What to pack, what to wear... and other Rome, Italy Packing List Tips

Luggage And Bags: Back packs are the 'only' way to travel in Europe. The little wheels on our luggage don't provide stability on cobble stone streets, plus many hotels do not have elevators.

Clothing/Shoes/Weather Gear: Wear only 'proven' foot wear. A tour around Rome in new shoes is not too wise. Leather sandles in summer, although comfortable, tend to stick to the parts of your foot that they come in contact with, creating blisters (due to the perspiration) I suggest a suede sandle.

Layer your clothing, it is easier to remove a sweater in the heat of the afternoon in winter, than removing your down filled jacket, and paying for it later that night with a fever.

In summer,a light weave cotton is best, with longer shorts. Churches frown upon bare shoulders and tight, short shorts. Carry a light scarf or shawl, or purchase one from a street vendor.

Toiletries & Medical Supplies: Kleenex is readily available in all pharmacies, and the travel pack tissue is larger and more absorbant than tissues in North America. Cold remedies 'as we know them in North America' are non-existant, so place your trust in the Pharmacist.

Photo Equipment: film is available everywhere, including all major (and minor) sites. Additional cost for availability however.

You'll never have a problem downloading photos from your card to a disc. Shops everywhere. Spare memory cards are expensive in Europe, especially Rome.


Miscellaneous: Carry paper plates and plastic forks, for a mini picnic in your room. There are many shops to buy cheese, shrimp, cold meats, vino, and bakery items. Sometimes you just don't feel like going out after a full day of sightseeing.

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Miscellaneous: We chose Cash Passport cards, also known as Visa TravelMoney cards, issued by our local CAA club, rather than carry cash. We didn't wish to use our credit cards (easier to negotiate prices with cash in Europe), and DEBIT cards were tied to our bank accounts, allowing us too easy access to funds we didn't wish to spend. Cash passport cards are prepaid, up to $15,000, and are accepted by all ATM machines. We felt that using a prepaid card would help to maintain our travel budget, plus we could access our balance online. We used these cards exclusively for almost two years, and had never been denied funds anywhere in Italy. Check them out.....$3 CDN per transaction. The cards may now be used like a credit card, allowing for on-line purchases. Perfect for booking flights, hotels, or sending the odd gift.

Also great for younger family members to carry, safer (and not as scary) than providing a credit card for 'emergency' use.

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