packing for travel

[jitterbugbaby]

Spurred by Nicole's comment in her introduction, I thought I'd get a discussion going about how we all pack shoes for trips.

Me, I'm actually referred to jokingly in my family as "pack Nazi," which means I'm always the one telling everyone what they should bring and making them leave behind extraneous items.

So, yes, I pack light. And that goes for shoes, too. Let's have a hypothetical scenario:

Pretend you're going on a sight-seeing trip to a foreign city. This is mostly a walking around trip, with maybe some evening entertainments (dinners, theater, dancing, etc.) You're not planning on hiking or SCUBA diving or mountain climbing (ie, no activities that would require their own particular footwear). How many shoes do you bring and what types of shoes are they?

My answer: 3 pairs. Two pairs of low/flat walking shoes (probably oxfords, maybe a pair of good walking boots) so I don't have to wear the same pair of shoes multiple days in a row (leading to more potential foot pain and over-wear on the shoes) and one pair of dressier shoes for going out in the evening.

[Nemtynakht]

I'm actually going out of town for the weekend leaving Thursday, and I've been giving this some thought. It's for a conference, but we're staying with friends and intending to sightsee, so I'm frustrated that I'll have to bring both casual and dress shoes. Nothing even semi-casual looks acceptable with my suit, and I'm not someone who can pull off dress shoes casually (not to mention it will be warm where I'm going and I'm dying to break out my spring shoes).

I think I'm going to try to do one pair of practical shoes for the all three days of the conference, as much as it hurts my sensibilities. Then I've decided on two pairs of casual shoes for the airplane/sightseeing/rest of the trip.

I try not to overpack with shoes when I travel, just because they take up so much room in one's suitcase. Typically I pick my favorite, of-the-moment I-can't-live-without-them shoes, two or three pair, and plan my outfits around them. But I'm a compulsive packer. It stresses me out to pack and I have to have everything I need to pack written down, down to deodorant, phone charger and which underwear I'm bringing!

[nicolem3]

While I've definitely become a more practical packer, I still probably could stand to go lighter. However, on a recent week-long trip to Spain I only packed 3 pairs of shoes! Granted, I did come home with 2 additional pairs, but I consider that a triumph. It was for the best too, since my Steve Madden canvas platform sneakers literally split in half after the first day of walking. FYI -- the inside of a platform sneaker is kind of gross - looked like shredded cardboard! Needless to say, these shoes did not make the trip back over the ocean, but it just proved that a backup pair of casual shoes was necessary!

[VANmiracle]

This answer is quite easy for me. As there is no place on earth where I do not buy shoes I have the one I wear with me. My problem is always on the return of a trip: How do I get the shoeboxes into my luggage?

[shoesense]

VANmiracle, that's too funny! As for me--it's become increasingly difficult not to pack A TON of shoes when I travel, but as always, it depends. For a week roaming the streets in some European capital--I'd say, at least 3 pairs, 2 of them VERY comfortable, and one more dressy (still comfortable, if at all possible!). And of course, one pair I would buy there (at the very least).

[VANmiracle]

I'm honest. I love the idea of buying shoes in my holidays, even business trips. Once I only had 1hour left for a lunch but I took the next train to the city-center instead and bought some shoes eating a small chocolate on the way back with a huge smile and a box. Every time I wear them later there is a story behind that makes me remember a scene like this. But I have to admit that I am not able to buy shoes in my hometown. It is no romantic feeling. At home is my only challange to make a sale-bargain.

[madaloon]

I would pack four pairs of shoes for a trip to Europe:
1) A dressy pair of shoes, still comfortable for walking.
2) A pair of Chacos, my primary walking shoes.
3) A pair of sneakers, my alternate walking shoes.
4) A pair of chic sandals, just in case.

Like VANmiracle, I would plan on procuring shoes while there.

[JenniferDawn]

edit.........

[galligator]

Kind of an old thread, but here goes:

Based on my own experience & attempts to keep it down to 1 carry-on bag(Jeans, 3 shirts, a black skirt & maybe a special occasion dress):

1. Sturdy hiking boots, well broken with use.
2. Whichever pair of basic tennies I haven't yet destroyed.
3. Black calf or knee riding boot 'flats' for use with anything formal or informal.

Last trip out of my very small town I came back with a wedge, a flower-embroidered pinstripe pump & new knock-around tennies. Yes, I did have to check a bag on the return.

[galligator]

Kind of an old thread, but here goes:

Based on my own experience & attempts to keep it down to 1 carry-on bag(Jeans, about 3 shirts, a black skirt & maybe a special occasion dress + misc sundries):

1. Sturdy hiking boots, well broken with use.
2. Whichever pair of basic tennies I haven't yet destroyed.
3. Black calf or knee riding boot 'flats' for use with anything formal or informal.

Last trip out of my very small town I came back with a wedge, a flower-embroidered pinstripe pump & new knock-around tennies. Yes, I did have to check a bag on the return.