Last updated 5 February 2026.
The goal is not to overload the donkey.
In this metaphor YOU are the donkey. If you cannot easily move your luggage on public transportation including up and down curbs and other common urban obstacles by yourself it is too much. I recommend one wheeled suitcase (checked) and one comfortable backpack (carry-on), but everything on this page is just a suggestion, not a rule.
Remember: you will want to buy things to bring home and you need to leave empty space in your luggage allowance.
Footwear (and protection!)
- closed toed supportive shoes you can walk in all day over semi rough terrain
- socks that come above the top of your shoes
- other shoes you might wish to have for dress or leisure time (crocs? sandals?)
This is the most important thing. We are going to be on our feet and walking a great deal. I’ve known people whose feet have become so swollen from Roman basalt cobbled streets that they had to but a pair of shoes a whole size larger on the trip. If you buy anything for this trip consider a sturdy comfortable pair of shoes. I will be packing two or three pairs of sneakers and one or two pairs of washable cloth flats. I like to change shoes for comfort. Shoes will get dusty and dirty. Hiking boots can be too heavy and too rigid for everyday wear for 21 days in an urban environment.
“No show” socks often create blisters. Ensuring your socks come above the tops of your shoes is key to preventing crippling injuries from rubbing. The heat and extra pressure can cause blisters even when you’ve never had problems before.
Consider packing basic blister protection which are different from typical bandaids. Hydrocolloid Bandages is a generic term for a product sold by a variety of brands from Compeed to Dr. Scholl’s to BandAid. These are for open or puffy blisters. For closed blisters and blister protection moleskin works great and sometimes is even sold with little lidocaine patches to go underneath. I always have these in my purse when traveling.
Sun protection
Sunglasses
Your preferred sunscreen, pack two or three times more than you think, I like to have both a stick and cream. The latter is easier to reapply mid day. Aerosol sprays can be convenient but expensive and occasionally can lead to inadvertently incomplete application/coverage. Even if you typically rely on your body’s melanin alone, you will have stronger and more intense sun exposure than is typical. Past students who never used sunscreen before found it essential on this trip.
A wide brimmed hat you find stylish OR plan to buy one upon arrival
A compact parasol with UV protection rating – REALLY
A lightweight, light colored long sleeve shirt and full length bottoms (skirt or trousers)
a light colored lightweight large scarf in a natural fiber like linen or muslin
Clothing
You will have a washing machine in your apartment. Doing more laundry means you can pack less. I recommend 5 to 7 outfits. More coverage is often better for sun protection and comfort. I especially recommend having at least a few outfits that cover your shoulders, upper chest, back and knees. For days we are on archaeological sites (esp. the Roman Forum) you may prefer full leg coverage to avoid minor scrapes and scratches. Lighter colors, natural fibers, looser clothing may be more comfortable. Many people find weaves cooler than knits (a button down shirt vs. a tee shirt).
Generally speaking, you may wish to have clothes in which you feel your best, for all nothing formal is required. American visitors often feel that Europeans (especially Italians!) are more dressy or fashion conscious, but as everywhere these is a wide range and the most important thing is you are comfortable and feel yourself.
You may wish to visit Italy’s beaches, many accessible by cheap public transit in under an hour. Given this you may wish to pack a swimsuit and anything you like to have at the beach.
Stuff to make LIVING more comfortable (and affordable)
Students in 2025 taught me the joy of a rechargeable portable fan, and some just liked the hand held foldable type
a leak-proof water bottle – essential, free delicious water (even sometimes carbonated!) is available throughout the city
Downloading digital media before you leave the US ahead of time esp. any large files is a great idea. Your streaming and subscription services may not work the same for accessing movies, music, etc. We will have WiFi in all the apartments but the connections may not be as strong as you have in the US and the connection will be shared with roommates
Headphones so your roommates and the neighbors don’t have to experience your audio content
A backup battery for long days away from the apartment and extra charging cables (one for your backpack, one for the apartment).
A Southern European plug adapter or two
lightweight leak proof re usable food storage for leftovers and packed lunches
You can purchase any toiletries or really anything you need in Rome, but you will find the brands unfamiliar. If you have products you really like bring them. If all you want is basic shower gel, that isn’t worth carrying across the Atlantic.
As you will be sharing a room consider small things that might help you be a good roommate: earplugs, eye mask, a very small personal reading light, all might make the relationship easier.
I suggest having a small budget for life improving purchases in Italy. You may find that are small things that make you more comfortable; it is often best to make these purchases as soon as you identify that need/desire. Often when I have a long trip I find it is little things like a better knife or towel or fan infinitely improves the time abroad. I tend to shop for these things second hand.
DO NOT PACK electrical appliances of any sort. Italy uses an electrical voltage system twice as powerful as that in the US. Hairdryers and thing else you might plug into the wall other than your laptop or phone is unlikely to work and may be a fire hazard. It my experience this is even true of products marketed as compatible for travel to countries with higher voltages. If the apartment does not have what you need, we can find used or new things. If this causes you anxiety, please let me know and I will troubleshoot before the trip.
Rome via Brooklyn 