Usually in April, the temps during the day are in the mid-60’s and cooler at night.  However, in the last few years, temperatures have been above average and quite pleasant.  Whether I am guiding a small group tour to Italy or traveling solo to Rome, Florence and Venice, this is what I usually pack:

•      One pair of jeans

•      3-4 dark mock turtle neck pullover shirts

•      About 30-40 euros.  I will pick up the rest of my euros at an ATM in Italy.   If you do not have euros upon arrival, they can be withdrawn from an ATM.

•      An Oxford shirt

•      2 t-shirts

•      3 pairs of thick, comfortable socks

•      4 pairs of underwear

•      1 umbrella from Dollar Tree

•      Band-aids

•      Hand sanitizer

•      1 pair binoculars  I

•      Guide books:  Rick Steve's Rome and Rick Steve's Florence & Tuscany.  I have these

•      Passport

•      2 credit cards

•      1 bar of soap

•      2 ATM cards

•      3 color copies of passport with home/hotel address and emergency contact info written on back.

•      Medications including a few Tylenol PM.  Take an extra supply of meds to last at least 5 days after the trip is scheduled to be over.

•      Health insurance information

•      Camera & charger

•      Extra pair of eyeglasses and one pair of sunglasses

•      Cell phone & charger  (can also serve as clock/alarm)

•      Two pens

•      6 plastic supermarket shopping bags

•      Extra pair of eyeglasses

•      Earplugs and eye shade

•      Toiletries:  razors, dental floss, toothbrush & toothpaste, hairspray, comb, moisturizer.  All liquids must be in small, travel-approved containers.

•      Printed documentation of my hotel and airline reservation

•      Netbook computer equipped with Skype (phone calls)

•      Small backpack

I pack all of my important documents and electronics in a small backpack (women might wish to put this in their handbag).  Everything else goes in my carry-on.

The hotel in Florence will be happy to do laundry for 10-15 euros and there is a Laundromat around the block from the hotel.

Roll (instead of fold) all clothes and put rubber bands around them.  If I have room, I will add a pair of chinos or a light pair of shoes.  For women, a scarf is the perfect accessory to vary your outfits.

Appropriate attire is required in churches.  No shorts.  Arms must be covered to the elbow.

Remember,  in addition to carry-on luggage that can be stowed on top, a small bag (like a backpack) can be stowed under the seat in front of you on the plane.

For more travel info, including information on small group tours to Italy,  see www.travelingprofessor.com.