What to pack (again - sorry). Need help from former tour participants.
There have been a number of discussions on the forum about what to pack/wear on this tour and I apologize to resurrecting the topic.. I find Tauck's list of what to bring not exceedingly helpful. It still is a bit of a conundrum to me regarding what I should pack for this trip in early March ranging form hot and tropical in northern Australia to damp and cool in New Zealand - all into one suitcase less than 50 lbs.. I have found the following list for both men and women online and would appreciate any input from those who have been on this tour as to the helpfulness of this list (which strikes me as a pretty good list from which to start - and to edit a bit)
THE LIST:
Australia Packing List for Women
1 pair of flattering jeans - black, stonewash or dark denim
2 pairs of pants - for warmer months the lighter the better, and choose thicker fabrics for cooler months
1 skirt
1 dress - make it versatile, something you can wear sightseeing but also dress up to dine out in the evenings
3 plain tops - one in each of your favorite colors; opt for lightweight fabrics in warmer months, thicker ones when it's cold
2 casual tops - a shirt in your favorite color would work well here
1 evening top - choose something in your strongest color
Check that the colors of your pants, skirt and tops all co-ordinate[/i]
1 pair of comfy flats - check the inside of the shoe has some padding to make them easy to walk in
1 pair of killer heels - for evenings
Underwear - enough to last between bouts of laundry
Socks - consider the types of shoes you will be wearing
Sleepwear
Swimwear
A belt
A pashmina - take a wrap on the plane to keep you warm, then wear it to cover shoulders or create a stylish look in the evenings; a lighter color like taupe or white will create that movie star "I haven't bothered" look
Costume jewelry - never underestimate how a statement piece can transform an outfit
Sunglasses - these can make a great statement too, but check they have the right protection
A lightweight belted raincoat
A large canvas bag - with plenty of room for all your day trip essentials
A simple clutch bag - for evenings; a smart travel wallet can also double up as a clutch bag
An umbrella
For cooler months add in:
1 fleece - lightweight and not easily creased, this is a staple for cooler months
Hat
Scarf and gloves
Swap the lightweight belted raincoat above for a waterproof jacket or warm coat
For warmer months add in:
1 pair of shorts, cropped pants or Capri pants
1 pair of fabulous flip flops or sandals - jewelled are fun and look great with everything
1 cool kaftan
1 sarong - works well as a skirt and will also cover your shoulders if needed; check the color matches your swimwear
Sunhat[ - remember you may need to pack this in your case, so choose one that will fold or roll up
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Australia Packing List for Men
1 pair of jeans – smart ones which are flexible for daytime or evenings
3 pairs of pants - two casual for daytime and one smarter for evenings; in warmer months include a pair with
detachable legs that convert into shorts, and opt for medium weight for the cooler months
4 casual shirts for daytime - lighter fabrics are best for warmer months
2 smarter shirts - for evenings
1 sweater
1 jacket
1 pair of comfortable shoes - for daytime walking
1 pair of smarter shoes - for evenings
Underwear - enough to last between bouts of laundry
Socks - consider the types of shoes you will be wearing
Sleepwear
Swimwear
A belt
A tie - just in case
Sunglasses - check they have the right protection
A light rucksack or day bag - with plenty of room for your sightseeing essentials
An umbrella
For cooler months add in:
1 fleece - lightweight and not easily creased, this is a staple for cooler months
Hat
Scarf and gloves
A waterproof jacket or warm coat - depending on the weather
For warmer months add in:
1 pair of tailored shorts
1 pair of summer shoes or sandals
Sunhat
As for men, it seems hardly anyone wears a jacket - which seems a somewhat extraneous piece of clothing for one or two evenings at receptions. And I know some pooh-pooh blue jeans, but they seems to me to be pretty good for things like traipsing through sheep farms in New Zealand (I can't wait).
Many thanks for any input here.
