Silly packing question

Why not take it out of your suitcase in Rome? I always pack it to the very top so that I only have to move the zipper a couple of inches to get it out. Your carry on should include all valuables (an umbrella is not), any critical medications, maybe a sweater as the plane is often very cool, your critical papers, and maybe a change of clothing (if you have room) in the event the checked luggage is misplaced for a while.

Frank missed one that should be in your carry on - your lipstick! (or all cosmetics) - another one of those things you do not want to have to replace if your bag is delayed/lost.

If you want to pack your umbrella in your carry-on it shouldn't cause any problems with security.

I always make sure my carry on has all my jewelry (if I'm bringing more than what I'm wearing), some basic toiletries just in case, my own earphones/earbuds, water (that I bought after the security checkpoint), gum, my phone, my reading glasses, chapstick (the plane is SO dry!), my wallet, a sleepmask, my Kindle, my passport, a magazine with articles to read (The New Yorker), a sweater, an extra top (in case my luggage goes temporarily missing), and a pair of extra fuzzy socks so I can get comfortable in the cold plane.
Definitely put your umbrella at the top edge of your suitcase near the zipper so you can sneak it out if you need it when you get to Italy. Otherwise it'll just take up a lot of space in your carry-on and add unnecessary weight.

Angela ,

this is what i learned when i took my first international flight and had my luggage checked in and my luggage didnt make the connection flight to my final destination.

always pack/bring on you an extra set of clothes.
always pack/bring on you any prescription meds you need.

happy trails.

I agree with the advice given; pack your umbrella in your small suitcase in an easily accessible place.

Another option: Use your day pack as your carry on bag. Put your umbrella inside that or in the outside mesh pocket. You'd be surprised how much room there is under the seat for a daypack. It's even possible to check your small suitcase, and then bring your daypack on board as a carry on, and I think you can even have a "purse" too. This give you lots of options in terms of carrying emergency clothes on board. Remember to leave your small suitcase about half full.

Although I know Rick recommends bringing a sweater, here's an option that works for me. I bought an over-sized Adidas nylon sweatshirt (in Kelly green). It's supposed to be one of those tight shirts for body builders, but I bought an XXL (at a discount at Ross) and it fits me just right. It's ultra light, takes up hardly any room, and it blocks the wind and keeps you warm.

Listen to Ray. Just in case I always have a clean shirt/top, underwear, all meds, cosmetics and everything I will NEED (not want) that first day. Of course, passport I wear in a neck pouch on my body as well as credit cards, cash etc. I had my luggage delayed for two days once, and had to shop in Madrid for the essentials.

I always take in my hand luggage everything I will need for the first 24 hours on the ground and everything that I would not want gone forever (camera, jewelry, etc.). If I have connecting flights - especially if there's a short connection - I may up that to what I need for 48 hours or more, and especially if I'm not staying in the city where I'm landing.

I've never suffered the loss of a suitcase, though it did happen to friends of mine and once to someone in my tour group because the bag was mistagged on check-in. In the past few years, I've had 24-48 hour delays in getting my suitcase 3 times. . . all on connecting flights.

Coat, umbrella, hat, gloves, stuff that I don't need until my destination, I pack where is most accessible, then just pop it out when I arrive. 5 minutes to open and close a suitcase is so much better than having to carry unnecessary things around airports and on planes.

Thanks everyone, you are all so helpful! And you are making me paranoid about checking any luggage. I may just rethink that since I will be in Rome only 24 hours before I head to Sorrento.

Hi Angela. I would encourage you to rethink checking your luggage, especially since you'll be in Rome for such a short time. My checked luggage failed to make my flight from Philly to England and for my whole trip (2 weeks) it followed me through 3 countries. It couldn't catch up because I moved around so much. That situation is rare, but it was obnoxious enough to change my mind about checking bags. It's a pleasure to drag my suitcase with me everywhere because I know what the alternative is like!

i checked my bag this summer going to Italy, had no problems. the above advice is all sound, I also carry on my tooth brush, (don't bother with paste, my whole point in checking a bag is I don't want to have to show my liquid toiletries to the world. ) also add a couple of protein bars in case you are delayed in getting that first fabulous meal in Italy. (we ended up eating them one night that it was pouring rain and we did not want to venture out from the B&B....a big bottle of Italian wine and breakfast bars in our jammies) check the umbrella and lots of other stuff.