Girl packing

Chani is right with her advice. Lay out all your clothes you want to take and then divide it in half. My first trip, I took enough clothes for weeks even only going for 2 weeks. Now I can pack all I need in a weekend bag. I personally don't take jeans as I feel they are too heavy, I use capri pants. Just be aware if you are going into a church in Europe, most of them require shoulders to be covered and you can do that with a scarf. Relax, don't get so stressed as to what to take.

Mostly just relax. If you leave out something critical, you can get it there. You can get travel/sample sizes of toiletries at Target, for example. They have a separate section where they are all together. They also have 3-oz. plastic containers that you can fill up with your faves. The most useful advice - and the hardest to follow: Set out everything you need to take, pack half of it.
Estimate your budget for the trip and double it. Take your most comfortable sandals (thick soles for the cobblestones) and a pair of shoes you can wear in the rain. Don't take new shoes. Don't bother with umbrellas, etc. If it rains, buy one there, it'll be a nice souvenir. Expect Rome to be hot (take a hat against the sun and sunscreen), Paris could be anything. I hate washing stuff by hand, so I take some powdered detergent and a couple of dryer sheets, and find a coin-op laundry after about a week. If you like using washclothes, take a couple. Most European hotels don't provide them. Carry a light coat or jacket on the plane. It might get chilly on the flights, and you might need it in Paris. Take MOLESKIN. Keep it with you. You never know when a blister is going to start - even with shoes you've worn for ages - and it can make you miserable. And I make a checklist of everything I need to do before I leave the house (close windows, unplug stuff, etc.).

Ditch the fancy makeup/toiletries bag. Pare down your makeup-you don't need 8 eye shadows. Use gallon size zip lock bags because they take up less room than a toiletry bag, and you can see everything. Of course, liquids will need to go in your 3-1-1 bag. And you'll be surprised at how much fits into that liquids bag. I use at least 2 gallon zip bags. I put dry stuff in one, like makeup and meds, and stuff like toothbrush and deodorant that may get wet or leak in another. I also use 2 for undies, and write "clean" on one and "dirty" on another. Start packing and organizing what you can now. It will make you feel less panicked.

Read the articles under the "Packing" heading on this page. Two of them are specifically for women.

I am in Paris now. They have had a cold summer and you may be here when summer is officially over. So check the weather close to when you leave. I have a light jacket, jeans, closed toe shoes AND an umbrella-things I don't normally bring for summer in Europe. And even then there are people dressed more warmly than me. But on a more general note. Bring only 1 pair of jeans and don't plan to wash them, bring double or more tops versus bottoms and not too many shoes. Besides the jeans & jacket, I brought a skirt and a pair of capris, 7 tank or short sleeve knit shirts, 2 long sleeve, 1 dress, two light sweaters, 10 pr underwear, 2 large scarves. I also broke my rule and brought 3 pair shoes because I have a dressy event to go to. I have travel toiletries, one book and my iPhone with more books including guidebooks. I usually plan for laundry after 1 week but may have to forgo that this time so I did pack a little more than usual. This all fits in one carry-on plus my purse. I only pack what I can carry and lift myself. Good thing is that women's clothes for summer/fall are pretty lightweight. It is surprising how many things you can bring but again don't overstuff it so it is too heavy. I also have an expandable suitcase and I will unzip it as the trip goes on to add souvenirs. And we are very much enjoying the cooler wet weather of paris. It is a nice change from our miserable Atlanta summer!

Take less than you think you need for clothing, etc. You might be sick of those clothes by the time you get home, but it will be worth it. Make sure your clothes are color coordinated so you can mix and match. If you take prescription meds, take more then you will need. It is impossible to predict trip delays, or even losing a pill down the drain. When we were in Italy last year we went to a Euro store ( like our Dollar stores) to buy toothpaste. You can buy other toiletries there too. Have a fantastic trip!!

Great advice so far. Remember that you have to keep liquids you take under 3 ounce size bottle (and in a separate baggie for security check). You can buy things there. I still have the very expensive (16 euro) bottle of sunscreen I bought in Italy - it's probably useless now, but the scent reminds me of my travels. Also read: http://www.onebag.com/ and this suggested list at http://onebagger.squarespace.com/list/
and this one http://www.travelite.org/?cat=24 It's probably too late now, but testing out how much shampoo you use ahead of time is a good idea. It highlights that you can very likely travel for 10 days with less than 3 ounces of just about anything (I only use about 2 oz of shampoo for 21 days on the road). If you're checking bags, make sure to take a change of clothes (or at least undies) in your carry on. Also consider packing half of your things in your boyfriend's case and vice versa - if one goes missing, you'll at least each have some clothes until they find your bag. Most of all, have fun. No one cares what you're wearing on vacation.

Just a thought - I generally only bring one pair of capris or pants. I am more of a skirt girl in general, and I find them much more convenient when traveling. They pack smaller, look dressy when necessary, and are much easier when going to the washroom, which can be a bit of an adventure sometimes. Bring a pair of tights in case it gets cold. I checked my bag last time I was in Europe, so I just brought my regular shampoo, etc. I'm going to echo what another poster said about toiletries - just bring the bare minimum. I bring a 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner to save space, even though I never use it at home. I cut down on makeup too. With an RS suitcase, you will be fine for two weeks; I used it for a 5-week trip, and it was perfect.

Personally we think the key to packing light is to pack on paper first. Write it down, consider it, cross check, think about (do I really need this?, will I use it, wear it, more than two or three times. can I buy it in Europe if I need it?, etc.) Then pack to the list, no more, no less. Take a copy of the list with you. Useful if luggage is lost or stolen. And, finally, on the plane home, review each item on the list as to usage, did it work, what didn't work, etc. And save it. You now have the list for the next trip.

I have found that I can get more from the 3-1-1 rule when I have a separate "liquids" bag for medical items. The TSA says that this can include nonprescription items such as KY jelly. I put eye drops, nasal saline spray, neosporin, etc. I might even be tempted to put sunscreen in it. . . A medicated shampoo may fit as well. If you are picky about your toiletries, you may be disappointed buying overseas, but if you are not picky, you will find some new delights. One thing I always pack is body glide. It helps ward off blisters, and chapping from friction. My first trip back to Europe 10 years ago, I really overpacked (and thought I was packing light). Your first step of buying a small suitcase should help avoid my disaster. I had a large 28" suitcase and packed boots, shoes, skirts, dresses, pants, thick sweaters, you name it, I packed it. I will admit it was a great learning experience as I was lugging the trunk onto the train and could not find a place to store it, or when I was lugging it up/down stairs. Pack today. Carry your luggage around and up and down stairs. Then decide what to take out. I pack a uniform - for me no skirts/dresses. 4 pair of black pants. Two pair of shoes. Scarves, light inexpensive jewelry, 4 blouses, 2 t-shirts or tunics, a long sweater or travel blazer that can do double duty as a robe, 1 fleece, and a raincoat. Everything must get at least 3 wears or it doesn't go. A trip to the laundromat is critical for me. I Just don't like the results of clothing that is sink washed more than once/twice.

A lot of packing is learning as you go. The more you travel, the better you'll get at packing. You really can't make any major mistakes - either you bring too much and you won't make that mistake again, or you won't bring enough and you'll buy stuff you need. When I went to Europe a few years ago, my airline lost my checked suitcase for the 2 weeks that I was in Europe and I had to buy new clothes, underwear, toiletries, everything. But my trip still went on because I had the important stuff - money, ATM and credit cards, and passport. I bring 2 pairs of pants or 2 pairs of shorts, depending on the weather; and 2 pairs of shoes that are well broken in and old enough that if they get wet or dirty, I don't care. It's helpful to me to follow Rick's packing list for women on this site, although I bring more underwear and bras than he recommends because I feel better with more. Some small things: -Earplugs and sleep mask, if you're sensitive to sound and light -Granola bars for snacks -Hand sanitizer for public/street bathrooms that have no soap -Tylenol/ibuprofen/antihistamines -Antibiotic ointment and bandaids -I wear glasses so I bring a spare pair of glasses and my prescription
-Kleenex (also to use as toilet paper if necessary) Make copies, front and back, of all the cards you will bring (driver's license, credit cards, etc.) and leave a copy at home and put the other in your suitcase. Also make copies of your passport. In case you lose these items, they are easier to replace if you have copies. You'll also have the phone numbers of your bank and card companies on your copies. Notify your bank and credit card companies of which countries you'll be in and when, so that they don't flag your accounts

You can buy abroad all kinds of little items so you don't need to pack them.
Not sure what happens with some of the other airlines, but British Air does NOT do security the same way as TSA. They only allow stuff outside the 3-1-1 if you have the prescription with you. AS an example, my sons just had to throw away perfectly good bottles of saline solution for their contact lenses at BA's screening in Heathrow on their connection and again at BA's gate to their plane in Amsterdam.

Allison Really great suggestions! I love ziplock bags! My suggestion for the quart bag for 3 oz containers for liquid is to get the heavy duty frozen food, one zip bags. And don't overpack it! The security staff were not amused when I gave them the zip lock bag that split up the seam. In addition to the suggestions above for the ziplock bag, I also use 1 or 2 for menus, business cards, programs, etc I pick up along the way.
Another reason I like ziplock bags is the see "through ness" if you get your luggage searched. Also easy to unpack and find like items. For bandaids, buy heavy duty woven ones for your trip. For blisters, the plastic ones are useless. I often bring a garbage bag for my dirty laundry. You don't have to shuffle through the whole suitcase to find clean clothes. Also, you now have a laundry bag. I agree with the 4 pairs of black slacks for winter, spring and fall and double or more tops. You can wear anything with those black slacks. I find since I am more active during the day than usual, I really need to change tops before the evening meal. It is not really a question of dressing up. I rarely see this mentioned in packing recommendations, especially by men. I am going to go against the tide here and recommend you review very carefully what toiletries you need to take. Many of the Paris tourist areas do not have a store that has moderately priced toiletries. Most of them do have very very small pharmacies with expensive lines. If you want to go to Monoprix France for inexpensive souvenirs or gifts, fine. However, with all of the on line packing lists available, there is no reason why you can't bring everything you need. Go through your morning, evening, and dress up routine. Write your own list, copy, and check off when you pack. Use small containers. Have a wonderful time and use the suggestions here!

Maybe this weekend you can lay everything out and post a list for people here to look at. Did you have any sort of color scheme in mind? It will work better if everything more or less goes with everything else!

I 2nd Diane's suggestion to pack a stick of Body Glide to ward off blisters on your feet before they even start. Even broken in shoes can suddenly cause blisters when you do that much walking, and if you take time to apply Body Glide to your feet every morning before you start walking, you won't get a blister. And do bring more than 1 pair of shoes as your feet need a break (ie, a sandal & flats, or sneakers & sandals), especially good to try to change your shoes out for dinner & evening sightseeing and to have at least 1 pair closed toe shoes in case it's a rainy or colder day. I always stick to a neutral color wardrobe (black, grey, white, taupe) and add 1 or 2 pair of darker rinse jeans and pack extra underwear & bras so I can go a full week before needing to do laundry. In many churches they expect you to cover your shoulders & knees, so if you live in tank tops and shorts or mini skirts, pack a lightweight cardigan and a pair of Capri pants and plan outfits/church visits accordingly. Coin op laundromats also sell single load packets of detergent, so no need to pack your own. A very small umbrella that will fit in your purse or daypack weighs next to nothing and saves you the hassle of finding a store to buy one if you aren't in a big city as you make your way from Paris down to Rome. Lots of places around to buy toiletries and if you are a makeup junkie, do pare it down to a neutral palette of the basics and maybe change up your look by bringing 2 shades of lipgloss or lipstick.

In the history of this forum I doubt anyone has ever posted...."I didn't pack enough stuff". If you don't have enough clothes it is the perfect excuse to go shopping. There are stores everywhere just like at home but it's an adventure still the same. Over pack socks and panties, 7 pair each. Plan on a laundry morning at a laundrymat halfway through your trip. As crazy as it sounds....your bag should be 2/3's full when you leave. Plan on buying stuff as you go.

I packed everything I needed for a 3-week trip into a North Face Big Shot backpack (a little smaller than the RS convertible carry-on, I think). Don't bother with shampoo. Just stop by a Drogerie and buy some shampoo/toothpaste/etc when you get to Paris. I bought one "regular-size" shampoo bottle and an under-100ml tube of toothpaste and used it the whole trip. One thing I do recommend is a compact travel hair dryer. You can get one for only about $15, and it doesn't take very much space. Considering my hair is really fine and becomes completely limp without blowdrying/products, this was well worth it. Plan on doing laundry. We did laundry twice during our trip, and I never ran out of clothes.

Here is my step by step directions for fitting everything you NEED into a single carry-on bag. How to pack for an extended trip. For some packing everything they need for a month in a single carry-on size bag is easy. Others need more luggage than that for a long weekend. Here is packing instructions for the second group. 1. Get your largest suit case, open it up. 2. Next to it, place the bag you are planning to carry on the plane. 3. Carefully select and load your large suitcase. Planning out outfits you intend to wear. If you are not sure which outfit you might want to wear for a particular occasion bring both of them. Make sure to pack the clothes neatly to avoid wrinkles. But pack a travel iron just in case. Don't forget matching handbags and shoes. Also back enough personal care products to last the entire trip. Place the reading material you intend to read on the way home in your suitcase and the material you intend to read on the flight over in your carry-on. If one suitcase is not enough get a second one. 4. As the airline often loses luggage you must pack a toothbrush, toothpaste, change of clothes and anything else you could absolutely not survive the trip with in your carry-on bag, in case your luggage gets lost or delayed. 5. Zip up your large suitcase and carefully (so not to injure yourself) wheel the 70 lb monstrosity to the corner of the room and out of the way. 6. Grab your smaller carry-on and head to the airport.

Continued "Wait! What about my luggage? I need that stuff." Remember back in step 4 when you put everything you absolutely could not live without if the airline lost your luggage in your carry-on. Well, that means that everything in your suitcase is stuff you don't need and could live without. Spend the entire trip pretending the airline lost your luggage. Buy needed supplies locally and wash your underwear in the sink at night. If you are self-conscious about others noticing you are wearing the same clothes multiple days or are underdressed for a particular restaurant say, "I am dressed like this because the airlines are constantly losing luggage and mine got detained." Folks will take pity on you and not bother you about your attire (not that most would, anyway). And the statement could be true. Your luggage did get detained (not by the airline but your husband and the reason he detained it was to avoid the airline losing it, but you don't have to tell folks that part.)

Great advice from Ed! Also, after packing your suitcase, carry or drag it around your town for a few days so that you get used to hefting the weight. Pack light! Have a great trip.

i'm a big fan of leggings and tunics for three reasons. one, leggings take up WAY less space than jeans or capris. two, if your tunics are long enough, you can wear them either as a dress if it's warm or with the leggings if it's cold. three, they're just as comfortable as sweats on long plane/train rides. stick to 2 or 3 pairs of FLAT, comfortable shoes. you will not need heels, and they take up too much space. bring 1-2 pairs of jeans or capris, and one set of PJs. other than PJs, anything you wouldn't wear out and about shouldn't be in your bag. don't bother with a hair dryer, even if you have a converter - most hotels have them, and to be honest i'm usually too lazy on vacation to even bother with them (or makeup for that matter). bring a few light cardigans, and CARRY ON whatever hoodie/light jacket you want with you to the plane. anything you wear on the plane doesn't have to be in your luggage. and definitely bring ear plugs. you'll use them. you can always do laundry if you get desperate. it's easier than lugging around a giant bag. and if you make too many purchases, you may have to buy a second bag to check on the way home anyway (which i have done more than once). on that note, if you have space, fold down a duffel bag inside of your luggage on the way there so that you can put any purchases in it on the way home.
have fun!

For clothes, I bought along: 5 tanks, 1 shirt with short sleves, 5 pair undies, 2 bras, 1 long sleeved sweater, 1 rain jacket, PJs, 2 cargo pants (the capri-styled ones), 2 skorts, one pair jeans, and one pair shoes (stylish, yet sturdy hiking sandals). This was for 3 weeks. It got unseasonably cold, so I was happy to have the jeans and purchased a sweatshirt. I could have EASILY left one or 2 tanks and one pair skorts home. If I had to do it all over againpack less. You can always purchase things if it gets suddenly very hot or very coldand it's kinda fund to wear my sweatshirt from Germany now. As to toiletries, there are a lot of "pre-packaged" 3-1-1 bags out there for women to purchase in the US. (They usually have hotel-sized essentials like toothpaste, shampoo.) But you can buy all of that in Europe too. My sister bought some wonderful lotion in Italy when she ran out of what she brought from the US. There are little pharmacies everywhere.