The key to successful packing for a trip to Italy is to pack light. I recommend against checking luggage because if the airline loses your luggage, it can ruin a vacation.
 
In Europe, there is plenty of walking. They do not have as many elevators and escalators as we do. You will be dragging your bags up and down stairways and along cobblestone streets. You will be lifting your bag onto and off trains, onto busses, and into taxi cabs. 
 
Check to see if your hotel has a laundry service. There is nothing like dropping off laundry in the morning and having fresh clothes come back that evening.
 
In addition to your passport, carry 2 photocopies of your passport with contact info written on the back. Take with you health insurance cards, 2 credit cards, 2 ATM cards, a driver’s license, senior citizen cards for discounts, and any pertinent paperwork for your trip. E-mail to yourself copies of your credits cards or any other information in case they need to be replaced. Please call your bank to tell them you will be using your ATM/credit card overseas.
 
This is what will be in my carry on:
 
·         One pair of jeans (women might want to  pack one or two wrinkle resistant skirts).
·         3 dark mock turtle neck shirts
·         1 oxford shirt
·         2 t-shirts
·         3 pairs of thick, comfortable socks
·         5 pairs of underwear
·         1 umbrella that I purchase from the “dollar store”
·         Band-aids
·         1 pair binoculars
·         1 guide book
·         Medications (take extra amounts in case your trip home is delayed)
·         Camera & charger
·         Cell phone & charger (can also serve as clock/alarm)
·         Electric plug adapter
·         Two pens
·         Small notebook
·         6 plastic supermarket shopping bags
·         Extra pair of eyeglasses
·         Earplugs and eye cover
·         Toiletries: razors, dental floss, toothbrush & toothpaste, hairspray, comb, moisturizer. All liquids must be in small, travel-approved containers.
·         Printed documentation of hotel and airline reservations
·         Written directions to my hotel
·         Small backpack
·         Netbook computer
 
For women, I recommend packing some wrinkle-free skirts/pants and accessorizing with a scarf.
 
Remember, you are probably going to wear your jacket, scarf, and hat on the plane.    Of course you are wearing comfortable shoes as you travel. Try to avoid packing shoes as they take up a lot of space.
Dining without a jacket is fine in Italy and Paris. However, for special occasion restaurants, I would recommend one.   Don’t bother bringing expensive jewelry or valuables.
The secret to packing is to roll your clothes. Don’t fold them. To make sure they stay tightly rolled, I put a rubber band around them.
On my website on the “Links” page, I have some terrific video and articles on how to pack like a pro.