Are you getting ready to go on a tour of Italy of a lifetime? Whether you are heading on your Italian Adventure this year or are getting ready for next summer’s break, we can help make sure you’re able to take in all the wonderful sights of Italy without a hefty bag on your back the whole time. With that in mind, we’ve compiled a short guide on the best tips for holiday packing which includes what you should and shouldn’t take away with you and how to pack your suitcase to fit more in.
1. Roll, don’t fold
Rolling your clothes up instead of folding them is one of our most popular suitcase packing tips to date. It really is as simple as folding your clothes in half and rolling them up and placing them into your suitcase or backpack. If you want to pack extra carefully, invest in some packing cubes. They’re a great way to keep your suitcase or backpack organised, helping you separate tops from bottoms and so on. And, if you’re not a huge fan of unpacking all your things, you can instead neatly hide away your packing cubes so there’s no transferring things from inside your suitcase into the drawers and vice versa, leaving you more time to explore Italy!
2. Don’t Over Pack
Our next tips for holiday packing is to not over pack. Though it can be tempting, try to create an itinerary of all the wonderful things you will do and see in Italy prior to leaving. That way, not only will you be much more prepared when you land, but you can pack according to what you want to do, making sure that you wear everything you take with only a few extras ‘just in case’. It’s also beneficial to check the weather a week before you leave. That way, you can make sure that the clothes you’ve packed are suitable for the expected weather and chuck a jumper or two into your suitcase if you think they might be needed, even just in the evening.
3. Take Minimum Pairs Of Shoes
Just because you’re going on holiday doesn’t mean you need to buy new shoes for the occasion. Instead of weighing your backpack or suitcase down with multiple pairs of shoes you’re unlikely to wear, consider selecting shoes that go with multiple outfits. Also, avoid taking more than one pair of the same type of shoe. For example, realistically, you’re only going to need one pair of trainers for your trip unless you plan on hiking, jogging, or undertaking an activity that requires a sporty footwear. At the same time, you’re likely to only need one pair of flipflops and one or two ‘evening’ choices depending on the length of your stay. This is also where planning an itinerary prior to your trip comes in useful as you’ll know exactly what you’ll need and when!
4. Limit Your Toiletries
Buying lots of toiletries can often take up valuable space in your suitcase or backpack and can quickly take over your 10 100ml item limit if you’re going to be carrying your bag with you the whole time. Whilst it can be tempting to stock up before you go, remember that Italy too sells all the same products, if not better! Though it might cost a little more, you may find that you don’t need all the products you thought you would or quite as many bottles of sun cream for your trip, possibly saving you some money too!
5. Consider Your Itinerary
In some cases, you may be required to cover your knees or shoulders when visiting some of Italy’s most historic sites and booking popular Italy Tour holiday locations. To avoid panic buying something last minute, be sure to also pack clothes that fit these guidelines. That way, you can make sure that you won’t be refused entry, which is particularly true if your itinerary is back-to-back and there’s little time for movement. All this information is easily accessible online, so you won’t find it difficult to read about other people’s experiences to make sure you arrive prepared.
In Summary
Italy is a wonderful place and, with the opportunity to enjoy true Italian culture, history, cuisine and much more, you won’t be disappointed in your trip ahead. Taking these suitcase packing tips into consideration ahead of your next adventure will help to make sure you pack correctly, ensuring you can spend more time enjoying the country and all it has to offer and less time worrying about the ifs and buts.