We're really excited about our first trip to Italy. We leave in 2 weeks.
A friend who went last year shared this packing tip with me. To soften the blow of lost luggage, a couple should pack half his, half hers in the same bag. In our case, there are three of us going from our town, so we'll probably pack in thirds. (I know, we should just have carry-ons but I don't think I can do it.)
Many years ago when I was a teenager, I spent two weeks in the Dominican Republic in clothes borrowed from a matronly friend of my godmother because my luggage didn't show up for that length of time! Oh well, I guess we could just do some shopping if it happens again.
This message has been edited. Last edited by: Kim,
Posts: 242 | Location: Brevard, NC, USA | Registered: 21 January 2003
Hi Linda, We too are very excited and leaving Wed. morn....our plan is to check one big duffle with half of our clothing and then take two carry on's with each of our essentials...
Also, a few seasoned travelers have hinted that perhaps a hair dryer purchase in Italy rather than carrying the adapters, etc. And purchase your hats there in an inexpensive shop and leave it there!
Hope to say Ciao before leaving!!
Posts: 12 | Location: Brevard, NC, USA | Registered: 19 August 2003
Have to take the hair dryer and adapter because I just bought a mini dual voltage dryer and one-unit adapter (for all countries) at Wal Mart, of all places.
Hope you and Bob have a great trip! What did you decide about Cinque Terre?
I know we'll be passing on the road on 9/20.
You and I have SlowTrav to thank for all the knowledge we've gained on this site!
Posts: 242 | Location: Brevard, NC, USA | Registered: 21 January 2003
The way I avoid losing my luggage via airlines, is to carry on my 20" rolling bag, and hoist it up overhead. And I always seem to have enough of everything when I get there. But it does eliminate one more worry.........have a great time, ciao, cheryl
Posts: 1464 | Location: Cardiff-by-the-Sea, California (a beach town near San Diego) | Registered: 20 October 2001
Cheryl, What airlines have you flown with this size bag? Were you challenged by anyone? We're flying Air France, and it allows only one carry-on, and the dimensions seem very restrictive. Because Air France seems to be one which loses bags, it would be wonderful to be able to not check bags. Charity
Posts: 1486 | Location: Santa Barbara, CA, USA | Registered: 11 May 2003
Warning- I was unable to carry on a small case because it weighed more than 14 lbs on KLM,I was told Alitalia has the same weight restriction,it is obviously not strictly enforced but it hit me once so far! I have the opposite bias. I don't want to carry anything around.This trip only my laptop,I check everything including two empty or nearly so cases on the way out,for way back one suitcase I customized to carry 18 bottles of wine (still falls below 70 lbs restriction) the other various purchases including ceramics. I just don't want to pay 170 dollars to ship things,it was a major hassle last trip to even try(Venice) we were told there was a shipping place in Piazza Roma couldn't find it,then stood in line at the postoffice after shleeping the box a mile or so over lots of bridges etc.filled out tags etc then was told it would cost 170 dollars or yeah and you can't ship wine.RR
Posts: 6522 | Location: Culver City, CA, USA | Registered: 08 November 2002
Just back myself and have packing tips to offer....If you rely on washcloths bring em. Most hotels don't provide them and have no idea what you are asking for. I packed on at someone's advice in a ziplock bag and was glad for it. Also, kleenex. Hard to find and useful to have. Especially when some of the WCs don't have tp. You can buy it in the pharmacias there but it is thicker not like American kleenex. Just some thoughts. Brigid Denver, CO b_oconnor@earthlink.net
quote:Originally posted by brigid: ... Also, kleenex. Hard to find and useful to have. Especially when some of the WCs don't have tp. You can buy it in the pharmacias there but it is thicker not like American kleenex. Just some thoughts.
I know now why sometimes some posters don't agree with me. I am living in the wrong country, I guess. Among many other things I love in Europe (not only Italy but also Germany) are the thick kleenex sheets (I am allergic and I sneeze everytime I smell or see something I don't like) . Another product I especially like in Italy/Germany is yogurt. They make a "real" one (at least it doesn't taste like pudding and the texture is great). I don't use washcloths but natural sponges, or the ones made of nylon when I travel. Light weight and dries fast.
"Canto alla vita alla sua bellezza ad ogni sua ferita ogni sua carezza..."
"I sing to life, to its beauty, to each of its wounds and each of its caresses..."
[This message was edited by Amy on 08 September 2003 at 02:39 PM.]
Posts: 1831 | Location: New York, New York | Registered: 21 December 2002
quote:Originally posted by brigid: Also, kleenex. Hard to find and useful to have.
Kleenex are for sale at each and every supermarket. You can buy them from pharmacies also, but they cost twice as much.
Alice Twain -- – Che peccato, signora: lei ha partorito e suo marito non c’era. – Oh, se è per quello non c’era nemmeno quando sono rimasta incinta! Leo Ortolani, Rat Man, “Il primogenito”
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