10 Tips before traveling to Italy:

1.    Apply for Global Entry

Global Entry will save you time coming back into the United States. The airport will have a designated Global Entry Lane where kiosks will take your picture to verify your membership. This program helps reduce long wait times, and no paperwork is involved. The application includes a background check and an in-person interview to confirm enrollment. Once approved, you will be assigned a member number or Pass ID.

2.    Bring a carry-on suitcase

I cannot stress enough how thankful we are that we packed a carry-on bag instead of a checked bag. Since all the sidewalks are cobblestone, the weight gets heavy quickly. We each packed a carry-on and backpack for our 9-night stay and had no issues. If you plan on staying in one city the whole time, you might be okay with a checked bag, but if you travel around the country, the smaller, the better. I purchased a backpack designed for travel and it provided extra storage that was a lifesaver.

3.    Versatile clothing

If you’re bringing a carry-on bag, you must learn to pack efficiently. The key is to pack clothing that you can wear with several different items. My suitcase consisted of many neutrals that were easy to match together; therefore, I could create new outfits out of the same pieces. This packing method prevents you from overpacking and truly bringing what you need.

4.    Comfortable shoes

You will be walking A LOT. I’d avoid any heels, platform shoes, or flip-flops. I recommend a couple of pairs of tennis shoes and sandals with straps. I packed black Nike tennis shoes, white leather Sam Edelman tennis shoes, and a brown Steve Madden sandal. These provided the versatility I needed but were also comfortable for walking 5+miles daily. I never got blisters, so make sure you break them in before the trip!

5.    Exchange currency

It is essential to exchange currency before the trip. If you wait until you get to the local airport or utilize an ATM, you’re probably not getting a reasonable exchange rate. I exchanged currency at our local AAA shop since I have a membership. It only took a few days to come in, eliminating the stress of dealing with it in Italy.  

6.    Travel credit card

A travel credit card is a must. We used our Visa Capital One Venture X Credit Card for all purchases. Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted, so we had no issues. The nice perk about a travel credit card is you don’t get charged a foreign transaction fee. It automatically converts the purchase into your local currency, giving you the best possible conversion rate.

7.    Coin Purse

Since the local currency consists of many coins, I suggest bringing a specific coin purse to store them in. If not, the small slot in your regular wallet may not be big enough. This helps separate your bills and coins, and I found it beneficial throughout our trip.

8.    Cross-body fanny pack

Pickpockets are common in any major city, but Rome especially. If you’re planning on using public transportation, you must keep a close eye on your belongings. The buses and trains can get super crowded, and it’s easy for someone to take your belongings without you even knowing! I wore a Lululemon cross-body fanny pack the entire time to secure my belongings. It held my cash, cards, passport, apartment keys, and phone. It’s easier to keep an eye on, and you can always put your arm over it while in crowded areas.

9.    International phone plan

It's easier to stay connected now more than ever. My husband purchased an international plan from his cell phone carrier, Verizon. He could call, text, and use data for $10/day. The fee does add up if you're gone for nearly two weeks! I took a risk and used an app called Airalo. You can purchase an international e-sim data package cheaply if you have an unlocked phone. There are regional esim cards and country-specific, so you buy a plan that works for your travels. I initially purchased the Italy 4GB package. I could use any data app once it was installed on my phone. You can't call or text from your regular line, but it allows you to use WhatsApp and others that require data. I had to increase my data package, but the phone plan only cost me $13!

10.  Adapter

You will need this to charge any device you bring. It's not a converter, so be careful not to ruin any electronics you plug in with the country's standard voltage. I didn't bring any hair tools and opted for the provided blow dryer. We mainly used the adapter to charge our phone. We both purchased a Type C, and it worked everywhere we went.

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