Packing for a 2 week trip

Hello fellow St. Louisan! I use Rick's packing list for women but modify it for my own needs. I wear jeans when I travel and bring 2 pairs; one I wear and one is in my suitcase. I don't wear dresses outside of work so I never bring them when I travel. I bring 2 pairs of tennis shoes - nothing fancy! I bring a carry-on size suitcase, an L.L. Bean backpack, and a LeSportSac purse (not advertising here, just telling you the brand names so you can visualize my luggage) for 2- and 3-week trips in Europe but also in the U.S. Send me a personal message (PM) if you want to see my whole packing list; I'm happy to send it to you.

Here is a good video of a 'Packing Light' presentation that Joan Robinson, who works at Europe Through the Back Door, does at the Rick Steves travel classes that are held periodically in Edmonds, WA. http://youtu.be/H8UPNh0Qr6Q

Basically, it is wear one, and carry two changes of clothes plus a couple of extra tops. The idea is that everything is coordinated so you can get a number of different looks by interchanging everything. We avoid 100% cotton clothing as it is difficult to wash and dry overnight. And, of course, some of this just takes practice as to what works for you.

At the top of the page it says, "Here's a rundown of what should go in your suitcase". OTOH, some of the descriptions, like for shoes, really look like it's everything you take. I take along one pair of shoes, the ones I wear on the plane. Pants I find difficult if not impossible to wash in a sink. I take two pair in addition to the ones I wear. Other categories on his list look like complete overkill. I routinely wash my dirty clothes (shirt and underwear) from that day before going to sleep. Because I have selected quick drying cotton/polyester items, they are dry by morning. I take only two sets of underwear plus the set I wear. That gives me a little latitude if I feel lazy one night or if they don't quite dry by morning. I take three shirts (golf/polo style) plus the one I wear on the plane (a dress shirt). If I skip a night, I find it difficult to find enough hanging space to wash two sets to catch up, so I wash every night. I have had trouble finding washing facilities in Germany, so I long ago gave up and just hand wash in the sink. It makes more sense to do one set of clothes each night rather than doing an occasional big load. Once you accept that logic, you'll need just a few sets. It makes for a lighter bag. I made up a packing list 13 year ago, and I keep it on my computer. After every trip (9) I look at it and say, "what could I take less of". Takes the thinking out of packing each time.

Unlike Lee, I would never go with just the shoes I am wearing. Podiatrists recommend you switch off shoes periodically, and there are times when shoes get wet, etc. I usually wear a slip-on pair, and take a pair of hiking shoes or athletic shoes. I also throw in a pair of Dr Scholl's Fast Flats that I use as slippers, but can also look ok for a dinner out. They take up almost no room.

Nikki, You will find some extremely helpful information at: ladylighttravel.com.

We always take "Forever New" powdered soap. We buy it at Macy's, in the lingerie dept. I use it at home for delicate clothes, year round. It works great for all fabrics. It doesn't make a lot of foam either. You can use cold or warm water. We wash out our clothes every night, where we spend at least two nights at each location. We roll the clothes in our bath towels, before we hang them up. Then we hang the clothes up on fold-up hangers from "Magellan.com". It is a travel store in California. You can go to the store in Santa Monica, or Santa Barbara or order items on-line. The hangers bend well for packing. The hangers don't leave any kind of wrinkles in the clothes. We have taken eight, five week trips, in the past six years. I wouldn't travel without the soap.

I like to use inflatable hangers when doing sink washing. They weigh next to nothing, fold up small when deflated, and hold the layers of clothes apart to help them dry faster. Some people use their bath towels to get rid of the excess water before hanging their clothes to dry. I bring a microfiber towel that can be wrung out. I wear a pair of shoes, bring a pair (or sandals depending on when and where I'm going), and either a pair of cheap flip flops or slippers, depending on the season. I also wear a pair of jeans and being a pair. At least one pair of jeans can be folded up to make capris, depending on the season. All clothes should mix and match. I also like to bring a skirt or dress if traveling in hot weather.

I too always take Forever New washing powder, low sudsing and rinses out easily, and cleans stuff !LOL I pack dresses and skirts cause I like them , and I travel in summer and find jeans hot and heavy,but if I was travelling in colder months I would pack one pair of jeans and one or two pair of pants . Jeans can be worn a lot before they need a wash. I pack one pair of capris. I don't pack shorts usually. Even in summer I pack one pair of pants. I like plain black yoga pants, they do wash in sinks, they are lightweight and comfy, they are the pair I wear on the plane.
I always take more then one pair of shoes , as noted your feet shouldn't go back into damp shoes , so alternating is good , and I also pack walking sandals. I usually wear my heaviest shoes on plane, pack sandals and maybe some dressy shoes in bag.

Hello, I wrote a blog post about this topic on my website. Check it out if you'd like to see what I wrote. Liberated Traveler
Melissa

No, it's doesn't include the clothing on your body. I think a lot of posters on the board make a travel list and keep in somewhere for reference. I know I do. Each trip is just a little different, depending on if you travel same time of year, fall/winter or spring/summer. Basically for me as a woman traveler. 1. outfit for plane (and then used during vacation) jeans, t-shirt, lightweight sweater and sports bra, Tom's shoes (or some closed toe shoes - Puma sport or ?) 2. 5-6 t-shirts 3. 1 skirt 4. 1 dress (either a maxi, or a midi lenght 5. sandals (for hot days, and for hotel floors 6. underwear/extra bra 7. toiletries 8. 1 pair of shorts (if traveling by water, not for city travel) 9. Rain jacket (no matter which season) (usually carry this on, and not packed in suitcase to save space)
10. Scarf I tend to wear them at home, and it's so European to wear them everywhere, every season. You don't need a bunch of jewerly, or more than one pair of shoes for the plane (closed toe) and a pair of sandals or optional other shoes. (I find that sandals take up a lot less space in a carry on than another pair of regular shoes) I don't travel with hair electronics, no hair dryer, flat iron, etc. My hair can be natural for 2 weeks - I think it's good to give it a rest) This stuff in Non essential in my mind. Everything depends on the purpose, activity of your travel. We went to Peru, it was a hiking trip, so we had to pack hiking boots. We ended up with a checked bag because we couldn't carry on treking poles! Just back from a 10 day bike tour in Italy, so in my carry on I also brought 3 pairs of bike shorts, 4 bike jerseys, sox, gloves, bike rain jacket and long pants. All this fit in a packing cube with my daily clothing.

Hi Nikki. I use Rick's women's packing list but recently sound a neat blog with lists and lots of pictures. Travelfashiongirl.com. I am not associated with the blog, just a reader, real life lists with sample wardrobes. I have to say that taking just one additional pair of shoes really helps, this is often the most difficult, especially for a shoe lover like me. I agree with the idea of spreading everything you want to take on the bed and asking, do I NEED it, or might use it. Pare things down by taking only that which you need. Also look at, will I wear it at least 3 times, then bring it. It is onerous, but very liberating to carry on and be able to change trains with ease. I keep my list in word and just copy it to the next trip, and make alterations based on the written comments I put in my trip journal about my wardrobe, like, I wore this 4 times or only wore this once. Have a great trip. June
In Lake Louise, Alberta, looking at the stunning snow capped Rockies! Heavenly.

I have become an addict of the Vivienne Files. For the most recent packing posting go to http://theviviennefiles.blogspot.com/2013/05/i-received-great-question-someone-had.html. The blogger, Janice, does lots of great postings on coordinating outfits, but what drew me there was the specific ones related to packing for trips. I find that I don't take nearly as much stuff as she or any of the packing light websites list, but I sure do learn some tips and tricks that I would never have thought about without looking at what they had to say.

Basically follow a couple of general rules: Don't take "outfits", take tops and bottoms that can be mix/matched to create different looks. The best travel clothes are ones that mix/match well, are a fabric that can wash and wear, can be sink washed and hang dried overnight, and give you some flexibility/range on casual to dressing up. I like to bring items that fill lots of niches in my limited, lightweight wardrobe. On the plane, I typically wear a pair of pants, a t-shirt, a button-up shirt, my heavier pair of shoes, a belt that matches (all) shoes (possibly reversible), underwear, socks, plus a warm layer and/or rain shell. In my bag I pack, two pairs of pants, a pair of warm-up pants, a pair of walking shorts/swim trunks (something that can be either), three more shirts (e.g. another button-up shirt, another t-shirt, and a polo - depending on what/where I'm packing for), two extra pairs of underwear and socks, an extra warm layer item (e.g. a lightweight merino sweater), and a second pair of shoes. Everything gets shifted toward formal or casual depending on my itinerary/purpose of travel. Everything also gets shifted based on the time of year. In the winter, I'll likely drop the shorts but add a pair of polar fleece gloves and ski cap. In the summer, I'll go with only one warm layer item. I always have an unlined waterproof rain shell. In the winter it's worn over warm layers; in the summer it's worn alone as a wind breaker or rain shell.

Here's my packing list: Layers are what work. Wear on plane: black cotton-blend pants, 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, 3-5 T-shirts/turtlenecks 1-2 additional "big shirts", optional a sweater/cardigan or fleece -everything coordinates 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.(if you NEED it you don't want to take too much time shopping for it), sewing "kit"(various colors thread wrapped around a small piece of cardboard, 2 needles, buttons, safety pins), prescription medications, medical info sheet, copy of insurance info, other important documents. My 3-1-1 bag with deodorant, perfume, shampoo, lipstick, chap stick, toothpaste,baggie with eye shadow, blush, powder, comb, brush, tweezers, razor, clippers, etc., "feminine supplies" if needed, wash cloth in a baggie. 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 use Rick's carry-on and a day bag. Our bags weigh less than 20lbs each. We also wear bum bags/waist bags- mine can convert to an over shoulder/cross body purse.
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 a blow dryer if provided.

All of the packing lists look good. The only thing I would add is a Sarong. I bring my sarong Everywhere and use it for: a skirt, scarf, pillow, tablecloth, privacy screen, hair turban,beach cover up, towel, top... the list goes on. They pack small, dry relatively quickly and are So Handy!

I don't think anyone's mentioned silk underwear, especially a long-sleeved silk undershirt. It weighs next to nothing, dries perfectly overnight, and was the difference between being cold and being comfortably cosy warm during a recent trip when the weather turned chilly. I get mine from WinterSilks, but a local sporting goods shop that has a clothing section also carries them. Bottoms too, but I rarely need them.

Someone mentioned bras, so I have a question, how many do most of you take?
I take two, sometimes three. and that includes the one I am wearing. . Black, white and skin colored. . I wash them every 3 wears or so and just wear a clean one while other two are drying. For short trips I often just bring two, black and skin colored. Do some people change them every day? Do some people have a wardrobe of them, ? Ps agree with sarong, they are great,use them for everything, in winter I usually take a pashmina instead though.

I get by with one pair of shoes but take an extra set of inner soles that are changed daily to avoid the problem of a shoe getting too damp from wearing or smelly. As soon as I am back in the room at night I pull the inner soles out and position the shoe near a window or somewhere it can get good ventilation. I also use a waterproof shoe so it never gets wet from rain. Never had a problem and sometimes have worn the shoes nearly 30 days straight.

Pat---two, plus a sports bra, plus the one I wear on the plane. As for shoes, I have never gotten by with less than 3 pair: one pr. sandals, one pair for walking/hiking/biking, one dressier. Bbut my feet are small and they don't take up much room!

About bras, I typically wear one and carry 2 in the color combinations already mentioned. On the trip this spring I was able to coordinate my garments well enough that everything went with everything else and I only needed black bras (and shapewear). Thank you Vivienne Files for showing me how to travel with a few pieces of clothing and some accessories that work together. So well in fact that I was able to make many more outfits than the total number of the pieces in my little spinner.

I used the Rick Steves list, since it was my first trip to Europe and didn't really know what to expect. Now I would modify it based upon the weather of where you're traveling. For example, we spent our first week sweating like pigs, so my clothes "wore out" must faster than I think a typical trip would do and I had to wash more frequently than I expected to. So I'd have extra under layers (tanks, bras) than what was mentioned (esp. bras b/c they take longer to dry) and socks. I would also suggest having one or two pairs of underwear that are the quick-dry kind so that you can always have a fresh pair (like everyone said, the 100% cotton items would take a least an extra day to dry). I wore jeans on the plane and brought two pains + one capri. I thought I'd be colder on the plane, but I think I could've done without the jeans (mainly b/c they're heavier, not because of style b/c many Europeans wear jeans).

We head back to Europe on June 14th for our 11th summer there. Our first trip to Europe included a 21 day RS Tour (Best of)plus some time before and after the tour. On that first trip we used the RS packing list almost exactly as printed but have refined it over the years, especially taking into account what part of Europe and what time of year. My wife and I both take clothing items that can be sink washed and dry overnight. Most of my stuff (all of my underwear) is from ExOfficio (expensive but long lasting and quick drying). Neither of us take anything made of jean material as it is just too hard to sink wash and takes way too long to dry thus necessitating a trip to a wash-o-mat. We both wear our primary waterproof shoes on the plane and pack another pair (sandals this year) plus a pair of travel slippers for use in our room. I take one pair of zip-off pants so that I do not have to take a pair of shorts or a swimming suit. RS claims to make do with his one 21" carry-on for his stays of 3 months. We could do that too. We both take lightweight rain jackets for rain or a wind breaker.
Happy travels

Pat, I bring 3 bras, and wash them daily.I have a dark support, a skin toned support and a skin toned Comfy one. Mine cost about $85 a pop and they last much longer if I wash them daily and rotate them regularly.

@Pat - I take all 9 of mine when I travel for at least one week. I get warm (read: sweaty) very easily and often on trips I change bras once every day. I went to Germany 3 years ago during that awful heat wave and despite my constant changing, I developed some kind of heat rash which was cured by a cream called Penaten Creme in German (keep it in mind!).

@Pat....I just got back from an RS Heart of Italy. I took 2 sports bras (wore one and packed one) and that was not enough. I will take at least 3 next time. It was hot as heck in Rome so everything got yucky, then chilly in Volterra so the one I washed there did not dry with 2 overnights but did finish drying in Monterosso. Both rooms had hair dryers but they were really not powerful enough to speed the drying much. Lesson learned! 3 it is!

Hi Nikki, Absolutely, yes, it includes what you are wearing on the plane. It all is part of the travel capsule wardrobe that you'll be bringing. Forget outfits - instead bring tops/bottoms that mix/match/layer with each other. With a light weight silk underwear shirt (scoop neck, 3/4 sleeves), you'll be able to face just about any weather. The keys to success are picking the "right" clothing pieces - ones that work in multiple occasions. I like to use a dark neutral for "formal" looks, and a lighter neutral for casual looks. Then I add in a dominant color. My accessories and at least one top will reflect this color. Sneaky wardrobe expanders for clothing: A pair of light weight pants with roll-up legs that convert to capris (in the light neutral) - substitute for shorts, more socially acceptable, more uses. A skort instead of shorts (works as a skirt but also is good for athletic activities) I love my Athleta "whatever" skort A 3/4 sleeve scoop neck T shirt - worn alone, layered over a shirt like a sweater A button up shirt with roll up sleeves - works for warm or cold weather. May be worn under a shirt or dress, alone, or jacket like over another item.
A sleeveless knit dress - May be worn alone, layered over another shirt (like a jumper), or wear under a shirt for a skirt/top look. I like a darker color (dressier) that I can "fun up" with bright scarves, etc. A cami or tank top to layer or wear with a jacket I bring a pair of dressy shoes and a pair of walking shoes. At the end of a long day it is nice to get into another pair. In the summer my dressy shoes are a pair of sandals. In the winter my walking shoes are a pair of waterproof dress snow boots. I like a dressy rain coat like the Marmot Elan - works well for outdoors, but works in the city. Also a good sweater or fleece is important.

Here's a link to the latest (as of today) travel wardrobe: http://theviviennefiles.blogspot.com/2013/06/multiple-city-travel-navy-grey-red-and.html on the Vivienne Files. She has a basic set of garments and then shows them with accessories in a variety of ways (outfits or looks or coordinating pieces as you prefer). Earlier this year she showed a very limited group of items for a hot weather trip (http://theviviennefiles.blogspot.com/2013/05/red-white-blue-summer.html.) Other postings are intended to illustrate coordinating things to have the most bang for the fewest items in the closet, and they are also applicable to travel. The travel wardrobes often but not always give an example of what to wear in transit and what to pack in the bag. It's not the specifics but the concepts that are important and to my mind, the Vivienne Files shows with pictures what many people put in their lists. I never take as much as she shows or as anyone lists, but I think the groupings of items are very helpful for seeing how to coordinate all those layers and pieces day-to-day on a trip.