Packing for 3 months versus 1 month

You could bring the bare minimum, then fill in a few things when you get here. If you've got time, pop into H&M (has both Men and women's clothing). You can find reasonably priced, current trend wear. You could get a blazer/jacket or scarf/tie that you could mix and match while you're here, then either leave it behind or just take it home with you.

I pack the same regardless of the length of the trip. I just finished a six and a half month RTW living out of a convertible backpack - an older version of this - http://www.eaglecreek.com/bags_luggage/adventure_travel_packs/Rincon-Vita-65L-10082/ Electronics, pharmaceuticals and guidebooks are the heaviest things I take. Depending on where you're going you might be able to resupply medication on the road. "Professional" clothes might mean you go up a size in luggage, but if you can manage for a month you should have no trouble managing for three.

I don't see a difference between packing for three days and three months, other than with three months you might have to deal with a change of seasons. Take clothes that mix and match well. So you can have a variety of outfits. Take what you would take for a month. You will just need more laundry detergent.

I agree with the other posters. I would pack essentially the same for 3 months as I would for 1 month. If you need "professional" attire (on multiple occasions), just like casual attire, I would just try to pack a few things that can mix and match well so they can be used and worn in a handful of ways. Enjoy your travels!

My reply to "I can't imagine living out of a small bag for that length of time" is "I can't imagine lugging a bigger bag around for that length of time." That said, if the 3 months span significant seasonal changes, that would pose some interesting trade-offs. I might think about shipping stuff home and/or delivering stuff to me enroute.

Silly me, I should have given the period I will be away! Leaving on 19th May and returning to the States on August 16th. Will be staying put in a flat but making short trips on weekends, so I will have access to a washer. I guess it's hard for me to imagine that one month trip we took to three countries. It was really a bore to whip out the same clothes after the third week. We were moving around quite a bit so I tried to keep my clothing to a minium.

If you are staying in one place for three months...yeah...then there is no reason to limit yourself to one carry on bag like you should if you were doing a three month bounce around Europe staying in each city for 1-3 nights. If you are like most folks there are some clothes in your wardrobe you really like at that you wear frequently, one of the first items worn after you do laundry and rarely does a week go by in which you don't wear them. Bring those items. There are other clothes you don't like as much and only wear when you are out of clean clothes that you like but wear them because you don't want to do laundry. You may have other clothes that was given as gift and you only wear when you are seeing the person who gave it to you so you don't hurt their feelings. Leave those items at home.

Eli, If you are staying in one flat the whole time, then bring more. I would probably bring one carry-on size bag and a second checked bag. Watch the weight limit on the larger bag. It can be easy to go over. The only time I have encountered a problem was with the weight limit on intra-European flights. You will want a carry-on sized bag so you can take weekend trips. I've traveled with larger bags a few times (when moving to Europe from the States and when moving between European countries). Sometimes you need more than a carry-on. The main suggestion that I have is don't try to take public transportation with a large bag when you arrive. Take a taxi or arrange for a car service. Also make sure that you have your important items (meds, a couple of changes of clothes) in your carry-on in case your checked bag is delayed.

One of the best rule of thumbs I've heard is pack for four days whether you're going for a weekend or a month. I don't do it exactly but I like the idea. If I'm on the move, I'm going to pack light. If I were going one place for three months, I would add a checked bag (along with my carryon packed with my normal pack list). Maybe the opposite with medications. If I'm on the move, I'm more likely to pack what I need for the whole trip than if I'm staying in one spot (where I can work with a local pharmacy). I think your pharmacist can help by giving you a list of names your prescriptions might be listed under so you can refill prescriptions on the road.

Instead of using a larger, more cumbersome suitcase, consider taking another one, or two, 22" bags. On our last trip, we had three rolling 22" bags, one of which we could put on our back. We also take a duffle type bag that folds flat. We use this bag for souvenirs or extras we may have on the way home.

For your "professional" "look", I'd go with a basic set-up. 2-3 pair black pants, 1-2 pair grey, or khaki pants ( or take a skirt or simple dress in leiu of some of the pants). 2 or 3 "jackets" or "big shirts" that layer over 3-4 other "tops" like Ts, button-ups, pullover light-weight sweaters, etc. If everything coordinates, you'll have enough "outfits" without having to duplicate too often. Add in some scarves, some costume jewellery (I'd buy both over there) and you are set. Take comfortable, basic, flat/low heeled, black shoes. You can always add a piece here or there if needed or wanted after you settle in. Should be able to do this and have your "regular/travel" clothes in 2, 22" bags. Pack some clothes of each type in each bag, check one and carry-on one. Carry a small "day bag" too. If you use a black messenger type bag it could double as your purse for those professional days- or just buy a purse there. PS- I am very jealous!!!!

Hi Eli. I spent more than 5 weeks in France last fall and did so with only carry on bags, not as lean as Rick, but ..... I had a roll aboard suitcase, a smaller backpack and my computer briefcase bag. It worked for me. I had a washing machine for most of my trip, that helped. I only had 2 pair of pants, one worn, the other in the wash or air drying, at least 6 shirts, 1 blazer, 1 fleece that is more stylish (not sure how to express that it is more dressy than a plain old fleece zip jacket), a raincoat, t-shirt and lounging type pants to sleep in and relax in. I managed ok with what I had, I did get sick of the shirts by the end of the trip. The key was that every shirt went with both pairs of pants, not much decision making with what to wear. I was able to layer when it was cool. I did have to check my rollaboard on the way back as I tend to collect some books and things that are heavier. I had a light collapsible bag packed that then served as my second carry on, the type of simple bag that is used for grocery shopping. That works well for me. One trip I had purchased some breakables; I carried it on the flight home with clothes wrapped around the drinking glasses I purchased. That really worked well, clothes moved out of the suitcase to use as wrapping, more room for my purchases made on the trip. I was very glad that I had packed light. Carting the 2 bags on and off trains was a challenge when I was departing; the bags were definately not light at the end of the trip. Have a great trip.

Thanks for your help as usual. We will be taking a taxi to and from the airport so not going to be hassled with hauling heavy luggage, but we won't be packing as much as I first thought. I think the whole idea of THREE MONTHS made me kind of nervous, lol My insurance (bless us on this side for the crappy insurance some of us have), will not cover meds in Europe. They will only pay a portion of doctor's visits as well. So I will be taking meds with me for the duration (in hand luggage). Whatever I don't use, or figure I don't need after 4 weeks, I will send back with hubby and son, so there will be less on the return visit. Daughter and I will be there 2 months longer than they will be. I'm excited, but a bit anxious because of world news, though I won't let it change my mind, but still...

I would probably just take more of a variety of tops (shirts, blouses, Tees, etc.) just to keep from getting so bored wearing the same things repeatedly. I hope you will have a washer & dryer available to make things easier.

Eli, I tend to follow the same packing method as some of the others have mentioned - pack the same for three weeks as for three months. As you'll be travelling with slightly larger 28" luggage this time, will that provide enough room for the extra "professional" clothing? Have you tried a "test pack" to see if everything will fit? I assume you'll also have a carry-on, so that will provide a bit of extra capacity. Cheers!

Eli,
Hope you have a fabulous time! Take two dresses that you make you feel wonderful when you wear them. Then take over things you tend to wear the most, be on the lookout for accessories while you are there, perhaps scarves or blouse that will make your wardrobe pop!

I hadn't thought of a carryon as well. Actually, the "bigger" suitcase is 26". I will be doing a trial run soon to see what can fit. We're definitely taking a taxi to the flat!

Keep in mind that the line between professional and casual attire is a blurry one. When I travel for a few weeks and have a professional as well as tourist itinerary, I bring black pants that double as professional with a blazer and casual without. I also find that travel-style knit or polyester weave tops are fine with pants alone for casual touring but look professional under a blazer as well. (If you need a formal suit, though, you may have to bring a more formal kind of blouse. As an academic, my idea of 'professional' is a bit more relaxed than if I were an investment banker, say...)

JER, I don't need a suit, just some nicer looking clothes. But I know black pants and khakis with a blazer would work just fine.