If you travel frequently, to Italy, or anywhere, you may have your packing down to a quick game of Tetris.
Toiletry bag filled and ready to go. Airplane outfit and color-coordinated clothes, plus socks and underwear, are mapped out in a spreadsheet or mental list. But then, there are the wild cards. Will you be hiking, biking or running? What about going to the beach or getting dressed for the opera? Winter coat or packable layers? Then you have electronics, chargers, bags, and keeping them all secure. This is where seasoned travelers may start to second-guess what’s going in their luggage and decide it’s time to get the big suitcase out of storage instead of using the carry-on or smaller checked bag.
Hefting that suitcase onto the high-speed train from Florence to Venice, you might question — did I really need to bring a fifth and sixth pair of shoes? We all know what the answer is.
Anyone can fall into the trap of packing anxiety, which can lead to overpacking, which is why we wrote this guide with a specific focus on how to pack for Italy. Even if you’re a pro, it doesn’t hurt to glance at this article before your next trip.
Pack workout wear only if you realistically plan to exercise
If staying active is a goal while you’re in Italy, there’s no need to sweat in the hotel gym. Running along the Lungarno in Florence or Lungotevere in Rome, hiking around Lake Como, the Dolomites, or Monti Sibillini National Park are just a few of the much more picturesque options. But remember, workout gear is for biking and hiking, not seeing the Birth of Venus. Aside from the Italian fashion faux pas of wearing Lycra to a museum or dinner, dressing like a tourist makes you a target for pickpockets. The more you blend in, the safer you’ll be when moving through high-traffic piazzas — even with anti-theft zippers on your bag.
Bring sturdy yet stylish shoes for walking (and tours)
Workout wear includes shoes, and while some footwear can carry you from a morning run to a street food tour, you’ll want to strike a balance between comfort and fashion. For most trips to Italy, three pairs of shoes should be more than enough: sporty sneakers, dressier but comfortable shoes that aren’t your athletic shoes, and, depending on the season or planned activities, sandals (not flip-flops) and/or hiking boots. Stylish sneakers can work as comfortable, dressier shoes, but keep technical running shoes for your workouts and flight outfit.
Add a scarf or long pants to your Italy packing list, for church visits and dinners out
Versatility is essential as you evaluate what to pack, and with its use as an airplane blanket to a church cover-up (and covering shoulders and knees is a must when visiting the Vatican or other religious sites), a scarf ranks high on space vs. use balance in your luggage. It’s also a must for those in-between seasons when Italians might fear getting sick from an unpredictable colpo d’aria (hit of air) — notice how many people you see wearing a scarf on cloud-free days in September, October or March. Along with a scarf, long pants or a skirt are also essential, and the weight will depend on the season. Light pants will be lifesavers in the summer when mosquitoes get ready to feast as the sun goes down — especially in Milan and Florence. In autumn and winter, jeans are a solid option. In any season, Italians dress up more for dinner than many North Americans might, and remember, shorts are for the beach, not dinners out in a city.
Slip in a sweater or cardigan for extra elegance on chilly nights
Dressing for an evening out can often mean preparing to eat outside to soak up the atmosphere in a piazza or a sidewalk table at a restaurant. While some restaurants have heat lamps, they aren’t as common as they are in North America, so you’ll want to bring an extra layer just in case. Your packable lightweight down jacket or windbreaker could do this job, but you’re better off with a sweater or blazer — again, as much for style as blending in. Wear your sweater on the airplane, and you’ve just freed up space in your suitcase.
Use a locking system for luggage and consider train lounge options
Whether you fit everything in a carry-on or need to go with the big bag, keeping its contents safe is one of the most essential Italy packing tips. Many suitcases come with built-in locks, and if yours doesn’t, small removable padlocks can be used to secure zippers. Locks aren’t a guarantee, though, and you’ll want to watch your luggage at all times when moving through cities, and especially on trains. Some high-speed trains have lockers, or if you bring a carry-on, you may fit it in the space above your seat. However, be aware that thieves have been known to take bags from overhead areas, even on high-speed trains. Signing up for a travel membership such as ItaliaPass is a pro tip for train safety, as you’ll have 24/7 support if anything goes wrong, and also get complimentary luggage storage at Rome’s Termini station — meaning you can head off for a day trip without worrying about your bag. If you’ll be spending time in Rome and Florence, the benefits of a membership such as ItaliaPass go beyond the train station with a Roman dinner party just for pass-holders, and complimentary access to the Uffizi Galleries, Accademia, Roman Forum, and Colosseum.
Ready to plan your trip to Italy? With ItaliaPass you’ll get discounts on train travel and tours, and have exclusive access to members’ only events. All of this, backed by 24/7 English-speaking customer service. Learn more at Italiapass.com.
