Hi Leslie,

You're right, obviously this post is written from a male perspective. Unfortunately, it's the only one I have. :) But I do think some of the principles I mention can easily be applied to women's clothing (nylon tees come in women's cuts, there are definitely travel pants -- and even convertibles -- available too). A female friend of mine says she never travels without a simple, long black skirt that can be dressed in a variety of ways, fancy or casual, depending on what the situation calls for. Shirts...hmm...I hear you on the oxford thing. Maybe a couple of simple blouses? Anyway, here's hoping a experienced female traveler out there might chime in with some good suggestions. Maybe I'll put a post together on this...

Thanks for reading!

I travel with one backpack and one carryon, and I bring my laptop and chargers. It still fits. My list is similar except I take polo shirts. As a woman, I can travel anywhere in the world with 4 polo shirts and 2 pair of pants, assorted socks, etc. But my point is that I have gone all over the world with polo shirts and never had a problem. They are comfortable, cool, and virtually no one has ever commented on a woman in a polo shirt. I dont take skirts. I used to but never used them. I posted my complete packing list on my web site at www.CrisisRecoveryInternational.org.

I love my reversible broomstick skirt -- one side is mostly black with white at the border, the other side is multicolored floral. Just add anything from a tanktop to a silk blouse. You don't need a slip, and you gotta love something that's SUPPOSED to look wrinkled!

And I always bring a wide-brimmed hat. Buy one with a cord to keep it on in the wind, and a crown that will crush flat for packing. I had my hair pinned under my hat and didn't need to wear a loaner-headscarf to go into the Blue Mosque in Istanbul.

You can use a large scarf/pareo/pashmina as an evening wrap, a swim cover-up and a light blanket.