Packing appropriately for your Italy trip is essential to ensure comfort and safety during your journey. We will discuss the things to buy before the Italy Trip.
Table of Contents
#1: Anti-Theft Bag
In recent decades, Italy’s lenient laws for young offenders have led to an increase in theft, particularly targeting tourists. Visitors should exercise extra caution to prevent theft and ensure a seamless trip.
I’d like to share a personal encounter with my “almost got stolen” experience. Following our visit to the Vatican Museum, my wife and I were heading back to the metro subway. With my left hand holding onto my wife and my right hand carrying a souvenir, I unwittingly became an easy target. This vulnerable position left my waist bag, where I kept my wallet and cellphone, unprotected. Two young women approached us, feigning a need for money and holding thick, colorful religious blankets on their forearms and hands. Despite our attempts to bypass them, they quickly moved backward, blocking our path. My wife and I sensed the abnormal situation and started to run. After putting distance between us and them, I discovered that the zip on my waist bag had somehow been opened. Their hands beneath the blankets had silently manipulated the bag. Fortunately, my phone and wallet were still intact, but the experience cast a shadow over the rest of my day. Subsequent online research revealed numerous similar stories, highlighting the importance of investing in an anti-theft bag before embarking on any travels.
I advise against using either a backpack or a waist bag during your trip to Italy. If you appear foreign or are not fluent in Italian, your backpack may become a vulnerable target.
Various kinds of anti-theft bags are available. When selecting an anti-theft bag, aim for those that are either challenging to detect or require careful attention to open.
Designed to be worn discreetly beneath your outfit, this sling shoulder bag is ideal for securely carrying essentials such as your cellphone, credit card, and passport. Crafted from durable nylon and canvas, it ensures portability. The bag features a spacious zippered pocket suitable for an 8.3-inch mini iPad and a dedicated smartphone pocket for devices up to 6.7 inches.
FlexSafe anti-theft bag provides peace of mind for your belongings at the pool, beach, or park. Its integrally locking flap secures to fixed objects, protecting your phone, wallet, and cards. Portable and lightweight, with a durable five-layer construction, including RFID blocking. Packed with features like water resistance, internal pouch, and side mesh pockets. As seen on Shark Tank, it’s easy to use and perfect for any adventure, ensuring your valuables are always secure.
#2: Universal Power Adapter
Italy uses Type C, F, and L electrical outlets with a standard voltage of 230V and a frequency of 50Hz. It is not compatible with US, Canada and UK’s plugin. You need to prepare at least one universal power adapter for your Italy trip.
- Type C: The most common, featuring two round pins. This is the standard ‘Europlug’.
- Type F: Two round pins with earth clips on the side (also known as ‘Schuko’). Similar to type C, but used for grounded appliances.
- Type L: Three round pins in a row. Used for some grounded Italian outlets.
This travel adapter worldwide covers over 150 countries: France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Iceland, Greece, and Israel (Type C ). The European adapter provides a universal AC outlet and 4 USB charging ports, max capacity up to 2500 watt (max 250 Volt, 10 A), can charger up to 5 devices Simultaneously. Perfect for traveling to EU countries.
#3: Cell Phone Data Plan
Three options to select the data plan for effective cell phone data plan to use in Italy and other EU countries.
Option 1: Buy a Prepaid Sim Cardbefore your trip.
Make sure your phone is unlocked and has physical Sim Card slot. As the since iPhone 15, the US model has removed the phsyical Sim Card slot. iPhone 15 Canada model still has the card slot.
Vodafone is the largest telecomm service provider in UK. Some of their data plan can be used for 28 days after activation. However, their sim card needs to be actvated within 3 months after purchase. You also need to register your information in their website. 12GB 28days, 16GB 28days. Recommended.
Orange is the largest telecomm service provider in France, and their service and coverage is better yet more expensive. Their service coverage includes Italy and other EU countries. Data plan includes 12GB, 30GB.
However, one of their problem is that their data plan only cover 14 days from the day 1 use. It could be extended for additional charges. I used this plan before and applying extension requires submitting extra forms, which is annoying during your trip.
Recommend only if your trip in EU is less than 15 days.
Option 2: Enable your data roaming of your existing phone plan
Simple and no hustle. However, the roaming price is usually charge either per day or per MB data usage. It could cost you a lot of money if you are not careful.
Option 3: Switch to Google Fi.
Google Fi supports both iOS and Android. The Unlimited Plus and Flexible plan supports Free data while traveling over 200 destinations including most of the EU countries. Google Fi Sim Kit.
#4 Travel Packing Cubes
A travel packing cube set is a must-have for efficient and organized packing in your suitcase. With designated compartments for toiletries, accessories, and clothing, it maximizes space, prevents clutter, and makes items easy to locate. This organized approach saves time, minimizes wrinkles, and ensures a hassle-free travel experience, whether for a weekend getaway or an extended trip.
The organizer set features an 8-piece collection with varying sizes for efficient packing of clothes, dirty laundry, undergarments, footwear, cosmetics, towels, toiletries, and electronic accessories. Crafted with high-quality fabrics, including a mesh top panel for easy identification and ventilation, these cubes are durable with no broken zippers or weak stitches. The smooth fabric protects clothes from wrinkles and stains, while the waterproof function guards against splashes or leaks.
#5 Mosquito Repellent Product during Summer
Italy experiences a presence of mosquitoes during the summer due to its hot and humid climate. To ensure a comfortable and enjoyable trip, travelers are advised to bring mosquito repellent products before visiting Italy in the summer. Applying effective mosquito repellent can help protect against mosquito bites and reduce the risk of discomfort or potential health concerns related to mosquito-borne illnesses. Adding a reliable mosquito repellent to your travel essentials will contribute to a more pleasant experience while exploring the beautiful destinations that Italy has to offer during the warmer months.
This mosquito repellent balm effectively masks your scent, making mosquitoes unable to locate you. With a proven blend of repellent oils, it provides up to 2 hours of protection. Formulated with the highest quality natural ingredients, it respects your skin, containing no synthetic repellents, added fragrance, or dyes. Travel-friendly in size, this balm is a reliable companion for outdoor adventures during your Italy trip.
Bonus Tip: Bring Less Clothing and Footwear
Italy is renowned for its fashionable clothing and high-quality textiles. As a result, you may choose to pack lightly for your trip and purchase clothing items during your stay. This approach allows you to not only save space in your luggage but also immerse yourself in Italy’s stylish culture and return home with unique, high-quality pieces.
Pack versatile basics for easy mix-and-match, allowing you to bring fewer items. Plan for laundry if staying for an extended period and consider leaving room for purchases by packing a foldable duffel bag or using compression bags. Tailor your clothing to the season, packing lightweight layers for spring and fall, breathable clothing for summer, and warm layers for winter. Don’t forget comfortable footwear, especially walking shoes for city exploration, sandals for coastal areas in summer, or sturdy boots for winter or mountain trips.
Check out our Italy Shopping Guide for fashion shopping in Italy.
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