Packing
What type of clothing do you recommend?
Italians tend to dress up more than we do in the U.S. Here are a few tips to help you plan your wardrobe:
Italians reserve beach-wear for the beach and athletic-wear for the gym or a hike. We'd advise against wearing athleisure, flip-flops, or gym shorts in most settings.
If you plan to tour a historic monument or church, be sure to remove your hat and have your shoulders and knees covered. It is a sign of respect in the eyes of Italians, and you may be denied entry if you fail to meet the dress code.
For a typical dinner, the dress code could be described as "smart casual." Most men wear dressier shoes (e.g., loafers, oxfords, car shoes, nice fashion sneakers, etc.) with well-fitted jeans or chinos and a blazer. Women tend to wear a dress, skirt, or a sweater or blouse with slacks.
For elegant dinners, such as the Wine, Dine, & Shine, Sabbath-wear or slightly more casual clothing is recommended.
Italian streets are usually cobblestone, so choose block heels over stilettos.
Do I need to bring outlet adapters?
Yes, but first check to see if your appliance is compatible with Italy's electrical current. The electrical current in Italy is 200-220 volts, 50 cycles. This can burn out North American appliances that are not compatible with 200-220 volts. Check the tag on your appliance to see if it is compatible or not. Computers, smart phones, and tablets often are. Hair dryers and electric shavers typically are not.
Note that an adapter is not the same thing as a transformer (see the FAQ: "Do I need to bring a transformer?).
An adapter is the plug that allows your appliance to be connected to a wall outlet of a different shape. The sockets in Italy generally have two or three thin round prongs rather than the flat rectangular-type found in North America.
What kind of adapters should I bring?
Italy hasn't successfully standardized their electrical outlets, so it's fairly common to have 3 outlet styles in one apartment: C, L, and F.
C-type (which comes in 2 or 3 pin) and L-type (3 pin) are most common for regular outlets. We'd estimate that 70% of the residential outlets we've seen in Cortona are L-type. F-type is usually found in the kitchen and is used for appliances.
We would recommend bringing several type L adapters and a couple 2-prong type C adapters.
You can find electrical adapters online at places like Amazon.com. They are also available at luggage shops and department stores. For example, here is a 4-pack of type L adapters:
Here is a link to the 2-prong C-type adapters:
Do I need to bring a transformer (voltage converter)?
A transformer is used to reduce voltage from 220 volts to 110 volts. Theoretically, this would allow you to use a 110 volt North American appliance in Italy. However, we've never had good luck with them, and have heard stories of 110 volt appliances being ruined or even starting fires due to faulty transformers. Our advice? Skip the transformer and leave your 110 volt appliances at home.
Do we need to bring our hymnals?
You do not need to bring your hymnal (unless you're a pianist, song leader, or playing in the ensemble).
We will be projecting the hymns.
Should I bring photocopies of my passport?
Yes. Every accommodation you stay at in Italy is required by law to obtain a copy of each person's passport. This is normal so don't be concerned if they ask for them. They just need to make copies. Often they'll just take a photo with their cell phone now.
However, to buy yourself a little peace of mind, you can make copies of the photograph page of your passports before you leave and just provide them with the copies. This way you don't need to give them the actual passports.
We'd also recommend placing a copy of one of your passports inside the zippered lining on each bag of luggage that you bring. This way if your luggage is lost or delayed in transit, it can be easily identifiable as yours.
What are the size and weight restrictions for international carry-on lugguge?
For international flights, most airlines restrict carry-ons to 22"x14"x19" including wheels and handles (sometimes even smaller). This is airline-specific so be sure to check with your airline for the precise dimensions.
In addition to your airline's maximum carry-on dimensions, be sure to note the weight restrictions as well. Stateside, we're not accustomed to having our carry-on and personal item weighed. Due to the smaller aircrafts and shorter runways in Europe, it can be quite common. For example, if you're flying economy on Air France, there is a maximum weight of 12 kg (26.4 lbs). That's the COMBINED weight of your personal item (handbag) and carry-on. It doesn't happen often at Rome FCO, but it's quite common at the Florence airport.
If we are traveling to Rome for the day, how do you recommend we keep our luggage safe while we are sight-seeing?
If you are staying at a hotel, they will typically allow you to leave your luggage there after your check-out, or drop it off early the day you check-in. If your hotel isn't an option, there are often luggage storage services at the train stations and airport terminals:
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Travel-g187791-c219192/Rome:Italy:Rome.Luggage.Storage.Options.html
It is not recommended to keep your luggage in your rental car. Thieves will often look for such opportunities in large cities like Rome.