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Post by surfsidecutie on Jul 13, 2005 12:09:41 GMT -5
O.k. I get that this is backpackers. I guess I just thought everyone on here did all sorts of stuff- backpacking, living out of a suitcase, whatever.
That being said, while it may seem *excessive* to take a different outfit for every day, that would be the least amount I would take if I could stop throwing in all the cute little outfits that I'm going to want to strut around Europe in. (I need to seriously take out some stuff right now.)
Heels are really a no no??? How do the Europeans get around? They have some of the nicest stuff over there. I'm so confused.
Well, I appreciate the honest feedback.
My suitcase grew last night. I couldn't help myself.
I'm now taking:
10 tank tops
1 hoodie
1 pair of jeans
1 calf length flowy cotton skirt (it's so cute I'm stoked!)
1 denim skirt (did I mention it's SHORT? almost a mini? o.k., well definitely a mini)
1 pair of shorts (also tiny)
1 dress for going out
7 dress tops for nice dinners and such (this is probably what I need to go thru to cut down on!!!)
socks, bras, undies
2 pairs of heels (2 different styles depending on what outfits I wear... one is super comfy too!!!)
1 pair comfy wedge sandals
1 pair of flip flops
1 pair tennies
makeup
toiletries
hair dryer
flat iron
Will hair dryers and my flat iron really not work over there? I have a converter for the outlets. OMG... I'm going to die. My hair will look like shit if I don't have the necessary tools. Any suggestions (other than the possibility of wandering around Venice, Rome or Paris with stringy hair)?
Also, if I wear the calf length skirt or jeans with something like a tanktop with a hoodie, do u think I'll get into the churches??? I can bring a light cotton long sleeved vneck shirt. It's sort of sheer, but with a tank top underneath, it covers everything nicely.
Is this really too much for a typical tourist???
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Post by LHR02 on Jul 13, 2005 12:34:16 GMT -5
The 'converter' you speak of is for the 'plug'. To have your appliances work there you need a transformer and as Muvver already told you...they are heavy as hell. For any 'heat' appliance you need a quite large one....I am talking pounds in weight. Several pounds and quite bulky as well. If your hair is of concern I honestly suggest you take nothing with you and head off to the nearest shop upon arrival and buy what you need there. They are not 'that' expensive, and will work properly. You will still need your converter plugs though as Italy and France have different plug configurations. No, wait, your converters from here won't work as they are meant to make 'American' plugs work there. Oh well, hit a hardware.....they will have what you need and that's a minimal charge indeed. I years ago gave up taking my 'dual voltage' US hair dryer with me. As I said, if set on the 220v setting it will only operate on low. I just buy one when I arrive...normally 10 euros or so for a cheap one and leave it when I return home. But bluntly....NO...your US hair appliances will not do what you want them to in Europe. Your list reminds me of mine years ago when my husband and I traveled.....so I do understand it. Just speaking for myself, I could not imagine dragging that much stuff around with me any longer. Different travel style, different lifestyle too I suppose. Don't wear your short skirts or shorty shorts in Italy!! Please believe us on this! You will not appreciate AT ALL the attention you will get....maybe the short skirt at night in a club..maybe...but never during the day! Frankly, that is asking for trouble. A see through top over a tank....maybe in some churches...I can just about promise that will never work at St. Peter's! Plan to bring another top to throw on before you get in line or you will be turned away at the door. Have a great time! Please do post back when you return....really! We'll be interested in hearing how you got on! Who knows, your experiences may prove us wrong....but I don't honestly think that.  ging |
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Post by surfsidecutie on Jul 13, 2005 12:41:26 GMT -5
Thank you for your honest response.
So o.k., no short stuff in Italy. Crap. Now what to bring. What if my denim skirt is mid- thigh length? I have something like that which might work to walk around in. Otherwise, I have some adorable little white linen pants, but they're sort of dressy and wrinkle easily, which is a source of endless torment for me just driving to dinner at night here! Maybe I'll just have to wear the jeans.
I'll throw in a long sleeved shirt or what about a normal run of the mill scoop neck t-shirt? Will that work? Do you need long sleeves to get into St. Peter's?
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Post by LHR02 on Jul 13, 2005 13:02:22 GMT -5
How to convince you to forget the jeans!!!  They are bulky, hot, a pain! Your linen pants sound great! Light weight slacks or capris are the best...outside of skirts which are the collest and trust me, it is going to be HOT this time of year. Mid thigh? That depends...I am 5'0" so mid thigh on me looks way different than on a 5'6" long legged gal. ;D Honestly, I/we're not trying to have you dress like your Granny...we're just telling you of our experiences and hopefully helping you to be comfortable in an entirely different culture and avoid much 'unwanted' attention. Yep...the Italians have this image as 'sex'....but you will soon see, that is a private matter only and NOT for walking about the streets. Can I stress enough that this is a very Catholic, very conservative society overall? Dress in what I would guess you consider a 'very conservative' manner and you should be just fine. Scoop neck tee should be fine, as long as it is not TOO scooped and has a cap sleeve at a minimum. For what it is worth, Paris is a good deal more 'forgiving' on fashions and mid thigh should be just fine indeed there! Even for daytime! ging |
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Post by surfsidecutie on Jul 13, 2005 13:19:54 GMT -5
Linen pants over jeans?? Really? I know the weather report says it'll be about 80 degrees, but jeans aren't THAT bad. I live in California. It's currently in the 90's and I have no problem wearing jeans. I'll consider the pants, but they WRINKLE so EASILY. I'll look like a slob. Hmmm... So conservative. O.k. I'm going to have to spend a few hours tonight going over everything. Also, I checked at the hotels and they list hair dryers as an ammenity. I won't bring mine then, but are you sure the flat iron won't work either?  You're killing me here, but I'm glad to hear these things now rather than be surprised by them later!!! |
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Post by me on Jul 13, 2005 13:30:59 GMT -5
try hanging the in the bathroom while running the shower on hot. the steam might get the wrinkles out. <but, this is a terrible waste of energy!> Linen pants over jeans?? Really? I know the weather report says it'll be about 80 degrees, but jeans aren't THAT bad. I live in California. It's currently in the 90's and I have no problem wearing jeans. I'll consider the pants, but they WRINKLE so EASILY. I'll look like a slob. |
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Post by MuvverRussia on Jul 13, 2005 13:33:12 GMT -5
99% sure that the hair straighteners won't work (as dustoffmom said, they won't get hot enough), they are available over here though. Could be worth chucking them in though just to try, although only take them if you're sure that they are dual voltage (this is completely different to the different plug standards).
Personally, I wouldn't bother with jeans. They are heavy, bulky, hard to clean etc. Also most bars, clubs and restaurants won't let you in wearing them.
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Post by Eagle on Jul 13, 2005 15:03:19 GMT -5
surfsidecutie, I'm a middle aged male, so can't help much with clothing suggestions - that's A LOT of clothes for a 10 day trip! The ladies on the Board have provided some good suggestions. However I can provide a few tips regarding travelling with your Hair Dryer and/or Hair Straightener. It would help to know the ratings/specifications for both of these appliances, but I'm assuming they're normal heating products designed to operate on 115 VAC? If these are just basically a simple heating element (ie: without any electronic controls or whatever), you should be able to use these in Europe using a solid-state Voltage Converter, which is much smaller and lighter than a Transformer of equivalent rating. Without getting into a lot of technical jargon, Transformers are inherently large and heavy as they consist of an iron core and copper windings, and a unit with enough capacity to power a 15-amp appliance is NOT something you'd want to travel with!!! You might have a look at this product: www.magellans.com/store/Phone___Electric_Connectivity___Voltage_ConvertersEA247?Args= as it will probably work well for you. Not sure where you're located but Magellans have a large store in Santa Barbara I believe, so give them a call and I'm sure they will be able to advise you on which products would be most suitable. Keep in mind you will still have to use Plug Converters in some cases. The product that I suggested is equipped with a Euro-style Plug, but it you want to use it in the U.K., then an Adapter will necessary. Best of all this type of product is very small and relatively light, and not hard to travel with at all (I use one myself). It can also be used with low current electronic products such as Cell Phone chargers, Digital Camera Chargers, etc. as it contains a small 50-watt Transformer as well (electronic products do not always work well with solid-state Converters, so having a small Transformer is beneficial). It automatically selects which method to use for conversion, based on what kind of device is plugged into it. One word of CAUTION though. Most travel electrical products are not designed for "continuous duty operation", so it's a good idea NOT to leave these connected all the time . Also, only use them when you're able to monitor the operation just for "fire safety". One other minor point, after reading your Posts, I'm assuming you presently use a Cell Phone? Were you planning on taking this with you on your trip to Europe? Good luck with your clothing situation, and hope you have a great time in Europe!!!
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skye
Senior Travel Member
Posts: 63
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Post by skye on Jul 14, 2005 1:14:41 GMT -5
ok backpackers, critique this list! I am trying to see where I can cut down. First of all I am female, second the part of the trip I am planning is 2 months, starting Sept. 12, and covering Turkey, Greece and Italy. Here's what I've got so far(this includes the outfit I will be wearing):
1 pair shower flip flops
1 pair sandals
1 pair walking shoes
1 pair zip off pants
1 skort, knee length (shorts that look like a skirt, for the boys out there!)
1 dress (it is black sleevless stretchy material, very comfy. Can be worn alone with sandals, or with sarong or cardigan to dress it up)
3 t-shirts
2 tank tops
7 underwear, 2 bras, 3 pairs socks (I don't wear socks much)
1 sarong (can be worn as skirt, is reversible to another print, and to cover shoulders with tanks)
1 waterproof breathable jacket
1 lightweight cardigan
1 bikini
boxer shorts for sleeping
I have made sure that all my items mix and match in terms of colours, so I can wear any shirt with any bottom. I can also put a t-shirt over the dress and it looks like a skirt.
Ok, hit me: what am I forgetting, and what should I cut out??
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skye
Senior Travel Member
Posts: 63
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Post by skye on Jul 14, 2005 1:18:12 GMT -5
oops, I forgot my 2 pairs of capris!
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Post by LHR02 on Jul 14, 2005 2:34:46 GMT -5
Bravo! Looks like a good one to me. I could easily travel with this and if, as you say, it all intermatches with each other you've got a good selection. And I assume that these are all relatively lightweight cotton or linen?
good job!
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Post by me on Jul 14, 2005 11:01:26 GMT -5
skye,
this is just clothes. there are other things you'll need, too.
toothbrush & paste, hairbrush, travel book, pen & paper, etc.
lots of other stuff!
- d
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Post by LHR02 on Jul 14, 2005 12:21:19 GMT -5
David....I'm sure she knows that....I think she was just wanting feedback on the clothing part of her list.  |
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Post by me on Jul 14, 2005 13:30:40 GMT -5
really i never would have guessed! ;D David....I'm sure she knows that....I think she was just wanting feedback on the clothing part of her list. |
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skye
Senior Travel Member
Posts: 63
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Post by skye on Jul 15, 2005 2:54:51 GMT -5
DOM, thanks! No linen, mostly blends. Lightweight, quick dry, stretch materials. Ok David, you asked for it! Here is the list of everything else:
swiss army knife (scissors, pen, file, screwdriver, canopener, corkscrew etc)
small LED flashlight
travel clothesline, sink stopper, laundry soap
ziploc bags
shower caddy for beach and shower
photocopies of all relevant documents
cell phone (and to use as alarm clock)
digital camera (2 memory cards)
mp3 player
chargers/adaptors for above 3
mini first aid kit
ear plugs
eye shade
travel journal
mug w/ lid and spoon
travel towel
2 bandanas
2 small padlocks
hostel sheet & pillowcase
toiletries (the usual suspects, in travel bottles)
2 books (hoping to exchange with fellow travellers)
LP shoestring with photocopies/notes on specific destinations
deck of cards
It does sound like a lot, but fully loaded right now I am looking at 10 kilos, most of that being the fact that my pack itself is ridiculously heavy!!
Ok, so fire: comments?
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