We travel a lot throughout Italy finding and reviewing villas and apartments so have our packing systems down to a science. Here is our handy check list of small, essentials that will make your travels so much easier.
Folding Bag – You’ll use this every day!
Waist Wallet – Holds your money, credit cards and passport in the safest way. Added benefit is the embarrassment of your children when you lift your shirt to get into it.
Adaptor Plugs – These multi-standard adapters seem always to fit the variety of outlets you encounter in Italy. Bring 5 of them. These are adapters — not converters that you don’t need for modern electronics.
Power strip – Outlets are sparse in old European buildings, so bring a power strip. This one even has handy USB ports. Save yourself from having to unplug lamps to recharge your devices.
Travel Umbrella – Not vital, but an occasional life-saver.
Zip lock bags small for carry-on liquids and large space savers for reducing size of clothing as well as protection.
Shawl – A super accessory to brighten up a plain travel wardrobe and to adapt to temperature changes. Especially helpful in Italy where you must cover shoulders and, sometimes, knees when entering churches.
Essentials Best in Packets
Mosquito repellent – Screens are rare in Italy so mosquitoes show up inconveniently. And you want to enjoy dinner in a lovely piazza in the evening.
Sun cream. Shampoo & conditioner. Travel size toothpaste and gentle soap for washing your face and make up remover wipes.
Antibacterial wet wipes – Good for cleaning your hands that are touching all kinds of public places as well as wiping off your airplane seat armrest and seat tray.
My vote is for a small, lightweight backpack. I’ve tried many different types of travel purses. It’s important to get it right especially when I’m on the road for weeks at a time & walking up to 10 miles per day. One year I had the bad idea to bring a stylish straw tote bag to Italy for the summer, it was too bulky to carry long distances, was open at the top so not secure & scratched my arms & legs endlessly. While I might have looked fashionable, it was impractical. My current favorite travel bag is the 
