I’m about to take my third trip to Italy later this month and could not be more excited. Especially since this time, I’m going with my new husband and close friends. I love thinking about all of the adventures we’ll go on, the amazing sights we’ll see and the delicious (hopefully) food we’ll eat. The one thing I dread: Packing.
Whether it’s a three-week excursion or a weekend getaway, I’ve always struggled with “packing light.” Having lugged a much-too large bag around on my last European vacation, I have vowed to take essentials, reuse my outfits and even leave a little room for souvenirs (like shoes!). The challenge thickens as I don’t plan to check any bags. Not only does it save me a few bucks, but I just like the idea of having my stuff with me. There’s nothing worse than getting your luggage lost.
So, here’s my plan:
Bags: For this trip, I’m taking a carry-on size bag for my main luggage, a small backpack and a compact purse that zips for walking around during the day. You can keep all of the at-hand essentials (books, headphones, earplugs, sweater, toiletries, etc) in your backpack for easy access on the plane, train or cab. Plus, it’s great for day trips.
Clothes: I used to ask my husband if I could slip a pair of shoes (or two) in his typically half-full bag, but I vow to no longer put that burden on him!
There are so many factors to ponder: Consider the weather at your intended destination. How long will you be gone? Plan outfits in advance and only bring pieces you will wear more than once. Will you be going to a nice dinner or bar? It’s a great idea to bring at least one outfit that can go from causal to dressy.
Also, cut back on what you bring if you’ll have access to a washing machine.
Shoes: This is my Achilles heel. I. Love. Shoes. I love all types, heights and colors. Like a very stereotypical woman, I can’t have too many. So, when it comes to packing, I tend to bring copious pairs and end up deeply regretting it. I want to be smarter about the kinds of shoes I bring. Never again will I walk the endless streets of Europe in unsupportive sandals!
For my purposes, I plan to bring a pair of sneakers that are stylish and practical for walking (this took some finding, but I like a shoe challenge), a dressier sandal and flip flops. That. Is. It. I’m comforted only by the fact that I’ll have room in my bag to store that unique pair of Italian shoes I plan to find.
Accessories: A versatile scarf is a must-have for any travel excursion. Not only is it good for shielding yourself from the unwanted germs of your fellow travelers, it’s classy. I also bring one dressy and one casual necklace, and 2-3 pairs of earrings.
Here’s what I ended up packing for a 19-day trip where I’ll have access to a washing machine:
Carry-on bag
1 lightweight jacket
1 versatile sweater
1 pair of denim shorts
7 tops (more tops than bottoms = wider outfit variety)
4 lightweight dresses (1 or 2 that can go from day to night)
2 pairs of jeans
5 pairs of socks
2 bras (1 strapless)
10 pairs of underwear
1 bathing suit
1 cover-up
1 pair of yoga pants (for plane & lounging)
1 pair of sleeping shorts & tank
1 pair sneakers; 1 pair sandals; flip-flops
2 necklaces, 2 pairs earrings
Toiletries
Hair straightener (a necessity for me)
Copies of passport & driver’s license
Backpack
Scarf
Sweatshirt/sweater
Sunglasses
Phone charger & European wall converter
Batteries
2 books
Water bottle
Passport
Essential toiletries bag
Purse
Stray tips:
- Wedding bling: Leave the rock, take the band.
- New shoes? Break them in before you leave. Really.
- Learn a few essential words/phrases of the country you’re visiting and use them. It’s respectful.
%CODE8%
Rolling your clothes instead of folding them keeps more wrinkles away and more goes into the suitcase.
My trip in August I packed one large suitcase to the gills with one cloth carry on and my purse. After all the things I purchased (some of which I had shipped home) I wasn’t sure how to get it all home. I asked for a box at the hotel desk the last night, and this great clerk told me about rolling my clothes. I did and had room for ALL the extras in the bag.
You could wash minor items by hand and hang to dry if no laundry is available..also wear things inside out if it doesn’t bother you…whatever it takes to be in a travel mode. Leave the ultra ‘clean’ habits at home. If it takes special care it is probably not travel worthy.
Merrell are the best shoes. Most comfortable than I have ever had – even with my bunion.
Just curious, what shoe (tennis) did you end up bringing?
I am going a round the world trip for 60 days and am trying to find a good walking shoe.
I bought these – they are super comfy and will go with dresses and jeans. Hoping they work out well!
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/lacoste-graduate-sneaker/3358943?origin=fashionresultspreview
Just got back from a trip to London and Paris. My wife and I were gone for 20 days. Ladies like my wife have it easier since they are smaller generally and their clothes do not take up much room or WEIGHT. Airlines are getting more stringent about what goes into their cargo bays – I have seen weight allowances go down from 70 to 50 lbs. If you are 5’11” like I am, your clothes will weigh more and take up more room. Here’s what I recommend for guys:
Large Wheeled Duffle (weigh less than most suitcases, but use caution – some transport like the EuroStar train will severely limit bag dimensions). This is what you put into it:
1 pair jeans
1 pair nice slacks
2 pairs travel slacks (lighter than most slacks, look stylish, weigh less, quite durable)
QS (means quantity sufficient – bring enough for the days you will be gone) old underwear (stuff that has holes in it, skid marks, whatever – it doesn’t matter – you will dump as you go) consider travel underwear that can be washed in a hotel bathroom sink and dries overnight – some are impregnated with bacteria killing stuff that prevents the growth of germs that make your underwear (and you) smell.
QS old socks (as with underwear, you will dump as you go)
7 long sleeve shirts (bring stuff you won’t mind dumping – )
7 short sleeve shirts (bring stuff you won’t mind dumping – mix of t-shirts and nice shirts)
1 really good quality wind breaker/waterproof jacket with tons of interior pockets
1 pair of nice dress shoes (if you plan on going out someplace nice)
1 reversible belt (black on one side, brown on the other)
1 travel suit (only if you plan on going out for something fancy, otherwise, forget it)
1 pair shorts
1 swim suit
Backpack for your carry-on (make sure it complies to dimensions specified by airlines – consider a large daypack):
1 pair underpants
1 pair socks
1 spare shirt
Minimal toiletries (toothbrush, razor, travel size soap/toothpaste/shampoo)
Prescription meds if you take them
Earplugs
Good pair of sunglasses
Digital point and shoot camera that can also film limited video
Charger or spare batteries for camera
Extra memory cards for camera
Phone (or if you’re smart, consider investing in a smart phone that can function as still/video camera, notebook, entertainment center, cell phone, email)
Plane pack (gum, earplugs, lip balm, saline drops for eyes/nose, small tissue pack, earbuds with plane adapters, 1 granola bar – stuff to use on the plane – put it in an outside pocket of your pack and take it out when you get on the plane – put it in the seat pocket in front of you for easy access)
Document pack (hotel/car rental/plane tickets/travelers checks/money stash: dollars, pounds, euros, small amounts of whatever currency you will be needing/passport/copies of your credit cards, traveler’s checks receipt, passport – put this in an inner pocket of your back pack where it will be less likely to be dropped or stolen)
Tablet computer loaded with games, reading material, videos, etc. to keep you entertained – remember the charger.
Yourself:
1 pair jeans or travel pants
1 long sleeve shirt
1 underpants
1 pair socks
1 pair slip on loafers or walking shoes
1 cheap watch you won’t mind losing
1 money belt (just be aware that this will come off at US and some foreign security checkpoints)
your wallet with 1 credit card, 1 debit card, your medical insurance card, driver’s license (international driver’s license if you plan on driving overseas), auto insurance card (if you plan on renting a car), some cash for the 1st destination.
Some words to the wise. This was the most complicated trip we have planned to date.
– If you are going to multiple countries, make sure you have all your travel documents in order
– If you plan to rent a car, take maps or get maps locally at your destination – do not bother lugging around GPS unless you have the app for your smart phone/tablet.
– If you are traveling to a cold climate or going some place in fall/winter/early spring, plan on allowing for extra gear (warm hat, scarf, gloves, thermals, etc.). If you want to travel light, consider buying/borrowing what you need at your destination.
– Buy some currency on line ahead of time. Shop around for the best deal. I got the best deal using Wells Fargo via AAA to get a small amount of foreign currency for cabs, tips, food/water at our destination.
– Consider not taking along a phone. A lot of people recommended buying a burn phone at your destination and not buying a SIMM card for the phone you have. Use email instead. Because we also spent some time in SF with family, I had to take my cell. Just remember that electronics require chargers and all that stuff adds weight.
– Watch the souvenirs. I am always on the look out for choice souvenirs. Unfortunately, all those things add weight. consider shipping them to home or not buying them at all if you think you can get them cheaper on EBay. Gift books from museums weigh a ton so get the smallest ones – big bonus: the smaller books are also cheaper. There are some things that you can’t get on the internet or have shipped home cheaply in which case, I recommend getting a cheap collapsible duffel bag and pay for the second bag. Put your dirty laundry in the duffel and put your nice souvenirs in your more durable luggage.
There’s more, but I have to go. Bon voyage. C
My reccommendation for suitcases is simple. If you are traveling with a partner, pack 1/2 with your items and 1/2 with your partner’s. that way you also solve the space and if your case is lost -hopefully temporarily- you still have clothing to wear. I have never brought so much. I pack for approximately 1/2 the time I’m gone and wash OR still mixing and matching, I go easy items that will work together casual or dress wise. Packing depends on layering for colder travels or not
I just came back from a 5 week trip to Greece. My 2 small suite cases both packed with clothing I did not use added 125 euros to my airfare as I visited friends on the islands of Rhodos and Patmos. I learned less is better when you travel to a very warm climate. However do bring extra Euros, because everything is expensive.
I always pack a nice warm cozy pair of socks in my carry-on. That way, I can remove my shoes and my feet stay toasty warm throughout the flight.
Oh, and now that I have a Kindle, no more weight from books as in the past. So convenient too.
In 1984, I gritted my teeth and packed one carry-on bag for six weeks in Europe…and have never turned back! Most recently, last winter, I rolled my items into a small carry-on for 3 weeks in 4 cities (and ended up sending a few things home).
Tip: start with shoes – 1 pair of tennis shoes, and 2 pairs of comfortable shoes of the same color (one pair, perhaps a nice flat, a little “dressy” in case the opera happens; the other pair, a good, supportive walking shoe). One of these you’ll wear on the plane – probably the heavy walking shoe.
Next – choose a warm coat (winter) or light jacket (summer), that coordinates with your shoes. (You’ll wear this on the plane.) Everything else that’s packed needs to go with both shoes and coat. This last trip, I took black shoes and a red coat, which my husband loved, since it made me easy to find in museums, grocery stores, at the airport, etc.
I chose “bottoms” carefully: one pair blue jeans, a pair of nice black jeans, a pair of stretchy good black slacks. Also a knee-length knit black skirt for fun, and black tights.
Tops are where some pizazz comes in! I took: 2 sleeveless black knit sweaters and a black turtleneck, along with an elegant black/rust/grey heavy Peruvian cardigan; a white long-sleeve wrinkle free blouse (very classy in France!); a green/black/gold thread striped knit t-shirt good for city or hiking; a red cotton turtleneck; a black & red heavy cardigan; a high-style black & white striped long-sleeve knit top.
For warmish sunny days: a dark gray tweed tailored jacket.
I also took a grey sweatshirt dress, which I wore only once.
Everything I packed had to work with at least three things.
Accesseries: several scarves, two belts, a smaller black purse (my travel purse is extremely large and accommodates a book or two, travel journal, trip folder, extra airplane warm socks, carry-on cosmetics, etc.) Silver necklace & earrings, gold earrings, 2 Native American bead necklaces, wristwatch. Two bras, a black durable camie for warmth, 4 prs undies (rinsed every night in the hotel sink). Pj’s – black velvet pants and a black & white striped long-sleeve stretchy top, both of which could serve as day-time clothing in an emergency
This time, I was also able to accommodate a knee-length heavy knit black sweater-coat, and loved the luxury of having a second coat. In the winter, that is all anyone sees!
Once there I bought mittens in Granada, an extra-large silvery green pullover at the old market in Nice, a beautiful leather purse in Florence, and a rosary in Rome.
It was a wonderful trip, never once dominated by luggage or clothing concerns. Remember, the trip’s the thing. Have fun!
Why do women insist on taking jeans? They are heavy. They are very difficult to launder and dry. Adult Europeans certainly aren’t wearing them anywhere but in their gardens. Leave those jeans at home!
The Okavango Delta is a great tourist destination as it turns into an amazing network of waterways during the rains and is frequented
by herds of elephants. Though many airlines have stricter rules concerning pet travel you should also review federal regulations at the FAA website.
You can however, still travel as long as youre willing to do it on a budget.