miasma

I am going to Italy in October for the first time..any suggestions on what to pack? We will be in Rome, Florence, Lucca.. the 3rd thru the 14th. Not sure of weather and how to dress..help!!

mamcalice

Check weather.com for the historical data on October weather and plan your packing accordingly. As your departure gets closer, check the 10-day forecast for your destinations and adjust your plans as needed.

We are leaving for Italy tomorrow and I am taking pretty much what I planned a month ago. Dress nicely but comfortably and don't take a lot of dressy clothes unless you plan to dine in lots of upscale restaurants or go to the opera. Take comfortable shoes. Make sure everything fits into one 21" roller bag. Have a wonderful time.

susansothermail

i totally agree with mamcalice's very good advice. i would only add to plan clothing options that are versatile, for example one skirt that can be worn with a blouse (for dinner out) or a t-shirt (for sightseeing during the day). the most vital items are your most comfortable shoes and appropriate socks or stockings, if necessary.

one of my jet-set friends taught me this packing trick years ago and it has been my touchstone in my years of travel: pack what you think you'll need. then take half of it out of your luggage and *voila* you are ready to go.

Sue878

Agree with dress nicely but comfortably. In October I take long sleeve shirts to wear over a tee shirt so if it's warm I can take off the long sleeve. I always have my coat with me though. I also would take an umbrella or jacket with a hood. It was real nice & sunny the 1st day in Lucca, then the next day it was raining hard & cold (in Oct). I don't take jeans because they are too heavy to pack.

november_moon

After toting umbrellas around all over the place and not needing them, I now leave the umbrella at home - if it rains, I buy one.

Sue878

We just take a small umbrella and put it in out backpack, if it looks like we are going to need it, but if I have a hood, like I said, you don't need one.

michele_d

Last year we spent the month in Italy traveling from Venice down through Tuscany and ending in Rome. The mornings in Tuscany were very chilly. There was frost on the fields. By 10-11 am we started peeling off the layers and enjoyed a beautiful day. Still in long pants though. Layers, layers and layers. If anywhere on our trip it really applied in Tuscany in October. Have a great trip.

suze

"Layering" is the only way to go. Make sure all your pieces mix & match, so you can put on as much or as little as you need, once you see the weather. 2-3 pair comfortable (not brand new) shoes. An assortment of pants, capris, tops with various sleeve lengths, a lightweight cardigan or jacket. Like that.

annabelle2

miasma, you will find even more good and detailed information on this site if you type your question/topic into the search box. The packing dilemma is one that comes up a lot on fodor's.

My two cents' worth is similar to the above comments: check weather websites to get an idea of the typical temps; pack lighter than you think you should (carry-on will be fine); layer; keep it simple; a couple of scarves can dress up a basic outfit; make sure at least one pair of shoes is a pair you know you could walk in all day; remember to stick in an extra bag if you plan to shop - I use it to carry any new treasures home on the plane and check a bag home w/ my dirty clothes.

Yes, you can wear jeans if you like jeans. Just don't try and wash them in the hotel sink!
No, you don't have to wear all black. But it is a good basic color to build a travel wardrobe around.
Yes, you can wear tennis shoes if you like tennis shoes. If you don't find them comfortable (I don't), don't bring 'em.
Leave the 'fanny pack' at home, though!