Here are some practical tips and tricks on things to pack for Rome or any travel:
Weather
It rained while we were there and all Italians have a rain jacket. I highly recommend bringing a packable rain jacket over an umbrella.
Water
There are water fountains all over Rome and even when visiting other sites, bring a packable water bottle and refill it throughout the day.
Power
Get yourself a handy dandy travel adapter. This is the one we used in Italy.
Shampoo
Lessen your need for liquids when going through TSA and get a Shampoo bar.
Picnics
If you’re going out on day trips to Hadrian’s Villa or Ostia Antica, pack a lunch. We made some groceries and threw them in our daypack. The best daypack that we love is this one by Osprey, with a lifetime guarantee. Note: I also used this as my personal item on the flights.
A blanket that is waterproof for damp grass and takes up little space in a bag is essential.
Packing Light and Washing Clothes
In order to keep your luggage light, you can bring some handwash laundry packets and a travel clothesline and wash some clothes in the sink and hang them up to dry.
Safety
We did not use any special safety bags or luggage. We did, however, lock our Osprey backpack while on crowded trains and buses. You only need one lock to lock all the zippers on it. We had extra locks for our luggage in crowded airports.
Medicine and Vitamins
If you want to bring your vitamins, allergy meds, and some ibuprofen with you. I got this handy dandy pillbox. It will hold enough for a week or two.
Earbuds
We downloaded Rick Steves podcasts before we left and brought along these earbuds. You can even share with a buddy.
Portable Charger
This is by far the best purchase you can make for travel or everyday use. These will charge multiple devices while on the road. We regularly charge a laptop and two phones while traveling.
Men’s Convertible Pants
My husband typically wears shorts, but to get into any churces, including the Pantheon, your knees have to be covered. He loved these pants and he kept is wallet zipped in the side pockets.
