Italy: Packing List

When packing for Italy there are a few things you want to keep in mind:
  • You likely won't have access to a clothes iron or ironing board.
  • Everywhere you go requires walking and usually walking on uneven terrain including unevenly spaced steps. It is worth it to spend money on high quality, thick soled walking shoes.
  • Sidewalks and other paths are usually dirty.
  • Expect dry cleaning or laundry to be more expensive than in the United States. Pay for regular wash by the kilogram.
  • Pack so that everything fits in one carry-on bag.  Then pack a second bag that can be checked on your way home.
  • Consider how you might bring large liquids like balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and wine home with you.  What are the airport and customs regulations that might impact how you pack?
  • The toilet paper rolls are smaller so you if you are a large consumer of TP, you'll go through a roll much faster.
  • Italy is warm. Unlike the United States where we over-air-condition, many places do not have A/C.
  • Watch closely the exchange rate to determine when to exchange dollars for euro at the bank. If your bank charges a flat fee for the exchange, be sure to exchange a large amount.  Also check with your credit card and debit card companies about what the fees are if used in Italy. How do they determine the exchange rate for card purchases? Bring a few 1 euro coins to use to access the restroom at train stops.
  • Don't bring a hair dryer. Most places you stay will provide one. If not, your US dryer is too powerful anyways.
Suggested Packing List:
  • A smart phone with a good data plan and usable GPS.
  • Converter and adapter to charge cell phone and any other electronics.
  • Entertainment for the time spent on airplanes, buses, and trains. I recommend reading a book or watching a movie that takes place in Italy.  Elena Ferrante's Neopolitan Novels, starting with the first book "My Brilliant Friend" is a good read. The book of Romans from the New Testament of the Bible is another.
  • Wash clothes or sponges (as these are not provided - see post on Bathrooms in Italy.) 
  • Kleenex (you will have difficulty finding any.)
  • Non-white tennis shoes with good supportive sole.
  • Dress shoes with supportive thicker sole. Women often wear low-incline wedges. 
  • Swimming attire and travel towel (because swimming in the sea is a wonderfully different experience from swimming in a pool, lake, or the ocean.)
  • Pants or skirt that is only worn when visiting ancient archeological sites or not worn again after visiting such sites. Bottoms tend to get dirty at these locations, and if not planning to launder, they may not be wearable for the remaining part of your travels.
  • Travel umbrella.  
  • Sunglasses and sunscreen. The sun seems brighter in Italy. 
  • An outfit that is appropriate to wear at religious sites.  For women, this means shoulders and knees should be covered. 
  • An extra pair or two of undergarments. Don't be surprised if you sweat more than you typically would in the United States. I never sweat, but I did in Italy!
  • If you have had any history of allergies, I suggest taking some over the counter medication just in case.  I discovered I was very allergic to the ancient ruins of Rome.
  • Passports, euros and copies of passports. Give the copies to the hotel, bed and breakfast, and tour guides.
  • Earbuds to use on plane to watch television and on tours.
  • And then all of the typical items, but don't over pack!
A Nearly Complete 10-day Packing List for a Woman (based on trip in August):
  • Passport and euros!
  • Airport outfit (both directions) - nothing that will set off security (no belt). 
  • Casual dress for Vatican and churches (make sure shoulders are covered)
  • Comfortable evening dress for romantic dinners and excursions.
  • Skirt that can go with several tops.
  • Three pairs of pants: jeans, dress pants, and a third option of your choice.
  • Seven light weight shirts that can mix and match with any of your bottoms.
  • A cardigan that can mix and match with any of your outfits.
  • Swimming attire, travel towel, water shoes (optional), and water-proof bag to store them in.
  • Pillow case to use to put dirty clothes in.
  • Pair of earrings that can go with anything.
  • Dress shoes with supportive thicker sole.
  • Non-white tennis shoes with good supportive sole.
  • Undergarments and socks.
  • Feminine Products
  • Toothpaste, Toothbrush, & Floss
  • Multi-purpose soap (shampoo / conditioner / body)
  • Wash cloth or sponge
  • Deodorant
  • Lotion!
  • Sunscreen
  • Make-up (very optional)
  • Razor & Razor Blades
  • Nail clippers
  • Do NOT bring a hair dryer. Nearly every place provides one and US hairdryers will not work properly in Italy.
  • A purse with two inner zip pouches. One for passport.  The second for other items you'll be accessing regularly, such as tickets and coins. Room to carry your cardigan, a bottle of water, a map, or an umbrella.
  • A small handbag or a passport hiding bag that can be used when visiting sites that do not allow for bags. Make sure the small handbag can fit inside your purse so that you can quickly access it when coming to a situation where you need to quickly switch from the purse to the handbag.
  • Itinerary and copies of reservations.
  • Copies of passport photos to give to owners of hotels and tours.
  • Copies of any pages out of tour guide books that were important to you.
  • Writing pen that works.
  • Notepad.
  • Earbuds.
  • A few packets of Kleenex.
  • Medications you may need.
  • Phone with GPS & a nice camera.
  • Travel umbrella.
  • Sunglasses
  • Entertainment for while traveling.
  • A neck pillow for planes, trains, etc. (optional)
Location: Italy

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