leenermac

My husband and I leave for Italy in less than a week...first time abroad...and find myself frozen with indecision as to what to pack. I would like to pack lightly and dress appropriately for September in Italy...but can't seem to find a specific list of items to pack...only general guidelines.

Thanks in advance for any help you can give.

degas

2 primary fannypacks and 1 spare

3 pair of white tennis shoes, black pants, black shirts, and black socks

6 pair of black socks and underwear

1 black rain jacket

1 black umbrella

1 black wallet

2 guide books with black covers

6 boxes of fruit-loop cereal

5 cans of spam

1 black Swiss army knife

2 large bags of pork rinds

ira

Hi lee,

>..but can't seem to find a specific list of items to pack.<

Your own washcloths.
A compass
A small flashlight
A Swiss Army knife with a corkscrew

ira

Be nice, Degas.

You can't get a black Swiss Army knife.

m_kingdom2

"2 primary fannypacks and 1 spare"

I'm assuming that you aren't interested in this threesome..


If you'd like some help choosing items, look for lightweight wool or cotton knitted tops. Long sleeve t-shirts under jackets. Shirts are versatile as you can roll the sleeves up. However, you really should be able to make a note of the temperature and pack accordingly like an adult.

degas

Seriously, do a thread search for packing advice. I recall seeing many great lists provided by fodor posters.

mamc

Pack light, take lots of black, neutrals and clothes you can layer. Knits - cotton, silk and light wool work well. Take 2 - 3 pairs of very comfortable shoes. Take a light waterproof jacket. I'm not sure anyone can give you something more specific without knowing where you are going and what you will be doing in Italy.

bobthenavigator

This may help.
http://www.slowtrav.com/europe/bob_tips.htm

Budman

What's this "wear black" stuff coming from. I don't own anything black except shoes and a tux. Since I'm going to be traveling in Italy, I'm going to wear all my "Italian T's."

amelia

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34478022

There are quite a few lists on this thread.

Good luck...and pack light!

suze

OK here goes... Into a 22" rolling suitcase put:
2-3 pair of pants
1 pair of capri
1 skirt or dress (optional)
7-8 tops of varying weights and sleeve lengths
1 lightweight cardigan sweater or knit cotton jacket
1 something to sleep in or very lightweight robe
- a reasonable number of underwear, bras, socks
1 pair sandals
1 pair closed shoes
- cosmetics & toiletries all put into tiny travel bottles and then into ziplock bags

Wear on the plane your bulkiest items: windbreaker or blazer, layered comfortable knit pants and top, sneakers or walking shoes.

All colors and patterns (or lack thereof) should mix and match. I like knits, certain linens, rayon, silk, cotton, polyester. Nothing that needs ironing but that will "shake out" when hung up.

I've seen lots of specific pack lists over the years, maybe others can give websites to find these. I know there's one at www.ricksteves.com but he packs a little too skimpy for my taste.

My method is to put clothes I'm considering in a separate place ahead of time, then evaluate them over the course of a few days before actually packing. Take nothing brand new. Only your favorites from at home for a similar weather/season.

degas

Budman, black is very slimming. SOME of us must use all the niffy fashion tricks at our disposal.

Suze, right, you were the one I were thinking of.

SeaUrchin

Oh, Degas, you made me laugh out loud, a rare occurence here lately.

SuzieC

I think our gentleman-escort-for-hire Degas is trying to be just that! Funny!

Budman, I LOVE an strappy t-shirt with tux trousers...and sneakers, o'course

SuzieC

Seriously Leener, Suze's recommendations are right on the money.
One more thing, pack what you want then try to lug around the suitcase by yourself. Frankly, I take fewer trousers and tops but I do suggest more than 1 pair of shoes.

suze

Honestly I can go with a bit less too, but I don't like to scare off well intensioned 1st timers by suggesting they wear the same clothes 3 days in a row (like I am willing to do ~LOL).

Foolishly I did *not* take my own good advice & packed a new 24" last month to Switzerland, since I was going to only one destination. It allowed me to take even more, things I truly could have done without. It was too darn heavy especially lifting it from airport baggage carousels and up those narrow steps into a train. Back to my 22" next time.

Budman

My wife's kitchen sink will never fit into a 22"er. If I would ever suggest it, she'd just laugh at me.

SeaUrchin

Budman, are those wife beaters? With a tux that would really make a statement!!
How about a rhinestone cumberbund to set off the look?

Budman

SeaUrchin, The tux thing is the only piece of black clothing that I own, and I sure don't intend on bringing it.

I'm leaving a week from today, and it's "shorts" baby, "shorts and polo shirts." Khakis in the evening. It's supposed to be in the 80's.

annabelle2

Actually, you can get a black Swiss Army (Victorinox) knife, although perhaps only in certain models...

I still prefer the classic red!