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My Travel Essentials
I’ve been leading groups around Europe and the Holy Land for more than 20 years. I’ve watched thousands of travelers pack well, pack badly, lose luggage, destroy their feet, forget adapters, and bring things they never use. If you don’t want to read everything below, start here.
Luggage
Carry-On vs Checked Luggage
I recommend you carry on, especially to begin your trip. Checked luggage is lost by airlines on about a quarter of my trips. Sometimes for a few hours, sometimes a few days, several times for a full week. On one pilgrimage, a person’s suitcase followed her around Europe for 10 days, always a day behind. She was finally reunited with it at the airport as she was flying home. On another trip the airline just flat out said they were not going to send a lady’s luggage over.
Track your luggage
One thing I definitely recommend now is putting an AirTag in your luggage. It won’t prevent your suitcase from being lost, but at least you can see where it is — which is sometimes more information than the airline has.
Wheeled luggage vs Travel bags
Wheeled luggage allows you to pack without having to worry as much about weight, other than airline weight limits. But it also gives us the idea that we can take all those just-in-case items. So we often overpack.
I know backpack-style travel isn’t for everyone, but it does force you to think about everything you’re bringing.
Four-wheeled vs two-wheeled luggage
Four-wheeled suitcases win for smooth surfaces and airports, but can be a disaster on cobblestone. Two-wheeled suitcases do much better on cobblestone because the wheels are usually bigger, rollerblade-style wheels. I end up carrying my four-wheeled suitcase over cobblestone.
My suitcases
In 2022 I purchased a Rimowa black aluminum suitcase — not cheap, but excellent quality. I went with the smallest one they make, and it’s a perfect fit for me. It’s been all over Europe and beyond on countless flights, trains, buses, and pilgrimages.
Before that, I spent a few months and five international trips testing Away luggage. I tried their Carry-On. This was my first ever four-wheeled suitcase. As most of my travel has been to Europe, I always shunned four-wheeled luggage because I don’t think those wheels were made for cobblestone. But it was nice, especially in airports. I’ve had a few times when I spent the night in airports, and when I’m that exhausted and walking around, it’s nice not having my luggage on my back.
And when I want to carry my luggage on my back, I love Tom Bihn. Excellent quality and made in America. I’ve been using their products for well over a decade.
Luggage Accessories
Packing Cubes & Stuff Sacks
I’ve tried all sorts of packing cubes, I much prefer to keep things organized with these Packing Cubelets from Tom Bihn.
Locks
I generally trust the hotels I use, but I still always keep my valuables locked up when I’m out of the room — that includes my toothbrush. I prefer TSA cable locks.
See the TSA cable locks I recommend →
Luggage Scale
A small luggage scale can save you from reorganizing your suitcase on the airport floor while everyone behind you watches. It’s especially useful before the flight home, when your suitcase has somehow gained 20 pounds of souvenirs.
See a luggage scale on Amazon →
Day Bags
I’ve always loved bags. I have a lot. I’ve been through even more. If it’s something you carry every day, you need something that’s excellent quality and works for your lifestyle. Your day bag is one of the most important things you can bring.
I think most backpacks are too big for everyday touring. Do you really need that much stuff for a few hours? They’re also hot in the summer, covering your whole back. Many museums and churches restrict larger bags, so I prefer something smaller.
I’ve been carrying the Tom Bihn Medium Cafe Bag forever. Literally daily since 2018. It’s lightweight and has plenty of interior rings where I can clip things in, making my stuff more difficult for pickpockets. It also comes in fun colors, like black.
I also have some Filson bags, which I think look really cool in an Indiana Jones sort of way. They’re heavier, but you can tell they’ll last a few generations. I’m currently traveling with the Tin Cloth 24 Hour Briefcase.
The women in my life have always loved Baggallini travel purses.
See Baggallini bags on Amazon →
Packable Tote
A small packable tote takes almost no room in your luggage and comes in handy constantly — groceries, shopping, train rides, extra layers, or carrying home the things you bought after promising yourself you weren’t going to buy anything else.
See a packable tote on Amazon →
For Your Flight
When I’m on a long flight, I wear a hoodie because I’m always cold on airplanes, along with good noise-cancelling headphones. I don’t use a pillow or blanket. I usually don’t watch movies. I don’t eat the food. I just sit there and contemplate my mortality — especially on night flights.
See the noise-cancelling headphones I recommend →
I keep the things I need during the flight in a small bag that stays with me — rosary, notes from my family, Altoids, hand sanitizer, cables, and snacks.
A lot of airlines hand out sleep masks. They’re garbage. If you want a decent rest, invest in a good one made with natural fibers, like linen or organic cotton.
See the sleep mask I recommend →
Compression Socks
For a long overnight flight, compression socks are worth considering, especially if you’re going to land and immediately start walking around Europe.
See compression socks on Amazon →
Earplugs
If noise bothers your sleep, good earplugs are worth bringing for both the flight and your hotel.
See travel earplugs on Amazon →
Clothes
Clothes are very personal, but I do have a few strong opinions after watching people travel for all these years.
In the case of men, I recommend avoiding most clothes specifically marketed as “travel clothes.” For some reason, travel too often means fishing in the fashion industry. Although everyone seems dressed for it, I rarely see Americans fishing in Europe.
Instead, I like clothes that can work for a nice dinner in Paris, a Papal Mass in Rome, or a walk along the Riviera.
I’ve long been a fan of Outlier. Their clothes aren’t cheap, but the quality is excellent. They like to experiment, and some of those experiments are weird, but their mainline pants and shirts are excellent.
I’m also a big fan of quality wool. Wool naturally fights odor and can often be worn more than once between washes. Quality wool isn’t itchy like the wool sweaters you may remember from childhood.
For years now, I almost exclusively wear Veilance merino polos. They definitely are not cheap, but they work well for me. They have clothes for men and women. Much of their stuff is technical and performance wear, but some of their clothing is perfect for travel.
I don’t get any kickbacks or discounts from Outlier or Veilance. I just think they make great clothes.
Underwear
It might sound scary, but I prefer wool underwear for travel. Wool has come a long way. These are not itchy, they wick away moisture, and can be washed and dried overnight. This means you don’t have to pack one a day, you can easily wash and wear again. One of the most popular brands for wool, is Icebreaker. This is what I’ve been packing for a few years now.
If wool isn’t your thing, and you want something more synthetic, for years I wore ExOfficio. Their underwear is super lightweight, wicks away moisture, and can be washed at night and dry by morning. Their old tagline was something like “17 countries. Six weeks. One pair of underwear.” A little extreme perhaps, but the point is that you don’t need six weeks worth of cotton underwear when you travel.
Socks
You can stop looking. The best socks for travel and daily wear are made by Darn Tough. They have socks for men, women, and children. You can wear them for days without losing their shape or getting smelly. You think that’s gross because you only know cheap cotton or synthetic socks. These are mostly wool, so they’re naturally odor resistant and stay dry. Trust me on this one. Made in Vermont.
I wear the Hiker Midweight Micro Crew.
See Darn Tough socks on Amazon →
Pajamas
This is my favorite “luxury” item. It’s so nice to get back to your room after a long day of travel and slip into something comfy.
Doing your laundry
Packing light often means doing laundry along the way. I prefer not to waste time going to a laundromat or money using a hotel laundry service. Plus there’s no way I’m letting strangers wash my black T-shirts.
I recommend doing laundry in the sink — it’s not just for young backpackers. A Scrubba Wash Bag makes it easier.
See the Scrubba Wash Bag on Amazon →
You can also bring a small amount of laundry detergent. Sheets or individual packets are easy to pack and don’t take up much room. I like to use The Laundress, just because it’s gentle, smells nice, and they have one specifically for wool.
See travel laundry detergent on Amazon →
And if you’re traveling with only a few shirts or pairs of pants, a small stain remover pen or a few wipes can save the day.
See travel stain remover on Amazon →
Shoes
When traveling in Europe or the Holy Land, you’re going to walk a lot. I cover five to seven miles with my groups on most days. You need to take care of your feet. Even if you’re a skilled walker, the cobblestone is going to introduce you to muscles you didn’t know existed.
I wore Ecco shoes for at least eight years. The larger soles are great for cobblestone and other uneven paving stones. I’ve had Gore-Tex versions that kept my feet dry in the rain. I’ve also had pairs that didn’t squeak on marble church floors, which is a huge plus in my book.
I’ve also been wearing Birkenstocks for more than 30 years, but always the London or Boston because I prefer closed-toed shoes.
See Birkenstock Boston on Amazon →
I know a lot of people say sneakers make travelers look like Americans, but people all over Europe wear sneakers.
The most popular sneakers I see in Rome, worn by the locals, are Adidas Stan Smith, Converse All Stars, and Vans.
Many Americans and Italians these days are wearing Hoka One One. They feel like walking on clouds.
Don’t buy uncomfortable shoes because you’re worried about looking like a tourist. You’re already a tourist. Wear good shoes.
Toiletries
You should know that just about everything you might need, including many of the same brands, can be found while traveling. Don’t stress over bringing enough toiletries for a month. Bring what you need and enjoy the shopping experience if you run out.
Kleenex / Tissues
You will probably use this more than you think. One fun fact about Europe, most public restrooms do not have toilet paper or paper towels.
Another fun fact about Italy specifically, the napkins they give you for pizza by the slice or gelato, are stiffer and less absorbent than cardboard.
You will not regret packing this.
Soaps and shampoo
Even when I’m staying in five-star hotels, I bring my own stuff. I prefer using the same things I use at home.
Toothbrush and toothpaste
I hate travel toothbrushes. Cheap plastic that folds and never really holds its shape? Ridiculous. Bring a normal toothbrush.
I mostly use Euthymol. But also occasionally Marvis, which is quite trendy these days, and comes in lots of fun flavors. Marvis is an Italian brand, so it’s way cheaper in Italy than in the US.
See Euthymol toothpaste on Amazon →
See Marvis toothpaste on Amazon →
Sunscreen
When traveling, most people are outside much more than they are at home. The sun shines year round. Protect your skin. La Roche-Posay is one of the most popular brands in Europe. Sunscreen here in Europe is said to have much higher standards than in the US, true or not, I definitely prefer European brands.
See the sunscreen I recommend →
Hair Dryer
Most of the hotels I use have hair dryers, although probably not as powerful as what you have at home. If you insist on bringing your own, make absolutely sure it’s designed for the voltage where you’re traveling.
Electronics
Camera
Modern phones have excellent cameras. I don’t recommend buying an expensive camera just because you’re going on a once-in-a-lifetime trip unless you’re also planning to learn how to use it. I see too many people travel with amazing cameras but have no idea what they’re doing.
Whatever camera you’re using, figure out how to use it before you leave. Don’t spend your pilgrimage learning where the buttons are.
Adapter
You most likely do not need a voltage converter for modern phones, tablets, laptops, and USB chargers, but you do need the correct plug adapter.
For Italy and most of continental Europe, I recommend a simple two-prong European adapter. Don’t assume an adapter changes voltage — it only changes the shape of the plug. The UK and Ireland use a different plug, but the one below covers all of Europe. Notice this one also will charge multiple devices at once.
See the European adapter I recommend →
USB-C Charger
Instead of traveling with a pile of charging bricks, bring one good compact multi-port USB-C charger. Depending on what you carry, one charger can handle your phone, watch, headphones, tablet, and other electronics.
See the USB-C charger I recommend →
Long Charging Cable
If you’re traveling with a tour group, like one of mine, many buses have charging ports. Sometimes they’re above your head or otherwise inconveniently placed. Bring a long USB-C cable so you can charge your phone without leaving it dangling somewhere.
See the long USB-C cable I recommend →
Portable Power Bank
Your phone works harder when you’re traveling. It’s your camera, map, ticket holder, boarding pass, communication device, and just about everything else. I recommend carrying a small power bank so you aren’t hunting for an outlet halfway through the day.
See the power bank I recommend →
Apple Watch & Multi-Device Charging
If you’re traveling with an iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods, you can end up with an absurd collection of cables. A compact multi-device travel charger can simplify things considerably.
See a compact travel charger on Amazon →
Headphones for touring
You probably already have these at home in a drawer, 3.5mm headphones that came with your phone years ago. While many modern phones have moved on to USB-C headphones, a lot of the headsets we use on some of the tours, still use the older 3.5mm headphones. Just to be clear, I will always provide you with headphones for tours, but trust me, the ones you have will be much more comfortable than the disposable ones provided on tours.
See 3.5mm headphones on Amazon →
Eating & Drinking
I keep everyone well fed on my group pilgrimages, but it’s still good to have snacks for long days on trains or buses, travel days, and even when you’re just out exploring.
Food
I found long ago that I could live on nothing but Peanut M&M’s for about three days. I don’t necessarily recommend testing this yourself.
I also love going to the local market or grocery store and stocking up on fruit, nuts, and other snacks. It’s one of the first things I do in a new city.
Water Bottles
It’s important to stay hydrated. Water in most of Europe is perfectly safe to drink. In Rome, there are fountains all over the city with wonderful, clean, cold, free water.
But do you know what’s sad? Going to a papal event and seeing thousands of dollars worth of expensive metal water bottles lined up outside security. If security won’t allow your bottle in, don’t count on it still being there when you return. Do yourself a favor and leave the fancy bottle at home. Bring something inexpensive that you won’t be heartbroken to lose.
See the water bottle I recommend →
Medicine & Vitamins
Keep prescription medicine in its original container when possible, with a legible prescription using the generic drug name. Always bring essential medicine in your carry-on rather than checked luggage.
Do you get motion sickness?
Peppermint Altoids have long been my go-to.
See Peppermint Altoids on Amazon →
I’ve also found Sea-Bands surprisingly helpful on boats, planes, cars, and buses.
Money, Credit Cards, & Passports
Cash
Don’t arrive with huge amounts of foreign currency. ATMs at your destination are generally a much better option than the currency-exchange shops you’ll see in tourist areas and airports.
Credit Cards & Contactless Pay
Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted. Contactless payment is everywhere in Europe, and I use Apple Pay constantly.
I also recommend having more than one way to pay and keeping a backup card somewhere separate from your primary wallet.
Passport
I keep mine secured inside my day bag. However you carry yours, don’t put your passport somewhere that’s easy for someone else to reach.
Money Belt
If you prefer a money belt, I recommend the type worn around your waist and underneath your clothes rather than something hanging visibly around your neck.
Seasonal Items
When it’s rainy
I’m not one for carrying an umbrella everywhere I go. But if it’s a particularly rainy season — or pretty much anytime in Ireland — a good travel umbrella is useful.
A lightweight packable rain jacket is another good option, particularly on walking days when you’re constantly going in and out of churches, museums, buses, and trains.
When it’s hot
Rome gets hot. Really hot. A small rechargeable fan can be surprisingly useful while waiting outside, sitting at a papal event, riding public transportation, or staying somewhere where the air conditioning isn’t quite what you’re accustomed to back home.
See a portable fan on Amazon →
When it’s cold
Don’t forget a scarf, hat, and gloves. A lightweight puffy jacket is popular in Europe and packs well.
When there’s swimming
Don’t forget your swimsuit. We Americans are much more modest when it comes to swimwear. It’s not uncommon to see both the young and old in tiny swimsuits. All body types are welcome. No one cares.
If you plan to swim along rocky European beaches, swim shoes can be useful. They’re also something you can usually buy cheaply at your destination instead of carrying them around for your entire trip.
A few other things…
Journal & Pen
I read The Importance of Being Earnest many times growing up. I always loved the line about never traveling without a diary because one should always have something sensational to read on the train.
Expect some powerful moments when you travel on pilgrimage. Don’t pass up the opportunity to journal and take notes. I’m a huge fan of Field Notes — made in America.
Address List
Bring the mailing addresses of family and friends back home. People love postcards, and they’re so unexpected these days.
Your Bible
This makes an excellent travel guide for trips to the Holy Land and to Rome.