21 Days, 2 Countries, Italy & Greece solo trip report.

I just got back from 21 days solo across Italy and Greece, and I’ve officially realized my fitness level is nowhere near where it needs to be compared to the local Nonnas. I spent a good chunk of my trip navigating everything from 4th floor walk ups in Rome to the steep hikes of Balos Lagoon in Crete, which sounds incredibly romantic until you’re actually there, staring at a landscape designed for people who apparently didn't have knees. Between the 22,000 daily steps and the chaotic ferries, I am humbled. My diet consisted of enough pasta and house wine, which I’ve concluded is the only thing that makes you forget your feet are sore.

The real test, however, was the 21 day transition from Venice to Athens. I was a chronic overpacker trying to reform my ways, the gear actually made the one bag life manageable rather than a chore.

The Trip Report: Gear Breakdown

Carry on: I used the 20" carry on from Level8. I managed to fit a variety of stuff, including theory tailored blazers, reformation linen dresses, and even Gucci loafers without everything getting crushed.

Power Bank: I brought a 20k mah Anker power bank, but honestly, it was overkill and heavy. For a trip like this, a slim 45W power bank with a built in cable, would have worked much better for keeping things light.

Headphones: I brought my Sony XM5s. They were bulky to pack but worth it for the noise cancellation on those 4 hour boat rides and long flights.

Travel Steamer: Since I was living out of a carry on, a small conair travel steamer was a necessity for keeping those linen dresses looking fresh after being packed away.

Final Takeaways

If you're planning a similar route, Crete is massive, 5 days was barely enough to see the west side. Venice at night is a completely different city once the day trippers leave, and the food scene in Athens is seriously underrated. Most importantly, download your Google Maps for offline use while you still have reliable Wi Fi. Scrambling for a signal the second you land is a rookie mistake. Trust the carafe, use the public water fountains, and get a bag that doesn't fight you on the stairs.