How do you resist overpacking?

Lay out on your bed everything you think you are going to take. Discard every fourth garment. Repeat this process.

You've just halved your luggage.

Forget using a list - and if you find yourself really missing something, you will find that there are quite a few shops in Italy.

Leave space in your luggage for things that you might buy.

And for 13 days, two pairs of jeans plus one other thing will be plenty.

just keep reminding yourself you need the suitcase space to buy all new 'goodies' while you are there :)
seriously, just buy what you forget, if you really need it when you are there.

I have been traveling to europe for decades. And now that i travel xtra light i am even happier.I do not need more than 2 pair of shoes, 2 pants , 2 dresses, , 3 blouses, 1 night gown, 4 days of undergarments.
Done.
It is light i mix and match and it is light and it works!
Plan on doing laundry, take your detergent in a baggie.

I do make a list and mostly stick to it.

For me the key is that I also do a test pack a couple of weeks ahead after laying everything out that is on the packing list, including toiletries. I try things on if I've got pieces that are new to the "travel team" so to speak. At that time I can check to see that every thing is in good repair, too.

I would probably try to avoid packing with your Mom around! My Mom was of the pack heavy, you might need it school of thought. If she does have suggestions maybe you could write them on a separate list and sleep on it.

I do find if I am rushing to pack at the last minute I tend to have a less critical eye and therefore a lower threshold for adding stuff that's not on the list.

How to resist over packing -- remember the pain of hauling a heavy suitcase (or cases) from the last trip. Remember it well. Keep to the SIZE of a carry-on, but check it for convenience if you prefer (we do that.) I pulled out a pair of pants and an extra shirt right before zipping my bag for the last time and still wonder why I have so much stuff. (On day 6 of a 58-day trip)

Peter, I always think two jeans were enough, then see both of them get dirty in less than one week. I have no idea how that happens.

Pam, my mom's problem is she packs lots of extras. Once she tried to pack two novels. This is a woman who wants me to pack less of something like t-shirts, but is not afraid to take five necklaces. Go figure.

Traveling Woman, laughing because this morning I was just starting a packing list for a trip this Fall and was reviewing my list from last fall. My notes to myself right after I returned included....Do not pack jewelry! You think you will wear bracelets but you never do and they are heavy.

I am guilty of previously packing 3 novels for a 2 week trip....after having run out of reading material on a long ago trip to the Abacos where it rained the whole time. Now with an iPad I've got plenty on my Kindle app.

I do find weighing things on a kitchen scale can help jolt me in to reality as well. This tactic may work on the necklace problem! Or not....

This is easy.

First, how many pairs of jeans for a 13-day trip? No, not two. Actually, zero.
Jeans are heavy, bulky, and take forever to dry (whether because you did laundry or because you were out walking in the rain). Jeans are a terrible choice to bring on an overseas trip.
Pants? Sure. But thin, light, "forgiving" pants (don't look awful quickly), quick-drying, preferably in a dark, neutral color that doesn't show minor stains or general grime quickly. For a 13-day trip, I could get by with one pair pretty easily, but you probably think I'm a packing nazi already.

The overall process is also simple. Make that list. Lay out everything. Then pack it all in your bag. Grab your bag, and take it out and walk around town with it for a few hours, do some window-shopping or local sightseeing (on cobblestones if you can find them, but any uneven, non-paved outdoor surface will do; indoors, on carpet or perfectly smooth surfaces don't count). How's that feel? If "testing it out" like that is a grueling, miserable experience, congratulations - you've just simulated your first few hours in Europe. Go home and start removing things that you can live without. Examine every item in your bag - especially the heavy things - think real hard and ask yourself if you can possibly survive without it. Repeat until you can lug your bag around for 3+ hours without wishing you had a personal assistant to handle it for you - then you're good to go.

I always think two jeans were enough, then see both of them get dirty
in less than one week.

Jeans are actually made to not get dirty. I hardly ever wash mine OR my teenage son's. Study after study have shown that jeans do, in fact, not need to be washed very often. People just think they're dirty so need to get washed, and it takes a long time to dry, so don't pack them. I have never washed jeans during a trip, ever. They just really aren't dirty. Americans just think they are.

Sounds like you are going to have to sneak-pack.

I pack for 89 days, same as for two weeks (but with many more packets of Woolite). I do sink laundry and drop-off laundry during that time. I do have a sink-laundry method but you may not need it.

I never pack jeans, but I wear them here, and they do get dirty and need laundering. (Maybe I didn't understand that post?)

I forget exactly when you are traveling, but there are great clothing sales in July (and January). You can fill in what you need or bring home durable souvenirs!

I never pack jewelry, but I have bought a couple of pieces while traveling.

Total weight of rolling carryon is under 20 lbs.

Clothing - I have a rule of thumb of 10 items (plus underwear, coat, pjs, 2 pairs of shoes, and swimsuit). I lay all 10 out on my bed, with the scarf and couple necklaces I'm bringing, and play dress up. I try on every combination, with shoes and jewelery. I see just how many varied outfits those 10 items can make and I feel better. This requires smart mixing and matching, but you can do it. I will list my 10 items in a minute for my next trip and you can see the idea.

Other stuff - you can buy things there so it's not the end of the world. Something you will likely use or would be very hard to replace? Bring it. Otherwise, you will make do.

Ignore your mothers advice, unless she makes a really good point.

I do bring jeans. I also do laundry at a laundromat or have a service do it every 7-10 days, so it's really no problem. Jeans don't need to be washed more than that, especially because I won't wear them every day.

My next trip (spring in Spain)
-maxi skirt, black
-sundress, black
-sundress - printed
-gray skinny jeans
-lightweight off-black "jogger pants". These things are magic.
-black and white striped t-shirt (goes with all the pants and skirt)
-army green t-shirt (ditto, and this one is cut so that it can go over the dress and makes it look like a top-and-skirt)
-nicer sleeveless top (again, goes with all)
-pink tank top (yup)
-black button down blouse (this works as a cardigan for when it's cold with all the bottoms, and can be a top on its own, and can go over the dress)

-extremely lightweight rain jacket. I found one at Target in the exercise section that is as light as one of those fold up ponchos but looks nicer. Especially when you size way down - it runs big, I'm normally M but I bought XS.
-denim jacket (my "luxury" item - it's heavy but pulls together all the outfits, and I can wear it on the plane)
-black ballet flats
-black sandals
-underwear and socks
-sleep t-shirt
-print scarf that goes with the dress and several of the tops/bottoms combos
-belt and 2 necklaces

You are wrong David. I need jeans every day because the temperatures will be in the 50s. Reducing the weight is not my issue here. I just want to make sure I don't have too much stuff, which has nothing to do with the bag's total weight.

Why do Americans think jeans are dirty? I do because I see dirt on them. Maybe it is psychological for others, but definitely not me.

Also, some jeans are heavier and take longer to dry than others. Traditional men's levis? Heavy and probably take forever. A lighter-weight ladies jean isn't always 100%denim and thus is lighter and quicker to dry. I have ones like these in gray and they work well. Yes, very expensive - I got mine on a big sale - and there are cheaper brands with the same attributes, this is just an example!

I agree with JS. I can wear the same clothes for several days, with daily changes of undies and sox. I take the laundry capsules in a Baggie, one for each anticipated trip to the laundry. I weigh my luggage when I think I am about fully packed. Max wt for me is 20#, but I like to keep,it under that. I no longer carry books. My mini iPad serves as library and camera. Luxury for me is to take a second pair of shoes/sandals, but they aren't absolutely necessary.

I will say my women's jeans are fairly light. You wear what you wear. My husband ONLY wears jeans at home. On our first vacation, he packed a pair of casual khaki style pants he bought (and maybe wore once at home for a funeral or wedding). Know what? He didn't wear them at all, because jeans is what he is used to wearing every day and what he is comfortable in. So packing those khakis added unnecessary weight and took up space. He packs 2 jeans, wears one, and we still keep our carry on at about 22# for 3 week trips.

I never quite understand the 'don't pack jeans' mantra - if it's what you wear and are comfortable in, then don't waste money buying something you most likely aren't going to wear again (I'm looking at 'me' buying a pair of lightweight North Face pants that 'will be great for wearing on the plane' and have never seen the light of day...or the skirt I bought, wore twice in Italy, and never wore again after coming home).

One great thing to carry with you - something like Shout wipes or a Tide pen. It came in handy on our trip in 2014. First, a berry fell off a tree and exploded in my mom's hair and on her beige jacket in the UK. The shout wipe cleaned it up mostly when used right away. And the same thing happened to me in Venice - outside restaurant, sitting under a tree, and a big juicy blue or black berry fell off a tree and exploded all over my jeans. Out came the shout wipes and mostly cleaned it off (and the dark blue jeans mostly covered the stain). I was just glad the berry didn't hit my newly purchased beige linen camera bag...lol.

I know someone once said somewhere on this forum that they travelled with jeans, but would take them to the dry cleaner before hand to have them starched. I guess it helps keep dirt from settling in and keeps them looking fresh longer. I've never done this, so can't say...

Edit - just noticed emma said the same thing I did - I was typing while she was posting :)

I agree with Nicole.

Personally, I think two pairs of jeans are enough for a two week trip, plus a pair of capris for lounging in the hotel room, and as a back up for the jeans. For a two-week trip, my husband each travel with a carry on, plus a backpack we both use and a purse for me. I buy jeans that are made with lighter fabric and if the weather is going to be cold, I throw in a couple of pairs of tights. We don't enjoy formal places, so lacking "nicer" clothes is not a problem.

I have never used a packing list. I pack for a week and when I plan our two-week itinerary, I work in a place and time for laundry - I either use the laundry service offered by the hotel or else find a laundry nearby. To me, being on vacation means a vacation from doing laundry as well.

Great tip about starching jeans!

TW - one thing that helped me to keep from overpacking too much was to post my packing list on this forum. I asked people to critique the list and boy did they ever! It kept me from taking some things I know now that I never would have worn. I wore everything I took except for a short sleeve shirt. Everything! It turned really cold and first I borrowed one of dh's sweatshirts and then bought my own when I had a chance but other than that my clothing worked out perfectly. We hand washed every few days when we knew we had at least two days for clothes to dry before needing repacking and it worked out well. We both took a pair of jeans - blends, not 100% cotton, and they dried just as quickly as out other pants - sometimes faster. If you want jeans, take them. Mix and match for the lightest load. Make sure every shirt will go with every pant/skirt. Same for sweater, etc. Try to limit to two pair shoes. Wear heaviest pair in transit, pack one.

The only way to learn about what packing works for you is to try, go, learn, and try again. After six different three-week overseas trips, I am still learning new things. The main lessons so far: 1) pack layers (I travel in shoulder season); 2) pick a color theme and make sure all tops and bottoms have at least two matches (see ideas here); and 3) make sure every item is comfortable has been worn many times before my trip. I also take photos of each piece and plug them into a document where I can virtually mix and match outfits. About two weeks before a trip, I "freeze" my clothes planning and only make last minute adjustments if the weather forecast merits a change. For my upcoming trip, I'm going to try jeans again. Based on suggestions on this site, I've found two brands (NYDJ and Jag) that wash and dry overnight (I've tested already). The brands aren't as important as the fabric blend - anything that has 20-30% spandex/poly blend will dry much faster. I purchased them at a thrift shop for a fraction of the retail price (normally $80-100).

As for the other "stuff" that you're tempted to add to your suitcase - chances are you won't need it. Focus on "survival" items (e.g., passport, money, credit cards, prescription meds, comfortable shoes) and leave the rest at home. No offense to your mom, but unless she's planning to carry your suitcase, you should make the packing decisions.

If you prefer to wear jeans, pack one pair and wear the other on the plane. You never know if you will have a disaster with one pair so I would never say not to pack them.

Get a set of big plastic reusable packing bags that you can seal and squeeze the air out of. I find that it is easiest to roll up the clothes rather than folding them before putting them into the bags.

Bring clothing that you can mix and match. Bring a minimum of jewelry.

Do plan on doing laundry and make sure you block out time in the middle of the trip. For a thirteen-day trip, one laundry day should be enough. In a pinch, you can do laundry in the sink.

If you can't get it all into one small-to-medium-size piece of checked luggage, you're packing too much.

If you don't mind carrying it, then why worry?

Hi Traveling Woman, for a three week trip, I take two pair of jeans (wear one, pack one), and two pair of black Dockers. I add several short-sleeved T-shirts (two white, plus a couple colored ones, quickest drying material I can find), one or two dressier tops, a fleece, two cardigan sweaters, a rain jacket, two pair of shoes (wear one pair), two nightgowns, and underwear.

I wash everything in the sink (including jeans), roll the clothing in towels, and hang to dry. If there's a towel warmer, crank it up and hang your stuff on it. I only do laundry when I have at least two nights at the same hotel, but most things dry overnight. Once during the trip I find a hotel that will do laundry and I have one load washed and dried. Everything fits in a 20-21" roll-aboard suitcase (I check it) and my personal stuff (I-pad, camera, books, etc.) goes in a carry on.

Before I put my clothes in the suitcase, I lay everything out and take photos (with my I-pad) of the various outfits I can put together. It's helps to ease my mind when I get to my destination and panic because I think I haven't brought enough stuff. By the time I get home, I'm sick of my clothes and wearing the same thing every day, but it's worth it not to have to haul around too much stuff.

PS - the first time I went to Europe I took a 26" suitcase that weighed about 40 pounds... never again!

I take 2 week trips and the first time I brought a huge suitcase with a top for every day and socks and undies, too. I didn't have to haul it around and wasn't really bothered, but then I discovered this wonderful forum and learned about smaller suitcases and the glory of in-room laundering. I'll never be able to do just a carry-on, but I now take a much smaller suitcase and make much better choices, much easier to move around, particularly if trains are involved.

My standard clothing list is now (including what I wear on the plane): 1 pair black walking boots, 1 pair oxfords in interesting color, hooded mid-weight black jacket, 2 pairs lightweight Hudson jeans, 1 black and 1 navy lightweight cardigan, 3 3/4 sleeve tops, 3 short sleeve tops, 1 black tank, scarf, 5 pair undies and socks, 2 bras, nightie and ballerina style slippers. Jeans get washed every 3 days; tops, undies and socks after wearing until I'm set for the remainder of the trip. I do my selecting a good 2 weeks in advance, hanging the tops in my spare bedroom and eyeing until I'm happy. These are all my normal, at-home clothes, and I put some effort into looking well put together, no different when I travel.

This trip I'm attending the opera in Budapest and also a play so there's no way around it, I'm bringing a nice jersey dress, tights and pumps. They add about 2 1/2 lbs but I don't want to go looking scroungy.

I only take jeans when I travel as it is all I wear. Mine only take a day to dry if I have to wash them.
Shirts are something one can cut down on the weight if you take permanent press blouses instead of t-shirts.
Then roll, don't fold, and you will be amazed at how much stuff will fit in your bag.

I think people often overthink the packing issue, there is a lot of peer-pressure over it too. People do have a lot of great ideas and it IS possible to get by with very little. On the 21BOE I took last May, we had a few who kept it to a backpack and washed laundry every day in the sink. To me, that is not a vacation. We also had people who brought the biggest luggage you can find, and had a gigantor suitcase, a smaller suitcase PLUS their backpacks. As somebody else said, if you don't mind lugging it, whats the big deal? Most of us packed somewhere inbetween, with a carry on sized suitcase and backpack.

For my trip last year, I was a bit upset because I wanted to be such a textbook RS traveller that I left out things I later wished I had packed. With my pre/post Europe days I was traveling for 5 weeks, and with the big temperature differences between countries in May, I would have loved a few more options. I didn't want to worry about frequent laundry. I also like to dress up and NOT wear the same outfit every day or every other day. If other people do, fine, no judgement from me. But don't judge me either for liking to travel with my comforts and options.

So, listen to all the great suggestions, definitely. Then think about what you're normally like at home when it comes to dress and comfort. Are you a minimalist or a fashionista? Do you change outfits frequently, or wear the same stuff day to day? What will you be doing on your trip? Pack accordingly. Weed out what you really don't need. But if you're struggling and frustrated because you're trying to cram things into luggage and it doesn't fit, and you're knocking yourself over the head trying to decide what to leave out, then the real problem might be that you're a maximalist trying to be a minimalist and you just need a bigger suitcase, lol! Decide who you're really packing to please, you, or some unrealistic version of you? If your desire is to truly pack spartan light, then listen to the frequent travelers that have bare bones packing down to an artform.

Whether you minimalize or maximize, have a wonderful trip! ;-)
Lisa

I am on the side of taking jeans as well. As most posters above stated mine are not all cotton but have some poly or spandex or something so they dry faster. The only place I thought they might not dry overnight was in Bath last Sept when it was rainy. I hung them on the door hinge and propped the room fan on the floor to blow under them overnight and they dried quite well. You are traveling in November so if your hotels have the heated towel racks they will be on and that will speed drying.

My jeans get dirty. I always wear them on the plane then wash them the first night I am in Europe (usually have a 2 or 3 night stay somewhere) since I will usually have had them on for nearly 24 hours straight. Then I am usually good with wearing them for 5 days or so at a time.

I just wanted to emphasize what someone said upthread and that is to do test washes at home if you plan to do any sink washing. I do that for new items I haven't traveled with, particularly pants. I bought a short sleeved sweater last year and really wanted to take it but was afraid it would not dry quick enough. I did the test wash and was shocked it dried in just 8 hours, so it got on to the list!

I also use packing cubes. I find this helps contain what I take. I use a larger size one for shirts and sweaters and have found they fit better by folding flat instead rolling. The cube is an Eagle Creek sil-nylon compression cube so when you zip the compression zipper around it lays flatter with the flat fold than rolling clothes. Underwear, socks, PJs, I roll into another cube. Once you fill the cube, you're done...nothing else can go. You may need to experiment with your chosen wardrobe and folding vs rolling to see what works best for you. It's clear we all have our preferences.

Is this all more information than you really wanted to know? hahaha....

editing to add: Lisa/Rankster was posting while I was typing. She makes some really good points and I am wincing because I might have been one to create peer pressure for her!

The good thing about Europe is that they have stores. Pack light and if you find you are missing something, you can buy it there. I love my English umbrella! It brings back happy memories every time I use it. :)

It is a temptation to over pack, I am very easily tempted especially with a 4 wheel roller. Keep in mind the draw back is that you yourself have to lug that weight off and on the trains quickly amidst a crowd waiting to get on, put it up on the overhead rack inside the train, carry it up and down the stairs in a train station. If it's too heavy, too cumbersome, I start to take things out as to reduce the roller to a manageable, comfortable weight between 25 and 30 pounds. I pack more for six weeks than I would for two weeks, 30 lbs is max.

I wear jeans at home, but for trips just take the black pants that I wear to work six days a week. They're a little lighter than jeans, and I'm comfortable in them. This doesn't work for me in the summer, so then I take capris.

I love the comments about packing for who you actually are, not who you think you'll be as a world traveler. My husband likes to take a suit with him, and change for dinner. Now, he does not do this at home, but so what if that's what he likes to do on trips. It makes him feel as if he can walk into any restaurant. Plus he doesn't have to "match" anything, which can be a bit of an issue for him! For a few trips I was trying to dress up to that level, and take a dress, and shoes to go with the dress. Now I just go as myself and don't care if we're not dressed up to the same degree. And my feet don't hurt from the dressier shoes.

One very important thing is maintaining your laundry. Make sure you hang up your worn clothes so the wrinkles can hang out a bit. You can hang a shirt outside in the fresh air to get rid of the funk. Don't assume that one shirt is now dirty and leave it on the floor. It will look pretty clean compared to the one you spilled gumbo on. I say that from personal gumbo experience.

Thanks for your ideas everyone. Now I have some things to think about while getting ready to pack.

Two things I definitely will not do are wash clothes during my trip and shop there if I forgot to pack a certain type of clothing item. It's my vacation - a break from work and errands.

My jeans are made by Croft & Barrow. I wear that brand because they have a stretchy material and an elastic waistband, which makes them more comfortable. From the comments here, it looks like I should only pack one pair because I will wear one on the plane.

The tricky part is sweatshirts. If highs are in the 50s, how will I know whether to wear a sweatshirt or layers each day? That is why I am not sure how many sweatshirts to pack. Of course one item in my bag will be a black cardigan. Another will be my rain jacket because I read November is the wettest month in Florence. So will one sweatshirt be enough for two weeks?

It is impossible for me to go two weeks at home without doing laundry, so how could it be possible for me to not do laundry on a two week vacation? I simply don't own enough clothes to go that long without washing something and I sure wouldn't be dragging that much with me if I did have it. Only long vacation I ever took where I didn't do laundry was to Hawaii where I lived in a swimsuit and t-shirt.

It is one of my splurges when I am on vacation that I have the hotel do my laundry as needed. So I'm not really doing chores. :-) On RS tours, they usually have a deal worked out with the hotel we are in at the halfway mark of the trip that is more affordable than the standard hotel laundry rate. On my own, I can usually find a laundry near where I am staying that will do the work for me for a reasonable price if the hotel is too expensive. I take things that are easily laundered and don't require special handling so everything can go into a single load.

I would suggest an alternative to a sweatshirt, which is heavy and bulky. A fleece jacket is much lighter and can even be warmer than a sweatshirt, which will be cotton or cotton/poly. Cardigans are also lightweight and very versatile.

I'd go layers over a sweatshirt, regardless. Looks nicer, takes less room in your suitcase, and is more flexible. Jeans with a few layered tops will take you through any situation. Jeans and a sweatshirt is pretty limited.

Re: laundry - I do sink laundry for underwear and socks if needed but not for regular clothes. Every big city I've been to, and many small towns, has a drop off laundry service. Bring a bag in the morning and the next day it's clean and folded. Totally worth it to me, compared to carrying more stuff or to taking time to sink wash.

I think more than anything, I'm concerned that you'll be cold at the end of November in Venice with only a sweatshirt. Nigel's description, and others I've read from Italian resident and writer Tim Parks, makes the area sound pretty challenging at that time of year--cold, fog, rain. The high temperature is 54 but the low is 42, while the temperature for December is 39-49 foggy and wet, and you'll be almost in December on your dates.

If you layer, you should have your long-sleeved-t, topped with a wool cardigan or wool blend cardigan, under your raincoat (coat is better than a jacket), and a warm scarf to wrap around your neck. Otherwise, you could try to pick up a cheap wool jacket before you leave Florida. Right now all the winter jackets are on sale, so maybe you'd find something on line at Macy's or Sierra Trading Post, or .... At least you'd have it for future winter travel even if you don't need a jacket in Florida.

So how do you pack light with a jacket or coat? You wear it or carry it onto the plane. That's what all of us up north have to do.

The problem is if I wear a jacket and take it off later, it would be a pain to carry it around all afternoon. Just a cardigan is much better if I need layers because I can squeeze it into my backpack. My jacket is warm enough with a LS tee and black cardigan underneath, but I would have to keep it on all day. Maybe I can take off the cardigan and just wear my jacket, but that is not as comfortable as wearing only the cardigan over a LS tee. That is why I thought packing one sweatshirt might be a good idea. Of course, I will wear a rain jacket if necessary. Packing a second jacket to stay warm would just be dead weight in my luggage.

As pointed out, Venice at the end of November is going to be cold, possibly wet and windy, with little sunshine. The weather is more likely to be more like December than November. Reading your comments, it seems you may be underestimating the weather.

http://www.holiday-weather.com/venice/averages/

Travelling Woman, what days in November are you in Venice?

For Venice, you need sensible shoes. If it rains much, you'll be walking through puddles, as the streets in Venice are often not well drained. Acqua alta might or might not happen, but if there is acqua alta, you'll really appreciate those shoes. Sneakers won't cut it.

I was in Rome and Florence in late November many years ago and wore a lined all-weather trench coat. I didn't take it off as the day wore on except inside. In fact I remember buying fur-lined leather gloves from a street vendor.

Sneakers are the only shoes I can wear for walking. I have a backup pair but need to break them in first.

Saturday the 26th to Monday the 28th, then a third night before we fly home.

I am constantly packing and repacking in my mind! I wish I could stop! We are going on the BOE 21 day on June 5. I packed lightly for our Turkey trip last Sept. and Oct. But this trip has days in the Alps. Not easy with a RS rolling carry-0n. I live in CA. I wear sandals year round. Wearing enclosed shoes is difficult for me. I have my jacket figured out but not the shoes.

Think about what you would choose to wear, and need for weather, for days on end, if, oh, joy, you went to Spain/wherever but your checked bag didn't. Those items are your hard-core minimalist bottom line: wear & carry them onboard, no questions. Everything else is gravy. Went without my checked bag in Spain once for six days, & Morocco for five (separate trips), &, while it was nerve-wracking, I (Stewart's wife, Vicki) learned a lot. Biggest thing - all that stuff in my checked bag, which I'd strategized for weeks, when it finally appeared, was way, way more than needed. So, have your favorite things with you, keep calm & travel on. If you wear contact lenses, carry ample solution; phenomenally expensive in Madrid, maybe all of Europe. Even if you travel with a group, RS or any, there's no guaranteed immunity from luggage excitement or unexpected shopping. The biggest keep-in-mind is that you're traveling the world to see, not to be seen. As long as you're comfy & appropriate-enough, you're still traveling, & that's spelled yippee.

I would add a pair of silk long underwear if you are going in November. They are light weight, don't add bulk, but will keep the chill and dampness out. I get mine from Sierra Trading Post.

Much of what I do has already been posted. And as a guy I have no clue when it comes to women's clothing.

All I can suggest is to test pack what you want to take and find the best method for you. And whatever you do take, try to take items that mix and match so you have multiple choices of "outfits."a

In a few days, I'll be leaving on a 10 week international trip and in regards to clothes will be taking the following (keeping in mind the temperature range will be mid 30 to high 80s.)

5 shirts
5 undershorts,
5 socks,
2 sweaters,
2 pairs of jeans
1 pair pants
1 t shirt (sleep in)
1 pair gym shorts (sleeping and lounging around.)
1 pair walking shoes
1 Scottevest Jacket

All of the above except for the jeans, pants, jacket and shoes are quick drying.

I will wash all the clothing items in a sink, except for the Jeans and Pants (and shoes and jacket obviously) and every ten days or so drop it off at a laundromat or do it myself to get a full wash of everything.

GO GATORS! !!

Silk long underwear is great for warmth and doubles as pjs, is very quick to dry if you do need to rinse them out.

Go 'Canes!

I was just getting ready to post my tip, but saw Zoe beat me to it. Silk long underwear! It weighs almost nothing, scrunches down to fit in a tiny space, and is warm. I took 2 long sleeved turtle-necked tops to England last January, and never needed more than a cardigan or nylon windbreaker. Check out Land's End. Some of the tops are pretty enough to wear as outerwear. And the bottoms are sheer enough to be comfortable under any pants.

TW I can relate to what you are going through a bit about packing efficiently and comfortably for a November trip to Italy. I've looked through all of the suggestions and your responses and I think one thing you need to mentally prepare for is a big climate change (perhaps) that you aren't used to. People have given you some great suggestions about layering, especially to have 1 set of very thin silk long underwear that could also be used for sleepwear. The suggestion of finding comfortable walking shoes that aren't sneakers is a very important piece of advice from people who've traveled to Europe in the fall and winter. Go to a store like The Walking Company and try on some more waterproof and warmer sneaker alternatives.

I've had the challenge of helping Southern California college students prepare for 4 month long European trips through multiple climates. Trying to get people who are used to a warm climate to think about and pack (in one suitcase) for such a trip has been interesting.

It's been my experience that if you are used to a year round mild climate, it's hard to know what the damp, windy, cold, long touring days out in the elements in Europe could be like. It's best to be mentally prepared that this could be very different for you and you want to stay comfortable. With this said, it may be a mild November--but still chillier than you are used to. Fortunately you will have thought through your options and have the luxury to check a 10 day forecast before you leave in November and can make some last minute changes.

What your mother chooses to do with the information you are gathering here is another story. I do know that at times I wasn't as prepared as I could have been. But some of my favorite purchases that I still use today are a wool hat and scarf I picked up in Munich and some gloves I bought in Italy. I couldn't have functioned outside without them. I'm a bit of a climate/temperature challenged person at this point in my life, 30+ years in Santa Barbara but I know what Italy can be like in November.

Hi Travelingwoman..
" I just want to make sure only items I will definitely use go in it." Then pack what you use at home over and over, your favorite stuff!

I had the same dilemma as you! What really really helped me get focused was to see how experienced travelers MY AGE do it. I looked on you tube (packing for a month in a carry on) and Pinterest to get mix and match ideas on clothes. I must have looked at 20 different videos on you tube to get ideas and saw the same theme over and over, no one bought any special "travel clothes", all the clothes were from their closet and over and over I heard "this is my favorite shirt (shorts, scarf whatever) indicating they felt comfortable and not self conscious when they wore it and what they packed was smart well thought out items. Some had a color theme others had a destination theme (Tropical, hiking, touring etc). I have a whole pinterest board on packing and carry on only. I had some romantic ideas of how I would look on the Tuscan countryside, but the weather had other ideas and my well planned outfit went out the door and I never got to wear my maxi skirt, but since it took so little room it was not a big deal.

I did not check my bag for an 18 day trip, I had a 20 inch carry one and used packing cubes to stuff clothes into and took a Kilping Sherpa tote. My suitcase is expandable because I knew I was checking in coming home with all the goodies I purchased and we purchased a suitcase in Italy to carry additional goodies. I always pack jeans and like others have said, I have never washed them on vacation, and even at home maybe once every 3 months?

It's fine for your mom to bring two novels if she will read them and if they are lightweight. Any novel I've brought or purchased during a trip gets weighed in my hand and is always a lightweight paperback. Leave them behind when done reading. I also bring just a few, lightweight, go-with-anything accessories - no more than two necklaces.

Frank, do you live in the Gainesville area?

Mora, I lived in central Ohio most of my life. I have very warm pajamas from L.L. Bean. My problem is not having enough LS t-shirts.

I AM a fan[atic] of "packing light as an extreme sport", so I have no trouble resisting the urge to overpack. For one of my first of 10 trips since 2000, I made a packing list and I have kept and honed it ever since. I weighed each item or bundle individually (at the post office) so I know as I go what the total weight will be. When I first went over, I was just under the 8 kg limit for Lufthansa carryon. Since then I have taken items off, but rarely added anything. My packed weight is just under 12#.

In all my travels in Germany, I have only once encountered a laundromat (wash salon), and that was in a town I was passing through, not staying in, so I don't rely on finding one, ever. Only twice have I stayed somewhere with washing facilities. I either have to take along enough clean clothes for 14 days or wash some as I go. I find it easy to do a small (one set of underwear and one shirt) sink wash every night. I could make do with only two sets of clothing, but I take along a third set just in case. I always have clean clothes every day.

I go to Europe often enough, that I find it useful to have garments just for travel. Specifically cotton/polyester shirts and underwear that I can count on to dry overnight. I guess I could wear them over here as well, but then, when they wore out, I would have to search specifically for travel suitable garments for everyday wear. I have one set of clothes just for travel, and I store them in my suitcase.

My solution for packing light is this. Get yourself a smaller-than-regulation-carryon-size, convertible bag and a really huge, rolling suitcase. Put into the convertible bag everything you absolutely have to have when you get there. Then put into the suitcase anything that you don't absolutely need but might want. Then assume that the suitcase will get lost/delayed anyway and leave it at home.

The way I resist is that I handle my own stuff. Even at 70, if I can't manage it on my own, I shouldn't be traveling. My next trip will be solo, 6-weeks in the UK. I pack for a week and a day and do laundry in the sink, by myself in a self-serve laundry (lavanderia in Italian) or have it done for me. For our 4+ week trips, I cannot possibly carry enough to not have to do laundry. I don't have enough clothes to do that, even for for 2 weeks.

For me, taking a break to take care of laundry is not a big deal. I certainly prefer that local experience to taking so much stuff I can't carry it on. See those people with backpacks or roller bags on the street? They are not all people on a trip. Some are Europeans dealing with their laundry.

About the shoes. The person who said to take a look at the Walking Company was absolutely right. I've tried just about every brand of shoes you'll find mentioned in the Best Walking Shoes for Travel forum section. For casual shoes, my first choice after all the experimentation is Abeos. I'm taking these to the UK. They are light weight and perfect for me. You may find other brands or styles better for you. I could never wear sneakers because they typically are not supportive enough and the soles are too slippery in wet weather.

My "go anywhere, over cobbles and rough terrain, paved or not, in the wet, super supportive, I can wear them all day and my feet, legs, knees and back don't hurt" boots are these Ahnu lace-ups. I'm taking a pair of gray ones to the UK. You're probably rolling your eyes and wondering how anyone could wear those ugly shoes. One reason is that I never wear skirts, not at home and not on trips, so the tops are always covered up. One reason is that they actually make my feet look smaller. One reason is that they are water resistant. That came in handy when it poured and hailed in Italy the last time we were there -- the first week of November, 2014. I did wait to go out until the water receded a bit, but I still had to go through some fairly deep puddles at some corners. As someone else mentioned, sneakers would be soaked in that kind of weather.

About the clothes. I grew up in San Antonio. I live in Tucson. In-between, I've lived in OH, OR, WA and Germany. I much prefer just throwing a jacket or sweater over my normal hot-weather clothes. I hate layering, but it is absolutely the smartest thing for cold, wet and windy weather. Amazingly, I used the least clothes on a trip to the Netherlands and Belgium in April. It was mostly cold and windy with a little rain. I looked like an idiot getting on the plane in Tucson (and Atlanta) with my multi-layers and button-out lining trench coat. I felt like a genius when we arrived in Amsterdam to sideways wind and cold rain.

I did read a funny story here on the forum years ago. It was about a person like me who obsessed over what to take, how much, how to coordinate, etc. When she looked at her pictures from the trip, she realized that she looked the same in almost every one. Why? She always had the same coat on with no change in scarves or accessories that would show. Did it affect her trip? Only after the fact and only if she was more concerned about how she looked than what she saw and experienced. That was a good lesson for me.

I will answer the original question first, then add my own suggestions.
I absolutely use a list when packing. My favorite is from onebag.com. It has all the things I need Vs want. When I want to add things in I ask the question "what is the worst thing that will happen if I don't have it?" If the answer is "I have to borrow or buy it" I leave the thing at home. I will also leave the thing at home if I'm merely inconvenienced or I will be bored (not enough reading material). I also ask myself what the backup plan is if I don't have that item. I find myself resting easier if I have a backup plan and then I can leave that thing at home. Pack things that you will need not things you might need.

Now about your clothing choices. Two pairs of jeans are fine if you also have a dress up item like a pair of dress pants or a skirt/dress. I think a sweat shirt is heavy, bulky, and of limited usefulness. I would use a combination of silk underwear, top, cardigan, rain shell. Mix and match with temperature. You can wear silk underwear under a sleeveless top and a cardigan. If it gets warmer then duck into a toilet, take the silkie off and put it into a quart sized zip lock bag. Store it in your day bag.
I use a silk 3/4 sleeve shirt and a silk tank top. I wear one or the other or both when it's really cold. The filament weight silk dries quickly when laundered.
Personally I would bring 4-5 tops and two cardigans for lots of combinations. One of the tops is super nice for dining out. Wear it with your dress pants. Add a scarf or a necklace and you're done.
I prefer a rain shell/cardigan combination because the thin rain shell rolls up and stuffs into my day bag. For winter trips I add in a puff jacket.

I obviously need to clarify my need for "sneakers," which I always call walking shoes. I have arches so high they caused hammertoes. I also have one toe that rolls outward while coming down. Because of these two problems only one type of shoe fits without hurting my right foot. In fact, after the model was discontinued, my mom had to buy an extra pair of the same shoes on eBay. So all I can do is get those shoes ready for a lot of walking and pack them.

Dressing up will be easy. I have short sleeve sweaters to wear under my cardigan that match my black slacks, socks, and shoes.

I think the best thing to have for winter/cold weather is an amazing coat. that is what you will have on most of the time. I have a really wonderful velvet coat that is lightweight and it can go with anything... skirt, jeans, yoga pants... and with a scarf it is perfect. Really cold day, I have a few shawls that I can layer over it for extra warmth.

No, I don't live In G'ville now but I did when I was a student there many, many years ago.

I don't know if these trends are active in Italy, but Janice who does the Vivienne Files reported this from a very current trip to Paris: http://www.theviviennefiles.com/2016/04/what-women-were-wearing-in-paris-april.html. I was interested in the gray jeans because I already have and am taking an LL Bean pair just like she uses for an example in that post on my upcoming trip to the UK.

You are right - I am not a minor. I also am not relying on my mom's advice. She insists on seeing what I put in my suitcase every time. I tell her every time not to ask "Do you have . . ." questions but that never works. She will always ask those questions anyway.

Venice can be really chilly even when it is in the 50s, as it can be windy, drizzly, foggy and rainy.... I have been there twice in the winter and would not want to rely on a sweatshirt. I had a below the knee coat, knit leg warmers, winter hat, gloves and scarves and needed them many days... everything is lightweight layers and takes up less room than a sweatshirt, plus looks a little more fashionable.

My husband and I often use only carry-on luggage, even for trips lasting over two months! Choose clothing you like, in easy care fabrics. Unless you are traveling to a different place each day, you can wash clothing in the sink and hang to dry. We used to bring travel soap, but now, instead, use small amounts of hotel shampoo or body wash, which seem to work just as well. Select your footwear carefully, bringing only comfortable, not too heavy shoes. Resist the temptation to bring too many clothes, accessories or shoes. Most of all....have fun!

My mother always asks: "What new clothes are you buying for the trip?" Ummm...none, Mom. I take tried and true, known to fit and be comfortable clothes. In fact, I pretty much have taken exactly the same pants and tops for all our trips to Europe since 2009! I do occasionally add an extra top or sweater if the weather is likely to be cooler, but it's "old faithful" for me!

I would pack a very thin cashmere sweater. It is very light and will keep you warm without adding a bulk. Can take it on/off during the day, fits in a day bag. And you will probably be wearing a rain coat all the time at the end of November. Leave a bulky sweatshirt at home but a light weight knit cardigan with a zipper will be handy.

I wish I could wear cashmere, but I've never been able to comfortably wear any kind of animal hair clothing. Maybe I had to wear too many hair shirts in a previous life. The best I can tolerate are the Sockwell Circulator socks that are 32% Merino. Thank goodness there are so many wonderful, wicking and warm synthetics now.

I must say I drank the Sarah Murdoch Kool-aid after watching her Packing Light & Right Travel Talk that I linked up thread. The proof is that I put all the UK trip contenders on the bed, weighed each one using my kitchen scale and marked the weight of each with a sticky note. Some things have already gone back into the closet. My weight splurge will be my gray jeans. I'm also taking an old 2-piece swimsuit (not ratty or a bikini) to use at Thermae in Bath at the beginning of the trip. It will be tossed after that because that's my only use for it on the whole trip. That will make my carry-on lose about 3/4 of a pound.

Laying the clothes out made it possible for me to see how some of the lighter layers can work together to look good and trap warming air between them. It helps that my style leans to casual and sporty and that I limit my trip colors to one neutral and one brighter color. This time they are gray and purple. I do admit to getting new stuff for each trip, but only if I'll wear it at home and if there's a chance I can pass it on to the daughters and grand daughters.

How do you resist overpacking? By remembering that I do no want to roll and lift a heavy weighed piece of luggage while I travel.

I leave in 10 days for the RS Venice-Florence-Rome. I have added solo days so it's a total of 16 days travel. I'm at 18.2# using the RS rolling luggage. I need to add pages from the guidebook and add in the weight of my cafe jacket. The book weighs 1.5# so I know I'll stay under or at my 20# limit. On my last trip I hauled around a trip binder but will not be doing that anymore. I packed my accordion file folder for trip notes, gift cards I usually purchase, receipts, and for any pamphlets/handouts from the travel I want to keep.

For me it's not the clothing but the travel essentials. This year I finally managed to have room in my luggage for my airplane comforts.
I put them in a 2.5 Gallon ziploc. I'll whip it out and toss it on my seat before putting my luggage in overhead bin. Before I took a larger boarding tote with me and would put my shoulder purse in it with my airplane comforts. I decided it's too much extra to carry and I also ended up putting extra stuff in it I never used.

I always pack the RS tote bag flat on the bottom of the suitcase with a 2.5 gallon ziploc bag. It's used for purchases and laundry trips. On my last RS tour I never slowed down enough to post things home I bought. I lugged them all through France from Paris to Nice.

So one across the shoulder purse and one rolling suitcase is all for me. I wear a money belt. I'll slow down and make it to the
post office if I make large bulky purchases or they begin to accumulate to extra weight in my luggage piece.

I've learned my lessons. The ability to be mobile on my feet with my hands free is the safest and most comfortable way to travel.

Diane, what are your "airplane comforts?" Just curious.

Quiet Headphones, I Phone, earplugs, neck rest, eye shades, magazine, mini size game puzzle book, sugar free gum and sugar free hard candy, Quest protein bars, Snack size packs almonds, snack size box raisins, thermos with water. I have a large meal before I go to the airport.
I don't eat airline food but will have their water, tea, coffee, sometimes club soda or apple juice. Sometimes I will listen to a travel podcast or read up on something for my destination. If they offer the language audio for free I'll listen to that for awhile.

After my seat mate's meal trays are taken I get and walk around the cabin, use the restroom then walk back around the cabin to my seat. Then I dress up to sleep (shades-earplugs-neckrest-blanket), check behind me and recline slightly. When I wake up a couple hours later, I repeat the walking and restroom break before they serve the breakfast. If I have difficulty napping I'll listen to my music from my phone which always works.

Thank you. It's helpful to know how people cope with flying, especially on a lengthy overseas flight.

One flying "essential" I take is a plastic grocery bag or other bag that can be thrown out. I bring packaged granola bars, my nose runs on flights so I go through several tissues, and I don't always finish my drink in the plastic cup by the time the trash comes around. So having my own small trash bag lets me put my tray table back up and not clutter my seat area with dirty, germy items.

Good ideas. I forgot I have a small package of hand wipes and mini sanitizer bottle in my purse for cleaning/tidying for different things. My purse also has a small handkercheif-/tic-tacs/chap stick/tylenol/a band aide/kleenex/travel fold up brush-mirror/hair scrunchy/mini hand lotion/mini nail file board/key fob light/slim wallet for passport and ticket(s)/ (1) CC card/zip-loc gallon bag/progressive readers and sunglasses/pen and pencil and mini note pad/small coin purse for small currency/house key/Index card of my flights and ticket#-ground transfer instructions to lodging-lodging contact information/and my simple point & shoot camera.
I keep my water thermos in a pocket sleeve of my luggage until it's boarding time then I transfer it to my purse.

After I reach my lodging destination I am glad to have what I need for the remains of the day already in my shoulder bag. I do transfer my passport from my travel wallet to my money belt at the hotel. I carry a PC of passport in my money belt as some places hold your passport upon arrival. I've always been a believer of having the real passport on me, and especially now in today's world.

It's an inexpensive shoulder bag I bought at Kohl's. I'm always looking for the 'right fit' shoulder purse for traveling. I love my small pac safe at home but it's too snug with the travel extras.

A high in the 50's is cold, especially for someone living in a warm climate (hi from Arizona, BTW!) and even more so when that is a damp 50. If you take your jacket off in the afternoon i would be shocked. In fact, I would probably suggest throwing a pair of light gloves and a knit hat into the mix. The poster who made the comment about looking the same in all the pictures because all you see is the outerwear -- that is the TRUTH! I would not worry about a sweatshirt due to weight/bulk, but WOULD suggest bringing 3-5 light base layers (whether that's a short-sleeve T, tank, long-sleeve button down), 2 sweaters (one light and one heavy, in case it gets a little colder) -- and a good, semi-heavy rain coat. [I have a terrific classic trench-style with a zip-out lining. When i travel i usually leave the lining at home because I find a sweater adds the same amount of warmth, but is more versatile for packing purposes.] You can wear a portion of that on the plane (and probably appreciate being able to use the coat as a blanket if you get cold!) and packing will NOT be a challenge. I'm with you, i always prefer jeans -- so, 1-2 pairs, plus a skirt & tights in case you need to dress up or want to mix it up (or even layer tights under jeans if it's colder than expected), you'll be ALL! SET! Have a great trip!

I don't wear jackets on planes, but definitely plan to pack one. Wearing a cardigan would be a good idea if I could fit it in my backpack and put it on later. I will have to think about that.

I don't wear a jacket on the plane either but I wear mine to the airport and while checking in just so I don't have the bulk of my fleece jacket taking up precious room in my 1 carry on. When I get on the plane for my long west coast overnight flight I use my soft jacket for a pillow or extra "blanket" during the night.

How do I resist overpacking? I remember what happened in Mexico back when I was in my early 20's. I checked a small suitcase at the bus terminal and it never came off at my destination. All I was left with was the blouse/skirt on my back and a shoulder bag with a few things. Believe it or not, that is how I traveled the next 2 1/2 months! An English girl gave me one of her 7 bath suits, I bought a hammock in the Yucatan that squished into the bag somehow, and that was that. When I took a shower, my clothes got washed, too. I LOVED the freedom of not being weighed down!! Meanwhile, my traveling partner continued to be saddled with this ridiculously large bag. How do I resist overpacking? I remember what happened in Mexico!! It cured me from overpacking-itis!!!

TW, if you can wear the Sockwell socks (and aren't they wonderful!), you might be able to wear a Smartwool cardigan or pull-over sweater. I think they are about the same blend of wool and other fiber. I have seen them at REI. A friend of mine has had one for years and it still looks good.

Karen - happy to help!

The joggers aren't leggings/yoga pants - I have these too, but don't take them traveling in summer due to the bum covering issue :). The joggers though are looser and can be dressed up or down. I have these jogger pants but I got a size down so they are a little more fitted than on the model. The key is fabric - a sweatpant fabric and you're in pajama territory :) A nicer fabric and you have lots of options.

Pink tank - mine is a wider strap (spaghetti straps don't work with a bra for me!), so I can wear it under a jacket or as a shirt on its own with any of the pants or skirts. A t-shirt would work just as well, if it's thin/fitted enough to go under a jacket and also looks nice on its own.

Sundress - There are a ton of nice ones, but it has to be casual and flexible and comfortable. Casual - so you can wear it with whatever shoes you wear touring all day. Flexible - so it can have a jacket or cardigan over it, different accessories, scarf, whatever to make it look like different outfits. A lot are spaghetti strap or halter which...not for me. Some have linings or other features that make them not easy to fold. Honestly, it's boring but I have THIS ONE from Target in black, and in A STRIPE. It fits, packs easily, and is flexible. Think of it like a blank canvas ;) I went on a cruise and the black one went to semi-formal night with heels and a fancy necklace, then to the beach the next day as a cover up, with flip-flops. Then to a shore excursion with decent flat sandals, brown belt, and lightweight scarf for nice-casual.
Other dress ideas, that I haven't seen in person but look like they could work THIS , THIS, THIS. You get the idea. I like sleeveless knee length, but there are short sleeve and maxi-length versions as well.

Socks - because my feet get cold at night and on airplanes :) So I wear the socks with pajamas, and also bring them on the plane and sometimes rock the socks-with-sandals look while in the air.