Packing list for a trip to Italy

Flying to Italy and want to make sure you haven’t forgotten anything?
We’ve compiled a packing list for your trip to Italy to save you the hassle and allow you to travel with peace of mind.

4 essentials you must remember
13 items you must pack
13 recommended items for your trip to Italy

Preparing a packing list before traveling to Italy can be quite a challenging task, especially if this is your first visit to the boot-shaped country.

Italy is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful countries in the world, with unparalleled gastronomy, a rich culture and history, and one of the most fashionable styles. Plus, endless beautiful landscapes for photography. What makes packing even more complicated is the various regions where the weather varies from season to season, whether it’s a summer vacation along one of the 7,456 kilometers of coastline or a winter ski trip in one of the famous ski towns.

The packing list for your trip to Italy below will help you organize what you must remember, what you should take, and what is advisable to bring when packing your suitcase before your trip to Italy, as well as what you can and should leave at home.

There are many important items to pack in your suitcase. We’ve divided the list into 3 categories: must-not-forget, must-pack, and recommended to take.

4 Things you can't forget when traveling to Italy

Passport

If you possess a passport from a European Union country that is part of the Schengen Agreement, you won’t need an international passport to enter Italy and can simply use your ID card from that country. Otherwise, a valid passport is required.

Insurance

We always recommend that anyone traveling abroad should obtain a travel insurance policy. You never know what might happen to you or the luggage you’re taking to Italy. It’s better to invest a few Euro or Dollar than to regret it later.

Money

It’s advisable to arrive in Italy with two credit cards: one for use and the other for security, and it’s wise to keep them separate. Additionally, bring two debit cards that allow you to withdraw expenses directly and immediately from your account (unlike a credit card where you delay payments to a date you set with the credit company). Prefer cards with minimal fees.

Furthermore, it’s recommended to come with a small amount of cash. At least for the start and initial transactions during the first couple of days. In Italy, there is no problem withdrawing cash from the various ATMs. However, if you prefer to come with a larger amount of cash, it’s better to exchange it in your home country.

International Driving License

If you are coming to Italy from outside the European Union and plan to rent a car, you must prepare in advance!! In your country, with an international driving license. Not all car rental companies in Italy require this upon arrival at the rental desks, but it’s enough to be requested once, or God forbid, if a police officer stops you on the road, it’s best not to find yourself in an unpleasant situation that might also cost you a fine.

Important – a photocopy of the license is not sufficient. You must arrive with the original. From experience.

Ensure you have all 4 valid documents before leaving home.

13 Items you must pack before traveling to Italy

So after packing the 4 most important documents for your trip, you can now focus on the other essential items on your packing list for your vacation in Italy.

1. Camera

One of the most important items to bring on a trip to Italy, regardless of whether you’re using a smartphone or a standalone camera. Every trip to Italy, no matter the region or time of year, will return you with hundreds if not thousands of stunning photos. Therefore, it’s essential to bring the camera that is most comfortable for you. For those who want to take advantage of their trip to Italy to invest in a new camera, we recommend the Sony Alpha a6000, which is durable, has excellent autofocus, the ability to use multiple lenses, and most importantly, has the best reviews.

And if this camera is too pricey for you, we highly recommend another, more affordable option, which is also excellent: the Canon PowerShot SX540, featuring great optical zoom and amazing image stabilization technology.

2. Mobile USB Charger

It’s important not to forget chargers for your phone or camera, both the regular ones for wall charging and those for transferring photos (USB), as well as wireless chargers. At the end of the day, you may not always be near a power source, and the small and compact charger you remembered to pack will make your day much easier. Our recommendation is the Anker PowerCore II charger, which will alleviate any worries if your phone is low on battery.

3. Power Adapter for Italy

If you are coming from outside of Europe, you will likely need a power adapter for the electrical products you are bringing with you. We highly recommend this power adapter. In Italy, there are two types of plugs: C and L. Type C plug has two round pins, while Type L plug has three round pins. Italy operates on a supply voltage of 230 volts and 50 hertz.

4. PacSafe Sling Pack

Whenever you travel abroad (not just to Italy), it is advisable to equip yourself with a PacSafe bag that will help you keep your valuables safe at the hotel. It’s light, easy to pack, and reasonably priced.

5. Personal Water Bottle

In Italy, people walk a lot, through the beautiful art cities, the breathtaking mountains, and the expansive valleys, almost all along the boot. A personal water bottle is something you shouldn’t go without.

6. Swiss Knife

This is especially useful while staying in a hotel room: for slicing cheese you bought at the deli or market, opening a bottle of wine, or cutting a delicious pizza or focaccia you brought from the bakery.The Swiss knife will be a helpful tool throughout your trip. Just remember to store it in your checked luggage and not in your carry-on bag that goes on the plane.

7. Side bag (crossbody or shoulder)

Remember how much walking there is in Italy? A lot. A trendy bag that is lightweight and easy to pack is one of the items we highly recommend bringing with you on your trip to Italy. It’s practical for heading to the beach, picking up groceries from the local Alimentari, visiting the Mercato, or just storing your sunglasses, hat, or anything else you decide to take along for your walking adventure.

8. Backpack

Preference for something light, comfortable, with a large enough volume, and that doesn’t attract too much attention.Click here

9. Umbrella

In Italy, even in the summer, you might find yourself on a day when the temperature reaches 95 degrees Fahrenheit and heavy rain pours down. Not always, but it happens. You can decide to pack a foldable umbrella in advance. It’s important that it is strong and easy to store in your suitcase.

10. Glasses/Sunglasses

One of the important items to pack before the trip to Italy. If your glasses get damaged, it’s advisable to have an extra pair for emergencies.

11. Tissue Package

It’s always necessary, it’s always good to know there’s no need to start searching or asking others. Keep a few tissue packs in your bag and be grateful for them during the trip.

12. Sunscreen

In Italy, especially in the summer, the sun’s rays are strongest!! Protect your body and add sunscreen to your packing list for your vacation in Italy.

13. Mobile Phone

We are not worried that you’ll forget your mobile phone at home. But what happens when you land? Right, most hotels in Italy today have free WIFI, but what happens when you leave the coverage area? Here are two solutions:

Leave your home country with an international roaming plan. They are not expensive anymore.
Purchase a local SIM card in Italy and browse when you are outside the hotel. In any case, a constant internet connection enhances the experience while traveling.

And one last thing

Italy is a country from which you return with a variety of souvenirs of all kinds: cheeses, wine, cookies, cured meats, and that’s even before mentioning clothes, leather goods, homeware, and many more things you hadn’t planned for but fell in love with while traveling in Italy. Keep that in mind while packing. Leave a little space for them too.

Now, after packing the 4 things you must not forget + the 13 items you should take on your trip to Italy,
here are 13 recommended items to pack for your upcoming trip to the boot of Italy:

Amazing Packaging Boxes

Perfect for a trip to Italy. Packing boxes will help you organize your things in an orderly and logical way, saving you a lot of unused space in your suitcase.

Private Wireless Internet Network

Italy is known as a country where the public internet quality is low, especially in mountainous areas or remote regions that are sparsely populated. Most importantly, the network is not secure enough. Connecting to the internet at a hotel, airport, or even a restaurant does not guarantee full protection for credit card details or important passwords. Therefore, our recommendation is to use NordVPN, which will help you keep your personal information secure.

Tripod and wireless remote control

Selfie pictures are mainly suitable for personal or couple photos. If you wish for high-quality group selfies, it’s worth investing in a good tripod and a wireless remote. The fruits of this investment will be evident in the stunning photos and the compliments that follow.

Additional Memory Card

The photos pile up in no time, and before you know it, the memory card will be full… so pack an extra 2-3 memory cards in your suitcase. They won’t weigh it down.Click here

Personal Journey Diary

There’s nothing like summarizing the impressions and experiences from an amazing day at its end. A daily travel journal is a long-term memory worth investing in. We recommend the personal travel journal.

Neck Wallet

Many travelers prefer to keep their passport and money close to their body rather than leaving them in the hotel safe. The recommended neck wallet below is lightweight and convenient. It will allow you to securely store your credit card and mobile phone.

Swimming Goggles

If you are planning to spend many hours at the beach or pool, swimming goggles (dive mask) is an important item that is recommended to bring along. Starting to search at the beach or at the hotel pool for a place to buy them can ultimately be expensive and less convenient. It is a small item, easy to pack, and when it is pulled out in seconds from the suitcase, the swimming experience becomes much greater.

Waterproof Case

On your trip to Italy, you can enjoy many wet moments: rafting in the Dolomites or the Alps, sailing in the Cinque Terre or the Amalfi Coast. To protect your camera or mobile phone, a waterproof backpack could be helpful. Just a thought.

Anti-Nausea Pills

Many of us, like me, suffer from nausea every time we go on a boat ride (especially in rough seas) or a bus ride (on particularly winding roads). Why suffer when you can prepare in advance? Click here

Jet Lag Pills

If you’re flying to Italy from different time zones, jet lag may cause you excessive fatigue and rob you of valuable travel days. Natural pills with no side effects can significantly ease your transition to the local time, and of course, on the way back as well.

Prescription medications and basic medications

One of the things that can ruin a trip is getting stuck without the medication your body knows best from everyday life. Don’t be lazy. It’s better to bring it from home and in a language you are familiar with. It is advisable to carry an original prescription.

Italian Phrasebook

The Italians are a friendly people and will always be happy to help you with any problem. They will be even more pleased if you approach them in their language, or even in the local dialect. A phrasebook is a recommended item that will make your interaction with the locals an unforgettable experience.

Student ID

If you are a student, your certificate is worth discounts on various websites, attractions, or museums. Don’t forget to pack it.

Packing a suitcase - clothes to take to Italy

As mentioned in previous posts, the weather in Italy varies from region to region, from city to city, and from month to month. Therefore, the packing list for a trip to Italy will always be comprised of the seasons on one hand and the need to feel comfortable with what you are packing on the other. Nevertheless, here are some important items:

Shoes Comfortable for walking: We’ve already mentioned that in Italy, people walk a lot. Even in the major art cities (Rome, Milano, Venice, Florence, Turin, Palermo, and more), as well as in rural areas, in most cases, you’ll need to park your cars outside the old city walls and wander through the various alleys, many of which, are paved with historical stones. Thus, 2 pairs of good walking shoes. Essential. If you are also planning a vacation at one of the beaches or at one of the swimming pools in your hotel, pack a pair of flip-flops as well.
Clothes Suitable for entering churches: Italy has many amazing churches worth visiting. Many travelers have been turned away from these sensitive places because they arrived inappropriately dressed. It’s a pity to miss them just because you lack the proper attire. This mainly refers to covering shoulders and knees. A stylish scarf (also useful in cooler weather or even for a night out) or a dress, are excellent solutions for women. Short pants 3/4 for men.
Fashionable: Italy is the fashion capital of the world, and it’s the ultimate place to enjoy walking in the stylish clothes you love in your wardrobe. Especially for evenings. The nightlife scene in Italy is an experience. Whether you’re going to a restaurant or bars, you’ll want to wear something trendy and special. Don’t hesitate to bring 2-3 of those. In the larger cities, you will feel the most local you can.
Jacket or Cardigan: No matter when you travel to Italy, weather surprises can always occur, and what is comfortable for one might not be for another. Our recommendation: Even if you’re planning a summer trip to Italy, it’s worth packing at least one jacket or cardigan.
Coat: If you’re traveling to Italy in winter, a coat is a must. Like this for example. You’ll feel as Italian as possible.
Very Important: Check the weather the day before your trip to Italy. The weather varies in Italy from day to day, from north to south, and the temperatures you expected a month before the planned trip, may not reflect what awaits you. So, be sure before closing your suitcase, to check here what kind of weather is waiting for you in Italy.
Hygiene and Makeup: Most hotels (but not apartments) will have basic hygiene products. If you’re attached to a specific soap that you can’t live without its scent, then pack 1-2 such items. Similar for shampoo. As for makeup, I assume every woman loves to take her regular items with her. So of course. Why not? In any case, in Italy you will find excellent and inexpensive makeup shops in abundance. We already agreed that Italians are the most fashionable people in the world, right?

What can be left at home and is not mandatory to take on your upcoming trip to Italy?

:There are several items that are really not necessary to take with you on a trip to Italy

Hair Dryer: Most hotels and rental apartments will have a hair dryer. The weight and space it takes up are more of a disadvantage than an advantage.
Uncomfortable Shoes: No matter how beautiful they are, shoes like that are not practical in Italy. Especially not high heels. The best choice – come with simple and comfortable shoes.