What to pack for a trip to Italy, or anywhere really?
I love to travel and I do it fairly often. Each year I attempt to get in the following trips:
Couple’s trip - a solo trip for me and my hubby
Family trip - at the core we have me, hubby, and the kids. Oftentimes we include other family members like grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins.
College Roommates trip - brought together in college we strive to get together at least once a year
Mommy and me trip - me and the kids
Me and mommy trip - my mom and me
Girlfriends trip - my Charlotte hangout crew
Six trips can add up to be a lot so when I can things sometimes get combined. For example, if we do a family trip I may plan a day or two where just my husband and I get to hang out. Another one would be, for the Mommy and me trip I can bring my mom and combine it with the me and mommy trip.
What inspired this particular post in an upcoming trip to Italy with the college roommates. One of my friends was getting nervous about what to pack, so I told her I would send her the list I use. I went to my phone to pull up my notes app only to realize that the items on the list were just the more uncommon ones. I realized that most of my packing is done from scratch every single time. As an Industrial Engineer it’s amazing to me that I never realized how inefficient that process was a long time ago. So now I am streamlining the process and making a list that not only can my friend use for our upcoming trip but one that anyone can use for all trips to come. My mom taught me a long time ago that when I am packing I should use the head to toe method. Start at your head and consider all of the things that you use that you will need on your trip. Let’s begin.
Things to pack for your next trip - Head to Toe Method
Head - anything you will need from the neck up
Hat
Sunglasses
Comb/Brush - my hair is loc’d so I don’t actually pack these items
Head scarf or head tie
Toiletries
Shampoo/Conditioner - this is typically provided at the accommodations that you have reserved but if you have a particular brand that you like for your hair don’t forget to pack it.
Hair oil/Grease/Spray/etc.
Face wash and Face cream
Makeup
Toothbrush and Toothpaste
Floss/Floss sticks
These next few I don’t normally get to until the body section but seeing as they are also toiletries I will throw them in here.
Deodorant
Lotion
Body wash/Soap - similar to the shampoo/conditioner, they may already be provided but if you have one that you prefer then bring it along
Nail clipper
Tweezer
Skin tech - this is a product that I used to sell in one of my network marketing businesses. It is an antiseptic foam that protects the skin from bacteria, viruses and many other things. I discovered that not only is it great for killing germs on contact, it is also very effective as a mosquito repellent and anti-itch foam. Unfortunately, the product was discontinued as an item serviced by that company but luckily I was able to stock up on some beforehand.
This is a good place to make a brief callout about travel size gels and liquids. At this point and time there is still a limit on the size of liquids and gels that you can bring in a carry on bag. If you are bringing a carry on bag remember to keep your liquids smaller than 3.4oz (100ml) and make sure they are fit within a quart size ziploc bag that is easily removable when going through security.
Body - anything you need between your neck and your ankles
Panties/Underwear
Bra
Pants
Tops
Dresses
Moo Moo - this is one of my latest additions. I got one recently and loved that I can use it to put on after a shower while I do things like steam/iron clothes, apply makeup, lotion, etc. It can also be used just to lounge around in.
Layers according to the weather: Sweaters/Jacket/Coat/Scarf/Hat/Gloves
In the list we have it generically listed as pants, tops, dresses. But how do you determine what types of outfits you should bring? Here are some questions you can ask to make this determination:
Will you be dressing up for an event?
Are you traveling for a wedding, graduation or other special event? Then you will need to determine what outfit is required for the occasion.
Are there any dress code requirements for places you want to visit or activities you will be participating in?
One example of this is that on our upcoming trip we will be visiting the Vatican. The dress code requirements there include no exposed shoulders or knees. Regardless how hot it may be I now know that I have to pack an outfit that fits those rules.
Will you be going out to a club or fancy dinner?
What is the anticipated temperature/weather?
What color shoes am I bringing and can I coordinate enough outfits to limit the number of shoes I need to pack? (A little more on this later).
Some other questions to consider to ensure you have packed all the necessary items are:
Will you be working out?
If the answer is yes, then you will need to pack your workout clothes and shoes. Depending on the type of workout you may also need things like resistance bands, jump rope, yoga block, or other light items you can use to enhance your workout. Remember that your luggage will have a weight limit so you will need to be careful to not pack any items that are too heavy.
Will you be going to the pool, beach or spa?
If the answer is yes, then you will need one or more bathing suits and sandals/flip flops. One new item that I started packing is my Turkish cotton towel. As you know, I am a member of the Chubby Cute Club and in my experience those spa towels lack the length needed to adequately cover these curves. My Turkish cotton towel is lightweight and has the length I need to feel comfortable at the spa, pool or beach.
Will you be going on any excursions?
Depending on the area you are traveling to you will need things like water shoes, a waterproof phone case, sunglasses, sunscreen, a water bottle and a small bag to carry it all in.
Feet - below the ankles
In this section we are talking mostly about shoes but don’t forget socks and or pantyhose as needed for your selected outfits.
Do you have a pair of closed toe shoes? I always travel with a pair of closed toe shoes. You will be surprised at how many places require your toes to be covered for safety reasons.
Do you have a versatile pair of shoes that can work with multiple outfits? Depending on the size of your luggage you will likely not be able to carry a plethora of shoes. As mentioned briefly above, this means you will need to pair down to one or two that can be worn with multiple outfits. For this trip I will be bringing a pair of all black sneakers and a pair of all white shoes that are probably most similar to loafers. I will also bring a brown sandal. Between these three shoes I will have every outfit covered.
Do you have shoes for the pool, beach or spa? Here all you will need is a simple flip flop or Crocs.
Miscellaneous - things that I pack that aren’t easily triggered by the head to toe check
Jewelry
Washcloth - I found out that this is a cultural item and is therefore not supplied everywhere so I carry my own.
Towel - specifically the turkish cotton one as mentioned earlier
Blanket - I begin every night in bed being cold. This was actually causing me to get sick when traveling from the hotel air conditioner. I began packing a small fleece blanket that I use at night to keep the chill off.
Pillow - neck pillow for the plane, train or car ride.
Umbrella/Poncho - check the weather for your destination to avoid having to purchase one last minute when the rain starts pouring.
Medical bag
I didn’t start carrying a medical bag until I started traveling with kids but ever since then I find it to be very helpful. Sometimes after a long day of walking and sightseeing my body is sore I need to take a few ibuprofen. Other things I carry are for stomach issues, allergies or for minor scrapes and bruises.
MiraLAX
Allergy medicine
Bandaids
Aquaphor
Hydrocortisone cream
Skintech
Pain medicine
Stomach medicine
Electronics
E-reader (I prefer an oversized paperback personally)
Noise canceling wireless/bluetooth headphones
Tablet and/or Laptop
Cell Phone
Chargers for all electronic devices
Tens Machine
Steamer - irons are usually provided at your hotel but I hate to iron so now I travel with my garment steamer.
It was somewhere around here when I realized I am a heavy packer. I am trying to make sure I have everything I could possibly need when I am in these foreign streets. At home, I don’t like it when I reach for something and it has run out. I like to have an extra or spare on hand so that things are always available. I guess that translates into how I pack as well. I don’t want to get far away from home and realize that the one thing I really need isn’t with me.
The list we just reviewed will get you through about 95% of all of your travel needs but there are a few extra things to be aware of if there are variations to your trip such as traveling internationally, traveling with kids or traveling solo. Let’s see what else we will need in these cases.
Additional Things to pack if your trip is international
Passport - this is the most important thing you will need for your international trip. You will not even be allowed on the plane without having your documents verified. I also recommend keeping a copy of your passport with you. In case of a lost or stolen passport you will have the information required to file a report.
Copy of birth certificate - I also carry a copy of my birth certificate. This too is just in case of a lost or stolen passport. I like to have some type of document that shows that I am indeed a citizen of the United States.
Address and phone number to embassy - one of my friends included this information on our itinerary for the trip we are going on. I actually hadn’t thought about this before but I agree it’s good to have. In case of a national conflict or disaster being able to get to the embassy could be the difference of life or death.
Foreign currency - I typically travel with a credit card that waives the foreign transaction fee such as the Barclay’s American Airlines Card or the Chase Sapphire Preferred card however I do like to have cash in the local currency. I will order the currency from my bank ahead of my trip to have a better conversion rate and to have money on hand as soon as I land. Other options include using the currency converter station inside the airport or using your debit card to withdraw local currency from the ATM machine.
Plug converter - know what type of plug there is at your destination and ensure you have the correct convertor to be able to charge your electronic devices.
Travel SIM card - You can mostly get by with using the wifi provided at your accommodations however if you plan on using your phone GPS or want to be able to make calls back home when away from the hotel you will need to get a sim card for the country you are in. These typically come in different plans by the amount of data you want.
Global entry card - As a US citizen I was able to get a global entry card to help expedite my reentry into the United States through customs. I have not yet used it for reentry but am a big fan of being able to use TSA precheck. This program allows me to go through an expedited TSA security line and doesn’t require that I remove items from my bag such as the gels and liquids discussed earlier, large electronic devices like iPads and laptops or have to remove my personal items like belt, shoes and jacket. For a frequent traveler this program is a win.
Foldable backpack - to use as mentioned earlier on an excursion or just to carry around your day to day items.
Foldable jacket - these are easier to pack than a regular sized jacket
Additional Things to pack if you are bringing the kids
Traveling with kids can be fun but stressful if you aren’t adequately prepared. Here are things you should consider when packing those kiddo sized suitcases.
Stroller - before I had kids I used to see kids with their big age of 7,8,9+ sitting in strollers at the amusement parks and zoos. I would think to myself why do they have that big old kid sitting in a stroller. Then I had kids of my own and had this big kid looking up at me for a pick up or a piggy back ride because they are too tired to keep walking. Man, I’m tired too! You pick me up! And from that point on I knew, if I was planning on walking further than a city block, I was going to bring a stroller. Having a stroller is also good for taking a break from carrying around a bunch of heavy bags like diaper bags or shopping bags.
Diapers
Wipes
First aid kit/medical bag
Night light - You can often leave on the bathroom light close enough to where the kids are sleeping but I don’t always do that because I prefer to sleep in the DARK. Having a night light (or humidifier, see next item) allows me to place the light closer to them without disturbing me.
Humidifier - I have one that has a night light so that is a great 2-in-1 item. I travel with this because in new locations I notice that my kids start sniffling and start to get congested. I find that a few drops of lemongrass essential oil in the humidifier at night helps to relieve this.
Letter of Allowance to Seek Medical Treatment - This one is only if you are going to be leaving your kids with a non parent. The person they are staying with (like a grandmother, for example) will not be allowed to get them medical treatment without a notarized letter from the legal guardian that they are authorized to do so. I send it with my kids in case of an emergency.
Things to pack if you are bringing the kids on the international trip
Snacks/foods they love that are difficult to find in your travel location. I don’t know about your kids, but mine are sometimesy with their food. I took them on a trip to Colombia and they didn’t like the food. The eggs and hot dogs taste different. The chicken and fish were too salty. I ended up having to find a grocery store to purchase frosted flakes and milk so that they would have something to eat. I learned my lesson from that experience and began traveling with Nutri-Grain bars, ramen noodles (in the bag if there will be a kitchen, in the cup if not), GoGo squeeZ and a few other things that I know they can get by on until I find something that they like.
Additional notes for the solo traveler
I don’t often travel alone unless it’s a work trip but here are a few things to remember to ensure your safety.
Share your itinerary with family/friends
Check in often
Pay attention! - Keep your head on a swivel
If possible, learn a few self defense moves. Come at me the wrong way and you will get chopped in your throat in a heartbeat.
Recommendations from my boujee friends
Just when I thought I had my list down pat my friends suggested some items that I hadn’t considered. I didn’t get these for this trip but I will likely give them a try in the future.
Teva sandals
Lifewater water bottle
Bluetooth wireless audio transmitter
I hope you enjoyed packing a bag with me. Now, if you are able to get all of this into a checked bag and keep it under 50 pounds you are a packing master! I may need a little assistance from a carry on but I think I can do it. Wish me luck in getting it all to fit.
Bon voyage!