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.php?t=2817546&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]

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]

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.

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.

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]

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.

 

[AquamarineSteph]

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!

Good suggestions, thanks!

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.

I have a tiny sunscreen ready for my 3-1-1 bag, just in case the big suitcase is delayed! Thanks!

 

[mouthdoc]

Greetings! We did Viva Italia June 2011. We went in June, so pretty warm. I tried to dress like a European, i.e. no shorts. But, 80% of the people we were around were tourists, and it was hot! So I'd recommend them as well as knit shirts. The only other thing I would suggest would be a couple of electrical adaptors to plug in phones, charge cameras, iPads, etc.

Have a great trip! You'll love Italy and ABD. We're heading to Knights and Lights in a few weeks!

 

[mapsd]

I found a mini power strip on Amazon (3 socket, 6" cord), so we could charge multiple items and have a layer of surge protection.

We found some outlets would only accept a simple Euro adapter while with others, only the longer "universal" adapter would fit.

*Also, HOARD the 1 euro coins when you get them! Seems like we never had enough for street vendors/entertainers and the pay toilets often required them for their turnstiles. Break 5 euro notes whenever you can to get change. (another good excuse for a latte/gelato).

A pack of the flushable wipes come in handy for sticky fingers/public toilets!

 

[CrazyZeus1]

We just returned from Bella Italia ABD & a few things we found very helpful:

A travel power strip with 4 outlets. Made it possible to plug in just one adapter to the wall, and run 4 electronic chargers at the same time. Here's what we bought & it worked perfectly:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000F9YN2M/ref=oh_details_o07_s00_i04?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I also had two types of adapters: a 3-prong adapter (that's what we used in every hotel we stayed at)

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007YL6HY6/ref=oh_details_o07_s00_i02?ie=UTF8&psc=1

And a German Shuko round adapter which we never needed, but it looked like would fit into the outlet holes as well:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004BIGBWI/ref=oh_details_o07_s00_i01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I also would suggest packing a box of Hefty Jumbo Ziploc Bags (2.5 gallon size). With all the amazing wine, olive oil, vinegars, Lemoncello, etc, you may be bringing home lots of liquids in glass bottles! I wish I had brought more than 1 so I could put all of them in something watertight. We didn't have anything break, but it would have made me feel better

I would recommend bringing a blanket or two from home. For some reason, one of our two hotels had the MOST itchy sheets on earth (Hotel Bernini in Florence). They were pure linen & felt like sandpaper! We slept on top of the duvet covers & used our own blankets for covers.

Sunscreen for your face that you like. We spent a lot of time outdoors & the sun was bright!

I agree with the multiple pairs of shoes to walk in. Almost every street we walked on was uneven, cobble-stone type roads and this is not a time for being a fashion diva!

Enjoy your trip!!