One of the hardest parts of international traveling is figuring out what exactly to pack. I’ve always struggled throughout the years about deciding which clothes to bring and getting my suitcase under the standard 50 pound limit. (although many times I failed and had to readjust it last minute).
What has happened is many times I failed and had to readjust my luggage at the last minute.We all end up wearing our favorite outfits and some things don’t get even get used and at the end of the trip we feel we wasted space in the suitcase. Precious space that could have been used to bring home something cute from Italy!
So here is everything that I like to pack. I am also including a packing checklist that you can feel free to use. This is my standard packing list for when I go to Italy in the summertime. I’m familiar with the weather fluctuations of Italy and I pack accordingly. If you are travelling elsewhere, I recommend checking out the weather beforehand so you can adjust what you need to bring.
For Her
Clothing
✓Light Tops– Pack at least 6 light tops that you can easily pair with any bottoms. I usually stick to more neutral yet cute shirts that I can wear multiple times throughout the trip.
✓Dressy Tops– Be sure to bring 3-4 nicer tops that you can wear during the evening for dinners/ going out.
✓Long Sleeve Shirts-Remember to pack about 2 long sleeve shirts because at times it could get a little chilly at night so you should always be prepared.
✓Dress/Skirt– Important to bring at least 1 to 2 of your favorite dresses (or skirts) because you can easily dress it down or dress it up! Think about all the cute Instagram pictures you can get….;) (Try not to bring anything to heavy or bulky)
✓Shorts– Some days will be hot so bring around 3-4 pairs of shorts because they are essential for walking around and exploring during the daytime heat.
✓Jeans/Leggings– Always have at least 2 pairs of jeans and 1-2 pair of leggings. I usually bring 1 pair of blue jeans, 1 pair of black jeans, and 1 pair of black leggings.
✓Belt- Make sure you remember to pack a belt as it’s something easy to forget to bring.
✓Jacket– You must pack one comfortable jacket for the plane (maybe a lightweight down or imitation down that can be easily packed in your purse or backpack) and another one that you can dress up with when going out (like denim or leather).
Undergarments/ Sleepwear
✓Underwear– It’s key to have at least 8 pairs of underwear (1 for each day of the weak, plus an extra one).
✓Bras– You could pack 3-4 bras, I usually bring 2 comfortable ones, one sports bras, and one strapless bra.
✓Pajamas– Keep in mind to bring 2 pajama sets (one set that is long sleeved just in case it is chilly).
✓Comfy Shirts– Take along a couple of comfortable shirts that you can use to lounge in or for travel days.
✓Socks– So important to have 8 pairs of socks (1 for each day of the week, plus an extra pair).
Beachwear
✓Swimsuit-We think you should pack 2 swimsuits or more if you plan on going to some coastal areas.
✓Cover Up– One great cover up to put over your swimsuit is key.
Active Wear
✓Running shorts– Always have 1 pair of running shorts or any type of sport shorts.
✓Quick dry shirt– It’s nice to have 1-2 quick dry shirts if you plan on exercising during the trip.
✓Baseball Cap- Pack just 1 baseball cap because it can come in handy during the day time.
Shoes
✓Running Shoes (wear it in the airport so you don’t have to pack it)
✓Cute but comfortable sneaker
✓Cute but comfortable walking sandal
✓A dressy shoe
*Keep in mind that you pack more or less than this, but make sure you have enough room (3 shoes should be good enough)
Jewelry
✓Necklaces
✓Earings
✓Rings
✓Watches
*It is up to you the amount of jewelry you’d like to bring because it is smaller and you can bring more of it.
For Him
Underwear/ Sleepwear
✓Briefs/boxers– You could pack at least 8 pairs (1 for each day of the week, plus an extra one).
✓Pajamas– Don’t forget 2 pajama sets (one set that is long sleeved just in case it is chilly).
✓Comfy Shirts– Take along 3-4 comfortable shirts that you can use to lounge in or for travel days.
✓Socks– Pack 8 pairs of socks (1 for each day of the week, plus an extra pair).
Clothing
✓ Cotton Shirts – We suggest at least 5 cotton shirts which you can easily pair with jeans or shorts.
✓ Dress / Collared Shirts – Good to have at least 2 dress or collared shirts for going out
✓ Jeans / Trousers – At least 2 pairs of pants for when you will dress up.
✓ Shorts – For the hotter days you should have 2 to 3 different types of shorts.
✓Long Sleeve Shirts– Two long sleeve shirts for potentially chillier days.
✓Jacket- Bring at least 1 jacket because nights can get chilly (I’d recommend wearing one on the plane).
✓Belt- Make sure you pack a belt or wear it on your jeans on the plane so you don’t forget it.
Beachwear
✓Swimsuit-We recommend 2 swimsuits or more if you plan on going to some coastal areas.
Active Wear
✓Running shorts– 1 pair of running shorts or any type of sport shorts.
✓Quick dry shirt– Be sure to pack 2 quick dry shirts if you plan on exercising during the trip.
✓Baseball Cap- Take along one baseball cap because it can come in handy during the day time.
Shoes
✓Running Shoes
✓Comfortable walking shoe
✓Slides
✓A dressy shoe
*Keep in mind that you can pack more or less than this, but make sure you have enough room (3 shoes should be good enough)
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Other necessities
Toiletries
✓Bobby pins
✓Body soap
✓Shampoo/Conditioner
✓Toothbrush/ toothpaste
✓Dental Floss
✓Retainer
✓Chapstick
✓Nail Clippers
✓Feminine products
✓Hair Tools
✓Makeup/ makeup brushes
✓Skin Care
✓Deodorant
✓Razor
✓Cotton pads
✓Q-tips
✓Sunscreen
✓Hand sanitizer
✓Perfume
✓Insect repellant
✓Contact solution
✓Medicine
✓Vitamins
✓Small Mirror
✓Tweezers
Sleeping
✓Ear plugs
✓Night Mask
Important
✓Wallet
✓Passport
✓ID
✓Travel Documents
Technology
✓Phone
✓Camera
✓Charger
✓Laptop
✓Adapter!!!
Hobby
✓Diary
✓Pencils/pens
✓Book
✓Headphones
Accessories
✓Hat
✓Scarf
✓Purse
✓Sunglasses
I hope this post is helpful to those that will be travelling. This list can also be helpful to those travelling for a shorter amount of time, you just need to accommodate for the quantity of items you are planning on bringing. Just don’t go too crazy with the suitcase because you can’t forget that there is a weight limit and if you go over, you will have to pay a fee (and you might end up going shopping while you are there). Additionally, when I go to Italy with my family, we usually squish everything into 2 big suitcases and 2 small carry ons, but it is up to you how you’d like to fit everything (especially if you are traveling solo or with one other person).
