Heading to Florence, Italy? Read on to see what you should be leaving at home, and what you should be taking with you! Photo courtesy of Fairfield University.
Whether you're just starting to to think about study abroad, or already in the planning process, it's important to travel smart! That often begins with what you pack and take with you when heading abroad. If Florence, Italy is on your radar, we've got a list to get you started. Erin Heffernan of Fairfield University delves into some of the top things NOT to bring for a semester abroad in Florence, and some essentials to NEVER forget at home!
After working with students in Italy for a year, I have helped carry enough suitcases to know that students always over-pack. As a chronic over-packer myself, I know that over-weight luggage fees can be up to $100 per bag! Yikes! When it comes to packing, it’s often true that less is more. Here is my guide to things to leave at home when planning for a semester in Florence:
1. High Heels
The cobblestone streets of Florence are one of the many things that make this city charming and beautiful…until you try walking on them in high heels! There is nothing cute about stumbling through the streets or about shoes destroyed by cobblestones! Opt for nice flats or wedges if you must and leave your heels at home!
Florence, Italy, courtesy of Fairfield University
2. Flip Flops
Wearing flip flops in Florence is one of the easiest ways to identify yourself as a tourist. In Italy, flip flops are beach shoes, not city shoes. So, unless you are planning a weekend at the seaside, resist the urge to pack your flip flops.
3. Books
Unless you need to bring books for your classes, don’t waste all the space and weight in your suitcase. E-readers and tablets provide a luggage-friendly solution for avid readers. Also, there are many book stores in Florence that sell English-language books.
4. Every Last Piece of Clothing in Your Closet
You’ve heard that Florence is a great city for fashion lovers and you want to dress to impress, but that does not mean that you have to bring every piece of clothing that you own. Students often tell me that they packed too many clothes. Choose pieces that can be easily layered and are versatile from season to season. For example, a summer dress can easily become a fall dress with leggings, boots and sweater. Remember also that you will want to have space in your suitcase for new things that you might buy during your time abroad!
5. Hair dryers, Hair Straighteners & Curling Irons
The electrical voltage in Europe is different from the electrical voltage in the US and small appliances are often completely fried after only their first or second use with the European electrical current. If these are essentials for you, wait until you get to Europe to buy them to ensure that they are compatible with the European system.
6. Unrealistic Expectations
When you arrive in Florence, you will find that some things work differently than they do in the US, and isn’t that the whole reason for coming abroad in the first place? Be open to cultural differences and a new way of doing things, you never know what you might learn!
Three Things to Never Leave Home Without:
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A reusable water bottle- The water throughout Italy and most student destinations is perfectly safe to drink, right out of the tap. A reusable water bottle allows you to take advantage of the outdoor water fountains throughout the city and throughout your travels. This is a good move for the planet, as well as for your wallet!
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A jar of peanut butter- Okay, maybe I am the only person who is such a peanut butter addict that I always pack a jar in my suitcase. Peanut butter is available in Florence, but it can be quite pricey. If you are not a peanut butter fan, you may be happy to know that Nutella is an Italian invention and is widely available here!
- A sense of adventure and an open mind- A semester abroad is a perfect opportunity to try new things and step outside of your comfort zone! Make the most of your time in Florence!
Erin Heffernan grew up in Orlando, Florida but has called Florence, Italy her home for the past year. She is currently working as the Program Assistant for Fairfield University Florence Program. A lover of all things Italian, she spends her free time in Florence admiring the beautiful architecture and savoring delicious Tuscan food. She considers herself an expert on the subject of eating gelato.
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