Packing Reminders

As you begin to think about packing, remember not to overpack. Whatever it is you depart with, you will have to be able to carry on your own (this includes kids. Every person has to be responsible for their own things.) Keep this detail in mind when thinking about weight but also comfort. I.E....If taking a carry on, consider a backpack to equally distribute weight and free up your hands to alternate your rolling luggage. Ideally, you'd have one rolling bag (check), one back pack or messenger style bag (carry on) and one personal item like a purse or additional smaller bag.
In your carry on luggage, remember the liquids limitation. Be sure that you have your passport, your money, money belt, anything you cannot go more than 24 hours without (vital medications and one change of clothes in the event luggage is lost), ibuprofen, some dry snacks, magazine, book, etc. You cannot take anything to drink through the gates. If you have "ear buds" of your own, you should bring them for maximum comfort while watching seat back movies, listening to music, etc.   The airline will provide you some but they are not comfortable. HEB carries travel size packets of tide to do sink washouts. IT'd be a good idea to bring one of those along too, just in case you need to rinse something out. Bring your regular US cellphone and charger for use in the airport on departure and arrival back in the US. I put about $20 US Dollars in my wallet for use at IAH, but the rest is all Euros. Leave the rest of your US dollars at home.

Shoes...I know I keep saying it but take your comfiest and take at least 3 pairs so you can rotate them.
Ladies if you want to wear sleeveless shirts, DO! But be prepared to take a pashmina (shawl, wrap) with you as you walk about to use if we go into a cathedral. Capri pants are the safest bet to be sure knees are covered at all times, which is also a requirement to enter most cathedrals.

Tip: If you are worried about the weight of your luggage, wear your jeans on the plane, along with your tennis shoes and save your luggage room for lighter weight fabrics and shoes. Pack at least one outfit you don't care about anymore and leave it behind after you wear it. This will free up room for souvinirs.

Remember, there isn't anything vital to your existence, that you cannot get in Italy. If you can't find it in Italy, then millions of Italians have figured out how to function without it and so will you!!