How To Pack For Italy
Wondering how to pack for Italy? Here’s what I’m bringing!
Our honeymoon to Italy is FINALLY HERE! Those of you who have been following along for a long time know that this trip has been in the works for YEARS now. We were supposed to go in the Fall of 2020 when we thought we were going to get married that year – but obviously that didn’t happen. Now, nearly 2 years later, it’s actually happening and I am over the MOON. I’ve been dreaming of traveling to Italy my entire life. I even wrote a “book” in elementary school about it. True story 😂
It’s no secret why Italy is one of the most sought-after travel destinations in the world. The country is so rich in history with a vibrant culture, delicious food, incredible architecture and more. There are also such an amazing mix of big cities, quaint towns, and coastal cities. There is definitely not a shortage of things to see and do – ahhh I cannot wait!
At one point, I was going to wait to tackle packing guides until we got back, but I literally get DMs asking for packing help every day – plus I really want to disconnect and be present with my husband while we’re gone instead of answering messages about what I’m wearing/what I packed. So here’s the plan!
Below you will find some tips that I am aware of before we leave, along with photos and links (similar ones if the items are old) of all of the outfits I’m bringing. Then, I’ll go back into this post and make updates based on what I learned while we were away in case I missed anything you should pack for a trip to Italy!
How To Pack For Italy
Bring luggage you can manage
If you are going to multiple cities like we are, I think it’s important to pack in luggage you can manage. In other words, don’t check 4 bags if only two of you are going! We haven’t packed yet so this could still change, but we are thinking we will pack in 1 checked bag, 1 carry on bag, a backpack for Adam and a backpack for me.
Pack in packing cubes
I cannot stress this enough – packing cubes are a GAME CHANGER. We got these cubes from our registry and love them so much, but I also got this more affordable set to test out for this trip, too. Not only do they help you save a TON of space, but they also help keep your clothes/underwear/socks super organized! We did our best to organize by city, so knew what to pull out when we got to a new hotel!
Bring passport and vaccine card
This is pretty straight forward, but important nonetheless. Don’t forget your passport and vaccine card!! (This might not be a thing anymore!) I think it’s best to put them both in your passport case and then get a travel pouch or money belt to keep it safe while you’re on the go.
Make sure your credit card will work.
This isn’t a huge issue anymore, but if you’ve had issues with international travel in the past, definitely check in with your bank before you leave!
Don’t forget power adapters!
If you want to charge anything while you’re in Italy, make sure you bring power adapters!
Get locks for your luggage/backpacks
Adam thought of getting locks which is so smart! A great idea when you’re going through train stations, so you don’t have to worry about pickpockets around you.
Take outfits from day to night
Obviously figuring out what to wear in Italy depends greatly on the time of year that you’re going. And it’s much easier to pack light when it’s nice weather since sundresses are easy to pack and don’t take up a ton of space. But regardless, try to take your outfits from day to night when you can. You’ll see examples below, but one that I love is wearing a sundress with a linen shirt and sneakers during the day and then swapping that for a denim jacket and heeled sandals at night!
Italy Packing List
Sneakers
I brought my Rothy’s and Keds so I could switch off between the two in case one of them starts bothering my feet – but I ended up wearing the Rothy’s the whole time besides one day, because they felt way more supportive for my feet. I also considered getting a pair of Golden Goose sneakers while we were there… but ultimately I decided to put that money towards our trip expenses instead. Didn’t need to get over my skiis!
Sandals
I’m keeping it simple when it comes to sandals with this pair I’ve had for years and this newer pair. I find these styles to be much more comfortable than flip flops… and sturdier, too! You’ll also see these heels in a few photos, but I brought these shorter heels instead. I only wore them for a few dinners when I wanted to look a little nicer.
Tank and Midi Skirt
I don’t know why the colors in this photo turned out so weird – but I’ll get a better picture in Florence! I love how versatile a white tank and midi skirt are. The skirt is true to size, but obviously long on me. I almost ordered a petite size but I was worried the slit would be too high, so I stuck with a regular 2. It looks cute with Rothy’s, my crossbody bag and sunglasses for exploring or with sandals for dinner!
Breezy Midi Dress
I absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE this dress. It comes with detachable straps but it stays up fine on its own so I think I’ll wear it that way. I’m going to dress it down with Keds during the day and dress it up with sandals at night. I got a petite XS and it fits perfectly.
Midi Dress with Linen Shirt
Another day to night option! I’ve had this dress for years – I actually bought it for our trip to Finland back in 2018! I plan on wearing it with sneakers during the day with a linen shirt handy for when we go into churches. Then I’ll probably swap the linen shirt for a jean jacket and put sandals on for dinner! (I got this in a 0 years ago and I wish it was a 2… but hey, it still zips!)
Wrap Dress
How perfect is this dress for a day trip to Tuscan vineyards?!? Again, this one is old, but this year’s version looks like it has pretty much the exact same silhouette. I’ll wear this with flat sandals all day and probably into dinner, too. I believe this one was an XS.
Easy Sundress
Is this not the perfect little sundress to travel to Positano in?! I got an XS and it’s a little long on me, but I still love it. So easy, breezy, and comfortable!
Linen Midi Dress
It’s probably not a shock that I plan on bringing my rehearsal dinner dress for a dinner in Positano. I love any excuse to wear this bad boy! While this print is no longer available, this EXACT dress is available again this year in pink, navy, and white. I have a size 2.
Lemon Dress
I mean, you HAVE TO wear lemons in Positano, right?! I bought this dress back in 2019 since I thought we were going to do this trip in 2020, and I still love it! If you are looking for something similar, this silhouette is VERY similar, as is this one. I also love this new lemon print dress along with this citrus print mini and this citrus print midi!
Swimsuit
I plan on bringing this bikini top (S) and these bikini bottoms (M) with us for Positano and Capri! Yes, I know this is a pricey suit – but I wanted to invest in one really great one instead of a bunch of cheap ones since I’m not in a bathing suit all that often anyway.
Boat Dress
When I was trying to figure out what to pack for our day trip to Capri, I realized I didn’t really have the right dress for a boat ride AND lunch/exploring. So I placed a last minute order on Amazon to get this dress. I didn’t wear it on the boat but I did wear it to/from the beach since it’s so lightweight!
Active Set
I didn’t end up wearing this top and bike shorts set, or this jacket, but that’s just because we decided to go to a beach club instead of hike the Path of the Gods!
Coverup
After we hike, we’re thinking about just hanging on a beach for a while – and this coverup will be perfect for that. And it was only $27!
Rainbow Maxi
This dress makes me laugh because I stalked it all of last year, and then I got it on MEGA sale this year! Also, Adam doesn’t love it but I truly don’t care 😂 It’s just so happy and fun!! I got my usual size 2. This new version looks similar!
Shorts and Top
While I am very clearly a dress girl, I figured I might want to switch it up and wear shorts one day so I should pack them just in case. This pair was a splurge but I struggle with shorts a lot and these fit me well and are SO comfortable. I am packing this old red top and this embroidered top too.
White Midi Dress
After our last travel day, I’ll change into this look to walk around, go to the Pantheon, and go out to dinner. My dress is old, but I love this one and this one. Either would be cute paired with my crossbody bag and sandals.
Red Dress
This dress is supposed to a midi, but it’s definitely more of a maxi on me… who cares though, right?! I think it’s so cute with Keds for daytime (and my linen shirt for when we go into churches). And of course, I just have to swap sneaks for sandals at night for dinner!
Skort and Top
This is a newer outfit that I have a feeling I will be repeating A LOT this summer. The skirt is a really nice active material with built in shorts underneath (I got a small), and the top (more sizes here!) can be worn like a regular shirt or off the shoulders like I have it styled here. Such a great exploring outfit!
Babydoll Dress
This is another old dress that they made again this year – love when that happens! This print is no longer available, but it comes in classic black that you could easily dress up or down. I have a size 0.
Active Dress
Andddd another one! This print is also old but I’m thrilled that they keep making this active dress because it’s perfect for exploring on vacation. I also really love this style, too! The material is so comfy and I love that they have built in shorts. I got a size small.
Nap Dress
Last but not least, my nap dress is comin’ with me! You can read my whole review about it here.
Jackets
As you’ve probably seen, I’m going to use my linen shirt as a “jacket” a lot since it’s going to be warm when we’re there. In addition to that, I will also be bringing a jean jacket (TBD if I bring this one or an old shorter one) and this white jacket. I thought about bringing my leather jacket too, but I don’t think it’s necessary!
Travel Outfits
I like to travel in leggings, layers and sneakers when I travel. Usually that means my Lululemon leggings, a classic t-shirt (use code LAKESHORELADY for 20% off!), and a layer. I also wear the bulkiest sneaker I’m bringing so I don’t have to fit them in my suitcase.
Backpack
I got this backpack to make travel days easier and I am SO glad I did. It is SO roomy with lots of great compartments.
Crossbody Bag
When we are exploring, I plan on bringing this crossbody bag with me everywhere. I love how neutral it is so it goes with literally every outfit I’m packing. It’s just big enough to fit essentials but small enough for me to easily be able to keep a hold of it when we are working our way through crowds. I am also bringing an old clutch for dinners out! Update – this crossbody bag is a similar size and GREAT quality!
Sunglasses
You can’t go on vacation without sunglasses – and I love that this pair is only $15, so if I misplace them somewhere, I won’t be devastated. Plus, they’re so cute!
Thigh Rescue
If your thighs rub together when you walk, Thigh Rescue by Megababe is a GAME CHANGER. Trust me on this one.
Tablets
Of course this isn’t necessary, but I plan on bringing my kindle and my iPad for travel days. They don’t take up a ton of space, and then I can read and/or answer emails when we’re on planes or trains.
Wireless headphones
We plan on doing a few of Rick Steves’ Podcast Tours while we’re over there, so I will definitely be bringing my wireless headphones with me! Everyone who has Airpods loves them, but I am still using this knockoff pair that works great.
Power Adapters
I know I already mentioned these, but do not forget power adapters!
Water Bottles
I never travel without a water bottle, so I plan on bringing this one with me!
Hand Sanitizer and Masks
Safety first! We really like these KF94 masks.
Vaccine Card/COVID Tests
I also mentioned these above, but they are worth repeating! We are bringing these tests the include a personal virtual visit with an eMed Certified Guide who will help you properly administer the test and third party verify the result. That official eMed Labs report can then provide proof of test results for your flight back into the US. If you are traveling during a COVID surge, you can also get travel insurance as well, just in case you end up testing positive before coming home.
Camera/Selfie Stick
This one is completely optional, but I wanted to include it just in case. I always thought I’d bring my DSLR camera with me on a trip like this, but honestly, I don’t want to have to worry about lugging it around since I have the iPhone 13 which has a great camera in it! We also opted for this popsocket mount instead of a selfie stick since Adam has such long arms anyway 😂 This way, we can take selfies ourselves, or set up the phone on this mount to take a full shot of the two of us!
Italy Packing Checklist
I will update this after our trip, but here is packing checklist to get you started!
PS. You might also like my Reformation Sizing Guide, Beis Weekender/Backpack Review, and Hill House Nap Dress Review.
