True luxury doesn’t start when you arrive — it starts when you pack.

Somewhere between Venice and Verona, balancing two meticulously packed carry-ons across a cobblestone bridge, Scott and I laughed — not because we’d overpacked, but because we’d left no room for what Italy does best: the unexpected. Every inch of our luggage was planned to perfection. Two carry-ons, two backpacks, and not a single spare corner.

When Scott and I flew to Italy for a formal destination wedding — his first trip to Europe — we faced a true test of travel planning. It was the last week of June through the first week of July 2022, and Italy was in the middle of a record-breaking heat wave.

Eleven days. Three cities. 100-degree heat and 100 percent humidity.

We packed everything — including Scott’s tailored suit and my formal gown — into carry-ons. No checked luggage. No stress. Just planning, precision, and purpose.

We started packing a week before departure, using packing cubes, a shared checklist, and a few strategic revisions to make sure everything fit perfectly. We even packed our laptops since we both needed to be able to work if something came up while we were away. By the time we zipped our bags, each carry-on and backpack was completely full — a masterclass in coordination and intentional design.

And if you’re wondering — no, Scott didn’t think it was possible. He’d never used packing cubes before and was skeptical right up until the day we left. But once we arrived in Venice and unpacked in minutes, he was converted. Let’s just say he’s now a religious user of packing cubes, especially for long-haul flights.

The Capsule Mindset: Luxury Without Excess

Packing light isn’t about deprivation — it’s about design. For our 11-day summer trip through Venice, Verona, and Florence, we intentionally packed outfits that coordinated. Every top paired with multiple bottoms, and Scott’s looks complemented mine for dinners, photos, and travel days.

We brought enough underwear, tops, and base layers to stay comfortable without overpacking, focusing on breathable fabrics like linen, cotton, and silk blends that could be mixed, matched, and re-worn easily. I even tucked a few packets of travel laundry detergent into my bag for sink washes if we needed them.

But nothing could have prepared us for what we arrived to — Italy’s unrelenting summer heat. It wasn’t the soft Mediterranean warmth we expected; it was dense, humid, and heavy. Even locals said it was the hottest stretch they’d seen in years.

Halfway through, we decided to visit a laundromat in Verona — not because we had to, but because it felt like its own version of luxury. We grabbed gelato, cooled off while the machines ran, folded everything neatly, and walked out feeling refreshed — proof that planned spontaneity is its own kind of luxury.

Formalwear, Photos — and Respect

Every outfit was intentional. We planned not just for dinners and photos but for respect. I packed dresses and light layers appropriate for visiting churches and cathedrals — including the Duomo in Florence — where modesty is expected. Even in the heat, I stayed comfortable and appropriately dressed, which made sightseeing effortless and worry-free.

When Planning Meets Real Life

Even the best-laid plans evolve in real time. Every carry-on and backpack was perfectly packed before we left — but we forgot to leave space for shopping in Italy.

Scott bought clothes — a full outfit and shoes. I found the perfect leather purse and a pair of shoes I couldn’t resist. And because it’s our tradition, we bought Christmas ornaments in every city we visited, plus Venetian-glass picture frames that now sit on our shelves at home.

By the end of the trip, it was clear: the packing was flawless, but the shopping required a plan B. So, like true travel pros, we shipped a box home via FedEx for about $100. It held our formalwear, dress shoes, and all those beautiful, non-breakable treasures. Worth every euro for the lesson — even the best-packed suitcase can’t compete with Italian craftsmanship.

The Ease Checklist

• Timeline: Start packing one week before departure; pack once, revise twice.
  
• Coordination: Choose a tight color palette; every top should work with two or three bottoms.
  
• Fabric: Lightweight, breathable, and wrinkle-resistant — linen, silk, and cotton blends.
  
• Underwear & Base Layers: Pack enough for comfort, plus two extras.
  
• Shoes: One dress pair, one casual, one functional — breathable is key.
  
• Organization: Packing cubes for each category (formalwear, daywear, casual).
  
• Work Gear: Laptops and chargers fit in personal items — plan tech space early.
  
• Laundry Plan: Bring detergent packets; identify a laundromat ahead of time.
  
• Heat Strategy: SPF, hand fan, lightweight scarf, and hydration packets.
  
• Souvenirs: Leave room — or plan for a FedEx moment.
  

Ease in Motion

That trip through Italy’s heat wave taught me that ease is intentional, but flexibility makes it effortless.

We navigated three cities in record-breaking heat, looked polished for a formal wedding, dressed respectfully for historic cathedrals, traveled with only carry-ons (plus our laptops), and still laughed our way through laundry day and leather shopping.

And while that doesn’t mean everyone has to travel with just a carry-on and personal item, it does prove that an 11-day trip is absolutely doable when you plan with intention. It’s less about how much you bring — and more about how well everything works together.

We’re doing it again soon — for my upcoming Crystal Cruises FAM sailing from Cartagena to Fort Lauderdale this December. Same approach: curated wardrobe, carry-on only, and complete ease from start to finish.

Because true luxury isn’t about what you pack — it’s about how you feel when you travel.

Ready to Plan Your Own Milestone Escape?

If you’re dreaming of a journey that feels intentional, unhurried, and designed entirely around you — let’s make it happen. I’ll handle every detail so you can focus on what matters most: being there for the moments you’ll remember forever.

Start Your Coordinated Escape