Packing is very important for me. On my first trip to Italy in 1999, I brought 2 suits. I don’t even wear suits. Plus a few pair of shoes and more socks and underwear than I could use in a month. A full size umbrella. I think there was even a toaster oven in there. Plus 3 or 4 guidebooks.
My next trip was just the opposite. One extreme or the other, I guess. I went in Feb/Mar. I took one backpack. Not a backpacking style backpack. A highschool style Jansport. No jacket.
Just a few days in and the backpack was stuffed so full I could not even zip it. I had to buy a jacket (great excuse for leather from Florence) and another lame and expensive bag.
Now many many trips later, I’m still trying to find the perfect balance. I have it mostly figured out, but still end up bring something I don’t need.
Anyway, here is my must have packing list:
Socks
5 pairs of each.
I’ve tried so many socks. Fancy walking socks, smartwool, coolmax, on and on and on. The problem is that I KILL socks. Think each pair is worn twice. Covering sometimes 5-10 miles in a day with heavy walking over cobblestone and usually in heat. So paying $20 for one pair of socks seems ridiculous. But, I think I’ve found the perfect sock, Gold Toe City Crew. Big, thick and they come in several colors. So far they’ve been great. And I paid $8 for 4 pair.
Underwear
Also 5 of each.
About two years ago I found the perfect brand. ExOfficio. Their motto is something like 5 weeks, 10 countries, one pair of underwear. I’m not that extreme, but I could see it working. You can wash them in the sink and they are dry by morning. So comfy too. If they were not so expensive, I’d replace all my cotton underwear with these. For now, they stay packed away and ready for travel.
Pants/Shirts
On this trip I brought 3 pair of pants. One pair of denims, which I wear on travel days to save room in the suitcase, plus two lightweight cotton pants.
I brought 8 shirts on this trip. Four solid tees (cotton), two short sleeve button ups (poly mix), two long sleeve button ups (cotton). Works out perfectly for an 8 day trips. I wear each twice. Tees under button ups. Layers, even in summer.
Jacket
I always bring a long sleeve zip up sweater. Actually more of a sweatshirt, only not as casual. Even in August, I bring it.
Shoes
One pair. It varies between Birkenstocks, Clarks, Rockport and Ecco. Right now I’m loving my Ecco Neo Basic Slip On. Great at the airport too.
Pajamas
I decided a while back that I needed something to sleep in other than my dirt old clothes. I bring track pants, a long sleeve tee and fluffy socks. But, I’ve only used the socks and pants once on this trip. Too hot and uncomfortable. Oh well.
Toiletries
I go overboard here. But staying in strange places, I like to at least have my own products. Brands I know and love. So even though hotels sometimes have soaps and shampoos, I bring my own. Also shaving lotion, not cream. Razor, toothbrush, paste. Burt’s Bees chapstick. Lotion. Individually wrapped wipes. Hand soap. Shampoo and conditioner. And of course it ALL fits in a TSA approved case. Not gonna check!
Guidebooks
I always need some reference material. But I have no problem breaking books. If I’m going to Rome and Siena, I do not need a chapter on Milan. I take only what I need. Nothing more.
Snacks
I always pack a few protein bars to have on hand. Sometimes I’ll be out for hours and not even realize it.
Electronics
Oh how I wish I could travel without. But, I cannot. I actually could survive without my laptop, but I bring it ‘just in case’.
So Macbook Pro and the power brick. Apple sells international adapters that replace the American plug. Flip HD Mino, charges through the laptop USB. iPhone. Most important! Also charges through USB. I brought a Canon SD 600 with an extra battery. No need to charge. But, I have not used it once. iPhone pics are working for now. Apple also makes and airplane adapter for the Mac. Brought that too. And that’s it!
This all fits in my Zuca Pro. And I have room to spare. With a wife and two girls at home, you know I have to shop! Zuca makes a great no weight nylon bag that stuffs in the side pocket of the suitcase to fill up as I go. Also great for grocery shopping. The first thing I do in a new city. Pick up drinks and snacks to leave in the hotel.
As for the suitcase, my Zuca Pro, I’m reviewing it on this trip and will write up my thoughts when the trip is over. But other than a few annoyances that are true with any suitcase battling cobblestone, it rocks! Super cool, super smooth and the perfect size.
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