“True freedom is understanding that we have a choice in who and what we allow to have power over us.”

— Meryl Streep

Our Rome & Amalfi Coast trip kicks off in just over two weeks! Time to get excited! And also….to start packing. Having to pack is perhaps the most annoying part of traveling. With the effects of decision fatigue undoubtedly taking hold over us from every item we look at, packing becomes a chore. But, I’m here to tell you that it shouldn’t be, and to offer a few tips on what to pack before taking off on our Rome & Amalfi Coast trip in May 2019.

Before we get into specifics of what to pack, I want to share a few simple rules I use for packing on all of my trips. Feel free to use them, adapt ‘em, or plain old ignore them. When it comes to packing, above all else, you need to do what works best for you. I’m just here to offer some advice.

Here are some of my rules when it comes to traveling.

1) Only pack two bags. One small suitcase and one day pack

Two bags, that’s it. Trust me on this one. Planes allow you to bring up to one 50 lbs. suitcase, but in no way should your weeklong trip amount to 50 lbs. or even close, really. Maybe 25-30 lbs. Take a small suitcase. You’ll thank yourself later.

The day pack is for hikes, day trips, and should include a change of clothes, underwear, socks, toothbrush, chargers, laptop and more, if you need it while you travel. Anything over two bags is too much in my opinion. Chances are you’re going somewhere where if you really need something, it’ll be there for you to buy.

2) Check the weather

Obvious, but if you’re going somewhere warm, you probably don’t need more than one jacket or multiple sweatshirts. Leave ‘em at home and pack as light as possible. Checking the weather is always the smartest thing to do when starting out and wondering what to pack.

3) Take the number of days you are away and divide it by two. That’s how many outfits you should bring

Ever wonder if you should bring that one nice jacket or that lovely dress? Forget it. Trust me. You won’t need it. Do yourself a favor and immediately put the idea of ‘wearing something once’ out of your head when traveling. You should be opting for function over form. Can you wear it twice on the trip? Can you mix and match with it?

If the answer is yes, it’s probably an item worth bringing.

Can it double as a walking about town outfit and for going to a restaurant? Yes? Then those are the items you should focus on bringing with you when you travel. I will say, when going to Italy it will behoove you to wear nicer clothes, but if they take up too much room in your luggage, then don’t worry about it. If you only wear something once you will regret having brought it. Trust me, I’ve been there. Save yourself the time, hassle and room in your luggage by bringing things that will be comfortable, rugged and durable for a variety of environments.

4) Always leave room in your luggage for gifts and other items

Keep your luggage light. You will without a doubt, do some shopping while you are traveling and will want to take a few things home. If you pack less, you’ll have more room to bring home some souvenirs. Leave yourself more room than you might think as well. You never know what you’ll find on your travels that you may want to bring back home.

5) The final test. Can you walk two miles on foot with what you packed?

I really like this one because it is practical. If you are traveling to Italy, or any other European country for that matter, you will want to get used to walking. Especially in Italy, because you’ll be walking on a lot of cobblestones which will cause you shin splints. Remember, these roads are over 2,000 years old…..they may have a few bumps and bruises from all the foot traffic. It can be exhausting, to say the least.

But, seriously….in Europe they walk everywhere. Public transportation, driving, and Uber just isn’t practical. You will have to get used to walking a lot and if you are dragging 50 lbs. and two other suitcases with you, it can get miserable quick. Especially in the summer where Europe can become quite stifling with temperatures often over 90 F during the day or worse.

If you can comfortably walk or carry your items for about 30-minutes, or roughly two miles, than I’d say that’s a good position to be in. And like I mentioned before, this is usually my process for judging what I should or shouldn’t pack.

Take it or leave it, but what you pack and how you want to dress while traveling is always, of course, up to you. Just understand there’s a bit of moving around on this trip.

Suggested Packing List

I write a few of these blogs here from time to time, and it is always different for men & women so feel free to adapt from this list down here of what to pack. The weather in Rome in May is 75 F as a high and 56 as a low. The weather in the Amalfi Coast is also 75 F as a high and 57 as a low, so again, take what you feel is best, but you’ll need clothes for walking around town, eating out, hiking, going to the beach, and of course, hitting some hardcore workouts.

For the ladies here, I’m sorry….I’m just slightly oblivious as to all the things you need to pack, so I’m just going to be a little generic here. Please feel free to mold and adapt to as you best see fit!

Women (suggested)

2-3 pants or jeans
2-3 leggings or workout spandex
1-2 workout shorts or hiking shorts
2-3 tank tops
1-2 blouses or nice tops
1-2 cardigans or long sleeves
1 jacket for going out at night
5-6 socks
WOD shoes
Walking around town shoes
Sandals
Ball cap, headband or other hat
Sunglasses
2-3 t-shirts
1 day pack (other than your purse) for bringing around town
Under garments as needed
Belt
Bathing suit
Nalgene bottle
Cosmetics as needed
Feminine items as needed

Men (suggested)

2-3 workout shirts
WOD shoes
4-5 socks
4-5 pieces of underwear
hat or headband
1-2 nice t-shirts
1 tank top
2 WOD shorts
1 nice pair of shorts
2-3 jeans, khakis
1-2 dress shirt or polo
Walking around town shoes or sneakers
1 jacket or sweatshirt
sunglasses
1 day pack for hiking or walking around town
1-2 belts
Bathing suit
Nalgene bottle

In Conclusion

Obviously you can take what you need from above and adapt it to how you need and should pack, but the weather in Rome will be nice between about 60 F and 80 F, so you should be comfortable with whatever you end up bringing. Just note, that most Italians typically do cover up all the way and very rarely wear shorts or sandals, so if you do end up bringing them, you will, without a doubt, be getting some looks.

Just brush it off and own it :)

Also, for those of you looking for travel adapters. Be sure to grab this one from Amazon. I’d highly recommend it. Good for USB’s, multiple adapters and more. Just search for a ‘Type E’ plug if you need it.

The water is also really good in Rome and free flows from previous water fountains, so bring a Nalgene bottle and hydrate often, especially as you are walking around town. As far as taking money out goes, use your ATM card and visit bank branches to withdraw cash, or go to grocery stores to purchase something and ask for cash back. Those are the best ways to get cash.

Please avoid getting cash from the airport kiosks! And make sure to set a travel alert for your cards as well.

Any other questions, please comment down below, or drop us a line at: staff@voyedgerx.com

See ya out there on our Rome & Amalfi Coast trip.

~ Cam

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