This was the first trip where I actually used ever single thing I packed – nothing more and nothing less. I tend to overpack, but I had to fit into one checked back + one carry on for our trip to Italy. It required a lot of pre-planning and over thinking to pack exactly what I would need.
Red floral dress // Eyelet skirt // Yellow smocked dress // Green and white floral dress
Dresses
Since we traveled along coastal towns I packed mainly dresses + two pairs of comfortable flats. There are churches and sites in Italy have dress codes as well, so we just chose to dress up like many Europeans! I pulled some old favorites from my closet, and found a few new ones as well that were so comfortable!
Shoes
I packed my adidas sambas for airport days, slip on flats, and mesh flats. They were all very comfortable and all I needed. I heard these waterproof sandals are also amazing for beach/walking.
Travel Gear + Accessories
- Bagsmart travel backpack – Shocked by how much I was able to fit into this water resistant travel backpack. Includes a side pocket for shoes, and several smaller zip pockets. A really good price too. This has become one of my favorite brands for travel bags.
- Portable charger – This has the ability to charge iphones, apple watch, and earbuds all in one. It saved us many times! You use your phone to navigate, film, and take photos and it eats up your battery faster than you realize.
- Glow screen sunscreen – A lightweight tinted sunscreen that absorbs well and gives you a glowy finish. Love their sunscreen for kids too!
- Airplane head strap/eye mask – For someone who can rarely fall asleep on planes, this was a game changer for the long flight to Italy. It can attach to the curved part of your headrest, and secure your head with the velcro eye mask making it easier to fall asleep without the neck pain.
- Packable rain poncho – Another key item to have on hand in case you are dumped on while journeying in between towns like we were!
- Portable steamer – The hotels we stayed at didn’t have irons in the rooms (you can often request them at the front desk though!), so we were so happy to have this fast and efficient steamer on hand. Since every single clothing item we packed got wrinkled in transit, it was nice to have this whenever we needed it.
- Summer Fridays Jet Lag Essentials kit – I always travel with these minis because they are so refreshing for the skin/eyes after long hours of travel! Everything you need in one kit. They are by far the best eye patches I have ever tried.
- Compact umbrella – We ended up with a few rain showers, and I was so glad I packed this compact umbrella!
- Sunglasses – A comfortable pair of polarized shatter resistant sunnies!
- Magnetic leak proof capsules – After trying several travel containers and several unfortanate leak experiences, I committed to the Cadence capsules. They are magnetic, leak proof, and compact. Use these toppers to turn them into easy to pour dispensers while you travel.
- Outlet converters – These converters will work in most European outlets, and include USB outlets as well.
- Noise cancelling headphones – I love these bluetooth noice cancelling headphones for audio books or music while traveling. Really helps to drown out all of the airport/airplane noise.
- Cleansing wipes – in case you get stuck in an airport, or any place you don’t have a shower – these are great for on the go cleansing!
- Travel fleece blanket – I always get cold on the plane, and this was the first time I brought my own fleece blanket while flying. It was wonderful. So cozy and soft. It has a pocket to roll up and fold it away into, so it fit inside my carry on backpack really well.
- Compact makeup bag – I actually brought two of these. One for makeup and one for my carryon with a lot of the travel essentials listed above. It is nice and compact, but fits so much!
- Packing cubes – These always help me fit everything into one suitcase. I love the shoe bag as well for keeping dirty shoes off of clothes!
- The coast of Italy has many steep inclines and windy roads, so whether you are traveling by ferry, bus, or car – the Chewable dramamine will come in clutch! A first aid kit for any small emergency, and of course a good ole tide pen. The only thing that instantly removes small stains. I have used this for years.
We also used a portable phone stand to capture videos and photos throughout the trip without having to ask people to take them for us;) I think that covers it! Everything you need to feel prepared for a trip abroad. We started a substack this year called The Weekly Dish, and I will share our itinerary and honest thoughts about where we traveled through Italy over there!
