Particular Packing Tricks for Trips to Italy
Bringing the Right Bag, Saving Money, and Blending in Italian Style
After years of travel during every season to one of the most popular vacation destinations in the world, wiser choices can be made when it comes to packing for Italy. For those with less experience traveling to Italy, here are four simple tricks to avoid the usual night before panic of packing the right bag, saving money while in Italy, and blending in with local attire.
The Baggage to Leave at Home
Bringing a cumbersome bag on any trip, usually creates a number of problems. In Italy though this is especially true. Train travel contributes to one of the most popular ways Italians and visitors get around the country. Lugging giant heavy rolling suitcases on and off trains wears most people out before reaching that picturesque Tuscan town.
Those planning to rent cars can load up on the country-sized rolling suitcases, but if the main way of getting around is by train, leave the monstrous bag at home. Tiny train stations do not have elevators to take travelers underground and up again to their desired platforms. The heavy luggage crowd will have to launch their bags down stairs and struggle to bring them back up again.
Other solutions younger travelers select are the rectangle body bags strapped to one’s back. While backpacks may free up your arms, packing a huge hiking backpack will especially make travelers stand out as a tourist. In Italy staring might be the Italians favorite sport next to calcio or soccer. If one is looking to blend in, hiking backpacks are not the way to go.
Either pack the Brawny paper towel man in the suitcase to help carry the weight, or select a small rolling suitcase or duffel to bring on two week vacations. If a long stay is planned, try and limit pieces to two of medium size and weight.
Bring Favorite Toiletries or Pay up
Many visitors take on the mentality of just buying everything they may need upon arrival at their destination. In Italy, this is possible but only on certain items. Shampoos and conditioners at grocery stores will come with $10 prices tags for a small bottle of Pantene Pro-V. Buying your hair care before leaving will save money to spend on travel and good pizza.
For the vision impaired, contact cleaner in Italy maybe hard to find if one does not know where to look. Farmacie or pharmacies sell the solutions, but generally brands one has never heard of to trust in their eyes. It can be expensive so throwing in a bottle or two will save a search and eye care worries.
Make-up basics can also be costly. Drug store deals in the United States do not seem to exist in Italy. Their Sephora’s and grocery stores may carry the favorite mascara that is $7 stateside, but it will usually be almost double in price in Italian stores.
My Feet Hurt
Throughout Italy, walking is generally the best way to see a city. For example, Florence is small enough in size to wander from one neighborhood to the next all by foot. However, feet generally do not appreciate being mobile all day.
Shoes take up a lot of space in bags. Just because one is headed to Italy does not mean they need every high heel they own. The cobble stone streets in most towns are hard to walk on without a good sandal. If looking to blend in, wearing flip flops will generally be met again with those Italian stares. Most Italians do not wear such shoes unless they are at the beach or at home.
During late fall and winter, boots are a major part of the dress code in Italy. With buckets of rainfall during these months, boots are sure to keep those dogs from getting wet.
Packing Clothes for the Seasons
The mystery of most Italians is their summer dress. During hot humid days, visitors will still see Italians with long pants on and long sleeved shirts. Most Italians are quite conservative in their dress so women wearing tank tops and short shorts will receive unwanted male attention. A good solution for spring and summer in Italy is to pack lots of sundresses.
During fall and winter months, Italy is not that idealized paradise where it never gets cold. Even as far south as Sicily, the weather changes to bone chilling cold. A heavy pea coat is always a good option along with lots of scarves and gloves.
Packing Suitcases Full for Italy
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