Packing List For Italy

packing list for italy
Louise
Louise 
Published
| 5 min read

Mediterranean coastline, exquisite architecture, vibrant culture, remarkable heritage, and center of art and modernism, these are the things that come to mind when you think about Italy. Definitely, Italy is, if not on top of every traveler’s dream destinations, it surely is on the list. Wander around Rome and marvel at the century-old architecture and ancient ruins, or explore the Vatican and immerse in Catholic traditions and old artifacts. Take Milan by storm and get your hands on those must-have designer shoes and bags. On the other hand, you can visit Florence and be amazed at old renaissance masterpieces such as Brunelleschi’s Duomo and Michelangelo’s David. In case you are planning a trip to Italy anytime soon, it is essential that you know the basic things that should be in your hand-carry as you explore this beautiful city. Check out the packing list for Italy that may come in handy while you’re in the country.

1. Money belt

Money bag
Source: Pixabay

With so many places to go to, sights to see, and activities to try in Italy, it is important that you can move freely and comfortably. Ditch your big handbags and large backpacks and opt for a small money belt that can fit only important stuff like your cash, some cards, and IDs. On a different note, in all countries, even in Italy with small crime rate, pick pocketers and snatchers roam freely in crowded places and urban areas, and they are not that easy to identify. Tourists are an easy target for them. So by wearing belt bags instead of regular bags, you can consciously guard your money and important belongings at all times.

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2. Shawl wrap

Hand Crochet Triangle Shawl with Fringe Drawstring and Pom Poms
Source: Photo by user NATALIA PHOTOS used under CC BY-SA 2.0

In exploring Italy, you will most likely go to different churches and other places of worship. These sacred grounds are strict on dress code. So, it is essential that you have a shawl wrap with you in case you are not properly dressed for these kinds of places. It is mandatory that as a sign of respect, we enter these places modestly dressed with our bare shoulders and even exposed cleavage be covered accordingly. Aside from that, a shawl wrap is a fashionable piece of clothing. It is always a good thing to have them handy when you suddenly feel cold touring the city at night.

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3. Hand sanitizer

Hand sanitizer
Source: Pixabay

Wherever you are, in Italy or not, a hand sanitizer is a universal must-have. We are not always a hundred percent sure if the things we touch in our every day lives sparkling clean and safe, especially in crowded places. Germs and bacteria travel fast and diseases spread rapidly. This is why it is important that we are always ready and safe than sorry. You wouldn’t wanna ruin a great vacation in Italy just because you are sick and stuck in your hotel room.

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4. Student ID

1988 International Student ISIC ID
Source: Photo by user Ken Mayer used under CC BY 2.0

Students with a valid school ID with their age not more than 26 years as of the presentation of the ID is eligible for discounts in some establishments in Italy, especially the Vatican. We suggest that aside from your school ID, you bring your passport as well in case your school Id is not acceptable for the people in charge, as some tourists have different experiences with regards to IDs and discounts. In addition, you can also get an International Student Card that you can prepurchase before your trip to Italy. Just see to it that the money you will save from discounts is worth the queue and the payment for the International Student Card.

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5. International Driving Permit

International Driving Permit
Source: Photo by user Tony Webster used under CC BY 2.0

If you are confident with your driving skills and you know the terrain in Italy by heart, you can rent a car to go to different places in it hassle-free and at your own risk. Just always be sure to bring with you your International Driving Permit. The Italian government makes it mandatory to be able to rent a car in the country, a tourist must have an International Driving Permit. Also, we suggest that you organize your IDP application ahead of your Italy trip as it usually takes time for processing and delivery. It’s always convenient when you know these details before going to foreign countries.

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6. Italian phrasebook

082
Source: Photo by user Kit Armstrong used under CC BY 2.0

Italians are warm and friendly people. Once in a while, you will converse with them and you may encounter some colloquial phrases and idioms that might be totally foreign to you. We recommend that as you travel the country, you bring with you a guide such as an Italian Phrasebook which you can read and familiarize with some common Italian phrases that usually come up in conversations. Phrases like a good day, thank you, excellent, and others are always handy while in Italy. Aside from that, these phrasebooks often have English to Italian translation dictionary that is just all the help you need to better connect with these amazing Italians.

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7. Toilet paper or tissue packets

Two toilet paper rolls , close up
Source: Photo by user Marco Verch Profe... used under CC BY 2.0

When traveling to foreign countries, it is better to be prepared for emergencies and unexpected scenarios and prepare your own essentials such as toilet papers or tissue packets. No matter how clean and tidy a place is in general, there are rare times that they are not how you expect them to be. Although rare, it happens. Some public restrooms might not be as clean or lack basic essentials such as run out of tissue papers, so it is essential that you have your own supply when things like this happen. You will be surprised as to how convenient it is to have a tissue paper handy during your travels.

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8. Flat walking shoes

John Baker's Driver / Mocassin 7632 / 7500 Kalbsleder weißgold / animal print (2)
Source: Photo by user SPERA.de Designer... used under CC BY 2.0

Milan, being the fashion capital of Europe, and one of the big four fashion powerhouses globally, makes Italy extra interesting for tourists. Being in a country as fascinating and interesting as Italy, you will probably do a lot of walking and running and dancing to the sound of classical music. Due to this, you might want to ditch your high heels and go for a pair of extra comfortable flats. Aside from being comfortable, it is also fashionable and goes well with most outfit choices. Imagine taking Italy by storm in a pair of comfortable and at the same time fashionable flats. You really do as the Italians do.

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9. Binoculars

Binoculars and map on wooden table
Source: Photo by user Marco Verch Profe... used under CC BY 2.0

When traveling a country as fascinating as Italy, you should be a hundred percent prepared and not miss any detail of your trip. In order to do that, a binocular should always be present in your bag at all times in case there is an important image or event that you have to look closely at. Especially in the Sistine Chapel and other Roman sites, binoculars may come in handy as these marvelous places feature intricate architecture as well as magnificent interior. We suggest you bring with you a small pair of binoculars that won’t take much room in your bag and is easy to carry every time you need it.

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10. Lightweight day pack

Backpack at SLC
Source: Photo by user saaby used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Touring the whole city might be overwhelming and might not give you the chance to come back to your hotel for a quick change. So if you plan to explore as many destinations in a day as possible, you should bring with you a lightweight day pack that has enough room for your essentials, valuable stuff, and even extra clothes. You will be surprised as to the number of wonderful places you can see and marvelous things you might encounter when you travel prepared and unbothered by accidental spills, sweaty clothes, or nonexistent public restroom toiletries.

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Wonderful Italy

Being a tourist in a fascinating country, you should always be prepared for all things. Public restroom without toiletries, uncomfortable choice of shoes, sweaty clothes from a day of exploring the city, these are just a few of the common things you should be prepared for. If you want a hassle-free and more convenient and fun-filled sight-seeing and touring, you should memorize these pro tips by heart and make the rest of your trip as enjoyable as it can be.

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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She is a lover of life and a very optimistic person. She thinks of herself as a vessel of a billion possibilities, which can harness limitless potential. Trying new experiences, going places she's...Read more

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