5 Weeks, One 19" Suitcase

 As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 

5 Weeks, One 19" Suitcase: My Real-Life Italy Packing & Laundry Setup

The typical travel guides tell you to purchase an entirely new wardrobe of delicate linen outfits for your trip to Italy. Yes, sounds nice in theory, but it is completely impractical if you are actually moving. Think ahead of hauling bags onto regional trains, dragging luggage over uneven Roman or Sicilian cobblestones, or hiking the volcanic gravel of Mt Etna. For this you will need items that survive the real world.

Surviving 5 weeks with one tiny bag means every item must earn its place. This SwissGear Carry-On Suitcase (#ad) was the ultimate MVP, fitting exactly into the strict overhead limits and gliding smoothly across old train stations without failing. FYI - No room for a spending spree!

My Baggallini Essential Laptop Backpack (#ad)

came in at 25 lbs.

 Baggallini Securtex Anti-Theft Daytripper Sling (ad) had to be packed inside the 

suitcase to meet the strict two-carry-on limits. I used it once we got to Rome 

and throughout the days in Sicily. Mr Bear had his own Eataly Cotton 

Tote for his travels, and hiding out.

Here is the unvarnished reality of how I pulled this off. I specifically booked Airbnbs stating they had a washing machine and a drying rack. Their bodywash and shampoo might be missing from their provided list, but a washing machine was necessary! I brought Bermuda Laundry Sheets for those that might not provide detergent.

Mr Bear and I successfully did the laundery after figuring out an Italian washing machine!