Packing Report for Ladies after three weeks abroad.

What did you use for a suitcase? Just curious about the size of the case.

Carry on size. I was amazed. Rolled everything. My suitcase weighed 19.5 pounds. We checked them anyway. No problems.

Thanks for sharing. I'm planning a trip to Italy next year and will attempt my first travel with only a carry on. :)

I'm amazed you were able to take so many garments and the weight was so low, including the carry-on weight and that of all the other stuff in it.

If the 19.5 pounds in a 22" carry-on was the bag and everything in it, that's a great testament to layering with thin layers -- or maybe to your small size.

So...before you forget, write yourself notes on what worked and what didn't. I always think I will remember but I don't!! Also if you have ideas for next time write them down too!

Glad it worked for you. I'll bet your suitcase will be lighter next time.

On the contrary, Lo. I stand 5'8" and wear a L/XL in most brands. I should've clarified that the weight of my suitcase was minus the EF pants, t shirt, cardigan, walking shoes and socks, all of which I wore on the plane. I also carried the raincoat over my arm. But yes, I think the light layers were key, not only regarding keeping the weight of my suitcase down, but also in giving me some options so I didn't think "Oh no, I don't want to wear this thing again." And scarves help tremendously to change things up a bit, particularly the new beautiful green pashmina I purchased in Venice. I forgot to mention that I took a very light tote bag with me and did it ever come in handy, particularly on the bus for water, snacks, notebook, sweater, etc. Also for carrying laundry, which we did in Venice - all part of the experience. I'd wash a few things in the sink the first night at each destination so they'd have two nights to dry and it worked out just fine. I was doubly glad that I had packed light when I saw several young women struggling with very large suitcases getting on and off of trains, not to mention the water taxis in Venice!

Pam, thanks for the tip regarding making notes regarding what I packed. I will indeed follow your advice since next up (next year) is Scandinavia!!

What a great packing list. I think one test of a good list is, like you said, you don't hate the clothes when you get home.

Thanks, Jaye. I was pleased on so many levels and knowing I could really get by with only a carry on was very empowering. I will never travel with a large suitcase again. I can't say enough good things about Eileen Fisher clothing. I've got several pieces in my wardrobe (dress, tunic, crepe pants, vest, 2 sweaters) that I've had for 10 years or more and they look as nice as the day I purchased them. Are they expensive? Yes, but well worth it, since they don't pill or fall apart, and the waistbands on her slacks don't twist and look peculiar after several washings. I invested in a few new pieces for this trip and will happily wear them for years to come - when I look at them now I remember where I wore them and it makes the post trip blahs a bit easier to bear. One post trip thing that I didn't anticipate was, after living out of a carry on for three weeks, opening my closet doors and feeling a wave of absolute disgust at the excess. How did all this stuff get in my closet? Well, the answer is quite simple - I put it there, and now am taking it out. If something hasn't been worn in the last year, it's OUT! I've got three big bags for a charitable organization here in Minneapolis and I'm only half done. If this is fallout from our trip, it's a positive fallout. It feels good.
Cheers! Liz

Oh Liz, that is so funny! It is amazing how a small suitcase and limited wardrobe can actually be freeing. I did Project 333 a few years ago (33 garments for 3 months) and while I currently have a bit more than that for all seasons it is actually even easier to pack than before.

Pam, I'm going to check into this 333 Project. 33 garments for 3 months? You are my new hero! Since I live in Minneapolis, the winters here mandate so much warm clothing/outerwear that I don't know if I could do it, but I could certainly learn from it. Seriously, this trip changed my perspective on so many levels. We had a terribly difficult 2014 - I lost both of my parents and hubs lost two good friends, throw a knee replacement in the mix and well, I don't have to say anymore. It was time to do something really nice for ourselves, but I was afraid. I'm a nervous flier, but I was fine - the plane didn't crash and I'm still here. I am afraid of heights, but when we reached Lauterbrunnen I told myself that I could hang out in town, bumble around in the cafes and sample cheese or be a brave girl and go up to the Schilthorn with hubs. I did, and was rewarded with the most spectacular views that I have ever seen. I cried. We hiked from Murren down to Gimmelwald and had lunch at a little Mountain Hostel and watched the hang gliders. Simply spectacular. It just goes to show that you never know what you are capable of until you try and get out of your comfort zone. I'm bored now at home and can't wait to go back. Pouring over my Rick Steve's map and planning our trip to Scandinavia next fall - how fun. So grateful for our experience and grateful for the lovely women friends I've made on this forum.

Agree about the outerwear as well. I did not include that or shoes/boots into the mix altho the originator does. To me the idea is to get you thinking about what you actually need more than the actual number of garments, if that makes sense. The originator of the Project and others do get pretty tied to the numbers.

I, too, have height fear and made myself go up the Schiltorn too, with the help of my RS guide and tour group. I agree it was fabulous.