DeborahAnn

For kicks, I'm glad my husband only wears a size 10 because those shoes sure take up alot of luggage space If your husband has a pair of Rockport type of "comfort" walking shoe that look enough like a dress shoe he could get by with just the two pairs of shoes. That is what my husband does on our 2-3 week trips.

For ctoner; after just a quick glance at your packing list I wonder if you have enough long pants, I only saw one pair (black) and the rest capri length. Will the weather be warm enough on the water? I know it's July but it is England have you checked out any of the weather websites to see the stats for the area you are visiting?

Will the black jacket you are bringing go with all the pants and skirt? You certainly are limited because of the number of people getting around in a subcompact. Are you certain all that luggage will fit? When we have traveled with 4 we get a mid-size car if we are doing much driving. How many times will all of you and your luggage be in the car? Hopefully every top can be paired with every bottom to give you the most mixing and matching.

I look forward to reading the advice you both will be given. My husband and I have a very packing-challenged trip coming up and I hope to find some good suggestions here. Deborah

Deborah

ctoner

Hi Deborah! Thanks for the quick reply. It's time to get all clothes out on the bed for further inspection. You're right.I have to consider one more pair of pants at least. I forgot to mention that I will be taking bluejeans and jean jacket. I will likely were those on the plane. I should really look at a nice windbreaker of some description. I have been getting the Manchester weather each day since last year ( this trips been long in the planning) and it seems like they get weather similar to Vancouver BC...but the worlds weather patterns have been wacky..so we'll see. Thanks for the advise and I'll look forward to more advise from the messages. Cath

ctoner

Hi Deborah...The car we have rented is a Ford Monteo which I think is midsized.We are all to take no bigger than 20" and a carry on. Mine and my DH's is 19"x14"x9. Now I have a carry on that afixes over the handle and is the match so it fits exactly. Hopefully we all stick to the rules, although my sister and her husband, are quite seasoned travellers, so they are used to the one weekender rule. I may try to take a shopping bag that I can conceal for the trip back...Take care. Ctoner

Therese

kicks:

Your Italy/Greece trip should be pretty straightforward, and given that it's all leisure actually much easier to pack for than my trip to Italy/Greece that started this thread. You need to pick one base color (on the dark side, though not necessarily black unless you like it---navy or taupe would also work) and make sure the everything (and I mean everything) goes with everything else. Weather mostly on the warm side, but likely cooler in the evenings and on the water, so make sure you've got some lightweight cardigans in there. Remember that you can layer them if it's really chilly.

I'd also take (or acquire, since you start in Italy) a nice silk or silk/wool shawl to use as a wrap for the cruise. You can get away with something as simple as trousers and a camisole for dressier occasions on the cruise if you've got a pretty shawl to drape over it.

As for you're husband's size 14 shoes, he'll wear one pair on the plane and pack the other. Treat each of these enormous shoes as if it were a small suitcase and cram as much stuff as you possibly can into each. I'm pretty sure I'd could fit all of my underwear and all of my socks into just one of these shoes.

If your husband is thinking about bringing a blazer (and I think he should---it's a nice warm jacket and will instantly dress him up) he should wear it on the plane. Check or other pattern much more versatile than a solid, and of course it should match everything (and I mean everything) he's bringing.

kicks

Therese -

This thread has been a great help - especially for those of us who think we need an outfit for every occasion. Just one more question - are shorts acceptable on the Greek Islands (not the short-short type) or would capris be more appropriate? Also, how do I manage the "formal" nights on the cruise or should we just plan to eat in the buffet line, which is fine with us as I really don't want to take more than one 20-22" carry on.

Therese

Cath (ctoner):

Sounds like you've got a good start on your wardrobe. Since the trip's basically leisure, and largely sports-centered as well that pretty much dictates what you'll bring.

Some thoughts...

1. Good idea to wear the jean jacket and long jeans on the plane, as they're relatively bulky. I'd make sure that the capri jeans and the jean skirt also go with the denim jacket.

2. The raspberry and beige capris both sound a little problematic to me. The beige ones won't withstand more than one or possibly two wearings, particularly on the boat, unless you are very tidy indeed. Raspberry is a pretty strong color, and I don't think I'd use it on the bottom unless I were (a) stick thin or (b) wanted to use it as my base color and have lots of coordinating pieces (which actually could work very nicely if that's the idea). Plus you're traveling with friends, and they're going to get as tired of them as you are.

3. Bag the white denim jacket. Just don't even think about it, it will make you crazy.

4. Does the black spandex blazer match the black spandex pants? Only bring it if it does.

5. Lay out your clothes and try mentally putting on everything together, all at once. Do you just look bulky? Or do you look like you're a bag lady? If the latter you probably need to re-think a bit, making sure that you really can wear everything with everything else.

6. White shoes present the same difficulties as white denim jackets, and don't sound like they'd work well for evening. Do your other shoes work for evening?

Therese

kicks:

I've never been to the Greek islands, so can't speak directly to the issue of shorts vs capris, but given that it's largely a tourist area I doubt it makes much difference. I never wear shorts unless I'm actually hiking, and instead wear skirts or sundresses. Cooler, and no question of feeling underdressed.

I've also never been on a cruise, but do attend lots of dressy functions when I travel (and at home) and unless this is one extraordinarily formal cruise you should have no problem with using evening separates. By evening separates I mean trousers or long skirt in a nice stretchy matte fabric (black for me, and probably the best for you as well) without any sort of sporty details like pockets or belt loops, etc. and either a dressy top or a matte black top with a shawl over it. I can get away with pretty skimpy tops, so typically choose patterned silk halter tops or just a plain black camisole if I'm going with the shawl. Some nice earrings with some glitter to them or maybe a chandelier style will also dress things up. Black evening slides will take up very little room in your bag and also dress up your look.

You likely actually have the room for a cocktail dress or two, particularly as they tend to be pretty skimpy and made of fabrics that won't wrinkle. They should go with the dressy shoes that you've already picked out. Make sure that the dressy shoes are at least reasonable for walking so that you'll be able to wear them out in Italy if you want to go somewhere dressy.

Your husband also doesn't need more than one evening ensemble, even if he decides to wear a tie to dinner (apart from bringing more than one tie, or buying some nice ones while in Italy---definitely what I'd do). One blazer (which he wore on the plane), one pair of lightweight wool trousers, one white shirt (which he should have laundered and pressed and packed folded in plastic by the cleaners), and those size 14 dress shoes (be sure to take your underwear out of them). He'll wear the shirt only in the evening, and has to hang it up once he's done with it. If he's used to wearing undershirts that will extend the "life" of the shirt. If you plan on doing a lot of dancing, etc. he'll want to bring more shirts, but these actually pack easily, particularly if you've had the cleaners fold them and pack them in plastic sleeves.

Therese

Some more thoughts for Cath/ctoner:

I'd definitely include some sort of lightweight waterproof outer layer, nothing fancy. I'd also make sure to bring something like a pair of tights to wear under jeans for an extra layer of warmth if it gets weirdly cold. Normally I wouldn't suggest this for this time of year, but given that you won't necessarily be close to shops when on the boat it doesn't hurt to have a little bit of insurance.

ctoner

Thanks Therese for all your advise! My description of colour is a bit off. The capris are more of a light rusty red if you can feature that and the biege I describe is more on the kakhi side. Sorry...The white jacket is gone.. and the other black shoes i think I may take are slides with a 1 1/2" heel. They are a little more dressy and would work with the black pants and jacket,which do match btw. I will throw everything on the bed and mix and match. Thanks again.

flygirl

I think she was referring to light clothes in general getting dirty a lot easier than black ones.

you may luck out on weather but I wouldn't do most of my wardrobe around shorter pants in England in the summertime. sometimes it's quite warm and other times I've talked to friends over there and they said "I believe we had summer last week" (meaning it's back to cool and damp&quot.

perhaps be prepared to buy a pair of trousers while you are there? that's always fun... just be sure not to call them pants!!

Therese

So that dusty red color for the capris rather than pink. I like that color a lot, and it feels a bit nautical. I'd just make sure that all of your tops go with (nearly) all of your bottoms.

Imagine the following scenario: you've packed two bottoms that each have three coordinating tops, but the coordinating tops can't be used with the other bottom. Now imagine that one of your bottoms is out of commission for some reason: a tear, a jammed zipper, bad stain. Instead of just losing that one bottom you've lost the bottom and those three tops.

Looking back over your initial list I think you might actually be too light on tops, particularly dressier tops if you want to go out in the evening very much. Even if you're going to a pub you want to feel as attractive as you would at home on a similar outing.

Flygirl's point about a possible heat wave is a good one. I've been in some very hot weather in England. Do you ever wear shorts? Seems like a pair would work for the boat.

katek013

"Are shorts acceptable on the Greek Islands (not the short-short type) or would capris be more appropriate?"

First of all I have to say that I've been a light packer for many years. My friends and family made fun of me at first (I travel with my pillow also...latex foam). I travel for 2 weeks with an 18" carryon and on-board tote. Now they are converts.

I've travelled to the Greek islands and then London every year for vacation for the last five years and to answer your question ... whatever you are the most comfortable with. I take both. The islands are very, very informal during the day (and depending on the island at night also). So depending on the weather and what I'm going to do that day I'll wear either.

I would say that if you are going to be sight-seeing and going into the many, many beautiful churches, I would wear the capris, and maybe throw a lightweight pashmina/cardigan in your bag if you are wearing a tank or sleeveless top. This is a great way to show your respect and still be comfortable. It can also be a little windy/chilly on some of the islands, especially Santorini.

My first trip there I purchased a longsleeve white cotton shirt ... gauzy style ... and that's what I take with me now. It cuts the wind and I can tie it at my waist when not wearing it. It doesn't matter about the wrinkles since it's already a wrinkled style.

Kate

katek013

Thanks for all of the good tips in this thread that I never thought about.

I can get away with an 18" case 'cause I take things that can be handwashed in the sink (and I'm a size 14/16). Everything is from my normal summer wardrobe also. After I wear it I wash it out (with the shampoo from the hotel usually) and hang it up to dry. I pack a shirt hanger and pants hanger (the kind you get when you purchase something and ask it to be left on the hanger). Many Greek island hotels will have shirt hangers, but they don't have pants hangers. At the end of the trip I just leave the hangers in the hotel.

Also for my pillow, I use a travel space bag purchased at Target. I can roll it up and put it in my tote, so that I can use it on the plane if I want.

Kate

Therese

katek013, how did you end up using latex foam pillows? Those of us who use them pretty much always have to bring them along, as hotels don't have them, but at least they're wonderfully compressible.

On an entirely different note, I wanted to mention a really great purchase I made while in Paris earlier this year: boots. Looking back through my packing list you'll notice that I use boots a lot, both at home and when I travel. I like them because they're comfortable from an arch support (because I can always use an orthotic) and sock point of view.

But because tall boots (to the knee, that is) are so bulky I don't usually travel with them, so I'm limited to wearing short boots with trousers. So I was delighted to find a pair of boots that combined a slight heel with a shaped foot and not drastically pointy toe with a stretch leather top. They work very nicely with skirts and dresses.

Because the top of the boot is soft it collapses easily for packing. They actually take up less space than athletic shoes. The brand is Finest, from Varese. Unfortunately I can't find any pictures of any of their products on the web. I bought them at a shop that specializes in comfortable shoes in Paris, and am hoping I'll be able to find them in Berlin next month.

flygirl

I thought I'd throw in a tip here - Lands End has FABULOUS T shirts - very soft, well made (i.e. none of those cheapies that lose their shape and are vaguely see through) and they fold up nice and small. I bought a few to test them out - wonderful.

I'm going to take 3 white ones and 3 black ones (possibly one or two colored ones like lavender or red) with me on this next trip - they will take next to no room in the suitcase. Throw in a few scarves and some black trousers and you're all set. Not the height of fashion, but, neat and presentable and far better than pink running suits!

Therese

Another benefit to packing light: had this unfortunate soul packed light he/she would have had his coat and probably a sweater in the overhead, as there wouldn't have been room to pack it, checked luggage or no.

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34787531

katek013

Hi Therese, I've used a foam latex pillow since I was around 8 years old. I'm so glad that Linen & Things and Bed Bath & Beyond have started carrying them. They aren't cheap (around $30 for a standard), but they are cheaper than a good down pillow. I have my parents sleeping with them now.

Friends and family have laughed at me for years for lugging my pillow along ... but I always get a good night sleep. You know how awful some European hotel pillows are. They are really bad in the Greek islands.

I'd rather go without a few extra outfits than not have my pillow with me.

Kate

wyatt92

Theresa, you could start your own business with this! Go to people's homes who are packing for long trips and help them pack light. Even after reading this thread I'm not sure if I could do it alone so I think I would hire you!

wyatt92

Sorry, I meant Therese.

Therese

Wouldn't it be cool if I could make money packing for people, wyatt92?

As katek013 notes, latex foam pillows are expensive, but they're very comfortable and very compact (once you've squeezed all the air out).

My next trip is to Berlin in a few weeks, for work but with some social stuff and touring tacked on at the end.

Can't hardly wait.