Summer in Rome: Essential Planning & What to Pack in a Carry-On

Essential Packing and Preparation Tips for a Fabulous Roman Holiday

If you’re planning a summer week in Rome, you’re in for an unforgettable experience filled with rich history, stunning architecture, and delicious cuisine. However, preparing for a trip to Rome in the summer requires careful planning due to the city’s extreme heat and bustling crowds. Here’s how to prepare and what to pack to make the most of your Roman holiday.

We just came back from our trip to Italy, where we visited Rome, Florence, the Cinque Terre, and a small beach town south of Rome for a day at the beach. And, while the historical buildings, the art, the food, and the stunning blue ocean are incredible, the heat was difficult to deal with.

Rome’s summer temperatures can soar well into the high 90s F (35°C+), so it’s crucial to pack accordingly. Synthetic fabrics are a no-go; instead, opt for natural materials like cotton and linen that breathe and keep you cool.

Essential Clothing Items:

• Lightweight Tops: Pack sleeveless or short-sleeve tops made from breathable fabrics. Bring enough for each day, as you’ll likely need a fresh outfit daily due to the heat.
• Shorts and Skirts: Choose 5-6 pairs of shorts (around 6 inches long) and a couple of skirts or dresses. A below-the-knee dress with short sleeves is perfect for visiting religious sites like the Vatican.
• Evening Wear: Lightweight dresses or mix-and-match outfits are ideal for dinners or evening strolls. The cooler evening temperatures allow for reusing these outfits.
• Shoes: Rome is known for its cobblestone streets and many stairs. Comfortable footwear is a must. Bring supportive tennis shoes (like the ON Cloud 9 in white) and flats (such as the Minnie travel flats by Tory Burch). Heels are not recommended due to the uneven streets.

The Roman sun can be relentless, so bringing along some heat-busting gadgets can make a big difference.

Here are the gadgets we used every single day to help us enjoy our trip and break the heat.

• Cooling Towels: These are lifesavers! They lower your body temperature significantly, are easy to carry, and make all the difference.
• Portable Fans: While they add a bit of bulk, portable fans are worth it, especially if you’re traveling with kids who will appreciate the extra comfort.
• Umbrella: Use it as a sunshade while walking or waiting in line.
• Scarf: A versatile accessory, a scarf can protect you from the sun or cover you when visiting religious sites.
• Old-Style Fans: These are lightweight and easy to carry, offering instant relief from the heat.

Rome is a walkable city, but the ancient streets can be challenging. The city’s cobblestones, narrow sidewalks, and stairs (remember, Rome is built on seven hills) mean you should be prepared for physical exertion.

• Walking: Despite the heat and crowds, walking is often the best way to explore Rome. However, be prepared for the uneven terrain by wearing comfortable shoes and avoid overexerting yourself.
• Public Transport and Taxis: Traffic in Rome can be chaotic, so don’t always rely on taxis or Uber to get around quickly -it was always faster for us to walk than taking the cab. Consider public transport options like buses and the metro for longer distances.

Rome is a popular summer destination, which means it will be crowded. To make your trip smoother, plan and reserve as much as possible in advance.

• Skip-the-Line Tickets: Invest in skip-the-line tickets for major attractions to avoid standing in long lines under the sun.
• Timing Your Activities: The heat is most intense between 10 AM and 6 PM, so plan your outdoor activities for the very early morning (with empty streets and fresh air!) or the late evening. During the hottest hours, opt for indoor activities, take a leisurely lunch break in an air-conditioned restaurant or back at the hotel.

Where you stay can significantly impact your comfort during a summer trip to Rome.

• Location: This was my first time planning a family vacation in Italy and I wasn’t familiar with the landscape. Our Airbnb was amazing and in a great area but we had to walk uphill to get home after a long day. If you are traveling with kids or seniors, choose accommodations in a flat area of town to avoid tiring uphill walks at the end of the day. Staying near popular attractions might mean more noise, so consider this when booking. In Florence, we stayed at this great apartment at a perfect spot.
• Air Conditioning: Ensure your hotel or Airbnb has air conditioning. While many places offer AC, it might not be as cool as you’re used to, so close your windows and blinds before heading out for the day to keep the heat out.

Italian food is a highlight of any trip to Rome, but the summer heat may have you craving lighter meals.

• Light Meals: For lunch, opt for salads, fresh fruits, cheeses, and cold-cut platters. Save pasta dishes for dinner when it’s cooler.
• Breakfast: Italians typically have a sweet breakfast, so if you prefer savory options, look for paninis or visit a nearby cafe that offers more variety.
• Picky Eaters: While our sons are young adults, I remember our days of having picky eaters very well. Every restaurant offered a simple pasta dish option.
• Tipping: Tipping in Rome is not as typical or expected as in the United States, but it’s always appreciated when you receive excellent service, and it’s really up to you. Leaving a small tip is a nice gesture if service isn’t included in the bill. Rounding up the bill or leaving 5-10% is typically sufficient.

When visiting Rome or any other popular European destination, being vigilant about your belongings is essential. Pickpockets are known to target tourists, especially in crowded areas like the subway, lines, narrow, crowded paths and sidewalks, and famous places like the Colosseum, Vatican City, and museums.

And let’s be honest, if there was a place I wasn’t planning to visit in Italy, it was the police station or the U.S. embassy to replace a stolen passport.

Here’s what we did to ensure a safe and uneventful trip :

• Use Crossbody Bags with Zippers + Carabiners: My husband and I chose crossbody bags with secure zippers to keep our wallets and other small items, like cooling towels and portable fans. A crossbody bag is more complicated for a thief to snatch, and keeping it in front of you adds an extra layer of security.
• Secure Your Bag with Carabiners: To make our bags even more secure, I added carabiners to the zippers, effectively “locking” them to the bag’s hardware. This simple trick prevents quick access to your bag’s contents and deters potential pickpockets.
• Wear a Money Belt for Important Documents: We all carried a money belt inside our pants to keep our passports, extra cash, and other important documents safe. This hidden layer of security ensures that even if a pickpocket does get to your bag, your most valuable items remain secure.
• Avoid Using Backpacks or Handbags Without a Locking System: Use a backpack to carry towels, extra clothing, bottles, umbrellas, etc. Don’t use them to carry your passport, wallet, or anything of value. You’d be surprised how skilled pickpockets are at stealing people in broad daylight in front of a crowd, and no one will see it.
• Secure Your cell phone: Attach your phone to a

Taking these precautions allows you to enjoy your Roman adventure without constantly worrying about your belongings. A little preparation goes a long way in keeping your trip safe and stress-free.

Final Thoughts

A summer week in Rome can be both magical and challenging due to the heat and crowds. By packing smart, planning, and staying cool, you’ll be able to enjoy all this historic city fully has to offer. Remember to pace yourself, embrace the slower pace of Italian life, and soak in the beauty of Rome—one of the world’s most captivating cities.

Clothing

• 6-7 Lightweight Tops (Sleeveless or short-sleeve, made of cotton or linen)
• 4-5 Pairs of Shorts (6-inch length for comfort)
• 1 Dress or Outfit Knee-length + covered shoulders (Appropriate for visiting religious sites like the Vatican)
• 1 Pair of Pajamas (Light and breathable)
• 1 Light Scarf or Shawl (For covering shoulders in religious sites or extra sun protection)
• Underwear for 7 Days (Consider moisture-wicking options)
• Socks (If wearing sneakers, bring breathable, low-cut socks)
• Swimwear + Coverup (If your accommodation has a pool or you plan to visit the beach)

Shoes

• 1 Pair of Comfortable Sneakers (For all-day walking on cobblestone streets)
• 1 Pair of Stylish Flats or Sandals (For evenings or less strenuous days)
• 1 Pair of Flip-flops if your trip includes beaches and pool.
• Socks to wear at home or an easy-to-pack pair of slippers

Accessories

• Cooling Towel (To help manage the heat)
• Portable Fan (Optional, but handy for staying cool on the go)
• Old-Style Hand Fan (Lightweight and easy to carry)
• Sunglasses (With UV protection)
• Foldable Hat (Wide-brimmed for sun protection)
• Umbrella (For sunshade as well as potential rain)

Toiletries

• Travel Toiletry Bag – this is my favorite and fits “everything”
• Travel-Sized Sunscreen (High SPF, suitable for face and body)
• After-Sun Lotion (Aloe-based to soothe any sun exposure)
• Lip Balm with SPF
• Deodorant (Travel-sized)
• Travel-Sized Shampoo and Conditioner
• Toothbrush and Toothpaste
• Travel-Sized Moisturizer (For face and body)
• Minimal Makeup (Focus on lightweight, sweat-resistant products)
• Hand Sanitizer (Travel-sized)
• Reusable Water Bottle (Stay hydrated!)

Tech & Gadgets

• Phone and Charger
• Portable Charger/Power Bank
• Travel Adapter (For European outlets)
• Earbuds/Headphones
• Camera or Smartphone with Extra Storage (To capture all those amazing moments)

Documents & Essentials

• Passport and Copies (Keep a digital copy as well)
• Travel Insurance Information
• Credit Cards and Cash (In a secure money belt or RFID-blocking wallet)
• Printed or Digital Copies of Reservations (Hotels, tours, etc.)
• Map or Guidebook (Optional, but helpful for offline use)
• Medications (In original containers with prescription if needed)

Optional Items

• Foldable Tote Bag (For any souvenirs or extra items)
• Laundry Bag (For keeping dirty clothes separate)
• Small First Aid Kit (Band-aids, pain relievers, etc.)
• Snacks (Granola bars, nuts, or other non-perishable items)

Packing Tips:

• Roll Your Clothes: Rolling rather than folding can save space and reduce wrinkles.
• Use Packing Cubes: These help keep everything organized and maximize space in your carry-on.
• Wear Your Bulkiest Items on the Plane: Sneakers, jeans, and a light jacket can be worn during travel to save space in your bag.

This list should keep you comfortable and well-prepared for a week in Rome’s summer heat, all while fitting neatly into your carry-on. Enjoy your trip!