What to Pack When You're Traveling in Italy, According to Experts (2024)

Published on 6/28/2022 at 10:49 AM

“Because of all of the cobblestones, stairs, and uneven surfaces, roller bags aren’t ideal,” advises Tuscany-based Candice Criscione, founder of TheTuscanMom.com and MomInItaly.com. “ But, you can use them sometimes and I know that carrying a backpack isn’t for everyone. Combo bags (roller bags that can also be carried as a backpack) are ideal and give you options.” Criscione especially likes luggage by Eagle Creek, and recommends this convertible rolling duffle as a great choice for traveling in Italy.

The duffle is a truly versatile piece of luggage, and the right size to carry onto most planes. You can use it as a duffle bag, roller bag (it has wheels and a telescoping handle), or backpack (it has zip-away straps), plus it has a detachable daypack you can remove and use for shorter adventures. All these options mean you’ll never get stranded without a decent way to carry the bag, no matter how rough the cobblestones may be.

Rome-based Molly Fitzpatrick, who blogs at Luggage and Life, is on the same page with Salorio when it comes to bags. "Many travelers visiting Italy are concerned about pickpockets, and rightly so - they can be an issue," she explains. "If you carry a purse or bag, it’s best to bring a small one that you can wear across your body and keep in front of you, especially on public transportation or in crowded areas."

If you can get over the irony of bringing a Florence-made Italian leather bag back to its motherland, this Quince crossbody bag is a great alternative to the North Face bag for anyone who wants to feel a little more put together. Available in seven different colors, it features a removable strap and gold hardware, including the zipper on the main compartment. Inside the main compartment, there's a small zip pocket for your valuables. According to reviewers, it's ideal if you don't plan to carry too much stuff; as one customer put it, "There's room for a small makeup bag, a small wallet, hand sanitizer & an iPhone."

Multiple experts insist that a scarf or wrap is an absolute necessity for traveling in Italy. Fitzpatrick explains that it’s important for any time of year. “In the winter, you’ll need it to protect yourself from the cold, and in the summer, you might need it to cover your shoulders or knees when entering certain churches or religious buildings,” she says. “That’s right, some of Italy’s most famous churches, including Saint Peter’s Basilica in Rome, have a dress code. Anyone entering should be prepared to cover their shoulders and knees.” Salorio offers the additional tip that your scarf should fit in your bag, so can stash it away when it’s not needed, and Criscione suggests an additional use for a scarf: an impromptu picnic blanket.

For use as a summer cover-up, this scarf is made from a lightweight, breathable blend of cotton and linen. It’s large enough to offer a lot of coverage or act as a picnic blanket, measuring 75 by 43 inches, but thin enough to fold up small in your bag. Choose from several different color options.

All of our experts agree that you need comfortable shoes you can walk in all day every day. And sneakers are a top pick, since even cities will have cobblestones that render heels or flip flops a hazard to ankles everywhere. Salorio says these Ecco sneakers have become a go-to when he’s guiding in Italy, since “they go well with jeans, chinos, linen trousers, and in a pinch [if the light is low] can even go with a pair of slacks.”

If you’d prefer the women’s version of these shoes, those are also available and just as versatile. And both the men’s and women’s versions can also be purchased on Amazon, if you’d prefer.

Nikki Taylor of La Dolce Vita, who’s been living in Italy for more than 10 years, recommends Birkenstocks for “a long day of exploring” Italy when the weather is warm. The brand’s Arizona Essentials sandals are an ideal option, since they’re made from molded EVA foam that’s supportive and comfortable. The sandals are also waterproof, which Global Grasshopper’s Becky Moore, a many-time visitor to Italy, especially recommends for a comfortable trip to Lake Como.

The Arizona Essentials come in several colors in both women’s and men’s sizes, and can look a bit more polished than traditional Birkenstocks, since they skip the cork and suede footbed in favor of a smooth monochrome aesthetic.

Italy uses two or three-pronged outlets that aren’t compatible with American plugs, so if you’ll need an adaptor that works with Type L, F, or C outlets if you want to plug in American electronics during your stay. And while you can purchase what you need in Italy, Criscione still recommends buying them before your trip. As she puts it, “Yes, you can find them here, but who wants to spend precious vacation time hunting down electronics accessories?”

This Tessan Type C adaptor is a great choice for most people, since it’ll work in most European countries and allows you to use a two- or three-pronged American plug along with two USB cables. If you want your devices to feel a bit more secure, you could also try these three-pronged Type L adaptors, which are grounded but less versatile since they won’t work in two-prong sockets.

According to Fitzpatrick, it’s a good idea to bring a KN95 face mask to Italy. “KN95 masks are still required to ride public transportation, including trains, in Italy,” she explains. To be more specific, FFP2 masks (fairly comparable to N95s and KN95s) are mandatory on many of the country’s buses, trains, and ferries at the time of this article’s publication. That said, Italy’s requirements and restrictions are rapidly changing, so it’s best to check the country’s official tourism site for the latest updates.

If you do decide to bring KN95 masks with you on your trip, these Powecom masks from Bona Fide Masks are my absolute favorites. The nose piece is comfortable, the ear loops are effective without being tight, and they don’t cause my glasses to fog up. My partner has a bigger head than I do, but we both find them very comfortable. I like the black color with the ear loops for a slightly less medical vibe and easy on/off, but these are also available in a few different colors, and can be purchased with loops that go around the back of your head if you don’t like ear loops.