I am traveling to Italy for the first time this summer so you already know that I have been researching like crazy (and by research I mean tiktok videos)! I have found a LOT of information and continue to find new info every day, but most of the videos agree on a few things. Below I have this said things and the reasoning behind why you need them. Now remember this list is in no way exhaustive and it’s totally customizable to your person. Maybe you already have these items or maybe you have found that they aren’t useful for you either way here they are.
- Fan- hand or battery/solar powered
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You’ve heard it always Europe tends to get pretty hot in the summer especially if you’re going to countries like Spain or Italy and to be honest even London, I went there last summer and the heat was insane. So, because of this it never hurts to bring a fan! Whether that’s a handheld one from dollar tree or a powered one there is so much variety with the powered ones too you can get solar powered, battery pack/fan combo, one that hangs around your neck, one that clips onto your belt. Pick the one you like the most and roll with it! If you forget it, no worries you can always make a handheld one with some paper.
- Coins
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Apparently you need coins to use public restrooms so bring some change and cash to your destination just in case.
- Light clothes- think linen and cotton
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Again, it’s hot, pack some light airy clothes, think of fabrics like natural silk, organic cotton and linen all of these will keep you fresh. There are also some countries that don’t really have drying machines so you want clothes that’ll dry easily and quickly if hung up.
- Good sneakers
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These could be whatever brand and color, I recommend white because that color pretty much goes with anything, as long as you have some good, comfy sneakers that’s all that matters. You will be doing a lot of walking and sometimes on uneven terrain, so leave the cute heels or crocs at home and bring some comfy sneakers.
- Hair ties
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Anything to keep your hair out of your face or neck in order to feel more refreshed and not like you’re in a sauna.
- Sunglasses + Sunscreen
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Protect the eyes and the skin!!
- Toiletries
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I don’t know how true this is because Icannot speak from experience, but a lot of the video I found spoke about the toiletries being formulated very differently in these countries meaning you may be smelling some smells you’re not used to , so if you have a favorite deodorant or a favorite shampoo, don’t leave it at home, just bring some with you to be safe.
- Small waist bag- to keep very close to your person
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Try to keep your belongings close to you and in sight, one of the main issues in these countries is pickpocketing, so to be safe you have a waist bag around your chest and waist and keep a good eye on it.
- Adapters
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They do not have the same plugs that we do here in the United States, so you’ll have to purchase plug adapters you can easily find these on Amazon.
- Packing cubes- compression or otherwise
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Not a necessity by any means but it does make packing and organizing easier if you have compartments in which each item belongs. If you struggle with overpacking this helps a lot. Also if you want more room you can get the compression ones in order to have some more space on your luggage.
- Airtags
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Airtags or Tiles, just a device you can put on or in any of you important belongings and if they are lost or taken you are able to locate them quickly and conveniently.
- Battery packs for phone
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You do not want to be without power on your phone so always have a battery pack with you, heck bring two! Just make sure you are able to keep your phone with power at all times
Again this list is not exhaustive, but I hope this list was helpful! Now pack up and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime!