Going to Italy...What should I bring..???

[jrsygirl]

We're going to Italy for two weeks at the end of August into September. Just looking for advice on things I should take with me. What were your must haves or "wish I had remembered?"

[Clattercote]

Congratulations! We went to Italy for our honeymoon in May, and had a fabulous time! I hope your trip is great too!

I'd say it depends on where you're going in Italy, but here were some of my must-haves - I'm a light packer so I honestly didn't bring much and didn't regret it at all.

two skirts - I wore them all the time because they were cool and modest enough for visiting churches with dress codes - one was a reversible skirt, so I got even more use out of it. It seemed to me that no one really wears shorts (esp. women) there, so I'd avoid them.

decorative scarf - this was small enough to tuck into my suitcase, but it really enlivened some of my outfits, especially when I felt the need to dress up more (such as in the cities). I only brought and needed one; of course, you can buy many different ones at the markets too. Often, my outfit would be a skirt and a t-shirt dressed up by the scarf (tied in numerous ways)

If you're walking a lot, get one pair of really good walking shoes. I wore Keens mary janes - they were sooooo comfortable (wore them right out of the box and on the street, no breaking them in) and were great to wear with all my skirts because they're just dressy enough for that.


My packing list was, for the 2 weeks: 2 skirts, 1 pair of long pants, 4 plain t-shirts and 1 more blouse-type top, undies and bras, the Keens, a pair of sandals, swimsuit, scarf, toiletries, and flip flops (for the shower - we were staying at hostels with bathrooms down the hall). Oh, and a camera, a travel alarm and some good books.

[MrsTazlvr]

When I went a few years ago it was pretty hot- I was with a tour groups and my hotel didn't have A/C. A pocket handheld misting fan would have come in handy. I just saw a keychain model at Wal-Mart the other day for $2.97 that wouldn't take up much packing space. Enjoy!

[tlew12778]

We're having a heat wave summer this year. Kind of like 2003. So you will want to check the weather forecast right before you leave and make sure that you have a lot of light, breathable clothing... white and sundresses work well. If you happen to be here when it's super-hot you will need a sunhat. It hit 125F here (Milan) a few weeks ago. Right now it's only about 90. The heat comes and goes (hence heatwave ;)).

If you are going into churches, you need to have your shoulders and legs covered. Capri pants or a knee-length skirt is ok. Pants for your DH though.

Bring good walking shoes especially if you are going to Rome where most of the monuments are within walking distance.

ETA: Bring bug spray if you are going through Milan. We have more mosquitos than ppl here in the summer. Also they do not sell hydrocortizone OTC here so if you are used to using it for bites, bring it.

ETA2: It's gotten cold here on September 1 every year for the last 3 years. It's a really strange phenomenon really. Once September rolls around I no longer wear skirts or short sleeves really. You will need a light jacket at night.

[laura]

I wish I had better shoes in Italy. I agonized about the decision and in the end I didn't want to overpack, so I skipped the quest to have 1 perfect pair of walking shoes. I bought a new pair of sneakers, and then I took a pair of flip flops and a pair of versatile dressier sandals (for dinners); this was a mistake for me personally b/c I do not regularly wear sneakers outside of the gym, and as such, they aren't very comfortable on my feet for more than an hour or so. I wore the sneakers 1 day (in Pompeii), where they gave me blisters on both heels, and then I wore flip flops the rest of the time. I wasn't concerned w/ looking like a tourist (I think my camera & overall persona gave that away), but I just wish I would have planned this better. Oh - and my dressier sandals broke a strap the first night I wore them (curse those cobblestone streets!), so that was another shoe issue. It's odd for me, too, since I usually barely go away for the weekend w/ less than 5 pairs of shoes. :p

I mostly wore capri pants or skirts. I took a pair of jeans and a pair of khakis, but I only wore the jeans and only on our long travel days (4.5 hours by car and then 4.5 hours by train all in one day). Since we went in May, I just wasn't sure of the weather, so I took some of everything.

Must haves: my ipod (w/ audiobook); several vacation-y paperbacks; ibuprofen/aleve; airborne; vitamin C drops; 2-3 casual skirts; umbrella; 1 cardigan/sweater (I have a sweater hoodie from AT that goes over all things); sunblock

(I got super sick in Italy, hence all the medications. I really wish I would have had nyquil or something stronger than sudafed. Plus we ran out of ibuprofen and bought some while we were there, and it was ~$14 for I think 16?) Obviously a lot of that depends on that time of year you are going and which areas you are going to.

[Quartercentury]

decorative scarf - this was small enough to tuck into my suitcase, but it really enlivened some of my outfits, especially when I felt the need to dress up more (such as in the cities). I only brought and needed one; of course, you can buy many different ones at the markets too. Often, my outfit would be a skirt and a t-shirt dressed up by the scarf (tied in numerous ways)

You can also use the scarf to cover your shoulders when you're visiting churches.

And I echo laura's warning on the cobblestones. Unless you're used to it, cobblestones in heels is not a trick you want to try on vacation.

[tlew12778]

Plus we ran out of ibuprofen and bought some while we were there, and it was ~$14 for I think 16? It costs like 7-8 euro for a pack of 24. The brand is called Moment but you can just ask for ibuprofen. I am sure there must be a genetic as well but I have never purchased it.

I third the cobblestone streets and heels comment.

[laura]

It costs like 7-8 euro for a pack of 24. The brand is called Moment but you can just ask for ibuprofen. I am sure there must be a genetic as well but I have never purchased it.

I third the cobblestone streets and heels comment.

Well we were in Venice, so we had no choice but to buy in a super touristy place. :rolleyes: That isn't the brand we got, though, I don't think - ours came in a shiny silver box and started w/ C I think? I have the box at home. In any case, the guy did say he had Aleve, but once I said "or ibuprofen", he latched on to that and gave us this. I would have paid pretty much anything at the time, but if I went back, I would take extra w/ me.

[Sposa06]

Unless you're used to it, cobblestones in heels is not a trick you want to try on vacation.

On the other hand, I learned how to walk in stilettoes on cobblestone streets! As a result, I learned fast! Then I wore those same shoes back in the States and was an old pro.

Don't bother taking shorts. Skirts are much cooler and look so much nicer. Linen is a favorite of mine - linen capris are super comfortable. A lightweight cardigan for nights and to cover your shoulders for churches is a definite must. A good pair of walking sandals is also a necessity. Sneakers and socks aren't as comfortable as a good pair. Dansko is a good brand (I know you can get them at Nordstrom; not sure where else). Scarves are great - I'd take two and switch them up a bit. I wouldn't bother with jeans, though I would take one pair of pants (black, while versatile, could be really hot; maybe a lightweight gray or khaki pair). Make sure your clothes can mix and match to create multiple, versatile outfits (choose solids over prints, for example), and when in doubt, underpack (I don't mean leave out necessities such as underwear; I do mean that less is more).

As far as bugs go, definitely take along some hydrocortisone, and buy some Vape (the only stuff that works on mosquitoes in Italy - I swear by it)!

[tinkerbelljenny]

Just curious, what do men wear when it is really hot? Do they still wear pants? What kind of shoes do they wear. Just taking in all this info for my trip in the future.

[tlew12778]

OK this year, for some reason, shorts are really "in". I have even seen women in them... it could be bc it's been so stifling hot. In the past, I have only seen women in hot pants in the discos/clubs and mostly those are the models. Likewise, I have seen a lot of men in shorts this year. More so than in the past.

Nevertheless, my FH wears lightweight khakis everyday and a button down shirt or a polo. On the weekends he might wear a t-shirt instead. He wears sneakers usually. He has flip flops and tevas too. Actually, come to think of it, he also owns like 3/4 length shorts (think capris for men I guess).

As for meds, you can only buy them in pharmacies in Italy. And the price is set by the govt... that's national healthcare for you. So regardless of where you are, it will cost the same. Keep in mind, that should you need to go to a pharmacy for anything, they are only open until about 8PM at the latest, otherwise you will have to try to find a 24 hr one (not easy for a tourist). Just bring lots of whatever you think you might need.

[Blondeinabmw]

DH and I are going to Italy :p :D :D :D :D in late April/May 2006 for 17 DAYS!!! The flights are booked! I'm such a dork, I've TiVo'ed every show with the word Italy in it!

I've been reading all the travel books and threads about what to pack and what to wear, but I have to wonder, does everyone look like wash-and-wear generic tourists in zip-off leg trousers, microfiber knit ensembles and what I disaffectionately call "nun shoes"? Everyone says not to wear jeans, sneakers and fleece to avoid looking like the prototypical American tourist.

Italians (and Europeans in general) are supposed to be so fashionable - It makes me queasy to immerse myself (as a woman who considers herself somewhat fashion conscious) in a culture wearing a crinkle skirt every other day for two weeks. I don't even know where one goes to BUY a crinkle skirt in the first place!

Does anyone have suggestions for websites with travel clothes that are suitable for someone under 60 years of age? How 'bout something for a 30-year old (hey, it's the new 20!)?
;)

[thompso2]

Does anyone have suggestions for websites with travel clothes that are suitable for someone under 60 years of age? How 'bout something for a 30-year old (hey, it's the new 20!)?
;)

TravelSmith (http://www.travelsmith.com/ts/home.jsp) has some cute stuff (and some old lady clothing, too, I must admit).

[tlew12778]

I've been reading all the travel books and threads about what to pack and what to wear, but I have to wonder, does everyone look like wash-and-wear generic tourists in zip-off leg trousers, microfiber knit ensembles and what I disaffectionately call "nun shoes"? Everyone says not to wear jeans, sneakers and fleece to avoid looking like the prototypical American tourist.

Italians (and Europeans in general) are supposed to be so fashionable - It makes me queasy to immerse myself (as a woman who considers herself somewhat fashion conscious) in a culture wearing a crinkle skirt every other day for two weeks. I don't even know where one goes to BUY a crinkle skirt in the first place!
Um, what's a microfiber knit ensemble look like? And what's a crinkle skirt?

We wear jeans all the time here. Men wear fleece too (although, I can't imagine you'd want anything fleece with you in April-May). I have fleece for the gym in the winter but I generally won't wear it anywhere else... maybe on a Sunday at home. Ppl wear sneakers here as well. Adidas and Nike are really popular bc they are SO expensive here. Although women tend to not wear them to the office (ever) or to out to dinner... mostly just to the gym or maybe shopping on the weekends.

Mind you, I live in Milan and ppl are WAY more fashion conscious here than anywhere else in Italy. Ppl in Rome, for instance, will probably wear fleece and sneakers out to dinner (in my experience at least). Oh, flannel is a dead American giveaway. They don't even sell flannel clothing here.

[Sposa06]

I think a lot of it depends on the type of sneaker. Mostly-white trainers, for example, scream "American" to me. But I've got some black and pink Nikes, some light blue Pumas and some royal and navy blue Pumas that Ive worn around Europe (the continent, anyway; I haven't been to England in years) and have seen Europeans with the same shoes on.

Here's an example of "American" sneakers:

http://a1216.g.akamai.net/f/1216/955/6h/images2.nordstrom.com/images/store/product/medium/142683.jpg

I have these Nike soccer shoes in black and pink:
http://www1.jdsports.co.uk/uploads/products/std/3675_27020A.jpg

[tlew12778]

My FH has white sneakers and he's 100% Milanese. [shrug]

The bottom line is that regardless of how much you try, ppl will still point you out as a tourist. I mean, you're going to have a camera and you're going to be speaking in English right? And you will presumably be pulling out a map at some point...

IMO it's more important that you bring weather appropriate clothes, than trying to blend it. Clothes fit differently here so running out and buying what you need )if the need arises), isn't the easiest option.

[indie_girl]

I just got back last week from a trip to Europe. We packed a lot into our trip and were able to see a lot of places in Italy. My favourite was Venice , second was Pisa, thrid Rome and I think I liked Florence the least.

It was pretty hot in Italy and I wud suggest wearing cotton skirts or Capris. Shorts are not allowed in churches, so unless u "love" them , don't bother carrying too many. I wore sleevless tops most of the time and carried a T-shirt in my hand bag (one of those flimy gap ones that u can roll into a ball and shove in yr bag). It hardly occupies any space. You can quickly put it on over yr tank T, before entering a church. A scarf may be a good idea too. Carry a hat if u have one, comes in handy during the afternoons.

Fo meds, I carried two each of some common meds in my purse. Also carry band aid, just in case. For shoes, I was in sneakers all the time, they worked perfectly coz we were in long lines to get into churches/museums and it we mostly toured the cities on foot. I also carried a pair of heels for dinner, which worked perfectly.

Other than that I wud recommend you get yrself a Italian-English conversation guide. Most people in Rome speak english, but in all the other places, they predominantly speak Italian.

Good luck planning and You are sure to have a great time there!!

[Sposa06]

My FH has white sneakers and he's 100% Milanese. [shrug]

I can't quite put what I mean into words ... there's just this certain type of mostly-white running shoes that screams "American" to me. I doubt your husband's sneakers are like that. Kind of bulky, kind of scuzzy (and now I'm using words that aren't actually words to describe something I can see but not explain. A great help I am!) ... I don't know. The city the I found the "shoe rule" most handy in was Florence.

To cover your shoulders for churches, maybe get a couple of those sleeve/shrug things.

[tlew12778]

I can't quite put what I mean into words ... there's just this certain type of mostly-white running shoes that screams "American" to me. I doubt your husband's sneakers are like that. Kind of bulky, kind of scuzzy (and now I'm using words that aren't actually words to describe something I can see but not explain. A great help I am!) ... I don't know. The city the I found the "shoe rule" most handy in was Florence. AKA gym shoes ;)

[Sposa06]

:rolleyes: Ah. Yes. Brilliant I am not! I swear I could come up with every term under the sun for them but that, so I attempted to describe them instead.

[j*east]

I'm going to italy in 2 weeks (Rome, Florence, Cinque Terre, Lake Como). Thanks everyone for your tips!

[looch]

Not so much italy related, but i always bring some kind of laundry detergent with me, preferably someting that can be used for those handwashing emergencies! I found a great laundry detergent in a tube in switzerland, that stuff is great!
I also make sure to bring a small journal and a pen, it's amazing how many things i suddenly want to write down when i travel.
I also bring a highlighter to highlight things on maps, it's so much easier than trying to explain to a cab driver.

[tlew12778]

Cotton clothing. It's hot here and most places do not have AC. If the sun bothers you, you might want to wear a hat.

Bug repellent. We have a really bad mosquito issue here and most places don't have screens. Also, if you use hydrocortisone for your bites, bring that too bc they don't sell it OTC here.

Will you be driving? If so bring an intl driving permit. You don't actually need one to rent a car, but if you get stopped, you should have one bc it's likely that the cop won't understand your American license.

A pocket phrase dictionary might help you out. My best GF always says hers comes in handy when she is visiting. She uses it when she's out alone and just points to what she wants to say usually (after trying to pronounce it and having them not understand her ;)).

Bring lots of memory for your digicam (I'm assuming you are using one anyway) bc memory is VERY expensive here. If you are using film, bring lots bc that is equally expensive (and hard to find now).

When you get to wherever you are going (ie. in each major city) ask where you can buy the map for local transport. You can always get a free map from the tourist board, but it won't have the trams/buses/metro lines all together. There is a really good one for Rome. You won't need them in Como or 5 Terre. Taxis are 1) a ripoff in Italy - expect to pay 1 euro per minute and 2) are on strike for the most part right now. I don't know if they will resolve the strike issue before you get here.

Good shoes bc you will be doing TONS of walking in Rome and Florence.

When you get a chance, go to a supermarket and buy a pack of small water bottles. You'll pay 2 euro for 6 bottles. On the street you'll pay 1 euro each. Everyone carries around water in the summer bc the heats a killer with no AC.

That's all that comes to mind right now... Have a great trip!

ETA: If tylenol is your med of choice, bring a bottle bc they don't sell it here. We have paracetamol which is the same more or less but I know how some people love whatever they take regularly. Also, ibuprofen is pretty expensive ($5 for 12 tablets) so you may want to bring some advil from home.

[j*east]

Thanks, tlew and looch! I appreciate your helpful thoughts. :)

[Rosebud]

This was all on my packing list for my last trip to Italy:

- Great walking shoes (I finally went with a pair by Merrell (http://www.merrell.com) that I think are the best shoes for walking in Europe that I've ever found. I highly recommend this brand!). Look for something versatile that can be worn on many occasions, because you don't want a bunch of shoes taking up room in your luggage. I have these shoes in black:
http://tinyurl.com/n6ahy

- Travel Journal and pens

- Emergency health stuff: Band-Aids, Advil, Allergy pills (these kinds of items can be hard to get/ expensive overseas)

- Good maps of the cities I was visiting. I like the Streetwise (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0935039678/103-3708609-7332668?v=glance&n=283155) maps, especially.

- Shirts that cover your shoulders. Many churches in Italy (including St. Peter's at the Vatican) will NOT let you in if your shoulders or knees are uncovered. We saw people wearing tank tops being turned away.

- Guidebooks. I like to bring 2 favorites, but no more than that. They can really weigh down your luggage. If there's other material I want to bring along, I photocopy the relevant sections. Much lighter to carry around.

- A photocopy of your passport, packed in a separate bag from the one where your original passport is packed. Important to have in case your passport is lost or damaged.

[HeatherFL]

Okay, we're going to be there mid-October. According to the weather service the average high is 72 and the average low is 56. Now, that may seem warm for most people but being from Florida that's pretty cool weather for us. I don't know that I'll be wanting to wear skirts if it's in the 50's! And while I'm fine with pants, sometimes jeans are just more comfortable. Are they absolutely out of the question? I don't want to walk into a restaurant/establishment and be disrespectful because I'm not dressed appropriately!

Thanks,

~H.

[tlew12778]

Huh? No way. We wear jeans all the time here. Who said no jeans?

Tennis shoes is a different story though ;)

ETA: It actually depends on where you'll be. I still stand by the no jeans thing, but in Milan, we tend to dress up more than the other cities. Regardless of where you go though, women never wear tennis shoes.

[HeatherFL]

The only time I EVER wear tennis shoes is while working out. I wear heels everywhere and people think I'm nuts. I walk in them for HOURS LOL! I know the cobblestone will be different, so I am going to try to find some sort of compromise, but while in Belgium, France and Amsterdam I wore boots with sort of square (not spiky) heels and they were perfect.

We're staying in Rome and just going to play it by ear as far as other cities to visit. I know for the Vatican we'll dress up, I just wanted to make sure if I had on nice jeans and I was walking around a la tourist/picture taker & stopped for lunch it would be okay. :)

[MLA]

Jeans will be fine -- just wear nice ones.

And definitely try to bring something besides heels, as your feet will kill you after walking all day in them on uneven European sidewalks.

I'm so jealous -- I love Rome. It's such an amazing city. If you're looking for other cities to visit, though, I suggest Venice. It has to be my favorite city on earth -- I may be biased since I lived studied and lived there for a semester, but it really is awesome.

[tlew12778]

That'll be fine. Chunky heels are a good compromise. It took me a long time to get used to walking on cobblestone in stilettos. Lots of tippy-toe walking just isn't fun when you're out and about for 12 hours. Wedges are good too but I don't know how keen you'll be on wearing wedges in the fall. It might rain.

You don't have to dress up for the vatican. You just have to be covered up. Shoulders and knees will do. That is only if you are going inside. The pope says mass out in the piazza on Wednesdays and you can go dressed however you want to that (well within reason obviously since it *is* mass technically).

One more thing, bring bags that you can easily flip open and that don't have lots of pockets to go through. They are really big on checking bags at the major tourist attractions now and it's a pain if you have lots of little pockets for them to go through.

I'm surprised you aren't hitting up Milan! I peeked in your journal and it looks like you love shopping :p. Don't forget to get your tax back whenever you spend 154 euro in any one store.

[Annette]

How much cash should we bring? What about travelers checks? Do all restaurants take CCs? We're going to Rome, Florence, Venice and Sorrento. Can we count on the ATMs working? In Costa Rica only some of the ATMs worked with our card and we ended up having to get cash from a bank teller.

What kind of shoes should hubby bring? Are sneakers okay for men?

[Rosebud]

I wouldn't bother with travelers checks-- they're a hassle, IMO. I usually bring a couple hundred in cash and then use my credit card and debit card for everything else. In the cities, you can use your card most places and there are ATMs all over.

In Europe, they are implementing "Smart Cards", which contain PIN information rather than making you sign for purchases. U.S. credit cards do not have this technology, so they are sometimes being declined. While I don't think you will run into any problems with this, you should read the article about how to deal with the situation if it arises. I'll post the article below.

Sneakers.... you can wear them, but it's a dead giveaway that you're an American tourist. Europeans tend to wear different footwear-- never big, white sneakers. If either of you are looking to buy good walking shoes for Europe, I always recommend the Merrell brand (love mine-- sooo comfy). Also, Ecco shoes are often recommended for Europe.

[Rosebud]

Here's the article that I mentioned in the previous post. Just a good FYI for anyone who's going to Europe soon.

New 'chip and PIN' credit may cause confusion overseas

Issuers are mandating 'smart' methods in many countries, so merchants may balk at Americans' older cards.

IF you are one of the millions of Americans heading overseas this summer, you may find confusion rather than acceptance when you try to use your credit card. And it will be up to you to set recalcitrant clerks straight. The confusion stems from mandates by governments to card issuers (including American Express, MasterCard and Visa, both credit and debit cards) in foreign countries to adopt the "smart card," also known as "chip and PIN" technology, for credit cards issued in that country.

They look like regular credit cards but store information in a small computer chip on the front instead of a magnetic strip on the back. The card requires the holder to use a PIN number instead of scribbling his or her signature for every transaction.

I was in London in April, and the cards and the machines that accept them are everywhere — even in Jimmy's restaurant, my favorite old-time SoHo place to grab an inexpensive (by London standards) bite of good Greek food. There my friend Seamus and I put the new system to the test.

Seamus is a Londoner and has the chip and PIN card. We split the bill, Seamus paying with his smart card and me with my U.S.-issued Visa. Our waiter easily handled Seamus' transaction, inserting the card into a portable device, then handing the device back to him to punch in the PIN. But when I tendered my old-style card, the waiter looked a bit confused. He quickly recovered, swiped it in the same machine and printed a copy for my signature.

Britain went completely chip and PIN in January, said Brian Triplett, senior vice president of emerging product development for Visa USA, but the old-fashioned card issued in the U.S. is still accepted anywhere Visa is accepted, Triplett said.

Travelers have encountered some confusion when they have tried to use a debit (not credit) card and were asked for a PIN number, said Simon Bennett, a spokesman for Chip and PIN, an organization whose goal is to educate retailers and consumers on the new card. American PIN numbers are not recognized for charge transactions (they do work for ATM withdrawals) so a transaction slip would have to be signed.

In major metropolitan areas such as London, I had no trouble with my card, other than a clerk's occasional hesitation. But once you're out of major tourist centers, some personnel are unfamiliar with the dual system.

Paul Chibeba, spokesman for VisitBritain, the official British tourism agency, is based in New York and carries an American-issued credit card. Visiting London last month, he had no trouble, but once he was outside metropolitan areas, he encountered some resistance to his old-style card.

"It was really not a problem," he said. "I just had to explain to them that they could take it."

Part of the confusion is due to implementation of new rules to curtail fraud. The chip and PIN cards have been successful in reducing bogus transactions. In Britain, credit-card fraud reached $914 million in 2004, and fraud was committed every seven seconds, according to Card Watch, the British banking industry's fraud awareness organization. Losses dropped by $117 million in 2005, even though the program had not been completely rolled out.

If a merchant doesn't want to take a magnetic-strip card, the traveler needs to be persistent, Triplett said.

"Request the merchant to look into it," Triplett said. "Don't take that first 'no' for an answer."

If the clerk still says no, go up the ladder and ask to see a manager.

Here are some other tips on credit cards and money if you are traveling abroad this summer.

• Use a credit card for major purchases at hotels, restaurants and other merchants. They come with important consumer protections that can help you in case of a disputed charge.

• Try to find a card that does not carry foreign transaction fees, which can add up to 3% to your total charges. As you will discover when you start hunting for a such a card, finding an online or other source for comparing these fees is difficult. Your best bet: Read the fine print on the credit card offer. And remember that those are subject to change.

• Make a photocopy or other record of the credit, ATM and debit cards you carry, along with the issuers' phone numbers for overseas collect calls. This can assist you in reporting lost or stolen cards.

• Always carry a little local currency for incidentals and a few U.S. dollars just in case — especially if you are traveling off the beaten path. Though your credit card is good, there is no guarantee that any particular merchant will accept credit cards, period.

I always withdraw $100 to $200 in local currency from the first ATM I see after I get to my destination. The exchange rates are, probably, the best you'll find. In a pinch, U.S. currency is often accepted in many places that cater to tourists, though the exchange rate is frequently bad. Avoid hotels and currency exchange booths in airports and on the street. The exchange rates will be unfavorable and many of these tack on big service fees.

• Avoid exchanging foreign currency back into U.S. dollars. You get hit with fees on both ends of that transaction. Use the money to buy trinkets or, if you have a large amount, pay part of your hotel bill. (But remember that some countries require an exit fee paid in the local currency, so don't spend all your cash, just in case.) I give bills and coins to my nieces and nephew as souvenirs.

Be persistent if a merchant balks at taking your old-style card. Tell him nicely but firmly that he is required by his agreement with the credit-card company to accept your card.

If you have difficulty with a merchant, you can report it at http://www.chipandpin.co.uk . There is little that can be done after the fact, Bennett said. But it might make you feel better.

By James Gilden
Los Angeles Times 7/9/06

[tlew12778]

The smart card thing is more in England/UK than on the mainland. Everyone on the mainland uses debit cards from what I've seen. They do accept traditional credit cards (MC, Visa, Diners... NOT discover). For your ATM, make sure that you are in the Cirrus network for Italy. I rarely have problems withdrawing with my citicard (ATM, although I also use my credit cards all over the place).

Traveler's checks are a HUGE pain. People gave them to us as wedding presents since we can't deposit US checks here and 3 months later, they are still sitting in a drawer. My bank won't take them bc they said it takes them 40 days to get the funds. They told me to go to AMEX downtown but that is equally a pain and I just haven't gotten around to it. Not to mention they charge a fee :/.

Sneakers are ok for you DH... guys wear them all the time. Nikes and Adidas are really popular here. As are Pumas and Merrels.

[mlfallis]

OK Ladies I need help. I have size 11 feet so finding a pair for shoes to take on my upcoming trip to Europe is giving me great difficulty. I have read your duggestions, but I have to go to a couple store to try on those brands here and I can only go on my lunch hour due to the store hours so I haven't gotten there yet.

Be honest, what do you think of shoes like these? I am not sure they will do with skirt and stuff like that. Opinions wanted.

http://www.newbalance.com/cms-service/stream/prodimage?id=311373

[Rosebud]

Be honest, what do you think of shoes like these? I am not sure they will do with skirt and stuff like that. Opinions wanted.


Well, they look comfortable, but they also really look like "American sneakers". And you're right, I don't really see them with a skirt. If you want the option of dressing up comfortable walking shoes, you might try something more like these:

http://tinyurl.com/f9xs4
http://tinyurl.com/lbd2k

Both pairs are by Merrell (the most comfortable walking shoes ever!) and they do come in a size 11. They'd probably be more versatile than the pair you posted.

If you want something that has more of the look of a sneaker, but slightly more European:

http://tinyurl.com/m5opn
http://tinyurl.com/s4n75

GOOD LUCK! :)

[mlfallis]

Thanks Erin. I am thinking they are too sporty as well. Off to try and find more shoes.

Just out or coursity, what price range do you think those shoes are? ( THis trip is already costing so much)

[laura]

I just got a pair of Pumas for ~$50 at Nordstrom. They are more of a "fashion" sneaker and they wouldn't be my first choice w/ skirts, but they would work much better than those NB ones IMO - esp w/ casual skirts, like denim, etc. I totally screwed myself w/ footwear in Italy, so 2 things I highly recommend are 1) buy the TYPE of shoe you would normally wear; if that isn't normally sneakers (it isn't for me), then don't buy sneakers and 2) break them in, break them in, break them in! Don't "save" them or buy them at the last minute. Your feet will not thank you, as you just walk SO MUCH there.

ETA: I pay zero attention to the fact that my choice in footwear is going to "mark" me as a tourist. They're going to know anyway, even if you are wearing Italian shoes, so really do not sweat the footwear for that reason.

[tlew12778]

I like the shoes Erin posted. I would avoid anything too open-toe or strappy right now bc the weather is just too unpredictable. It could be in the 90s one day then rainy and in the 60s the next. Today, I am wearing jeans, a t-shirt, and a hoody bc it's freezing out. In France last week, it was even cooler than here (it's more north so I guess that can be expected but the winters are also a lot milder so who knows?). Rome and Sicily will be warmer in all likelihood, but you'll need to be prepared for a wide range of temps.

[mlfallis]

Thanks ladies. Looks like more shoe shopping tonight and outfit trying on.

[Rosebud]

Just out or coursity, what price range do you think those shoes are? ( THis trip is already costing so much)

The pair of Merrell shoes I own cost right around $100. Not cheap, but I've worn them into the ground and they still look good and never seem to wear out.

[j*east]

I pay zero attention to the fact that my choice in footwear is going to "mark" me as a tourist. They're going to know anyway, even if you are wearing Italian shoes, so really do not sweat the footwear for that reason.

Just got back from Italy and ITA with this. I cared so much about this before I left, but once there, I didn't care one bit--I just wanted to be comfortable. Everyone can tell and depending where you are (like the Vatican), you're sometimes among a zillion other tourists anyway. Get what you like and feel comfortable in, and have a great trip!

[Clattercote]

mfallis - When I went to Italy, I went with a sporty Mary Jane, that went well with a skirt but was great for walking - I walked all over Rome and the Alps in these. I wore them straight out of the box, too, and had no problems with blisters, etc. I took a pair of black mary janes, and liked them so much I recently bought another pair in another color. Not the cheapest, but sometimes you can find deals. ($85)

http://www.comfortableshoes.com/item_preview.cfm?ID=2361

[Annette]

I just bought a pair of Merrel's for 65 at REI. I wanted a pair for Italy, but I've been wearing them to work cause they're comfy. I'm on my feet a lot at work.

I have these.

http://www.theshoemart.com/mas_assets/full/MER_f_Jungle_Moc_Nubuck.jpg

[laura]

Before we went to Italy, I bought a pair of "sporty" mary janes kind of like these:

http://a1216.g.akamai.net/f/1216/955/6h/images2.nordstrom.com/ImageGallery/store/Product/MediumLarge/1/_5045041.jpg

But I ended up returning them before our trip b/c they were kind of expensive and very outside the realm of what I normally wear. However, I really wish I would have taken them along and returned them after the trip if I truly didn't wear them. If we were going back to Italy this year, I would consider something like those, or like these:

http://a1216.g.akamai.net/f/1216/955/6h/images2.nordstrom.com/ImageGallery/store/Product/MediumLarge/10/_5218970.jpg

http://a1216.g.akamai.net/f/1216/955/6h/images2.nordstrom.com/ImageGallery/store/Product/MediumLarge/5/_5044905.jpg

http://a1216.g.akamai.net/f/1216/955/6h/images2.nordstrom.com/ImageGallery/store/Product/SwatchMedium/18/_5109798.jpg

http://a1216.g.akamai.net/f/1216/955/6h/images2.nordstrom.com/ImageGallery/store/Product/MediumLarge/10/_5237730.jpg

http://a1216.g.akamai.net/f/1216/955/6h/images2.nordstrom.com/ImageGallery/store/Product/MediumLarge/1/_5192961.jpg

Investing $100 in good footwear is a lot to process in the context of planning a large and probably $$ trip, but you have to weigh that against possibly feeling miserable with every step you take on your trip. FWIW, I ended up wearing flip flops the majority of the time and my MIL (who is Italian) wore Birkenstocks the whole time and we both felt fine comfort and style-wise. But if I went back, I would personally want a pair of shoes like those pictured above.

[mlfallis]

Thank you all for your shoe help. After 5 days of shoe shopping after work I finally foudn a pair of Merrell's yesterday that i love. The only problem is there are size 10's, not 11's. They are getting a shipment tomorrow so hopefully they will have my size. If not looks like i will be shoe shopping again this weekend.

[jnettie]

The bottom line is that regardless of how much you try, ppl will still point you out as a tourist. I mean, you're going to have a camera and you're going to be speaking in English right? And you will presumably be pulling out a map at some point...
Lol! Ah, yes, ain't it the truth! I think the key is to not look like a target to pick pockets and scamers. Living in NYC, I can pick out the tourists, no problem. They walk slower, carry cameras and maps, and get in the way on the subway! :p

I love Rick Steves (http://www.ricksteves.com/)! Every suggestion he made was useful for our trip.

Women's packing list (http://www.ricksteves.com/plan/tips/womenpack.htm)

Rick's packing list (http://www.ricksteves.com/plan/tips/packlist.htm)

Bring a hat. Bring a hat. Bring a hat. I had a big, floppy, packable hat that I wore constantly in Italy in August. It was super hot, and I get sun stroke easily. (I did get sun stroke in Pompeii. Ugh, not fun.)

Shoes. I got these (http://www.llbean.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?page=gore-tex-ridge-runner-hikers&categoryId=38367&parentCategory=500251&cat4=2795&storeId=1&catalogId=1&langId=-1&feat=ssdpa2795) from LLBean.
http://cdn.llbean.com/products/womens/38367/images/M38367_Steel_Sunset_Orange.jpg
Very comfy. I use these as my regular walking shoes even now. Plus, they're waterproof!

I also had a pair of tan suede sandals that were my "dressy" sandals and a pair of tevas. I find it best to "forget" some clothes because then you will "have" to buy something there, though. ;) For example, I only brought one skirt with me, so I "had" to buy a new skirt!

[Annette]

My trip's in 3 weeks! We are going to Rome, Sorrento, Venice and Florence. Now I can start thinking about what to bring. How dressy are the restaurants for dinner? Are jeans okay? Are khakis dressy enough?
How heavy of a jacket will I need? I've got a windbreaker, will that be enough?

Are reservations for dinner really needed in October? Most of the restaurant recs in Frommer's need reservations. Can we get reservations for restaurants day of? Thanks!

[tlew12778]

It will depend on each individual city. I know that in Rome and Florence they don't really get dressed up for dinner. I define dressed up by how we dress in Milan for dinner. You can wear jeans. Basically, when I go out to dinner in Milan, I change from my day clothes to something for going out. When I do that in Rome or Florence, I am apparently over-dressed (this happens every single time I am there). Just look neat. You will be fine.

I am guessing you might need more than a windbreaker in Venice in October. I am already wearing a jean jacket at night in Milan and Venice is more or less the same latitude but on the water. You will probably need a light fall jacket, especially since you are coming from a hot climate.

Dinner reservations will depend on the city and the restaurant. If the guide says to make a reservation, make one. You can have your front desk call for you. In Milan, you always need a reservation regardless of the time of year.

[jajacobsen]

Euros! Bring lots and lots of euros!

(I love Italy but it can be expensive!)

[alibaba]

DH and I are leaving for Italy a week from today! We are so excited! I've been twice before with family years ago but this is the first time for DH.

We are hitting Venice, Florence, Rome, Siena, Pisa and Portofino. Someone told me the other day to try and get tickets ahead for anything we are going to see like the Vatican or David. I've tried searching for tickets for David but I'm not having any luck. Does anyone have any websites where I can get them??

And also do you know if most hotels have electric adapters accessible?? I bought one yesterday but I'm thinking I'm gonna need a few more for our cameras and such.

Thanks!

[tlew12778]

I didn't buy tickets ahead of time to see the Sistine Chapel. Just get in line early and expect to spend a couple hours waiting.

The David resides at the Accademia (http://www.polomuseale.firenze.it/english/musei/accademia/Default.asp?). On the Italian version of the same page, it has this in addition:
Dal 6 giugno 2006, in occasione della mostra Lorenzo Monaco (1730-1425). Dalla tradizione giottesca al Rinascimento, la Galleria dell'Accademia sarà aperta gratuitamente al pubblico ogni martedì dalle ore 19.00 alle ore 22.00. Gli Assistenti Tecnici Museali della Galleria forniranno alle ore 19.00, 20.00 e 21.00 un servizio di assistenza gratuita alla visita. Which basically translates to entrance being free on Tuesday evenings (from 7pm-10PM) in occasion of the Lorenzo Monaco exhibit.

[j*east]

Once you make your reservations in Florence, figure out what days you want to go see the David (at the Accademia) and the Uffizi Gallery. Then ask your hotel to make reservations for you. They are used to doing this and it's easy and free. It saved us hours of standing in line.

In Rome, we made reservations ourselves for the Borghese museum. You can do this online yourself.

You can't make reservations for the Vatican, as far as I know. Expect a long wait. Personally, I felt it was the most poorly run museum of any we visited in Italy.

Have a great trip!

ETA: As for adapters, we had one and that was enough for us.

[clammyinsf]

i brought four pairs of shoes but only ended up using two... tennis shoes *gasp* and comfortable sandals. i wore mostly capris, skirts & tanks. i had one pair of shorts (but that's only bc i couldn't find any that fit me well before we left for our trip). i brought along a couple of short sleeve tops for the church visits. i was a little nervous about sticking out like a sore thumb as a tourist but i gave up after the first day bc comfort in the august heat in rome won over. we did a LOT of walking.

we never left the hotel room w/out our rick steve's travel guide and camera. one thing i wish we would've brought w/ us was our small tripod. rome at night is just breathtaking and i was only to capture a couple of good shots by using a ledge or DH's head as a tripod :p

[alibaba]

Thanks for your help ladies! :)

tlew12778-I did see that site you were talking about but it doesn't allow you to buy tickets online. So I guess I'll ask the hotel to do so when we first arrive.

I can't wait to go!! :D

[j*east]

So I guess I'll ask the hotel to do so when we first arrive.

We emailed them right after making the reservation, about a month in advance. I'd give at least a few days' notice, unless you're staying in Florence for several days.

[Sashi]

I leave tomorrow for 2.5 weeks in Italy. :D We just bought this exact bag from Tumi, while it was a little pricey it's definitely something that can be used on a regular day basis for us. We will be wearing it around front and it's adjustable to move close to your face in sketchy areas. :p

http://a1472.g.akamaitech.net/f/1472/124/4h/img.ebags.com/is/image/im7/87487_1_7?&op_usm=.5,1,0,1&hei=460&wid=460

It's definitely large enough to store our camera, money/passports/licenses, and a bottle of water......the essentials!

[Annette]

bump

[bellanapoli]

http://www.firenzemusei.it/00_english/servizi/index.html

Scroll down to "Booking" at the bottom.

I highly recommend buying tickets in advance for the Florence museums due to the long lines.