Accommodations & Packing

Accommodations

In Italy, groups will stay in one of three apartments with our site partner, Castello Sonnino (a castle that dates from the 13th century) or they will stay in apartments in the nearby town, depending on the size of the group. The three apartments include the Tower Apartment, the Winemaker Apartment, and the Farmhouse apartment.

Electrical Current

Voltage in Italy is higher than the U.S. (The voltage in Italy is 220V-230V and the system is 50 Hertz). Check labels on the power supply, adapter, or charger for all electronic or electrical equipment you plan to bring. Most likely on high-end electronics (laptop, smartphone charger) you will see a label or tiny print reading "Input: 110-220 volts." If you see this variable voltage, you do not need a voltage converter. However, you will still need a plug adapter so that you can use a US 2-prong flat plug or 3-prong plug in an Italian socket. Adapters that make it possible to use US plugs in both of these sockets are readily available online. 

Luggage and Packing

Read through the entire packing list. It is possible to bring everything you need for your customized program in a single suitcase or a large backpack. Pack as lightly as you can.  In general, if you cannot comfortably walk five city blocks with all of your gear, you have packed too much.  Bring appropriate smaller luggage for shorter excursions. Be sure to leave extra room for items you purchase while abroad. Plan to bring a secure bag that zips for your passport and personal documents.

International travel baggage restrictions and fees for excess cargo vary by airline and destination.  In general, the maximum allowance per piece of checked luggage is 50 pounds and 62 linear inches (total length + width + height) for international flights.  For specific information, check with your airline.

Packing Tips

Be sure to put essential items such as medications and toiletries in your carry-on bag in case of a delay or lost luggage. Pack comfortable, modest clothing. Cotton slacks, neat blue jeans, t-shirts without logos and button-down shirts are appropriate – shorts, sweat suits, athletic gear, and tank tops or any other revealing clothing are not.

Pack as lightly as you can.  Plan to wear outfits at least twice during the trip.  Remember, you can hand wash items during the program.  Laundry facilities may be available as well.

For church, government, and professional speakers and visits, pack at least one dressier outfit.  For male-identifying participants, consider a nice button-down shirt and slacks (ties are not required). For female-identifying participants, a dress, or skirt/slacks and blouse (not a t-shirt) are appropriate.

Plan to bring items that are lightweight and can be layered in case of temperature or weather changes or air-conditioned rooms.

CGEE strongly recommends leaving expensive jewelry/watches at home.

Recommended Packing List:

• SMART phone with international plan (check with your provider)

• Comfortable walking shoes with a closed toe for rural areas and markets, where there may be mud or biting insects

• Sandals or house shoes for shared bathrooms as well as for health and safety reasons (e.g. scorpions)

• Swimsuit (some trips visit the ocean or have a hotel pool)

• Sweater, sweatshirt or jacket for cool evenings, air-conditioned rooms

• Rain jacket, poncho, or umbrella

• Ear plugs (if you are a light sleeper)

• Dressier outfit for church visits or meetings (described above)

• Medications, toiletries – many common OTC medications and toiletries (e.g. tampons, razors) may not be readily available

• Specific medicine for traveler’s diarrhea, constipation, and motion sickness, the most common ailments

• Sun & insect protection – hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent

• Small flashlight & extra batteries (for dark streets, rural areas)

• Refillable water bottle

• Power bars or high-protein snacks (especially if you are vegan or vegetarian)

• Small backpack or shoulder bag for day excursions

• Small bag or luggage that can be used for short in-country trips

• Notebook or journal

• Reading material, deck of cards, etc. for waiting times or delays

• Toilet paper/Kleenex (not always available in public bathrooms)

• Money belt or neck pouch to hold valuables

• ATM card, credit cards

• Moist towelettes and hand sanitizer

• Plug adapter (if you bring electrical appliances)

• Passport and photocopy of the photo page (pack separately)

• Vaccination Information