IceMoon

Hello Fodorites,
I'm going on a school trip to Italy in early March, and being Type-A, I've already made my packing list and I'd like to share it! I'd love some feedback for the list, as I am an overpacker desperately trying to mend my ways. Btw, my trip is for 15 days, going to Rome, Venice, and Florence. The weather will be in the 50s and 60s. So here is the list (this includes what I will wear on the plane):

CHECKED BAG (22 incher):
-3 pairs of pants (black skinnies, jeans, and joggers)
-1 skirt
-1 dress
-6 tops
-1 rain-resistant down jacket
-2 pairs of shoes (Chelsea boots, Nike rosche run)
-2 scarves
-1 knit hat
-1 pair of tights
-2 undershirts
-2 pairs of pajamas
-"unmentionables"
-small evening bag
-Basic toiletries, makeup, and hair products
-some costume jewelry
-Collapsible duffle bag
-Febreeze
-folding umbrella

My carry-on purse is a medium sized crossbody which will hold all my important stuff, like camera, passport, and the necessities in case my luggage were to be delayed. I'm also taking a drawstring backpack to stuff my travel pillow and other "comfort items" for the plane, since those will probably not fit in my purse. So is this light enough? Too light? Too much?

thursdaysd

That's not a bad list of clothes, provided the footwear is broken in, although a down jacket looks like overkill. But you've left out a lot, clothes are the shortest part of my lists! (And why two pairs of PJs?)

This is a bit out of date - I don't need an iPod these days, I use my phone instead, and I take an iPad Air instead of a netbook - but you should consider some of what's here: https://mytimetotravel.wordpress.com...take-part-two/

Also, I highly recommend a money belt to hold the things it would be a major pain to lose - passport, ATM cards, credit cards, extra cash, tickets. only one day's cash and maybe one credit card should be outside your money belt. I use this:
http://www.backpacktravelstore.com/L...p/grlkwmbb.htm

IceMoon

Yeah my footwear is broken in. I'm bringing two pairs of PJs because their so light that they don't take up much space, should I bring less?
As for the jacket, I'm positive I'm gonna need that lol. I'm a Texas gal, 50 degree weather is COLD to me...I need my jacket. It's not a heavy one anyways.

Initially I was going to add more to my list, but I didn't want to bog people down with details. I guess I'll add what I plan to take in my carry ons:
- meds
- travel document holder (with passport)
- camera/chargers/adaptors
- glasses
- phone
- wallet
-"311" bag
- face wipes
- hair brush
- chapstick
- journal/pen
- travel pillow
- snacks/gum
- sleep eyemask
Really can't think of anything else I should bring....

suze

I think you're doing fine. There's a couple things I would cut. I try not to take 2 of things that serve the same purpose. So I'd say only 1 scarf, only 1 PJs. And I'm not sure you need both a skirt and a dress?

The one thing I would bring a spare of is glasses (assuming you mean prescription). Do you have a 2nd pair?

suze

Socks! (don't forget socks -lol!)

IceMoon

Suze-

I think you're right about the pjs and the scarf. I never know how many pjs is the appropriate amount to bring, I switch mine up everyday lol.
I don't have a second pair of glasses, unfortunately. And I got socks on the list, forgot to add that here.

suze

Personally I'm OK with not washing outer wear clothes for the length of a 2 weeks trip (perhaps different than you would do at home).

I do rinse out undies/bras in the sink using shampoo or woolite and hang to dry overnight. But outer clothes I just wear over & over. As long as you don't spill something on yourself, it works just fine ;-)

I would also skip the small evening bag. Just use whatever your regular purse/tote is going to be.

I also don't "Febreeze" but that's just me -haha.

thursdaysd

At least take the prescription for your glasses. Depending on your vision, you might find that a cheap pair of drugstore glasses would work as a backup.

I wash outerwear as well as undies, but I travel for months rather than weeks. My clothes don't get to travel if they don't drip dry. I sleep naked, so I don't take PJs at all, unless I'll be sharing a bedroom or taking a night train.

I always travel with small packs of tissues and Purell. Had to look up Febreeze...

janisj

Your list is pretty good all in all.

I'd personally make a few changes/subtractions -- but that is just for my own travel style.

I would not take Febreze. It is just chemicals that mask odors -- if something is smelly/dirty -- wash it.

suze

Since this is a school trip I'm guessing you'll have a roommate. So I would definitely take along the PJs!!!

(btw sleeping nude has never seemed a great idea to me in a hotel... just personally speaking.)

janisj

Oh -- hadn't though about roommates -- definitely drop the Febreze -- many people are very allergic to it.

suze

I also wouldn't bother with "costume jewelry" either. Again just personal preference, I like to keep things as simple as possible, having everything I truly "need" but nothing extra.

IceMoon

thursdaysd-
I wear contacts and always bring spares, so I don't think I'll have to worry about spare glasses. But good suggestion. Hand sanitizer is another thing I forgot.

Janisj-
I didn't realize Febreeze could irritate other people's allergies. I guess I should cross that off the list, for my roommate's sake.

suze-
I thought I should bring a small evening bag for when me and my friends go out to clubs/bars at night (we are old enough over there so might as well). I feel that my regular tote would be too big for that type of setting....

GBelle

Here is a sample packing list and how you can make your wardrobe versatile with mix and match combinations. http://travelfashiongirl.com/maximista-packing-list/

Instead of PJs, why not use yoga pants or shorts/tee shirt? Then you can wear them out of the bedroom if necessary.

You mentioned going out in the evening. Will the two pairs of shoes you are bringing work with an evening outfit? Wear the heaviest of the shoes on the plane and bring a pair of ballet flats for versatility. Just make sure you have comfortable shoes for walking on cobblestones.

Instead of carrying a travel pillow, use the drawstring backpack and stuff your jacket into it as your pillow on the plane. Bring a large scarf (pashmina type) and use that as a cover up on the plane if it gets chilly.

I always bring one complete outfit on the plane with me in my carry on. If any luggage goes missing, at least I’ll be able to change clothes. You can fold it all down into a Ziploc bag.

Enjoy your trip!

IceMoon

GBelle-
Wow I really like your suggestions! Thanks! Especially with the pajamas. One of the shoes I'm taking are Chelsea boots...do you think that is dressy enough? Here is a pic of em:

http://www.hm.com/us/product/17999?a...ljPBoCCrzw_wcB

I don't go clubbing often, I am never sure what "clubwear" is supposed to look like. And I'm told our group will have to somewhat dress up for dinner at least one night, so I gotta pack right this time.

suze

Cute boots! But would you wear them with a skirt or dress? Could your "dress up for dinner" outfit be something with black pants (so your boots would work) and skip the dress/skirt?

If you want a smaller evening bag, make sure it has a shoulder strap. I was picturing a 'clutch' and I just don't think those are safe to use when traveling.

GBelle

I agree with Suze’s comments. She suggested an evening bag with a strap – perhaps something like this would work. It’s small, not too expensive and comes in lots of colors. http://www.overstock.com/Main-Street...TU&searchidx=0
Try your local stores.

I know it’s adding to your list, but you might add a sweater that is versatile enough to cover anything you wear during the day or in the evening or if it gets too hot for the down jacket. Make sure all your clothes mix and match, can dress up or down, and layer easily.

If you go into churches in Italy, you will need something that covers your knees and shoulders.
I haven’t been to Italy for awhile, but I recall that hotels didn’t have washcloths. Bring one if you use them. (unless other posters can update this information)

You mentioned camera/chargers/adaptors. Make sure you have a converter too.
Bring an extra photo card/battery if traveling with a camera.
Make a color photocopy of your passport. You can keep it with you when you go out and leave the original at the hotel.
Know your credit card numbers and the phone numbers to call if lost. Contact your credit/debit card company before you leave so they don’t block your card if charges come in from overseas.
A small flashlight.
A small sewing kit with safety pins. (You can put one together with a needle or two and some basic black/white/tan colored thread, tiny scissors.)
Duct tape. Wrap some around a pencil and that should be enough for emergencies.
Download maps of where you’re going (or bring a paper one). If you go “clubbing,” take a card with the name/address/phone of the hotel where you’re staying. You can give it to a taxi to get back to the hotel if you get lost.
Do you usually carry a water bottle? If so, bring a small one you can keep in your day bag.
Put a single Downy softener sheet in your luggage and your clothes will smell fresh (instead of the Febreeze).
Bring several extra Ziploc bags in various sizes.

Unlike Suze, I always bring a little jewelry that goes with everything.

Pack your meds (prescription & non) in your carry on and be sure to include Advil, Immodium, Pepto Bismal or Tums (these are available in generic form) and Bandaids, Neosporin, moleskin. I usually include DayQuil type capsules in case of a cold. All these can fit in a small sandwich sized Ziploc bag since you won’t need that many. You can always find pharmacies in Italy, but at least you’ll have something if you need it in the middle of the night when everything’s closed.

A small package of baby wipes is useful while traveling in addition to the hand gel and tissues.
Make sure you save room for souvenirs!

Be aware of your surroundings and don’t make it easy for pickpockets.

IceMoon

GBelle-

Thank you so much for that informative post.
I thought you only needed a converter for when your electronic/appliance isn't dual voltage? Or am I wrong? I think my camera is dual voltage (110-220) so all I would need is the right adaptor.

thursdaysd

You do NOT need a converter for dual voltage appliances.

You should make a copy of your passport (keeping it as an email attachment or in the cloud is a good idea, too), but in Italy you are legally required to carry the original.

Please do consider wearing a money belt, it really is the best safety measure you can take. There is minimal violent crime in Europe, but plenty of pickpockets. Not to mention scams - avoid beggars with babies, ignore people wanting you to sign petitions, do not pick up gold rings or other items of value you see on the ground. If someone points out some kind of gunk on your clothes do NOT let them clean it up, get one of your fellow travelers to do it.

suze

Sorry but I have never traveled with 1/2 the items GBelle is trying to add to your packing list!