Who has been to Italy in mid-September?

I have been to Italy in Sept. 4 times.
We packed capris and slacks and were fine.
I find that jeans are slow to dry and use up too much room in the suitcase.
Bring a sweater or light jacket for evenings.

have a wonderful time in MY Italia.

Thank you! No need to alter my wardrobe in Rome vs the AC?

italybound09, I am dealing with the same problem. We have always gone in the middle to the end of October and the weather is nice and cool.
We are going to florence and it sits in a bowl-like setting and holds the heat. Even linen will be hot there.

ekscrunchy gave me good advice on the camoglia villa rosa vs.
hotel casmona thread. You might want to check it out,

Exactly! We went to Paris and Prague in October and it was fabulous weather. Sweaters and jeans-coming from the south what a treat!
I will check out your thread-thanks.
ekscrunchy posted a great trip report that I read start to finish!

italybound,

My last trip was last 3 weeks in Sept.
First week on the Amalfi Coast was hot and very humid to someone from a desert climate!

Second week in Rome, was perfect temps for walking around, but we did have 2 nts of heavy rain and lightening. Some puddles....

Third week was in Tuscany and Umbria - COLD! A bit higher altitude at the hilltowns and a very cold wind for 2 days. Had to buy a wool sweater!

I took a couple pair of lightweight cotton/linen pants, a pair of capri pants, a couple of cotton skirts. A variety of lightweight tees and linen tops. Did laundry a couple times. The one lightweight cotton sweater I took was not enough during those 2 cold days in Tuscany. Also had a mid length rain jacket which, as usual, I didn't use.

Hope this helps you a little. Buon viaggio!

Dayle-it does! Thanks!

I live in Italy, in the center of it. The weather is still pretty hot and it is announced to be like this for the entire september. Rome is usually pretty hot as it is a big city with a lot of traffic. So I would suggest you to keep light and bring a a pair of Jeans and a pullover just in case.

Claudia_A-thanks!

I also froze last September (15-30) in Pienza/Montalcino/Orvieto/Siena/Florence. The Italians were wearing their winter coats. I only had a very light jacket. Brrr. Hope you have good weather! I stayed in small B&B's which of course don't have heat until November.

Hi ib,

Jeans are not good travel garments. They are heavy, bulky and take forever to dry.

I almost always pack jeans, and wear them!

My jeans are a great travel garment. I take them and wear them every time I go to Italy and France. I think that jeans these days are a much lighter weight than they used to be. At least for women. And, you can turn the leg bottom up if it's hot.

I always take a a pair of jeans, too. They do not take up significantly more room, and I've even sucessfully washed and line-dried them (in the summer at a rental apt., not in a hotel bathroom). They're one of the few clothing items I can count to wear & pack multiple times without wrinkling or looking too worn or dirty.

Jeans will blend in in Italy where almost everyone below a certain age wears them.

Twice in the last 3 years (2006 and 2008).
BEST time to be there, imo.
It was not hot, not even in Rome.
But not cold enough for sweaters, either...except at night, occasionally. Did need sweater in Cinque Terre at night, but that's bc you're right on the ocean.
I don't like heat or crowds, and I like not having to pack a lot of stuff, so for me mid-September is the absolute most perfect time to be in Italy.
I won't offer advice on what to pack, because I am an uber-minimalist, and most people wouldn't be happy with my packing list!
ENJOY your trip...I am envious.

Venice, Milan, Como, Cinque Terre cold-below 65 in September?

I was in Italy (Venice, Florence, CT, and Rome) in mid-September 2006. The weather was terrific. The days were mostly warm to hot. The evenings could be cool enough for a sweater or light jacket, particularly in the CT. I took "summer" clothes—capris and light weight slacks, mix of short sleeve tops and 3/4 length sleeve tops, a light jacket, something in case of rain (only needed it one day in the CT). I did not take jeans, but they would certainly be OK to take. There are many different weights of jeans available in the stores so you do not have to take a heavy pair that would weigh down your luggage.

Thanks for all of your replies-sounds like a variety of sleeve and hem lengths would be best.

Ok, I'm gonna highjack this topic for a second. Claudia_A, what's the weather like in Rome and Venice the first 2 weeks of October? I plan on layering, but was thinking of throwing in a wool skirt for night.

Light clothes are best, but make sure to have a jacket and an umbrella. I think 1 pair of jeans and like a hoodie for cooler evenings/mornings will do the trick and a pair of sneakers too.

We are going the same time, italybound09, so I have been interested in the advice people have given here. We usually go in July when it is very hot so we are not sure what to expect for the last 2 weeks of September in Rome and Sorrento. I keep checking weather.com for the 10 day forecast.

Haven't given it too much thought until now but I am planning on 3 or 4 pairs capris or cropped pants, 2 skirts, 2 pairs of pants (black and beige), tops (short and long sleeves) for the bottoms, 1 or 2 sweaters, 2 nice tops for the pants for evenings, 2 dresses(one casual and one simple black for evenings, a pashmina which can fold down to nothing and fit in my handbag and probably a pair of jeans, too.

Enjoy your visit to Italy!

Luciev,
I want to be minamalist as well, what do you pack? I want to be uber as well! Thanks

Luciev,
I want to be minamalist as well, what do you pack? I want to be uber as well! Thanks

I don't know why that came up twice.
Blacknight: We have always gone to Italy in October and I layer up with mock turtle-necks, a vest, long chinos and a lightweight jacket. If I get really cold, I wrap a scarf around my neck. I'm am always warm if my neck and toes are cozy. Is that an old lady thing? God, I hope not! Also, a lightweight rainjacket.

bramsole, I hesitate to post my packing list here, bramsole...a lot of people think I'm nuts. But I've packed the same way since I was 20, and it's always worked for me -- in fact, I pack even lighter now!
If you want to em me, please do. Faina (Dayenu) has my email.

come on LucieV - you can't say that and then not tell us.

I'd be really interested as we are going to Barcelona next week [hooray] and taking carry-on only. I've only done that once before and it wasn't a great success.

regards, ann

Yes! Please post the packing list! I REALLY want to take the minimum on my trip this month!

On a related note: I find that black jeans are great for trips to cities; they can double as "nice" trousers at night.

Hi! I'm leaving tomorrow. The 10 day forecast for everywhere we are going (Rome and South) is calling for 80's and sunny. I spoke with family who lives there today and says it's warm (which of course reflects the forecast).

I'm not sure if the OP is a man or woman, but here is what I am packing if it's helpful:

5 dresses - mix of casual and appropriate for dinner (most can be worn for both

2 skirts
4 tops
1 sweater
2 shorts
1 "gym" type of outfit appropriate for a tough hike
swimsuit
3 pairs of shoes - very much considering ditching a pair

Other - socks, underwear, something to wear to bed

Basically packing for a little over a week and we'll have laundry done once. We do this for all of our vacations and it works well.

My list still feels quite long and I'll probably cut some before tomorrow.

Good luck!!

I am finding this thread very interesting because I, too am travelling to Italy (Venice, Lake Como & Tuscany) for the first time from mid-September to early October.

I've always traveled to Europe in July & I am quite adept at packing for the summer heat. Now that I can travel with my husband at bit later in the season, I am in a quandry as to what to pack!

So, I am following the responses to italybound's post closely as our date of departure nears & decisions have to be made! I am hoping that LucieV will share her list here!

2010

OK.
But if anybody criticizes me, I'll have to punch you in the nose.

This is my basic list. It's also what I took last year, when we traveled from London to Rome and back, mid-September to mid-October.

1 dark-colored cotton skirt. It washes and dries beautifully and quickly, dresses up or down as necessary.
1 pair of very lightweight slacks (last year I took Ex Officio, which I loved)
1 pair of lightweight shorts, for hiking (Cinqueterre, etc.) (Not short shorts.)
1 solid color polo-type shirt
1 solid color sleeveless shirt
1 solid color long-sleeved cotton shirt
1 lightweight cotton dress, sleeveless, that I can wear either w/ or w/o shirt underneath, depending upon weather
1 pair flats (Keen Mary Janes)
1 long-sleeved lightweight T-shirt (which I layer under stuff if it's cold.)
1 pair running shoes (for hiking)
swimsuit
1 long-sleeved lightweight cardigan, cashmere if possible (bc lightweight and washable.)
1 lightweight windbreaker-type jacket
1 fleece (which I only took last year bc of London...but also found it useful in Cinqueterre at night in early October...)
socks
underwear
one pair of tights, which I can wear under the lightweight pants if it's cold (I hardly ever do, but last year it was cold in London in October, and I was glad I had 'em!)

I fit everything into a small, frameless, cheap backpack.
My husband carries his stuff in another similar backpack.
We also each carry an over-the-shoulder satchel for our documents, books, toiletries, etc.

I don't take a hairdryer.

I wash stuff out every night.
We do a laundry once a week.
We're always spotlessly clean -- I'm self-diagnosed semi-borderline ocd.

I don't get sick of wearing the same clothes when I'm traveling. I find the simpler the choices, the more freedom I have. The less we have to keep track of, the less we have to worry about.

We also prefer using public transportation, so it's essential that we keep things easy and manageable. I know that those of you who like to rent cars can pack more stuff.

I know this won't work for everybody. I just know it works for me.

I've probably forgotten something, but this is basically it.

LucieV: Brilliant! I want to hug you!

So, here's my initial list lined up with yours. Mine has a few substitutions & some additional pieces though!

1 black dress trousers (light weight/washable)
1 black cotton pants (casual)
1 summer-weight denim jeans (skinny-legged)
1 black capri
1 short-sleeve print blouse
2 sleeveless silk tops - black/cream
1 white 3/4 sleeve t-shirt
1 white Brooks Brothers Miracle Shirt - long sleeves
1 black sleeveless dress
1 pair of ecco sandals (brown)
1 pair of ecco flats (silver)
1 pair of Tsubo walking shoes (black)
1 black silk cardigan
1 brown linen cardigan
1 North Face hooded rain jacket (light weight)
1 brown quilted jacket
1 silk pashmina
Tilley quick-dry socks, undies, sleep wear
1 black Baggalini across-the-body shoulder bag for day
1 black shoulder bag (small/flat)for evening

How did I do?

All these pieces are hand-washable/dry flat or hang, many are quick dry & none require ironing! All can be mixed & matched for day or evening dressed up with snazzy earrings.

I also have a few other pieces in the undecided pile: 1 black knit pants with 3 separate but coordinating tunic tops (sleeveless, cap sleeves & 3/4 sleeves). I bought these thinking they would be great for dinners out or the tops could be paired with jeans for more casual evenings. Bonus: no extra shoes required!

Everytime I walk into the guest bedroom where everything is laid out, I am reminded of the saying: When preparing for a trip, lay out all your clothes & your money. Then take half the clothes & twice the money!!! No truer words!

2010

I loved seeing these lists - very helpful. My list is similar to what I have seen here so I think I am doing okay with what I am thinking about taking. I usually have what I am packing all folded and ready for the suitcase at least a week before a trip, but I don't even have space to do that just yet with all the work being done in the house. After tomorrow, we will not have one worker in here until we return so I will have the house to myself to focus on packing and finding my black slip for my black skirt and dress!

Happy travels to all!

Just a few words:

1) light layers
2) personal preferences, but I do not take jeans or shorts. I find skirts just as cool as shorts would be.

Buon Viaggio!
BC

Thank you thank you! I started laying out the clothes and my biggest problem is shoes. I don't have any non sandal shoes to wear with walking shorts. I own hiking boots, running shoes, clogs but nothing is working for me. I was going to bite the bullet and wear sandals until my feet started hurting yesterday after wearing them all day!AARRGGHHHH!

I took two pairs of shoes for a 3 week trip to northern italy 2 years ago - one pair of running cross trainers that also doubled for the hikes we did (not too difficult terrain) and one pair of Privo black/brown flats that looked fine with either walking shorts or skirts. I took two cardigans with shells that could be mixed and matched; two pair of walking shorts in brown and black and two simple a-line skirts in khaki and brown; a couple of simple tee shirt type tops and one pair of lightweight jeans; two wash and wear long sleeved shirts and two lightweight v-neck sweaters. I tend to pack very light and could have gotten this into a 22" rollaboard but we opted for the rollaboard for each of us plus one larger suitcase that was checked (we also brought a lot of things back and that was the primary reason for checking a nearly empty bag.)

Italybound, Are your sandal shoes good for walking (meaning walking around, not hiking)? If so, maybe bring those as well as your hiking shoes.

I made a big mistake by not bringing hiking shoes last time. We did the entire hike across the towns in the Cinque Terra...and I had on walking sandals. Never again!

I'm bringing my hiking shoes and wearing them on the plane. Then bringing a good pair of walking sandals which look nice enough to wear to dinner as well. They are the Naot brand.

Good luck!

Luciev,
Thank you so very much for the packing list. I thought you were going to say, "one pair of undies, one bra, one tee, one long sleeve, one pair of pant and sleeping naked."

Well done, Our list are very similar and I wasn't the only one that was interested. Most everyone I know wants to cut their packing down drastically. We haven't hauled the kitchen sink since the first time we we went to London.

The looks on the train were so embarassing. Now when I see someone haul it all, I think, "Well, they won't be carrying those puppies next time."
Thank goodness you posted your list, I couldn't figure out how I was to retrieve the email.

<<Other - socks, underwear, something to wear to bed>>

lol, gina, guess what i forgot to pack when we went away last weekend?

I wore DH's nightshirt in bed - he didn't.

LucieV - nice list. I'm amazed that you get all that in a small back-pack though. and what do you do about the "only one carry-on item" rule? we like to take a backpack for day-time and I want a handbag to travel with and for evenings, so the carry-ons have to be big enough to take both/either of these. of course, once we're through security we take them out of the cases - daft isn't it? i know that they wanted to cut down on the numerous bits and bobs that some poeple were trying to carry-on, but not being allowed a case plus a handbag is a real pain.

Gina817-no they really aren't good for lots of walking. Just flat leather more meant for looks!

bookchick, I would agree about omitting shorts...but for hiking, skirts just don't work!

Re: hiking shoes for Cinqueterre: not necessary, unless you are planning to do some of the less-frequented hikes in the back hills. All the main hikes are easily navigated with running shoes. I have even seen people hiking in sandals (though that wouldn't be my cuppa!)

italybound: seriously consider the Keen Sydneys. I cannot tell you how comfortable they are, while still looking cute. I am an avid walker, and I walked all over Europe in them, both in 2006 and 2008. The other good thing about them is that if it's cold, you can wear socks with them.
http://www.zappos.com/keen-sydney-ii-black

annhig: how we fit everything in a small backpack is this: we tie our fleeces to our backpacks, so they aren't stuffed in. And since we are always wearing at least some of the clothes (!), we don't actually have to fit every item in the pack at once.

Re: the one-bag carry-on rule -- it allows for an additional purse...which is what our satchels are. We actually carry less onto the plane than many people who have checked luggage.

right - I usually wear a long sleeved shirt, pullover sweater or jacket on the plane along with the bulkiest pair of shoes - that way I can keep the actual packed items in a smaller space.

>>>Re: the one-bag carry-on rule<<<

Depends on airline. Some (mostly budget)only allow one item total (no purse + bag).

kybourbon - exactly.

we have just that problem coming up this week on our trip to Barcelona. I will wear the heaviest and bulkiest things [walking shoes, jeans, jacket] and stuff my handbag in my carry-on whilst we go through security. once you're through there, they don't seem to care. but it's maddening not to have access to your handbag at all times.

Fortunately my [new] jacket [very smart, from Boden] has zipped pockets where I can put my passport for going through security. which was my excuse for buying it.

I love my Keen Sydney shoes - wore them all over Rome, Naples and Sicily in 2007 in ultra-comfort, but one word of warning: I don't like to wear them without socks (not that they're uncomfortable that way, but my feet sweat too much) and the heel of all my socks were more or less stained black from the shoes. But I still love them - my plantar fasciaitis never flared up as I feared it might.

very odd to me that this heading got soooo many responses

hazel1: I always pack a small container of baby powder/talc for wearing my Keen Sydneys w/o socks. Works great for me!

LucieV - Did you miss the thread about the Blister Block stick by Band Aid?

I did, kyb, but I don't get blisters. I just don't like the feel of naked feet inside of a closed shoe after walking for 6 hours all over the city!

Summer clothes, with a pair of jeans, a jumper and a waterproof, just in case....

Rain is in the forecast for Rome and the Amalfi Coast for next week and it is a little cooler than it has been in recent weeks. I am still packing what I mentioned above but will probably add jeans and a lightweight waterproof wind breaker for sightseeing during the day. Not sure what to do for evening showers though. I don't want to lug a raincoat! I will have a travel umbrella though. Anyway, I will have my polished fingers and toes crossed for sunny, warm days!

Luciev,
I broke down and ordered the shoes that you reccommended. Time is short, so I am hoping break in time will be short. Actually, I just hope the things fit.
Clothes are handled, but the shoes are the issue. One pair of cross-trainers, one pair of Borne MaryJanes and hopefully the Sydneys that will arrive tomorrow. Thank you zappos!
What about sandals. I can't imagine taking more than three pairs of shoes in my carryon. Any sandal suggestions if I can leave off the Bornes? Thanks and this question is for anyone else as well.

bramsole, personally, I'd skip the sandals. Even if it's beastly hot (which it's not likely to be), your Sydneys will be absolutely fine. (Well, at least they are for me when I travel!)

btw, I did not have to break in my Sydneys at all -- not one teensy tinsy bit! And I just got another pair of Keens (yes, Zappos is great!) -- a leather flat with a strap -- which I also wore for a several-mile walk immediately after taking them out of the box.

You're going to have a wonderful trip. I am so jealous!

hi bramsole,

I took a pair of sandals and a pair of sneakers [I think that's whay you'd called them, we call them trainers] to Barcelona with me this weekend. the first day I stupidly wore my sandals [which have been very comfortable previously] and still have the horrendous blisters to show for it. after that I had to wear my trainers with socks all the time, so no skirts for me!

IMHO decent walking shoes are a must [why do i keep forgetting to wear them?] sandals an optional extra.

regards, ann

annhig: I could not agree more.

When I was in my 20s, I walked all over Europe in zories (flip-flops, whatever they're called now!) Now? Fehgeddaboutit!

For walking around Europe, sandals are not only unnecessary, they're useless, imo.

I'm a solo traveler over 65 --so I don't go to any fancy places at night. I take two pair of black New Balance walking shoes to Paris, or wherever, spring and fall (trade off each day or if one pair gets wet in the rain I have another) and one pair black flats to wear at end of day if I go out. Never wear white sport shoes in Paris any time of year! I also have a pair of those terry cloth slippers you get in upscale hotels for in room wear in my budget hotel.

Thanks for all the help in packing. Hazel1, I also have plantar fasciaitis and am worrying about handling all the walking. Can I wear white tennis shoes to Italy?

Just got back from our FABULOUS trip!! Thanks for all your help. I WAY overpacked and that suitcase was so heavy. Lesson learned. We had hot weather in Rome and some rain on the Amalfi Coast. Even with the mistakes I made we had the best time. Thanks for all your responses!!

Judyglen12 - I personally don't like the big white tennis shoe look, and frankly, I swear the pair I have is what gave me the PF in the first place. I read a lot of shoe reviews on zappos.com before I bought my Keen Sydneys, and decided on them because of all the positive comments, and I was really happy with them. But, I have to say that I tried very hard before my trip to relieve the inflammation before I left - I got on a regular ibuprofen regimine, did all the heel stretching exercises recommended by my doctor several times a day, and basically took a month-long rest from my walking routine to allow the PF to settle down. I guess it worked, because we walked miles and miles every day w/o a flare-up. Oh, and I tried to elevate my feet (w/ ice in a ziploc bag whenever possible) in the hotel when we'd come back after a day's touring, while resting before dinner later that evening

Thank you all for this thread! You have helped me s o much with my packing for an upcoming Spain/Italy trip next week! I haven't been to Europe since 2002 and all this talk has reminded me of how little I want to pack! Thanks

THANKS. YOUR HELP IS MUCH APPRECIATED

All this thread is doing for me is making me jealous of all of you who are on your way to Mediterranean Europe in the autumn.

It's weird...when I was younger, I had no problem only being able to go every 5 years.

Now I can barely manage having to wait more than a year
between trips. Unfortunately (or fortunately, since I do love my house!), we have a mortgage to pay...


Anyway, kiss the ground for me, kids!

We are still here in Italy and loving it! It was hot in Rome with some showers at night. Here in Sorrento, the weather has been a bit cloudy with one unbelievable thunderstorm the other night. Yesterday was gorgeous - we went to Gaeta. Today we hoped to just relax by the pool but the weather seems cloudy again.

Great advice!! Can I wear a white skirt or white slacks in Rome in October or would people just point and stare?

Well, the Keen,Sydneys didn't work for me. Another big Rats!
I ordered a pair of Born sandals and they seem to be doing really well,


I also have a weird pair of Birkenstocks that are solid creamy tan leather with a cloth socky thing around the top. They feel good as well. My feet seem to do much better if I keep rotating the shoes.


I just might take four pair of shoes and take out some of the clothes. You sure know your old when the shoes are the most important part of your ensemble. As the saying goes, "When my feet ain't happy, my entire self ain't happy."

I'll try to remember to tell y'all how the shoe trip went.
Thanks for all the packing help everyone!