ETBD best of europe 21 days

Hi Fa, We did the 17 day Best of Italy tour in 2007. I found that having less clothing to pick from made the decisions easier, wear what's clean. Very liberating. I didn't get bored at all. Had 3 pairs slacks and 6 tops. What I didn't like were all the pictures of my husband wearing the same shirts. It didn't seem like he ever changed them. Would do it again the same way again in a heartbeat. sherry

We travel light and after returning home feel like tossing all clothes into a heap and torching them. And repeat...

I only go for two weeks and I get really sick of my clothes. But it beats lugging around a heavy suitcase.

I throw everything into the washer. When they are dry I put them away until the next trip. I think of my travel wardrobe as being like a school uniform. It's a handful of mix and match things.

Wearing the same clothing over and over does get a little tiring. It is a trade off for packing light, who wants to pack an extensive wardrobe? It helps if each article mixes and matches to make as many combinations possible. I also have travel clothing that is washed upon arriving home and put away for the next adventure.

I do what Swan does - have a set of travel clothing that is only worn (for the most part) on trips. Yes, I want to torch them when I get home, but I don't - just wash and put in the back of the closet for next time. I know I've been home too long when I am willing to wear something from my travel wardrobe. The good news is that everyone on the ETBD 21 day tour is doing exactly the same thing, and as long as you do laundry and smell clean, no one cares! The Europeans don't know you've worn the same shirt 6 times already. Solid colors with accessories (eg scarves) make things seem less monotonous.

It can get a little boring, BUT, that does allow one to focus more on the experiences instead of things like clothes.. I also HATE a heavy suitcase.
It is also possilbe to buy a new top or two as you travel , that way you have a new look ,, and a great souvenir of your trip.

Nope never get bored about attire. Comfort is a priority not fashion. If I wore the ugliest shoes in the world but they were also the most comfortable I'd wear them despite the snickers. Besides, I take a few clothing items that are presentable but really well worn, knowing that mid way thru the 21 days they will be tossed and replaced with new apparel.

Thank you all for your help. For those of you who took ETBD europe in 21 days, did you get time to wash your clothes in a coin laundry or do you have to wash your clothes by yourself? thanks for your help once again !

Hi Fa!
"did you get time to wash your clothes in a coin laundry or do you have to wash your clothes by yourself?" Our first RS tour was the 21 day best of Europe. We took clothesline, soap and all that to wash clothes. Never did need it. I had enough underwear to last until we got to Cinque Terra and then we used the laundry service provided there. We just completed our third RS tour and we do not ever take laundry supplies now. We just pay to have laundry service (well worth the cost to us). We have never had any issue with not having somewhere to provide this service. I know many on this helpline do their own laundry (to each their own) but my husband and I choose to spend our time on other things and don't mind paying for this service. By the way, on the last tour we just returned from, many people had 24" bags (including one of us) and it really was not an issue for anyone. That extra 2 inches of space really allowed me to bring all the clothing I needed (10 or 11 tops in a compact bag) and even an extra pair of shoes. Yes, I realize this will not allow you to carry on your bag but we never do that anyway, always check our bags and just carry on one backpack which we share that holds valuables like IPAD, phone, one set of clothing (just in case the luggage does not turn up - never had that happen luckily). I know this will not be a popular idea with many here, but we had no problem handling our bags up and down stairs, etc.... so it was great for us! Happy Traveling!

Jaye- I like what you said! 10-11 tops is a luxury, i can take your advise joyfully :)

I took the 14 day tour and we did have one hotel that had laundry in the building. Other times people used part of their free day times to do laundry I certianly did not waste my time that way, and just sink washed. Its pretty simple.

Wow, sounds like an expensive tour. My wife and travelled in Europe a few times for 3 weeks, but we never spent that much (probably more like about a 1/3 to 40% of that). And yes, we usually bring most of the laundry to a laundromat and pay extra for wash/dry and fold service. A lot easier, though the only times we have done it ourselves was when there were machines in the building.