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Actually, Acadia is one of the smaller national parks in the US by area. One could probably experience most of the park in a few visits. It's certainly smaller than the other New England parks: White Mountain National Forest or the Maine wilderness. In those you could hike for days. Acadia offers more on the order of short (half-day) hikes.

Stop at the visitor center just after you get to Mount Desert Island. They have several nice guides to the trails that are free, and the rangers can answer specific questions you may have.

Acadia offers excellent opportunities for all these activities: Hiking, bicycling, and paddling. I suggest you do some of each.

• Bicycling: You can bring bikes or rent them on island. The carriage trails are an extensive network of car-free roads that are among the best cycling I've ever experienced. Most of the trails are hilly, but there's a ride that circles Eagle Lake that is rather flat. Cycling Acadia is a great experience.
  
  
• Paddling: You can take a guided kayak tour in Bar Harbor. I did a lovely tour of the harbor at sunset back in 2000. It was awesome.
  
  
• Hiking: Personally I like the Sargent Mountain hike and the Beehive trail. There are some "ladder trails" that are quite strenuous, though short. The nice thing about hiking Acadia is that you get semi-alpine conditions, so you get above treeline pretty easily and have excellent views of the coast.
  
  You could also pick up the excellent AMC book "Discover Acadia National park". It probably has more information than you need for a 4-day trip, though; it is divided into sections on hiking, paddling, and bicycling, with much detail on each, and a great map.
  
  ONE MORE THING. You must order popovers at Jordan Pond House. It makes a nice treat after a bike ride, and is one of the defining experiences of a visit to Acadia IMHO.
  
  Feel free to hit me with any other questions. Here are some photos I took in Acadia over the years. Some of the photos have captions with detailed info.

THE LESS LUGGAGE THE BETTER! I would hone your luggage down to one main piece and a daypack each. I backpacked solo through Europe for a month and a half and used the Osprey Farpoint 70 Travel Pack, which I would HIGHLY recommend. - http://www.amazon.com/Osprey-Farpoint-70-Travel-Backpack/dp/B003GBYXGM

It's a backpack that has suitcase features, while stille keeping the jetsetter in mind.

1. The pack zips open in the front, which allows you to more easily find things rather than digging through all your belongings from the top.
   
   
2. Since you're jumping on trains/airplanes and such, it has a pull-out cover that allows you to zip the backpack straps into the pack, making it streamlined and reducing your chances of the straps getting caught or cut.
   
3. My favorite feature was the zip-off daypack that comes with it. It was perfect for toting around my laptop or anything else I needed while I was away from the hostels.
   
   I would advise against rolling luggage due to the hassle. I saw SO many travelers being held up, getting the rollers caught on things, trying to maneuver the wheels through cobblestone streets, trying to lug them onto trains, etc... basically a travel nightmare. With a pack, you're able to quickly move through crowds, and your belongings are much less likely to get snagged.
   
   As for the souvenir part, I would recommend mailing things home. Whenever my pack got a little too snug, I would go to the nearest post office and ship some things back to the States. It saved me SO much headache and allowed me to buy whatever I wanted without destroying my back.
   
   Also, check out packing cubes. It allowed me to fit a lot more in my confined pack, while keeping it all nice and organized. It was also great when I got to a new location since I was able to simply take out the cubes and stuff them in a drawer for easy access.
   
   Enjoy your travels!

When I travelled several European/UK countries from Canada I charged my various devices with this power bar and 3 in 1 adapter

http://www.amazon.ca/Belkin-3-Outlet-Travel-Charger-Protector/dp/B0015DYMVO/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1412369721&sr=8-5&keywords=belkin+power+bar

http://www.amazon.ca/Targus-APK01CA-World-Travel-Adapter/dp/B000ES6KPM/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1412370031&sr=8-4&keywords=travel+adapter

I have been extremely happy with them, since I can simultaneously charge all my devices at once and no worries about voltage issues/power surges since it has a surge protector. The usb ports are super handy since I only need to carry the various wires, and no wall attachments. It is also useful for charging phones for new foreign friends. The only drawback is the size. It isn't very heavy, but can be clunky to carry around. I found carrying all my wires, plugs and adapters in a zippered pouch was a very convenient solution.

The adapter is really down to personal choice, but I quite like how sleek and compact the Targus is. Most people I know recommend buying the cheapest adapter, since you will always lose them, but for me having a compact universal charger was worth the money. Bonus with this adapter is if you are just going out for the day and want to only bring your adapter and phone charger along it is a much easier to throw in your bag then a huge all in one square adapter

Just my 2 cents, but I have been very happy with my set up over the last 5 months travelling.

Ok, I had a similar trip, here's a few tips and tricks:

1. Take a normal sized backpack like a school backpack. No flags, try not to look too American. Use a small zipper lock. Have your passport and credit cards in a money belt under your clothes. Carry a front pocket wallet.
   
   
2. ATMs will generally give you a better exchange rate. Traveler's cards are good too. Airport exchanges are usually worst
   
   3)Overnight trains are fine. A little loud, a little bumpy but cheaper than a hotel for a night and you're not missing out on day travel time. I say they're worth it but you miss some countryside so just play it by ear.
   
   
3. Try not to plan day by day too much. You'll know when it's time to leave.
   
   
4. Learn a couple key phrases. If you're honest and genuine people will take the time to communicate with you.
   
   Other than that, have fun good luck, I recommend Vagabonding by Ralph Potts. Lots of great advice.
   
   http://www.amazon.com/Vagabonding-Uncommon-Guide-Long-Term-Travel/dp/0812992180

In terms of budgeting, Asia is very budget friendly, as you know. Having friends who are local are a huge help, as they will steer you away from tourist traps.

In Europe, definitely do trains and Ryanair. If you are traveling within a country (e.g. Germany or Italy), you don't have to buy your train tickets ahead, just buy regional/local train tickets at the station. You don't get a reserved seat, but they are tons cheaper. Rick Steves helped me a lot in EU.

Some bullet tips:

• Take advantage of "Student" or "Youth" fares as you guys qualify for both. Your High School ID is valid everywhere, basically.
  
• Stay in hostels or split Airbnb rooms.
  
• Stay towards Eastern Europe if you want to save more money.
  
• Get a bank account that has no foreign ATM fees (e.g. Charles Schwab).
  
• Make sure your credit cards are chipped and you always carry some cash (our domestic credit cards are not super international friendly in some countries).
  
• Try using Wwoof or HelpX for free lodging and local experiences (you have to work in exchange though, and be careful about vetting your hosts beforehand).
  
  • If you do use Wwoof or HelpX (especially HelpX) and you are American: If you are asked at customs/borders why you are visiting, DO NOT say it's for work or anything related to that. You are visiting for recreation/the sake of travel. In the UK I had American friends who said they would be working (HelpX is technically "work exchange) and customs denied them entry.
    
• Buy an international power adaptor (eg this).
  
  • Get this too, it's amazing and so useful.
    
    Have to get back to work, but mostly, over prepare mentally and financially. Things will go wrong, you will probably have an instance where you'll have to drop a lot of money to fix an issue, but I promise it will all work out. Always be clearly kind and polite to EVERYONE. Shyness doesn't help when you're on a shoestring.

I'm gonna add some thoughts here. I'm also gonna quote from some of your other comments and add it to this thread.

>I need to get an international phone plan

First make sure your phone is unlocked. If you bought it straight from Apple/Samsung/LG/etc it will be. If it's locked to your carrier call and have them unlock it. Then when you get to Italy buy a SIM card from a local company (Like Vodaphone). There is almost always kiosks in the airport for this sort of thing. Here's some more information on it. (http://prepaid-data-sim-card.wikia.com/wiki/Italy). You'll have a local phone number, and access to however much data you purchased for your time there. Once home just slap your old SIM card in and carry on!

>a proper charger for my phone

Here you go. This one served me well on 3 continents so far.

https://www.amazon.com/Adapter-Worldwide-Universal-Adaptor-Charging/dp/B01DJ140LQ

>call my credit card companies and let them know I will be in a different country so my card doesn't get shut down

Maybe? I'd suggest getting yourself one of these.
http://www.cashpassport.com/1/global-landing-page/

Pre-load it with your euro's and avoid having to pay transaction fees on your current credit card. It's accepted anywhere Mastercard is (so almost everywhere) and it's insured with 24/7 global assistance.

>I wont be paying for transportation except for if we go out to a bar and the driver wants to drink.

UBER works worldwide, even with your American credit card on file.

Oh and check to see if your Credit Card offers any kind of lounge access. A lot of pseudo-premium cards offer 2-4 free lounge visits a year. A little quiet with some free food and booze is a godsend during a layover!

I find a smartphone or wifi tablet is really useful while traveling. Information, contact, entertainment are all useful features of a device. I really like having ebooks. You don't really need a data plan, wifi is pretty widespread.

That said, I often bring a single paperback book too. You might not always want to pull out your device everywhere, you don't have to worry about water or dust or pickpockets with a paperback. (But your paperback can't send email or check news or weather or take photos.) Plus travelers often swap books. Lots of hostels and hotels and coffee shops have book swap shelves. So you can trade off your book for another when its done.

I also find a money belt like this very useful. I keep some emergency cash, a photocopy of my passport, credit card, and itinerary in it. You might also consider hidden passport pockets like these to sew into your pants.

Yes! Thank you.

Group activities are a great idea and is actually one of the main reasons why I want to CouchSurf. I figure the locals of each place I stay at will definitely know the city, and could show me good spots, to go out and explore. I'm sure I'll do several pub crawls too.

I'm taking my smartphone which will help me with maps. I can download maps straight to my phone for offline usage (I'm suspending my service for a month as to not incur any outrageous charges), and will only use WiFi and my GPS. I think this is better so as not to yell "Tourist!" when fumbling through big maps. I can get virtually any guidebook in PDF form for my smartphone or on my Kindle too.

My backpack, an Osprey Farpoint 70 has a removable daypack so I'm set on that!

We’re genuinely sorry to hear about your travel anxiety!

Have you ever considered regularly meditating with something like Insight Timer (iPhone and Android) to help with it?

Insight Timer is free (although, there’s is a paid option) and we’ve found it very helpful.


Also, you may try reading Start Here: Master the Lifelong Habit of Wellbeing.


Finally, Sam Harris’ Waking Up mediation app has helped us get to the next level of mediation and awareness.

 

We’ve been budget traveling for a bit over two years out of one 36L backpack each and have found that mediating and accepting that volatility and change will occur on our adventure have made travel (and life) more enjoyable.


Safe travels!

The above statement about Three SIM cards requiring a UK credit card is not accurate. There are plenty of on line sites that will allow one to purchase credit vouchers using PayPal or a US credit card. There is a slight convenience fee charged but it can be done without a UK credit card. Three SIM cards are the best. Better than GiffGaf because they work in more countries worldwide. Switzerland is included as a "go roam" destination which means you can use your data allowance there. Do not wait until you get to Switzerland to purchase your SIM card.

This is a link to the Three SIM card for $24 includes 12 GB of data good for one month on Amazon with prime shipping.

https://www.amazon.com/PrePaid-destinations-including-European-countries/dp/B01FI1JW72/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=three+sim&qid=1558744173&s=gateway&sr=8-3

That looks like an awesome book, I'll definitely get it. Thanks! In exchange, for any traveler, I highly recommend Vagabonding by Rolf Potts, and also the website Travelfish which was indispensable when I spent a month in Thailand, and it's great for SE Asia in general.

There are tons of companies that make this stuff. ExOfficio you mentioned, Royal Robbins, Travelsmith and Magellan also come to mind. Or you could simply sew zippered pockets into regular pants, shirts, and jackets.

I don't know if a traditional man's wallet is the best way to carry your cash/cards, because the bulkiness makes it harder to stash; I find a simple zippered lightweight bag a bit bigger than a credit card is easy to slip into whichever pocket I want.

Consider the difference between easily accessible pockets vs. hidden ones not designed to be accessed en route short of an emergency. The former might be a zippered chest pocket as found on many shirts from Travelsmith, for storage of your daily cash allowance. The latter might be hidden inside a pair of pants or an undergarment, for storage of the bulk of your cash.

Hobo Traveler makes pockets that can be sewn into regular clothing.

Of course most of the above vendors make travel vests; Orvis may also. But you probably don't need a million pockets; consider sewing a pocket into an ordinary vest.

For women who may be reading along, a great option is the Macabi skirt, which has very deep, large pockets, and includes a somewhat hidden zippered pocket. Because of the pockets, the rain resistance, the wind protection, and the snaps that let you hitch the skirt up, this is an excellent choice for travel.

Lots of good suggestions in here. A couple specifics from my trip:

• This flashlight Tiny, rugged, and amazingly bright for just a single AA battery. Spendy, but worth it.
  
• A mini surge protector to go with your travel adapter (kit). Share it in airports when there's only one wall socket.
  
• An unlocked iPhone or Andriod smart phone. You'll have travel apps, wi-fi access for Tripadvisor and Wikitravel, digital guidebooks if you need them, and plenty of podcasts, music, and movies for those long bus rides. Oh yeah, it's a phone, too. Seriously, after my passport, this is the most important thing in my travel bag.

Bestek universal travel adapter

I traveled to South Africa and just used a simple voltage converter and was fine. I also had my laptop, tablet, phone and camera to charge. But sometimes it’s better to be safe than sorry 😊

I'm not saying "get this specific one", but I always travel with something like this.

Yeah, it's a small brick, but it doesn't take up all that room. It'll have the right plugs for any international outlet, and it has USB connections as well....so, you could charge your phone (via USB), your travel battery (via USB), and your camera battery (via plug) at the same time.

I travel with a lot of electronics, so I also travel with a mini-travel power strip like this (again, I'm not saying "buy this one", just that it's an example of something I travel with), so that I can charge multiple plugs and multiple USBs at the same time.

The small brick for the outlets and the small travel power strip really don't take up much room at all, and they ensure that I can charge all my devices no matter the destination. All I need is one outlet, and I can charge something like 5 devices via USB and plugs.

As others have said, many (most?) modern electronic chargers are dual-voltage compatible, so all you need to do is to convert the plug.

It is generally okay to branch a single adaptor into a couple of 110vac plugs, assuming that the power loads are small (such as typical phone & laptop chargers). This is the basic idea behind using a power strip, although I'd probably skip using an actual power strip because they're bulky & might have some internal safety circuitry that will pop a fuze/breaker if used on 220VAC.

So what I choose to carry instead to do this is a short indoor extension cord, such as one of these: this is good enough to put two chargers onto a single adaptor plug. FYI, there used to be a really short (six inches!) version of this style, but it seems to be discontinued. See Note at the end

You could also try one of those "octopus" style cords, but these are usually pretty bulky.

---

Note

As I mentioned above, there used to be really short (6 inches!) versions of the indoor extension cord .. I originally found them years ago at Radio Shack. I've been looking for a new source for something similar and I recently found the Boston World Jet Power Multi Socket Extension Plug ... but buyer beware: while this is 95% of what I wanted, it has one feature which prevents me from recommending it. Specifically, the plug design on this product is not { one wide / one narrow slots } to be compatible with modern NEMA Stanard 2-prong plugs which have a wide/narrow for polarization ... but is just { two narrow slots } and this means that a modern plug will not physically fit into this cord (I specifically tested this - - it is a no-go, as the white plastic part of the plug is a hard & inflexible plastic). While this isn't a problem with Apple chargers, for example, it is a dumb limitation that has the potential to bite you in the posterior when you least expect it. Save your money and just buy a 6 foot indoor extension cord instead of this product.

http://www.amazon.com/Osprey-Farpoint-70-Travel-Backpack/dp/B003GBYXGM/ref=pd_sim_sg_2

I have it and it is great! Carry on size (it is a tad bigger than the recommended size but it fits perfectly in the over head compartment and a detachable day pack. the back pack straps can be enclosed if you need to check it. Ospreys always have a life time warranty.

I wouldn't do white, personally. I bought one white travel shirt and tossed it after one trip in favor of black and navy.

Also, I would trade toilet paper for baby wipes.

Edited to add: I don't know where you're going, but that adapter is only useful for USA --> parts of Europe. If you are going to the UK, or if you end up buying electronics there (for instance, my macbook power cord broke as soon as I got here, and to buy a cord + American adapter was more than twice as expensive as buying a UK cord), you'll want something like this. It's bigger, but far more useful.

I enjoyed Do Travel Writers Go To Hell. I know there was some controversy surrounding the author, but whatever, I thought it was a funny, entertaining read.

We have an older version of this camera and fucking love it: https://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-Lumix-ZS50-Camera-Black/dp/B00RBG687A/ref=sr_1_3?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1542734304&sr=1-3&keywords=PANASONIC+LUMIX+ZS50

It takes great photos and is under $300.

You don't need a fancy camera. 95% of the people who have one of those things doesn't know what the fuck they're doing and would be better with a high-end point and shoot like this.

Yeah I've seen them advertised on pretty much every website I've looked at reviews for. Must be a good bag but too expensive I'm afraid.

​

I've found these 3 but not sure if they would pass as hand luggage?

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B019N5CYEW/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=sl1&tag=skyscanner05-21&linkId=0e8b29cd0edbce646dc19ae05c83f0a9

​

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Lowe-Alpine-Lightflite-Carry--Backpack/dp/B00SN0RZ7K/ref=as_li_ss_tl?s=sports&ie=UTF8&qid=1468410936&sr=1-1-fkmr0&keywords=Lowe+Alpine+AT+Lightflight+Carry+On+40+ltr&linkCode=sl1&tag=skyscanner05-21&linkId=7e3a13ab44fb243163d50fba5883b5b0

​

https://www.mountainwarehouse.com/ventura-40l-rucksack-p13377.aspx/black/

Yeah, I do almost the same I have this travel power strip that goes everywhere with me. Works great for the airport when I need a plug and they're all occupied. I can usually ask someone to share, and never been refused.

I also really love this power strip, and it is especially helpful when staying in hostel dorm rooms. There are four outlets to charge stuff.

http://www.amazon.ca/Monster-MP-OTG400-BK-Outlets/dp/B000F9YN2M/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1450466408&sr=8-1&keywords=four+outlet+power+bar

I found this, it seems to have pretty good reviews, and a few videos. Do you think it's worth it?

The road name for the book is the Lying Planet for good reason. The authors often accept kickbacks from places they review to give them a good review and there is no way to know which making reviews problematic. The prices are almost always wrong, granted these do change but the LP's have been known to not even bother updating them with new editions, and in developing countries (South America, Africa and most of Asia) they don't even check if places still exist when releasing new editions. With smaller towns you need to check that they actually exist and where the LP claims they exist.

There have also been a number of cases where LP authors have admitted to writing the guides without ever actually visiting the country. There is an excellent book written by a travel writer documenting some of these aspects of travel writing here. He wrote the Colombia guide while he was in San Francisco.

For charging things, you need both a converter and adapter if your electronics aren't dual voltage, one for dealing with the different shapes of the outlets in Europe, and one for dealing with the different voltage. Rick Steves talks about it here. Usually they're now in one piece. I got mine at Bed Bath & Beyond for pretty cheap. Here's an example. I have this, which is only a plug adapter because my electronics are marked dual voltage.

As for overhead room, I've never had trouble, especially if you aren't bringing anything bigger than a standard backpack or duffel bag. Even if it does get crowded, the flight attendants usually go around playing tetris so everyone can find space.

All flights I've been on had front door loading only, boarding by 'zones,' where 1/2/3 are first/business/priority passengers. Your zone will be marked on your ticket. Coach zones (like 3/4/5) have always boarded last. You won't be able to get on first unless you pay extra for the better front seats.

This is what I use and I have never had a problem. It works in the recessed outlets that Europe seems to favor better than the large bricks that others have recommended on this thread.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00210MRGC/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I would personally recommend this adapter. Has more options. Just make sure that your power adapters are approved for the higher voltage of most European countries (the apple chargers are fine) Insten Universal World Wide Travel Charger Adapter Plug, White https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000YN01X4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_mLxuxbT4QCQ5X

I recently read Vagabonding by Rolf Potts, it was pretty interesting.

It's about traveling not a story about travelling though. If you travel a lot you may have already experienced some of what he talks about.

I love this thing

Belkin 3-Outlet Mini Travel Swivel Charger Surge Protector with Dual USB Ports

Vagabonding by Rolf Potts is a great read. He talks about the philosophy of travel quite a bit.

This thing is awesome because its all in one and is very compact:
http://www.amazon.com/Kensington-33117-International-Travel-Adapter/dp/B0002H4YUI/ref=sr_1_3?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1323550981&sr=1-3

Yup, these ones activate once you pop them in: PrePaid Europe (UK THREE) sim card 12GB data+3000 minutes+3000 texts for 30 days with FREE ROAMING/USE in 71 destinations including all European countries https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B01FI1JW72/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_ZQXVCb2QTYQWE

If we're talking about the same 30 day, 12GB 3 UK SIM on Amazon, I used that last year and could stream video (and I assume audio, I didn't check), even tethering worked even though it said it didn't. I would get that SIM again if I were traveling around Europe again. Speeds are 4G (not LTE), so while not blazing fast still very much useful.

Hey,

My wife has me on this mission as well, she has two hair tools (one is like a stick, one is the clamping thing) both are 110-240v 50-60hz. If I buy this item, can I just plug them into it, then it into the wall, and be fine (I know both can't be used at the same time, but i assume the dual voltage indicator on both items means they are made precisely for this application). I just don't want her blowing them up then being sad. We will also be in Italy later in the month and I figure it should work the same way there as well?


She also has a blow dryer but its 110v (so non dual?) and I don't think that is safe to plug into a UK/EU outlet (Becasue they push 220v?).



Lastly, with this item, at night time can we let say use the 2 USB slots for our phones and the one AC/plug slot for our laptop no problem?


Thanks!

Adapter:

https://www.amazon.com/Adapter-Worldwide-Universal-Adaptor-Charging/dp/B01DJ140LQ/ref=pd_ybh_a_1?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=415R88TWPH12KEZNPHYC

It's probably Do Travel Writers Go to Hell?. Highly enjoyable book.

I have traveled to Ireland, Iceland, UK, Netherlands, Vietnam, Costa Rica, Italy, Dominican Republic, and the Cayman Islands with the travel power adapter listed below. I highly recommend.

​

https://www.amazon.com/BESTEK-Universal-Converter-Charging-Worldwide/dp/B01E140XWA/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1542337409&sr=8-4&keywords=travel+power+adapter

Read Vagabonding by Rolf Potts, as soon as possible. It’s full of useful advice for travel, especially solo travel.

Also, check out this book. A nice guide/inspiration for the whole getting rid of stuff and focusing on travel thing.

Its easiest to buy one of these: https://www.amazon.com/Kensington-K33117-International-Travel-Adapter/dp/B0002H4YUI

It has all the combinations of in/out you'll need all over the world.

Reminder that this won't work for hair dryers or hair straighteners.

Get this book http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/0812992180. I wish I would have read this book before I went to Thailand.

Ok, so if I buy this SIM card, it will work for me overseas?


https://www.amazon.com/PrePaid-destinations-including-European-countries/dp/B01FI1JW72/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?adgrpid=58678360520&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIjIS029KI5AIVBF6GCh1Frwd7EAAYAyAAEgL6qvD_BwE&hvadid=274840644157&hvdev=m&hvlocphy=9004040&hvnetw=g&hvpos=1t3&hvqmt=b&hvrand=9319550460917084838&hvtargid=kwd-296786349965&hydadcr=11151_9875540&keywords=uk+sim+card+prepaid&qid=1566001644&s=wireless&sr=1-1

An outlet adapter for various countries. Something like this.

I've been using this adapter for a while now and it works really well. It is just an adapter but it isn't an issue since most chargers allows you to use a range of voltage from 110 to 220

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000YN01X4/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_c_api_KyMdzb66MNPXA

you should read Vagabonding.
The book is not long and it has everything you ever need to know. It was eye opener for me :D

Vagabonding by Rolf Potts

Read this book: Vagabonding by Rolf Potts

The Road by Jack London

Vagabonding by Rolf Potts

Any universal travel adapter will work.
I use these http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000YN01X4/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1416895855&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SY200_QL40

I've recently purchased this bag but I've still yet to use it.

For packing in general, this thread on Flyertalk is great.

I took 3, as the eBags packing cubes come in 3. The biggest one held all of my clothes. The medium one has cords, chargers, adapters, etc. The small one has a pair of shoes. I don't have too much stuff, so if your stuff can't fit in all the cubes (more or less), just fiddle with it. Some people use one for dirty clothes. I just let my dirty clothes float around my bag and use it for padding and to take up irregular space.

Also, I forgot to include this in my other posts: Get an adapter for the EU sockets. If you charge lots of things (e.g. cellphone, laptop, iPad, traveling partner's stuff), you'll want a travel extension socket thing. I have this one and I love it.

I have about 5 of these in my travel bag. They work everywhere I've been, and don't have parts that come off or get lost.

http://www.amazon.com/All-One-Travel-Power-Adapter/dp/B000YN01X4

I ended up buying a lot of my stuff when I was abroad. Like a toaster, blender, toiletries and shit of that nature. Research expat sites and cheap places to buy essentials in Rome so you can get stuff there.

You’ll have to check every one of your devices you want to bring but there are some that work with European outlet voltage (iPhones, iPads, etc) and some that don’t. For things that do work with the voltage buy these. For things that don’t you will need a converter. Something like this will work. Research each of your products if you plug something that needs a converter into an adaptor it will be ruined.

Most likely you will only have to pick up a plug adapter. Most power units are both 110 and 220/240 already. it should say so on the side.

like this

or
this

No need to worry about the exact type and for each and every one...