"Roughing It" -- Minimum needed to travel

[Sijuki]

I'm really pushing the plans to go to Europe. With work and all, I can get about 9... 10 days. I think I will fly in to Rome (although Madrid is a possibility, flight price may sway me). But I am looking for the minimum stuff you would need for 10 days. I seriously would like to get by with just a normal backpack.

I remember before that the common thing in Europe was that people do not wear shorts, and pants are more accepted. Is this the case?

In hostels, what is the accessibility of washing clothes...

I travel pretty light anyways, so it doesn't like it would be that much of a stretch to make it a week in Europe. I packed 7 days worth of clothes for LV in my backpack.

I would also look for a Ryanair jaunt somewhere else in Europe too.

I know Marc has input on this