One of the advantages of traveling in cooler weather is that since I’m always wearing a coat/jacket, it matters little what’s underneath!
In Budapest we stayed at the Marriott Millennium Court. We had a two bedroom apartment complete with kitchen and living room. I initially wanted to rent an apartment but in the end used credit card points. The location is good and the best was the full sized washer and dryers in the hall that were free. It was mid trip and all 7 of us were happy to wash all our clothes.
My H and I rented an apartment in Prague through ArBnb. It was a great location steps from the Charles bridge. I can’t recall if it had a washer. It was up several flights of stairs. It had me wishing I had just had a carry on.
Longchamp fold-up duffle w/ shoulder-sized handles. Ultra lightweight. Durable. Have done many two week trips w this bag plus cross-body purse, looking chic and put together. I pack two pair lululemon straight/leg trouser-cut pants, and their long-sleeve tops (layering if necessary) and a Marmot zip front raincoat w zip-out puffer liner-coat. Works for temps 30 F to 70 F.
Note: some airlines keep cabin temperature very warm throughout entire flight. Recently did 11 hour flight w cabin temp likely set at 75 F. Layered clothes would’ve been uncomfortable.
This thread is not doing much for my February spending freeze…thinking I may have to get that Marmot raincoat with zip out liner and the exofficio underwear for a trip coming up in 2 weeks.
I am very encouraged by the packing light theme. I have too many back issues to use something without wheels.
@author - Your trip suggestions are wonderful. I really appreciate you taking the time to give me such a detailed report. I will be looking into all, especially the food tour and cooking class. When we were in Stockholm we did a food tour and it was such a wonderful experience; it gave us not only a taste of a variety of delicious Scandanavian foods but also an overall view of the city and its culture (like the concept of Saturday Candy, which I had never heard of - https://knockedupabroad.com/blog/swedens-limited-obsession-candy/ and fika - http://www.swedishfood.com/fika).
And BTW - coincidentally, I have made hotel reservations at The Guesthouse as well!
@Lizardly - Great packing advice…very helpful!
I am copying both of your responses, as well as all of the other suggestions, into my planning file. Thank you all!!!
For traveling light in warm weather wearing Airism/Uniqlo (or something similar) cap sleeved tees under tops extends the number of times they can be worn. The Airism piece is light weight and breathable; easily washed in a sink to dry overnight.
In cooler weather, I bring HeatTech or Cuddledud long sleeved tops to wear under sweaters; adds much warmth while protecting the outer top. I also bring one if I am traveling to a warmer climate from our cold winters so I can travel home using it as an under layer. Much lighter than carrying a sweater.
Interesting how many of us do travel light.
I know backpacks are convenient and popular, but we have had multiple guides tell us (when traveling in Europe) that they are a pickpocket’s dream. I have seen slash-proof bags, but the thought of someone trying to slash my bag when it is on my back isn’t comforting. 
I have an old Eddie Bauer sling bag that goes over one shoulder or can be carried under my arm and fits snugly against my side. My husband carries a drawstring backpack but we only use it for castoff scarves, travel guides, etc. that really don’t matter. I just bought a belt bag (they are coming back in style, you know!) for our upcoming trip to Europe. I plan to put some cash and my cell phone in it when touring. It will go under my coat.
I agree with the comments around the trade-offs between getting it all into a carry-on and the time wasted in a laundry mat doing laundry. If a person is strong enough to pull/lift the checkable bag, then I think the advantages of getting it all in a carry on lessen. It just all depends on your trip itinerary and your physical condition.
I also want to second all those recommending avoiding athletic shoes - they do make us look like American tourists. I know there are lots of things that give us away like looking at maps, carrying our cameras, too much makeup and jewelry, and the minute we open our mouths, we remove all doubt – but pickpockets are moving quickly looking for the vulnerable and the advantage of flying under their radar isn’t insignificant.
I love this great thread, specifically thanks to all posting links to specific products!
Do you expect Europeans visiting America to look/dress like us??? Do you notice and think less of them if you see travelers on our streets not dressed like us???
I never understand the thought that we need to dress “like” the local crowd. Why is it so awful to look like…who you are?
If you don’t wear athletic shoes, what kind of shoes do you wear that are comfortable enough for a long day of walking while wearing jeans or leggings?
https://www.zappos.com/p/arcopedico-ls-white/product/7583005/color/14
Someone on CC recommended these shoes a couple of years ago so I bought a pair for my mother, who has severe bunions. She raved about how comfy they are and she bought a second pair in another color (they come in around 20 colors!). Her shoe size is much smaller than mine so I could never try hers on to see how they feel. Yesterday I was in a shoe store and saw them on the shelf so I tried on a pair because I need some walking shoes for an upcoming trip to Europe. I couldn’t believe how good they felt! They almost felt like wearing socks – there was nothing inside the shoe that rubbed or itched at all – only softness! I bought a black pair and will probably buy more colors in the future. They aren’t the most glamorous shoe but at my age, comfort counts way more than fashion. Oh, and they’re machine washable!
Regarding theft:
I have a slash-proof locking cross-body purse from Travelon for travel - big enough for all valuables other than my laptop. I wear it with my hand on the top, although the zippers all have a locking mechanism so it’s not that necessary.
Our backpacks don’t have any valuables in them other than small laptops. We have TSA-approved locks for the zippers on our backpacks.
Nothing is a guarantee against theft, but we make it difficult.
I think there is quite a wide range of “sneakers”. You can have comfortable, neutral colored sneakers that look like good walking shoes, with more flexibility to the soles and upper bodies than most walking shoes would have. Then again, you can have flaming neon striped sneakers with huge chunky soles that beg for attention.
Most neutral colored shoes will not draw attention, whether they’re Clarks or Sketchers. There’s a lot out there that fits the bill. I would call mine sneakers, and my one arthritic toe is very happy with them!
Patsmom, those look like European styles. Black is nice.
Abasket, jmho, some have experienced the difference when dressed one way or another. I go, in large part, to interact, not just sightsee. To experience more. I’ve said, eg, that sitting in a cafe brings as much pleasure (both the people watching and sharing their customs,) is as much part of the experience. Sometimes, more than climbing another tower or taking another photo by a monument.
I don’t think I’ve ever judged a tourist here based on clothes, except when they either look outrageous, to being with, or are elegant. But I have seen the difference when someone in Europe thnks I’m local enough, on first impression, rather than coming at me with English or assuming I’m another (often difficult) tourist. At a resort, who cares? But in town, someting more than a tee, blue jeans, and Keds works for me. It IS who I am.
Somewhere, I said that DH wore his Grrman hiking shoes (a “Tract” style, leather, ties on the side, goes with the historcal local hiking outfits) to Turkey. Nearly every street merchant greeted him in German.
Agree to disagree. I embrace “traveler”. And I embrace my athletic shoes for style, comfort and versatility.
Seriously, neutral colored shoes to not draw attention?! Way too much focus on shoes to satisfy others!
Presumably, you (not your clothes) appear European or one of the significant local (and not heavily despised) minorities in the area, so that you can “disguise” yourself with clothing and shoes as someone who lives there in a way that may fool the locals. Not everyone happens to have such an appearance that allows that, so this type of advice may not be applicable to all readers.
Sent my son to Europe for 6 weeks with just a backpack and carryon. He also took camera equipment. Some suggestions to add to the above. A paper clip to open phone (he needed this to change sim card). We wrapped duct tape around a pen, so that he would have some if needed and didn’t take up any space. Dr. Bronner liquid soap in 3 oz bottles - multi purpose shampoo, soap, and laundry soap (luckily he did not need make-up or special hair products). He needed to do laundry once a week. Used packing cubes to keep organized. He stayed in each city for one week at a time. Hooked water bottle to backpack with a d ring caribiner clip. Kept passport, ID etc. in a belt wallet (could also use a neck wallet).
Last year I asked the athletic shoe in Europe to a group of German and Swiss residents who were visiting friends of mine. Age range was teens to 60’s. All of them said sneakers and athletic shoes don’t scream American. It is an overall look. They all said they wear athletic shoes often but they are part of the fashion statement not for comfort. They all said said they wear Adidas and Converse regularly. Even a low profile Nike. What they said they don’t wear is heavy duty clunky athletic shoes and visable white socks. That type of athletic shoe does scream American.
My H who 90% of the time wears shorts and surf store t shirts and athletic shoes which should scream American is rarely ever taken for an American. He has a complexion and look that in many countries let’s him blend in. Whether it’s Egypt, Hungary, Spain or Italy etc he is always spoken to in the native tongue.
@patsmom – you’re about to cost me some money for shoes!
I’m not the most cosmopolitan of travelers, but in my few recent trips abroad I have found that sneakers are as common among Europeans as they are among NYC or other Americans. I think the idea that if you wear sneakers you’ll stand out as an American tourist is old. Sneakers are staple athleisure fashion footwear in many places around the world.