Preparation

The following were essentials for our trip:

1. Moleskine City Books:
   
   • The Moleskine City Book combines a notebook and city-specific map features into a helpful guide for any journey.
     
   • Key Map & Zone Maps allowed us to plot out our destinations and routes.
   • Tabbed Sections allowed us to fill in important contact information.
   • Removable Sheets allowed us to journal.
   • And there are pages for notes, folder pocket to insert additional information, and much much more.
   • Compact and light to easily stow away in our little backpack or purse.
   • We purchased one for each city.
2. Samsonite Spinner Hardside Luggage:
   
   • Spinner wheels for maximum maneuverability and rolling comfort. (With minimum effort, you can roll your suitcase upright.)
   • Hardside for durability.
   • We had two different sizes. One large suitcase to check-in and one to carry-on, in-case our large suitcase got lost (which it did for one day).
3. Waist Safe:
   
   • Keeps passports out of sight.
   • Lightweight and light materal to fit perfectly under your clothing.
   • Interior pocket holds credit cards.
   • Adjustable elastic strap.
   • Stress-free (No worries of pick-pockets.)
4. Cameras (one per person), Crumpler Camera Bag & "Several" SD Cards
   • A SLR Camera is a must. I wouldn't have gotten all my beautiful shots, without my Nikon 40x.
     
   • A compact camera for lightweight carry and video-needs.
     
   • My Crumpler Camera Bag is compact, light weight and well-padded. I was able to store my SLR camera, extra filters, SD Cards and accessories.
     
   • Several SD Cards: It is good to have at least one card per city.
5. Merrell Sneakers & Nike Dri-Fit Socks:
   
• Uppers of genuine full grain and synthetic leather with ample breathable mesh ventilation.
• Great support. Vibram® Siren™ sole adds stability and traction you need for off-road running, speed hiking or trail biking.
• Q-Form® triple-density molded footframe promotes healthy alignment for a woman’s stride.
• Good socks are just as important as good shoes. (My husband bought me some cheap socks to take with us, and I ended up throwing them away and just using my Nike's Dri-Fit socks.)
6. Pitotubes:
   
   • TSA compliant bottles.
   • Leak free and shatter proof.
   • Pump technology reduces product waste by as much as 75% over traditional bottles.

Other Items:

• Traveling Iron: European hotels don't provide irons.
• Euros: It will cost you commission to take out money from the ATM and from the money exchange stores.
• Earplugs: If you are planning to go to Venice, pigeons can be loud during your sleep.
• Extra Zip-lock Baggies: You may need to bring home some purchased items that need zip-lock baggies.