Italy holidays are all about la dolce vita (‘the sweet life’) and to start you off on the sweetest possible note, you’ll want to get your packing in order and minimise any potential travel stress. Whether you plan on sampling pasta in Rome, traversing the Tuscan vineyards or hiking through the Dolomites, we’ve got your covered with our list of what to pack for Italy…
Travel Essentials:
- Passport, driver’s license, travel documents, travel credit card (obvious but we can all do with an extra reminder sometimes)
- Sunglasses and sunhat: some regions experience year-round sunshine
- Sun cream: especially important for spring and summer
- Phone and camera or GoPro (along with all necessary chargers)
- European plug adapter
- Comfortable trainers for city exploration and hiking boots (with comfy socks) if you’re opting for more adventurous activities
- Swimwear, sarong/beach towel and flip-flops/sliders for making the most of Italy’s sublime beaches
- Toiletries and personal medication (local supermarkets and pharmacies will supply them if you’re looking to save space in your suitcase)
- Insect repellent and bite relief cream: summer especially sees a lot of pesky mosquitos
Other Useful Items:
- Reusable water bottle: remain eco-minded and reduce the need for single-use plastic
- Bum bag/daypack for daytime adventuring
- Waterproof jacket and umbrella: showers can occur in any season so it’s best to come prepared
- Money belt to store your euros, travel credit card and ID
- Portable battery pack
Summer:
- Lightweight clothing suitable for the often scorching heat of summer, such as shorts, skirts, t-shirts
- A jumper/cardigan/jacket and trousers/a longer skirt for cooler evenings and to protect against mozzie bites
Winter:
- Warmer clothing for the chillier climes of these seasons
- Comfortable trainers or boots (rather than sandals)
- A coat, gloves, woolly hat and scarf, especially when venturing into the mountains where temperatures can plummet dramatically
- Many regions experience snowfall during the winter, so you’ll want to pack enough warm layers and waterproofs in the event of this
- Appropriate snow/ski gear if you’re heading to the Dolomites for a ski holiday
Spring & Autumn:
- During the shoulder seasons, it can be warm enough for shorts and t-shirts during the day, with cooler temperatures as the sun sets
- It’s better to be safe than sorry and pack layers that work for all eventualities
