I'm going to Italy in August?

Question

I'm just wondering what I should pack? I'm going for two weeks. We're staying in a rented house and we'll be visiting many different places. I want to wear comfortable clothes, as I normally wear yoga pants, t-shirts, sandals, and sweaters. Should I wear trousers? Can I wear high fashion sneakers or sandals. And should I bring a purse or a money belt (not really thrilled about the money belt thing)? Oh, and I'm not buying one of those safesling bags. They look stupid.

Should I carry my credit cards? Or should I carry cash? I'm more comfortable with credit because I can cancel it easily if it's stolen, but I'm afraid some places won't take my Mastercard (I'm Canadian, by the by).

Thanks guys, any info is appreciated!

Answer 1

I just got back from 10 days in Rome, and it was HOT! I'm talking 37 or 38 celsius in the shade, walking around the ruins it was probably around the mid 40's - that's around 120 or more fahrenheit. So beware that in August it can be that hot if you're out in the open - hot burning sun, no breeze and no shade.

Carrying lots of cash around isn't a good idea. And a money belt is a great idea. There are lots of pickpockets in the touristy areas and the crowded buses the tourists use.

Finally, beware of very good scam artists/professional con-men. I was tricked out of 20 euros by a very, very good, professional German con-man near the Vatican - he operates in that area. Here is a photo of this scumbag -

http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2500127...

Have fun in Italy, its beautiful.

Answer 2

definitely sandals. I prefer the strappy style sandal as shown in the photo. I bought these in Greece while island hopping . They take up very little room. Credit cards are best. Taking lots of cash is not advisable.

Answer 3

so i've been to italy 2 times.

you can wear your comfortable clothes. thats fine.

i would consider bring a couple of nicer outfits too. incase you go somewhere nice to eat.

and make sure that if you are going to any churches like "st. peters bacilica " that your sholders are covered because they will not let you in if they are showing.

also you should be wearing pants, capris, a longer skirt because they don't like it when you knees show either.

i would bring comfy shoes because italy has mainly coble stone streets and walk ways. it really hard on the feet.

bring a comfy fashion conscious shoe for your nice outfits.

if you are going to rome def bring a refillabel water bottle with you and use the aqua ducts there are fountains all over the city that are constantly pouring out fresh semi cold water to drink.

also if you are going to vatican city. there is a restaurant/store across the street.do not eat at the restaurant. its expensive cafeterica style meals and the food is gross.

there is also a stand set up just out side of the restaurant that sells stuff like sandwhiches and soda, and water, that is a good place to get food from.

you can bring a purse but be sure it is one that you can keep very close to your body.

i hate the money belt things.

i would either birng cash and exchange it thoughtout italy cuz there are money exchange counters lots of places. or better yet exchange at least some money at either your bank or at the airport.

lots of places do not take credit cards.

if you have a debit card you can use an ATM but sometimes those are hard to find.

also if you are bringing canadian money and exchanging it over there i would bring 2 wallets. 1 for canadian money and 1 for euros. cuz to put them all together in 1 can become difficult after a while.

have fun!

Answer 4

The clothing you described would be ideal for Italy in August.

I would say to take your credit cards because they are universally accepted throughout Italy.

You need to be cautious of pickpockets and thieves and keep your valuables safe and secure.  A purse is a ready target to attempts to steal.  Although a money belt is somewhat inconvenient, it is much more secure than other methods of transportation of cash.

Bono ventura!

Answer 5

italy is all about the fashion so if u wear sweats and yoga pants...its not going to be good lol/..

yes u should wear trousers, nice shirts i reccomand shooping at the malll and gettting high fashion things wihtout leaving a whole in ur wallet..hahah

yes buy some heels that are in fashion. if u have payless up in canada go shop their...those gladorar scandles are very in rite now....

hope u have fun

Answer 6

I've been there. Believe me you're going to visit one of the most romantic and beautiful countries in the world. It's indescribable, just being there to understand. About clothes to wear, let me tell you something I leaned about traveling: try to wear your clothes as much similar as possible to people who lives there. That's the way to be respected and visit every place comfortable. You should not think about your own comfort, but how people feel when seeing you there. Italians are very up dated in dressing both during the days and nights. I don't thing yoga paints should be appropriate to Italy. At nights they dress great, man wear ties and suits and woman as going to a party, at restaurants, theaters and shows. They use lots of black clothes.

About your money, I would advise you one safes ling bag, even if you think they are stupid, sorry they're not, believe me. Use you credit card as much as possible, cash only for small expenses. If I were you I would take two credit cards, only for your own safe, as Visa and your MasterCard. Another tip, use taxis only when impossible do it by bus, or rent your own car. They drive as in a racing car and the price sometimes is up to their own mind.

Good luck and thank you. Prepare your heart to live very intense emotions, you'll certainly find.