Epic European Expedition: The Definitive Packing & Prepping Guide

Rome • Salerno • Messina • Florence • Monaco • Marseille • Barcelona

Seventy travelers. One incredible journey. Ten unforgettable days across Italy, France, and Spain.

Over the past year, we've meticulously planned every element of this Epic European Expedition—from securing hotels and transfers to coordinating cruise logistics and ensuring a seamless experience from arrival in Rome to our final farewell in Barcelona.

Now it’s time to prepare you.

This is your definitive guide to packing, preparing, and traveling confidently—so you can focus fully on enjoying the experience of a lifetime.

Weather: What to Expect in Early May

May is one of the best months to visit Southern Europe. The weather is comfortable, beautiful, and ideal for walking and sightseeing.

Typical temperatures:

• Rome / Florence / Salerno / Messina:High: 70–78°FLow: 52–60°F

• Monaco / Marseille / Barcelona:High: 68–75°FLow: 55–62°F

What this means practically:

You’ll want layers.

Pack for spring—not summer.

You may experience:

• Warm afternoons

• Cool mornings and evenings

• Occasional light rain

Essential Packing List: Must-Haves

Clothing

Bring:

• 10 daytime outfits

• 2–3 nicer evening outfits

• 1 light jacket or blazer

• 1 sweater or cardigan or blazer/sports coat

• Comfortable walking shoes (THIS IS CRITICAL)

• 1 pair of dress shoes

• Sleepwear

• Undergarments and socks

• Swimsuit (ship pools, spa, or Mediterranean beaches)

• Light rain jacket or compact umbrella

  
  

Expect to walk up to five miles per day comfortably. Shoes you haven’t broken in are your enemy.

Travel Essentials (Absolutely Required)

These items make European travel dramatically easier:

• Passport (valid at least 6 months beyond travel date)

• Credit cards (Visa and Mastercard preferred)

• ATM card

• European plug adapters (Type C and Type F)

• Phone charging cables

• Portable battery pack

• Small crossbody bag or anti-theft day bag

• Prescription medications (in original bottles)

• Copies of passport (paper and digital)

  
  

Electrical Adapters: What You Need

Europe uses different electrical outlets. You will need:

Type C or Type F adapters

Italy, France, and Spain all use these.

Important:Most modern electronics (phones, laptops) automatically adjust voltage.

You do NOT need a voltage converter—only the plug adapter. We personally recommend bringing 2 adapters per person.

Currency: How Much Cash Should You Bring?

Italy, France, Monaco, and Spain all use the Euro (€). Credit cards are widely accepted almost everywhere. You do NOT need large amounts of cash.

Recommended amount:

€200–€400 per person total

Use cash for:

• Coffee shops

• Small purchases

• Taxis

• Souvenirs

• Small local vendors

  
  

Avoid airport currency exchanges whenever possible—they have poor rates. The best option is securing the cash from your local bank before travel or withdrawing Euros from an ATM in Europe using your debit card. Allow your bank a couple weeks before departure in case they don't have the cash on hand.

Credit Cards: What to Bring

Bring at least:

• One Visa or Mastercard

• One backup card

American Express is accepted less frequently.

Check with your specific card and understand their fees! I have a Capital One MasterCard that does not charge foreign transaction fees. This does not mean that all Capital One MasterCards do not charge fees. When checking on fees, notify your credit card company of international travel before departure. Most purchases can be made with credit card.

Luggage Guidelines and Airline Fees

Airlines will charge baggage fees when you check bags at the airport. You may be able to save $5 or more per bag by paying when you check in online in the days before departure.

Typical airline fees:

• Carry-on: usually included

• Checked bag: typically $35-$40 each way depending on airline

  
  

We strongly recommend:

• One carry-on suitcase

• One personal item

• One checked bag if needed

Avoid overpacking. You will appreciate lighter luggage.

What American Travelers Often Get Wrong

This is important. Avoid these common mistakes:

1. Overpacking

You will wear fewer outfits than you think.

2. Wearing uncomfortable shoes

This is the #1 mistake travelers make.

3. Assuming businesses accept US dollars

They do not.

4. Not bringing adapters

You will not be able to charge your devices.

5. Dressing too casually in certain places

Europeans tend to dress more polished, especially at dinner. Think less jeans/t-shirts and athletic pants/shorts. More khakis and slacks and polos.

Cultural Expectations and Etiquette

Europe is welcoming—but different.

A few important norms:

• Dinner is later than in the U.S.

• Service is slower and more relaxed

• Tipping is modest compared to the U.S.

• Pickpocketing exists—use awareness, not fear

A crossbody bag is highly recommended.

Passport and Visa Requirements

For this trip: We do NOT need a visa.

U.S. citizens can travel to Italy, France, Monaco, and Spain visa-free for up to 90 days.

However, beginning in late 2026, travelers will need an ETIAS travel authorization—but this does NOT apply to this trip.

Your only requirement is:

• Valid U.S. passport

• Valid at least 6 months beyond travel date

  
  

Medications and Health

Bring enough prescription medication for your entire trip.

Keep medications in your carry-on—not checked luggage.

Bring basic over-the-counter items:

• Pain reliever

• Motion sickness medication

• Allergy medication

• Band-aids

  
  

Phone Usage and International Plans

Contact your carrier before departure to determine package add-ons for international travel. Do not get surprised by not taking appropriate steps and coming home to a phone bill with hundreds of dollars of roaming fees!

Most carriers offer:

• International day passes (AT&T and Verizon both offer this)

• Temporary international plans

You will also have WiFi access onboard the ship.

Final Must-Do Preparation Checklist

Before departure:

✔ Ensure passport is valid through Nov 30 2026

✔ Notify credit card companies and determine which cards have low/no fees

✔ Obtain plug adapters

✔ Pack comfortable walking shoes - break in shoes if new

✔ Bring medications - pack them in carryon

✔ Bring backup copies of passport

✔ Determine international calling and messaging plan/rates with phone carrier

Final Thoughts

This Epic European Expedition represents months of careful planning, coordination, and preparation to ensure every detail is handled so you can fully enjoy the experience.

Our goal has always been simple: Remove the stress. Eliminate the uncertainty. Create space for wonder.

Along the way there will could be unexpected and unavoidable bumps - maybe itinerary changes, maybe flight delays, maybe excursion cancellations, and other unknown hiccups. Be sure to pack extra patience and flexibility for those times. We will take it in stride one step at a time.

Over the coming weeks, We will continue sharing guidance, reminders, and tips so you feel completely confident and prepared.

Europe is waiting!

~JMart