What to Pack for Your Writing Retreat
- killianwolf
- Jun 24
- 7 min read
This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. I only recommend products I personally use or truly believe will support your writing journey.
A writing retreat is more than a break from routine—it’s a chance to finally hear yourself think. To step away from daily distractions and reconnect with the story you’ve been meaning to write. Whether you’re working on a memoir, exploring a personal project, or just craving creative focus, what you bring with you can shape the entire experience.
Before I moved into publishing, I was an Archaeologist. I worked across Scotland, England, Spain, Italy, and the U.S.—and traveled often for other reasons, too. In the field, we had to pack light and work with only the essentials: notebooks, pencils, and whatever could fit in our bags. When you’re limited in what you can carry, every item counts.
A writing retreat to Florence isn’t exactly roughing it, but it does make a difference to travel light. Florence felt like the perfect setting—warm, artistic, and full of stories. I’ve walked its streets, wandered its galleries, and written from cafés that overlook centuries of history. I wanted to create an experience where the setting itself feels like part of your writing process. That doesn’t mean bringing uninspiring tools, though. You want what you carry to support your writing mindset and feel good to use.
The right tools can support your writing rhythm, enhance your comfort, and keep you grounded in your intention. This list includes practical and beautiful items to bring along, from thoughtful writing tools to Amazon favorites that have earned their place in the suitcase.
1. Your Chosen Writing Tools
Normally, you're going to type your story on your laptop—but when it comes to plotting, I’m a little old school. I like to write scenes on index cards and spread them out so I can physically see the structure. There’s something about putting pen to paper that jump-starts the creative process (at least for me).
I’m all about romanticizing the writing experience to help me enjoy it—tea, a good pen, an inviting notebook. But some writers prefer to dive straight into their document and get to work. Either way, it’s always worth keeping a journal and pen handy, especially on retreat. You never know when you’ll want to step away from the screen, take a stroll through Tuscany, or jot down a spark of inspiration in a museum café.
Not to mention, the act of journaling can help you access memory and dig deep into your subconscious, which makes it a powerful tool no matter what kind of writing you’re doing.
What you write with should feel familiar and inspiring. These are the basics:
Your favorite notebooks or journals (leather-bound or cloth-covered work beautifully). I recommend using one that is refillable—by the end of the year, you’ll have a growing collection of journals or notes for your book, without needing to buy a whole new notebook every time. The refills are easy to find and can be swapped out for sketchpad paper or lined paper, depending on your needs. I really liked this Vintage Logbook Inspired Refillable Leather Journal, and it even has pockets on the inside to keep loose pages safe.
High-quality pens you actually like using. I found this gorgeous executive rollerball pen set with a stand I'm obsessed with, which I spoke about in another blog.
Sticky notes, index cards, or idea-mapping tools-- This Jutom 39 Pcs Aesthetic Book Annotation Kit Pencil Case Bag is a perfect Amazon find for when you're traveling light. It keeps everything in one place, and comes with sticky notes, index tabs for annotations, a highlighter, and can carry your other pens and supplies.
2. A Comfortable Writing Setup (Even on the Go)
Not every retreat will have your dream desk, but you can bring a few portable items to create a sense of home:
A compact lap desk or foldable writing table. I find the Mayjoy Bamboo Lap Desk with Storage is especially travel-friendly—it fits your laptop inside and has a handle like a small suitcase. If you're packing everything into a backpack, the storage compartment is perfect for folders, books, pens, and more. It also includes enough cushion to keep things comfortable while adding a bit of height when seated.
Portable back support or lumbar cushion for long writing sessions. If you're like me and spend a lot of time sitting while writing, this is a must-have. I adore the Vive Inflatable Lumbar Pillow—it’s compact and packs easily because it’s inflatable, and it doubles as a travel pillow for flights. Whether you’re on the couch, in a desk chair, or tucked into a cozy retreat nook, this one goes wherever you do.
A clip-on book light or soft travel lamp. Personally, I enjoy using the kind that wraps around your neck—it means you don’t have to unclip or adjust the light every time you turn a page. The Gritin LED Neck Reading Light is my go-to: lightweight, adjustable, and great for writing or reading without disturbing anyone around you.
3. Tech Essentials Even if you're unplugging, these tools can help:
A lightweight laptop or tablet with a keyboard. I personally use a MacBook, and it’s been great so far—especially for independent publishing. Some industry-standard software only works on Mac (but I’ll save those details for a different blog post).
Headphones for focus. Hear me out: while these aren’t technically noise-canceling, the MUSICOZY Sleep Headphones Bluetooth 5.4 Headband has become my favorite retreat companion. My sister gifted it to me last Christmas, and I’ve used it ever since. It connects via Bluetooth, so you can listen to classical music (or whatever keeps you in the zone) while writing or walking. It’s soft, doubles as a sleep mask, and honestly makes a great workout accessory too. A multi-use essential I genuinely love. I used it on a retreat in Hilton Head last year and received many compliments.
Backup chargers and a travel power strip. I recommend having an all-in-one power adapter kit like the Ceptics World Travel Adapter Kit, along with a compact power strip like this Travel Power Strip. Both are small enough to fit easily into your luggage, backpack, or purse—and incredibly convenient when you're working in spaces with limited outlets.
4. Comfort + Personal Rituals
Make your retreat feel intentional, not just functional. These items help shift your mindset:
A cozy wrap or shawl for writing in early mornings or late nights
Your favorite tea or coffee + a travel mug or tumbler that keeps drinks hot or cold. The versatility of the Stanley cup takes care of all of that—it keeps drinks warm during early morning writing sessions and ice cold when you're journaling under the afternoon sun.
A backpack or structured tote to carry your daily writing essentials between sessions or locations. I absolutely love the LOVEVOOK 50L Large Travel Backpack—especially for Europe trips. It has a dedicated shoe compartment (yes, really), a section for your laptop, room for your Stanley cup, and smart utility spaces that make connecting flights easier. It comes in two different sizes and multiple color options, making it one of the most versatile and functional travel bags I’ve used.
5. Legacy Touchstones If you're working on a memoir or legacy project, it helps to bring items that reconnect you with your story:
Printed photos, letters, or keepsakes to inspire memory
A small heirloom or personal token
A prompt deck or guided legacy journal
Old postcards, letters
6. Elegant + Reliable Luggage It’s worth investing in luggage that travels well, protects your tools, and feels just as intentional as the rest of your retreat setup.
Durable carry-on or checked suitcase. Whether you’re a minimalist or someone who likes to pack for a home away from home, Melalenia offers a range of suitcase sets that work beautifully. For a 10–15 day retreat, I recommend pairing a backpack like the LOVEVOOK mentioned above with the Melalenia 3-piece luggage set. These suitcases are durable, lightweight, and come with plenty of compartments to fit all your essentials—and then some.
Organizational packing cubes. If you're as obsessed with order as I am—and want everything to match (yes, I know I might be a little nuts)—you’ll love this 8 Set Packing Cubes for Travel. They’re beautiful, come in multiple color options, and keep everything in your luggage neat and compartmentalized. The set even includes a washable laundry bag and a toiletry bag, which makes them extra convenient for longer retreats.
A toiletry bag that keeps everything contained. If the bag included in your packing cube set is too small—or only big enough to fit a few bottles of perfume—then I recommend bringing a separate toiletry bag for your full set of essentials. I personally love the NISHEL Travel Toiletry Bag because it comes with a built-in hanger you can hook over a bathroom door, which makes getting ready so much easier. And you already know how I feel about convenience.
Packing for a writing retreat is really about preparing to meet yourself on the page. Whether you're capturing family history, writing a memoir, or just nurturing a creative practice, your tools should support you.
And of course, don’t forget to pack with your destination in mind. If you’re heading somewhere like Florence, lightweight layers, walking shoes, and weather-appropriate accessories can make your stay infinitely more enjoyable.
Writing retreats are about more than just getting the words down on the page. They’re about giving yourself the space to reconnect with yourself, without distractions. Some retreats, like the one I offer here at Legacy Collection Press, are all-inclusive, with a full-time writing coach to help you structure your book from the ground up—whether it’s a memoir, nonfiction, or fiction of any genre.
Want to write your story in Florence?
Join us for an immersive writing retreat where story meets setting. Whether you're working on a memoir, novel, or personal legacy, you'll receive expert guidance, structured time, and the kind of creative atmosphere that only Florence can offer.
Want help turning your retreat into a finished book? Explore our memoir ghostwriting and legacy storytelling services here.
Comments