Ciao! Are you ready for a wonderful journey to Sicily?
Note that these are just suggestions and you will need to add/subtract from this list.
Some Questions to Ask Yourself
Can you lift all your luggage? If not, you are bringing too much. You need to be able to carry your bags.
Your bag should be no more than 50 lbs because of space limitations in the van.
Do you get cold easily? Take a look at the temperatures in Palermo and Syracuse as you pack. Remember that being near the water can make the air feel cooler.
Do your ankles swell on long flights? Don’t forget to pick up a pair of knee-high compression stockings/socks.
Carry-On
Keep in mind that sometimes luggage is delayed. While we hope this doesn’t happen, it’s a good idea to bring any necessary items in your carry-on.
Copies of your passport (carry on you throughout trip)
Medications (prescription, but also ibuprofen, antacids, etc)
Eye mask & ear plugs (or Soundcore by Anker Space A40)
Book or e-reader
Hand sanitizer & disinfectant wipes
Your toothbrush and some basic toiletries/cosmetics
N-95 mask (and some spares)
Water bottle (fill up after you’ve gone through security)
Snacks you like from home (Luna Bars, Kind Bars, nut mix)
Checked Bag
Shoes
Always break in your shoes before any trip. We will be walking a lot, so best to make sure they are comfy before you hit the ancient cobblestone streets of Sicily.
1 pair of walking shoes
1 pair sandals or flats
Cozy socks or slippers for the hotel room
Clothing
Pack clothes you can wear more than once. Follow a color theme so you can mix and match separates (search “capsule wardrobe” for ideas).
Pajamas and eye mask
Light jacket (can be raincoat)
Socks and underwear (7-10 pairs)
Casual clothes (5 complete outfits of slacks, tees, jeans, dresses, etc.)
Sweater or warm layer
Swimsuit and cover-up
https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/what-to-wear-in-italy-dress-like-a-local/
Accessories
Sun hat
Sunglasses
Day pack or a bag large enough to carry your water bottle, hand sanitizer, kleenex, and any layers you may need for the day
A shawl or large scarf; most churches will not let you in with bare shoulders
A cross-body purse
Toiletries, Rx & More
Italian pharmacies will carry just about any toiletry or medication you forget (aside from your prescription meds) but they may be more expensive than in your home country.
1 toiletry kit
Sunscreen (or wait and buy European sunscreen)
Small first aid kit/baggie with some bandaids and blister care
1 washcloth or bath pouf (hotels in Europe do not usually offer them)
Disinfectant wipes and hand sanitizer
Kleenex for bathrooms that don’t have TP (it happens sometimes)
At-home COVID test in case you experience symptoms while traveling
Extra snacks from home (in addition to your carry-on snacks)
Large Ziploc bags (can be used also as packing cubes)
Soap to quickly wash out clothes at night and let air dry if needed (Dr. Bronner's)
Dramamine or Ginger Chews (Gin-Gins) for van rides if you tend to get sick
Electronics & More
Your plugs will not work in Europe without an adapter. CURLING IRONS and STRAIGHTENERS will NOT work unless they are dual-voltage (i.e. can be set to 220V/240V for Europe).
Cell phone & charger travel alarm clock (or use your phone)
A couple of socket adapters for your various electronics (US to Europe or Universal adapter – consider EPIKA Universal Adapter)
USB powerbank to charge your phone (Zendure Power Bank 10000)
Noise cancelling earbuds (Soundcore by Anker Space A40)
Anything you need to style your hair (curling iron, etc)
Other Considerations
If you don’t want to lose it, do not bring it. Leave your laptops and valuables at home. Save space for other goodies you buy while in Italy.
Travel insurance: Leave your policy # with someone at home. Make sure you email it to our Bold Spirit admin team before the trip. Carry your policy with you at all times.
Wear a cross-body purse. Never keep all your money and credit cards in the same purse while out sightseeing. Leave some stashed back at the hotel in a safe place.
Use a VPN (like NordVPN or Mullvad) if you are going to access personal information on public WiFi (like at the hotel).
A phone data plan with your telephone company that allows you to use the internet and call while away ($10-12/day for an International Pass or see eSIM options)
RFID sleeves for your wallet and your passport (optional)
Password manager (1Password or Bitwarden)
350 euros in cash from AAA or your bank before you arrive in Europe.
We can’t wait to see you in Italy! This is going to be a wonderful trip.
