YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Help with China travel capsule?

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Help with China travel capsule? https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-with-china-travel-capsule Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 02 May 2026 11:22:14 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Angie on "Help with China travel capsule?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-with-china-travel-capsule#post-2032884 Wed, 05 Jun 2019 21:54:13 +0000 Angie 2032884@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Got it! I was thinking about the extra suitcase for shoes sarah on "Help with China travel capsule?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-with-china-travel-capsule#post-2032821 Wed, 05 Jun 2019 16:33:50 +0000 sarah 2032821@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thank you, thank you, Angie and Suz! Angie - the running shoes are for the indoor gym (I'm training for a big xc ski race next winter, so don't want to lose two weeks and my son is training for cross country in the fall, so we'll be hitting the indoor gym together). But a pair of flats is a good idea. I think we'll need an extra suitcase for footwear! Thanks so much for all of the suggestions. I really appreciate it! Good to know about the AC! I consider myself warned (and my kids, too). Suz on "Help with China travel capsule?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-with-china-travel-capsule#post-2032808 Wed, 05 Jun 2019 15:37:18 +0000 Suz 2032808@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Annagybe, PM me also if you like -- I have been there multiple times at that time of year -- autumn. So I have ideas for that, too.  Sarah, I didn't mean to bring a backpack as a purse. I am not sure I'd do that, in fact. I meant to bring a daypack in addition to the tote. I might also want a small bag of some sort (purse) so that going out in the evening you don't have to lug absolutely everything with you, but that's personal.  In the large cities, in touristy areas, you probably won't see any pit toilets. Only the old public ones are like that. There aren't even all that many modern squat toilets in some areas now -- compared to my first visit in 2000. (I've been there several times.) But out on the expeditions, you may well run across them.  Definitely buy big gallon jugs and refill your water from that. Brush teeth from bottled water, as they say. Try not to eat uncooked veg in the first few days. Although, to be honest, I tend to ignore that -- you'll find fresh chopped herbs like cilantro on lots of food and I have just eaten it all with no ill effects.  Agree with Angie re humidity -- things do not dry quickly except for gear fabrics.  annagybe on "Help with China travel capsule?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-with-china-travel-capsule#post-2032788 Wed, 05 Jun 2019 14:48:59 +0000 annagybe 2032788@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Taking notes because I’m going to Beijing at the end of September Though I will check a bag, because I’ve have a bunch of gear to take to Mongolia and all my camera gear will take up my entire carry on Angie on "Help with China travel capsule?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-with-china-travel-capsule#post-2032779 Wed, 05 Jun 2019 14:29:52 +0000 Angie 2032779@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ What an amazing trip, Sarah! I'm very excited for you and your family :) The weather! I know it all too well. It will be very hot, muggy and humid outside. Make sure your clothing is perspiration friendly. On the other hand, a/c in the cities in China are ARCTIC! Ridiculous. I'd suggest a topper or two - and I am not exaggerating. Lots of people in formal wear indoors with hose, socks and shoes, so the a/c is up HIGH.  My two cents:  <ul> <li>Bring more tops despite laundry. Things do not dry fast in humidity! </li> <li>Forget the running shoes, and add a pair of dressier closed shoes</li> <li>I think a sleeved dress is better for the talk, and something a little dressier perhaps? Sleeveless is absolutely fine everywhere else though. </li> <li>The Boden dress is great for casual days and sneakers</li> <li>Go to the loo in HOTELS</li> <li>Don't drink the water from the tap</li> </ul> Happy to help with tops!  sarah on "Help with China travel capsule?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-with-china-travel-capsule#post-2032776 Wed, 05 Jun 2019 14:22:08 +0000 sarah 2032776@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Here are a few things I've ordered to try. sarah on "Help with China travel capsule?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-with-china-travel-capsule#post-2032739 Wed, 05 Jun 2019 13:19:52 +0000 sarah 2032739@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks, Rachy. My daughter has been watching Youtube videos and came downstairs the other day to ask me, "Mom, do you know about the toilets in China?!" We'll be carrying toilet paper when we're out and about, and hopefully we'll be able to mostly avoid them. rachylou on "Help with China travel capsule?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-with-china-travel-capsule#post-2032731 Wed, 05 Jun 2019 12:52:29 +0000 rachylou 2032731@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Oh, I have to make another comment about pit toilets... well, you’ll be in major cities most of the time maybe, so maybe you won’t have to face pit toilets much... but let me just say that I think a skirt is waaayyy better for such facilities... yes, yes I do. rachylou on "Help with China travel capsule?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-with-china-travel-capsule#post-2032726 Wed, 05 Jun 2019 12:46:57 +0000 rachylou 2032726@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Remember to brush your teeth with bottled water! sarah on "Help with China travel capsule?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-with-china-travel-capsule#post-2032717 Wed, 05 Jun 2019 12:20:09 +0000 sarah 2032717@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Suz, you are a lifesaver! I forgot about your trip to China. I think that the idea to swap out a skirt for a pair of shorts is a great one - for me and my daughter, actually. Thanks to you and Rachylou for that. Now I just have to find the right one that is good on the midsection, travels well, and comes in petites (or can be hemmed). And great to know that sleeveless is OK. I wear sleeveless tops a lot and had been avoiding them because I'd read somewhere that it wasn't so common to have bare arms in China. I really like those ones you "found" from BR. THANK YOU! Re: bags. We have (as a family) 2 lightweight daypacks that I was planning to bring since we'll be hauling water bottles for the family wherever we go. But I hadn't thought to look at nicer "backpack" style handbags as an alternative to a tote and will take a look at those, as well. Re: water bottles. I'm super glad you weighed in on that. I've been going back and forth about bringing ours based on my reading, but had been hoping I could purchase large (e.g., gallon) jugs of water to refill bottles and keep the plastic waste to a minimum. Sounds like that's an option. It's amazing to me that you can't drink the water, even in the large hotels. thanks so much! Suz on "Help with China travel capsule?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-with-china-travel-capsule#post-2032679 Wed, 05 Jun 2019 06:09:28 +0000 Suz 2032679@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ ETA -- BAGS.  I took an actual knapsack as my second piece personal item. I had so much stuff. I needed it. And I knew I'd want it for certain day trips, campus, etc.  But I also took a small shoulder bag for city wear, tucked inside the luggage.  In your case, you do need somethign more professional looking so the tote sounds like a good plan. But you might also need a small backpack.  Oh -- and this probably goes without saying but bring a water bottle. You will not be drinking tap water but it is really good to have your own container for water to reduce your use of the plastic bottles. At minimum you can buy one really large bottle and fill up your personal bottle from that vs, a million small ones.  Suz on "Help with China travel capsule?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-with-china-travel-capsule#post-2032677 Wed, 05 Jun 2019 05:59:15 +0000 Suz 2032677@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sarah, this is amazing! I'm hoping Jessikams will chime in because she lives in China and could offer good thoughts here.  I travelled to China in early July 2015 for a conference/ educational opportunity. (I had a scholarship to study at Beijing Normal University). I packed a great travel capsule that served me really well -- you can see it here: <a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/china-travel-capsule">https://youlookfab.com/welookf.....el-capsule</a> Beijing is casual on the whole, especially in summer and in academic-type settings. Pollution is PEAK in summer. The air pressure/ predominating winds lock it in. If you suffer from asthma, be prepared. I saw some blue sky when I visited at that time of year, but it's a rarity.  Urban walking is generally safe. Watch for dog poop. Your footwear choices look excellent.  FOOD IS AMAZING!!!  And it is such an interesting place in so many ways. Go to the art district if you can...go to the hutongs.... As you see from my capsule, I did wear long shorts, especially to class, but I was a student, not a speaker. If I'd been in a "presenting role" I don't think I'd have worn them much, and even in my more background role, the linen crops and dresses/ skirts proved more versatile and comfortable. Women do wear shorts and jeans in big cities, but a skirt or dress can move more easily across settings, plus, it's cooler.  When I went, A-line skirts were not a "thing" and weren't readily available, but this year they are and I think Rachylou is onto something. Sub one of the shorts with an A-line skirt and you'll feel ready for anything.  For tops, I had some nice linen tees and also some mixed media sleeveless tops that could be washed in the sink if necessary. Mine are no longer available of course, but BR has some nice "knotted" T's right now. I also threw a few other ideas into Finds -- not sure about any since I don't own them (except the chambray pant, which is great)  but I had collected as stuff to look at.  Sleeveless dresses would be fine in most settings. You might want a topper, though. Or a scarf. AC is frigid in some places.  Congratulations -- what an honour and how wonderful you will experience this with the whole family!! rachylou on "Help with China travel capsule?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-with-china-travel-capsule#post-2032669 Wed, 05 Jun 2019 03:50:55 +0000 rachylou 2032669@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ You know, whether or not this is true, I feel shorts are a New World thing. The Americas, Australia, Caribbean. I tend to avoid them when travelling. I suppose that’s weird... sarah on "Help with China travel capsule?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-with-china-travel-capsule#post-2032644 Wed, 05 Jun 2019 01:54:15 +0000 sarah 2032644@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Shevia, thanks! Suntiger, good point. I'm thinking we might need an extra bags for shoes for all of us. So be it! Rachylou, maybe I should be thinking skirt instead of shorts. It could be more versatile. I'm hopeless at finding skirts, though. It's good it's hot and humid at home, now, so I can get in the right frame of mind. rachylou on "Help with China travel capsule?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-with-china-travel-capsule#post-2032638 Wed, 05 Jun 2019 01:41:13 +0000 rachylou 2032638@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ It’s gonna but be hot and humid. My personal ideal outfit is cotton a-line skirt, fitted tee, silver walking shoes. That pretty much takes me everywhere except a black tie dinner. Anonymous on "Help with China travel capsule?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-with-china-travel-capsule#post-2032636 Wed, 05 Jun 2019 01:33:18 +0000 Anonymous 2032636@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sounds like a great trip! No specific China advice, since I haven't been there, but are you sure you want 3 heavy pairs of shoes for a carryon? Love the dress though Jaime on "Help with China travel capsule?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-with-china-travel-capsule#post-2032624 Wed, 05 Jun 2019 01:10:35 +0000 Jaime 2032624@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ It sounds like a wonderful opportunity and good luck! I will leave the packing advice for those more qualified. sarah on "Help with China travel capsule?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-with-china-travel-capsule#post-2032620 Wed, 05 Jun 2019 00:58:20 +0000 sarah 2032620@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hi- I am going on a trip to China at the end of June. A Chinese collaborator is hosting my whole family (including my two teens!), and it will be part work and part touristing. I'm really struggling with a travel capsule and was hoping for some ideas. Bear with me, as this is LONG. Here are the parameters: 1) We will mostly be in Beijing and Chengdu. It will be hot and possibly rainy. 2) We will be hiking, visiting forest research sites, going to nice restaurants, seeing the sites, and my husband and I will be giving research talks - in other words, we'll be doing a bit of everything! I assume we will be walking a lot. 3) I am hoping to get everything into a single extendable carry-on. I am planning to bring laundry soap packets to handwash if needed. I've included some ideas below. I would like to be able to wear all bottoms with all tops and all shoes. If you don't want to read the details, I'm looking for another pair of long pants that are not white and more tops for hot weather, and I need an outfit (doesn't have to be too dressy) to wear to give a research talk that works with the red sandals. Footwear: Pori sandals (thanks, Angie) - these are a Chinese lucky color and they are comfortable. I hope to wear these to give my talk. Adidas Gazelles - these are quite comfortable for walking around. Oboz Sawtooths - these are waterproof, for hiking in the forest in the rain Running shoes (not shown) - I don't know if I'll be running outdoors, because of the air quality, but I'll be exercising in the hotels and can wear these for walking around if needed. Bottoms: GAP bermuda shorts in three colors (chambray, navy, willow) - I've read mixed things about how appropriate shorts are in China, but I'm hoping that long shorts are OK. If anyone has any insights, please let me know. Athleta cargo pants - these are very lightweight and quick drying and will pack well. Can I wear these to give my talk? Another pair of long pants - this is one place where I'm stuck. Normally I'd pack white jeans, but I am not blessed with Angie's good luck around keeping white jeans clean. One possibility if my Loft Chinos in willow (shown below), but they have got a faded ink mark on them (washing machine mishap). Tops: - this is the other major place where I'm stuck; you can't believe how many tops I've ordered and returned. I'm out of ideas. Boden Gemma jersey top - another Angie pick, although I think I found this one first. I have this in the Heron Blue and have just ordered it in the Navy because I like it that much. What do you think about repeating? Vince Camuto polka dot sleeveless blouse - Angie pick. This is a bit low-cut (I think I should have gotten the XSP instead of the SP, but the tags are off), but I'm hoping I can tack the placket and solve the problem. Is sleeveless OK to wear to give my talk? In the US, at a summer meeting in my field, it would absolutely be appropriate. Halogen modal tee - I was thinking of bringing this in Navy. Boring but functional. Dress: I was hoping that I could wear the Boden dress for my talk, but Nordstrom screwed up my order and sent me a t-shirt instead of the dress, so I haven't been able to try it yet, and I don't know if sleeveless is appropriate. Bag: This Madewell bag seems good, as it is a good size and has a zippered top. I need to be able to carry water bottle, iPad, passports, phone, etc. Not Shown: Swimsuit Workout clothes Another pair of Athleta pants for visiting forest research sites Another tee shirt for visiting forest research sites Raincoat PHEW! Thanks for making it to the end, and for any advice you can give!