Italy is two months away! I can hardly believe it.

My plan is to pack in one carry on suit case and one “personal item” duffel. Part of this is due to stories I’ve heard about lost luggage. Part of it is because I don’t want to be lugging giant suitcases around. Part of it is because I’m not sure what I’d pack to fill said giant suitcases!

Mentally, I’ve already packed. And since it’ll be in the 60s in Florence when I go I could probably put most of it into the suitcase now. When the trip gets closer I’ll do a post about what I’m packing (because it’ll also essentially be a spring capsule wardrobe too!)

This post is about the gear and non-clothing essentials.

Suitcase

Monos Carry-On Pro (in Terracotta)

I wanted a hard side piece of luggage for this tip and the outside pocket is exceptionally appealing on this one. I haven’t decided if I am bringing my laptop or not but I’ll be able to put my kindle, magazines, journal and phone here for easy access.

Duffel Bag

Calpak Stevyn Duffel (in Dune)

I have searched the internet ad nauseam for the perfect carry on duffle. It had to:

• have a trolley sleeve/pass through so it could rest on the top of my rolling bag
• a bottom shoe compartment
• wide top opening
• be lightweight
• be stylish

While flying home from Florida after New Year’s the woman on the plane in front of me had this Calpak duffel and I was sold. It ticks all the boxes.

Packing Cubes

Compression Packing Cubes (Amazon)

These nifty little guys use double zippers to compress the air out of the stuff packed inside. I’ll use these for underwear, pajamas and jeans because they’re less wrinkle prone slash I don’t care if they wrinkle!

Compression Socks

Bombas Women’s Everyday Compression Sock 3-Pack (15-20mmHg)

The first time I flew to Europe I kicked my shoes off and snuggled in. And then couldn’t get my shoes back on when we landed because my feet had swelled. This time I’m wearing compression socks and a compression tank with wide legged pants and a sweater or denim jacket.

Fool me once and all.

Power Adapter

The US to Europe Power Outlet Converter (Amazon)

I like that this one has the USB ports because that’s what most of my chargers are these days!

Travel Pillow

TRAVELREST Nest Patented Memory Foam Travel Pillow (Amazon)

Voted Best Travel Pillow for 2018-2022 by NYTimes Wirecutter. It can fold up/compress to a quarter of it’s size which makes it easy to stuff in my duffle!

Toiletry Containers

Cadence Travel Containers Set of 6

I love everything about these products.

1. Design
2. Size
3. Function
4. Sustainability
5. Women Owned Company

These will get my shampoo over the pond as well as other miscellaneous Beautycounter items that aren’t already travel size.

Digital Camera

Mirrorless Camera (Amazon Search)

We have a Samsung Mirrorless Camera that we bought about 10 years ago. I’m SURE technology has improved but for my purposes I’m going to take this bad boy to Italy.

I’ll also use my iPhone camera but I’m looking at this Paper Shoot Camera for it’s size alone!

What am I missing? What are your travel essentials?

<UPDATE 2/17/2023> A friend of mine said she never travels to Europe without a battery powered fan for sleeping. She and I both agreed that we like to be cozy at night and she said this little fan helps her get better sleep!