I did my first trial pack!

Sounds like you could eliminate at least 1 pair of shoes. Do you really need 2 pair of sandals? Could one of those be used for evening instead of the wedges? I spent a month in Europe last fall on a tour where the dining venues are a bit dressy. Could have done the entire month with 1 pair of sneakers for day and a pair of black flats for evenings.

You also might want to reduce the quantities of some of the liquids. Just because the max size is 3 oz, it doesn't mean you actually need to bring that much. I've found in most cases that 1 or 2 oz is plenty.

Good luck.

@cj,

I do think I need both sandals. They are both comfortable in different ways, but with my neuroma I need a variation of footwear. If it starts hurting, it really hurts to walk…not good when one is in Italy!

I like the idea of cutting down on the liquids. Right now they are all full. I color my hair, and have a sulfate free shampoo I use, but maybe I just say forget it and not worry about it. I could also dump half the sunscreen. I know I can buy supplies there, I suppose I don’t want to spend my time looking for pharmacies for more mouthwash, sunscreen and toothpaste, but maybe it’s not that big a deal to do.

It’s really amazing how much things weight. I do need to cull and I bet I can whittle down 5 lbs, or close to it. Glad I’m starting now.

Do you have external restrictions on weight you must follow or is this agony self-imposed?

Shoes. You could upgrade one of the walking sandles to something you could dress up or skip both the wedges and one pair of sandles then alternate between sandles and sneakers and buy a cute pair of shoes once you’re on the ground if you find you actually need dressier ones.

We just did 2 weeks in Italy and Paris and I took 1oz of facial serum and had no trouble having enough. A travel toothpaste had some left after 3 of us used it for 2 weeks so you could probably get one of the micro sized ones. Moisturizer ended up going far as well… only 1oz was good. A micro deodorant could work too.

You could also take a small chunk of shampoo/body wash bar if you really want to get serious, haha!

And pants/shorts/dresses… Don’t know how many you have, but if you have jeans or other simple bottoms, no one will notice you’re repeating if you change up your tops/a scarf, etc. And it’s not like if you wear the exact same outfit anyone in Italy will know it!

There is a level of wardrobe limitation that makes one feel shabby, but wearing an outfit 2-3 times in 2 weeks doesn’t qualify if you ask me.

We also found a thin, loose, black spaghetti strap dress was a wonder. Wear it with a slim top under, a cardigan over, add a belt, put a scarf on, a jacket in the evening…. Ours was lightweight and had an intentionally crumpled look that meant no ironing and that it could dry overnight.

My weight limit is self imposed. Just trying to make things easy and manageable. Will be on 3 trains during this trip. I started going through and weighing everything.

I do wear my outfits multiple times. I wear dresses, so 4 day dresses and 4 night dresses are all I’m taking, plus what I wear on the train.

What is causing the some of the extra weight (I’ve found out), is a bag of dried prunes I want to take. Maybe my husband can carry those since he doesn’t have a curling iron, brush, makeup or all the other things i need to feel beautiful! Haha. I found on our last trip I was very constipated and I’ve since read that really is a thing…vacation constipation. I now drink lots of water and eat prunes and it really helps. That was 1.5 lbs itself. Add on all the cheese you eat in Italy and it was an issue.

I also have a blanket in my backpack I didn’t have last time I use on flights. I think international flights give you a blanket, correct? If so, that’s my extra lb. there there.

I love my night wedges and that’s where I draw the line…I’ll lug those around for sure.

I really need to redo my liquid bag.

Maybe give up your desire to look good(hair and clothing) and focus on being comfortable? My mother in law, who was very focused on her clothes, advised me after a cruise she took to Europe, that when I went to Europe, I should just wear tennis shoes the entire time. So maybe you could just take the shoes you need to make your feet comfortable and not take any just to look good. After all, you're probably never going to see these people again(except your husband).

Lulu, is your "backpack" what you are using as your personal item?

Not supposed to have large liquids in your carryon, so how would you be taking a bottle of mouthwash and shampoo? Buy them there: there are places all over that sell basic toiletries. It can be interesting to shop like a local.

I would never not take sneakers. Sandals in the rain?

@stan, yes my backpack is my personal item. My crossbody will fit in there if they don’t let me carry on the plane individually.

All my liquids and gels are in 3 oz. or less bottles.

@cala…not looking my best (as best as I can get traveling), is not an option. I’m a fashionista that does tone it down with the clothing and shoes when traveling…but never my makeup and hair! I love to look my best not just for my husband, but for myself. Just the way I’m wired. Like I said, I tone down the clothes out of necessity to travel light and the tip for just cute comfy sneakers is actually a good one. Mine are silver I’m planning on taking. But like I mentioned in my original post, I now have a Morton’s ‘s Neuroma on the bottom on the ball of my foot, so one pair won’t cut it. I do agree I could leave my wedges behind, but I’d rather give up something else. Not sure what that is yet.

Every time I get home, I find plenty of items in my 31" rolling ultra light carry on bag that I didn't even use. It gets lighter next trip.
I send my pants to the laundry and get them heavily starched--both pairs. I'm wearing one pair on the plane.
And I wear a different shirt daily--and take enough for 3 rotations while I'm gone.
Only pair of shoes are on my feet. I go to Target and get travel toiletries.
Our next trip is going to be a little different as I'll be carrying a CPAP and a BiPAP in a backpack. My wife requires air at night.
We're making our second European trip with a folding lightweight electric travel scooter. She rides it to the airplane door, and then it gets Gate Checked. She walks, but cannot deal with long distances in airports. We require no assistance when traveling.
We're first taking our 10 year old granddaughter to London and then flying to Athens where we'll catch a cruise to the Greek islands and up the Adriatic. We find cruises a good way to travel for those with mobility issues.

Lulu, I understand completely. I was going to try to cut my total weight to 25 lbs, but decided that’s not going to happen. With luck it will be close to 28 lbs: 22 for carryon and 6 for PI, but that’s still a couple lbs lighter than last trip. I suggest you look at and weigh every item or group of items to decide if and where you can cut. As long as my luggage fits airline requirements and I can lift it overhead, I am happy. Look at the weight of your luggage. I cut 1 1/2 lbs by using a different tote.

As for shoes, take what your feet tell you. I have had three neuroma surgeries, a broken foot and torn tendon. My feet are happy with two different sports shoes and are begging me to add a pair of sandals.

Your hairdryer can stay home. That cuts 2 or 3 lbs. Hotels have hairdryers, maybe not as good as yours but they will work. Are you taking guide books? Cut out the pages you need to save 2 lbs. The info is probably on your phone.

If your 311 bag is heavy, reconsider how much you are taking. Some products can be dual purpose, ie Eucerin daily protection is 30 spf sunscreen so you have moisturizer and sunscreen in one. Same idea for face cream.

One place I’m adding weight/bulk is Covid supplies. I know I can buy tests and masks there but my ears are comfortable with the masks I have.

Have fun with the packing jigsaw puzzle. Have a great trip.

Lulu348, I agree that you should be comfortable with how you look, if it is important to you. Sure you won't see those people again, but YOU care how you look and feel and that is what counts. The liquids would be my focus. On a trip to Portugal we forgot the bag that had our toiletries at home. We didn't discover that until after driving 1 hr. to the airport and we did not have time to return to get it. Our first night was in a very tiny village with limited choices, but enough. We did have to find a larger pharmacy a couple days later, as I needed allergy eye drops. Got introduced to a new wonderful product! Also, I got a moisturizer (made in France!) that I loved and wished I had bought more. Going to these little neighborhood pharmacies actually added to our adventure. I have been focusing on replacing the bulky clothes I pack, so I can use a smaller bag (many trains!!). I have a great pair of sneakers that I seldom use at home, so I don't expect I would wear them traveling. I also wear dresses and skirts, unless it's cold, and don't like how I look wearing sneakers with dresses. I take 2 pairs of sandals, a pair of lightweight clogs (NOT Crocs, lol), and a pair of leather walking shoes that are nice enough to wear with the pair of nice black slacks I bring for cold and planes. Good luck! Btw, those prunes will weigh less as the trip goes on.

I wound up with 28# at the airport for my 22” bag I checked. I had 32masks plus some first aid type stuff to try and keep me healthy on this trip.

I laughed at your list because prunes are heavy! I always start out with them but of course the load lightens as you go, so to speak. And yes, you can buy them in Italy but I like to start with some.

I would absolutely not dump shoes that keep your feet comfortable and happy.

You are too close to leaving, but when you get back look into Pedag Metatarsal pads. They completely stopped my neuroma pain. You’ll want to look at some YouTube videos on how to place them in your shoes if you decide these are for you.

I’ve been traveling for 2 weeks now and my suitcase felt noticeably lighter today as I was hauling it up and down stairs in train stations. I travel solo and this is why I need to pack as lightly as possible.

Honestly, I am a lightweight with little upper body strength, and 30 lb of luggage split between a carry-on suitcase and a backpack is perfectly manageable on trains - stairs and all. You will not feel the extra 5 lb... And you might miss the extra clothing/items if you go without!
Travel can be stressful enough as it is, so unless you have severe restrictions in what you can carry, I would not sweat over it!

I’m seeing in the subsequent posts that you are concerned about the weight - not just getting through your airline regulation weight. So, I wouldn’t go the route of purchasing liquid items when you get to Europe because those are likely larger than travel size, so they will weigh even more as you’re moving through the country. Could gum or a mint be a substitute for mouthwash?

I also like to look nice and wear dresses, but I usually just bring 2-3 of my four total outfits. (When I’m traveling solo, I need access to my passport in my money belt when arriving at hotels which doesn’t work with a dress.). Do you have some of your day dresses that would work for evening or vice versa? I’ve found changing out the jewelry or scarf and wearing a cute evening shoe will work for my day-to-evening change. A couple of scarves in different colors than anything else packed help feel like I am not wearing the same colors over & over. I switched to the Crystal brand deodorant, and it really helps me wear a dress a few times, even in hot climates. (I sink wash and want clean clothes.)

My clothes total weight is usually very light. For me, I have to be careful with all of the extras that want to come along for the ride! So, I have a packing list, and if it’s not on the list, it isn’t in the suitcase. The list also helps me look at everything on paper and pare down any non-essentials and look at options for the essentials item sizes.

If your feet are an issue, definitely do what you need to keep them happy!

I have a suggestion to replace the blanket, I use the Lululemon Vinyassa scarf which is is lightweight but I use as a blanket on the plane, trains and hotel (and it keeps me nice and warm) and it is a great scarf. That should free up some weight. I just purchased two on Mercari (pre-owned but like new).
Never skimp on your personal care such as makeup, lotions etc when traveling. I carry my full face and skincare routine with me when traveling.
So sorry you are dealing with foot pain, I went to Europe after just healing from a 6 month bout of Planters Factitious and any time I started feeling that heel pain I would just hang my heel off any curb, just did that all through the trip hoping to head off another bout and it worked.

An alternative to prunes is dried apricots. Last year I found ones packaged as 3 individual packs - net wt under 5 oz. I put one in my carryon and packed the other 2 in my checked bag.

Aside from weight, the other reason I try not to bring larger liquids than needed is several of my containers are silicon and I've found that the contents dry out if left in them. Before I'd just leave them and think I could use on the next trip but found months later that they were unusable. Now I minimize and use up any leftover as soon as I get home. In some cases I had to test out how many weeks a certain amount would last. Body lotion is the one item I don't skimp on due to very dry skin and sensitivity to many ingredients. I've also found many travel size toiletries on Amazon that you don't normally see at the big box stores.

One more thought, looking back i see you will be on three trains. You shouldn’t make yourself miserable if you’re only switching trains three times. Just look over your items, but don’t go crazy trying to do without/ buy or replenish in Europe, etc. I switch locations very often (9 on the next trip), so weight matters a lot. You might be able to drop a dress or two and look over your other items; then call it done! Have a great time!

Thanks for all the suggestions! So helpful and makes me think. I will tackle this again tomorrow. I have decided that hubbie and both sons will take something of mine since they won’t have as much “stuff”. Seriously. A few things in their liquid bag and non liquid bag and that’s it. Plus they are taking a backpack, too. They can just help their ole’ Mom out.

EDIT: Just read the rest of the thread. Forget trying to reduce your mass! You cannot do it and be happy and the important thing is to enjoy yourself. Just load it all up and check that bag of all your extra stuff.

Real world packing lists are easy to find and compare. The differences between what you want to take, what you ca buy locally, and what you must have are going to add up to about six-eight pounds, three to four kilos. Maybe start at Her Packing List

How long before your trip do you receive the cortisone? You will need about 14 days to see if it takes and for the steroid to disperse completely around the neuroma and do its magic. If it takes, you will not need all those shoes. (My opinion: I would never tour with open-toe shoes, too much can go wrong. Altra Paradigm is my podiatrist's favorite shoe for his neuroma sufferers.)

The advice I got for getting my carry-on down to a permissible weight for a British Airways flight was to wear a bunch of my clothes onto the plane and put some electronics in my jacket pockets. My RS 21 inch roller bag ended up at 9K but I also had my purse for incidentals--including an Ipad. I am now trial packing and just weighed all my clothes. (LOL!) FYI: On my last trip I took one pair of sneakers, one dressy sandal, and one Keene walking sandal. I'm not a one pair of shoes packer. That was in 2019 and since then I have decided sneakers are the best overall travel shoe and there are some very light weight and stylish ones available. I wore the dressy sandals to a few dinners but many diners wore sneakers. People will only see you from the waist up once you're seated. You could buy some liquids at your destination too. But if you can carry your bag without a problem then you should take what you want. However consider airline requirements for weight allowances.

Lulu may I suggest ditching the prunes and trying Benefiber instead. The link goes to the handy stick packets for travel, I don't leave home without them. It's handy you have travel companions to possibly help with the weight distribution, just make sure you keep your essentials (e.g. meds) with you.

And bravo for doing a trial pack!

I have decided that hubbie and both sons will take something of mine since they won’t have as much “stuff”. Seriously. A few things in their liquid bag and non liquid bag and that’s it.

At least 50% of my husbands 311 bag is my products every single time.

Dried prunes need to stay in the US.

It would be all to easy for a customs official to decide that's an imported fruit and create problems. I am sure they sell them in Europe

Lulu, speaking as a woman who is definitely NOT a fashionista, does not wear makeup, does not color her hair, and whose 2 bags come in under 16 pounds, I say take what makes you happy. Bogiesan is absolutely right. If you think you don't look good, you will be miserable. That does not make for a pleasant trip.

May have missed it but where in the world are you going and for how long? Oh wait….Italy?

Couple of thoughts. At your CVS or Walgreens or Rite Aid or whatever pharmacy chain you shop at go to the aisle with the travel items. Look for the 1.5 oz bottles of Johnson Baby Shampoo, 1.2 oz bottles of Scope or Listerine, a ten tablet Ibuprofen ( Aleve or Advil,) the 0.85oz tubes of Crest or Colgate.

Buy 2 of each. One grouping goes into a packing cube in your carry on, the other set the backpack. Honestly, not much weight at all.

Coloring damaged my hair so I need a good conditioner. I’ve learned to take a conditioner tube from the Lady Clariol box. Works brilliantly.

Before you depart do a google maps research with the address of your accommodation and type in
pharmacy or Pharmacia close buy. That way you’ll know where to find one near where you are staying.
Shopping in one might be an experience in itself.

Oh forgot, Nivea travel tins are great for a face creme. Perfect size.

Take some mole skin/and/corn pads. Very minimal added weight and if any sign of blistering or rubbing they will eliminate the discomfort.

Lastly, raisins are just as good as prunes

I feel your pain. Im in the midst of packing for 3 weeks starting in Budapest ending in a RS BOP May 15 tour. All these decisions! And Im checking my 22in roller bag. As for the shoes, go with what makes you happy and remember - Europe has the best shoes- much better selection than we get. I love Finn shoes -from Germany. Planning on dumping a pair of sneakers and buying a pair when I get there-or maybe going shoe shopping in Paris-what can be better than that!

I'm in Germany now. All the young, fashionable gals I see are wearing sneakers with their dresses. White platform tennis shoes seem to be in style, along with faux leather leggings.
I bring two pairs of shoes , and I've had foot surgery and have arthritis in the other knee. One pair of my Brooks will be left here, as this is their second Europe trip, and they are showing their age. This gives me a little room to shop.
By the end of two weeks, all my drugs and toiletries will be gone , so I've lost that weight.
By the end of the trip, I will throw out all my underwear , sleep garments (old yoga clothes), and one top. I save clothes all year to take on trips and then discard-items that I no longer want to keep. Again, this gives me shopping space.
I pack four outfits, one of which I fly in.
We had a three minute train connection- which included 30 steps down, 30 foot underground husstle, and 30 steps up on another platform. We wouldn't have made it without light, carry-on luggage and a backpack.
Safe travels and let us know how you downsized!

Have you ever tried benefiber travel packets. I always take these traveling. One packet in a bottle of water. Light weight and helps.

Someone posted about the benefiber above. I think I’d have to take that for awhile first, as fiber can actually cause constipation for awhile unless you are accustomed to it. The outside of a prune is a natural laxative, that’s why it works so well,

I have flare ups of IB/C. I found that a scant spoonful of Miralax keeps the “plumbing” working. They make travel packs so it’s easy to pack. Benefiber creates gas but doesn’t fix the constipation problem. Chemical laxatives create their own immediacy problems at inopportune times.

I save clothes all year to take on trips and then discard-items that I no longer want to keep.

I've never thought of doing this. I've been meaning to go through my clothes to see what to donate, but now you've given me this idea...

I went through this pre-Covid to fly Norwegian Air. The travel scale was crucial, but in the end to pull it off I had to give up my beloved and trusty 21" wheeled carryon I always use for a duffel- style from Eddie Bauer with a shoulder strap. My carry-on weighs almost 6 lbs when empty, the duffel was less than 2. I tied my heavy jacket around my waist and put things in all the pockets, as mentioned. But then you have to carry the bag- not sure if that just creates new problems for you.
Otherwise I don't obsess about the weight, rather that what I need fits efficiently in the carryon.
Just a note that throwing away clothing in any country isn't good for the environment? Assuming you take a packable tote for purchases you can fill it with laundry and the clothes you can then donate once home (check your carryon).

Donating clothes that are worn out just passes someone your worn-out junk. And the places in Africa that take all those donations end up being huge landfills anyway.

As for prunes, guess what ! We have them in Europe !

So, yesterday I focused on non-clothing items and what I’m going to trim, take or distribute in the guy’s luggage.

Today I’m focusing on clothing….which is really, really hard for me in the spring. I’ll look at the forecast, but I’m sure it will be a mixture of chilly, warm and probably a bit rainy.

Although I despise wearing pants during the day on vacations, I think I’ll need to bring one pair for chilly days and have a couple tops to mix in. Also, I’ll need a lightweight rain jacket. I can take that on the plane. I’m seriously considering ditching the wedges for night, although I said I wouldn’t. I have a pair of flat, lightweight super cute studded Steve Madden strappy sandals that would still look dressy with my outfits. I do remember ladies didn’t really wear heels or wedges so much, I just like my night outfits better with them. But….after dinner it would be nice to walk around comfortably.

I think the best thing to do is get it all together, have a clothing plan, then look at the weather forecast.

Instead of prunes or Benefibre, why not take a few Smooth Move tea bags? Works for me. I even drink one the night before the flight (if its a night flight), to make sure I take off 'empty'. I can't travel without them.

How do I feel about tourists and visitors to the USA, and to Idaho in particular, leaving their unwanted clothing behind? Doesn't bother me in the slightest. Compared to the existing environmental deprivations and those in active practice locally, our visitors' measurable economic contributions and the cultural exchanges our tourists offer the region easily offset some discarded clothing. Those items will fit into our thrift shops and landfills without doing any significant harm.

I have no desire to walk around Europe looking like a homeless person in clothing that's about to be thrown away. If I won't wear it at home there's no way it's getting on a plane with me.

I admit to cringing each time I read on the forum or on other sites to toss your old clothes as you’re traveling. The hotel staff probably doesn’t like having to deal with tossed clothing; most of their waste receptacles in the room are very small.

Some of these responses seem rather judgmental, if not just plain mean spirited. I think the thread went off topic somewhat .

Lulu348, one reason you might want to include the pants you are considering is that the planes can be cold to breezy sometimes, and it’s hard to sleep or be comfortable if you’re cold. I am bringing a slightly warmer pair of pants, mainly because I do get cold in the economy section behind business class. Usually having my raincoat or cardigan on & off during the flight will handle the other fluctuations.

Jean, do they provide pillows and blankets in Economy when traveling international?

I like to think I look nice when I travel without extravagance…I like accessories. However, through the years I have never felt I needed make up anywhere, but now I do use Boom products. They are great for travel. I say this because I am giving you the right to disregard at least some of what I say because I don’t understand packing excessive make up. (Not saying you do, but I see some packing you tubers…) . ;)

Dresses…I am with Jean. Wear slacks on the plane. Think dirty bathrooms … so easy for the skirt of the dress to slip into some unknown (known actually) liquid in the bathroom. Also, I don’t want any skin touching airplane or airport seats. Can at least 2 of your dresses work day into night with a change of accessories? If so, leave at least one behind.

Prunes…Europe has prunes. Bring a few and buy there, or bring sodium ducosate pills. They are light and take up little space. I have the same issue early in my trip and just bring the pills.

Shoes…leave the wedges at home. Bring one of your sandals that can transition into night.

Letting others carry my stuff…there is no way I could ever allow that to happen. I grew up in a family of boys. I had to hold my own and will continue to do so. LOL

I think with the extra Covid supplies you likely have you are doing quite well. I find it’s the other things besides clothes that carry weight. Definitely ditch a pair of shoes. I shoot for 19-20 lbs, but will allow 22 at max for my carryon. My PI has been reduced to 5 lbs at the most. I find 25 too heavy to comfortably put in the overhead bin…and as stated I must do it myself (and I often travel solo).

Have a great trip! Packing is part of the fun.

I do have a few items tyst I can wear both for day and evening, so I can switch that up. I’m a big jewelry junkie! I have so much…but I’m amazed at myself this time. I’m relegating 3 necklaces (all lightweight) and 4 pairs of earrings (all lightweight). I think that’s pretty good. Very tiny amount of space.

It would be much, much easier to pack if I knew the weather forecast, but we are not there until 5/11, so I have a week to start looking.

Lulu, in my experience the pillows and blankets in economy are small and thin. You could pack a pair tights or thin leggings to wear with one of your dresses. That would at least give you some added warmed.

Yes, the blankets are the thinnest fleece (like a heavy flannel thickness), and the pillows are pretty flat.

I was upgraded a couple of times on international vacation & work trips to first class when I traveled for work. Those thick fluffy blankets were so nice!

I wore tights with a dress on a transatlantic flight home to LAX from Italy. I used a pashmina scarf as a blanket and wore a cardigan which kept me warm. I don’t really like the blankets on the flights.

I second Leslie’s pashmina idea. Works as a blanket on the plane. Also as a shawl or scarf if it’s cool out. Since mine is a cheap acrylic/cashmere blend from Amazon, it’s hand washable.
Although the airlines should use clean blankets and pillows for each flight, I’m not sure how clean they really are.

Lulu, did I miss where you are going? I'm in Germany now, and it's pretty breezy- mid- 60's, grey skies, but thankfully very little rain. Much cooler than I was expecting, but I have the appropriate layers.
Safe travels!

@Pat, we are going to Italy mid-May.