Fodor's Travel Talk Forums - Women, what do I pack?

Fodor's Travel Talk Forums (https://www.fodors.com/community/)

- Europe (https://www.fodors.com/community/europe/)

- - Women, what do I pack? (https://www.fodors.com/community/europe/women-what-do-i-pack-284954/)

Oh, and thanks to Barb, too. I'm printing all your replies to look into further. I just don't want to ruin my trip with aching feet!

I am already obsessing with finding the right shoes for our France trip this June..my husband walked into a store, pointed to the ones he wanted, and that was that...must be nice not to have to worry about looks and comfort!!

You're welcome, Statia. And thank you, armand... << PA Rex is even an expert on womens shoes.>> "PA" refers to ?? Perennially Amicable ?? :)

Just a word of caution - be prepared for any type of weather, be it cold/hot/rainy or all. I was in Paris in June, two years ago and it was in the low 40's and extremely windy. London was chilly and damp/rainy. So along with any sundresses and sandals you might pack, bring some warmer items, as well. Have a great trip, Melissa

Great suggestions here, but where to *find* all this stuff? Even if you are "overbudget," I recommend getting one or two pieces of quick-dry clothes. I was so glad when I did. Especially pants. You can find all sorts of sturdy travel clothes in the Magellan's catalog or Travel Smith.

I've taken quite a few Travelsmith clothing items to Italy for the past two years--washing them in the sink and drying overnight. Since then, I've found great Travelsmith items in perfectly good/excellent condition on eBay, and spent just a fraction of the cost. My favorite shoes are my Ecco black nubuck sandals that have 3 straps over the top of my foot, and a fourth that goes around the ankle. All four straps are velco-adjustable--which is great when my feet become hot and/or swollen, I can simply adjust any/all of the straps. I have even seen these sandals on eBay. I never take anything made of cotton--I love Coolmax. All because of the length of time it takes these things to dry.

I feel your pain, Overbuget. I'm packing a 27-inch rolling bag, a square, 16-inch shoulder carry-on, and a backpack (just a day-pack, and I have to leave room for law books - yikes!) for 6 weeks of study in England, with side trips to Switzerland (hiking) and Italy (touring). Here's a little of what I've learned so far: Shoes - figure out what kinds of activities you're going to be doing, and pack accordingly. I'm taking a pair of brown sandals (by Born - very comfy!) for everyday, a pair of black mary jane mules (flats, with very squishy in-soles) that are appropriate both for dressing up and for casual, and a pair of Columbia hiking/running shoes for my morning runs and for hiking in Switz. Ladies won't want to bring heels - cobblestones are difficult enough without having to negotiate them on stilts. Look for things that can do double-duty. This goes for clothes, as well. Definitely bring a money belt or an around-the-neck money pouch. Someone mentioned bringing a purse or bag on the plane. This is a good idea for stuff you'll want on the ride over (don't forget to bring water!!!), but LEAVE IT BEHIND when you go sight-seeing. There's nothing more tempting to a pickpocket than a purse on a tourist. Keep your money, tickets, passport, etc. on your body, and leave copies of traveller's checks and your passports in your luggage and at home with a relative or friend. Look on these boards for anti-pickpocket tips. Those guys aren't dangerous, but they can ruin your enjoyment of Notre Dame or Sacre Coeur pretty thoroughly. Clothes - Look for things in your closet AND in the store. I looked at things in travel stores and found them 1) overpriced, and 2) not exactly in-tune with my personal style. If you find something you like, try your hardest to make it wrinkle. Linen bad. Microfibers and synthetic blends good. (Also, bring a travel iron - see below for more info on these miracle gadgets.) Current converter - You may have already bought a plug converter for your hairdryer, blow dryer, whatever. But make sure you get a current converter, as well (Fodorites - you still need one for France, right?). That way, you don't fry your appliances (or do what a flatmate of mine did in England once, and burn her bangs off with her over-heated curling iron!). I think Staples has one that includes plug converters for most countries, if you're interested in investing in one for future trips to other destinations. Most travel irons already have a switch to change the current, so you don't have to bring a converter for those. I'm sure there's more that I'm forgetting. Surf these boards - there's some wonderful advice here! Bon Voyage!

Statia - Try Born sandals, or any flat sandals with a good, flexible sole and a soft insole. Borns may not be the most delicate-looking shoes in the world, but I think they'd still look cute with capris and more fitted or tailored skirts (anything more flowy, and they'd tend to look hippy - in a bad way). I just bought mine yesterday. I couldn't resist putting them on to go to the grocery store on the way home. Those shoes are absolutely heavenly on your feet - more comfy than walking barefoot, even, and I'm a barefoot kind of girl! For more dressy outfits, look for similarly comfy shoes in a slightly more formal closed-toed version. My black shoes (see above post) are by Azaleia (sic), and are a backless take-off on the mary jane style. They're very cute, yet practical. I usually go for mules and backless sandals, since when I walk a lot I inevitably end up with blistered heels. And how annoying would that be? On that same note, when you try on shoes, be on the lookout for straps that pinch or rub. I have a "should-be-comfortable" pair of sandals that, unfortunately, have thin straps with *serrated* edges. It's like wearing a bread knife on your foot all day - I kid you not. So beware of the cute strappy sandals from hell. ;) I'm going to Italy this summer, too! Yay!

My mind boggles when I read tHis type of thread. You wear appropiatetely as you would in New York as when in paris. As in Provencetown or keywest it's ok in Provence and some provinces. Linens aren't bad, I sit on them to iron, to take an iron is like , WOW, why go on vacation., gauzy cotton are reat do not need ironing and even some tissue silk dressy dresses for some formal place you may need to have. But let me say this. Never have I seen in France, Woman dressed "to the Hilts"except once at a fancy b&b where a young women arrived at breakfast dressed in a marabou featheed creation. I swore to my husband she was American and didn't know better. AHA! I was wrong she was danish.

cigalechanta - That's my first reaction to the iron, as well. Who wants to iron on vacation? But then again, if you unpack, and your favorite blouse is messy beyond hope, and if steaming it in the bathroom doesn't work, you're out of luck. I'm not the biggest iron-er in the world, but I take mine. Then again, it's tiny, I don't take a lot of things most women would - curling iron, hair dryer, etc., so I have more room in my luggage, and when I travel to Europe, it's generally for weeks at a time. For 2.5 weeks, I'd suggest that "overbuget" plan on packing light and doing some laundry at some point. At which time she and her hubby may find a travel iron very handy indeed. YMMV, of course. Different strokes for different folks, and all that.

I can do 3 weeks summer Europe in a 22" rolling suitcase & a very large pocketbook used as my carryon (plus a folded lightweight duffle to use on the return trip). DON'T buy new stuff if at all possible! Pack from your own closet. Hang possible outfits together, find coordinating pieces, and come up clothes that you feel & look good in at home in summer. Plan to wear the same stuff over and over. Start with your favorites and stop when your small suitcase is loosely filled. I've had some *bad* experiences taking newly purchased stuff from travel catalogs! (I won't even go there!!) Personally, I'm a big fan of cotton knits and krinkly rayon... take 4-5 pair pants/capri, 1-2 shorts, 5-7 tops/tanks/vests, undies/bras/socks, sarong or lightweight robe, 2-3 shoes, 1-2 jacket/sweater. 1-2 dress/skirt if you normally wear them (I don't). Very important... Make sure your shoes are well broken in!! Even comfy new sandals can make blisters when worn for a solid 8 hr. day of walking walking walking. Last summer I used a slip on pair of Merrell's moc style, a black suede pair of Munro sandals with rubber sole and slight heel, and flip flops. Take a few thin colored ankle socks (I know it ain't cute but can save the day with sandals!). Travel-size all your toiletries and cosmetics and pack in zip lock bags. On the plane wear a jacket or cardigan sweater that you can layer for warmth if you need it later. Hope these ideas help, but most importantly have a wonderful 1st trip to Europe!

Just reread this thread and have to add my p.s. I use my own everyday leather pocketbook. Sturdy, with zipper top, thick strap long enough to go across my body. My feeling is I'm more likely to get into trouble trying to change my habits. Haven't lost my purse yet, at home or abroad. I don't take an iron. Pack stuff that doesn't wrinkle or wear it wrinkled. I only wash out undies, bras and tanks. The rest can simply hang and air out between wearings. (Hey that's what my european friends do!)