Packing for Shoulder Season

​October in Europe is a lovely is a lovely time of year with the autumn colors, fewer crowds, still relatively mild weather.  I was glad I once again packed a capsule wardrobe with versatile layers: a light base layer, a warm mid-layer, and a rain jacket.  The evenings in Greece and northern Italy can be surprisingly crisp, especially evenings in the Greek countryside or early morning strolls in Milan or Venice.  I happened to be blessed with temperate weather throughout and did not need the light sweater I packed or even the very light down jacket (temperatures on Milan were predicted down into the upper 30s when I flew to Athens).

​Since I was visiting areas climate spanning coastal, rural, and urban settings, versatility was key.  I recommend packing a carry-on suitcase plus a daypack, backpack, or crossbody bag.  Dragging heavy bags up cobblestone lanes, stairs in old town hotels, or hopping ferries is no fun with large or heavy suitcases.  I always say I wish I had packed less even with each trip and have a goal of an even lighter suitcase next trip! 

​Shoes: Comfortable, broken-in, with a solid sole that can handle cobblestones in Athens, narrow lanes in Venice, uneven dirt lanes with rocks around historic Greece, and urban pavements in Milan.  For the most part, I wore Hoka sneakers throughout my trip, but did also pull out a pair of LEMS grippy shoes for rainy days and packed a pair of ballet flats for a Vivaldi  concert and Verdi opera.

​Luxury items worth packing: a mirrorless camera or good smartphone with wide angle lens for those dramatic sites (Acropolis, Delphi, Venetian lagoon, Milan cathedral), a USB-C rechargeable toothbrush, compression socks for flights and bus rides, a small travel clothesline, and laundry detergent sheets so you can wash essentials along the way.

​What I did not need: An umbrella (a lightweight shell jacket works great and weighs less), a travel tripod (I have used this on previous trips, but will cull the added three pounds in the future).

​What I wished I packed: my regular shampoo and conditioner.  I tried the bar versions and my hair was either incredibly dry and frizzy or greasy depending upon the showers at each location.  It was not until the hotel conditioner in Milan that my hair felt more like normal. 

Pro Tip: Decant the toiletries you cannot live without and purchase items like sunscreen when you arrive at your final destination.

Planning Ahead & Making It Your Own

Arrive at least 2 days early if you can.  For this tour, it might mean arriving in Athens ahead of time to enjoy the Plaka district, a sunset stroll to the Acropolis, or a relaxed dinner with a view.  That buffer means less stress for delays, less jetlag, and you will be more ready for the adventure.  You also will not stress any flight changes that occur. 

​Download offline maps and your tour materials ahead of time. If you use the Rick Steves app, be sure to download all of those Greece episodes ahead of time.  Photograph your important documents (passport page, travel insurance, hotel info) and keep digital and printed versions.  I also recommend downloaded WhatsApp as many group members end up communicating through this free smart app.

​Language matters. In Greece, a few greetings in Greek go a long way: “Kaliméra” (Good morning), “Efharistó” (Thank you), “Póu eínai to kloóthi?” (Where is the bathroom?).  In Italy, your basics (“Buon giorno”, “Grazie”, “Dov’è il bagno?”) will be highly appreciated.  Locals notice the effort and it opens doors to more authentic experiences.  I made quite a few friends that way and almost always find myself being treated like a long-lost friend as a result.  I also cannot resist the beautiful smiles on the older women's faces when I greet them with a cheery, "Buon giorno!"  It just makes my day!

On the Road — Key Tips for Greece, Venice, & Milan

​Athens

• Hotel: If you arrive early, email ahead to ask for early check-in or at least leave your bags and enjoy a coffee with a view of the Acropolis.

• Transport: Watch for bus/metro/taxi union strikes.  If on public transit in Italy, validate your ticket/pass to avoid fines.

• Pickpockets: Tourist hotspots (Athens Agora, Monastiraki flea market, metro stations) are prime.  Keep your daypack   or crossbody bag in front, wallet in a zipped pocket, and important documents and any cash you would hate to lose in a money belt.  I felt more secure with a phone lanyard as well. 

• Souvenirs: A tote that folds small is handy for books, olive-wood spoons, scarves, local honey, or olive oil.  I like to pick up a piece of at most trips like a watercolor painting by a local artist, too.  Save bulkier items for shipping home or check your suitcase on the way back from.​​

Athens & the Heart of Greece Tour

• Dress in layers: Mornings and evenings may be chillier; afternoons might warm up if you’re out exploring ruins or countryside trails.

• Local experiences: Take advantage of smaller towns — grab lunch at a taverna off the tourist track, chat with locals, take photos of everyday life.  These make the traveling experience extra special.

Venice

• Bags: Cobbled piazzas, bridges, and unpredictable showers.  Keep things light and waterproof.

• Photo ops: Gondolas, canals, Rialto Bridge, St. Mark, but also wander and purposely get lost in less-busy alleys for “hidden Venice” shots.

• Getting around: Vaporetto (water bus) rides are a must. Have your camera ready.

• Evening: Consider a stroll across quiet bridges just after sunset for beautiful light, fewer crowds.

Milan

• Urban chic: Comfortable city-walking shoes, but you may want a dressier outfit for a special dinner, opera, or evening in the fashion district.

• Il Duomo: The rooftop terrace is a must. Aim for early morning or late afternoon for better light and fewer people.  This is not for the faint of heart, though gave me the perfect opportunity to tackle my fear of heights!