Packing List - Europe Summer

One bag - why

Every Wanvela host carries a single carry-on for a 7–10 day Europe summer trip. Not for thrift, but because of trip logistics. Trains, walks through hilltop villages on uneven cobbles, cable cars in Switzerland, large luggage is the enemy.

The bag we use

• Rimowa Hybrid Cabin S 35L · €750, light, 4-wheel
• Tumi Alpha 3 International Expandable 4 Wheeled, a durable alternative
• Patagonia Black Hole 35L Wheeled Duffel · soft option, well-priced

Clothes for 7 nights

Bottoms (3 pieces)

• 1 chino in linen, brown or navy
• 1 smart-casual trouser in dark, for Michelin dinners
• 1 walking short, for hikes and boat days

Tops (5–6 pieces)

• 3 cotton T-shirts in subtle colors (white, beige, navy)
• 2 polos or short-sleeve button-ups
• 1 long-sleeve linen shirt, for Tuscan evenings and UV protection

Footwear (3 pairs)

• Leather loafer, for cities, dinners
• Sneaker in neutral, for walking days (Common Projects, On Cloud)
• Sport sandal, for boat days, beach (Teva, Birkenstock)

Underwear and socks

• 7 sets of underwear in merino or technical (Uniqlo Airism, Icebreaker)
• 5 pairs of ankle socks for sneakers
• 2 pairs of dress socks for loafers

Outerwear (2 pieces)

• 1 light blazer, for dinners at Le Sirenuse, Castello Banfi
• 1 packable down vest or light rain jacket, for Tuscan mornings, Cinque Terre boats

Swimwear

• 2 swimsuits, to rotate
• 1 quick-dry towel (Wanvela provides one)

Toiletries

• Toothbrush + toothpaste (travel size)
• Razor
• Deodorant
• Sunscreen SPF 50+ (Italian sun is stronger than expected)
• Lip balm
• Small bottle of body lotion
• Sunglasses + spare

The hotels Wanvela uses, Le Bristol, Le Sirenuse, La Mirande, provide Hermès or Diptyque toiletries. Clients don't need to bring shampoo/conditioner.

Electronics

• iPhone + charger + cable
• USB-C adapter Type C (European plug)
• Power bank 10,000mAh
• Camera (optional, Wanvela has a photographer)
• Kindle

"Every first-time Wanvela client packs too much. By the second trip they arrive with a single carry-on." - Wanvela trip lead note

Documents

• Passport + photocopy (kept separately)
• Schengen visa stamp
• Travel insurance card (Wanvela provides)
• Two credit cards (Visa + AMEX)
• About €300 in cash (for tips, small purchases)
• The Wanvela trip dossier

Wanvela tips

• Avoid white · oil/sauce stains in Italy are punishing
• Linen beats cotton · breathes in Italian summer
• Slip-on shoes for the flight · easier through TSA
• Wear your heaviest jacket on board · save space in the bag
• Compression cube · Wanvela provides a Tumi cube to new clients

What clients tend to forget

• Wide-brim hat for Tuscan sun
• European plug adapter (Italy uses Type C/F/L, hotels mostly Type C)
• Reusable water bottle (Wanvela provides insulated bottles)
• Tissues/wet wipes (some Italian toilets lack paper)

For winter, see our Norway winter packing list.