Dos and Don’ts For Packing For Italy in the Summer Posted by Suzy Guese on 25th, June 2012

Dos and Don’ts For Packing For Italy in the Summer

As a traveler in Italy, you might start to feel a bit inadequate in the fashion department. Italians are known for their sense of style, seemingly always donning the perfect outfit for a night out on the town or just down to the supermarket. When the weather heats up and the humidity rises, packing can pose even more of a challenge for visitors looking to fit into the scene.

If you are planning a holiday in the country this summer, keep in mind these dos and don’ts when you pack your Italy bound bag.

Holiday In Venice

Do Pack A Large Scarf | Traveling this Summer

You might think it is hot and balmy in Italy in the summer and in large part it is. However, Italy is one of the few places in Europe where you still need to cover up to enter churches and other religious attractions. As many rent holiday properties in Florence, Venice and Rome, some of the most famous churches are right at your disposal. A large scarf solves this problem.

If you wear that sleeveless sundress but you still want to enter St. Mark’s in Venice, be sure to throw a large scarf into your day bag. You can cover up your shoulders easily and in an instant. Once you leave the church or religious site, you can ditch the scarf and still keep cool.

Don’t Bring Brand New Shoes | Stuff to Pack for a Trip

Italy is crawling in uneven, cobblestone streets. If you are headed to the country for a summer vacation, you are no doubt going to be doing loads of walking. Most of Italy’s major cities are easy to handle on foot if you have the right footwear.

While I have made this mistake on several trips to Italy, never pack brand new shoes to conquer the country. Broken in walking sandals will help save your feet. High heels might work for a night out on the town, but they are largely impractical in Italy.

Travel to Sicily

Tips For Traveling to Italy | Do Pack A Water Bottle

The heat of Italy can be dehydrating no matter how long you might spend outdoors. Rather than coughing up a euro here and there for water, a water bottle is a nice solution to keep hydrated, to save a few euros and to help the environment. Most Italian towns and cities have their own public water fountains that are safe to fill up your waters bottles.

Packing For Italy | Don’t Pack Short-Shorts

When I go to Italy in the summer, it can be tempting to toss in my suitcase my favorite pair of shorts. However, I never end up wearing them in Italy. Italians don’t really wear short-shorts in public. If you do, you will face unwanted attention. Shorts tend to distinguish the tourists from the locals.

For men this is less of an issue, but women should stick to loose, breathable fabrics for pants and dresses and skirts to keep cool in Italy. Have you been to Italy in the summer? What are your dos and don’ts for packing?