10 Italy Summer Travel Packing Mistakes to Avoid

Growing up in Rome, I’ve naturally spent a lot of time around tourists. After all, the Eternal City is one of the world’s most popular cities, and I’ve gotten used to sharing my home with the millions who visit it every year. That said, it’s easy to spot the first-timers when I’m out and about, as they’re usually making the same packing mistakes over and over again. 

While every Italian city is unique in its own ways, there are a couple of ways to avoid being marked as a tourist on your next trip to sample La Dolce Vita. To help you prepare for your next trip to the boot-shaped country, whether it’s to Rome or elsewhere, I’ve compiled a short list of the 10 things not to pack, and what to bring instead to ensure a safe, comfortable, and memorable trip. Luckily for your vacation budget, these travel writer-approved picks start at just $28. Buon viaggio!

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Don’t pack: Oversized backpacks 

Pack instead: A small zippered tote

Wearing oversized backpacks is a big no-no in Italy. Aside from being uncomfortable (particularly in the scorching months), it also makes you a bigger target for potential pickpockets since locals don’t typically wear them. Plus, some monuments like the Vatican Museums don’t allow larger bags inside. I love a good and compact tote bag, especially in the summer, and this affordable yet chic option from Amazon strikes the right balance between fashion and function. 

It’s mini, but don’t let that fool you. It features a removable and adjustable crossbody strap, an external pocket, an internal zippered pocket, and two internal slip pockets that can hold all your essentials, even a small water bottle, which can be refilled at one of Rome’s nearly 2,500 free water fountains. Best of all, its main compartment is zippered, which is great for warding off pickpockets on public transport and outdoor dining hotspots in major cities like Rome. 

Don’t pack: A printed shirt 

Pack instead: A neutral linen top

It’s pretty common in the United States to wear shirts repping your favorite team, university, or hometown, but this isn’t exactly common in Italy, with the exception of soccer jerseys. On your next trip, skip the logos and opt for something neutral yet breezy (psst: the easy-to-match tone makes it versatile to wear multiple times on your trip). 

Linen is the unofficial fabric of the summer, and both Italian men and women wear linen clothing during the hottest months of the year, whether they find themselves at the beach or in the city. This flowy option from Uniqlo is bound to keep you cool when sightseeing, and it doesn’t hurt that it’s pretty stylish, too. 

Don’t pack: Clunky running shoes

Pack instead: Stylish sneakers

Running shoes may be comfortable and provide needed arch support, especially when sightseeing, but they’re not exactly the most stylish option. Instead, you should opt for a more chic alternative that will still give you the proper support needed to walk 10,000 steps or more. Podiatrist-approved and TikTok-famous brand Dr. Scholl’s has the ultimate travel shoe style in its Madison Lace Platform Sneakers. They are a great alternative to the sporty look. Not only are they sleek and chic, but also very supportive thanks to their anti-odor insole technology and plush algae-infused sole that offers next-level support and cushioning. Best of all: they’re currently on sale for just $70.

Don’t pack: Workout leggings

Pack instead: Flowy wide-leg pants

Leggings may be comfortable, but they’re often worn out in public in Italy, outside of athletic situations. Plus, they can be restrictive, especially in the warmer months. To stay cool while still looking chic, consider a pair of wide-leg pants. This breezy option from Quince is crafted from European linen and is available in a wide array of neutral hues, including a fun striped option, for just $40. I’ve worn these around Rome and while temple-hopping in Thailand and Cambodia, and they’ve always kept me cool and comfortable, even after prolonged hours of wear.

Pro tip: as linen wrinkles easily, pack a portable wrinkle-release spray to try to get some of the more stubborn creases out.

Don’t pack: Beach shorts

Pack instead: A breezy dress

Italians only really wear shorts when they’re by the coast, so wearing them around cities to sightsee will automatically mark you as a tourist. While the summer months can be positively scorching in Italy, there’s also a practical reason not to wear shorts when out and about. Italy is home to thousands upon thousands of churches, many of which hold beautiful pieces of art and sculpture, and you will not be allowed in while wearing shorts or clothing above the knee. 

To still stay cool and be allowed into certain monuments, consider packing a breezy maxi dress, like this drop-waist option from Gap, now only on sale for $62. Its chic, minimalist silhouette can easily transition from day to night, offering the kind of versatility that will save you some much-needed packing space. Just remember to pack a lightweight shawl or an oversized silk scarf to wrap around your shoulders when you go church hopping.

Don’t pack: Athletic gear

Pack instead: A matching set

Athleisure is still a relatively new concept in Italy, and while it’s growing in popularity, it’s still often associated with tourists. To stay comfortable and cool, consider investing in a matching set, like this super simple yet chic linen option from Banana Republic. Available in four neutral colors, it can be dressed up or down with a pair of strappy sandals, strategically-placed jewelry, and a nice handbag. For a similar look at a more budget-friendly price point, look no further than this Amazon alternative for just $50.

Don’t pack: Hard-to-walk-in heels

Pack instead: Ballet flats

Many of the streets in Italy are simply not conducive to wearing high heels. Rome’s historic center, for example, is loaded with cobblestones that will gobble up a heel right up. If you’re going for an elevated look while in Italy, consider grabbing a pair of friulane, colorful velvet flats that are worn around the country by both men and women for both casual and sophisticated events. 

I love Italian brand VibiVenezia, which ships to the United States, and the flats are available in a rainbow of vibrant hues that add a pop of color to any outfit. I have five pairs of friulane, and I love to mix and match them with all of my outfits. You can also shop the look for less with these flats from Coach Outlet, now just $60.

Don’t pack: Oversized suitcases

Pack instead: An expandable Carry-on

While there are pros of bringing a checked suitcase to Italy (namely, for shopping purposes), it can be a massive inconvenience. If you’re staying in the historic center of an Italian city, chances are the taxi can only take you so far, as many areas are considered pedestrian-only. This means you’ll likely have to drag your larger suitcase over cobblestoned streets and up and down hills and stairs. That’s why you should consider investing in a reliable and expandable carry-on suitcase to make the walk to your accommodation easier. And, it’s worth mentioning that packing a carry-on is also smart if you plan to fly domestically within Italy, as many low-cost airlines like Ryan Air charge extra for checked suitcases. 

My favorite carry-on for international adventures is the Monos Expandable Pro Plus. I’ve brought it on 10-day trips to Ireland, Portugal, home to Rome, Thailand, and Cambodia, and have always been surprised by how much I could fit within. It features compression straps, a zippered front pocket to hold smaller items and a laptop and tablet up to 13 inches, and comes with a vegan leather luggage tag, protective jelly cover, laundry bag, and shoe bag (don’t forget to use a pair of handy packing cubes to really maximize your precious luggage real estate). 

Don’t pack: Fanny packs

Pack instead: A stylish handbag

There’s no doubt that fanny packs are useful travel bags, but they’re not always considered to be the most fashion-forward option. If you’re traveling to Italy, you’re going to want to invest in a compact yet stylish bag that can be worn both during the day and at night. One of my favorite handbags is the Ayoma Bag from sustainable and Travel + Leisure-loved brand Lo & Sons. The buttery-soft sheepskin leather bag is featherlight and can be worn three different ways: by a shorter top handle, over the shoulder, and as a crossbody. 

It has plenty of internal organizational features, including a zippered exterior pocket large enough to store an iPhone and even a small water bottle for easy access. The purse is also spacious enough to fit a smaller, compact digital camera, perfect for when you’re sightseeing. Its sleek look is an elevated option to wear when sipping on a spritz at a rooftop or going to a nicer trattoria for dinner.

Don’t pack: A phone without service 

Pack instead: A portable hotspot

In winding cities like Rome, you’re going to want to have access to Google Maps on your phone to avoid getting lost. If you need service to stay in touch with friends and family or to navigate the city you’re visiting, I recommend investing in a portable hotspot. The Simo Solis is one of T+L’s favorite portable hotspots that we’ve tested for a couple of reasons: it includes a life plan of 1 GB of global data per month, works in more than 140 countries with no SIM card required, and features a compact and travel-friendly design. I’ve used this hotspot in Ireland, Cambodia, and Thailand, and it’s always been reliable and speedy.

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