Backpack/Day bag ?

We mostly use the backpack for taking things we need on the plane, not for day tripping (although some days we take it)

We bring empty water bottles, books to read, headphones,camera/batteries, cell phone, iPod, guide books, light jacket, hat, a few snacks (nuts, etc, but we buy food at Co-Op stores in Italy)

For sightseeing during the day:

Camera, batteries, guide book, water, snacks, jacket, hat.

These day packs can count at your "personal items" for carry on - like a purse/laptopcase/briefcase... so fill it up with the heavy stuff incase yorue asked to weigh your regular carry on suitcase. If you check the big one - then make it lighter.

But as the previous poster mentioned - bring all the elctronics and the adapters etc - ipod, camera etc. I also try to either wear the heavier jacket/sweater, and pack an extra day of clothes (tshirt, socks, underwear) just incase your checked back is delayed if you must check it. ALso anything necessary for your trip you can start without - like hiking boots if youre hiking!

Back/day packs are great for bottled water, snacks, electronic gear you want to carry, medicine, etc., as well as a place to store what you may happen to buy during your day out on the town. The Civita day pack Rick uses seems a little flimsey for that purpose.

FYI,I just purchased the new Rick Steves convertible bag and it is wonderful. In fact, after packing mine with HER things for our trip to Italy next week, my wife just ordered one for herself. One thing I noticed about this bag is that if I pack "light" as Rick suggests, I still have room to put a standard back-pack (school book size) either inside of it with my clothing, or in the side access pocket of the bag. That way I have the use of the back pack contents on the airplane, but only one bag on my back when walking through the terminal or on public transportation where the pickpockets are located. Have a great trip. Where are you going?

Since my luggage was lost going to Florida a few years back I alway pack my bathing suit and a change of clothes for my destination in my carry on. One time I thought why bother, and my suitcase got misplaced again for 4 days.
I

Since my luggage was lost going to Florida a few years back I alway pack my bathing suit and a change of clothes for my destination in my carry on. One time I thought why bother, and my suitcase got misplaced again for 4 days.
So now I pack an them in my carry again. I did not think of taking empty water bottles on the plane. What a great idea. Thanks to the person that suggested it.

I always put the following three types of items in the carry-on for the plane:

1) one change of undergarments
2) snacks and water bottle (empty to go through security but it can be filled up once past)
3) anything that you couldn't live without or would be extremely upset if stolen, lost or broken.

For a day pack when not on a plane I just leave out the undergarments and include maps and guidebooks.

This is a little off the topic, but related to packing...We are going to pack each of our two bags with half my things and half my boyfriends things, so if one bag gets lost in the luggage twilight zone, we will each still have half a supply of clothes... :) Plus, I agree that packing a change of clothes in your carry on in case both bags are lost is always a smart idea...Have sooo much fun...we are a couple days behind you!! :)

Thanks for all your replies... Did not think about the empty H20 bottles and the change of clothes... Duh!! Starting in Milan and ending in Sorrento...( first time to the boot)
and a Tide stick for those emergency spots!

Oops, I forgot one more type of item. I always include some form of entertainment such as a book to read or a crossword puzzle book. 8-9 hour flights get long when you can't sleep but everyone else is and they're showing Dodgeball for the airplane movie.

Others have addressed what you should put in your backpack. I'd like to suggest that you NOT leave ANY valuables "locked in your suitcase in your room." Always use the in-room safe or if the room does not have one, the hotel should have one at the front desk for guests to use. NEVER leave anything of value in your room!!!! The suitcase may be locked - but unless you have it chained to the pipe under the sink - it can sure walk away easily.

Have a good trip! Say hi to Sorrento for me!

Sally D.

Even chaining a bag to a sink isn't foolproof. A .50 cent box cutter can bypass any lock placed on "soft" luggage/bags. I never quite understood why people place locks on bags. I never ever used one and have never had a problem. Of course I don't put anything of value in my bags, and don't travel with anything I'm not willing to loose in the first place.