HELLO
Hello Travelers,
Last month, I introduced you to Celebrity Xcel and some of the places you might find yourself spending time onboard.
This month, we're talking about what you're bringing with you.
THINGS WORTH PACKING
I love a useful travel gadget.
I do not love buying a suitcase full of things you'll use once because somebody on the internet said they're “must-haves.”
So instead of giving you one enormous cruise packing list, I've started putting together a collection of travel favorites and useful finds that can make your trip a little easier.
And since Black Friday is coming up, November seemed like a particularly good time to share it.
I'll continue adding to the list as I find things worth recommending, so consider this a resource you can come back to as the trip gets closer.
And remember: you do not need everything on this list.
The goal is to find the things that make sense for the way you travel.
FOR YOUR CRUISE CABIN
Cruise cabins are very good at making use of a relatively small amount of space. That doesn't mean a few strategic additions can't make yours work a little better.
A few things worth considering:
Magnetic hooks for hats, lanyards, lightweight bags and other things you don't want taking up counter space
A small night-light for middle-of-the-night navigation
A compact organizer if you like having your smaller items visible and easy to grab
Reusable water bottles for keeping water handy onboard and taking along on port days
Darcy's note: Don't buy cabin gadgets simply because TikTok says every cruiser needs them. Think about what actually annoys you in a hotel room or cruise cabin and solve that problem.
RESOURCES
BEFORE YOU START SHOPPING...
Black Friday can be a great time to pick up things you already know you'll need.
It is also very good at convincing us we suddenly need things we had never considered owning until they were 37% off.
So here's my rule for this list:
Use it as a resource, not a shopping assignment.
You still have plenty of time before your Mediterranean adventure. Save the list, see what you already own and pick up the things that will genuinely make your trip easier.
A LITTLE COMFORT GOES A LONG WAY
Some of my favorite travel purchases aren't exciting at all.
They're simply the things that make a long flight, busy sightseeing day or unfamiliar hotel room more comfortable.
This is the category for the eye mask you actually like, the travel pillow you'll actually use, compression socks, a small travel fan or whatever little thing makes you a happier traveler.
There is no prize for being uncomfortable on vacation.
PACKING & ORGANIZATION
This is where a few good tools can genuinely make travel easier.
Compression packing cubes are one of my favorites, especially when you're moving between hotels or trying to keep a cruise cabin organized.
I also like having a designated place for laundry, shoes and all those little miscellaneous things that otherwise migrate around your suitcase.
One warning from someone who appreciates organization perhaps a little too much:
You do not need seventeen different pouches to organize your seventeen other pouches.
At some point, we're just packing containers.
EUROPEAN TRAVEL/DAY PACK
Your Mediterranean cruise adds another consideration: you'll be spending plenty of time off the ship. That means thinking beyond cruise-specific packing. Depending on your plans, useful additions might include:
A compact umbrella or lightweight rain layer
A reusable water bottle
A small crossbody or secure day bag
A lightweight layer for churches and other sites where more coverage may be appropriate
Day Pack: Phone, Wallet, Water, Glasses, Sunscreen, Portable Charger, Medications
Comfortable shoes you have already worn
Please do not make your Mediterranean cruise the maiden voyage for an adorable pair of shoes. Your feet deserve better.
ELECTRONICS
Between phones, watches, earbuds, cameras and everything else that needs charging, electronics can become their own packing category.
A good multi-device charging setup can reduce the number of cords and chargers you need to bring.
You'll also want to think about what you'll need for any pre- or post-cruise hotel stays in Europe, where outlets are different from those in the United States.
Important: Cruise lines have specific rules about power strips, extension cords and surge protectors, so don't assume the one you use at home can come onboard.
Coming Next
GET IN THE SPIRIT
Next time, we’ll get you into the spirit of the season with trip inspired fun!
Questions +
A FINAL NOTE
If you have any questions, concerns, want to make a payment prior to FINAL…feel free to reach out to me. I'm doing a bit of traveling myself this month, so my response times may be a little different than usual while I'm away. I will be unavailable Nov 10 - Dec 2.
Some links in this newsletter may be affiliate links, which means Honeycomb Hollow Travel Co. may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through them, at no additional cost to you.
Until next time,
