Buon Giorno, Tutti!
With the fun of TAKS and other pandemics this week, it completely passed me that we're now less than two months away from our departure!
This month, Jay and I have three different roadtrip weekends. I'm always amazed at how much we pack when doing a weekend road trip - it's so different from when I'm traveling abroad! Which brings me to this month's topic - PACKING.
Right now is a good time to start thinking about how you'll pack for the trip. In one of my monthly newsletters, I give you a good challenge on how to judge if your suitcase is suitable. But what to pack in it? Department stores are offering outrageously good prices on seasonal clothing, all which would be great for Italy (no gashes, no ads, and no cleavage, please). You might have a homestay who will do one load of laundry for you (mine doesn't - come join me at the laundromat one afternoon the second week if this is the case). Either way, pack clothes which don't have to be dry-cleaned. I forget this rule every year, and always slap my forehead at the mid-way point in the trip. If it's machine-washable, it's sturdy enough to be washed during our trip. And I definitely expect you to pack so little that you need to get your clothes washed once (even though our trip is brief).
I'm a sweat-er. Seriously. Like a PIG. The Meta Sudans has nothing on me. Which means that I seek out clothes which breathe well (like linens and cottons) but hold up under a lot of movement. And I don't bring anything brand-new on the trip. If I've bought shoes for the trip (one of the two pairs which I bring), I've worn them since early May. Actually, this is my first year to NOT buy a new pair of sandals - I've totally fallen for Merrell shoes! Prior years' travelers can tell you . . . no matter the brand of "high-performance" shoe - birkenstocks, sofft, clarks, etc. - I've always ended up on our Capri day with bleeding, blistered feet. And that's just our second day of the trip! Last summer, I invested in some Merrell sandals, and, well, I'm a loyal fan now. Besides these shoes, I'll bring one nice pair of sandals to wear in the evenings.
Not to sound shallow - my focus when we're traveling is appreciation for people, language, food, and the experience - but the most important thing to focus on as you prepare for this trip (besides learning necessary Italian phrases and terms) is to pack sparingly and smart. No one should come off the plane with more than one suitcase, and a backpack or small carry-on bag (if you must).
a piu tardi!
L :)
2 comments:
Must admit, you're right on this point (the "don't pack too much and don't bring stuff that is new" point)
But snap, I mean, when my mum comes up to me and says "Ooo, I have 30% off at such and such and you can get anything you want there for your trip and I'll pay for all of it..." how can I say no?
Luckily, I have a partiality to T-shirt material, and most of my tops are made of the stuff (for example, what I'm wearing today).
Question: Are jeans a big no? How about nike shorts? (I probably won't go waltzing around in those...but some people might) My mother seems to think that I need some white jeans/capris. What is usually the best pants/shorts to bring?
Sorry for the wall of text. Heh,in any case, I'm going to have to watch myself. I tend to over-pack.
Totally understand that whole "parents are amazingly generous" thing - I often find myself in the same wonderful boat. As you know from seeing me in school, I often wear t-shirts (solid-colored) with skirts, and that's my standard garb in Italy. You can wear jeans if you WANT, but, dude, it gets hot sometimes, and jeans aren't the most comfortable attire in such temperatures (unless you're riding a horse and avoiding chafing - can you tell we're from Texas?). Nike shorts...in public? Please, no. (of course, I don't think you should wear those in public in the US, either. I guess, if you don't see me that day, I wouldn't know you're in those shorts. Such attire makes me think of cheer camp...shudder...) Your mom is brilliant - white jeans and capris are SO stylish - for men and women - in Italia!
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