This Is Italy
Have you already made plans for your next trip to Italy? Have you secretly booked your summer holiday yet? If you travel to Italy often, you probably know exactly what you need and what you don't. But if it is your first time on holiday in Italy? Even experienced Italy visitors sometimes forget to pack something in the rush and packing stress! That's why here is a list of things you can easily forget to take with you to Italy.
Table of contents
Almost everyone has navigation in their car. Built-in, via TomTom or on the smartphone. But do you have the latest update including those new or closed roads? It can be useful to check this in advance. And just to be on the safe side: maybe take that paper map with you (free if you are an ANWB member).
Passport/ID
A passport is not necessarily required for Italy, but you must officially have a valid identity card for you and any children with you. This can be checked by the police. Most people may not easily forget their passport or ID card, but not everyone looks at the validity period. If you go to Italy next year, you will need a valid passport or ID card.
Please note: according to the rules of the Dutch government, you are NOT allowed to hand over your passport at a hotel or campsite. You also have to be careful with any copies the receptionist wants to make. Read how to prevent fraud at the website of the National Government.
Tip: store copies of important documents in the cloud so you can access them in an emergency.
Credit Card
You need a credit card when renting a car in Italy (even if you have already reserved it in the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany or elsewhere). You also use a credit card at many hotels and other accommodations. Credit cards are widely accepted in Italy. You can also pay with it at many restaurants.
In addition, a credit card is useful for the tolls. If you pay with a credit card, you will go through the toll gates much faster than with cash. You can also purchase a special toll badge to pay the toll.
First aid kit, safety vests, warning triangle
There is more that you can easily forget when you go to Italy by car. For example, when traveling to Italy you are also required to have a first aid kit, safety vests and a warning triangle. Order those items immediately (if you don't have them yet) when you purchase your vignettes.
car vignette
Speaking of vignettes! Most people travel to Italy by car. Which route do you choose? The route via Switzerland, the one via Austria or perhaps via France? With the first 2 options you have need a vignette for Switzerland or need a vignette for Austria.
If you drive via Switzerland, it is necessary to purchase a vignette for the correct year. Until recently, it was only possible to obtain a vignette in the form of a sticker. However, a digital vignette has also been available since August 1, 2023.
This innovative e-vignette for Switzerland in 2024 brings several advantages. You can purchase it quickly and easily online, which saves time. Moreover, you no longer have to stick the Swiss vignette on your windshield.
Medication
Are you taking medications? You would say that you don't forget them, but they are still in the top 10 of often forgotten items! Even if you don't take medication on a regular basis, it is still useful to pack some painkillers, hay fever tablets and insect bite repellents. Many things you can do in Italy in one pharmacy must get, are very expensive! You can also stock up on sunscreen at home.
Towels and stuff
Check the status of your accommodation's linen and towels. Are they included or do you have to bring them yourself? You can of course bring extra towels from home.
a backpack (you)
A daypack is super useful if you are going to see a town or sightseeing attraction. You can easily store some things in here, such as a bottle of water, some clothes, some food and any souvenirs you purchase. Trust us, you'll regret it if you leave it at home.
Good running shoes
In Italy you do a lot on foot. Like walking through the historic centers of villages and towns. You can't get everywhere with your car. Make sure you bring comfortable running shoes.
Adapter or adapter plug
The three-pin plugs and the three-pin sockets they use in Italy are sometimes a problem. Our plugs often fit well, sometimes you really have to squeeze (such as with the laptop charger) or it doesn't work at all.
You can also buy adapter plugs everywhere in Italy, but if you want to be able to charge your phone or laptop right away, don't forget to take them with you.
Something to wear for a night out
Are you going to a restaurant? To a performance? Or another night out? Then it is useful if you have access to a suitable outfit. Italians often dress with care and style and you don't want to stand out too much.
In addition to those comfortable running shoes and those linen trousers with T-shirt, this is also a nice set clothing recommended. Or at least: something that doesn't also attract you to the beach
Speaking of the beach: you won't be the first to forget your swimwear! We'll just say it...
Coffee and food for the first evening and morning
When you travel on your own, it often happens that you arrive at your destination (late) in the evening. In some cases without anything in the refrigerator and without a supermarket nearby.
If you are unlucky, the next day is Sunday and the local store is closed, so you first have to look for an open supermarket half an hour away. We speak from our own experience…
It is therefore useful to have at least something easy with you that you can eat that first evening and what you can take for breakfast the next day. Then you have a little more time to see where the shops are and where you can go out for dinner (and it saves whining children).
Do not take
Of course there are also things that you should leave at home. Here are a few suggestions:
- Too much stuff – you can travel light in Italy.
- Expensive items – these can be lost or stolen, only to find out they are not covered by your insurance.
- Only shorts and skirts – in Italy it is useful to have some more covering clothing with you when visiting churches or other shrines. In addition, the weather can also be bad in Italy!
- Uncomfortable shoes or high heels – these don't suit the often medieval roads you find in Italian towns and cities.
Would you like to prepare even better for your trip to Italy? Then check out this one extensive packing list for Italy.
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