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Packing for Portugal. Need Help!

citygirldc

(website)

Veteran

Hello everyone. Hope your new year is off to a good start. I'm finally over the 2nd bout of COVID and am ready to get away from it all.

We are heading to Portugal for 10 days, specifically Lisbon and Madeira. I am having difficulty choosing a minimal capsule wardrobe. and don't want to overpack. Micro-climate temperature ranges seem to be in the 50-60 Degrees F damp. Madeira will be mostly activewear due to lots of hiking and photo ops. I would love to get your input on cutting out some items.

1. Shoes and wool socks. 3 pairs: chunky boots (wearing on plane), black tennis shoes, and hiking shoes. Lisbon has lots of hills and slippery tiles hence not taking flats. However, we are going to a restaurant for our anniversary dinner and wanted to dress up, but what shoes?

2.a. Tops.1 black long sleeved loose tee, Loft striped top, fleece tops (Uniqlo black, grey, and teal), Uniqlo white and black polka dot button-up tops.

2.b. Layering Tops. 1 print cotton tee, 2 heat-tech long sleeved fitted layering tee, 2 heat-tech layering tops.

3. 1 Dress. For our anniversary dinner worn with chunky boots and tan cardigan (or black blazer).

4. Sweaters and Cardigans (Uniqlo). Cropped wool camel cardi, long grey chunky cardi (may not take), cream wool sweater, and cashmere turtleneck.

5. Bottoms. 1 straight blue jeans, 1 black jeans, 1 black joggers, 1 army green joggers, and pair of leggings. What should I wear on the plane? Jeans for something comfortable?

6. Outerwear. Black blazer, light water resistant raincoat, and Grey water resistant winter coat (this has a removable warm layer).

7. Bags. 1 black backpack and old Coach crossbody bag.

8. Underwear. 8 panties and 8 bras inc. sports bra.

9. Accessories. 3 scarves, 3 hats, 1 umbrella, 1 water bottle.

Am I missing anything? What should I leave behind?

Dressing

26 replies

Latest reply was from Isabel

citygirldc

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Veteran

some photos below.

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Helena

Veteran

I think you've done well - this seems pretty minimal without missing any essentials. By wearing the chunky boots on the plane, you are minimizing bulk in the suitcase. The only thing I can really think of eliminating is the umbrella, which you could purchase an inexpensive one there - but it may not be worth it depending on what space you've got.

I can't really see the chunky boots but if you feel they'd work well with your dress, then I think you've got that sorted - I wouldn't bother with any more shoes for that occasion and the boot with dress feels modern.

Could you wear one of your joggers on the plane?

Sounds like an amazing trip; enjoy it!

unfrumped

Veteran

Yay for planning a trip and travel capsule!

I am a terrible packer, over- packer, not a good minimalist.
So this is totally advice from, here’s what I think it looks like someone say about MY capsules!

Ar first glance it appears you have too many tops so that either you’ll wear most only once or some not at all. Plus 4 underlayers.

But first, it might help if you can break down the trip further into segments regarding # of days, “ dirt/sweat factor”, & whether you’d do any hand laundry (such as undies or any synthetic tops that should dry faster) & when in the trip that would fall.

I would think which tops do double duty such as do the button ups layer over LS for warmth, or do you run hot so you need a shirt alternative to a LS knit top. or are the underlayers helping keep outer layer fresher so you think you’ll use all of them.
So could you cut one LS top and 1 button up ? 8 bras could either take up a lot of room or not, haha, hence asking about rinsing out.
I can’t remember your sleepwear, but joggers and LS might do double duty, but for 7- 8 nights I probably take something lightweight knit reliably comfy & cut somewhere else.
5 bottoms also sounds like a lot except you might have 1 dedicated travel outfit.
Of course I tend to think carry- on but if checking a bag you have more leeway.
In thinking shoes for a trip where you anticipate sporty days plus walking challenges , I’d just let go of “ dressy shoes” ideas and instead think of your whole restaurant outfit , mostly waist up, so top+ scarf or jewelry, and which pants + comfortable shoes give the best vibe even though it says tourist/ traveler - I assume blazer might be for that also?
I like the idea of a zip out liner coat, but on a trip to Ireland I got a lot of use from separate pieces- a rain shell plus a nano down jacket and a blazer plus similar tops-,- lot of different combinations possible & any one layer could be stuffed in my crossbody bag.

Minaminu

Veteran

great list! I'd suggest to include a pocketable waterproof jacket, it can be quite windy in Lisbon!

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Oh, what a wonderful way to start your retirement!

It sounds like you have a good mix between city wear and gear.

For the plane, I might wear jeans or joggers, depending.

If it were me, I might add a packable puffer jacket and take away one of the sweaters. But it sounds like you do have an insulating layer in your winter coat so that might not be required. For those temps, I might be temped to take just the raincoat and layer the lightweight puffer under (in rainy cold weather) -- then I would not need the winter coat. I've done that for trips from the east coast to the west coast some winters and it worked fine -- similar climate to where you are headed.

Olive Green

Veteran

This sounds so wonderful. Few tourists this time of year! Packing, I have never regretted taking a light puffer, whether jacket or vest.

Anonymous

I haven't been there but I'm glad you're able to go!

kkards

Veteran

Looks good, and yeah for layering. I was in Spain about 5 years ago at this time, and it was colder than I thought it was going to be.

I’d wear the legging on the plane. Because I want comfort to be able to sleep. I usually bring a plane outfit that I plan to wear over and back and not during the trip.

UmmLila (Lisa)

Veteran

If Portugal is like Spain, indoors may be cooler and damper than you expect, more so than outside. I might subtract a sweater, add a low profile type puff vest and set of heat tech inner layers. I’m not a fan of sneakers in European cities unless it’s something a little trendy. I’d go more like a slight wedge crepe sole boot as a substitute.

Kyle

Veteran

When I traveled for business (which was a lot), I would write down what I was going to wear each and every day I was away, including travel days. This list then became the basis of my packing list (which also included toiletries, electronics, snacks, etc.). As things went into my suitcase they were crossed off the list. It was a deliberate and detailed process that worked really well for me, and I still use it for leisure travel today. The process of writing it all down forced me to think things through in terms of comfort, warmth, event appropriateness, and how items could multi-task. I never overpacked, and once traveled across Ireland for 10 days with just a carry on and backpack (plus access to a washer at one of our stops). All of this was sparked years ago by my first trip to NYC. I checked a very large piece of luggage and then had to deal with it on a crowded train and on the street. The list method has been working brilliantly for me ever since.

Sisi

Veteran

I am very minimalist when it comes to packing, once I went on a short vacation taking only a backpack (but it was a mistake!) so maybe I am not the best person to give suggestions. But since you asked ...
I would not travel in jeans (did once - too stiff when you are sitting for long) but wear some comfortable pants with an elastic waist.
I would reduce the number of tops (regular and layering can overlap), take only 1 cardigan, 1 sweater, 1/2 toppers, no umbrella. Just my personal opinion of course. Happy for you! Enjoy your vacation.

cjh

(website)

Veteran

Not a big traveler here, but this year had two trips on airplanes. Since we were at our daughter’s home, washer was available for undies and tops, especially good for the summer trip.

No need for dressing up, but weather was my big consideration. The challenge was to fit enough winter wear and mountain hiking (possibly cold even in summer) layers, boots and trekking poles, along with casual at-home items, and Christmas gifts on the most recent trip.

My most appreciated item was a navy puffy vest, which I took both in July and December, kind of a last minute add in the July trip. It matched and fit over everything and under a lighter winter jacket. With a warm hat and gloves and scarf, I was never cold hiking, nor too hot in the sunny Denver suburb when not up in the mountains.

One other thing I might recommend is a knit hat or beanie which covers your ears, instead of or in addition to the berets. Unless you pull the beret down over your ears, which can be done.

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citygirldc

(website)

Veteran

Hi all. Thank you for your responses. I'll let you all know what I decide.

Helena - I hear Portugal is pretty cheap so you may be right about leaving the umbrella behind. My chunky boots are similar to the photo here: https://www.madewell.com/the-m....._color=BK5 .

unfrumped - I will definitely let go of dressy shoes since we will be walking quite a bit. I have a feeling I'll let go of pair of pants. Not sure which ones I'll wear on the plane.

Minaminu - I do have a water resistant/windproof light rain jacket that I can roll into my bag. That's coming with me.

Suz - Would you believe I got rid of my old puffer jacket? It was just too old and due to some weight gain, it didn't fit. I don't plan on buying a new.

Olive green - We always tend to travel in January because of our anniversary and my birthday. Pros are off-season. Cons are cold weather everywhere (well except somewhere warm :).

Sun Tiger - I've never been to Portugal either, but am looking forward to the trip.

UmmLila - I haven't been to Spain in over 25 years and that was in the Summer. I have black sneakers and just got rid of my old, white trendy sneakers. Oh well. I am a tourist after all.

Kyle - Wow. You are so organized and detailed. My clothes are all darks so everything will go with each other. I may try your method and see if it works.

Sisi - Thanks for your input. You are right about type of pants. I may do the stretchy pants after all.

cjh - oh my hats and beanies are definitely coming with me, along with some hiking leggings and sports bras, etc.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

My best advice Naz, is to start off with comfortable and fab looking shoes and work your way up to casual and smart casual stylish outfits from there. Wear layers, and don't skimp on the fun accessories.

SOOOO EXCITED FOR YOU!!! Have a beautiful time

CarolS

Veteran

This sounds like a fab trip!

I find I always re-wear more than I think I will when I am busy over packing!

The workhorses on my recent Palm Springs trip turned out to be two lightweight sweaters. I’d put one over a sleeveless top if the day was a bit cool and throw the other around my neck as a scarf when it got cooler in the evenings. If I needed to, I would layer the two sweaters over each other. Because they were so convenient and versatile, the other sweaters I brought didn’t get worn at all. Of course, YMMV.

Happy packing, and safe travels!

citygirldc

(website)

Veteran

Angie - I will start doing that today. Comfy shoes are a must for this trip. And yes to accessories which can dress up an outfit.

CarolS - I agree. There have been many times where I've overpacked but then end up wearing the same thing over and over again.

celia

Veteran

I think I missed when you are going but if you are going now I would recommend taking a puffer and some warm clothes that you can layer including for inside the house or establishments.
Lisbon might not seem very cold but can get extremely damp and houses are not typically insulated.
I don't know about Madeira but in Lisbon you will enjoy having a dressier pair of boots or shoes.

BrieN

Veteran

I was in Lisbon this past fall - lots of colorful sneakers and fun (and practical) puffers. You are smart to be thinking practical footwear - it is indeed very hilly and the cobblestones can get slippery if they are at all wet - ask me how I know Have a pastel de nata (or two) for me!

Runcarla

Veteran

I’m a minimalist travel packer, so take this with a grain of salt - or skip to the link at the bottom!

I’m counting 16 tops including layering pieces for 10 days (not counting toppers and coats.) Seems like a lot! Any top that gets layered over another top or base layer should be good for more than one wear, Do the base layers look like tops? Reduce the # of tops.

Wear one pair of pants, and pack two pair.

Can the dress be worn over pants or with tights for a second day?

Can your chunky boots and sneakers cover your footwear needs, or are will you hiking cross country? I’d ditch the hiking boots if this is an urban vacation, if the other footwear are all day shoes.

https://start-adventure.com/a-.....n/?lang=en

citygirldc

(website)

Veteran

Cella - So I hear about those damp houses during the winter month. We are staying at an apartment an am hoping they will have heat. The chunky boots will have to be the only dressy shoes I will be taking, unless I take some flats.

BrieN - I've read a lot about those slippery cobblestones so am aware. And I can't wait to have those pastel de nata and some. My husband is a vegetarian (no fish) so hopefully he will have some decent food to eat. I can't wait to try all the seafood.

RunCarla - So we will in Lisbon plus a day trip to Sintra and doing the usual touristy things (black boots and tennis shoes). Then we are off to Madeira for 4 days for a lot of hiking (hence the hiking shoes). I'm leaving the dress behind and opting for a dressy top instead. You are right about too many layering tops so will leave some behind. I just don't want to be too cold.

celia

Veteran

I think a dressy top for the celebration dinner will be great with the boots you are taking.
If you hadn't included in your visit I would recommend going to Belem and have pasteis de nata at this particular store https://www.google.com/search?.....IgAQ%3D%3D
The lines might be long but it is well worth it. And there is a lovely riverside walk as well as a monastery at walking distance.

Hope you have a fun and safe trip.

Runcarla

Veteran

Gotcha! Have fun!

pirouette

I have been to Lisbon several times and I agree with the advice to bring a warm coat as there is a wind from Atlantic and often showers of rain. Sinatra is beautiful but is on a very steep hill. It’s nearly always raining there so a good coat is vital here as it can be very cold due to the height. It’s a beautiful part of the world and I hope you have a great trip.

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

Those boots are great. I’m useless for packing advice because I can’t imagine so many days without skirts/dresses, would probably take one along to bike in, but that’s me, not you. Enjoy your trip!

The Cat

Veteran

For the temperatures you mentioned, I honestly don't think you need a winter coat. I suggest a trenchcoat instead. You can layer underneath if necessary.

8--eight!-- bras? Really?

It also seems that you will bring a lot of woolen items. Ok if they are light-weight and not too bulky. Otherwise, I suggest replacing a couple of them with thinner materials.

Isabel

Veteran

Naz, forgive me if you have been already been keeping up with the weather news there...it's been CRAZY. Lisbon has been having heavy atypical rain for over a month now. They're suppose to have better weather this upcoming week. So the boots look great and steady and warm. And I think will look great at a good restaurant with a fancy top. you're smart to prepare for dampness even with the temps hitting 60.

Can some of your tees do double duty ? I use my heavier heattechs as both outside t's and layering t's .