Clever Packing

I’ll admit it. I have an aversion to looking like a tourist and prefer to blend in Italian style. Think of it as a sign of respect, an acknowledgement of place.

After so many years packing a bag for Italy you would think I have it down to a fine art, yet I still struggle with sticking to the perfect ‘packing list’.  After all, we are talking Italy, synonymous with style. Is it comfortable, practical, versatile and in black, beige and white to create multiple looks with co-ordinated pieces? Mmm, not really. I love colour and I want to pack my favourite three dresses that don’t go with anything else! So, how to leave with a bag three quarters full and weighing around 16 kilos, allowing you to return with irresistible Italian purchases?

Here are my top 10 tips:

1. Choose the right bag. Quality should always be a priority because no matter what airline you travel with, all luggage will take a beating during loading and unloading. Wheels need to be strong, particularly traversing cobblestones and two bigger wheels as opposed to four small wheels tend to work better. Soft-sided luggage constructed from modern, high-tech fabrics is preferable for weighing less.

2. Plan. The worst possible time to be working out what to take is whilst you are packing. “I might need it” is very different to what you know you can’t travel comfortably without.

3. Halve it. Lay everything out on the bed and begin the process of elimination.

4. Packing cubes. This is a fantastic way to fit more into your bag and to simplify finding things. I generally have up to four different sized cubes with all my clothing compartmentalised and snugly fitted into my luggage.

5. Toiletries in small travel sizes. Normal sized shampoo, conditioner, deodorant and sunscreen take up too much room and are always far more than you need. If you run out, buy it in Italy.

6. Shoes. Less is more. Runners can be bulky, but there are a lot of lightweight models that flatten when packing such as Cloud shoes. Consider a good pair of walking sandals that can also be worn for sightseeing. There are many good brands on the market now that look fashionable, are supportive and designed for walking.

7. Accessorise. Scarves work well for changing an outfit and for cooler evenings.

8. Roll or fold. This always creates a lot of debate. These days I do a combination because it very much depends on the clothing and the fabric.

9. Have a dress rehearsal. Dress yourself for casual walking days, dressier going out to dinner nights, cycling, on the back of a vespa, kayaking, swimming and any other activities you might be doing.

10. Take a day bag. Choose the perfect size day bag that will fit all the necessities but is not too heavy.

It can be quite liberating to travel with one very manageable bag, not to mention a great time saver when unpacking and repacking at each destination. It is highly unlikely that you will ever return home regretting that you didn’t take more ‘stuff’.

My Packing List

In your day bag when out exploring:

Hand sanitiser, small packets of tissue (often needed in public toilets), small tube of sunscreen, blister pack (gel bandaids work much better than basic bandaids), separate coin purse from wallet (Italy is very much a cash society, especially for small purchases at markets, and you will accumulate a lot of coins).

In your toiletry bag include:

Soap (small soap in hotel rooms doesn’t last long), small bottles of shampoo, conditioner, moisturiser (screw tops are safer than flip tops), a letter from your doctor for any prescription medicines.

Limitations with carry on luggage:

All liquids, aerosols and gels cannot exceed 100ml, even if the bottles are partially filled. Nail files, nail clippers, umbrellas with metal points will be confiscated. Containers must fit comfortably in one transparent, resealable plastic bag no larger than 80cm and generally will need to be removed from your luggage when going through customs.

It is a good idea to have a carry on bag that will fit over the handle of your main piece of luggage, so that you are only pulling one piece. As much as small, carry on luggage with four wheels is nice to have, it is too difficult to pull two bags over cobblestones, up steps, onto boats or on and off trains.

Remember to pack:

Sunglasses, reading glasses, European adaptor (one each if sharing a room), phone charger, copies of passport in luggage and on your phone, small pouch bag ideal for shopping and dirty laundry (we often have access to laundromats), small travel iron if you need to iron (most hotels in Europe don’t have irons).

Travel insurance:

When you lay your clothes out on the bed, take a photo. In the unfortunate case of lost luggage and having to make a claim, you will easily remember what you packed.

Tips to avoid jetlag

Jet Ease Homeopathic jetlag tablets (available from some chemists, not all) are a safe and effective way to help counter the effects of jetlag. Its effectiveness has been proven in a scientific trial of around the world passengers and long-haul flight attendants in tests conducted over a long period of time. Being a homeopathic preparation using extremely low dosages, there are no side effects; it is 100% compatible with other medications; it is completely natural and it does not make you feel drowsy.

Stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of water will not only help avoid the overall dehydrating effects of air travel, which can lead to headaches, stomach problems, cramps, fatigue and more, but can actually fortify your natural immune mechanisms to function considerably better. Sipping water regularly throughout the flight can be more effective than drinking a lot of water at one time before or during the flight. Best to avoid alcohol.

So much of the above is common sense I know, but it can serve as a checklist and a gentle reminder.

Ci vediamo la prossima settimana.

Deb