Planning each subsequent trip back to Italy never gets less exciting for me—the visions of piazzas filled with the happiest people and the thought of leisurely, aimless strolls through the cobblestone streets where the likes of Julius Caesar and Michelangelo once roamed, always thrill me at the thought of returning to such majestic places. But let’s be real—while Instagram may show picture-perfect moments, travel comes with its own set of challenges. As someone who’s tackled the joys (and minor disasters) of packing for Italy, I’ve compiled a list of travel essentials that made my trip not only memorable—but manageable. Whether you’re bracing for heartburn after too much pasta (although we would argue, there’s no such thing) or gearing up for a day of sightseeing under the Mediterranean sun, these products are here to save the day. Let’s get into my ultimate packing list for women getting ready to experience the magic of Italy.
1. Sol Kyst Sunglasses
I had decided before heading on this trip that I wanted a serious pair of statement sunglasses to channel my inner Sophia Loren for the (far too) many photos I intended on taking…but I had a problem: I have an exceptionally large face. It can be very challenging for me to find flattering sunglasses that aren’t giving John Lennon. Cue Sol Kyst: a Canadian and female-owned startup brand founded by a fellow beauty influencer, Meghan Victoria, who I have had the pleasure of meeting at several industry events. Faced with the same problem I had, Meghan was on a mission to bring stylish sunglasses to other women that struggled finding frames suited to larger faces, and she has masterfully succeeded with her brand. Sol Kyst nails it with their size-inclusive designs, now offering frames in three sizes (mini, midi, and wide) to suit every face shape and size.
I was thrilled that Sol Kyst wanted to partner with us on this story. I had been eyeing the Mella style for a while (named after Meghan’s beloved pup) and figured they were the perfect frames for a dramatic, chic, and classy look that I wanted for my solo trip to Italy. After receiving the very thoughtfully and luxuriously packaged box, I discovered to my delight that Meghan had additionally gifted me two Kyst Klips from her core line and her limited edition Barbie collection – an incredibly smart touch for hanging your sunglasses outside of your purse in a protective case that doesn’t take up half the space in your bag.
I immediately tried on the sunglasses and couldn’t have been more happy by the fit, quality, style, and the instant uplifting feeling it gave me. Not only do these chic sunglasses lift and flatter, they give you that an extra boost of the confidence we could all use when we have the audacity to ask for a Cappuccino after 11 AM in Italy (just kidding – please do not do this or you may get yelled at by the Italians).
I next attempted the selfie test at home, and instantly knew that these lenses were perfect to take fun travel shots in leveraging the full mirror, reflective finish for creative photos. This content nerd had that Colloseum photo (see below) planned a whole week before the trip.
Thank you, Meghan, for addressing this need in the market place for inclusive-sized frames. Sol Kyst will always be my first stop for sunglasses moving forward.
2. Knix Athleisure + Loungewear
Traveling across Europe is not as glamourous as it seems – especially if you’re a notorious overpacking disaster such as myself. European travel is lugging your suitcase up four flights of stairs in an Airbnb that promised an “elevator,” sprinting through crowded train stations like you’re in a heist movie, and battling jet lag while you try to make sense of maps that were probably designed in the Middle Ages. Meanwhile you still want to look somewhat put together for a fraudulent post on the gram about how great the journey is going, right? Knix is my go to that has my back (and everything else) with everything from leakproof underwear through sexy but comfortable bras, to yoga pants and cute jackets.
Their HiTouch™️ High Rise Legging are a new athleisure favourite of mine for travel days. They have a waistband that actually stays in place—because the last thing you need while hauling too much luggage is your pants rolling down. The moisture-wicking fabric means you can hustle from train to train without feeling like a sweaty mess, and it still manages to make you look like you meant to pack light. Pair that with the HiTouch™️ Active Contour Tank, which feels like a second skin but doesn’t cling in all the wrong ways. You can bend, stretch, run, or flop into a café chair with zero wardrobe malfunctions. And when it’s chilly or you need to cover up that exhaustion sweat, the Pursuit Training Jacket is my go-to—light, water-resistant, and roomy enough for layering without making it feel like you’re bundled up for winter in Rome. This triple threat can’t be beat with comfort but it is astoundingly cute with flocking under the bust and sides of the torso of the tank, the 3D fabric that defines and contours your natural shape on the leggings, and the flowy fit of the jacket that just seems to rest on all the right places.
But let’s talk about the real post-adventure struggle—your hotel room. After a day of pretending you know how to read a map in Rome, all you want to do is relax. But then you realize: the hotel room has no robe. Or worse, an itchy, micro robe that feels like it’s exfoliating bits that shouldn’t be exfoliated. That’s why I adore the Knix Waffle Robe. It’s soft, has actual pockets big enough for your phone (because we’ve all lost that thing in a hotel room), it’s light weight and doesn’t take up too much space in your suitcase, and makes you feel at home. And underneath? Knix’s Mesh Deep V Bra is a travel essential for me for a comfortable, easy-to-pack item that makes me feel a little spicy. It has a sexy, deep V neckline, and sure, it’s sheer, but after 12 hours of travel, modesty’s out the window anyway. It’s wireless, but it still gives you enough support to get through the day.
If I’m going to be fighting off jet lag and a suitcase that insists on falling over, I might as well feel good while doing it – and Knix does the heavy lifting there for me.
3. Nuda Self Tanning Mousse – Ultra Dark and Nuda SolarGlow™ Mineral Serum Sunscreen SPF 30
If you’re like me, and “Canadian” is your default skin setting, the Nuda Self Tanning Mousse is your best friend for your Southern adventures. Nothing, and I repeat, nothing, makes me feel better about myself in a swimsuit than a gorgeous tan. This mousse is easy to apply, dries fast, and leaves no streaks, giving you that perfect bronze glow. I have tried many self tanners in my day, and this is by far the deepest, darkest one I have experienced. And better yet: it’s enriched with coconut oil, mango and grapefruit extract, so your skin will feel and smell incredible as you bronze your way to becoming a work of Donatello’s art.
As much as we adore a deep tan, the Italian sun takes no prisoners. We need protection, and Nuda’s SolarGlow Mineral Serum Sunscreen is lovely. Lightweight, hydrating, and perfect under makeup with a soft, non-greasy finish, it kept me protected from UVA and UVB rays without leaving a chalky white cast. Plus, its radiant finish with a slight tint gave me that extra glow that beams through in all of our content – yes please.
If the products didn’t speak for themselves, the brand is owned by two Canadian entrepreneurs who aspire to empower people to glow from the inside out – a true Canadian brand we are proud to support, and know that our favourite spraytan artists support, too.
4. La Vie en Rose Swimsuits
If your Italian itinerary includes any coastal stops (like mine just about always does – the Italian sea is a must for me), a solid collection of swimsuits that make you feel great is a non-negotiable. La Vie en Rose’s selection of swimwear from bikinis through coverups and accessories is the only brand I have considered since my overwhelmingly positive experience first discovering them in 2022 before my trip to Tulum. Not only were the products stunning, but the brand marketing and PR team that had invited me to the event somehow made this non-body positive girl feel much more comfortable about the idea of wearing a bikini. Fast-forward to today, and I’m not only comfortable in their swim attire, but I feel beautiful in it.
With a beautiful and diverse range of styles and sizes, there’s something for every body type – seriously. From barely there bikinis to full coverage, full support one or two pieces, this must be one of the most inclusive swim brands I have encountered in my travels – which, let’s be real, is very hard to find – especially as a curvier girl. From bold prints and vibrant hues to timeless classics like sleek black or playful florals, they have a style for every body type and every mood. Love a high-waisted bikini with a little more coverage? They’ve got it. Prefer a flirty one-piece with cutouts? They have that too. And for those of us who need serious support, their D-cup options are a game changer. No more worrying about spilling out of a top or feeling like you’re strapped into a life jacket—La Vie en Rose’s expert cuts and fits are designed to make bustier and curvier women feel both secure and sexy. Bikini tops range from push-ups to bralettes to bandeaus, while the bottoms offer everything from high-rise to cheeky cuts.
Whatever your vibe, you can craft a custom look that flatters your figure and highlights your best features. Whether you’re ready to dive into the crystal clear waters of Sicilia or lounge poolside with a spritz in hand, La Vie en Rose ensures you’re always looking—and feeling—your best. Brava!
5. Biossance Rapid Radiance Set
Skincare routines can be hit or miss when you’re traveling, but the Biossance Rapid Radiance Set makes it easy to keep your glow on the run, with carry-on friendly sizes. This four-piece collection is a beautiful combination of TLC for your skin, loaded with clean, science-backed ingredients that tackle everything from dullness and fine lines to dehydration and dark circles – things that come in spades when you’re jumping across time zones. Whether your skin’s feeling the strain of a long flight or recovering from too much sun (or wine), this set will help revive it.
The Squalane + Marine Algae Eye Cream included is an award-winning eye cream that works overtime to firm and lift the delicate skin around your eyes. Marine algae visibly reduces fine lines and wrinkles while squalane deeply hydrates, leaving you looking refreshed—even when jet lag has you feeling anything but.
Next, the set includes the Squalane + Lactic Acid Resurfacing Night Serum, ideal if your skin is feeling dull or uneven – this serum is your overnight miracle worker. The 10% vegan lactic acid exfoliates and resurfaces, revealing smoother, brighter skin by morning – with 100% of users in clinical studies seeing a reduction in fine lines, wrinkles, and pores, this serum is all about that next-day glow! Perfect for battling the airplane skin dehydration.
Then we have the Squalane + Omega Repair Cream – your skin’s best friend when it needs serious nourishment. Packed with omega fatty acids, this rich cream plumps and hydrates, strengthening your skin barrier while restoring its natural elasticity. Perfect for dry, tired skin, it locks in moisture for hours, making sure your face feels as smooth and fresh as it looks. This is a beautiful, wildly hydrating formula that works wonderfully as a night cream as well because it is so rich.
Finally, the set is rounded out with the Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Oil. Made with stabilized Vitamin C, it brightens and evens skin tone while squalane locks in moisture. It’s lightweight, non-greasy, and perfect for giving your skin a lit-from-within glow.
With the Biossance Rapid Radiance Set, you’ve got everything you need for beaming, resilient skin—no matter how far your travels take you.
6. TUMS Chewy Bites + Gas Relief
We’ve shared a lot of sexy content with you – swimwear, fashionable sunglasses, intimates – but it’s time to get real. With too much tartufo pasta, gelato, tiramisu, parmigiano, and more parmigiano (sounds like heaven, right?) – you pass through heaven and get to heartburn, or worse: heartburn and gas. Quelle horreur! Although pasta and wine with a gorgeous Italian man may sound sexy, having gas most certainly is not. Thankfully, TUMS created their Chewy Bites with Gas Relief. Delicious and fast-acting, these little chewables neutralized the post-dairy chaos in my stomach and allowed me to eat my way through Italy the way the country was meant to be enjoyed.
It may sound ridiculous, but this is truly a must-pack with you for your travels, especially if you plan on visiting Italy. Italy is, after all, known for having the best food in the world – however, many of the brilliant foods that make this country so delicious are known for inflicting heartburn. Alcohol, carbonated beverages, tomatoes, excessive fat – these are all common heartburn culprits found in spades in Italy. Nothing can quite ruin your enjoyment like the crippling pain of severe heartburn, and we’re grateful for the protection TUMS offers us so we can enjoy our travels pain and embarrassment-free.
7. Emergen-C Crystals and Gummies
Between the perils of launching this very publication the day of my arrival in Italy, to jet lag and late nights fueled by limoncello, my immune system needed all the help it could get for my three weeks in Italy. Emergen-C Crystals and Gummies were likely the only thing keeping my health afloat during my travels. Between the anxiety and build up around travel, airplane and airport exposure, lack of sleep on red-eye flights, jet lag, and then the actual main event shenanigans, getting sick from being run down is always a likely possibility. I like to do whatever is within my power to prevent this, and as a girl who is not a big fan of supplements because I find it hard to adhere to implementation, finding options that are easy to throw in your bag and consume on the go are paramount.
Emergen-C offers Vitamin C supplements to boost your immunity when you need the help most, in several different convenient formulas. The strawberry crystals were like a throwback to my childhood reminiscent of Pop Rocks, only with a dose of Vitamin C and a softer texture and slightly sour taste – yet strikingly delicious. You can can carry these packets in your purse and consume them anywhere without the need to mix them in water – I have never experienced such convenience! If you’re not as much into this kind of format but crave convenience, they also offer Emergen-C Gummies – less portable, but an easy format to pop a few in your mouth and chew on your way out the door.
8. e.l.f. Skin Bronzing Drops
I quickly realized that while Italy offers sunshine aplenty, there’s not always time for a beach day (ah, the woes of working abroad). Enter e.l.f. Skin Bronzing Drops. This magic little serum gave me a glow that nearly tricked even myself into believing I had spent the entire week on the beaches of Catania, even though I was mostly surfing my laptop in my hotel room. Available in 3 shades suited for different skin tones, these drops differ from self tanner in that they wash off at the end of the evening with your makeup, leaving no tan behind. I loved mixing them with my moisturizer in the morning for a highly customizable, natural, sun-kissed look when I felt like my face tan was not catching up to my body (rightfully so! We don’t ever want a real tan on our face – our Beauty Editor, Lesley, would kill us).
Travel is an adventure, but it is exhausting. The key to making the most of it even during the travel days is feeling confident, comfortable, and at ease in your own skin, no matter where the journey takes you. Whether you’re navigating bustling train stations, relaxing in a cozy hotel, or soaking up those Italian rays, it’s the little things that make a big difference. Traveling in style isn’t just about looking great—it’s about those small comforts that help you embrace the chaos and enjoy every moment. So pack smart and get ready to take on Italy with confidence, comfort, and a whole lot of joy!
Buon viaggio!
Photography by Amy Pigeon, Thomas Pigeon, and Unsplash
