When we packed for our three-week trip to Europe, I thought I had done a pretty good job planning what to bring. Now that we’re nearing the end of our trip, I have some thoughts. And a few surprises!

We’ve been through London, Venice and Florence, and we’re getting ready for Rome. Here’s what has actually worked, what I could have left at home, and why the extra bag I packed turned out to be a very good idea.

Four or Five Tops. Then London Happened.

I brought four or five tops, planning to mix and match. Then we got to London, where it was so easy to pop into stores while we were out exploring. I bought four more!

And I have worn a mix of both. It wasn’t that I packed all the wrong things. We were just enjoying ourselves, and I found clothes I liked.

Shopping in Italy has been different. We didn’t buy anything in Venice, and in Florence we bought leather jackets that are being shipped home, thankfully, because there’s certainly no room left in our bags! We’re planning to buy another piece of luggage in Rome since we expect to pick up a souvenir or two before heading home. London made it especially easy to wander into a store on a whim.

And Then Fred Went Shopping…

Here’s the part I really didn’t expect: Fred ended up doing quite a bit of shopping, too!

It’s not that he doesn’t enjoy shopping for himself. He just rarely has the time. One day after brunch in London, we wandered into a store because I wanted to show him a jacket I’d spotted. That turned into him looking around, too, and before we knew it, we were shopping together.

He had a few specific things he was hoping to find, so I encouraged him to keep looking and trying things on. I may also have encouraged him to branch out beyond black for a change!

We bought so much in London that pulling out the extra Foldie bag wasn’t optional. We had no choice! Before we’d even made it to Italy, we’d filled that extra bag. I loved seeing Fred have the time to enjoy himself, even if our plans to travel light went right out the window. The extra bag was part of the Foldie Ultimate Travel Bundle I bought, if you want to see the set.

What I’d Change About Our Day Bags

I packed my Travelpro crossbody, the Foldie backpack and my Wander bag. We started with the Travelpro for the first couple of days, but it was heavier than the Foldie backpack even before we put anything in it. So we switched, and that was easier.

Every day, I carried my Wander bag with our passports, my little wallet, lip balm and tissues, while Fred carried the Foldie backpack. He kept his sketchbooks, pens and pencils in it, along with our long-sleeve tops, a water bottle and whatever extras we needed while sightseeing. The Foldie held it all, and you can see the backpack I used here.

But after all this walking and touring, I’ve realized the Foldie is bigger than we really need for a day out. We couldn’t take it into some attractions, including when we climbed the Duomo. And with the Travelpro and Wander bag in the mix, I had more bag options than I needed.

Next time we travel abroad, I think I’ll bring two small daypacks, one for each of us, and possibly leave the Wander bag at home. That’s one packing lesson I didn’t expect!

My Feet Have Spoken: Crocs Win

I felt confident packing my Crocs because I’ve worn them to so many football game days and already knew how comfortable they are when I’m on my feet for hours. They’ve been such a win on this trip, too. They keep my feet cool and comfortable, even when the mornings or evenings are chilly enough that I need a long-sleeve top to warm up my arms. My feet are perfectly happy!

And on cooler days, my Skechers have been wonderful, too. If you’re curious about the Crocs I brought, here’s the pair I wore on this trip.

People have lots of opinions about the best shoes for walking around Europe. I’ve learned that the best shoes are the ones that actually work for your own feet.

One Thing I’d Leave Behind

I packed a skirt that turned out to be too short for visiting churches in Italy, where we often wandered into one while sightseeing. Next time, I’ll choose clothes that work for both exploring and spontaneous church visits.

Even My Skincare Was a Packing Experiment

I packed both my RIMAN ICD and Radiansome travel kits because I’m currently using products from both lines in my skincare routine at home. I wanted to keep that same routine while traveling.

And I’m glad I did! I’m pretty sure I’ll finish both kits by the time we get home. If I’d brought only the ICD kit, I’d already be out. And believe me, I haven’t been nearly as generous with my products as I usually am!

So that’s something I’ll plan differently for a longer trip. Travel kits save room, but how long they last depends on your routine and how much you use. I’m glad I brought both.

What I’d Do Differently

I’d still pack pieces I can mix and match. I’d definitely bring the Crocs, Skechers and Foldie backpack again. I’d skip the skirt and the just-in-case wipes. And I’d think more carefully about how much skincare a trip this long really requires.

But I would absolutely leave room for something unexpected. Apparently, that includes Fred discovering how much fun shopping can be!

We’re not home yet, so Rome may have a few more lessons for us. For now, I’m glad we planned enough to be comfortable and stayed flexible enough to enjoy the surprises.

My takeaway: Pack thoughtfully, but leave a little room for the unexpected. Sometimes that’s where the fun is.

[Before publishing: add your own trip photos and confirm any details you want to update after Rome.]