another packing question

[garnet1996]

I think I am probably the most unexperience traveler here, when we went anywhere, we moved with all of our things How do you guys pack lightly for a trip? I really thought I saw somewhere that listed each item so you could mix and match with very little in a suitcase. Yes, I'm a nerd and a neurotic list maker!

My husband is a packhorse, so I don't want to bring much at all.

Thanks!!

[Kristie]

how long are you going for again? if your going for a week, you can wear clothing more than once which decreases your load a lot!

like for my 4 day euro-weekends, i take one pair of jeans, one or two tshirts, i wear the sweater (depending on weather), a sailing type jacket (they pack down really good!!), a pair of tennis shoes or walking type shoes and the toiletries/hairdryer etc...but i just wear clothes over and over again if needed cuz i want to keep all of my space available for things to bring back! haha

[roz]

I pack by colors so that I can limit the shoes which are what take up the room. So, if my shoes are black I bring a pair of dressier shoes and travel-walking shoes. I bring black jeans, black slacks, tops, sweaters, skirts, etc to match. I always have a bathing suit and shorts/tee shirt for work outs. In this way, I can mix and match, dress up and down, etc. I also have a pair of Nike fold up sneakers that are wonderful for traveling.

[Kristie]

i've learned never bring dress up clothes unless i know i'm going out for a nice dinner or on a cruise...then you definitely have to pack some nicer things with another pair of shoes! most of the time, you can still wear your jeans anywhere restaurant wise (at least overseas we haven't had much trouble) but i do wear nicer clothes as my non-rev attire (esp since you have to) and sometimes use that as my nicer outfit just to pack even lighter!

but, i agree with roz, dressing by color code is pretty much essential if you care about your appearance while on vaca!

oh yea and always take a bathing suit! you just never know when you'll have a nice quiet pool to rest your toesy's in...

[roz]

Interesting article in today's paper:

http://www.philly.com/mld/inquirer/l...l/16482176.htm

[Kristie]

i guess i don't really care enuff to give a hoot about what people think cuz people base us on politics anyways, when it comes to "who/what the US is about" it's not about what we "wear"....i dress appropriately for where i'm going and what i'm doing.. but most of the time, i dress comfortably for the area and climate because i'm really far away from home and can't just dip in my closet or go shopping for new clothes.

based on my experience... europeans don't look at you any less based on what you wear, again, it's all politics and attitude now a days...everyone is starting to give a crap about "the ugly american" and that has everything to do with attitude and personality, while in a country NOT your own (ie: learn some of the language!)...

that article talks about going to some of the really expensive restaurants and yea, of course, your gonna want to dress appropriately for that..but you won't see me spending over $100 on any meal, currency conversion or not. you don't have to go to an expensive restaurant to get the best food, it's ALL over the place over there...

essentially, that article is just saying "pack more stuff, take more luggage"...heck, if your not planning to go out and eat *fancy*, then why bring the clothes for it?

eh, just my thinkin'

[roz]

I think what the article is saying is that, too often, people do go to fancier restaurants, places like the major churches, etc and don't dress respectfully. I see it often as I am overseas a lot. You don't need to bring a ton of extra clothes to be both comfortable and look nice. You just have to bring the right clothes. Even the State Department is now issuing a list of travel tips with Passports.

[garnet1996]

Thanks for the input. I'm only going for a week. We are also trying to figure out temperature wise, our family said it has been all over the map.

As a SAHM I have a very limited wardrobe anyway

[Eastbayk]

I was looking through a Land's End (clothing) catalog at my parents house one time and they had a whole article on packing. It seemed pretty logical and has always worked for me. It was meant for business wear, but seems to work for casual too. And it's pretty easy to remember- 1,2,3. 1 jacket, 2 bottoms and 3 tops will give you enough combos to wear for an entire week. Add 2 pairs of shoes and a bathing suit. Pack them all in compatible colors and you are good to go. If you are packing for more than 1 week, double the formula.

I always add in an extra jacket sweater b/c I am always cold. Good luck!

kim