Packing, Weather, & Airport Etiquette

Weather

• Italy is humid — prepare accordingly

Milan

• Spring – temperatures range from ​50 – 66 F
• Summer – temperatures range from 73 – 77 F
• Fall – temperatures range from 48 – 68 F
• Winter – temperatures range from 37 – 39 F

Rome

• Spring – temperatures range from ​54 – 70 F
• Summer – temperatures range from 73 – 75 F
• Fall – temperatures range from 55 – 72 F
• Winter – temperatures range from 46 – 55 F

Packing Tips

• Most Italians hang dry their laundry so keep that in mind when packing clothes, consider clothes that don’t have to be washed frequently
• Have clothes that mix and match well
• ROLL your clothes! This allows you to fit more into a small suitcase
• Keep one set of clothes and underclothes and toothbrush and toothpaste in your carry-on bag (you will thank us on your layovers!)
• Keep clothes that wrinkle easily on the top
• Wear your heaviest clothing 
• Keep in mind to wear shoes/jackets/belt that are easy to take off for airport security
• Don’t wear a lot of jewelry or have a lot of change in your pockets for airport days
• Weigh all your luggage prior to departure
• Remember that Italy may not have a few things you take for granted at home. Some things difficult to find are:
  – Peanut butter: some rare stores have it, local stores don’t sell it. But don’t worry! European Nutella is better than the American version!
  – Tampons: Europe does have tampons but the ones with plastic applicators are very hard to find and/or very expensive (they do have tampons but there is no applicator)

What to Pack (check out our printable version!):

Bags

•  Side bag with a strap which goes around you like this one / or a fanny pack
• Money belt
• Tote or backpack
•  Wallet*
• Packing cubes (these ones come with 2 laundry bags too!)

Clothing

• 8+ shirts, some casual and 2 to 3 nice ones for going out
• 3-4 pants
• Pajamas
• 10+ socks
• 8+ underwear
• 1-2 jackets
• Dresses/skirts/suit jacket or nicer clothes for fancier outings
• Swimsuit (and cover-up)
• Workout clothes
• Rain jacket
• Warmer jacket
• 1 pair tennis shoes (for hikes, long walking days, etc.)
• 1 pair nice shoes (for dinners and going out)
• Comfortable sandals (if going May – September)

Accessories

• 1 scarf (if going in cold weather, but keep in mind you can buy one there too!)
• Hat
• Jewelry
• Hair accessories
• Belt

Toiletries

• Glasses/contacts
• Toothbrush & toothpaste*
• Travel-sized hand sanitizer*
• Tampons or silicone cup (this Flex Cup has good reviews)
•  Deodorant*
•  Hairbrush*
• Nail clippers
• Dry shampoo*
• Shampoo bar
• Note: you can tuck toiletries into the corners of the suitcase, or inside shoes and wrap them in plastic so nothing gets ruined if they spill
• You can also find many of these basic toiletries at local pharmacies

Medicine

• Prescriptions
•  Vitamins
• Tylenol/Ibuprofen

Electronics/Entertainment

• Regular earphones* (even if you have an iPhone, you may want these for the plane ride)
•  iPhone earphones*
• Book or Kindle*
• Or just download some good ones on the Kindle app!
• Many local libraries have whole English sections which are very fun and interesting
•  Laptop*
•  Camera
• Phone/camera/laptop chargers*
• Adaptors/converters
• Journal* 
• Pens*

For Weekend Trips (especially for hostels)

• Travel towel like this one
• Padlock for hostel lockers
• Small bottles or bags for toiletries

Miscellaneous

• Water bottle*
• Travel pillow*
• Gift for host family
•  Passport*
• Copies of your passport

*These items come handy in the plane or airport. So pack these in your personal item (or carry-on bag for larger items). Add in a change of clothes as well. You’ll be glad you can freshen up if flights get delayed!

Recommended Luggage

• You get a gold star if you only pack 1 carry on + 1 personal item!
• Ideally, you should take 1 rolling check in bag (max weight of 50 lbs) and 1 personal item (small backpack or purse)
• Some Travelers check a bag 
• You could also roll a duffel bag in your carry on bag and check it on the way home so you can bring home lots of stuff!
• Your luggage requirements may be different if you fly with a European airline​
• So ALWAYS check your specific airline’s baggage limits

Gifts for the Family

• It’s polite and customary to bring a gift for your host parents, the child(ren), and anyone else living in the home
• See our shop page for product links and ideas
  *Note: When you click the links on our shop page, we may receive a commission at no extra cost to you

Possible gift ideas for kids

• Chalk
•  Face cards
• Other small games like Spot It
• A few easy-to-read books
• Cinnamon gum (it doesn’t exist in Europe)
• Ingredients for a favorite recipe you can make with them

Possible gift ideas for parents/grandparents

• A coffee table book of your state/America
• A nice painting or picture
• Maple syrup extract (generally, Europeans love syrup!)
• Something they can’t get in Italy 
• Something local from your hometown

Airport Etiquette

• Be prepared! Have your itinerary, passport, ID, and wallet in a place easy to access
• Be on time! Arrive at least 2 hours early to the airport for international flights
• If you have carry-on luggage, pack lightly and compactly 
• Weigh all your luggage prior to arrival
• Wait in single file and have all documents ready before it’s your turn
• Respect personal space and be aware of your luggage and feet
• Be the composed person in line ready to help someone if they need it, rather than the person who is disorganized
• Wait patiently
• If you see a senior citizen, disabled person, or pregnant woman always offer them a chair before you sit down
• Listen and follow instructions and speak kindly to others
• Keep your belongings to a minimum
• When going to the restroom, carry your belongings with you into the toilet
• Wash your hands often
• Remember that you represent both America and Rome Abroad
• Be mindful of people around you and where their hands and eyes are
• Speak kindly and use the words “Please” and “Thank-you”
• Don’t be scared to ask for help — if you need help, ask airport personnel, especially at a help desk
• If you do miss your flight, or it gets cancelled, talk to someone in an airports uniform or someone at the closest help desk to get the latest information so that you can adjust your plans and let your host family/Rome Abroad know about the delay
• Hydrate yourself with water regularly during the flight and take a walk every couple of hours
• If you don’t have a key code on your phone, set one up
• Carry only the cash you need; we suggest using an ATM (see the Money section)
• DON’T flash cash and be inconspicuous about where and how much money you are carrying