By Peggy Epstein
Packing well for a trip to Italy can go a long way toward making your visit pleasurable. It is not only important to pack clothes suitable for the weather, it is also important to pack clothes that will not interfere with your attempts to show respect for local customs and to be dressed appropriately for a variety of occasions. In addition to the clothing you take, there are several other miscellaneous items that will add to the ease and enjoyment of your Italian vacation.
Instructions
Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Step 1
Shop for shoes. Several months before your vacation, start looking for the perfect pair of walking shoes, and try to wear them every day. Forget about sandals or sneakers; not only do they mark you as a tourist, they also will be inadequate in wet weather. Generally speaking, Italians wear athletic shoes mainly for athletics, and you will be considered underdressed if you wear them anywhere, but particularly if you expect to wear them into restaurants. Buy a good-looking pair of leather walking shoes. You can wear these shoes (saving lots of room in your suitcase), and pack a pair of dressy shoes: black flats for women and black dress shoes for men.
Step 2
Check the average temperature and rainfall for the cities you will be visiting (see Resources). Temperatures vary widely: Milan can be as cold as 20 degrees (Fahrenheit) in the winter while Rome can reach above 90 degrees in the summer. Use the guideline to decide on the heaviness of your clothes. Plan to use layering so that for the coldest times your raincoat, a heavy sweater and a long-sleeve shirt will suffice; pack as many items as it will take to accommodate cold weather. As for hot weather, stick to as many cotton items as you can.
Step 3
Pack frugally; you will be glad you did, particularly if you are traveling from city to city. For both men and women, a one-week vacation can be easily managed with two pairs of pants (in addition to the ones you wear on the plane), a half-dozen tops/shirts and two jackets; wear the dressier one on the plane. For women, scarves, which are commonly worn in Italy, are the perfect easy-to-pack accessory.
Step 4
Show respect for and understanding of Italian tradition and custom by leaving certain items at home. Shorts should not be worn (unless you're going to the beach); even the hottest day in Rome can be manageable in a lightweight pair of khaki pants. Jeans, although they are seen more often today on the streets than they used to be, are really only considered fashionable when worn on young people, and then only if they are very fitted. Sleeveless tops are not permitted in many churches and cathedrals tourists like to visit; if you take one of these, carry along a sweater as a cover-up, but stay away from tank tops (for both men and women). Although women may want to substitute a skirt for one pair of pants, make sure it is a modest length; leave your miniskirts at home. You'll be easily marked as a tourist if you have a fanny pack; instead, keep your money inside your clothes, and women should take along a nice leather bag.
Resources
About the Author:
Peggy Epstein is a freelance writer specializing in education and parenting. She has authored two books, "Great Ideas for Grandkids" and "Family Writes," and published more than 100 articles for various print and online publications. Epstein is also a former public school teacher with 25 years' experience. She received a Master of Arts in curriculum and instruction from the University of Missouri.
