one // two // three// four // five // six // seven // eight // nine // ten //
I started off the semester registered for a class that only had 4 other people in it. After about a week, they decided to CANCEL it and left us all scrambling. Since I’m almost finished with my MBA degree, I pretty much had NO options left. Unfortunately, grad school isn’t like undergrad where you can just take random classes like underwater basket weaving and get credit. I mean Auburn literally had a puppy play class…. but I digress. So, my choice was between an advanced finance class and a study abroad opportunity to Rome. You can see why the decision was so difficult for me. JOKES! Get ready for a bunch of Lizzie McGuire captions as I travel to the land of carbs aka Heaven. Make sure to follow along on stories (@goodtomicha) to see some snaps from Rome!
Every packing list I saw for Rome was in the summer and complained about the intense heat. Thankfully it’ll be a bit warmer than it was predicting, but it still won’t go above 65. As you can imagine, visiting Italy in the early spring will be a lot less crowded, too. The previous guides were even less helpful on what to pack when I realized I’d have to wear business casual 40% of the time. Since we’re representing Clemson, it probably wouldn’t be best for me to wear this super cute striped matching set, right? Regardless, I’m still packing some trendy pieces for my inevitable gram photos. I had no idea where to start, so I decided to share my own guide!
An Adapter Plug: Love this one linked below from Amazon. It works for 150 countries! It also has USB ports so I was able to charge my phone, camera, and portable charger all at the same time!
Portable Charger: Another big need! You’ll be taking photos 24/7 and most likely using Google maps. Walking around an unknown city with your phone on 5% is no bueno. Fully charged it can replace almost 2 batteries on your smartphone.
Passport: Make sure to read the rules for traveling with a passport here. Add a cute passport cover like this one.
Phone (with international plan): I have Verizon and paid $10/day with the international plan. Because I already have unlimited data, I was able to use it just as much as I do in the states. When other people were scrambling for WiFi, I probably only lost connectivity twice throughout the week!
Camera: My favorite pocket-sized camera is this one by Canon. It takes HQ photos and videos with a screen that flips out.
Local Currency: You can change over dollars to euros (or whatever you need) at your local bank, but it’ll need to be done a couple of weeks before your trip. I did mine at the Atlanta airport after hearing Italy loves working with cash!
Neck Pillow: Personally, I’ve never found a neck pillow that works for me. This one is highly rated on Amazon and I think I’ll give it a couple more tries before I give it 2 thumbs up.
Face Mask: Put it on right before you go to bed. I promise it’ll calm you down! I did mine right after the lights went out on the plane so my neighbor didn’t even notice.
Toiletries: You’ll want to pack an extra toothbrush/toothpaste, a mini deodorant, and a pair of underwear to change into for the morning! I’m convinced the cabin pressure somehow makes us all smell even more rank than usual.
Comfortable Walking Shoes: I got this pair of slip ons to work for business casual looks but also found a pair of stylish sandals! I’d say the slip ons were great for all-day wear. The sandals worked for about 5-6 hours before I needed a break. With the amount of walking we did, I’d say that’s pretty good!
The Perfect Crossbody: As I mentioned in my Instagram post, investing in a decent crossbody purse for traveling through Europe is needed. The main targets for pickpockets are tourists and the zipper at the top adds for another layer of protection. It’s small enough to be convenient but has enough room for everything (phone, ID, wallet, snacks, water, first aid kit, camera, and more)
Denim Jacket: If you’re traveling to Italy in the summer months, I’ll doubt you’ll even look at this jacket. However, in the springtime, the weather can have a 30-40 degree jump throughout the day. Layers are definitely necessary!
Stay tuned for my guide to the city!
Facebook | Twitter | TikTok | Instagram | Pinterest | YouTube
You Might Also Like… 72 Hours in NYC: Things to do, Where to Eat, and Where to Stay and Charming Charleston: A Travel Guide to the Coastal Carolina City
Great post. Im always looking for new capsule wardrobe ideas, so thanks for this! Italy is amazing
Yay! I hope it was helpful :)
Great post! I plan on taking more trips this year and next year. You definitely gave me good ideas to bring along like that charger! I would’ve been lost without that! Thanks for sharing!
It’s such a game changer! Glad you enjoyed it.