I was shopping with a friend recently as she is preparing for a trip to Italy. We were trying to find the least number of clothes of the lightest weight and the most possible uses. She asked me if I thought shorts were appropriate. My response was “yes” and “no.”
From a style and body shape perspective, I almost always recommend Bermuda length shorts over capris. And with the heat in Italy, pants are not necessarily a practical option. And, the dress in Italy, while very stylish, has become a bit more relaxed over the past few years, making a nice pair of tailored shorts with cute sandals a good option most of the time. But not always. There are still churches and some other sacred sites which require that women cover their shoulders and wear a skirt or pants to cover their knees.
So, my recommendation is that you dress in a way that is modest, flattering and comfortable. But carry a light weight and wrinkle resistant shawl and skirt with you so that you can make a “quick change” to meet modesty requirements. I have a shawl that I purchased a while back that can be tied around the waist and serves as a skirt, which is another great option.
Click here to read other great ideas from Rick Steves readers.
Click here to for advice on the right length of shorts.
Click here for packing tips for travel.
I was shopping with a friend recently as she is preparing for a trip to Italy. We were trying to find the least number of clothes of the lightest weight and the most possible uses. She asked me if I thought shorts were appropriate. My response was “yes” and “no.”
From a style and body shape perspective, I almost always recommend Bermuda length shorts over capris. And with the heat in Italy, pants are not necessarily a practical option. And, the dress in Italy, while very stylish, has become a bit more relaxed over the past few years, making a nice pair of tailored shorts with cute sandals a good option most of the time. But not always. There are still churches and some other sacred sites which require that women cover their shoulders and wear a skirt or pants to cover their knees.
So, my recommendation is that you dress in a way that is modest, flattering and comfortable. But carry a light weight and wrinkle resistant shawl and skirt with you so that you can make a “quick change” to meet modesty requirements. I have a shawl that I purchased a while back that can be tied around the waist and serves as a skirt, which is another great option.
Click here to read other great ideas from Rick Steves readers.
Click here to for advice on the right length of shorts.
Click here for packing tips for travel.
This elegant blouse from Doncaster has the most interesting abstract. The pattern is actually multiple dots but because of the pattern that they form, it appears to be an abstract animal print. The shirt collar of the blouse has a cut-away neck for a tailored classic look. With its full length sleeves with banded cuffs and button detail, smoke troca shell button closure, shirring detail at cuffs and back yoke, and shirttail hem, this blouse stands alone without a jacket but with its neat tailoring, could easily be worn with. And like most blouses from Doncaster, the princess seams at the front and back make it a breeze to alter for a perfect fit! Because it is constructed of a wrinkle resistant polyester than can be hand washed or dry cleaned, this versatile and lightweight blouse will make a fine travelling companion!
As I close out travel month on GlamourByLBD, I am preparing for my family’s vacation to the East Coast. There is so much to pack and so many restricitons these days! For my travel, my favorite online source for information is smartpacking.com. It has lists of what to pack, updated information on airline restrictions, phone numbers, additional websites and great tips for all types of trips whether business or receational, by car, cruise ship or airplane. The site has tips for foreign and domestic travel as well.
The author of the website, Susan Foster, is a veteran corporate traveller who also enjoys recreational travel. Her system works equally well for both. She also has a book Smart Packing for Today’s Traveller, which was updated in March 2008. Click here to learn more about it.
Looking back at the blog, we have covered a lot– what to pack, how to pack, what to read, care for your pets and how to get the most of your photos! We have talked about staying healthy and what to do if you get sick. We have talked about great destinations in Asia and Europe.
So, lets hear from you! Bring on the comments! What are other questions that we have missed? What travel stories do you have to share? What books have you read that you would like to share? And what advice do you have to share with other readers of the blog? Where have you travelled that is memorable or not so much?
Bon Voyage!
Here are some great tips for travelling abroad from Colleen Pizarev, Vice President of International Distribution for PR Newswire.
Travelling outside of your home country can be a lot of fun - whether it’s for business or pleasure. What can completely destroy that fun is getting sick on the trip. A good medicine kit is essential for overseas travel, and this is one of the most asked-questions from my colleagues when they go overseas the first time. The first step is to talk to your doctor about any specific medication you will need for the countries you’re visiting. Then, put together the necessaries. Here’s what I bring with me every trip:
Steri-pen - This tiny, indispensible ultraviolet light pen will sterilize bottles of water, or glasses of water. This is a MUST for anyone travelling outside of the US, and has saved me from travel tummy many times. You can find them at most travel stores or on the web. Find out more at www.steripen.com. I never travel without this - anywhere!
Antibiotics - If you’re travelling to Asia, Africa, Latin America or India I would highly recommend you take a prescription of antibiotics with you. Speak to your doctor about which one is best for you.
Lomotil Travel tummy is usually guaranteed at some point, and immodium usually doesn’t do the trick when it’s caused by water bacteria. Talk to your doctor about a prescription.
Sleep medication Jet lag can be nasty, and you’ll get the 3am zinger at some point. Ruins your day if you can’t fall back asleep.
Cold medication - There is some good medication that’s over the counter in many places, but the names are different, as are the active ingredients. If you’re going to a country in which you don’t speak the language, it’s best to bring your own to prevent adverse reactions.
Thermometer - I’ve always found that I need one at 2am, and pharmacies are closed.
Pepto-Bismol - Works great for nausea if you eat something that doesn’t agree with you - which is very easy to do.
Antacid - these are hard to find overseas. Bring your own - with different cuisines that you’re not used to this is a necessity!
band-aids for blisters - you can get these pretty much everywhere, but do you really want to take the time to find a pharmacy/chemist shop? Bring many sizes.
antiseptic for cuts and blisters - I carry the band-aid foam because it’s in a small bottle and it works well.
yeast infection medication - You CAN’T get this outside of the US without a prescription. Believe me, I’ve tried, and now I never leave home without it. It’s not a lot of fun trying to explain to a doctor what’s wrong by hand signals.
Several bottles of Purell, and a couple of packages of antiseptic wipes for plane use. Be really careful what you touch and always sanitize before eating. This is the best way to ensure that you will be healthy and have a great experience.
