11 Things I Couldn’t Live Without On My Mediterranean Cruise, Plus 5 I Didn’t Need

When packing cubes came out, I was skeptical. How can adding more fabric to your suitcase help you pack better. Now, I don’t even start packing until I have my cubes lined up.

When you roll up your clothes and zip (or cram) them into the cubes, you can easily increase your packing capacity. The cube keeps the rolled items nestled tightly together. Once you have your cubes packed, you can organize them in your luggage in the most efficient arrangement.

I have three sets of packing cubes. You can find them at any big box store. I need a set and a half to pack a large suitcase efficiently.

When you don’t want to fuss with a shoulder bag or backpack, a money belt is a great alternative. I use StashBandz Unisex Travel Money Belt.

The best place for your valuables is in your stateroom safe, however, when you need to carry your passport, credit cards, and cash, this belt offers peace of mind. It is slim fitting and sits under a loose shirt easily. Just remember to keep a card or some cash in your pocket so you don’t have to fish through the money belt just to enjoy a gelato.

A hat is a must and Fedora’s are the popular option along the Med. White, airy woven hats with a brim just wide enough to shade your nose are worn by men and women alike. You will find them in shops from Provence to the tip of Italy’s boot.

Pack a baseball cap if that’s your style or treat yourself to a fashionable fedora in your first port of call.

I am a dedicated Yeti fan, but their insulated water bottles are too heavy to carry on a long trip and too big for the economy seat back pocket on most airlines. For travel, I prefer an inexpensive insulated water bottle; If I lose it, I don’t want to feel bad. Fill it up at the ship’s water station every day and you will have cool sips while touring.

I don’t want to miss out on my daily vitamin intake, and let’s face it, most of us have a med or two we need to take daily. I like this 7-day case because it has three compartments for each day. I only need one compartment per day, so my 7-day case is actually a 21-day case. I fill each compartment with 1 day’s worth of vitamins — it’s perfect.

When I’m going away for a long weekend, I only need to slide 1 “day” sleeve into my case instead of a myriad of bottles.

Pro Tip: Pack your prescription medicine in your carry-on luggage. You definitely don’t want them to go missing.

On long-haul flights to my destination, I prefer to only bring one carry-on item. I can stash it in the overhead bid leaving room under the seat to stretch out my feet.

I do, however, pack an additional nylon duffle bag — carry-on size — in my checked luggage. On the return trip, I know there will be extra coming home and repacking never seems to be as successful as the initial effort.

Even on airplane mode, traveling can take a chunk of juice from your phone and tablet. Long flights where the outlets don’t work, extended touring days, and filming tons of videos can leave your battery drained.

I always pack two Fuel Rod chargers in my carry-on. They are a must have on every adventure. Recharging them overnight has them ready to go when I’m packing for my day. Many airports have a drop station where you can exchange your uncharged rod for one that is fully charged. Although I have never used one, it is a nice benefit that many other portable chargers don’t offer.

A lightweight rain jacket that can roll up into a small pouch is always welcome when it’s needed. I typically pack a disposable rain poncho when the weather looks iffy. They take up so little space, they are inexpensive, and they keep you fairly dry. Look for one with a hood for extra protection.

In the evening, a decorative pashmina can dress up an outfit with a simple wrap around the shoulders. It is perfect for guarding against the dining room air conditioning chill. You will also be happy to have it when you stroll around the deck watching the sun go down as you set sail for your next port of call.