The Right Clothes Make a Difference!

Seasoned traveller Joan Heaton provides us with packing tips

Paula Stanghetta from MP TOURS has asked me to do a post on packing tips for Italy, so here goes!!!! First of all, I have been to Italy 5 times, 2 with Paula. I am going again in May to Puglia, Italy also with Paula!! As you can tell I love Italy, and I also love the personalized tours with MP Tours. I love the people, the food, the scenery and of course the wine!!!

When planning a trip, the first thing I check out is the weather forecast so that I can pack accordingly!!! On my last trip to Italy (Sicily) the temperature ranged from moderate in Palermo, very cool in Mt. Etna to hot in Taormina.

I try to pack everything for my trip in a suitcase light enough that I can handle myself. I also pack in my carry-on (along with what I am wearing) enough items to last me at least 2-3 days in case my luggage is delayed (Italy is known for delayed luggage).

I pack all of my clothes in packing cubes (I have small, medium and large sizes) I roll everything tightly to maximize space and minimize wrinkles. You can also use large size freezer bags for this purpose and they come in handy, to store dirty items.

Packing Cubes
Image by jdltmaxson from Pixabay

Most importantly is your choice of footwear, with a lot of uneven pathways and cobble stones, sturdy rubber soled shoes are a must. I prefer a couple of pairs of walking sandals and a pair of covered shoes like campers for rainy and cool days. Also pack a rain poncho and warm wrap (I like to pack a cashmere poncho that also serves as a blanket on the plane).

Lastly, if you colour coordinate your clothing you can mix and match to create several outfits with a minimum of pieces. I always choose a basic black dress with several tops as well as a tunic and pants that can I can interchange. Travelling is amazing and by packing the right clothes that are comfortable as well as stylish, adds to your experience!!!

Thanks for sharing your packing tips for Italy with us, Joan. You travel light, but always so fashionably and comfortably, as your photos show.  

For more on packing tips, check out Smarter Travel’s ultimate packing checklist.