Originally Posted by
Katja
Only you can decide if it's too much. To me, it sounds like 2 suitcases, one of them very big. But I have a low tolerance for dragging stuff around and a high tolerance for doing wash and wearing the same thing over and over again. I do 2 weeks in the winter with a 20" carryon and a small backpack, and half my junk is computer stuff. I figure 8 weeks is 2 weeks 4 times.
Sounds like you already know how much you need to be comfortable and happy! If you're willing to schlep it, go for it.
Katja's right. You really don't need more than a week's worth of clothes. There are laundries. I'd take a couple of pair of slacks you can wear to work, five tops, 10 days of underwear, a skirt or suit if you want, something to wear when you go out, workout, hiking clothes, one set of leisure clothes. One pair work shoes (heels), one pair flats, one pair trainers.
Exofficio makes great underwear. They are light and dry overnight. I have taken them all over the world and was them at night. They are dry the next day. You can order them at REI.
On hairdryers, curling irons. I have a small dual voltage hairdryer that I carry if I am not staying in a four star hotel overseas. Most hotels have them these days.
I did five weeks in Europe, all travel, in a 24 inch roller bag. My camera equipment is the bane of my existence in travel, so my carry on is all camera gear/laptop.