). Another one in a bright colour that coordinates with one of my dress-up outfits gets packed. They're warm enough to serve as lightweight throws for hotel naps, add enough warmth when wrapped as scarves over a jacket, top or lightweight jacket, cover up stains when draped strategically ...
7) A neutral, unlogoed zip-up lightweight polar fleece jacket (I have a black one from Mountain Equipment Coop). I lived in this thing when I spent 6 weeks in New Zealand a few years ago and guessed wrong about how warm early spring would be. I wanted to burn it at the end of the trip, but I'm glad I didn't because I take it everywhere. It sometimes goes undress my dressy but lightweight black raincoat if I'm stopping over in a city with cool temperatures on what is basically a hot weather trip (e.g. London on the way home from Morocco). If I go out at night and it's cold out, I just wear both layers and strip them off together so that it's not obvious that I'm wearing athletic clothes.
8) If you're travelling outside summer time, pack a lightweight pair of polartec fleece gloves (purchased on my New Zealand trip). It's amazing how much warmer you feel if you're wearing warm gloves and a scarf.
9) A tiny lightweight flashlight. After the Toronto blackout in the summer of 2003, I don't go anywhere without one. You never know when it might come in handy.
10) Clean out your purse/daypack before you travel (including your wallet) and take only what's essential. Do you really need your Priceclub card, entire chequebook, etc. Every ounce counts when you're dragging it around every day. (And fewer things to lose or have stolen). Will your cellphone work abroad? If not, leave it at home.
11) Photocopy the relevant parts of your guidebook(s) before you leave home (2 sided copies) and put them in a three-ring folder. Then throw the pages out as you go. You can keep the guidebook at home for the memories.
12) Wear the same outfits more than once, and consider spending a little money to have things cleaned. I would rather wear the same silk sweater set 4 times in 3 weeks (likely in 4 different places, where the same people won't notice the repetition) and have it cleaned, then pack 4 sets and have to carry a larger suitcase. Hotel cleaning prices are sometimes outrageous and sometimes not. Take the risk, and if the hotel price is too high, you can probably find a place outside the hotel to do it for less. (But check their turnaround time; you might be leaving town before the garments are ready.)
13) Any my favourite suitcase is made by Victorinox. I have a 22" expandable one (I leave it unexpanded when I pack, saving room to expand with new purchases enroute).
Oct 11th, 2005, 09:47 AM
#68
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Great tips, Kate_W. Numbers 4 (heathery patterns, textured fabrics forgiving of smudges and stains) and 10 (clean out your purse and leave stuff behind if you can) particularly helpful.
Your mention of twin sets reminds me of visiting London in late spring/early summer a couple of years ago. For our first afternoon we did a London Walks tour of Greenwich, starting with a brief (but chilly) trip on the Thames, followed by a walk around Greewich as the day grew progressively warmer.
Over the course of the tour I removed:
1. Black shawl (came in handy for draping around my head and upper body on the boat)
2. Black and white houndstooth check blazer
3. Black cardigan (the top half of a twin set)
4. Red blouse (top half of a different twin set)
I was left wearing the red stretch camisole that matched the red blouse. Our tour guide finally remarked that she didn't think it would get too much warmer, as she didn't think there was much farther to go. ;-)
Your mention of twin sets reminds me of visiting London in late spring/early summer a couple of years ago. For our first afternoon we did a London Walks tour of Greenwich, starting with a brief (but chilly) trip on the Thames, followed by a walk around Greewich as the day grew progressively warmer.
Over the course of the tour I removed:
1. Black shawl (came in handy for draping around my head and upper body on the boat)
2. Black and white houndstooth check blazer
3. Black cardigan (the top half of a twin set)
4. Red blouse (top half of a different twin set)
I was left wearing the red stretch camisole that matched the red blouse. Our tour guide finally remarked that she didn't think it would get too much warmer, as she didn't think there was much farther to go. ;-)
Oct 14th, 2005, 11:26 AM
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Therese,
You are inspiring me
I flew to Amsterdam with US Airways back in July headed for a business conference in Luxembourg. US Airways managed to lose my big suitcase, so I was without everything until the evening of the next day when it arrived at my hotel. I had to use KLM to get from Luxembourg to Amsterdam and they said my suitcase was overweight. They were going to charge me $20, but the lady at the counter was very nice and waived the fee. Interestingly enough, they lost my bag on the return flight between Philly and Charlotte.
This trip was the turning point in my life for learning to pack in a carry on. Never again will I check a piece of luggage in with my clothes.
I went to a store called Tuesday Morning and found a Delcy 21" carry on that is extremely light weight that was a closeout for $60 and is one of the lightest suitcases made in this size. I have been searching for things all over the internet looking for how I can pack light. I just bought me two pairs of pants that convert to shorts from KneeShorts.com and I bought a packing folder from Eagle Creek so that I can keep all of my shirts and pants flat. Thanks for the information that you have provided here. I have gotten several more tips
You are inspiring me
I flew to Amsterdam with US Airways back in July headed for a business conference in Luxembourg. US Airways managed to lose my big suitcase, so I was without everything until the evening of the next day when it arrived at my hotel. I had to use KLM to get from Luxembourg to Amsterdam and they said my suitcase was overweight. They were going to charge me $20, but the lady at the counter was very nice and waived the fee. Interestingly enough, they lost my bag on the return flight between Philly and Charlotte.
This trip was the turning point in my life for learning to pack in a carry on. Never again will I check a piece of luggage in with my clothes.
I went to a store called Tuesday Morning and found a Delcy 21" carry on that is extremely light weight that was a closeout for $60 and is one of the lightest suitcases made in this size. I have been searching for things all over the internet looking for how I can pack light. I just bought me two pairs of pants that convert to shorts from KneeShorts.com and I bought a packing folder from Eagle Creek so that I can keep all of my shirts and pants flat. Thanks for the information that you have provided here. I have gotten several more tips
Oct 14th, 2005, 11:32 AM
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BTW, I really would love to find a light weight water repellent parka style coat that has a warm removable lining so it can be used in different climates without having to bring multiple coats. Does anyone know where I can find something like this?
Oct 14th, 2005, 11:55 AM
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anyone mention the "roll" method yet? I find this works best for me.
i always keep a spare totebag laid flat at the bottom of my suitcase for shopping emergencies..i can fill it with souvenirs and carry it with me on the plane. (i have boarded a flight many times with my carry-on luggage, a purse and a totebag--never once been told I had too many bags)
i always keep a spare totebag laid flat at the bottom of my suitcase for shopping emergencies..i can fill it with souvenirs and carry it with me on the plane. (i have boarded a flight many times with my carry-on luggage, a purse and a totebag--never once been told I had too many bags)
Oct 14th, 2005, 12:15 PM
#73
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Hi Merlix - I, too, have used the Eagle Creek folding thing. I fit all of my clothes in a neat stack about 6" high. It's easy to take out of the suitcase and stays neat in a drawer. .
Miss Ziegfeld - I used to roll everything and, for short trips I still do. I found that Eagle Creek thing good when you have several hotel changes.
Here is what I fit in an approx 6" stack:
3 pr pants (inc jeans)
4 lg sleeve tops
3 sh sleeve tops
jammies
8 undies, socks, 1 bra
3 camis
1 twinset
1 light jacket
Miss Ziegfeld - I used to roll everything and, for short trips I still do. I found that Eagle Creek thing good when you have several hotel changes.
Here is what I fit in an approx 6" stack:
3 pr pants (inc jeans)
4 lg sleeve tops
3 sh sleeve tops
jammies
8 undies, socks, 1 bra
3 camis
1 twinset
1 light jacket
Oct 19th, 2005, 12:56 PM
#76
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Well, GSTeed, in my case regular home attire and travel attire (for either work or social time, domestic or international) are exactly the same. I don't buy any special clothes, so no Travelsmith non-wrinkling stuff or trousers that convert to shorts or tiaras that convert to top hats.
I don't even bother to get super duper comfy walking shoes, as all my shoes have to be comfortable enough to walk long distances (because I walk to work).
Just back from a work trip to Savannah, where I wore many of the same clothes I wore last month in Europe. Come to think of it I wore a fair number of the items that I bought in Europe.
And yes, I carried on the whole way. ;-)
I don't even bother to get super duper comfy walking shoes, as all my shoes have to be comfortable enough to walk long distances (because I walk to work).
Just back from a work trip to Savannah, where I wore many of the same clothes I wore last month in Europe. Come to think of it I wore a fair number of the items that I bought in Europe.
And yes, I carried on the whole way. ;-)
Oct 20th, 2005, 05:43 AM
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GSteed's query about how closely travel wardrobes reflect our everyday wardrobes does bring up an interesting topic for discussion: how many of us do buy specialty gear for travel?
As I say above, I don't buy special lightweight underwear or pants that convert to shorts. I don't even use a money belt or pouch, unless you call that leather bag that zips securely (I hold it such that my hand covers the zipper opening, but I do that no matter where I am, even when I'm walking in my quiet neighborhood) that I wear over my shoulder a money pouch.
So, do people who travel a lot buy special stuff to make it easier?
As I say above, I don't buy special lightweight underwear or pants that convert to shorts. I don't even use a money belt or pouch, unless you call that leather bag that zips securely (I hold it such that my hand covers the zipper opening, but I do that no matter where I am, even when I'm walking in my quiet neighborhood) that I wear over my shoulder a money pouch.
So, do people who travel a lot buy special stuff to make it easier?
Oct 20th, 2005, 07:33 AM
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I don't buy clothes from specialty travel outfitters, but because I travel so frequently (often long-haul trips combining business with sightseeing, plus lots of weekend breaks and adventure trips), I'm always on the lookout for regular clothes that travel well. I stock up on the things like twinsets (as I mentioned in a previous post), fabrics (slightly stretchy, heathery, not too crisp) and colours that travel well together (I've got my black-based wardrobe, my brown-based wardrobe and they come in winter, spring/fall and summer permutations), multi-purpose footwear (nice enough for business, comfortable enough to walk for hours), crushable raincoats, etc. I also buy multiples of things like socks (so they mix and match) and collect travel-size or travel-convenient products (individual sachets of bug repellent, sunscreen) around the world. And of course I'm obsessed with finding the perfect, functional luggage (to the point where my husband tends to say "STEP AWAY FROM THE LUGGAGE STORE AND NO ONE GETS HURT" when we're in shopping malls ...
Oct 20th, 2005, 07:34 AM
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Interesting question, Therese. I do have a travel wardrobe in that I wear alot more color at home than I do when I travel. Black is not the mainstay of my wardrobe at home. We usually travel in the off season when black works well. I have a favorite ensemble of jacket, ss top, long skirt, short skirt and pants all in black in a good travel fabric that I base my visits to Europe around. I pull things from my wardrobe to supplement and I don't wear my "travel blacks" except for traveling. So my answer is Yes and No . Deborah
. Deborah
Oct 20th, 2005, 08:30 AM
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So based on the two replies so far it sounds like we fall into two camps: those of us (like me and Kate W) who travel a lot for both work and leisure, and those of us who travel a bit less (like DeborahAnn, and so can have a dedicated travel wardrobe that's separate from the usual.
Pretty much my entire wardrobe is, in fact, a dedicated travel wardrobe. But it's not obviously one, as it's just regular clothes from regular shops.
There's an advantage to the dedicated travel wardrobe approach that DeborahAnn takes, as she doesn't have to put any thought into it at all, short of deciding whether or not the cut of her trousers and skirts are still reasonably in fashion and nothing's worn out. She doesn't get tired of the items because she only uses them for travel.
So as to keep my life reasonably simple I actually do have a lot of black in my wardrobe, though I do also use a lot of color and white and tan, just typically paired with black so that I can still stick with black shoes and handbags.
The only things that I specifically buy for travel are, of course, luggage (though I'm happy with what I've got at the moment, so don't spend nearly so much time as Kate W loitering near luggage displays) and travel-convenient toiletries.
Individual sachets/single use packets are great. Kate W lists bug repellent and sunscreen. I go through so much sunscreen that I try and find small bottles of very high SPF/low viscosity products. I've got one now with a top that snaps locked, so very low risk of it opening in my handbag.
Other single use sachets that are great:
nail polish remover
facial wipes (I use Stridex, as my skin is oily---great for freshening up on the plane without going to the WC, where it is extremely bad form to take more time that absolutely necessary or do anything more complicated than pee and blow your nose)
shampoo, conditioner, hair goo: Bumble & Bumble makes great products that come in little foil packs. They're billed as single use, but I can actually use most of these for at least three days, and I've got long hair.
I recently found a small shoe polish kit that comes with small applicator and chamois for polishing. I walk so much when I travel that my shoes get dinged up pretty quickly.
Any other cool products out there along those lines?
Pretty much my entire wardrobe is, in fact, a dedicated travel wardrobe. But it's not obviously one, as it's just regular clothes from regular shops.
There's an advantage to the dedicated travel wardrobe approach that DeborahAnn takes, as she doesn't have to put any thought into it at all, short of deciding whether or not the cut of her trousers and skirts are still reasonably in fashion and nothing's worn out. She doesn't get tired of the items because she only uses them for travel.
So as to keep my life reasonably simple I actually do have a lot of black in my wardrobe, though I do also use a lot of color and white and tan, just typically paired with black so that I can still stick with black shoes and handbags.
The only things that I specifically buy for travel are, of course, luggage (though I'm happy with what I've got at the moment, so don't spend nearly so much time as Kate W loitering near luggage displays) and travel-convenient toiletries.
Individual sachets/single use packets are great. Kate W lists bug repellent and sunscreen. I go through so much sunscreen that I try and find small bottles of very high SPF/low viscosity products. I've got one now with a top that snaps locked, so very low risk of it opening in my handbag.
Other single use sachets that are great:
nail polish remover
facial wipes (I use Stridex, as my skin is oily---great for freshening up on the plane without going to the WC, where it is extremely bad form to take more time that absolutely necessary or do anything more complicated than pee and blow your nose)
shampoo, conditioner, hair goo: Bumble & Bumble makes great products that come in little foil packs. They're billed as single use, but I can actually use most of these for at least three days, and I've got long hair.
I recently found a small shoe polish kit that comes with small applicator and chamois for polishing. I walk so much when I travel that my shoes get dinged up pretty quickly.
Any other cool products out there along those lines?
