When packing for Italy I have learned one thing…they have stores there. Medicine, my Keens, a toothbrush…everything else I can get if needed.
I NEVER check baggage…what a JOY to waltz right by those poor people waiting in customs and bag check…silly little people, don’t they know how much lovely coffee they are missing while waiting in line?
Carry on baggage can fit all you need! We have actually gone for 3 weeks with just a carry on. They have washers in town and you can pick up sweet sundresses in summer at market for 9 bucks!
I love the old trick of packing stuff you were going to sale at a yard sale or give away anyway, then leave it there and pack your bought “treasures” in its place!
You are also allowed one “personal” item-mine is always an enormous tote bag that I slip under the seat in front of me-filled with gifts for my neighbors, snacks, medicines and make-up. I stuff whatever small purse I am going to use inside the big tote.
Purses-really ladies? There is no need to slug around a big ole lovely expensive handbag-get a small travel bag-I have a nice light cotton organic bag I picked up at the Outdoor Store that fits my camera, blackberry,lip gloss, il passaporto (passport) and my euros!
Take a water bottle-the water is great in Italy and you can find fresh fountains everywhere-even on the side of the road. There is usually a long line of locals filling their containers with the spring water.
Take a copy of your passport and drivers license to keep in your room with your luggage just in case you lose the real one. But ALWAYS carry the original. You can not even get online at an Internet cafe without your passport! I also put a copy of my next of kin info in my purse and luggage as well-in case a speeding Italian driver runs me off the Amalfi Cliffs….
Get a few euro’s before you leave..your bank can get good rates at a low fee (I got 1000 usd transferred for 7 bucks). You will need this when you arrive at your connecting airports, to get that first pastry and coffee as soon as you land, etc. I do recommend you only exchange money at a BANK. The hours are tricky-morning then a few extra in the afternoon but the exchange is TEN times better. NEVER exchange at the airport or one of those “Exchange Money Here” booths…ever.
If you are smart and have planned your trip around market or a festival you will need cash-get used to it. We in the States are bad about using a debit for everything. Although credit cards are used in most large towns , never assume! Plus the best food and best buys are at the side stalls and they need cash!
One thing about security-lay off the “bling bling” , keep jewelry to a minimum, belt buckles, etc. have your lotions, potions, liquids in a baggie and you should have a quick entry to your flight terminal.
On your long flight don’t get caught up watching all the movies-SLEEP and you will have a great first day…
A few items on your return…Don’t mention to the passport check point guy how much fun you had at that “Agritourismo” (working farm) or all the samples of the local food you’ve brought home…this will delay you for sure…
Don’t sleep on the way home and your jetlag will be minimal.
now…I have to go pack!!!!
Sample of our two huge tote bags stuffed under the seat-this is our “personal” item! ha Our carry on’s are in the storage bins overhead. The international leg of your flight have HUGE storage bins.
