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re: Packing Tips

Posted on 5/18/18 at 8:23 am to
Posted by GEAUXLPOST
Member since Sep 2012
1344 posts
Posted on 5/18/18 at 8:23 am to
Awesome reply!

I bring more than one pair of shoes because I run every morning and I sweat profusely. Between that and getting caught in rain, I hate wet shoes. If I have 2 pairs, I typically always have a dry pair. I guess part of my excess clothes packing is because I workout daily.

I'm going to try just packing my cole haan zerogrand stitchlites this year and just rock them with everything. They are some weird material that doesnt hold water

Face towels, I bring 4 because I'm staying in 4 hotels and Euro hotels don't have face clothes. I take my 4 oldest from home and just leave them at each hotel. I have a microfiber, I may just bring it.


I typically bring one paperback book. I don't bring my tablet as I use this trip as a disconnect from the "death rectangles" that I look at every other day of the year. I do all photo editing on light room and PS mobile on my iPhone.

Wet wipes - Never know when a bathroom won't have toilet paper. They also double as a quick clean up for days I'm out on tours or exploring all day, then have a dinner reservation. I can quickly clean my face and feel refreshed.

Clothes - You are right. I will re-evaluate. Maybe if I let go a little bit for one year, I would like it. I need to cut down on the workout clothes. Also need to limit the pants. I don't have a Blazer that I would take, I may get a deconstructed linen to take.
Posted by Nole Man
Somewhere In Tennessee!
Member since May 2011
7208 posts
Posted on 5/18/18 at 8:33 am to
Travel Shoes

What do you take?

Last 3 trips to Europe I've taken either 2 pairs of Merrell walking shoes (waterproof/brown and black), or once took the brownish Merrells and a pair of Cole Haan walking shoes (water proof) that looked nice for "better restaurants".

Frankly, I never went anywhere where any of the Merrell shoes wouldn't have been just fine for dinner. And, it got to be where I probably could have just worn the same pair of shoes over and over and not needed a second pair.

You?
Posted by hungryone
river parishes
Member since Sep 2010
11987 posts
Posted on 5/18/18 at 9:01 am to
Try waterproof trail running shoes In a solid color, plus other athletic shoes. Your “upscale” trail runners will probably be fine w/anything short of a tux, and you can alternate with the other runners so you’ve got a dry pair every day. If I have spare space in my case, I shove in a pair of all-black Nike frees—they weigh next to nothing, can be worn without socks, are comfy, but sadly are not waterproof.

RE: workout clothes, two pairs of shorts or tights and shirts (one dirty, one clean)....get microfiber, so you can wash in sink when you return from run & hang to dry; get a medium microfiber towel, and you can roll your damp clothes in it if not dry by the time you pack up. Hang when you get into your next hotel. Forget anything cotton or cotton blend—heavy, won’t dry, takes up too much space.

Sleep clothes should double as very casual outerwear—for me, this is a jersey tunic/nightshirt and yoga pants. Either one could be outerwear if necessary. For men, a tapered jogger bottom in jersey is more versatile than sweatpants or PJ bottoms.

Less is more—fewer decisions about what to wear, less fixation on appearance, perhaps the beginning of a greater open mindedness about the dress and appearance of others. And also the opportunity to shop while traveling, which can be fun. Somehow my better half always comes home with a soccer jersey.
Posted by kfaulk03
Baton Rouge
Member since Feb 2007
1480 posts
Posted on 5/18/18 at 9:10 am to
Less is more. You can always go to Zara, hm, and a discount toiletry shop and knock out 95% of what u need for close to US prices.

Checked bags suck.
Posted by GEAUXLPOST
Member since Sep 2012
1344 posts
Posted on 5/18/18 at 9:17 am to
Maybe in a few years I will give in and wear merrell's, but i'm young and they just aren't my style yet. I think some people look great in them, but I just haven't found one I really like yet.

I usually bring 1 pair of Brook's Running shoes, 1 pair of nike cross-training shoes, and a pair of brown leather chukkas. The problem with the chukkas is they are leather soled and don't play nice with water or slippery/marble walkways. I think I will leave those home and bring my cole haans.


Like this alot
quote:

Less is more—fewer decisions about what to wear, less fixation on appearance, perhaps the beginning of a greater open mindedness about the dress and appearance of others. And also the opportunity to shop while traveling, which can be fun. Somehow my better half always comes home with a soccer jersey.
Posted by GEAUXLPOST
Member since Sep 2012
1344 posts
Posted on 5/18/18 at 9:26 am to
So you travel overseas for 2-3 weeks, with only a carry-on??
Posted by hungryone
river parishes
Member since Sep 2010
11987 posts
Posted on 5/18/18 at 9:39 am to
Merrels do not fit my arches—wear what fits your feet . Waterproof zip ankle boots are my winter go-to, and in warmer weather, a lower profile rubber bottom Ahnu clog alternating with sandals. Ecco’s Soft GTX waterproof chukka is a solid choice for men; it’s a black lace up high-top, yet minimalist enough to wear with most anything. To me, travel shoes are the hardest part to get “right”, yet the most important (my vacations usually feature extensive walking).

Spent three days over Mardi Gras walking around Palermo in the rain (and intermittent hail). Feet were warm and dry in waterproof Teva ankle booties—my BFF was miserable in her sporty Mary Janes; the “cute” mesh insets leaked. For me, the footwear can make or break a day.

Posted by Pettifogger
Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone
Member since Feb 2012
79322 posts
Posted on 5/18/18 at 9:43 am to
quote:

Travel Shoes

What do you take?


Always the big one for me

Cole Haan grands are what I use lately. I put about 75 miles on a pair of these in January:



Only real issue was in Bratislava when it was about 40 and pouring. I'm pretty tolerant of walking around soaked and cold though, so it wasn't an issue. I also brought a pair of the grand chukkas on that trip too. They're both lightweight and comfortable, and pass for travel-nice at better restaurants and hotels.

I keep looking for the perfect waterproof travel shoe, but I can't find anything with enough versatility. Going to Scotland next month, so mulling that over.

Posted by hungryone
river parishes
Member since Sep 2010
11987 posts
Posted on 5/18/18 at 9:44 am to
Laundry. You are not traveling to the Outback or depths of the Amazon jungle, you’ll find laundromats and/or full-service laundry options wherever you go. Pack 5-6 days worth of stuff—stretch to 7-8 with judicious re-wearing or the occasional sink rinse, then spend 1.5 hrs at the laundromat or send your clothes out to be washed. Prices vary widely, but I got two loads washed/dried/folded in Munich for ~$15, did my own in Bayeux for $10, and got them washed/dried/folded at a small hotel in Palermo for $12.
Posted by Pettifogger
Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone
Member since Feb 2012
79322 posts
Posted on 5/18/18 at 9:47 am to
quote:

So you travel overseas for 2-3 weeks, with only a carry-on??



A lot of people do. I'm like you, I don't want to wear merrells everywhere.

Lately for 10-14 day overseas trips we're doing carryons, personal items and one 26inch rolling checked bag. I carry my carryon on my back (no wheels), and handle the checked bag. It's pretty easy, even over cobblestones, hopping on trains, etc.

If you enter and leave from the same city, it's nice because you can leave your bag in one city and take carryons to the other cities. IMO taking one checked bag is easy, especially if you plan ahead (two rollers sucks, don't do it) and particularly if you're opting for trains over small budget flights.
Posted by GEAUXLPOST
Member since Sep 2012
1344 posts
Posted on 5/18/18 at 10:06 am to
I thought I packed efficiently and light prior to this thread...
Posted by hungryone
river parishes
Member since Sep 2010
11987 posts
Posted on 5/18/18 at 10:19 am to
Compared to an adolescent cheerleader required to have three costume changes a day,or a high-maintenance middle aged woman who thinks she has to blow dry her hair & wear Spanx every day and packs a separate carry on for makeup & hair, you pack light. It’s all relative.

Google minimalist wardrobe, and fall down the rabbit hole of successful people who wear the same 10-12 garments year round. While that’s not for me at home, it is a terrific practice when traveling.
Posted by The Spleen
Member since Dec 2010
38865 posts
Posted on 5/18/18 at 10:24 am to
Granted I was backpacking as a recent college grad at the time, but I did 17 days in Europe on one pair of pants and one pair of shoes. I did have flip flops for the gross arse hostel showers, but I don't count those. And I did have to buy a new pair of pants towards the end of the trip because of an unfortunate fall down some slick stairs that ripped the original pair.

I love packing light. The wife on the other hand...I'm dreading our arguments when we start packing for our trip to Europe next year.
Posted by speckledawg
Somewhere Salty
Member since Nov 2016
3929 posts
Posted on 5/18/18 at 10:33 am to
quote:

I did 17 days in Europe on one pair of pants and one pair of shoe


I get packing light, but that is rather extreme. Did you just board the plane with a pack of gum and a toothbrush?
Posted by Statestreet
Gueydan
Member since Sep 2008
12955 posts
Posted on 5/18/18 at 10:34 am to
I always take photos of our passports (all pages) and other important documents and email them to myself in case it gets stolen or lost.
Posted by The Spleen
Member since Dec 2010
38865 posts
Posted on 5/18/18 at 10:43 am to
quote:

Did you just board the plane with a pack of gum and a toothbrush?


Not even that. I bought all my toiletries when I got there.

I forget what all I packed in my carry on backpack, but it wasn't much. Couple pairs of underwear, a couple of t-shirts, a couple of button downs, sweater, rain jacket, hat, couple of books, camera, and a smaller day pack. Think that was about it. This was 1999 before smartphones and tablets so I didn't really have any electronics. Being before 9/11 I also had a little weed in there.
Posted by hungryone
river parishes
Member since Sep 2010
11987 posts
Posted on 5/18/18 at 11:03 am to
Love the throw it all in a backpack approach....but my back can’t take it anymore, esp not if I want to sleep and walk without pain on vacay. But you’re so right about buying what you need once you’re there. 10 mins in a chain drugstore, anywhere in the world, will get you basic toiletries nearly identical to what you have at home...assuming you’re visiting civilization & not the wilderness.

I embrace tech on a long trip: my two-camera iPhone has better resolution than my digital SLR, so that’s another thing I no longer pack. All my important docs and info are on Google Drive and/or iNotes, so tech keeps me covered there.

That said, I think three pairs of pants is probably my minimum. Clean pair, yesterday’s dirty pair, and the ones you’re wearing.....
Posted by The Spleen
Member since Dec 2010
38865 posts
Posted on 5/18/18 at 11:42 am to
Lot of good info/tips in this thread. I don't know the rules, but I'd think this one is worthy of a sticky.
Posted by speckledawg
Somewhere Salty
Member since Nov 2016
3929 posts
Posted on 5/18/18 at 11:44 am to
I'm pretty good about packing light - usually a carry on duffel bag and a backpack for a week+. I agree on the 3 pairs of pants though. I don't mind washing in the sink occasionally, but I don't want to be constantly washing clothes on vacation.

I don't require many toiletries at all, but I always pack deodorant, toothbrush/toothpaste and advil in my backpack. Some fresh deodorant and a teeth brushing makes me feel much better on the tail end of a long haul flight.
This post was edited on 5/18/18 at 11:47 am
Posted by GEAUXLPOST
Member since Sep 2012
1344 posts
Posted on 5/18/18 at 12:10 pm to
One thing I have changed since my first time travelling is Merino wool. fabric of the gods.
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