Rome What to Pack

Miscellaneous: The name of this book is "Secret Rome" by Ginevra Lovatelli.
I like this guidebook because it says about small, charming places the regular guidebooks don't mention. It's useful especially for who is going to visit Rome not for the first time and wish to see something else than well-known monuments.
Here is the description from the book:
"A church where animals are blessed, a magic door, magnificent palaces that are almost unknown, hidden cloisters and gardens, amazing optical illusions, unknown miracles and legends, a children's hairdresser, a 17th century pharmacy, surprising private collections, mass in Aramaic, the language of Jesus Christ, and much more. Far from the traditional tourist locations, Rome has managed to keep many secrets and it can still surprise and seduce its inhabitants and its visitors who thought they knew it well."

It's not cheap, the cost is 16,50 Euro in the bookshop in Rome; Feltrinelli or Mondadori.

Luggage and bags: Leave some extra space in your bag for souveniers!!! We bought a Then and Now book of the Colliseum, leather coats, and many other beautiful things.

Clothing/Shoes/Weather Gear: If going to the Vatican, please be advised that they do not want women wearing sleeveless tops, and shorts are also not advised.
I wore a long flowy skirt, a top that covered my shoulders, and my husband wore some lightweight (linen) pants and a nice polo shirt (collar, buttons)
And above all, wear comfortable shoes!

Photo Equipment: Make sure there is plenty of memory on your digital camera, or loads of film with you (for those still using film!)

Luggage and bags: We tried to pack as light as possible and I still felt like we had too much. One area where I seen this was of concern was on the train. Although we did not have too big of a problem, some people could not fit their suitcases in the overhead bins. Some of the trains had storage in-between the train cars but then your stuff isn't as secure as you cannot see it. So, the best advice is to pack bags that can expand and collapse so that they can be squeezed in the overhead bins. Also, we packed an empty duffle bag that we used to carry our souvenirs home. This worked out great!

Clothing/Shoes/Weather Gear: Do not forget to forget your umbrelas:)
We were carrying with us one and... no chance for a rain even in December when we have been there... This is Rome not Bergen...

Photo Equipment: A good camera !

Miscellaneous: Do not forget a good map. I was surprised to find everywhere maps for free but you can find marked on them only the most known places. If you really want to "touch" everything find a good one and do not forget to make a complete documentation before going there... at least on VT :)
Otherwise you will pass just few meters away from small treasures...

Clothing/Shoes/Weather Gear: During the summer it is hot. And I live in Houston, Texas so I know what hot is, trust me! So make sure to bring a battery operated, hand-held fan or something to cool yourself with while wandering Rome. These battery operated ones can be found at Walmart, Hobby Lobby, etc for under $5. You can thank me later ;)

Luggage and bags: Your own umbrella or else you'll be haggling "5 euro, no...how bout 4 euro"

Clothing/Shoes/Weather Gear: Make sure you take a water proof jacket of something of the like. My jacket ended up not being water proof and I was miserable...cold and wet

Luggage and bags: If you have a black or navy suitcase (which looks like everyone else's) buy some brightly striped ribbon and attach it wherever you can.

Clothing/Shoes/Weather Gear: A mini packaged plastic rain slicker ($.99 - pitch it after you wear it!)

Toiletries and Medical Supplies: Band Aid healing blister pads, a mini eyeglass repair kit - better than taping your glasses.

Miscellaneous: A small flashlight with extra batteries, some compact binoculars (helpful when viewing the Sistine Chapel), a cheap magnifying glass (some of the print on maps is miniscule, especially for older eyes), a small compass. (Ours could be attached to a key ring, and also had a tiny thermometer - $2.99 at K-Mart. Invaluable for navigating.)

Luggage and bags: Lots of custom checks and tons of baggage delay and lost occurences in Europe especially if you go via planes. Our bags were delay in/out of Rome from London. It was such a hassle and their system is really not efficient in helping stranded tourists without their bags. So it's best to pack an extra set of clothes on your handcarry if you have space.

Miscellaneous: By the way, most airlines allow you to an immediate compensation of about 60 Euros or pounds if your bag is delayed, if you have no travel insurance. Check on what can be bought with it though, there're various conditions to meet.