Essential Packing List for Italy: 5 Items to Bring and 2 to Skip

After two weeks traveling through trains, hilltop towns, and cobblestone streets in northern Italy, a frequent traveler has compiled a definitive list of packing essentials and mistakes. The traveler, who has visited the region for three consecutive years, emphasized the value of practical items that handle weather changes and daily logistics.

Five items were identified as crucial for the trip: a compact umbrella, a multi-device travel adapter, a phone tripod, a backpack with a luggage flap, and a belt bag. Two items were deemed unnecessary: a formal gown worn only once and duplicate pairs of white sneakers. The guide highlights the need for versatile clothing and gear suited for Italy's specific travel conditions.

Travelers navigating Italy's diverse climate and terrain require specific gear to ensure a smooth journey. Based on a recent two-week trip to northern Italy, five items proved indispensable for convenience and comfort.

Weather Protection and Power Access

A packable umbrella is a top recommendation due to the region's unpredictable weather. The traveler noted that it rained at least one day on every trip, making a compact umbrella with a portable case essential. It fits easily in a purse or backpack and is ready for sudden showers.

Powering multiple devices is a priority, making a universal travel adapter a necessity. The traveler specifically uses a Tessan adapter purchased from Amazon. This device features four outlets, two USB-A ports, and one USB-C port, allowing simultaneous charging of phones and hair tools. The plug's foldable design also aids in packing.

Photography and Transport Solutions

To avoid blurry photos taken by strangers, a slim phone tripod is highly recommended. It functions as a selfie stick and fits into small totes. By using a self-timer or a remote shooting app, travelers can secure high-quality, finger-free group photos or solo shots.

For seamless movement between airports and trains, a backpack with a luggage flap is described as a "gamechanger." The flap slips over the handle of rolling luggage, literally taking weight off the shoulders. The traveler rotates between a Beis backpack and a Portland Gear version for this feature.

Security While Sightseeing

A small belt bag is vital for keeping money, passports, phones, and cards safe and within arm's reach. The traveler emphasized its utility during a three-hour walking tour of St. Mark's Basilica in Venice, noting that being hands-free makes activities more convenient and enjoyable.

Even experienced travelers can overpack. Based on the recent trip, two categories of items were identified as unnecessary burdens that should be left at home on future European trips.

Single-Use Formalwear

Packing outfits intended for only one specific occasion is a common mistake. The traveler packed a long red gown just in case a fancy dinner opportunity arose. However, the gown remained folded in the suitcase for the entire two-week duration. The advice is to prioritize versatile items that can be mixed and matched for various occasions throughout the trip.

Redundant Footwear

Bringing multiple pairs of similar shoes is another packing error. The traveler admitted to packing two pairs of white sneakers—one for active outings and one for fashion. This proved unnecessary, as one pair would have sufficed. Furthermore, the traveler advised avoiding white shoes altogether in the future, as they tend to get dirty and matted on the cobblestone streets common in historic Italian cities.

The recommendations stem from extensive experience in the region. The traveler has visited northern Italy for the past three years in a row, providing a consistent baseline for evaluating packing needs. The advice was formulated after a specific two-week journey that involved extensive use of public transportation and visits to historic sites.

While the traveler has a good general idea of what to pack, the experience highlighted that there is always something new to learn regarding what is needed and what should be left behind. The goal of the list is to help others avoid the hassle of carrying unnecessary items while ensuring they have everything required for a comfortable trip.