My son will be traveling to Zurich-Lucerne (3 days), Venice (2 days), Rome 2 (days), Florence (1 day), Pisa (1 day) and the French Riviera for one day in February for 10 days. How does a person "pack light" and wisely for a trip like this? We are a cotton and other natural fibers family, but I read that sythetic underwear is the way to go for overnight wash/dry. H-E-L-P !!!!! How to pack, what to take??????? Thank you!
Posted by
victoria, Canada
11507 posts
Its not a fashion show , so just think practical and comfy.. Pack 5 pairs of synthetic undies(they do wash and dry well). Pack 10 pairs of cheap socks, which I would then just tell him to throw out( this leaves room in bag for souvenirs, and since some of his stays are only one night( that sucks) he can't do laundry often as socks take longer then one night to dry in my experience. I would take two pairs of pants, plus the one I would wear( total three) . I really wouldn't sweat this too much, I mean pack some tshirts or polo type shirts, a good warm fleece that can be layered under a good rain/wind jacket( consider gore tex) (it can be cold in Zurich in Feb)
Number one issue is shoes,, make sure they are comfy , broken in etc. since I am not a male, nor very young, I hope others here who perhaps closer to that demographic can chime in with other good idea,, LOL .. I did take my 14 yr old son to Europe for 3 weeks with only carry on,, but we didn't have to contend with winter weather so could pack very light.
Posted by
Dundas, Minnesota, USA
103 posts
You can safely go with an ex-officio type underwear. http://www.amazon.com/EXOFFICIO-Give-n-Go-Moisture-Wicking-Underwear-Black-XLarge/dp/B000QGT3VA They aren't cheap, but I've gotten them around $10 per pair by shopping online. They are moisture wicking and super comfy. They can be used for sports or camping or hiking so they won't be a one time use purchase. Two pair (assuming he will wash each evening) works just fine. They do dry over night. Or you can go 3 pair just to have an extra if your budget will allow. For socks you don't want cotton as it won't dry well. Go to a camping or outdoors or hiking type store and ask for something that will dry overnight. We found some good socks at Cabelas (3 pair on sale for $12 total). They easily dried each night and were padded enough to help tired feet. All in all my husband and I traveled 12 days on 3 pair of underwear and socks each. This did save us a ton of room- especially my husband. Other than that, I'd pack layers so you can get a couple of wears out of the "outside" shirt. The other alternative is to cram in 10 pairs of socks and undies, buy cheaply, and toss them everyday. I hope your son has a great trip!
Posted by
Dallas
1021 posts
Silk is a good alternative to synthetic fiber. With the radiator-type heating in European hotels, cotton should dry overnight when placed on or nearby the heating. But I would pack three or four pair of underwear and socks in case something doesn't get completely dry. Living on Long Island, you and your son understand layering in winter to handle outside and inside temperatures. Unless he'll be outside for an extended time, he won't need long underwear. I would have him pick two changes of clothes in addition to what he'll wear on the plane and learn how to handwash.
Posted by
Atlanta, GA
115 posts
I have taken students to South America and Europe and most tour companies limit students to only ONE checked bag (size would vary with company) and ONE backpack for day-trips and such. I always tell my students that you can always buy things you need or that you forget along the way. Sox, underwear, moneybelt, rainshell, and a few pairs of pants/shirts/sweaters. No one will care if you wear the same thing 2 or 3 times on the trip. Rick has a great travel skills (3 part) show that I give to my students as a guide. Evan
Posted by
Gettysburg, PA
1589 posts
Doris, how old is your boy? Assuming he is in the 14-18 range: One pair of jeans that he will wear on the plane-and the remainder of the trip. 3 or 4 undies. one pair of sturdy, heavy wool socks. One fleece. Three shirts. One warm sweater. One heavy coat. Bathroom gear Am I forgetting anything? Don't think so!
Posted by
Morrison, CO, USA
891 posts
No one here has stressed the moneybelt. And if your son is like mine was, he might think that this is being overly careful. Have him read some of Rick's information on this website about the scams and pickpockets and then make sure he has a moneybelt. I bet your son will have a great time and that you will really enjoy hearing all of his stories when he returns!
Posted by
Dallas
1021 posts
It is unwise to travel with only one pair of pants, particularly in winter. If they get wet, either accidentally or because of washing, one needs a spare. The same for socks and t-shirts. Not mentioned so far is sleepwear; he can take his usual but be prepared in case of colder rooms than he's used to at home.