Wondering what to pack for a trip to Italy? In this post I will be going over everything you need for a successful Italian vacation. Whether you're staying for 2 weeks, 3 weeks, or a month, we've got you covered with essentials for every traveler's needs. Unpack the stress and focus on the experience with our detailed packing guide.
Packing for Italy can seem daunting at first, particularly if you're unsure of what items are essential for your trip. You might be wondering, "What to pack for Italy?" Well, the key is to focus on versatility and comfort while keeping the season and local culture in mind.
Whether you're visiting bustling cities or quaint coastal towns, your Italy packing list should include comfortable walking shoes, light layers for changing weather, a stylish scarf or hat, and, of course, a good camera to capture the unforgettable moments.
I’ve always struggled throughout the years about deciding which clothes to bring and getting my suitcase under the standard 50 pound limit (although many times I failed and had to readjust it last minute.
What has happened is many times I failed and had to readjust my luggage at the last minute. I always end up wearing our favorite outfits and some things don’t get even get used and at the end of the trip we feel we wasted space in the suitcase. Precious space that could have been used to bring home something cute from Italy!
Now, if you're struggling with how to pack for a trip to Italy, remember that less is often more. One of the practical packing tips for Italy is to stick with neutral, mix-and-match pieces and limit the quantity.
This way, you can create different outfit combinations using fewer items, leaving enough space for souvenirs! Don't forget to include essentials like travel adapters, toiletries, and travel documents. Remember, the goal of your Italy packing is to prepare you for the adventure ahead without weighing you down.
I’m familiar with the weather fluctuations of Italy and I pack accordingly. If you are traveling elsewhere, I recommend checking out the weather beforehand so you can adjust what you need to bring.
So here is everything that I like to pack. I am also including a packing checklist that you can feel free to use. This is my standard packing list for when I go to Italy in the summertime.
If you are wondering how exactly to plan a trip to Italy, I'd recommend reading this blog post which goes in-depth to actually planning a trip.
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- Italy Packing Tips
- Italy Packing List:
- For Her
- For Him
Italy Packing Tips
Don't overpack
Every summer I always bring too many clothes to Italy, but I end up wearing the same outfits almost every day. Make sure to bring only the necessities and a few nice pieces that you can interchange with.
Trust me, Italy is full of amazing stores and great deals so if you forget something or need something new it's very easy to find. I end up ALWAYS buying so many new clothes when I am there.
Pack comfortable shoes
I always make the same mistake of bringing an uncomfortable pair of shoes. I recommend bringing something cute and comfortable!! Here are some shoes that I genuinely like:
- Zaxy Sandals (only available online or in the UK or Florence). These are my FAVORITE SANDALS. They are so comfortable. I bought a pair last summer, and when I went back to Italy this summer, I bought 2 new pairs!
- New Balance
- On Cloud Sneakers: Good for walking/hiking
My travel essentials: Click here
Bring versatile pieces
I like to bring a lot of solid colors and some accessories to help dress up or dress down my outfits. A black/white tube top and a white button down are great pieces to have because they can be dressed up or down.
Don't forget to layer
The weather in Italy can change very quickly so it's important to bring layers just in case. A lightweight jacket is a good option so you don't have to pack a bulky winter coat. Also, if you are traveling during the colder months make sure to bring gloves and a scarf!
Try to plan outfits ahead of time
This is a great way to make sure you don't overpack and it also makes packing a lot easier because you will be able to visualize what pieces go together. I like to make a list of all the outfits I will be wearing beforehand and then pack accordingly.
Check the weather beforehand
This is probably the most important tip when packing for Italy. Check the weather a couple of days before you leave so that you will be able to plan ahead and pack accordingly.
Weather in Italy can also change quickly and drastically within one day so it’s always good to bring layers just in case! For example, during spring/summer months, the weather in the morning can be chilly and cool while the afternoon it becomes warm.
That’s why layering is also essential, so you can remove or add clothes depending on how hot or cold it gets.
Pack layers for your Italy trip
Bringing layers is key when packing for Italy. It can get quite chilly during the night time so I always make sure to bring a lightweight jacket or cardigan just in case. Scarves are also great accessories since they can help keep you warm and add some style to your outfits! Don't forget to bring an umbrella too, as it tends to rain often in Italy.
Be mindful of the culture
In some cities, certain clothing items are not allowed such as shorts, tank tops, etc. Be sure to research the culture of the city you’ll be visiting and plan accordingly! This is especially important when it comes to churches which often require modest clothing in order to enter.
Wear heavier items on the plane
If you are trying to save some space in your suitcase, wear bulky items like jeans or a jacket on the plane. That way you won't have to take up too much room in your suitcase and it will be easier to carry around as well! This is especially helpful if you plan on bringing a lot of souvenirs home with you from Italy.
Weigh your suitcase ahead of time
Make sure to weigh your suitcase before heading to the airport. You don’t want to be caught off guard and have to pay extra for overweight luggage. I always make sure to leave a bit of room in my suitcase if I plan on bringing souvenirs or gifts back from Italy, as they can get quite heavy.
Most airlines also have weight limits when it comes to how much your luggage can weigh, so be sure to check that ahead of time as well!
Bring a travel adapter
If you’re bringing electronics such as a laptop or phone charger, be sure to bring a travel adapter. This will make it easier for you to charge your devices when you arrive in Italy. Most outlets require different shapes of plugs so an adapter is essential!
Pack lightweight fabrics
When packing for Italy, I always opt for lightweight fabrics such as cotton and linen. These fabrics are breathable and perfect for the hot weather in Italy. Not only are they light and airy, but they also don’t take up a lot of room in your suitcase either! So if you want to save some room and stay cool during your trip, lightweight fabrics are the way to go.
Bring a few pieces of jewelry
Jewelry is always great to add some pizzazz to any outfit. I usually opt for classic and timeless pieces so that they can be worn with multiple outfits. Statement earrings, layered necklaces, and bracelets are all great options when it comes to accessorizing your outfits in Italy! Don't forget to bring a few pieces of jewelry with you on your trip.
With these tips in mind, you’re guaranteed to have an amazing time during your Italy vacation! Bon voyage!
If you can't visualize yourself wearing it, don't bring it
So many times I bring pieces I think I would wear, but end up never doing so. It’s better to pack items that you know will be put to good use, so if you can't visualize yourself wearing it - don't bring it! This is a great way to make sure you don’t overpack and only bring what’s necessary on your trip.
Bring a spacious travel backpack
I have started to bring a more spacious backpack with me on my trips. This make it easier to carry around all your items. I usually opt for one with multiple compartments, as this allows me to separate my clothes and organize them better. Plus, it’s also great if you plan on doing any hiking or outdoor activities while in Italy - your backpack will be much more useful for these activities than a suitcase!
Bring a fanny pack to use when traveling
Fanny packs are great for when you’re out and about exploring Italy! They make it easier to store your items such as money, passport, phone, etc. I like bringing a fanny pack with me since it keeps my hands free and is light weight. Plus, it adds some style to your outfit as well!
Bring an Air Tag for your suitcase
Air Tags are great for keeping track of your luggage, especially when traveling to a new place like Italy. This way you can easily keep tabs on your bags and make sure they don’t get lost or stolen while in transit. Air Tags also come with built-in Bluetooth technology which makes it easier to find them if you misplace them.
Bring a Microfiber Towel
Microfiber towels are great for traveling as they take up very little space and can absorb a lot of water. They’re also lightweight and quick drying - perfect for those beach days in Italy! I always make sure to bring one with me on my trips, as it’s much more convenient than bringing a bulky towel.
Italy Packing List:
For Her
Clothing
✓Light Tops- Pack at least 6 light tops that you can easily pair with any bottoms. I usually stick to more neutral yet cute shirts that I can wear multiple times throughout the trip.
✓Dressy Tops- Be sure to bring 3-4 nicer tops that you can wear during the evening for dinners/ going out.
✓Long Sleeve Shirts-Remember to pack about 2 long sleeve shirts because at times it could get a little chilly at night so you should always be prepared.
✓Dress/Skirt- Important to bring at least 2 to 3 of your favorite dresses (or skirts) because you can easily dress it down or dress it up! Think about all the cute Instagram pictures you can get….;) (Try not to bring anything too heavy or bulky!!!).
✓Shorts- Some days will be hot so bring around 2-4 pairs of shorts because they are essential for walking around and exploring during the daytime heat. I like to bring one denim and one white short.
✓Jeans/Leggings- Always have at least 1 pair of jeans and 1 pair of comfortable leggings. I usually bring 1 pair of blue jeans, 1 pair of black jeans, and 1 pair of black leggings.
✓Belt- Make sure you remember to pack a belt as it’s something easy to forget to bring.
✓Jacket- You must pack one comfortable jacket for the plane (maybe a lightweight down or imitation down that can be easily packed in your purse or backpack) and another one that you can dress up with when going out (like denim or leather).
Undergarments/ Sleepwear
✓Underwear- It's key to have at least 8 pairs of underwear (1 for each day of the weak, plus an extra one).
✓Bras- You could pack 2-4 bras, I usually bring 2 comfortable ones, one sports bras, and one strapless bra.
✓Pajamas- Keep in mind to bring 2 pajama sets (one set that is long sleeved just in case it is chilly).
✓Comfy Shirts- Take along a couple of comfortable shirts that you can use to lounge in or for travel days.
✓Socks- So important to have 8 pairs of socks (1 for each day of the week, plus an extra pair).
Beachwear
✓Swimsuit-We think you should pack 2 swimsuits or more if you plan on going to some coastal areas.
✓Cover Up- One great cover up to put over your swimsuit is key.
Active Wear
✓Running shorts- Always have 1 pair of running shorts or any type of sport shorts.
✓Quick dry shirt- It's nice to have 1-2 quick dry shirts if you plan on exercising during the trip.
✓Baseball Cap- Pack just 1 baseball cap because it can come in handy during the day time.
Shoes
✓Running Shoes (wear it in the airport so you don’t have to pack it)
✓Cute but comfortable sneaker
✓Cute but comfortable walking sandal
✓A dressy shoe
*Keep in mind that you pack more or less than this, but make sure you have enough room (3 shoes should be good enough)
Jewelry
✓Necklaces
✓Earings
✓Rings
✓Watches
*It is up to you the amount of jewelry you’d like to bring because it is smaller and you can bring more of it.
For Him
Underwear/ Sleepwear
✓Briefs/boxers- You could pack at least 8 pairs (1 for each day of the week, plus an extra one).
✓Pajamas- Don't forget 2 pajama sets (one set that is long sleeved just in case it is chilly).
✓Comfy Shirts- Take along 3-4 comfortable shirts that you can use to lounge in or for travel days.
✓Socks- Pack 8 pairs of socks (1 for each day of the week, plus an extra pair).
Clothing
✓ Cotton Shirts - We suggest at least 5 cotton shirts which you can easily pair with jeans or shorts.
✓ Dress / Collared Shirts - Good to have at least 2 dress or collared shirts for going out
✓ Jeans / Trousers - At least 2 pairs of pants for when you will dress up.
✓ Shorts - For the hotter days you should have 2 to 3 different types of shorts.
✓Long Sleeve Shirts- Two long sleeve shirts for potentially chillier days.
✓Jacket- Bring at least 1 jacket because nights can get chilly (I’d recommend wearing one on the plane).
✓Belt- Make sure you pack a belt or wear it on your jeans on the plane so you don’t forget it.
Beachwear
✓Swimsuit-We recommend 2 swimsuits or more if you plan on going to some coastal areas.
Active Wear
✓Running shorts- 1 pair of running shorts or any type of sport shorts.
✓Quick dry shirt- Be sure to pack 2 quick dry shirts if you plan on exercising during the trip.
✓Baseball Cap- Take along one baseball cap because it can come in handy during the day time.
Shoes
✓Running Shoes
✓Comfortable walking shoe
✓Slides
✓A dressy shoe
*Keep in mind that you can pack more or less than this, but make sure you have enough room (3 shoes should be good enough)
Other necessities
Toiletries
✓Bobby pins
✓Body soap
✓Shampoo/Conditioner
✓Toothbrush/ toothpaste
✓Dental Floss
✓Retainer
✓Chapstick
✓Nail Clippers
✓Feminine products
✓Hair Tools
✓Makeup/ makeup brushes
✓Skin Care
✓Deodorant
✓Razor
✓Cotton pads
✓Q-tips
✓Sunscreen
✓Hand sanitizer
✓Perfume
✓Insect repellant
✓Contact solution
✓Medicine
✓Vitamins
✓Small Mirror
✓Tweezers
Sleeping
✓Ear plugs
✓Night Mask
Important
✓Wallet
✓Passport
✓ID
✓Travel Documents
Technology
✓Phone
✓Camera
✓Charger
✓Laptop
✓Adapter!!!
Hobby
✓Diary
✓Pencils/pens
✓Book
✓Headphones
Accessories
✓Hat
✓Scarf
✓Purse
✓Sunglasses
I hope this post is helpful to those that will be travelling. This list can also be helpful to those travelling for a shorter amount of time, you just need to accommodate for the quantity of items you are planning on bringing.
Just don’t go too crazy with the suitcase because you can’t forget that there is a weight limit and if you go over, you will have to pay a fee (and you might end up going shopping while you are there).
More posts like this:
- 10 Traveling to Italy Tips
- My Top 5 Venice Travel Tips
- How to Plan a trip to Italy
