The essentials that helped me survive a ‘euro summer’ in Italy

Andre Claudio

Rome: If your TikTok “For You” page is anything like mine, you’ve probably been bombarded with an endless stream of content romanticizing Gen Z’s current favorite seasonal obsession: Euro Summer.

For those who aren’t chronically online, Euro Summer is a glamorized travel trend built around spending an extended period in Europe during the summer months (think sun-soaked afternoons, the most beautiful architecture and an ungodly amount of pizza, pasta and Aperol spritzes).

While I initially had no plans to partake, the FOMO (aka fear of missing out) eventually got to me while I was sitting at my desk, doomscrolling the latest tariff news last week. After a few dramatic sighs and one too many deep breaths (something I’ve been doing a lot after reading any news lately), I decided to check Google Flights to see just how expensive a trip to Europe—specifically Italy—would be.

To my surprise, a quick search revealed a roundtrip ticket to Milan departing in just two days (Wednesday, Aug. 6) only cost about $450. So, like any other financially responsible adult, I booked it immediately—and while I was at it, I grabbed train tickets to other hotspots in Italy like Lake Como, Florence and Rome.

As you can imagine, having less than 48 hours to plan an eight-day solo trip—while juggling a full-time job and summer classes—was not exactly a walk in the park. But somehow, between frantic list-making and last-minute laundry, I pulled it together.

To save you from the trial-and-error packing scramble I went through, here are the essentials that helped me survive the Italian heat…along with a few I wish I’d packed.

Sunglasses: Since this trip was last-minute, there were bound to be a few essentials I’d forget—starting with sunglasses. So, when I touched down in my first stop, Milan, I fast-tracked it over to the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, the city’s historic, opulent shopping gallery lined with iconic designer labels.

Once inside, I made a beeline for one of Italy’s most recognizable fashion houses—Prada—and picked up a pair of their Prada Symbole sunglasses (retailing for about $432).

Andre Claudio: Considering there wasn’t a single cloud in sight during my entire time in Italy, a sturdy, stylish pair of shades quickly became a non-negotiable for surviving the relentless Mediterranean sun.

If you’re planning ahead and want something more budget-friendly, I’d suggest checking out heritage denim brand Levi’s, which offers a variety of sunglasses around the $90 mark.

Loose-fit, lighter weight jeans: If you’re traveling to Italy in the summer, your first instinct might be to pack nothing but tank tops and shorts. While those pieces are perfect for leisurely days in places like Lake Como, you’ll want to bring at least one (or two) pairs of pants if you plan to visit major sites. For example, Vatican City—particularly St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums—requires all visitors to dress modestly, meaning no sleeveless tops, shorts or miniskirts.

Thankfully, I knew this before landing in Italy, so I packed a loose-fit pair of dark-wash jeans from Australian brand Salt Murphy. The lighter-weight denim (previously retailing for $86, though no longer available for purchase) not only kept me appropriately covered, but also proved far more comfortable in the heat than traditional jeans.

I also brought along a pair of Uniqlo x JW Anderson jeans—but if comfort is your priority, I’d leave them at home. While they’re made from 100 percent cotton, the heavier fabric offered little breathability in the summer heat.

Linen blends: If traditional denim feels too heavy for a Euro Summer trip, consider swapping it for linen blends. While I didn’t pack any linen pants, I did bring a few linen shirts which were lifesavers in the heat (especially in Rome where temperatures topped 100 degrees). The fabric’s breathability made even the sunniest afternoons far more bearable.

For women, brands like Good American and Frame offer linen pants that still mimic the look of classic denim, while Gap, Cos and Levi’s have great options for men.

While clothing is always top of mind when packing, I quickly learned that having the right headwear is just as important.

According to the Cleveland Clinic Health Essentials, prolonged exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can weaken the hair shaft, leading to dryness, brittleness and breakage—similar to the damage caused by heat-styling tools. So, if you have curly hair like me (or really any hair for that matter), protecting your hair and its natural moisture should be a priority.

That said, after securing my sunglasses from the Prada store, I popped into the first tourist shop I saw and bought a hat with “Italy” written across the front (it might not have been the most stylish choice, but I’m a sucker for a good kitschy souvenir).

If you’d rather blend in with the Italian crowd, opt for a head scarf—widely available from street vendors, especially in Florence and Rome—or a simple bandana. For the denim heads, brands like Prada, Hermès, Levi’s and Reformation even offer denim bandana options.

Comfortable sneakers: I know, I know…you want to bring those cute new sandals you bought just for Italy. My recommendation? Leave them at home.

On average, I was walking around 30,000 steps a day (as they say, “Rome wasn’t built in a day,” so how else are you supposed to see everything if not by walking an insane amount?).

I showed up in the classic Nike Air Forces, and after just one day, I had to run to the nearest shoe store to pick up something more comfortable. I ended up settling on Bershka’s classic white sneaker, which only ran me about $40. While they were definitely comfier, I’d recommend getting a proper walking shoe from brands that specialize in support, like Aetrex or On. However, if you’re looking for something a bit more stylish, Axel Arigatio has a variety of chic options, including a denim running shoe that retails for around $330.

Sunscreen: Last but certainly not least, do not forget to pack sunscreen.

Growing up, I—shamefully—thought I couldn’t get sunburned because of my Latin heritage and naturally darker skin tone. However, I learned the hard way a few years ago that this is absolutely not true, and I was especially grateful for that knowledge in Italy, where the blazing sun seemed to follow me every single day. Without proper protection, my skin wouldn’t have stood a chance.

Throughout my trip, I relied on Banana Boat’s Sport Ultra SPF 50 sunscreen (about $9 on Amazon). Pro tip: Choose the lotion over the spray (the spray has never worked as well for me in terms of coverage or longevity).

For my face, I used Supergoop!’s Glowscreen SPF 40 (around $38 on Amazon). Thanks to this duo, I came home from Italy unscathed…well, at least not sunburnt.