What to Pack

Packing list for Europe

  • Compression Socks – we heard this was a good idea before our first flight to Italy but assumed incorrectly that because we are fairly athletic that we would be fine without them. After some ankle swelling and bruising we will have compression socks for our next flight – lesson learned.

  • Leather crossbody bag with a sturdy strap – I found a Fossil purse at T.J.Maxx

  • Socks made of merino wool that hold up and wick away sweat and won’t slide while doing tons of walking: Darn Tough Socks

  • A great pair of walking shoes for hours of walking, especially on cobblestone streets. A pair of leather Ecco shoes were our favorite. We bought ours at the World’s largest shoe store in Sharon, PA, called, Reyers Shoe Store

  • A universal travel adapter is required to convert US 110 to 220 volt in some destinations. Check the location you are traveling to and determine specifically what you need so that you can charge your phones, camera batteries, use electric etc.

  • Clothes that are easily washed and dried – Reduce the number of items you have to take by re-wearing items. A key criteria for lodging is a washer/dryer. In Italy our Airbnb apartments came equipped with washers and we hung our clothes on a line or laid them out on a foldable stand like the Italians. Beth’s favorite pair of soft, lightweight jeans are BKE Payton Skinny jeans

  • Camera – I currently use the Canon Powershot SX730 HS. It is small and convenient with great zoom functionality. Previously I used a DSLR but feel the convenience of the Powershot (it fits in my pocket!) greatly outweigh the benefits of the larger DSLR.

  • A scarf or cardigan for the ladies when visiting churches to cover your shoulders (would apply more for the summer months)

  • Nice pair of shoes for going out to dinner. Italians love to get dressed up for dinner. My hubby and I both bought sandals when we were there. He bought sandals in Venice and I bought mine in Rome.

  • Pants or skirts that cover the knees for going into churches

  • Euros – In Italy most places did accept credit cards but appreciated cash. You will want cash on hand to purchase items such as Vaporetto tickets.

Packing list for Caribbean

  • Mineral Sunblock without chemicals so it doesn’t harm the coral reef

  • Snorkel gear is much cheaper to buy before you leave home then at your travel destination, where the prices will be inflated. This was great to have for swimming around by ourselves when we weren’t on an excursion

  • Hat to protect your scalp from getting sunburnt

  • Lightweight clothes that dry quickly

  • Anti-itch cream if you do get bug bites

  • Lip balm preferably with an SPF. I always try to have this no matter where we go

  • Aloe to preserve your tan

  • Lotion to moisturize after all of that swimming and sun exposure

  • Medications – Over the counter items such as allergy medicine and pain meds

  • Bathing suit and cover-up/trunks – pack a couple for variety and to allow one to dry

  • Sunglasses

  • Flip-flops

  • Bug spray

  • Beach towel or if you don’t have any yet buy one at your destination as a souvenir

General Packing List Items

These items may not apply to all trips but consider them based on length of stay/expected weather etc.

  • Nail Clippers
  • Laundry bag
  • Phone Charger
  • SD cards for Camera
  • Make-up remover wipes
  • A backpack for day travel
  • Stain Remover
  • Power Cords
  • Sweater or Sweatshirt
  • Travel Size Make-up
  • Toothpaste
  • Dental Floss
  • Portable Power bank/charger
  • Band-aids (If you have kids you know they want one as soon as they get a boo-boo!)
  • Travel Sized Umbrella
  • Windbreaker

I like to keep a toiletries bag packed with toothbrushes, toothpaste, dental floss, nail clippers, Q-tips, deodorant, lip balm and make-up wipes so I don’t have to pack these items every time that we travel. They are ready to go and I can also throw in more essentials right before we leave. Of course you can buy most things once you are on your trip, but it’s less of a hassle and more of a time saver if you already have them with you.