After living in Italy for five years and traveling all over from the bustling streets of Milan to the quiet coastal towns of Sicily, I’ve learned a thing or two about what makes (and breaks) a trip to Italy. Packing right is half the battle, and avoiding common mistakes will save you time, money, and unnecessary stress. Let’s get into it!

Packing Essentials for Italy

Comfortable but stylish shoes – Italy is a country made for walking. Cobbled streets, uneven sidewalks, and long strolls along ancient ruins? You need good shoes. My go-to: white sneakers that go with everything and a pair of comfy loafers for dressier occasions.

Lightweight layers – Italy’s weather can be unpredictable, especially in spring and fall. Even in summer, a light jacket is handy for cool evenings.

A scarf or shawl – Visiting churches or the Vatican? You’ll need to cover your shoulders. It’s also great for chilly nights or as an impromptu beach wrap.

A crossbody bag with a zipper – Pickpockets exist, especially in touristy areas like Rome and Florence. A secure, stylish bag is your best bet.

Power adapter – We use Type C, F, and L plugs, so make sure you have the right adapter. Bonus points for a universal adapter with USB ports.

Reusable water bottle – Italy has plenty of public fountains with drinkable water. Stay hydrated and save money by refilling your bottle instead of buying overpriced plastic ones.

Small umbrella or rain jacket – It will rain when you least expect it. A travel-sized umbrella is a lifesaver.

Sunscreen & sunglasses – Italian summers are no joke. Protect your skin and eyes, especially if you’re exploring outdoor sites like Pompeii or the Amalfi Coast.

Common Mistakes Tourists Make in Italy (So You Don’t Have To)

Overpacking – Dragging a huge suitcase up and down train station stairs? Nightmare. Stick to a carry-on if you can. Many hotels don’t have elevators, and lugging heavy bags across cobblestone streets is not the vibe.

Not validating train tickets – If you’re taking a regional train (not the high-speed ones), you must validate your ticket at the little yellow or green machines before boarding. Otherwise, you might get fined.

Eating only near tourist attractions – The closer a restaurant is to a famous landmark, the worse (and pricier) the food usually is. Walk a few streets away, look for places without an English menu, and enjoy real Italian food.

Expecting fast service at restaurants – Italians take their time with meals. Don’t expect your check right away; you usually have to ask for it (Il conto, per favore!). Also, no need to tip like in the U.S. rounding up or leaving a euro or two is enough.

Thinking you can see it all in one trip – Italy is packed with history, food, and culture. Trying to cram Rome, Florence, Venice, Milan, and the Amalfi Coast into one week? You’ll be exhausted. Pick a couple of cities and really enjoy them.

Ignoring local customs – Cappuccinos after noon? Nope. Wearing shorts in a church? Not a good look. Loud conversations on public transport? Shhh. The more you respect local customs, the smoother your trip will be.

Relying only on cards – While credit cards are widely accepted, small shops, cafes, and markets often prefer cash. Have some euros on hand, especially in rural areas.

Underestimating distances – Just because two places look close on a map doesn’t mean they are. Train travel is efficient, but some routes take longer than expected. Always check travel times when planning your itinerary.

Italy is an incredible place, and a little planning goes a long way in making your trip stress-free and memorable. Pack smart, travel slow, and soak it all in. La dolce vita is best enjoyed without a suitcase full of regrets.

Here’s a gallery of how I’ve dressed in different seasons in Italy to give you an idea!

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