Packing for Italy Some thoughts on avoiding regret

TIME Time is limited! Start packing now—it takes longer than you think to do it right. Find out what you’re missing now, not Monday of departure week.

SPACE Space is limited: one carry-on, one checked bag You pack it, you carry it. Then carry it again. And again. Leave some room for souvenirs.

CASH MONEY Money belt! Bring a credit/debit/ATM card, and call your bank to tell them! $50 in euros

CLOTHING Layers!—temperatures range from 40-75° F (Italy in March is NOT the Caribbean) Two pairs of shoes—comfortable We’ll walk miles every day Good socks—cotton is bad Hat (sun can get serious) Nothing too fancy

PERSONAL CARE Travel-pack of tissues (some bathrooms don’t have toilet paper) TSA-friendly bottles for liquids, in a 1-quart ziplock. Max 3.4 oz each. If it can leak, seal it in a bag.

OTHER STUFF Notebook and pencil Book and playing cards (lots of time in airplanes and airports!) Ear-plugs (for sleeping on plane) Small day pack (not a “rob-me” fanny pack) Watch for keeping time (late is not OK!) Trashbag for wet/dirty clothes List of people to buy for, with souvenir ideas and addresses for sending postcards Alarm clock/device Extra memory card/batteries Plug adapter/converter

WHAT SHOULD I PACK IN MY CARRY-ON? Passport Money Toothbrush and toothpaste (3oz or less, in a one- quart Ziploc bag) Contacts case/glasses (to sleep comfortably on the plane) Change of clothes Medication Any valuables Book/playing cards

LEAVE AT HOME All electronics unnecessary to your biological life Expensive jewelry and watches Expensive camera gear Uncomfortable shoes Clothing that will draw unwanted attention from Italian guys Godfather t-shirts (not funny)

START THINKING: HOLIDAY GIFTS?