if you think about it you probably have a few outfits that you rotate in real life anyway so you don't need a different outfit for everyday, i seem to take the same amount of clothes whether i go for 1 or 2 weeks and loads come back unworn and some things i worn a couple of times and washed. When i'm away i make a note of things i wish i'd packed, things i wished i hadn't and leave it in the suitcase for next time i go to pack. The following is what i can remember from the last couple of holidays.
1.only take one bikini, it will dry quickly, last time i took 3 but only wore my favourite one.
- Dove soap instead of shower gel/body wash/shaving gel
3, comfy shoes, you walk more on holiday new pretty sandals will rub your feet, and you will fall over in those wedges, pavements are terrible abroad.
4, try not to pack anything white (vests, linen trousers) as i can't keep white clean for more than a couple of hours. Also if you do a load of washing you can't put your whites in a mixed load, pack a washing tablet.
5, you will wear less makeup, after sun instead of moisturiser.
6,everywhere i've always stayed had a hairdryer already, i think i could manage without, i get too hot drying my hair.
7, i always travel in jeans - france 2008 i really regretted not taking any.
After you go though security at the airport boots has a good selection of mini shampoos etc. I tend to take bottles that are nearly empty so i can use it up and not have to bring home half used bottles, (bit different when only going with hand luggage) i also take old bath puffs, toothbrushes, socks and pants for the kids that can be binned before we fly home.
Have never been to italy but i notice abroad people tend to not dress in much colour or patterns makes an easy capsule wardrobe. Just got back from crete last week and coming home there was a family with 3 small children who just had hand luggage, all dressed very well, the mother looked fantastic, in a grey maxi dress and i notice fitflops, i think she was spanish - she was thin and tanned - me jealous. I studied her how did she pull it off, she had expensive sunnies, handbag, watch and jewellery, they sat near us and she was a nice person too. I have a girl crush and i want her dress.