Need help packing for honeymoon in Italy
Aug 10th, 2011, 12:08 PM
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Need help packing for honeymoon in Italy
Greetings! This is my first time on Fodor's Forum and I am in need of some help!
We are leaving for Italy on September 19th for our honeymoon. Can anyone please give me some advice on what to pack? We wil be staying in Venice for 3 days, Florence for 3 days, and Rome for 3 days. I've been to Rome in June and it was very hot....I'm just not sure what to pack for September?
Also, can anyone recommend a place to purchase adapters for our electronics?
Thank you so much for your help!
We are leaving for Italy on September 19th for our honeymoon. Can anyone please give me some advice on what to pack? We wil be staying in Venice for 3 days, Florence for 3 days, and Rome for 3 days. I've been to Rome in June and it was very hot....I'm just not sure what to pack for September?
Also, can anyone recommend a place to purchase adapters for our electronics?
Thank you so much for your help!
Aug 10th, 2011, 12:13 PM
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Welcome to Fodor's!
It will probably be hot during the day but cooler at night, so do bring a light jacket or cardigan sweater to wear in the evenings or just in case the temperatures are unseasonably cool. Check weather.com for your destinations in the days leading up to your departure date to verify the weather.
I got my cheap plug adaptor at the hardware store. (If your deivces list 11-240V, and adapter is all you need.) You might also find adapters at Radio Shack in in the travel section of luggage and convenience stores.
It will probably be hot during the day but cooler at night, so do bring a light jacket or cardigan sweater to wear in the evenings or just in case the temperatures are unseasonably cool. Check weather.com for your destinations in the days leading up to your departure date to verify the weather.
I got my cheap plug adaptor at the hardware store. (If your deivces list 11-240V, and adapter is all you need.) You might also find adapters at Radio Shack in in the travel section of luggage and convenience stores.
Aug 10th, 2011, 12:30 PM
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Thank you very much ellenem!
I would also love to hear any advice on what to do, where to go, what to buy, etc...besides the obvious things (coliseum, gondola ride, etc). Thanks so much!
I would also love to hear any advice on what to do, where to go, what to buy, etc...besides the obvious things (coliseum, gondola ride, etc). Thanks so much!
Aug 10th, 2011, 12:32 PM
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Go a lot in September it is a lot hotter than you
would figure bring lots of light cotton drip dry
stuff that breathes well be sure your room has AC.
onebag.com good packing tips
eurocheapo.com good budget city guides
Magellan's Travel Store and Amazon for adaptors for me.
weather2travel.com Climate Guides great temp/rain info
Have fun and Congrats!
would figure bring lots of light cotton drip dry
stuff that breathes well be sure your room has AC.
onebag.com good packing tips
eurocheapo.com good budget city guides
Magellan's Travel Store and Amazon for adaptors for me.
weather2travel.com Climate Guides great temp/rain info
Have fun and Congrats!
Aug 10th, 2011, 12:40 PM
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Congratulations Jenn! September will still be quite warm. We were in Florence and Rome at the end of September and I wore a skirt and a t-shirt every day and was totally comfortable if not too warm in the sun (but I am from Portland, Oregon). With only 9 days, you could easily get away with carry-on only. If you go over to the Frommers Italy Forum, you will see a great post about what to pack if you are packing light (which is the "only way to go" IMHO).
Buon Viaggio!!
Buon Viaggio!!
Aug 10th, 2011, 12:56 PM
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Jenn_Wilkey,
To advise you best on non-"obvious" things to do and see, we need to now more about YOUR interests, since they probably differ from ours. Do you like/hate art museums? hiking? shopping? architecture? wine? food? relaxing? You get the idea.
I did some obvious and some off-the-beaten-path activities on my spring trip to Italy which may or may not interest you. Here's a link:
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...rip-report.cfm
To advise you best on non-"obvious" things to do and see, we need to now more about YOUR interests, since they probably differ from ours. Do you like/hate art museums? hiking? shopping? architecture? wine? food? relaxing? You get the idea.
I did some obvious and some off-the-beaten-path activities on my spring trip to Italy which may or may not interest you. Here's a link:
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...rip-report.cfm
Aug 10th, 2011, 01:52 PM
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Thank you so much everyone! This forum is wonderful!!
ellenem - My future hubby and I enjoy museums, but are not much of a fan for strictly art museums. We enjoy hiking, shopping, wine, food (would love to know where the best pizza is), relaxing, sightseeing, maybe a cooking class. We are pretty much up for anything and want to do as much as possible! We have booked our trip through a travel agent (who has not been to Italy) and have tours planned in each city but do not want to miss all of the lesser-known things to do! I will for sure check out your link as well! Thanks again!
ellenem - My future hubby and I enjoy museums, but are not much of a fan for strictly art museums. We enjoy hiking, shopping, wine, food (would love to know where the best pizza is), relaxing, sightseeing, maybe a cooking class. We are pretty much up for anything and want to do as much as possible! We have booked our trip through a travel agent (who has not been to Italy) and have tours planned in each city but do not want to miss all of the lesser-known things to do! I will for sure check out your link as well! Thanks again!
Aug 10th, 2011, 02:02 PM
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Jenn, for good recs for places to eat - especially pizza in Rome - check out www.parlafood.com. Katie is awesome and had great taste. If you are into food, a morning stop at the Rialto is Venice is a must - as is several cicchetti stops!
Aug 11th, 2011, 07:23 AM
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Jenn, thanks for posting this question, as I was wondering the same thing! My future husband and I are leaving a day before you and spending three days each in Venice, Florence, Sorrento, and Rome... so for the first half of our honeymoon, we'll be in roughly the same places at the same time! I live in Pennsylvania, and I know Italy will be a lot warmer in late September than it is here, but I wasn't sure exactly how to pack. I'm thinking one pair of shorts, a knee-length skirt, a couple pairs of pants, and a light jacket or sweater. Mostly (or maybe all) short-sleeved tops. For those of you who are knowledgeable or have personal experience, does this seem reasonable? We'll be on the ground in Italy for 12 days total, Sept. 19 to Sept 30.
Aug 11th, 2011, 07:39 AM
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Twice while in in Venice or the region of Veneto just north of Venice the weather changed overnight and there were days of very cold weather and lots of rain storms. Both times I had either a rain trench coat or a midthigh rain coat thank goodness. This was always right in the middle of September. So I would take a long jacket or coat that would work if there is rain. Both of mine are cut so they can be worn over a blazer or heavy sweater in case the weather gets cold. The jacket or coat can be taken on the plane so there is no problem with having to pack it in luggage. Packing clothes that can be layered is the best thing to do.
And best wishes to both of you with your weddings and honemoons in beautiful Italy!
And best wishes to both of you with your weddings and honemoons in beautiful Italy!
Aug 11th, 2011, 09:51 AM
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Hi erries!
Congrats to you!
We are from the Chicagoland area and are getting married on September 17th and leaving September 19th (but arriving in Italy on the 20th) and will return on September 29th. But you are right, we will pretty much be in the same places at the same time!
I'm very glad that I posted this as well because I didn't even think about rain gear! I tend to over-pack but I'm going to try to be good. But I was thinking the same thing as far as what to bring.
How you found an adapter or converter yet?
How are your wedding plans coming along? I can't believe how much planning goes into a wedding! It's crazy!
Feel free to find me on Facebook if you would like to share more packing ideas.
Congrats to you!
We are from the Chicagoland area and are getting married on September 17th and leaving September 19th (but arriving in Italy on the 20th) and will return on September 29th. But you are right, we will pretty much be in the same places at the same time! I'm very glad that I posted this as well because I didn't even think about rain gear! I tend to over-pack but I'm going to try to be good.
But I was thinking the same thing as far as what to bring. How you found an adapter or converter yet?
How are your wedding plans coming along? I can't believe how much planning goes into a wedding! It's crazy!
Feel free to find me on Facebook if you would like to share more packing ideas.
Aug 11th, 2011, 10:29 AM
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Even when I'm absolutely sure it won't rain where I'm going, I bring a small umbrella (really, some are smaller than others), and a "disposable" rain cover.
As to what to see and what restaurants to choose, I'd get a guidebook of some sort. That's always my first purchase when I decide where to go.
As to what to see and what restaurants to choose, I'd get a guidebook of some sort. That's always my first purchase when I decide where to go.
Aug 11th, 2011, 10:37 AM
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You have a travel agent who's never been to Italy?? That's awfully risky!
There are people here who live in Italy or have been there dozens and dozens of times. Personally, I'd ditch the travel agent, go get a good guidebook or two, and keep posting here.
Regarding adapters, it depends what electronics you're bringing, but you can buy a basic one on Amazon for about $4.00, or wait until you get to Italy and find one even cheaper. Just google Italy adapter and you'll get loads of options.
As for clothing, be sure to bring a shawl or something to cover your shoulders with if you plan to go into the major churches. Otherwise, light, comfortable clothing, layers, basic rain gear, and comfortable walking shoes.
There are people here who live in Italy or have been there dozens and dozens of times. Personally, I'd ditch the travel agent, go get a good guidebook or two, and keep posting here.
Regarding adapters, it depends what electronics you're bringing, but you can buy a basic one on Amazon for about $4.00, or wait until you get to Italy and find one even cheaper. Just google Italy adapter and you'll get loads of options.
As for clothing, be sure to bring a shawl or something to cover your shoulders with if you plan to go into the major churches. Otherwise, light, comfortable clothing, layers, basic rain gear, and comfortable walking shoes.
Aug 11th, 2011, 01:28 PM
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This is the best tip I ever got for travel in Europe! I'll recommend the 240V power strip which was suggested for our trip to Italy last month. Many hotels don't have extra outlets and if you have a number of things to charge, it is challenging to juggle everything. It accepts any type of plug which was good for us in one hotel which didn't even have one free outlet. All we did was unplug a lamp, plug the power strip in that outlet and plug the lamp in the strip. Voila! We have a picture of us charging 6 items at once - Mission Control!
Even if you use this, you need to be sure each item to be charged works with the European current. A label on most camera, phone and battery chargers will say 110-220V. Those will be good. If they only say 110V, then the higher European current could burn them out. Check every item - don't assume! Those 110 only items would need a convertor, which is a different thing altogether. Search under convertors or adaptors for more info. Hair dryers can be another problem, but I don't have experience with those overseas. Some people recommend buying one in Europe to avoid problems. You can search that topic for more information too.
http://www.amazon.com/VCT-USP600-Wor...sr=1-1-catcorr
The only other thing you would need for the power strip is an adaptor (not convertor) since it has an American plug at the end. Buy one the has the prongs for Italian outlets.
Even if you use this, you need to be sure each item to be charged works with the European current. A label on most camera, phone and battery chargers will say 110-220V. Those will be good. If they only say 110V, then the higher European current could burn them out. Check every item - don't assume! Those 110 only items would need a convertor, which is a different thing altogether. Search under convertors or adaptors for more info. Hair dryers can be another problem, but I don't have experience with those overseas. Some people recommend buying one in Europe to avoid problems. You can search that topic for more information too.
http://www.amazon.com/VCT-USP600-Wor...sr=1-1-catcorr
The only other thing you would need for the power strip is an adaptor (not convertor) since it has an American plug at the end. Buy one the has the prongs for Italian outlets.
Aug 11th, 2011, 01:49 PM
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kwren, I'm getting one of those; thanks for the tip and link.
To the OP: you're blowing my mind a little with requests on what to do in Florence, Venice and Rome.
Other than Florence, your opportunities for hiking will be very limited. Walking yes, hiking no.
In Florence, the Boboli Gardens are a great choice, as well as a walk uphill to San Miniato al Monte, and on to Piazzale Michelangelo. This is a gorgeous hike and long enough for most people. Another good uphill walk is to Forte Belvedere, which can be combined with the previous hike.
Finally, a hike around Fiesole. You can take a taxi or bus up to this pretty little town above Florence, and then hike all around. A great convent that is a very good walk, as well as the Roman amphitheater. I recommend both of these things very highly.
In Venice, while you are there, the Biennale will still be going on. This is the world's premier exhibition of international contemporary art, and I wouldn't miss it for any reason. Both Arsenale and Giardini exhibition areas are great, but the Arsenale gives you access to ancient parts of Venice that are otherwise closed to visitors. Also during the Biennale, many buildings that are never open are free to enter. DO go in; you may not believe what you will encounter.
A good way to see a lot of Venice is to purchase a Chorus Pass and try to visit all the churches on the pass. You will see amazing sights and more of the city that most visitors will ever experience.
I can't even start on Rome. Maybe later.
To the OP: you're blowing my mind a little with requests on what to do in Florence, Venice and Rome.
Other than Florence, your opportunities for hiking will be very limited. Walking yes, hiking no.
In Florence, the Boboli Gardens are a great choice, as well as a walk uphill to San Miniato al Monte, and on to Piazzale Michelangelo. This is a gorgeous hike and long enough for most people. Another good uphill walk is to Forte Belvedere, which can be combined with the previous hike.
Finally, a hike around Fiesole. You can take a taxi or bus up to this pretty little town above Florence, and then hike all around. A great convent that is a very good walk, as well as the Roman amphitheater. I recommend both of these things very highly.
In Venice, while you are there, the Biennale will still be going on. This is the world's premier exhibition of international contemporary art, and I wouldn't miss it for any reason. Both Arsenale and Giardini exhibition areas are great, but the Arsenale gives you access to ancient parts of Venice that are otherwise closed to visitors. Also during the Biennale, many buildings that are never open are free to enter. DO go in; you may not believe what you will encounter.
A good way to see a lot of Venice is to purchase a Chorus Pass and try to visit all the churches on the pass. You will see amazing sights and more of the city that most visitors will ever experience.
I can't even start on Rome. Maybe later.
Aug 16th, 2011, 01:25 PM
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Wow! Thank you so much everyone for the feedback!
Well, I think I forgot to mention that although our travel agent has not been to Italy we did book our trip through Monogram so we do have a lot of our trip planned out (train tickets between cities, tours, etc) but I did not want to go through Monograms to plan everything which I why I did the posting.
I've purchased a Fodor's guide book which I'm hoping to start reading very soon (wedding planning is more time consuming than I thought). But I do appreciate everyone's thoughts and ideas on the topic.
I have another question for everyone. I've heard that the gondola ride in Venice is over $100 a person...is it worth the money to do?
Jean - I have not yet made reservations for museums. Some museums are included in our package I believe. I've been doing some research on the new underground tours of the Colosseum.
Here is our itinerary through Monograms:
ITINERARY
Day 1 Venice, Italy
Arrive in Venice. Balance of the day is at leisure. Your Local Host is available with suggestions and expert knowledge of this sparkling city to help you create lasting memories.
Day 2 Venice
Morning guided sightseeing and orientation with headset. See St. Mark’s Square and Basilica, visit Doges’ Palace and the evocative Bridge of Sighs. Also watch a glassblowers’ demonstration. Afternoon at leisure. Your Doges’ Palace ticket admits you to the Marciana Library and to the Correr Museum; ask your Local Host for details. (Breakfast)
Day 3 Venice
Full day to explore this intriguing city of canals and bridges at your own pace. (Breakfast)
Day 4 Venice–Florence
Morning transfer to the high-speed Eurostar train (first-class). Mid-afternoon arrival at your Florence hotel. (Breakfast)
Day 5 Florence
Morning guided sightseeing and orientation with headset; visit the Academy of Fine Arts with Michelangelo’s David. See the Cathedral Santa Maria del Fiore, Giotto’s Bell Tower, the Baptistry’s “Gate of Paradise,” and Signoria Square. (Breakfast)
Day 6 Florence
Full day to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of this splendid Renaissance city; ask your Local Host for suggestions. (Breakfast)
Day 7 Florence–Rome
Morning transfer to the high-speed Eurostar train (first-class). Early afternoon arrival at your Rome hotel. Balance of the day is at leisure to begin exploring the “Eternal City.” (Breakfast)
Day 8 Rome
Morning guided sightseeing and orientation with headset; visit the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, world famous for Michelangelo’s ceiling paintings and The Last Judgment. Continue on to St. Peter’s Square and Basilica, the Colosseum, and the Roman Forum. (Breakfast)
Day 9 Rome
Full day at leisure to enjoy this magnificent city. Your Local Host will have suggestions on how to maximize your time. (Breakfast)
Day 10 Rome
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (Breakfast)
Well, I think I forgot to mention that although our travel agent has not been to Italy we did book our trip through Monogram so we do have a lot of our trip planned out (train tickets between cities, tours, etc) but I did not want to go through Monograms to plan everything which I why I did the posting.
I've purchased a Fodor's guide book which I'm hoping to start reading very soon (wedding planning is more time consuming than I thought). But I do appreciate everyone's thoughts and ideas on the topic.
I have another question for everyone. I've heard that the gondola ride in Venice is over $100 a person...is it worth the money to do?
Jean - I have not yet made reservations for museums. Some museums are included in our package I believe. I've been doing some research on the new underground tours of the Colosseum.
Here is our itinerary through Monograms:
ITINERARY
Day 1 Venice, Italy
Arrive in Venice. Balance of the day is at leisure. Your Local Host is available with suggestions and expert knowledge of this sparkling city to help you create lasting memories.
Day 2 Venice
Morning guided sightseeing and orientation with headset. See St. Mark’s Square and Basilica, visit Doges’ Palace and the evocative Bridge of Sighs. Also watch a glassblowers’ demonstration. Afternoon at leisure. Your Doges’ Palace ticket admits you to the Marciana Library and to the Correr Museum; ask your Local Host for details. (Breakfast)
Day 3 Venice
Full day to explore this intriguing city of canals and bridges at your own pace. (Breakfast)
Day 4 Venice–Florence
Morning transfer to the high-speed Eurostar train (first-class). Mid-afternoon arrival at your Florence hotel. (Breakfast)
Day 5 Florence
Morning guided sightseeing and orientation with headset; visit the Academy of Fine Arts with Michelangelo’s David. See the Cathedral Santa Maria del Fiore, Giotto’s Bell Tower, the Baptistry’s “Gate of Paradise,” and Signoria Square. (Breakfast)
Day 6 Florence
Full day to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of this splendid Renaissance city; ask your Local Host for suggestions. (Breakfast)
Day 7 Florence–Rome
Morning transfer to the high-speed Eurostar train (first-class). Early afternoon arrival at your Rome hotel. Balance of the day is at leisure to begin exploring the “Eternal City.” (Breakfast)
Day 8 Rome
Morning guided sightseeing and orientation with headset; visit the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, world famous for Michelangelo’s ceiling paintings and The Last Judgment. Continue on to St. Peter’s Square and Basilica, the Colosseum, and the Roman Forum. (Breakfast)
Day 9 Rome
Full day at leisure to enjoy this magnificent city. Your Local Host will have suggestions on how to maximize your time. (Breakfast)
Day 10 Rome
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (Breakfast)
