I have no experience with cruises, from what I've read about them, you need more outfits than on a regular trip,
do they tell you about events and dinners on the ship ?

It sound like a wonderful trip !

River cruises are much more casual that others. My sis in law is on her fourth one right now. They just landed in Malta. In the photos for dinner I see the people in pretty tops and either skirts or slacks. She has never worn a dress on any of them. Daytime is bermudas and tops. She brought one good pair of slacks and a white dressy top for one night. She said she could have gotten away with any top. So bring a hat to protest yourself from the sun or a visor. Some sort of poncho for rain and a sweater of sorts to throw in your bag for on shore. You're going to have the best time ever, they're a wonderful way to travel.

River cruises are not the multiple seating, black tie and casino affairs of the ocean cruise genre.

I would dress no differently then if you were going to the same locale, on land.

They usually do offer laundering. Of course, it often costs more than the value of the item. Some people pack light and buy clothes when they get dirty! I think you will not face much in the way of luggage restrictions, if you go that route, or if you decide to pack everything you might need.

I usually pack on the light side, buy some things along the way, and just close my eyes when I get the laundry bill. I do like the quick dry underwear you can find at outdoor stores, though. And of course bring a sweater or sweatshirt and a raincoat.

Have a blast!

Expensive laundry...got it.

Resort casual works for me. They say no shorts or jeans at dinner.

Then there is the night in Vienna at the Palace hosted by the prince where men need to wear jackets and ties and women apparently get very dressed in evening wear. But they try to limit your luggage to one "average" sized suitcase.

I'm thinking I can make use of all those dresses I bought and I'm thinking a dark skirt which I can use with many tops might be useful.

When I travel, I like to pick 3 basic colors that all work together well (red white navy or black tan cream, etc) and get pieces and parts in those colors that can mix and match to create many outfits out of a few pieces.

I can see this is going to fun, challenging and require a great deal of organizational skills.

I know everyone likes Prague, and i can see why, but I find Vienna so romantic! I went as a little girl, and then on business once or twice, and then on business/pleasure with DH about 5 years ago.

If the logistics work, you must rent bikes to ride along the Danube. We took a train from Vienna to do this ... probably to the dock where your boat will be.

Oh and you must go to the Palmenhaus. It is full of locals as well as tourists, but it is such a wonderful spot.

Do post pics when you return!!

Here is a link that might be useful: i love this place

Wow Palmenhaus looks fab! They have bikes we can borrow on board if we want to bike ride so that should be easily arranged.

Fortunately there is a 110 outlet in each cabin so I can recharge things, but technology is something I need to explore before we go...want to make sure I have connectivity, esp if I can use google translate instead of having to bring all those dictionaries with me. We'll be in Germany, Austria, Czech, Slovakia and Hungary...lots of languages. I don't think my phone does int'l calls either...not that we'll want to make that many calls. Though you can also call from the boat...

Annie,
What a wonderful trip! I don't blame you for going...I haven't been to Europe but DD was in Hungary for the first semester this year and if you have any questions, i can ask for you!

Beth P.

My niece and her husband honeymooned on a 10 day Danube cruise last October. The photos were amazing.
But that is all I know!

For our Asia trip, which involved five languages, we looked up the very basics in each language.

(Please, thank you, you're welcome, How are you, Good morning, Good afternoon, Good evening, Good night)

We had a cheat sheet for each country, and we practiced at dinner every night before we left (youtube is great for this).

There is no way you can even do tourist-speak in so many languages at once, so I just wanted to be polite and have a nice accent. Everyone appreciates that effort. And everyone can usually speak english when you actually need to do something ...

How exciting! Our best friends are on a Viking River Cruise now and we can't wait to hear what they have to say upon their return.
River cruising is casual elegant-comfortable, but nice clothing. Check out the boards at Cruise Critic:
http://boards.cruisecritic.com/search.php?searchid=39522193

A Viking river cruise in on our "must do" list for next year. What line are cruising on?

If I took a cruise, it would definitely be a river cruise. I'm so glad you all are going!

Just make sure Carnival doesn't own the boat. Hee.

Hah! No. No multi-thousand tourist thing, and no Carnival! Maximum 118 guests on board.

We are going with Tauck. We start out in Prague and board the boat in Germany then head to Passau, Linz, Wachau Valley, Durnstein, Vienna, Bratislava and a day in Buda and a day in Pest. 12 day total, but 13 for us as we arrive a day early in Prague to get over jet lag and to allow for airline screwup.

I found this blog which is full of fab combos and ideas for packing capsule wardrobes for travel.

Here is a link that might be useful: Vivienne Files

Thank you for posting this blog Annie. I can spend all day on there.

One of the best trips I ever took was a month spent in Vienna, Budapest and Prague. You will love it!

sounds like a great cruise... but i was looking forward to seeing the dress you made with that fabric and trim!!!

Annie, I love you. You are always evolving.

Several years ago, I bought some inexpensive elastic waist pants at Kohls for a trip overseas -- polyester/ nylon/spandex blend, one in gray, one in navy . They looked dressy enough with a silk knit t-shirt & a jacket that I could pass muster in a nice restaurant or hotel lobby. I've come to love the pants, now that I travel a lot with my husband on business. You can roll them up for packing, and they don't wrinkle. They hand-wash & dry well in a pinch, too. Very similar to these

Silk knit tees are great for travel too. Easy to dress up or down. Easy care. Jones New York always seems to have them in stock.

Unfortunately, I lost my Magic Jacket on this last trip. It was a short, black, polyester dress jacket with a great collar & cut that looked good with anything. Crush proof. But last vacation, I thought DH packed it, and he thought I'd packed it, and it got left in the hotel closet. I am grieving! Anyway, there's something to be said for polyester jackets for travel -- they wear like iron, are low maintenance, and, with a little jewelry, dress up otherwise casual clothing.

This is something my husband and I have recently been investigating. Definitely on our bucket list. I'm really drawn to the Christmas Markets cruises, and would love to sail the Rhine to see all the castles. I do hope you'll post a trip review and lots of photos when you get back - I bet it will be an amazing journey!

ms thrifty, I've been spending too much time there too!

golddust, that is so sweet. So generous of you to say something like that. I'm touched. Thank you.

awm03, that is exactly what I need...comfortable as yoga pants but good looking. You reminded me of my favorite ultrasuede jacket that I left at a hotel and never got back...

Busybee, don't fret...I still have the fabric and trim...It'll become something, someday.

Texanjana or anyone else, I would love suggestions for what to see and do in Prague and in Budapest as we will have free time in both of those cities.

rilie, I'll do what I can...I plan on taking extra disks for the camera....and I'm thinking of putting together a diary as I usually forget so much of what happened if I don't write it down.

I'm starting to work on wardrobe and decided I needed to check what was in the alterations pile in the sewing room. Oops! That is one big pile, so I've got to attack that first and then see what can be incorporated in a capsule wardrobe.

The main thing is your feet! You will need shoes or sandals that can go from day to night, can be worn with shorts, capris or slacks, dressed up or down and they must be comfortable for walking. I spent a lot of time on the foot thing on our last trip but ended up mostly wearing my FitFlops all through Europe. IâÂÂm addicted to them now and just bought two more pairs, I have them in many colors.
I mainly dress in solid colors so I just ordered these for some pop. Some styles are more streamline.

Here is a link that might be useful: FITFLOP U.S.A Store

This post was edited by jterrilynn on Wed, May 15, 13 at 20:47

That sounds like such fun! I would bring a good looking trench coat that can double as a rain coat.

jterrilynn, some great sandals there at the Fitflop site -- thanks for the link!

Awm03, if you have a Macey's near you they often have sales on FitFlops at great discount. I have bought them for around $40. At first I thought the prices crazy until I tried them on and now I'm hooked for life.

Here is a link that might be useful: This site has more variety

This post was edited by jterrilynn on Wed, May 15, 13 at 19:05

Yes, comfy shoes are a must....and broken in before hand, not on the trip...

thanks so much, jterrilynn. I really liked the Kys style with the cork sole on the first site. Wonder if I can get those by next week?

Awm03, you could check and see if Zappos has them. I normally get things pretty fast with their shipping (under a week). I'm not sure how fast the sites listed above ship.I do know the Zap carries some fitflops though. I just ordered the ones pictured above from the 2nd link because I couldn't find that particular style elsewhere.

I think NordstromâÂÂs sells them as well as MacyâÂÂs if you happen to have those stores nearby. Unfortunately their selection is usually limited though.

Neat video on 25 ways to wear a scarf in 4.5 minutes.

Here is a link that might be useful: 25 ways to wear a scarf

Annie,

A few years ago (maybe 5?) DH and I went to Budapest for a conference and used that as an excuse to see Prague too. In both cases we stayed at the Four Seasons (don't know if you will choose your own hotel at the beginning and end of your trip).

The Four Seasons Budapest is a very cool building in an old bank, with direct views of the castle from our balcony. It was also a short stroll to their pedestrian outdoor mall. If you like it at all, here is the place to buy some Herend porcelain. We also explored the castle (very nice views at dusk). And we went to the famous Gellert Baths (which you just have to do in Budapest). The Gellert Baths had a very soviet-era feel to them. Surly burly attendants, old facilities and lockers, reeking of cleaning fluid but still looking dirty. The pools themselves, are an experience. They are quite warm, like a hot tub, vast, and a real social scene. You can leave your bikini top at home. We were there in early fall and saw no tourists. YMMV. Our dining experiences, outside of the hotel, were a disappointment. Kind of greasy. Craft museum was a disappointment. It may be better now, it is sort of an up and coming destination.

We only spent two or three days in Prague. We stayed at the Four Seasons, which is a modern hotel attached to an old one --- kind of odd architecturally. The food there was noteworthy for its creativity and quality, but the most compelling thing it its location. Steps from the Charles bridge --- views from the room. Perfect.

All we did in Prague was walk. Especially on the side with the castle, gorgeous winding streets wending upward from the river. On the other side, the famous square. I think what people like about Prague is it is pretty like Paris, but then add all the stucco pastels and red roofs. I was wearing a pedometer and we logged 10 miles a day just enjoying sunny fall days. We also had some world class meals.

In general, when I am planning a trip, I like these sources:

NYTimes (sometimes you get lucky and they have gone recently)

United Airlines "three perfect days in ..."

Tripadvisor, of course

Four Seasons hotel website suggested itineraries

"artisans of leisure" suggested itineraries

... I'm sure there are more but can't think of them just now!

Great! Thanks for the info. DH and I love walking so Prague sounds perfect for us. I'd never have thought of the baths...and as I told DH when we were in St. Martins, and I was much younger, I'm not a convertible...this top doesn't come down!

Friends of ours were there a few years back and have travel guides to lend us too.

We are staying at Marriotts on both ends...no idea exactly where they are located though...I need to do more research yet.

regarding the shoes, that is always my biggest problem for trips. They are heavy and take up too much room so limiting the number is necessary.
As for flip flops my most comfy and walk in all day are my Nike, Schechers and old Reebocks. so I would never pay $100.00 for those shown above. Pretty colors, but they look like re make Birkenstocks.

I am looking for long distance walking sandals, and most comfy look like what I call "old lady shoes". Lots of other sandals are great when you only have to walk across the parking lot, but try wearing them and walking for 3 hours. Think I'll stick to ballet flats, and my trusty Mini Tanka mocissans.

I agree that the price is high for a sandal ms thrift but I'm telling ya you can leap tall buildings in a single bound in these things. I did a few hours walk along the Sentiero degli Dei, started at the bottom of steep steps in Positano (with many rests) to the top several times, walked all through Rome for hours each day, walked through Capri walked all through Madrid ectâ¦my feet were happy happy the whole time. I think I had fitflops last time I went to Brighton England; you do lots of walking there too. Even took them to a beach trip in Mexico. Plus, they last a few years so you get your moneys worth.
Here I am on âÂÂThe Trail of Godsâ see my feet? Yip, Fitflops (note bad hair stuck on top of head). ItâÂÂs funny, every vacation picture I have IâÂÂm in my Fitflops.

I found I could even go to dinner most places in CapriâÂÂs, a nice top and my fancier Fitflops with faux gemstones (not a good picture because IâÂÂm standing like an ape0.

I don't know if river cruises are as bad as Venice but bug dope is something you may consider taking. Have a great trip :D

jterri, you are such a cutie!

We traveled last year for two weeks in Italy (Venice, Florence and Rome) in the middle of September. I purchased a number of pieces from J. Jill's Wearever line in brown and black for my basics. I also brought along several scarves. We did A LOT of walking and I invested in a pair of Naot Kirei mary janes. They are THE MOST COMFORTABLE shoes I have ever worn. I wore them everyday with pants, skirts and capris.

Lots of great advice here. If you haven't traveled with Tauck before, you are in for a real treat. Although we haven't taken one of their river cruises (it's on our list for the future) we have traveled to Ireland and Italy with them and we have a trip to California planned in the fall. Have a wonderful time!

This will be our 6th tour with them. We have enjoyed them all. And we did a trip on our own to Oregon but used their tour as a planning guide. However, I would not recommend going with them to see a national park....at least that's not the way we like to see a national park....as a drive-by. We like to hike, horseback ride and spend lots of time there.

The other tours we did were Hawaii (5 islands), London and the West Country, Italy (Milan, Venice, Florence, Rome), Costa Rica and Panama (via sail boat), and Canadian Rockies (Jasper, Lake Louise, and Banff). All of them have been just phenomenal.

On my list is to do Alaska, and Paris and the Loire Valley, and depending on what shape we are in, Galapagos and Machu Picchu. I wanted to do the copper canyon train ride, but it looks like they stopped running it...

Interesting article in the NYT where they interviewed tauck tour directors for what shoes they wear for comfort and for being on their feet all day every day....

Here is a link that might be useful: Travel shoes

Here's another blog on capsule wardrobes. This one has 40 outfits from 16 pieces for a summer vacation. I could swap out a few items (not into short shorts or strapless dresses) but it could get me close.

Right now I'm thinking of working in black, tan, cream and either red or teal. I have a pair of leather shoes that are so comfortable, but they are well worn...I'm thinking about taking them anyway.

I was also debating about making a "dress" for the palace event by having a maxi skirt with matching camisole top...that way I could wear them together with a fancy belt for the palace, but separate them for the rest of the trip. I was also thinking about a long scarf that I could use as a wrap for the palace and as a scarf for the rest of the trip. I think double-duty is the way to go.

Looking at the average July temps in Prague, it's only 72 for a high and 55 for a low, so I suspect I may need to dress warmer than I think....

mtnrd, what time of year were you there....if it was summer, was it very warm?

Here is a link that might be useful: Summer one suitcase wardrobe

Annie, I'm looking forward to hearing all about the trip -- your itinerary sounds very good. We have friends who love river cruises and have never heard of anyone having a bad time!

What sort of luggage are you taking? Everyone is using those rolling duffels, they are almost all we saw last time in Europe. Here they seem to be used mainly by very young people, but elsewhere they are almost universal. I still use conventional luggage, with plastic packing bags for separate outfits. Instead of packing all trousers in one, sweaters in another, etc., I open one bag and have the entire outfit, right down to scarf and headband :-)

kswl, we haven't hit the luggage scene yet. We have a lot, but really only one average sized suitcase...the rest are carry on size or don't have wheels. I plan on only bringing one suitcase for each of us...with probably a swap of clothes in between in case one bag gets lost... and one carry-on each. I'll look into the rolling duffels....sounds like they hold a lot.

Lipault makes a wheeled duffle with a fold out bottom platform that keeps it from falling over. It folds down to nothing--- a plus when you are going to unpack once you get there. They don't have all the interior compartments and that takes some getting used to.

Here is a link that might be useful: Good soft wheeled duffles

Before you plan to take a carry-on, be sure to check into your airlines restrictions for carry-ons. We flew Lufthansa and found their carry-on guidelines to be nowhere near what they are for a domestic flight. The size and weight limitations were very....limiting! For example, their weight limit is 8kg, which is only about 17 lbs. We actually saw a representative from the airline going around to people at the gate and weighing their carry-ons.

I'm going to the same part of Europe in June and have packed/unpacked my suitcase about 4 times already! :D

The one good thing about fashions these days is that many fabrics are very thin so don't take a lot of space. I always find it difficult to pack light so have only bought things that don't take much space.

I'm bringing 3 dressy outfits for symphony/dinner evenings as well as 3 outfits that can be dressed up or down. Daytime outfits will be pants (4-5 pair) and tops (one for each day). My pants, skirts, and jackets are neutral but the tops are every color of the rainbow. I couldn't wear all neutral for 2 weeks. Also bringing a sunhat but no umbrella altho that's often recommended. I'll either get wet or buy one there if necessary. Haven't definitely decided on shoes yet but will probably choose from what I have and bring 2-3 pair. I'm saving on weight by bringing only bare necessities in toiletries/make-up. I can shop there for anything I need. It will be fun to see what products are available.

We're flying Lufthansa and Bac717 is correct about the smaller luggage sizes and weights. I'm not bringing my carry-on to my set but just a tote bag. It's my one concession to traveling light. My medium suitcase is within their guidelines but expands for any treasures I buy there. I weighed it when I had packed what I thought was enough for the trip and it only weighed 30 pounds and 50 is allowed. Good thing I'm not going in winter!

Let's hope the weather is good in June and July!

I've done really well so far with clothing. I even found a black full length dress to wear to the palace that packs really well. I'll have to put it all together and show all the combos.

I have 14 days to cover and I think I will bring a pair of jeans and a pair of black ponte-knit pants, a pair of denim knee-length shorts and a black skirt and a print skirt with black, royal blue, yellow and teal. Then I have tops in black, royal blue, teal, other shades of blue. I have a scarf with all those colors in it and a teal scarf that I plan on using as a wrap also for the palace night. I also have a black cardi and a pale green cardi. Still have to play with exactly which tops, but I'm well on my way. I think I'll bring along a jersey dress too which goes with the cardis.

We have to dress nicely for first night, last night and very dressy for the palace. Other than that, it's casual for during the day and look nice for dinner (no jeans or shorts). So even though the days are 14, the necessary outfits will be more.

I also ordered the shoes below from clarks which I think will serve me well. I can wear them with pants, shorts or skirts.

I appreciate the heads up about the carry on size internationally. Shouldn't be a problem though as we usually carry on a knap sack type thing.

Here is a link that might be useful: Clarks shoe

Annie,

We went in the end of the September, and the weather was about the same as here in CT.

Thanks, Mtnrd, I'm thinking I should dress for CT in July as well....I appreciate the confirmation.

I like that Vivienne Files blog, although the basic wardrobe pieces from LL Beam don't seem congruent with the accessories!

The skirt I bought doesn't fit perfectly so now I have to alter it. The skirt was from Ann Taylor, and no doubt it is much better constructed than other skirts I've bought...that's the good news. The bad news is, I have to do much more deconstructing/reconstructing to alter it.

The shoes I ordered from Clarks came yesterday...very quickly. That's the good news. The bad news is they sent me black which is what I tried on in the store but I wanted TAN. So now I have to go back to the store and try again....sheesh!

Good thing I'm doing this with lots of lead time....