Luiggage for 2 month stay

Why not? Nothing seems to require expedition gear.

We did 8 weeks using (each of us) Rick Steves' 21" Roll Aboard and a (approx) 15 x 18 expandable day backpack. It is do able. Anything you buy you can always send by mail back to the states.

Yes. We take a convertible carry-on with no wheels for one week or two months. And, we take practically the same clothes.

Yep. If you start getting sick of some of your clothes, keep your eyes open for second-hand clothing stores. That's what I do.

Packing light means taking the same amount whether it is one week, one month or two months. The length of time makes no difference to us in the amount we pack. Time of year does cause some minor changes.

Faye , a hearty second for Frank's comments !! Since we started traveling in Europe three years ago , we each carry a backpack and a carry on bag ( we check the carry on bag , but thats a another story . my outfit totals twenty pounds - twelve for the bag , eight for the pack . My wife's outfit is a few pounds less in the pack ( no camera or electronics ) we have made three five week trips in the last three years and have always had clean clothes . A laundromat once every week to ten days combined with doing a little sink handwash every few days and never had a problem ! It absolutely beats dragging alot of STUFF !! . To borrow from the old real estate comment , the three most important travel skills are Pack light , Pack light , Pack light ! Have a teriffic trip !

Faye, I've done this for 3-month trips, and it makes life so much easier! I take a rolling 21" bag and the Civita daypack, which at the beginning of the trip is quite full, but both fit the carryon limits for international flights. I take everything out of the daypack when I reach the hotel and only put what I'll need for the day in it (camera, money, water, maps, guidebook pages, etc.). I also take along a few pieces of clothing that I plan to discard toward the end of the trip (makes room for purchases).

Faye - I feel your pain... really, I do! When we first traveled to Europe 15+ years ago we lived in ATL and because of my job and the traveling I did, I was a Delta Platinum SkyMiles member. Because of that "status" - in those days - we were allowed three bags for EACH traveler up to 70 lbs per bag. My wife, whose closet rivaled any major clothing store, would pack THREE bags of at least 60 lbs - Had to leave some room to purchase MORE clothes. When I checked in at a hotel on these trips, I had to take a loan off to tip the bellhops! After 2-3 trips of dragging HER luggage on and off trains, I weaned her down to 1 heavy bag, 1 carry-on, and 1 HUGE purse. THEN WE MOVED TO Europe! Living in Europe we started flying on European airlines - they didn't even allow two bags per person. So it was a HUGE adjustment (READ: SHOCK!) for my wife. But after a couple of years she was able to travel with only a European over-the shoulder carry-on. I found traveling much more enjoyable... and in time so did she. If SHE can adjust, so can you! As mentioned, there are plenty of laundry sites or hand-washing options. We've done both. My wife dresses with "base" clothing with lots of interchangeable accents. It works for her - and more importantly - LESS WORK for me! And the good news is... you can always buy "new" clothing during your 2 month stay (Don't get me started on those shopping adventures!) Good Luck!

Ron: Glad you'll be leaving the traffic haven of East Atlanta. I too left Atlanta for a place without rush hour. We appreciate all the hard work you've done on your RonInRome.com. We used much of your information 4/12 before staying @ www.OliveTreeHill.com (Colle degli Ulivi) down in Zagarolo. Now getting back to the luggage: My mother was the last of the international travelers in the continental style. I don't know how my poor father handled all the luggage until age 80. Times have changed. Our family rules are that you have a 21" bag and a shoulder bag or backpack. If you cannot handle your own luggage and carry it for a mile, you don't take it. Many travelers on this website travel using Rick Steves' list with minor modifications. And any traveler can go indefinitely with minimal baggage. My best suggestion is to get all shirts, blue jeans and khaki pants starched heavily at the laundry as they can be worn many more times.

@ David , I'm curious , Please , what does the starching accomplish , I don't understand ? Thanks !

The less luggage you have, the better your trip will be. I take one 21" carry-on no matter how long I am overseas. Enjoy your trip. I love Northern Italy, both grandparents immigrated from that region and I have traveled there to get their birth and baptismal certificates.

Steve,
Starching means less wrinkles in the clothes.

Thanks so much to everyone for your input. I was concerned about concert attire since my other focus is music events and festivals. Since reading your responses, I've been thinking of how I can pack less, read RS's packing list, and think I might be able to do this! I'm short so buying clothes always requires tailoring and have narrow feet. The last time I went to Italy I delighted in throwing things away that were well worn before returning. I'll have to consider more of that. This will be my first extended stay trip.

Thanks Karren ! I never considered that .I keep every thing well washed , but admittedly the stuff looks like I slept in them ! 1 1

Staying in apartments rather than hotels often gives you a washing machine (as well as a kitchen and more space in general, often for less money).

And because clothes dryers are so rare in apartments in Italy, make sure to take clothes that will hang dry reasonably quickly. That's the main drawback with jeans.

Starch helps prevent absorption - of perspiration, dirt, etc. This is why some people starch their dinner napkins; they're easier to clean afterwards.