11/06/2014
A WOMAN’S GUIDE TO PACKING FOR ITALY
First and foremost, Italians are very fashionable, so don’t skimp on bringing the good stuff! Their impeccable taste for fashion should have you bringing your most comfortable and best attire, but leave your shorts at home, unless you are headed to the beach during your stay. Accessories are always a good idea as Italians pay very close attention to the details.
WHAT NOT TO PACK:
A HAIRDRYER: All hotels, even the budget ones, have them. Italy, along with most of Europe, runs on 220 volts, compared to the United States’s 110 volts. Sockets differ too, but electrical converters can be purchased prior to your trip. Problem is, however, even if you have the appropriate electrical converter for your appliance, it will almost always cause your hotel’s breaker to blow. ABSOLUTELY leave your flat iron at home, because it will not work the same in Italy. In most cases even if you have the capability to set the thermostat to low, you almost always chance burning off your hair. (Unfortunately, this was witnessed 2 times by myself with both incidences ending in emergency hair cuts). Something just gets lost in translation. Electrical translation, that is.
YOUR CUTE AND VERY UNCOMFORTABLE HEELS: Although Italians never leave the house unless dressed to the nines, they know their streets extremely well. Since you won’t be seeing Italians wearing spiked heals, as they would only get stuck in the cobblestone roads anyways, leave yours at home, too. However, that is not an invitation to bring along your sneakers, either. At no time does an Italian feel it is appropriate to wear gym clothes on the streets. You will most likely be the topic of Italian conversation.
DON’T OVER PACK WITH TOILETRIES. Most hotels provide all of the same essentials as in the States. However, consider making an appointment with a local salon for a blow dry service. You’ll be amazed at the nominal cost, usually ranging between 7 & 20 Euro. Well worth the cost.
DO PACK:
TISSUES IN YOUR PURSE: Don’t expect your public bathroom break to be as accommodating, nor as affordable as you are accustomed to it being in the States. Often times, public bathroom facilities will come with a fee, so pack along extra Euros just in case. You shouldn’t blush either when asked if you will be leaving a 1 or a 2. Two’s cost extra. In some cases, even if your bathroom stay is fee-less, you may not find what you need upon checkout, so pack the tissues.
A SMALL UMBRELLA: You will appreciate it when the rains fall down upon you, because you will be price gauged by the street vendors if you need one.
EXTRA TOOTHBRUSHES: Unintentionally when traveling from city to city, items will get lost or left. On one such occasion a toothbrush of mine was left at our last hotel. Having left more costly items in hotel rooms before, had me thinking this one wasn’t a big deal. That was until I went to the Pharmacy and purchased a replacement toothbrush which cost me around 10 Euros. Having thought I misheard, I had to ask a second time for clarification. Nope, I heard correctly the first time.
YOUR BIKINI: That’s right, your bikini. You will find Italian woman of all shapes and sizes on the beach in their bikinis, so just join in the fun. Should you have left yours at home, ask the locals when the next market comes to town. You can find amazing deals at each town’s weekly markets.
YOUR CLOTHES IN A ROLL TO AVOIDE WRINKLES: That’s right! Whether you pack 1 item at a time or take several items and lay them down upon themselves, roll them up before you pack them. Folding leaves unsightly wrinkles in your clothes which just need to be ironed out. Rolling your clothes leaves no creases, allowing for no irons.
DONT FORGET:
YOUR COVERUP: When visiting Holy sites and Cathedrals, you will most likely be asked to cover your shoulders should you be wearing a sundress. Having an Italian mother who apparently was living in the States for far too long, had me sitting outside on the steps of a magnificent cathedral during my cousin’s wedding when I was 16. Scarves work great! Unfortunately, at that time I didn’t have one.
YOUR MAP: Upon entering every city whether by train or by air, obtain a city map. You will probably need it at some point during your stay.
TO MAKE COPIES: Always have a copy of your passport, credit cards, and any other important document and keep them separate from their originals. Thefts happen in big cities, so it is best to always be aware of your surroundings and to be prepared.
TO CALL YOUR BANK BEFORE YOU LEAVE: Don’t be surprised if your Credit Card doesn’t work during your stay in Italy. Most banks will put a major pain in the rear hold on your card if not notified. DON’T BE THAT AMERICAN!
TO CONTACT YOUR CELL PHONE PROVIDER: Having a phone bill of over $1000 woke us up to the fact that even if you put your phone on airplane mode, it is still connected to the internet. A representative from your cell phone provider is best person to tell you which applications you need to turn off, so that there are no surprises when you return home.
FINAL THOUGHTS: The lighter you pack the easier it is to travel especially in groups of 3 or more. If two bags are packed per traveler, many taxis will not have the room to transport all travelers at one time. It is a mistake many travelers make and promise never to repeat again. Plus, I’ve never met a woman yet to have an issue with buying new clothes & shoes in Italy?
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Buon Viaggio!
