Suggested Packing List for Italy

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We get questions all the time about the best things to pack for a trip to Italy. Our general recommendations are to come prepared with things you need for comfort and safety, plus to be sure to wear clothing that will help you look more like a local and less like a tourist (more on that in a future post). No matter how long you are staying, we don’t recommend bringing more clothing than 7 or 8 total outfits: one to wear on the plane, one packed in your carry-on, and the rest in your checked luggage. You can always wash outfits out in your hotel bathroom or find a laundry in a major city.

Italy Trip Packing Suggestions 

In your purse, billfold, and inside zippered pockets:

  • Passport

  • Second form of photo I.D. (school I.D. card preferable) and JCL card

  • $10-$15 in $1 bills (useful for buying food in airports and tipping those who help with luggage)

  • Pen (you will have to fill out several forms during the trip and on the plane)

In your carry-on bag  (limit:  25 lbs, 45 linear inches):

  • Medicine in its original containers

  • Extra toiletries in 3 oz. containers or smaller, all placed in a single quart-sized Ziploc bag

  • Travel alarm clock, eye mask, travel pillow, earplugs

  • One complete change of clothing

  • Small Italian dictionary, Oxford Archaeological Guide, and/or guide to Italy

  • Camera, and/or extra batteries, memory cards, etc. (Put your name and address on all electronics.)

  • Night clothes and slippers

  • Journal

  • Snacks

  • Swimsuit, plastic flip-flops (that can also be used as shower shoes), sunglasses and sunscreen

  • Portable charger for smartphone, if you are bringing one

In your large suitcase or pack (limit:  50 lbs, 62 linear inches):

  • Five changes of clothes, including underwear and socks  (one long-sleeved shirt or light sweater for evenings)

  • One nice outfit (i.e. dress or dress slacks)

  • Plastic bag with tie for dirty clothes

  • Reusable grocery bag and sharpie

  • Extra pair of shoes (comfortable and closed toed)

  • Flashlight (for catacombs) and binoculars or mirror (for Sistine chapel and other intricately-painted ceilings)

  • Washcloth (not readily available in Europe) and a ziploc baggy to keep it in

  • Small containers of laundry detergent and (optional) a Tide pen

  • Small battery-operated fan (if you are particularly bothered by summer heat) and voltage adapters for electrical appliances

  • Personal needs (the remainder of your toiletries, hair care needs, packet of Kleenex, etc.)

  • Umbrella

Don’t forget:

·       The addresses of people to whom you want to send postcards or e-mails

·       To label your luggage on the inside with name, address, phone number, destination, lodging name and address, date and name of group with which you are traveling

·       To bring a pack or over-the-shoulder bag with a secure lock to hold your camera, guide books, and purchases and to be considerate and aware when walking with your pack in crowded areas

·       To tape a euro-dollar conversion chart in your wallet