Hi friends!

As promised, here’s my version of a 2 week trip’s packing list. Remember that this packing list is for those who would like to pack in a backpack, but you could modify it for any trip. We have recently discovered that we love to travel with backpacks (not a new concept, but new to us) and we know a lot of people who are interested in doing the same. If you missed my post from a few days ago, here it is! It’s full of advice on how to pack for a trip in a backpack and why it’s definitely worth the extra effort. Also, here’s a post about our Italian honeymoon and advice on how to plan a Euro trip with links pointing you to where you can find various helpful travel items.

Women’s Packing List:

• 1-2 cardigans
• Grey jeans
• Dark jeans
• 2-3 short sleeved shirts
• 3-4 pairs of leggings
• 2-3 tunics
• 2 dresses
• 1 maxi dress (for churches where you can’t show your knees)
• 2-4 pairs of tights
• 3 scarves
• 1 set of workout clothes (yoga pants and shirt)
• 5-6 tank tops
• Lightweight neutral jacket
• Variety of socks
• Hat and/or sunglasses
• Undergarments
• Swim suit
• Shoes
  • ballet flats
  • Keds or converse
  • ankle boots

Men’s Packing List:

• 1 pair of jeans
• 1 pair of khakis
• 1 pair of colored jeans
• 2 button down shirts (these wrinkle easily, so get them out the night before you wear them and hang them near the shower to get the wrinkles out).
• 2-3 polos
• 3-4 short sleeved shirts
• 2 long sleeve shirts
• 1 set of casual workout clothes
• Extra T-shirt
• 1 light jacket
• 1 sweater depending on time of year
• Boxers
• Plenty of socks
• Swim trunks
• Hat and/or sunglasses
• Shoes
  • boots
  • converse or other comfy shoes

Toiletries:

• We packed ours in quart size bags and fit everything in 2 bags (one for him and one for me). We used the hotel soaps for the most part and only had to buy toothpaste and contact solution while there.
• Be sure to review your airline’s instructions and rules on liquids.
• For non liquids, we packed those in a small toiletry bag.
• Definitely bring Tylenol and/or Advil because it’s expensive in Italy (and other countries too). Also, don’t forget any other prescriptions you may need and bring the prescription labels just to be safe.
• Bring a small first aid kit with band-aids, Neosporin, Benadryl and hydrocortisone cream.
• If you’re prone to sickness or infections, ask your doctor to provide you with travel medications. Always get a checkup and update your vaccines before a big trip.
• Make a list of toiletries you really need and just bring those.
• Also remember that the world is smaller than you think. You can buy pretty much anything, anywhere. 😉
• Leave straighteners, curl wands and hair dryers at home, because those are a bigger hassle than they are worth thanks to varying electrical currents in different countries. Unfortunately, one of my study abroad friends taught me this after she accidentally burnt a desk with a straightener in Cambridge because it got too hot from the more intense electrical current in the UK. There was lots of excitement when they had to call the “fire brigade,” haha! Entertaining, but I doubt you want to deal with any of that. Most hotels have hair dryers anyway.

Other things to pack:

*Most of these items can easily be found on Amazon or linked in my last post.

• chargers and cables
• adapters and convertors
• pocket charger (surprisingly helpful)
• money belt for well known sketchy areas when you must carry Passports
• guide book
• language book (or get a phone app)
• snacks/granola bars
• water bottle to refill
• hook for water bottle to be clipped to bag
• clothesline
• locks for backpacks
• folder with itinerary and copies of tickets
• Passport
• copy of Passport and credit cards (plus leave one at home with family)
• Zero transaction fee credit or debit card (call your credit card company before leaving)
• coin purse (euros get heavy after a while)
• raincoat or umbrella
• physical map for places like Positano where GPS doesn’t pick up your location

*Remember to leave a little extra room in your bag so you can buy some souvenirs or new clothes while abroad. I always like to buy a scarf when I’m visiting a new city. We also started a new tradition where we buy a Christmas ornament everywhere we go together. If you end up wanting to buy a ton of stuff, just buy a cheap duffel or suitcase and send that with the checked bags on your way back. Or you could go the old snail mail route and ship your items back home!

Stay tuned for posts over the next few weeks focusing on each city we visited in Italy. I’m compiling a bit of a city guide where I’ll recommend hotels, restaurants and other helpful bits of info for anyone interested in more specific details.

Cheers! xx

Aubrey

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