Hi everyone,
And what kind of bag do they bring out during day? I'm thinking of bringing a small backpack for going to farther attraction and a waistpouch for a nearby attraction.
Uh . . . a waistpouch? Do you mean a fanny pack?! erm . . yikes! First, for simple safety reasons, I would not advise a waistpouch. That screams, 'I have money! I'm a tourist! Rob me!' You will not 'blend in' with a waistpouch. You will look like a tourist. And it is so easy to steal from it- just cut the strap in the back, grab, and run! Instead, I would recommend that you buy a moneybelt. This is a thing that you wear around your waist (but inside, under your clothes), your neck, or your leg. Keep your passport, extra money, credit cards, plane tickets, etc. in it. Keep some money for daily use somewhere else on your person (a deep pocket of your pants/skirt, maybe?). This is much more secure and is what everybody does. Second, fashion-wise, a wastepouch isn't. Back in the 80's, maybe, but now? Definately not. Leave it at home. Also, when I was travelling in Europe, I noticed that a lot of women don't tend to travel with a purse visable. Maybe I'm wrong, though.
Hope this helped.
Steph
From another one of your posts, I noticed that you are planning to travel in December '09. That is winter in Europe. It'll be cold, especially due to what you're used to in Singapore. You'll be freezing in short skirts and dresses. Well, you are going to more southern countries, so it will be milder than northern Europe, but not mild compared to Singapore. You'll need long pants and sweaters, not shorts and t-shirts.
Travelling in Mar-May 2010, the weather can still vary from place to place, simply because of the changing season and really, nowadays, weather can be really unpredictable. Not only that, depending on where you're visiting, it matters too. e.g. the French Alps will not be the same as French Riviera.
With a view to keeping packing light and still suitably styled for all the countries listed (Greece, Italy, Spain and France) - and assuming you're not planning on natural trails and hikings - a pair of walking shoes (like Gola or Adidas - but not the sportshoes variety) or sturdy ballerina flats would do quite nicely. Generally Europeans don't wear sportshoes except in gym and while doing sports. And a pair of sandals that you can use in bathrooms and at the beach (although frankly, it'll probably still be too cold to be at the beach).
Not sure about Greece but for the other three countries, you won't usually see people wear shorts at that time of year. The weather is likely to hover around mid- to high-tens, unless it's late May which would be when you may get low 20s degree Celcius. I'd stick to jeans and t-shirts/tops. Bring a cardigan/jumper and a pashmina - use the cardigan/jumper to double up the layers and the pashmina as scarf or wrap against chilly weather. If you would like to wear dresses from time to time, do not forget to pack some stockings. Preferably the opaque 60 dernier variety. You'll very likely need it.
And of course, do bring a coat with you. If it's not so cold, you can always not wear the cardigan/jumper and wear the coat. If it's warmer still, then wear the cardigan and not the coat. If you somehow hit lucky with a superb and warm day, then don't wear either.
If you really want to blend in, most locals (the ladies, if you will) do not carry backpacks in general (teenagers, maybe, but once hit 20s, unlikely). Waistpouch/fannypack is definitely, as pointed out by Steph, a dead giveaway of "I'm a tourist". Casual sling bag or cotton bag would be reasonable substitute. Personally I prefer cotton bag to give student vibe (read: I'm a poor student so have nothing of value for you to rob except books and notepads).
Good luck!
Aside from what lil_lil wrote (very good advice) I would recommend that instead of a coat you bring a wind- and rainproof jacket, maybe with a zip-in fleece. In rainy and windy March and April this will be far more practical than a wool coat.
Also plan to dress in layers, a blouse or button-down shirt can easily be combined with a t-shirt and then be almost as warm as a light sweatshirt.
I'd be travelling to Europe during Mar-May 2010 ...
Sorry, I read your other post saying that you would be travelling in Dec '09. If I had been more observant, I wouldn't have read over the part of your post (above) where you said you'll be travelling in March to May '10. My bad In that case, forget about my second post (#3).
The other advice on this thread is very good.
Steph
Hi guys!
Thank you all so much for your advice on the fashion! Luckily I asked you all first before i leave for eurotrip~ Without your advice, i'd be very likely to bring my waistpouch.
lil_lil's advice is quite comprehensive and i'd definitely bring a cotton sling bag with me! Layering outfits sounds great to me~ At least i don't need to bring bulky coats or jackets. =)
Ops guess I should be clearer that when I said coat, it's not necessarily wool coat per se. (Bad habit, here we said coat as a generic term for pretty much all outerwear/jacket etc)
t_maia gave a very good point re rainproof jacket, and zip-in fleece is definitely a great option as it's usually light to carry while keeping the wearer warm.
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