Suggestions to my Packing List?

Most people here don't know we have an

OFFICIAL HELPLINE GUY'S CLOTHING CHECKLIST

shirt, 1pants, 1underwear, 1 (okay, 2)
socks, 1
shoes (you're wearing 'em)Rick Steves Travel Books, complete set (30 of em)

Men, you're done

And if you're having trouble getting all of this into your carry-on, what with all the RS books, the socks are optional

hahaha ^^^ I don't think that'd work

For myself I would swap the jeans for a lighter weight fabric -- a synthetic or synthetic/cotton blend. All cotton fabrics are hard to hand wash and take a long time to dry. I would take three short sleeve and one long sleeve. Probably a little high quality and better styled rain jacket./wind breaker. Wear it on the plane. I take one pair of high quality, leather, walking shoes with interchangeable innersoles and a light weight pair of sandals. Don't know what you would need a universal convertor for. I would skip the shorts or at most one pair.

Kent--If a guy won't stop to ask directions, why would he carry 30 Rick Steves guidebooks? ;-)

JB--Your packing list sounds sensible to me. You probably can do without the shorts but one pair won't break the suitcase.

The big thing I don't see on that list is a camera and backup batteries/memory cards. Make sure you've got plenty of batteries! My spare died at the Trevi Fountain while the first one was still charging up (it was a long day). Fortunately I managed to get two pictures of the fountain but that was it!

P.S. I am officially jealous of the living in Florence until Christmas!

JB--my cousin spent last fall studying in Florence. All she kept asking while she was there was: "How am I supposed to leave?" She absolutely loved it.

Oh my goodness, Kent... you added socks to this list!!!

JB: if you forget something, don't worry. You can find it when you are over there.

Even though the daytime will be warm, find material that can dry fast. I noticed that men in Paris wore sports jackets at night rather than a sweater. Not sure if you'd find that cumbersome instead of a sweater, but it will add more dressiness to your attire, should you decide to eat in a nice restaurant.

In my pack I threw in some perfumed fabric sheets (you can find at the dollar store). The perfumed sheets brightened up my clothes, and they took up no room at all.

Some "extras" to consider- A small first aid kit with band-aids, pain reliver (aleve or advil)itch ointment and anitbactierial ointment. Fits in a small baggie or plastic contianer. Toiletries- travel size. Individual-load size laundry detergent (put into baggie and double bag)- 2 to 4 and a few softener sheets. Individual hand wipes and stain wipes. Small flashlight and clock.

I would suggest the following:

1. Copy of your passport, credit cards front and back and phone # in the states to call if they get lost/stolen.

2. Small flashlight.

3. Money belt.

CALL your banks for your ATM and credit cards and advise them your departure date and return date. Also advise them the countries you plan to visit.

Thanks for the tips.

I believe i'm going to take a pair of sandals. My Chaco's are great for my feet and I find to be extremely comfortable, I have hiked, walked long distances, and kayaked in them.

As far as shorts, I figured I'm going to want to wear them, regardless if they're a 'no-no' or not - I wear shorts a lot.

My rainjacket is stylish enough - its a Marmot and ive found very lightweight and durable.

I've seriously considered taking a sportscoat and wearing it on the plane, I always wear one when I go out to dinner, it definitely makes you look nicer. We'll definitely be going out for a few good meals. I might X a sweater and do the blazer instead.

Camera - I didn't mention that but i'll have that with extra batteries.

Since I am not checking my bag, i'm limited to what Ican take on a plane with me.

I'm envious too. I would suggest Streetwise maps of Florence and any large city you might be visiting. They are the best. I agree with your decision regarding the shorts. Keep them. Jeans are too hot and take forever to dry. Polo shirts are hotter too (collars) and take forever to dry but they do look nice with blazer. If you aren't wearing socks, you better have moleskin for your feet. Happy travels. Be safe. Have fun!

JB ,

Watch this movie. It's very useful and inspiring.
http://lifehacker.com/software/how-to/travel-the-world-packing-under-10-pounds-278181.php

After I watched it , I decided to pack light and I know it's possible, especially for a man.
I would get some quick dry shirts and pants.

Here's my visual packing list.

http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/set?id=1440268

Adjust to taste but this gets me through a month and only weighs 15 pounds in my ebags convertible carry-on. The bag isn't as good as a backpack but I have yet to find a backpack I like that fits carry-on requirements.

One lightweight sweater for August is probably okay. Make it a fleece or something other than cotton and don't forget a rain shell. You will have mostly good weather but it can rain anywhere anytime in Europe (especially the British Isles).

I like T-shirts for layering but I travel in shoulder season and get more cool weather.

I don't like jeans for traveling. I love wearing them at home and almost everyone wears them in Europe (maybe not in hot weather). My complaint is they're too heavy and bulky to pack, they take forever (and cost a lot) to dry, and they lose their shape in the waist, butt and knees if you don't wash and tumble dry them regularly.

JB - shorts and sandals in Paris? hmmmmmm....

^^ Paris is my first of my 8 city journey. Shorts and Sandals in Nice :) most likely wear Shorts and Sandals in Interlaken, and maybe Amsterdam too. Definitely not in Paris.

Thanks for all of the tips!

JB,
I think your packing list looks good. My husband has bought mostly quick dry underwear and undershirts. His shirts and pants are all quick dry. I like to take a pair of jeans too. They don't dry fast, but you can wear them alot before they look dirty. I would suggest a small pocket size notebook and pen. My husband always carries one and it comes in helpful when you want to write down room numbers, directions, notes of favorite beers, etc. I take a few plastic hangers to use for my laudry in the room.( hanging for drying).