✈️ Travel Essentials for Europe - What I Actually Used in Paris (and What I’m Packing for Italy 🇮🇹)


After experiencing Paris, I knew I wanted to go deeper—and not just travel, but create something special.  So I’m currently planning a trip to Italy with Atomic Trips!

This upcoming trip is about:

  • slowing down and actually enjoying the experience
  • exploring beautiful spaces, food, and culture
  • and sharing it with a small group of like-minded women

👉 Learn more / join the Italy trip here

When I went to Paris, I learned quickly that traveling in Europe is a different experience. Smaller spaces, lots of walking, unpredictable weather, and outlets that do not care about your North American devices.

So instead of packing more, I started paying attention to what I actually used.

These are the travel essentials that genuinely came in handy in Paris—and the ones I’m bringing (and upgrading) for my upcoming Italy trip.


The Carry-On That Makes Life Easier


Let me say this first: your luggage will either make your trip easier… or quietly stress you out the entire time.  Between navigating the airport, train stations, small hotel elevators, and uneven streets, a bulky suitcase is not it.

What worked for me was a travel back pack with lots of compartments. I was able to have all my essentials with me, fit in the overhead compartment, and was easy to navigate the streets with while also wheeling my suitcase:

    👉 Travel Backpack


    🔌 Universal Travel Adapter (Don’t Skip This)


    This is one of those things you don’t think about… until you can’t charge your phone.

    Europe uses different outlets (Type C, E, F), so your regular plugs won’t work.

    What I recommend:

    • A universal adapter with multiple USB ports
    • Compact enough to throw in your bag

    👉 Universal Travel Adapter


    👟 Comfortable (But Still Cute) Walking Shoes


    You will walk a lot. More than you expect.

    And while comfort matters, I’m not sacrificing my outfits for bulky shoes.

    What worked for me:

    • Neutral sneakers that went with multiple looks
    • Broken-in (do NOT bring brand new shoes… trust me)

    👉 Comfortable Sneakers


    🔋 Portable Charger (Used Daily)


    Between Google Maps, photos, videos, and just being out all day… your phone battery will drain fast.

    This ended up being something I used every single day.

    👉 Portable Charger


    🎧 Headphones for Travel Day

    I don't use headphones regularly in my everyday life but found them very helpful for long flights and train rides.  Especially helpful to help cancel out airplane noise if you are a nervous flyer.

    Sometimes you just want to zone out, listen to music, and enjoy the moment.

    👉 Headphones


    🇮🇹 What I’m Doing Differently for Italy

    Now that I’ve experienced Paris, I’m going into my Italy trip a lot more intentional.

    I’m:

    • Packing lighter
    • Repeating outfits more strategically
    • Only bringing what I know I’ll actually use

    And of course… I’ll be sharing the full experience on my YouTube channel!

    If you’re planning a Europe trip, this is just the beginning 👀


    ✨ Shop My Travel Essentials

    (You can link everything here again for easy access)


    💡 Final Thoughts

    Travel doesn’t have to be overwhelming—you just need the right essentials.