I'm jumping on the bandwagon to add my packing report to the mix. Like many of us, I love packing reports: what people took, what worked and what didn't. There's always something new to learn or do differently. Hope someone can glean something from my experience.
My trip report is taking a long time to write. When done hopefully next week, I'll post it.
Packing:
I did it!! I managed to pack carry-on only both outbound AND home. It has only taken me three previous trips to figure out how to pack light plus at least three test packs to measure and weigh RS Rolling Carry-On and my old RuMe 7oz tote. I limited my gift and souvenir shopping to small flat items (Florence leather wallets and Venice/Murano Christmas ornaments). Shipping pottery home from Deruta isn’t cheating, is it? Better than schlepping heavy Christmas presents around for over two weeks.
After purging unneeded paperwork, paperback book and emptying several 311 containers, I came home only two pounds heavier than I left. Next year’s packing list is already updated to cut quantities and unnecessary what-if’s. For future trips, I can buy the extras I need. Italian pharmacies were an adventure when I was dealing with a cold and injured toes from a fall. I keep all my drug info in my iPhone notes so I was able to show the pharmacist what I needed and my reactions to others.
I did sink wash every other day or on the first day of a two day stay. Even though I wore everything I packed, I didn’t need everything I packed. I pack 4 folding hangers so shirts can drip dry in the shower. I carry Rick Steves’ clothes line but only used it once on the each of the last two trips. I keep thinking I should leave it home, but it weighs so little and is handy when I need it. I took laundry soap sheets, cut into small pieces instead of my usual container of Forever New. They saved weight but did not clean as well in tepid water. I use a nylon string backpack for a laundry bag. The zipped front pocket holds laundry supplies.
My clothes were coordinated using a black, gray and red. Since these clothes have been my travel go-to wardrobe for a few years, I’m tired of them. I’m changing to shades of blue with burgundy and pink accents for June/July 2025 England & Ireland trip. Oh no! I have to start the weight and size test packs all over again so everything on my new packing list fits into carry-on only.
Here’s my clothes packing list for Italy, includes what I wore on the plane:
• 3pr leggings – 2 black, 1 gray Spanx
• 4 long sleeve tunics/shirts – red plaid, sheer black with white polka dots, sheer black with color blocks, red sun shirt
• 3 short sleeve tunics – tone-on-tone black, black/white caftan, black with red flowers (last minute addition, bad choice, just don’t like)
• 1 set PJs – shorts and tank top
• 5 sets undies/socks – 4 sets would have been plenty
• 2pr cotton blend compression socks -- my legs love them, less foot swelling too.
• 1 black cashmere cardigan
• 1 red cotton knit open front cardigan -- layered good with the sweater but took 3 days to dry when washed
• 1 red plaid rain poncho, bought in Sorrento, goes on every trip
• 1pr maroon Ryka walking shoes – I bought a ½ size larger than I usually wear; had I not damaged my toes when I fell in Venice, they would have been perfect.
• 1pr silver Fitflop sandals
I bought:
• 1 sun hat in Venice – I thought I’d throw it away before coming home, but I like it and was able to cram the hat into my tote to haul home.
• 1 white “alpaca” scarf in Florence when the weather was cold and drizzly since I left my black scarf home.