My Italian Adventures

One of the biggest lessons learned from our trip to Italy was that overpacking is never a good idea. I played out every scenario in my head beforehand of items I would need “just in case”. Come to find out, I really did not need sweatshirts, sweatpants or jeans during my entire 12 day trip abroad! Not to mention, traveling with numerous large bags is not only stressful, but makes you stand out like a sore thumb. So, after considering all of this, I have developed a list of what I would deem “Italian essentials” for a 2 week trip!

I have also attached links to the many items that we purchased! And as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases!

Must-Haves for Italian Travel

• Passport: Up to date for travel; also be sure to make a copy of passport and keep in a different location than original
• Cross Body Bag: Recommend Travelon for slash resistant, locking mechanisms Purchased two One for me: (https://amzn.to/4rUmOBk) One for my daughter: (https://amzn.to/4sYTnid) Loved them both, mine was roomer, my daughters held all the basics!
• RFID wallet: Protects credit cards from unauthorized digital scanning. My husband wanted one with a money clip: (https://amzn.to/4sqT7bZ) and my son wanted a more classic wallet (https://amzn.to/4d1Q59p)
• Boarding Passes: Either print out or download on your phone for easy access
• Euros: Cash is king! Having cash is a must, especially in the markets and if you are hoping to barter.
• Credit/Debit Card: If you are using a debit, be sure to let your bank know about international travel beforehand. Some credit cards do not charge international fees, so be sure to look into that when deciding which cards to bring

Electronics

Clothing

When in Rome (as they say)… Clothing and dress is very important to Italians. They tend to dress very sophisticated, so be sure to choose your outfits accordingly, especially those you will be wearing out to dinner.

Also, be sure to check the temperatures for the time of year that you are traveling. I have always been an over-packer, but once I experienced traveling in Italy with countless suitcases of clothing I did not even wear, I have created a priority list! We were lucky enough to stay in Airbnb’s that had laundry, so that can be a game changer as well. Also, be sure to pack items that could be worn with multiple outfits!

• 10 socks: lightweight, breathable socks. You will likely be walking ALOT, so be sure you have socks that will not slouch! (https://amzn.to/3PWQHDw)
• 10 underwear: Again lightweight & breathable
• 3 bras/ Sports bra
• Light Sweater: Go with a versatile option (tan, black, white) that could be worn with multiple outfits
• 1 pair of linen pants: These light pants are perfect for warm weather
• Pj shorts/tops
• 1 lounge pants (https://amzn.to/3NZddes)
• 4-6 casual shirts: You will be doing a lot of walking, so during the day comfort is key
• 4 tank tops: Casual & Dressy. One of the dressy, comfy tanks I got (https://amzn.to/3NM9YH4)
• 4 shorts: I would recommend 2 casual for day time exploring, 2 dressier and even a skort!
• 3 light flowy dresses: So easy to pack and roll to not take up a lot of space. Got Great ones at Shien & TJ Maxx
• 1 Scarf: Neutral color to go with multiple outfits (https://amzn.to/4svNr0p)
• Swimsuits/Cover Up
• Comfortable Walking Sneakers (https://amzn.to/4bG8PJ7)
• Neutral Sandals: For walking, not really dressy, but they air the feet out! (https://amzn.to/4lSybbw)
• Flip Flops/Water Shoes

The list essentially remains the same for a male (give or take a few items), however, here are a few additional items not to forget!

• 1 pair of long pants (essential for entering any religious landmarks)
• 2-3 collared/polo shirts
• Under shirts
• Light Weight Blazer (optional)
• Loafers
• 1-2 Button Down Dress Shirts
• Belt

Toiletries/Miscellaneous

When it comes to packing toiletries, I recommend taking as many travel size items as possible. There were some items that are not available in travel size, so I purchased some 4 oz. containers and put my gel, face wash, face cream etc… in them for lightweight and easier travel.

• Shampoo & Conditioner
• Hair Products: Gel, Mousse, Hairspray, etc…
• Hair accessories: Comb, Brush, Ponytails, Clips, Bobby Pins, etc…
• Blow dryer Many places have these, if not need dual voltage! (https://amzn.to/4lK4EAC)
• Straightener: I purchased this dual voltage, worked great (https://amzn.to/4t6cLKl)
• Face Wash & Face Cream
• Face Mask/Eye Mask
• Makeup Accessories
• Tooth Brush, Tooth Paste, Dental Floss
• Perfume/ Cologne/ Body spray
• Deodorant
• Sunglasses
• Hats (baseball hat, wide brim beach hat, etc…)
• Jewelry: I purchased a small travel jewelry box! (https://amzn.to/40LWNci)
• Sunscreen & Chapstick
• Qtips
• Razors
• Hand Sanitizer/ Wipes
• Travel Steamer (https://amzn.to/4bIakXn)
• Neck Pillow for Travel (https://amzn.to/40POX1o)
• Lightweight “Day Bag”: This was essential for day trips! Used it when we went to the beach, Capri for the day and visiting the springs in Sorrento. (https://amzn.to/40R2VQs)
• Water Bottle: Some of us packed empty water bottles since there are fountains all over to refill (not essential, as you can always buy one there and re-use) (https://amzn.to/4s1cmrS)
• First Aid Kit: Bandaids, Neosporin, Pain Medication (tylenol/advil), Prescriptions, Benadryl, Tums/Gas Relief, Dramamine (those ferries could be rough!)

For An Added Touch: I decided to make little kits for everyone to take on vacation. For those over 21 – “Hangover Kits”… for those under 21 – “Survival Kits”. I had little bags made on Etsy and I included the following items: Tylenol/Advil, Eye Masks, Liquid IV, Foot masks, Alka Seltzer, Aloe Face Wipes, Mints, Chapstick, Hand wipes, Mints, Translation Cards, Italian Crew descriptions of each person. These were fun to make and even more fun to read aloud to one another!

I purchased all of these in bulk on Amazon, pretty much because I lack self control, but also because it made everyone happy. The following is easy access to links!

• Advil (https://a.co/d/08mCKTVx)
• Mints (https://amzn.to/41apb8h)
• Chapstick (https://amzn.to/3PrR3lG)
• Eye Masks (https://amzn.to/4c1m2NY)
• Alka Seltzer (https://amzn.to/4t1XD0m)
• Aloe Face Wipes (https://amzn.to/4c6SFZN)
• Hand Wipes (https://amzn.to/4sw8SP3)
• Foot Masks (https://amzn.to/4uORQx3)
• Liquid IV (https://amzn.to/4bHhrPD)

Key Packing Tip: Try to fit all that you can between a carry-on and a backpack. Not only are there countless hills and steps everywhere, the uneven cobblestones, making large luggage difficult to manage. And trust me, you likely will not wear everything you have packed! Also, if you have left something behind, you can just buy whatever you need there