I’ve never been to Europe before. On past trips, I always ended up bringing too many clothes I didn’t wear, uncomfortable shoes I hated wearing, and way too many toiletries.
Because I had no idea how to pack efficiently, I decided to do some research online. I combined a few resources and created a packing guide tailored for my needs. By wearing what I brought and observing what others wore, I learned what worked best. Here are my suggestions for what to pack:
Clothing
Three pairs of jeans: Versatile for most weather. Pair with flats, flip-flops, or a light camisole in warm weather, or dress them up with a stylish top and espadrilles for a night out.
Two pairs of shorts: Ideal for hot days. Keep in mind that many churches in Europe don’t allow shorts, so plan accordingly.
Two summer dresses: Like jeans, dresses can be dressed up or down. Pair with sandals during the day or a cute sweater and espadrilles in the evening.
Four comfortable short-sleeve tops for the day, two dressier tops for evening: Button-downs can be tied at the waist for a casual look. All tops pair well with jeans, shorts, or dresses.
Raincoat: Spring and summer weather in Italy can be unpredictable.
One pair of pajamas: Handy for lounging at the hotel or getting ready.
One pair of athletic shoes: Comfortable and versatile. Many modern designs are stylish enough to wear with dresses.
Espadrilles: The most comfortable shoes for travel and long walks. Skip stilettoes, they’re for home.
One pair of flat sandals and flip-flops: Essential for all-day walking. Choose pairs that coordinate with most of your wardrobe.
One sweater or hoodie: A sweater is best for versatility; hoodies are more casual.
Light dressier coat/jacket: Perfect for evenings when you dress up a bit.
Underwear: Five pairs are enough, plus two bras, one for lighter clothing, one black. This ensures you always have a fresh one while washing the other.
Bags & Accessories
One spacious bag and a small backpack: Choose a bag usable for both day and evening. A small backpack or crossbody is perfect for sunscreen, raincoat, wallet, and phone. Wear it in front to prevent theft.
One hat: Essential for sunny days.
Hair ties and round clips: Two of each is plenty.
What Not to Bring
Sunscreen or bug spray: Easily purchased locally.
Umbrella: Too cumbersome. A raincoat is much easier. If the rain is heavy, stay indoors.
Extra toiletries: Bring enough for about a week. Hotel shampoos and conditioners are often high-quality. Bathrooms in Italy are small, so less is more.
Hair dryer: Hotels usually provide one. For curly hair, I brought a curling spray and styled minimally. Use a round clip and light hairspray to touch up.
Too much makeup: Pack essentials only, moisturizer, cleanser, makeup remover, and lip balm.
Key Tips
Comfort and enjoyment are the priorities when traveling to Italy. You don’t need to look perfect, just be present and happy. A beautiful smile and positive attitude will outshine any outfit.
Finally, pack light. The less you bring, the more room you’ll have for souvenirs and new finds along the way!
