Replies

1. 
   Darlene_ | Jan 13, 2001 05:01am | #1

   *
   http://www.travelsmith.com/home.jsp

   Check out this site for travel wardrobe ideas. I am using some of their ideas as I always pack way too much.

1. 
   Ginna | Jan 13, 2001 07:04am | #2

   *I am getting better at packing - I usually pack more than I use. I like denim for shorts, skirts and pants, usually 1 of each, mixed with knit sleeveless tops. I also throw in a nice skirt or pants that can be worn with the same tops and dressed up with jewelry. A few long sleeve blouses and a blazer give the option to have layers that can be put on if it's cold or shed when it's warm.

1. 
   Elona_Masson | Jan 13, 2001 10:56am | #3

   *Betty, I spend weeks traveling all over France using the smallest of rollaboard bags, and here is what works for me: Three basic colors (in my case black, khaki, and red), so that all the tops go with all the bottoms. I only bring one pair of jeans (slow to dry and too bulky to pack well), and rely on fabrics that pack small and dry fast, like microfiber, non-wrinkly silk, and synthetics. Lots will depend on what kinds of laundry facilities you will have access to (Do you need stuff that can stand washing in the sink--or will you have a drycleaning service?), and what the weather is like. Wool jersey is a terrific traveler, because it's comfortable and doesn't wrinkle, but it does need drycleaning. The lightweight, chamois-like Polartec 100M is warm and packs small; it can be pretty dressy with the right patterns; and it washes and dries in a flash.I agree with Darlene: Travelsmith is a great way to get ideas. There's a travel catalogue from Magellan's with some interesting clothing, too.

1. 
   David_Thomas | Jan 13, 2001 09:40pm | #4

   *Betty: I was searching for on item on Breaktime-Fine Home Building and your question popped up. I get to SE Alaska several times every year and I suggest you think of the weather Seattle is famous for, only more so. Potentially half the days will be rainy and the other half not rainy. It might even be sunny sometimes. Generally mild temperatures in the day, cool at night, high humidity, occassionally very windy. "Taku winds" in Juneau can be 50+mph although that doesn't seem so bad to me since last fall when I experienced gusts to 143 mph in the Aleutians.Clothing? Layers! You'll peel and replace layers several times a day if you are doing shore trips. I think they provide jackets for the glacier helicopter rides, so you needn't bring clothes for the snow, even if you are doing that. At least it seems that everyone is wearing the same jackets in the newspaper photos of each crash (only a few per year, a small percentage).Avoid heavy cotton because of the time it takes to dry out. Pile and fleece make great layers and dry quickly. While you must have a rain parka, rain pants can be less substanial, even uncoated nylon pants will help enough. The coldest spots will be right below the calving glaciers. Gloves and warm hat will help a lot.If it a Princess-style cruise, check the dress code for dinner and the different events. Pity to have to eat at the snack bar instead of at the Captain's table because you forgot your evening gown / tux for him. (Although it certainly be purchased on board, maybe rented too? Check ahead.) Gotta get your seven square meals a day while on board!Bring binoculars! You always see eagles, whales, seals, etc. from ship. Have Fun, -David

1. 
   Sarah_Kayla | Jan 16, 2001 05:47pm | #5

   *Whenever we travel, we travel really light. I travel with clothes that can do double and triple duty. My solution is to wear very quiet ,well cut clothing that can be hand washed. Usually I just wear black and take along scarves and shawls that can serve as sarongs, keep me warm, or just spice up an outfit. This summer I bought myself a perfect dress on sale at the GAP. It is a black knit sleeveless dress made out of a terrible synthetic. I just vary the scarf or jacket I wear with it. I have worn it for a whole range of events from black tie to casual - it always works. (one week I even wore it to both a funeral and a wedding)