Packing for Italy - Suggestions?

[AquamarineSteph]

This is my first big trip overseas. I've tried to be a well-informed tourist and figure out what to pack, but I thought I'd ask the experts here as well.

Are there any suggestions for what to pack for the Italian ABD trip? I know about the no knees/no bare shoulder rule in order to enter many of the churches, but was there any one thing that you found indispensable on your trip to Italy or elsewhere in Europe?

Thank you greatly in advance! :-)

[jcb]

We went on the Viva Italia in late May 2012. I'm not sure which ABD you are doing. If it is like last year the weather will be warm (our weather was simply fabulous (http://www.disboards.com/showthread....817546&page=45). I wish I had packed several additional lighter shirts. I really never needed the long sleeves, at least not until we went into the Alps after ABD ended. I could have gotten by with a light jacket.

Also, the air conditioning in Italy is not as well, robust, as we like it here. That includes trains and hotel rooms.

I will let the lady folks try to address what they found indispensable.

I hope you enjoy your trip.

[AquamarineSteph]

We're doing the trip this month, and the weather forecasts look warm in Rome and slightly cooler in Venice.

Thanks for the note about the air conditioning! I'll definitely keep that in mind, since I tend to get hot easily anyway.

[jcb]

There is also a decent amount of walking, especially in Rome. It wasn't too much, less than spending the day in WDW, but like any trip, you will appreciate comfortable walking shoes. I also learned not to pass up an opportunity to fill my water bottle.

[sayhello]

Definitely bring a hat or two, and a good pair of sunglasses! I was in Rome & Florence in May of 2010 (ABD add-on) and although it wasn't *hot*, it was very bright!

And I agree with Jack. Light shirts (cotton if you have that) with a light jacket or sweater you can throw on is best.

Sayhello

[AquamarineSteph]

Good things to remember. Got 'em on my list. Thanks!

Think I'll stand out as too much of a tourist wearing my favorite hat from WDW? Then again, there are a lot of tourists in Italy, yes?

[sayhello]

Originally Posted by AquamarineSteph

Good things to remember. Got 'em on my list. Thanks!

Think I'll stand out as too much of a tourist wearing my favorite hat from WDW? Then again, there are a lot of tourists in Italy, yes?

Yes, there are. And honestly, the big paddle sign saying "Adventures by Disney" that you'll be following around is pretty much a dead giveaway, anyways.

Sayhello

[AquamarineSteph]

Good point... ;-)

[jcb]

Your alternative (to the WDW hat) is to wear a black italian suit and tie, stand on a street corner, and look like you are waiting to be hired to drive someone around Rome.

[AquamarineSteph]

I'll suggest that one to my other half. I suspect he'd look good in that black suit... And that way, we can try both the hat and the suit!

[wdwtheplacetobe]

Originally Posted by AquamarineSteph

This is my first big trip overseas. I've tried to be a well-informed tourist and figure out what to pack, but I thought I'd ask the experts here as well.

Are there any suggestions for what to pack for the Italian ABD trip? I know about the no knees/no bare shoulder rule in order to enter many of the churches, but was there any one thing that you found indispensable on your trip to Italy or elsewhere in Europe?

Thank you greatly in advance! :-)

My first big overseas trip as well, DH has traveled extensively, tho.

Originally Posted by jcb

There is also a decent amount of walking, especially in Rome. It wasn't too much, less than spending the day in WDW, but like any trip, you will appreciate comfortable walking shoes. I also learned not to pass up an opportunity to fill my water bottle.

I am really glad to read this...as a "park commando", I am not as worried about the walking.

Originally Posted by AquamarineSteph

Good things to remember. Got 'em on my list. Thanks!

Think I'll stand out as too much of a tourist wearing my favorite hat from WDW? Then again, there are a lot of tourists in Italy, yes?

I am also taking my favorite WDW hat...it's my most comfy.

[austraveler]

I would recommend a light wrap/shawl/sarong style thing in a neutral colour (white or cream) I used it to cover my shoulders in churches, to keep the sun off my chest and arms when we were in the sun for long periods and around my waist as a pool wrap at the pool. You can wash it out in the sink And it will dry immediately. It was way too hot for a sweater.

[AquamarineSteph]

Originally Posted by austraveler

I would recommend a light wrap/shawl/sarong style thing in a neutral colour (white or cream) I used it to cover my shoulders in churches, to keep the sun off my chest and arms when we were in the sun for long periods and around my waist as a pool wrap at the pool. You can wash it out in the sink And it will dry immediately. It was way too hot for a sweater.

Great idea. Thanks for the suggestion!

[couture1]

Hi, we loved ABD Italy in August 2012.
Spend time looking for comfortable shoes... I'd pack at least 2-3 pairs so you can switch up and avoid sore spots. Pick up band aids, blister preventing stuff at a US drug store just in case. Nothing ruins a trip like sore feet.
Nice sundresses were a good choice for everyday. Italians dress nicely and a sundress was appropriate for touring and meals, and they are easier to pack!
I agree with the sunglasses comments earlier.
Have fun!

[carpenta]

Take sunscreen. They say you can always tell Americans by their footwear. Check it out when you are there. Also as stated cover your shoulders and skirts are not too short for the church times.