We're touring Spain and Portugal this summer. Could someone give me an idea of what one should pack? It would be greatly appreciated.

I'm assuming you are on the "Best of Spain and Portugal" tour. I believe there are about 6 board members (including myself) that are going on this tour in May. If you are going in July and August, it will be very hot.

Hi Patrick

Are there any others you know of that will be on our particular tour?

Helen

Pack clothes that you can mix and match and layer! You need to be able to mix one item with at least 3 others. Dark colours are good as are dark patterns - they don't show the dirt. Also fabric that will drip dry quickly and don't bring an iron!

Unless you are a jeans fanatic, I would limit to one pair if you need to - in the summer they will be too hot and they will need to be washed at least once on tour and they do take forever to dry! (even in summer)

I am going May 14-29 so am planning on a lot of comfortable trousers, 3/4 pants and long flowing skirts (which are actually cooler) with t-shirt tops and singlet tops that I can also cover up with a jacket/open shirt. I will be bringing a pair of black trousers and a couple of "night" tops for dinners. A pair of walking shoes, a couple pairs of flat slides and a low heeled black pair - that's it. Also bring some scarves, fake jewellery and a smile and enjoy yourself

Don't worry too much about packing a lot - everybody on the coach will look the same by about Day 5! Crumpled!

Just be comfortable - practise packing your bag before you go and then take half the clothes out and leave at home!

Hope you have a good time - we will have to compare note in Tour Tales.

Helen

quote:

Originally posted by Long Plan Aussie:
Are there any others you know of that will be on our particular tour?

Here's who I know that is on the "Best of Spain & Portugal" tour for 2005:

Jim - April 29

Vera - March 5

Brooklyn - May 6
Marie - May 6

Pauline - May 14
Helen - May 14
Patrick - May 14

This message has been edited. Last edited by: PatrickC,

My wife and I will be on the April 29 "The Best of Spain and Portugal". I've not heard of anyone else that is going at that time. Jim

quote:

Originally posted by Long Plan Aussie:
Also fabric that will drip dry quickly and don't bring an iron!

Helen ... Why did you advise against bringing an iron? I saw a small travelling iron on sale at a travel store a few weeks ago and thought about buying but delayed it because of the price tag. Besides ... I figure some of the hotels may provide an iron in the room. They usually put it in the closet on the top shelf.

Patrick, not many European hotels provide irons (in my limited experience), so I'm taking my travel iron. (doesn't take up much space) If you need the use of an iron and the hotel can't help, you can borrow mine. No charge.

Wow - you guys seem to have answered this one by yourselves!
Brad & John

Yep! we're a smart bunch!!


Patrick - not taking a travel iron this time - took one last time and took ages to heat up to high and then was very poor at getting out the wrinkles (on my clothes - not my face!)

I will try to take clothes that either don't need ironing (drip dry) or should look wrinkled anyway! (to match my face! )

Although I should add that I am also hoping for the occasional hotel to have an iron!

Bye
Helen (one of the famous "three amigos")