Packing List

Italy 2025: Packing

The key to successful packing is to keep it simple:  bring comfortable clothes which can be easily packed.  Stick to simple color combinations so you can easily mix things. It's important to remember that we will all be limited in our clothing choices, so we will get used to seeing each other in the same outfits!  Do not over pack.  You will be responsible for carrying your own luggage through airports, along uneven streets, and a little further than you might expect! Another guiding principle in your packing should be to appear inconspicuous (i.e., as little like an American tourist as possible).

In addition to your main bag (preferably with wheels!), you may want a daypack of some kind: a small backpack or shoulder bag.  Be sure to label your bags with your name, inside and out.  On most airlines you are allowed one checked bag and one carry-on. A new possibility for travelers is the use of Apple Air Tags which you can purchase from Amazon, Walmart, or other stores: these can help you locate your bags if they get mislaid or misdirected.

In June, the weather in southern Italy is generally sunny, with temperatures rising certainly to the mid 80s F. It’s possible to have the odd thunderstorm, so you might pack a small umbrella.

The following is a suggested packing list:

(  )   jacket or coat: medium or light-weight. Temperatures on Vesuvius & Etna can be surprisingly cool because of elevation

(  )   mini umbrella

(  )   sweater: light-weight, cotton or similar, versatile color

(  )   2-3 pairs of pants: jeans, khakis, black pants – you may be glad of shorts but you MUST have one set long pants for those visits to churches where shorts are not permitted.

(  )   good shoes: very sturdy with a thick sole.  Your shoes must be comfortable for walking (low-heeled), and should NOT be brand-new.  (Blisters can ruin your day!)   Birkenstocks or similar, and running shoes are some options.

(  )   3-4 short-sleeved shirts:  solid colors are best.  We always suggest avoiding clothing with conspicuous logos, motifs, and slogans in English. Females should know that sleeveless or strappy tops must be covered when visiting churches.

(  )   2-3 solid-colored sweatshirts, button-down or open cotton shirts

(  )   sleep-ware, especially for the hotels where we hope the a/c will be functioning!

(  )   socks and underwear: enough for 15 days.  It may be possible to have your laundry done at the hotels on Sicily, but it is expensive

Among your clothes, we recommend that you include something within the dressy/casual range.

(While packing, keep in mind that you can wear your bulkiest clothing, heaviest shoes, and a jacket on the plane, thus saving room in your luggage.)

Miscellaneous:

( ) if possible, it’s a good idea to have a scan/photo of any COVID vaccination card – just in case!

( ) signed passport which you should also scan/photo and send to your own email as an attachment. The trip leaders will also have a copy of these because they will need to be shown for entry at some sites

(  ) toiletries: soap, shampoo, deodorant, etc.  Bring travel sizes of everything, as full bottles of liquids are surprisingly heavy, and you will use very little in two weeks. Don't forget that anything in a carry-on must be less than 3 FL.  Any bottles with liquids or creams need to be in a clear plastic bag so you can take it out when going through security. Again, "keep it simple." Consult the TSA website URL for the latest rules:

<https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/liquids-aerosols-gels-rule>

(  )     high SPF sun block  VERY IMPORTANT!!!

(  )       medicines:  prescription meds:  in the original packaging with your name on the label. Be sure to know the generic name of the medication in case it needs to be replaced. Allergies can act up suddenly, so if you have a favorite medication, bring it along.

(  )       contact lens supplies/saline solution.  Be sure to bring enough for two weeks!  This can be difficult to find abroad.

(  )       phones/cameras: We strongly discourage large expensive cameras in favor of smaller point-and-shoots. Many of you will use your phone as your camera: remember that to avoid extra charges and battery wear, you should keep it on airplane mode.  Don’t forget your power cord with an adapter for Italian outlets; you can find these on Amazon.

(  )         money belt / carrying pouch for passport and tickets

(  )         sunglasses

(  )         ear-buds or headphones for use on our walks. You will need these if you use a podcast or audio tour.

not-useful items which are best left at home:

hair dryer or any electrical appliance

lots of makeup

jewelry

Other optional items:

                       earplugs -- particularly if you are a light sleeper

N95 masks – if you’re concerned about COVID when traveling in confined spaces

On the plane/bus:

Traveling days can be long and tiring ones.  Having a few things in your carry-on can make them a little easier.  In addition to the following list, you should carry all valuables with you on the plane, e.g., camera, medications, passport, etc. Remember you may have no liquids more than 3 oz. (and then they must be in a quart size plastic bag) or sharp objects in your carry on:

books and perhaps a blank book for a journal

music source: I-Pod/phone/similar (+ power cord)

snacks

travel pillow/jacket/sweater

pen – for filling out travel forms

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Money matters:

The only meals not included in your trip cost are whatever snacks you may need.  For food, souvenirs, and incidentals, we recommend that you bring some Euros (up to 500 cash) and/or an ATM debit card. Adults may also wish to use their credit cards for souvenirs and more expensive items. It is essential that you notify your bank that you will be using the card in Italy; some banks even insist on a different PIN for overseas.  Remember that adult citizens returning to the USA have a duty-free allowance of $800 (Dollars, not Euros); minors do NOT have such an allowance.