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How much should I pack to go to Europe?

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My husband and I are going for 2.5 weeks. We are staying at hotels/bed & breakfasts in Germany and Italy. How much is too much to pack? We each have a carry on bag and then a big suitcase for the 2 of us that is already full.

Travel Tips

all these suggestions are great and right on about traveling light! One other thing to keep in mind is that you want to keep room in your suitcase to bring back souvenirs (wine, olive oil, clothes!!)...and also that you're not traveling to a 3rd world country - if you really need something, you can buy it there.

Also, I once stayed at a B & B in Germany that had 100 steps up to my room and no elevator or bellcap so I had to lug up my heavy suitcase by myself (not to mention having to carry my luggage down to train stations that didn't have escalators or elevators)! After that I resolved to travel with a 22" suitcase only. It turns out that I didn't need all the clothes that I thought I did and has made traveling so much more enjoyable ever since!
Others

Here's the best advice I've received re packing:

Lay out everything on the bed that you're going to take. Then divide that pile in half. Divide it in half again.

Take a small amount of clothes that can be worn together in various combinations. Nobody's going to care that you wear the same outfit over and over.

Remember, the more you take, the more you're going to have to lug around. And if you desperately need something, they have stores there.

If you find that you've brought too much, you can always ship it home.
thats good. maybe another suit case for clothes if you want.. or a small one for souveniors=] for clothes pack some normal stuff.. but then also bring a few that only have a few 'wears' left in them so you can throw them out on your trip to buy souveniors/make more room in your suitcase. bring comfertable shoes. and the rest is the usual.
Well it seems that you have as much as you can...you have too much.

First understand that one big suitcase is going to cost you money from the airline (probably). Each suitcase is not allowed to weigh over 50lbs, that is not a lot. You are better off having two medium size suitcases. That being said, if you are gone that long will will need to wash your clothes a couple of times. Keep that in mind when you pack. Bring enough close to wear for a week and wash. It is really easy to over pack, rethink what you have to have.

Think of this: you are so fully packed right now, where are you going to come up with space to bring things back?
Just a friend is right and "a big suitcase" is a bad idea. Two regular-size rolling suitcases (not more than 50 pounds each) are much easier to handle and won't get you charged for overweight (maybe even refused) by the airline.

You don't need 20 changes of clothes for a 20 day trip: Don't worry about wearing the same outfit more than once (just be presentable). Underclothes can be washed in the bathroom sink. You can also wash shirts & trousers in the bathroom sink - there will be a laundry somewhere if you don't want to do that. Shampoo takes out grease stains and a little conditioner (or "conditioning shampoo") reduces wrinkles.

You stated in a previous question that you planned to visit Germany & Italy. Assuming you are going on holiday, I recommend you take the following clothing:

1 Jacket, preferably with a hood and at least semi water resistant
2 Sweaters (unless you are going somewhere guaranteed to be hot)
6 Shirts/blouses (3 short-sleeve & 3 long-sleeve)
1 Jeans,
2 Not jeans (substitute/add skirts for you)
1 or 2 short pants
7 changes of underclothing
2 Pair of comfortable walking shoes
1 Swimsuit (+ beach clothing & sandals if going to the seaside)

Try to choose classics, and items that you can mix and match. Have at least one set of "nicer" clothing each.

You both will need "modest" clothing to enter churches in Italy (including the Vatican). That means covered shoulders and trousers (you can wear a knee-length or longer skirt). A bit of sexism: You need a scarf to cover your head but your husband doesn't need a hat.

You can add a nice dress & shoes and your husband can add a blazer & tie if you might attend a more formal occasion (nice restaurant for dinner, opera, whatever). Don't take dress clothing unless you are fairly sure you will need it.

Wear one set of clothing on the flight. Pack the jacket, 1 ss shirt, 1 ls shirt, 1 toursers (or skirt for you), and a set of underclothing in your carry-on.

Split your other clothing evenly between the suitcases. There is always a chance one of your bags will go astray and that way you will both still have extra clothing to wear until it reappears.

Mark or tag both suitcases with something that makes them more distinct. An example would be to attach a strip of colored tape to each side of the bag. It reduces the chance someone might accidentally pick up your bag by mistake at baggage claim (there are millions of black suitcases). Also clearly tag the bags >>> inside and outside <<< with your name and a good phone number + e-mail address (but not your home address). The free tags from the check-in counter are OK.

Only carry enough cash & credit cards for the day in your purse or wallet. Buy an under-the-trousers security belt and keep your passport, other ID, and most of your cash & credit cards in it except when actually needed. Please do this.

Send an e-mail message to yourself with your passport number & date of issue. Ditto with the numbers of the credit cards you will take with you. That way the info is easily accessible in case something is lost or stolen.

Finally, consider getting trip medical insurance even if your regular policy says it covers you in Europe. Trip medical insurance is cheap and is sold via airlines and travel agencies (like American Express).

Hope you have a good trip!
Lifelong frequent traveler and have lived in 7 countries (not counting the USA)