How much clothing for 20 days

Good post, Toni. I think you covered everything. Patricia, as I said in your thread on carry-on, check out Rick's packing list for women, too. In my opinion, I'd ditch the high boots. Might be too uncomfortable to wear on the flight over. You might find heels aren't compatible with cobblestone streets. I realize these are personal choices. However, when you are doing lots of walking on uneven streets, you'll need comfortable shoes. You can also check out the Graffiti Wall here under the topic of walking shoes. Lots of good info. Comfortable shoes don't have to be unattractive. Good Luck!

Yep, you do overpack because of the what if and just in case attitude. We take the same clothes whether it is 3 days or 30. Basically we wear one and pack two changes of clothes. Make sure everything is coordinated so that you can have different looks with the three changes, ONE coat and two shoes at most, Take light weight clothing that can be layered up if need for colder weather, Take a water proof jacket, add a fleece vest and or sweater as weather indicates. Take a comfortable pair of shoes for daily walking and one pair for dress. No need for high boots, low boots, flats, dress, etc. You are not a fashion display, Focus on function. Personally I would avoid all cotton clothing - to hard to maintain. Look for synthetics and especially the synthetic blends and those with a little cotton are very nice and functional. You can pack light but it is most mental function than a physical function. You have to recognize mentally that you do not need all that stuff.

Thank you. I meant to clarify - my tops/tees are cotton knits and some are blends, but all are very easy to wear & pack. I do tend to want to bring more than I need, but I just don't want to be unprepared for the weather.

In your other question, you mentioned taking a larger rolling bag to be checked, a backpack and a carryon. I think you are taking way more than you need. BUT I am a big believer that packing lite is learned behavior and for some it never works. I just remember on our first trip to Europe in 92 for the two of us we had more luggage than we took last year for four people. Our first was a nightmare handing large suitcases, hanging bags, and train cases. Never again. Do you do what you have to do. Just try cutting back a little bit. You might actually enjoy it.

"I don't want to do extensive laundry on the trip" The definition of "extensive" can vary, but the reality is that you will need to do laundry. Some of it can be in the hotel sink or tub, but plan 1-2 trips to the laundromat. I tend to do sink wash every 3-4 days and a laundromat every week. Sink washing is good for undies and socks and can work for lightweight clothing that dries fast. My advice: two pairs of shoes is plenty. They take lots of room. One for comfort and walking; one for dressier occasions (but still practical). One pair of jeans is more than enough. Add a pair of nice slacks and a skirt or two. Wear each several times before hitting the laundromat. Long sleave shirts are good since in warmer weather the sleaves can be rolled up. One jacket is adequate, especially in addition to a sweater or heavier top for warmth if it does get cold. Finally, everything you take should be interchangeable with any other item.

First- You are taking WAY TOO MUCH! One or two pairs of walking shoes is plenty- add the ballet flats if you must for 'dressy'. Most clothes can be worn multiple times before washing- just spot clean if you get something on them. I'll post my packing list seperately so you can see how I do things. You don't have to take something for every contingency. Black, Navy, or Gray pants work for almost any occasion. Jeans are heavy and take a while to dry, but are fine if that's what you want. They don't have to be washed often! You don't need (or really want to shelp) heels, multiple pairs of boots and half your home wardrobe. It is more important that you have COMFORTABLE, warm, waterproof or resistant, supportive walking shoes than that you have 'coordinated footwear'. Really, no one will be looking at your feet! Don't worry about having a different outfit for every day, either. Go for 'classic' clothes that can mix and match. Add some scarves or simmple jewelery for 'dressy' and to change things up. If you find you REALLY need something you didn't pack, you can buy it there.

Here's my packing list: Layers are what work. Wear on plane: black cotton-blend pants, long sleeve turtleneck/T-shirt and a long-sleeved or 3/4 sleeve "big shirt" {button up that can look a bit like a jacket}, Windbreaker/raincoat with hood, good walking shoes. In carry-on: 2-3 pair black or khaki cotton-blend pants (I am allergic to wool and rather hot-natured), 3-5 T-shirts/turtlenecks (1-2 short sleeve, rest long) 1-2 "big shirts", optional a sweater/cardigan or fleece -everything cooridnates with everything else. 3-5 bras, at least 7 pair undies(often enough for entire trip) same with socks, 1 pair pjs if desired. I also take hand wipes, stain wipes, small baggie with laundry soap, first aid "kit" in a baggie- band-aids, small packets of Neosporin, dental floss, Advil or Aleve, Benadryl, Dramamine, Nyquil gel capsules, etc., sewing "kit"(various colors thread wrapped around a small piece of cardboard, 2 needles, buttons, safety pins), medications, medical info sheet, copy of insurance info,copies of passports, etc., 3-1-1 bag with deodorant, perfume, shampoo, lipstick, chap stick, toothpaste, etc., another quart baggie with eye shadow, blush, powder, comb, brush, tweezers, razor, clippers, etc. , "feminine supplies" if needed, wash cloth in a baggie, gloves, hat or hooded scarf. Totally optional- scarves, phone, charger, adapter plug, camera & charger, extra memory cards for camera, paper & pen, extra shoe liners, umbrella, day pack. Hubby gets by with a bit less - no need to duplicate some things. We each take one of Rick's carry-on and a daybag. Our bags weigh less than 20lbs each.
Oh- don't take a blow dryer, curling iron, straightener, etc. Even with a voltage converter and plug adapter they often don't work well 'over there'. Style your hair simply and use the provided blow dryer.

Hi Patricia. I have learned to pack light, it is difficult at first. I do laundry in the sink, so I have invested in a few good dry quick clothes in addition to oth shirts I have that will do well with my washing method. The previous poster has a great packing list. Mine varies a bit. I usually bring only one extra pair of pants and one skort. I take mainly short sleeved tops that fit with both pants. Scarves help for variety & warmth, better yet buy them in Paris! I usually bring one long sleeved t that can go under a shirt if it is really cool. This trip I might take a long sleeved button front shirt that could layer over another shirt. I bring only one extra pair of shoes, most of the time sandals but not sure what I will pack for my next trip for the second pair of shoes. The sandals work as a slipper in the hotel. I leave for Paris on the same day as you and go on to a Rhine cruise and see Family in Germany, so will be getting into some cooler weather too. I take a raincoat that can fit my sweater or hoodie underneath for warmth; all these are black so my scarves go well with all the outer layers. pm me is you want my packing list. Have a great trip.

I see you are from Boise. If you and your husband happen to be in Moscow Sat Aug 18, come to the Rick Steves meet up! We can bring packing lists as well!

Thanks to all for your great suggestions! I must add a couple of things. The higher (mid-calf) boots that I plan on bringing (or wearing on the plane) are flat, have a side zipper and just might be the most comfortable pair of shoes I own! They go with just about everything unless it is too warm to wear them, which is why I want to bring a pair of ballet flats. The ones I have are foldable and will fit in a small space. I only wear a size five :) The reason I mentioned a pair of heels was for going to the Jules Verne restaurant and the Ashford Castle dinner (in Ireland). I didn't plan on walking around in them much. This will be a once-in-a-lifetime trip for me and while I can bring fewer items, I really want to bring one pair of pumps or heeled booties along.

It sounds like you're going to take what you want to take. Most of us try to pack light as possible buy taking things that co-ordinate and will do double duty. My ace in the hole is that the places I travel to have shops.

My list looks much like Toni's: We share comb and brush, deodorant, shampoo, bug spray, sunscreen, chap stick, toothpaste. I add lipstick and nose powder and feminine products for about two days (they do sell them in Europe). He adds a razor and shaving soap. We also share a very small first aid kit and sewing kit. For entertainment in the hotel and on planes and trains we take a Kindle (gives us internet access too) and and MP3 player each and charging adapters and converters. I add a camera, sketch book, pencils, hard pan watercolor set (about 3 x 5 inches). He adds mini binoculars and a tiny flashlight. Several gallon and quart sized ziplock bags for food storage and picking things up on the beach. My clothes are three pairs of paints including the ones I wear on the plane and a skirt (how much is short and long varies with the season); 5 shirts (all short sleeved in summer three short in summer three long in the later part of the year), silk long underwear in winter, waterproof jacket, emergency rain poncho (1/4 x 4 x 5 inches and lives in the day pack); a button up shirt that can double as a light weight jacket; 7 pairs socks, 7 undies, 5 bras. Walking shoes and walking sandals. Sun hat. I do not take anything that requires ironing. It all fits in a carry-on sized backpack. I bring an Ameribag as a purse/day-pack. Other than guide books and travel documents that's all we carry.

I too believe packing light is a learned behavior but I have learned! As I read the above lists I find that I pack even lighter. I NEVER travel with more than 3 underclothes, i.e panties and bras. I wear one and pack two. My theory is wear one, one drying and one to spare. They are washed in the shower when I shower. I absolutely hate hauling dry clothes from country to country. Doing laundry takes less time than washing my long thick hair!
Totally agree on layering and accessories to dress basics up.

General advice: what you need is more strategy in packing. Men (and some women who are less clothes-inclined) will tell you to just take less. True. But for a woman who likes clothes, it's difficult. What you need is to look at everything and make sure it all works together in nice outfits WITHOUT being too many individual items. Pick a neutral color and work everything around that. Mine is black, so I have black flats, black or grey walking shoes, shirts in a variety of colors that match black pants, a scarf with black and white polka dots, a black dress, etc. Then there's no "but I need the brown boots for this outfit". I have a skirt with a black background and colorful flowers. So I make sure the shirts I bring match that skirt as well as working with jeans, etc. I'd skip the high boots. I love boots. I was sad in London when every other woman had awesome high boots and mine were stuck at home. But they just take up a ton of room. In fact, I am the last person to ever say this but...you have too many shoes. I'd stick with the flats, if they are good for walking and also for dressing up, and one other pair of shoes for general touring. 2 pairs. Add the heels if absolutely necessary for a fancy dinner * I don't think you need another coat, but if you're concerned bring a cardigan or sweater that matches your shirts. * For 20 days I'd bring 6 shirts and one dress. That's, along with two pairs of pants, and one skirt is 7 days of clothing. *
I don't know about the cruise, but if jeans won't work I'd skip the black jeans and pack black slacks instead

Continuted Don't forget to count your "airplane outfit" in your clothing totals - once you wash it, it goes in with everything else. * Here's my usual packing plan * I always wear leggings, a long cardigan sweater (almost a dress), a thin shirt, and ballet flats on the plane. This is comfortable but looks much nicer so I can get off the plane and go without feeling like a slob. 1 coat, usually a trench coat that is water resistant 1 black shirt-dress, matches the ballet flats from the plane. This can be dressed up with a scarf and bracelets, or down with tights and flats for wearing during the day 1 skirt. Same as the dress - can go casual or fancy 1 pair shoes for walking around, generally fashionable and comfortable. tights to go under the dress and skirt if it's cool. Can go under the pants if the ice age hits. 1 or 2 nice pair of dark jeans or black pants 5 shirts that work with jeans and the skirt (short or long sleeved depending on weather) 1 plain cardigan that goes with all the shirts, the skirt, and the dress a big ugly t-shirt for sleeping (the leggings then work as pajama pants) 6 pairs underwear 1 extra bra A couple carefully chosen pieces of inexpensive jewelry. Maybe two necklaces and a set of bracelets. Again, cheap pieces that work with everything, take up little room, and make me feel prettier :) A scarf or two that matches everything
If I were planning a very nice dinner, I'd add a pair of high heels to go with the dress and skirt. Europe has stores. Shopping is fun. Unless your budget is insanely tight, you can find an inexpensive store to fill in any emergency gaps. Call it a souvenir. I have bought clothes over there, but have never NEEDED to. However, the option is there if you get anxiety about leaving something at home.

If you are traveling in September, ditch the boots. They are hard to take off/put on going through security
and will hold you and others up.

Thank you for the suggestions, but it will be late September and the boots are actually very easy to get on & off. Side zip and off they go! I thought about wearing my ballet flats but I don't like to be barefoot in the airport. I'll be wearing socks with the boots and I'll also be warmer on the overnight flight when we'll be sleeping.

Patricia: Take a look at the website LadyLightTraver.com. She walks you through the "capsule" packing concept. Also check out the Performance Active Pant at Lands' End. These are my "go to" pants for travel. We had a flight to Kenya (24 hours in the air) with a 10 hour layover in Frankfurt. Did not change clothes in Frankfurt, and NO BAGGY KNEES when we landed in Kenya!! Great pants best I have ever found (they are poly and spandex -- no cotton). Sounds like you are taking too many heavy items. We travel with a 19" rolling duffel (each) for 6 to 8 weeks at a time. But there are four things I ALWAYS pack -- my Kindle,the knitting(small projects), my wine glass(unbreakable) and my fake pearls! Have a great time!! Kay

Patricia: Take a look at the website LadyLightTravler.com. She walks you through the "capsule" packing concept. Also check out the Performance Active Pant at Lands' End. These are my "go to" pants for travel. We had a flight to Kenya (24 hours in the air) with a 10 hour layover in Frankfurt. Did not change clothes in Frankfurt, and NO BAGGY KNEES when we landed in Kenya!! Great pants best I have ever found (they are poly and spandex -- no cotton). Sounds like you are taking too many heavy items. We travel with a 19" rolling duffel (each) for 6 to 8 weeks at a time. But there are four things I ALWAYS pack -- my Kindle,the knitting(small projects), my wine glass(unbreakable) and my fake pearls! Have a great time!! Kay

Patricia, I am of the opinion that heels are fine...
If you are NOT moving in and out of hotels often, I suggest you bring as much as you want to have fun at your events and not feel under dressed. You can go to the opera in a tux or jeans. Both are fine anywhere in the world. (my colleague's husband was not allowed to go to the opera in shorts in Rio. So he borrowed a pair of pants from the guy at the ticket booth. A true story.) only you know what will makes you feel great about the event. Sometimes, it is a luxury just to be in one spot and indulge including wearing heels. Traveling isn't just about seeing as much as you can. You need to do what makes you happy to rejuvenate and recharge yourself. If you want to dress up in heels, you should.

In Paris there are coin-op laundromats. The one I used did not sell individual packs of detergent, so I learned to pack individual "doses" in ziplock bags - as I thought I'd need. I also bring a few dryer sheets. I'm sure they are in Ireland too. Easier than packing/unpacking and carting around too many clothes. Denim jeans are heavy and take forever to dry. I have some corduroy jeans and love them, comfy and much lighter weight. The black ones also look much smarter than denim. I like to bring a rain poncho. It's lighter and less bulky to carry around than an umbrella, and protects you more from rain, while leaving your hands free. It will also cover your backpack, purse, etc. When it stops raining, you can fold it up and put it in a plastic bag and return it to your bag. Also you can wear it (dry of course) under your coat on a windy day - acts just like a windbreaker.