What I Packed for Italy (And Would Bring Again)
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What I Packed for Italy (And Would Bring Again)
Italy was equal parts work trip and love letter — cobblestone streets, packed regional trains, and just enough carry-on space to bring a little bit of it home. After years of helping clients plan their own Italy trips, I finally got to test my own advice in the wild. Here's exactly what made the cut, and why.
The Suitcase + Backpack Combo That Got Me Through Every Airport
This was the MVP of the whole trip. I had my laptop for work calls, and everything I needed for my flights still fit easily between the backpack and the smaller wheelie bag. No gate-checking, no scrambling through overhead bins, no dragging a bag that didn't fit — just smooth through every airport, both ways.
A Crossbody Bag I Never Took Off
Wearing this on my front through crowded piazzas and train stations meant I could always see it, and I never had to dig for my phone or wallet. If you're spending any time in busy tourist areas — Rome, Florence, Venice especially — this kind of easy-access, always-visible bag is non-negotiable.
The European Adapter I Never Leave Home Without
A genuine must-have for anyone flying to Europe. Doesn't matter how many times I travel — this goes in the bag first, every time.
Luggage Tags That Are as Practical as They Are Cute
Simple, but so worth it. Between connecting flights and hotel-to-hotel moves, having a bag that's instantly identifiable (and doesn't look like everyone else's black suitcase) saved me more than once.
Packing Cubes That Made Room for Everything I Bought
I did a lot of shopping in Italy — as one does — and having packing cubes meant I actually had the space to bring it all home without a chaotic repack at the airport. These kept everything organized on the way there and compressed enough to make room for souvenirs on the way back.
The Lotion I Take Literally Everywhere
Not Italy-specific, but it comes on every single trip I take. A good one just makes long travel days feel less rough.
Travel-Size Everyday Staples
TSA-friendly versions of the products I use daily anyway, so my routine didn't skip a beat just because I was 5,000 miles from home.
Planning your own trip to Italy? I'd love to help you put together an itinerary — and I'll send you a packing list tailored to exactly where you're headed and when.