toedtoes

Gizmo - as I said before, I don't have a problem if folks do this, however, I wanted to point out that there is an issue with doing so. For me, that issue is too close to home, so this option isn't viable for me - I just can't buy thrift shop clothes and get rid of them (regardless of how) after one use when my friend can barely afford them as her real wardrobe.

ddtripper

gizmo

I like your idea a lot, and thank you for posting it. I have bought and enjoyed many clothes from thrift stores and will check them out for my trip although I find that it's pretty hit and miss. And, I see no issue in leaving or giving away new or used clothing as you travel. I enjoy planning for my trip and buying clothes that are light and will fit into my travel plans -- I consider it a challenge to get just the right things. Thanks for the idea!

dd tripper

bigtyke

I used the throw away technique on a trip to England/Ireland several years ago. I wore pants that were just slightly frayed, old underwear and socks that were good for about 1 more use, two pair of shoes that were also on their last legs, several shirts that had small tears, a long sleeve shirt with a hole in the elbow (all shirts were covered with a new jacket as this trip was in the spring). I returned with the set of clothes that I wore on the plane and just a little in my backpack. My traveling companion bought several books and his rolling dufflebag weighed about 50 pounds at the end of the trip!

I wouldn't worry about going to a thrift store and buying so many clothes that the needy no longer have a decent selection. I shop thrift stores about every week and there are plenty of clothes. I went to one this week that had a full rack of perhaps 20-30 very nice, dressy dresses for $3.00 each.

julia1

almost-2-year-old thread ...

spcfa

I just noticed there's a similar thread over on the Rick Steves site. I find it fascinating that something so benign should warrant such negative responses(both here and there).

FWIW - I take my own old clothes, things that are a wear or two away from "that's it, this must be tossed." When a piece of clothing of mine gets to that stage, I have a special bin in my closet labeled "disposables." When packing for a trip I usually take a number of pieces from the bin to help me spread out my laundry days. I do wear special travel clothing that can be washed easily and dries overnight. But if I don't take a few of the disposables I'd have to do laundry every night. This buys me a couple of days during the trip when my schedule is tight and I don't have time/feel like washing. These clothes are going to get tossed anyway. I don't donate rags.

That said, when we were on safari I didn't take disposables. It would have been a burden to make extra trash for those remote locations. But in a city - please.

29FEB

Yes, this is an older thread but what's wrong with that? If more people would use the SEARCH function instead of posting every thought, we'd have fewer <i>"How do I get from CDG to the hotel?"</i> threads.

No information in this thread is out of date.

I agree with the "one last use" school of thought -- the trick is to anticipate when an item is nearing it's end of useful life before it actually gets there.

flpab

We do this every trip but usually go through my own closet. I think housecleaning must think I am forgetful but hope they enjoy the clothes. Room for my gifts and saves me a trip to Goodwill.

flpab

I travel very light to begin with but we stay at one place in Germany that we need to bring towels, cups, plates, etc for eating in our cottage. I layer clothes and always have items in my closet that I don't wear so can leave behind. Germany does not have plastic cups, forks, plates in the stores so don't mine bringing those things from home. I bring but leave for next guest or give to other campers. first trip bought items there from a second hand store. I wish we were like that here. Bravo Germany!

GiuliaPiraino

29FEB, I agree, nothing wrong with reviving a thread no matter how old, it might have info someone else can use!

annw

I've ended up doing this once or twice without planning to, for ex., leaving a wearable rain jacket on a hook at the train station of our last stop, hoping it makes its way into lost and found or to someone who can benefit.

I think there are arguments for either position, but it rapidly gets into an argument ad absurdem -- thrift shop items aren't always worn out and messy, etc. People should live--including travel-- in a manner as respectful to society and our world as possible, however that translates for them.

Victoria49

When I travel, I don't want to look like I buy my clothes at Goodwill...if I can't afford to wear what looks ok and is comfortable, I should maybe consider staying at home. I'm learning to pack lighter....because I do like to shop when traveling, but I usually pack a lightweight bag to hold my purse and some souvenirs upon returning.

LSky

Victoria, Vacation is the only time my husband and I take photos of one another. I'm not going to be dressed like a goon for that. You're totally right.

spcfa

LSky - traveling is the only time my husband and I take pictures of each other! Since I have specialized travel gear (pants, outerwear, shoes, etc.) that I've been using for years, our vacation pictures often look like I photo-shopped myself in to pictures of famous global destinations!

When I travel, it's never about what I'm wearing - everything is about ease of travel (clothes must be quick-drying or disposable or they don't make the cut).

p_gill

The larger size zip lock bags work best for me. I use a few - lingerie and socks in one, all tops in another, one for pants and one for dressier stuff. Makes packing and unpacking a snap - just place the bags in the dresser drawers. I make a ziplock bag sandwich in the suitcase - a layer on the bottom, shoes - toiletries etc, in the middle and a ziplock layer on top.

gizmo

I love that my original thread is still getting remarks...I still am traveling around the world and still recycling my well designed, attractive clothing from resale shops to various people from India to Aruba!

The Large Zip Lock Bags (the largest one available....) are great for packing....I put all my shorts in one, tops in one, and then you squeeze out all the air, and it makes for more room in the suitcase.

I have been traveling for forty years, but unfortunately still havent learned the skill of packing light or mixing and matching the perfect coordinations.

But there is no better site than Fodor Travel Forum to help me with my travel needs.

29FEB

Gizmo, I'm glad it's still being discussed too as packing is so general to all of us, unlike extremely specific questions.

But this school of thought is, at the very least, uninformed:
<i>"When I travel, I don't want to look like I buy my clothes at Goodwill...if I can't afford to wear what looks ok and is comfortable, I should maybe consider staying at home."</i>
-OR-
<i>"I'm not going to be dressed like a goon..."</i>

If one is willing to look, Goodwill stores have amazing things, often donated by wealthy people who gained a pound or two perhaps or are weary of last year's purchases. The items I choose look great and are extremely comfortable and appropriate. The money I save is spent on airfare and hotels.

And our regional Goodwills have even been advertising, to dispel the old notion that it's only for the needy. There was one classic ad showing the "perfect little black dress" in the back of the Goodwill truck.

november_moon

I think that being able to find good stuff at thrift stores is a regional thing. I have rarely had any luck with thrift stores and clothing. In my area, a popular hobby is for people to go to the thrift stores, buy things, and then sell them at yard sales. Some people have yard sales every weekend. My MIL used to work for Goodwill and there are groups of people(mostly women) who go from store to store to buy up the good stuff as soon as it comes out.

gizmo

Thank You 29Feb. for your positive comments.

I have found many "perfect little black dresses" in Goodwill Stores, Thrifts Shops and Resale Shops.

nz101

I'm not one for packing lightly - I try to, but it never works out as intended, and I'm definitely one who likes to buy souvenirs and stuff while away, so I am always a little over the weight limit on the return leg.

On my last trip I wore one pair of jeans for almost two weeks straight - I was going to give these to the thrift shop before I left as they had gotten slightly too small for me, but then I decided to wear them and then leave them - which is what I did and it worked out well.

I also had a great pair of boots, which had seen me through a Canadian winter trip and a previous winter trip to Europe - they literally fell apart on my last trip to Europe, so these too got left behind, along with a top which developed a hole.

I too like to look nice while travelling, but generally take some older clothes as well that I don't mind throwing away if the need arises (eg if I need more room for souvenirs).

cathies

I think the idea of leaving your grotty underwear behind is revolting. House cleaning in hotels is a tough enough job without adding that to the mix.

I pack lightly but I do like to take my own things that I know are going to fit me properly and shoes that I know are comfortable.