5 Common Packing Mistakes to Avoid Before Italy

Italy is a dream destination for many travelers. With its rich history, stunning landscapes, and world-renowned cuisine, it’s easy to get swept up in the excitement. Whether you’re visiting the bustling streets of Rome, the serene canals of Venice, or the picturesque towns of Sicily, packing properly is key to a smooth, enjoyable trip.

That said, travelers often make packing mistakes that lead to stress, extra costs, or missed opportunities. To help you get ready, we’ve pulled together some of the most frequent errors and how to avoid them. These tips come from real-life experience living in Sicily, plus what we’ve learned from other travelers over the years.

Let’s get into it.

Airport and Flight Prep

General TSA Tips: Airport security can be a pain if you’re not prepared. Belts, metal buckles, or sequins might set off alarms, and scrambling to pull out your ID or boarding pass can slow you down. Take out large electronics and liquids early to avoid delays. And don’t joke about what’s in your bags, TSA doesn’t find it funny.

Download the Airline App: Your airline’s app is a lifesaver. It sends real-time updates on flight delays or gate changes, shows baggage limits, boarding passes, and upgrade options. Everything’s in one place so you don’t have to scramble.

Health and Medications

Medications: Always keep prescriptions in your carry-on. Keep the labels visible in case you’re asked at customs. For things like CPAP machines or injections, notify TSA ahead of time. If you’re moving to Sicily, check what’s legal; things like Sudafed are restricted in Italy.

Packing Smarter

Don’t Pack These: Hair dryers? Hotels and Airbnbs usually have them. Food or spices? Leave them. The ingredients here are amazing and fresh. Shoes? Bring fewer than you think. You’ll want room in your suitcase for things you’ll buy here anyway.

Skip the ‘What If’ Packing: Don’t plan for every scenario. Italy has stores. Pack the basics, stay flexible, and buy what you need if it comes up.

Pack Light: Dragging a huge suitcase over cobblestones or up train station stairs? No thanks. Bring the essentials. If you’re not staying somewhere with a washing machine, pack detergent and do quick hand washes.

Helpful Add-Ons

Plastic Bags: Plastic bags take up no space but help with dirty laundry, wet clothes, or leaky toiletries.

Compression Stockings: Long flights mess with circulation. Compression socks help prevent swelling and reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis.

Power Adapter: Italy uses Type L outlets (230V, 50Hz). A universal adapter covers you. If you’re bringing something high-powered like a hair straightener, check whether you also need a voltage converter.

Money and Safety

Bring Some Euros: Exchange a small amount before your trip for taxis and carts. ATMs in Italy often give better rates than airport kiosks. Bring coins and small bills since some places won’t accept cards for small purchases.

Sanitize as You Go: Wipe down tray tables, seats, and belts on the plane. Keep a small bottle of hand sanitizer and refillable water bottle. You’ll stay healthier and avoid buying pricey water at the airport.

If You’re Staying Longer

Extended Stay in Sicily: If you’re staying long-term, bring documents like rental agreements, medical records, and anything related to residency. Sicily’s climate is mild, so bring lightweight, breathable clothes. Good walking shoes are a must.

Church Services in English: If you’re looking for English-language church services, check out Chiesa Battista in Palermo or other international churches, especially near bases like Sigonella. It helps to research in advance.

Packing for Italy doesn’t have to be stressful. Focus on the essentials, follow the rules, and don’t bring what you can easily buy here. That way, you can spend less time lugging stuff around and more time enjoying the sights, sounds, and flavors of Sicily.

Need more relocation advice? Check out our full post on moving to Sicily.