Hello from Italy

 This week I am coming to you from Italy as I am staying at www.VillaDestinoItaly.com, getting ready for our upcoming company meeting called Simplifying Travel 2025 in November. Every time I travel to Europe it seems like I always forget a thing or two. So I decided to put together Steve’s annual list of 19 commonly forgotten items that travelers to Europe often wish they had brought with them:

1. Power Adapters & Converters – European outlets are different, and voltage can vary, so a universal converter/adapter is a must.

2. Backup Credit/Debit Card – Some cards don’t work overseas, or they get flagged for fraud, leaving travelers stranded. Be sure to call your credit card issuer before you leave the states and tell them where you are traveling to prevent your card from being flagged as stolen. 

3. Cash (in Euros or Local Currency) – Some smaller shops, taxis, and public restrooms don’t accept cards. Having a few Euro coins in your pocket can be a lifesaver when getting into restrooms. 

4. Passport Copies – Losing a passport is a nightmare; having a copy helps with replacement. Often, your friendly travel advisor will keep a copy of your passport to help you out of a jam. 

5. Comfortable Walking Shoes – Cobblestone streets and long walking days make proper footwear essential. Leave the stilettos at home. 

6. Lightweight Rain Jacket or Umbrella – Weather can be unpredictable, especially in places like London or Paris.

7. Sunscreen – Surprisingly expensive in Europe, and you’ll need it for outdoor sightseeing. Getting sunburned is a good way to ruin a great vacation. Sunscreen is easy to find when traveling however, you will pay double the price you’ll find at home. 

8. Sunglasses – Essential for bright city days, beach trips or driving on sunny days. 

9. Portable Charger (Power Bank) – Navigating with a phone drains the battery fast. If you rent a car in Europe, they have USB-C instead of USB plugs. 

10. Earplugs & Sleep Mask – Helps with noisy hotels, planes, and late-night city noise. My new Apple earbuds are great for watching YouTube videos at night when I can’t sleep. 

11. E-SIM or International SIM Card – Avoids high roaming charges when using maps and translation apps. I use my data plan from Verizon but it costs $12 a day so a SIM card is less expensive but more hassle.

12. Medication (Including OTC Pain Relievers) – Finding familiar brands like Tylenol or Pepto-Bismol can be tough. I now have a pill box that is labeled by day so I don’t forget to take my pills.

13. Hand Sanitizer & Wet Wipes – Many public restrooms don’t have soap or toilet paper. A roll of toilet paper can be a lifesaver when stopping at many public toilets worldwide. 

14. Lip Balm & Moisturizer – Air travel and dry European climates can cause chapped skin. The ladies seem to remember this better than the guys do. 

15. Motion Sickness Pills – Essential for those taking trains, ferries, or winding road trips. I wrote this down but have never had the problem so I am not very qualified to share more. 

16. Reusable Water Bottle – Many European cities have public fountains with drinkable water. A Yeti is very popular among Americans. 

17. Small Foldable Tote Bag – Useful for shopping since many stores don’t provide free bags. When I stay at www.VillaDestinoItaly.com I pay the extra Euro for the shopping bag and use it all the time. My wife has a www.foldie.com that she loves. 

18. Guidebook or Offline Maps – Wi-Fi isn’t always available, so having a backup helps. I know I am dating myself with this recommendation as many people under 40 have never used or seen a paper map or guidebook. I love the DK Travel Book. Great reading while you fly to your destination. 

19. Laundry Detergent Sheets or Sink Stopper – Washing a few items in the sink saves money on laundry and lets you pack with half the clothes. 

Having these items can make the trip smoother and prevent unnecessary stress!