We are on RS “Best of Italy” in September. I am wondering if swimwear is needed as I don’t want to give any precious space in my carry on for “just in case”.
Posted by
Edmonds, WA 🌨 ☂
11199 posts
Any place where a swimsuit might be useful, has at least a dozen other better things to do with the time. I think ours got wet once, in a hotel hot tub. The agriturismo (Orvieto) had a pool, but we did other things and never got in there.
The beaches are not the Flroida/Calif. sand expanses but rather smooth pebbles.
If space is a premium, leave it home.
My $0.02
Posted by
OP
Idaho
7 posts
Thank you for sharing your .02 cents.
While on the subject of “space” I have never traveled in a 21” suitcase. I am losing my mind figuring out how to be considered but not like I have given up.
Wink! No emoji allowed.
Posted by
Tucson
4157 posts
Have you visited the Packing Forum? There you will find possibly more than you want to know about packing light...or not.
Here's the link: https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/packing
Posted by
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, USA
14004 posts
You don't HAVE to pack in a 21" carry on if this doesn't suit you. You DO have to be able to handle your bag yourself which can mean lifting it on/off of a crowded vaporetto in Venice or on/off the train in Monterosso and then pulling it to your hotel.
I recommend starting with a packing list and leaving out everything non-essential.
Here is my Trip Report from my Best of Italy in October 2022 with a packing list of my capsule wardrobe.
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/trip-reports/best-of-italy-sept-30-october-16-2022
The only 2 places you might use a swimsuit are in Monterosso in the Cinque Terre if you must swim in the Med, and as mentioned, the agritourismo near Orvieto. I don't care about being in the water so I didn't take one and on my tour of 28 individuals no one else went swimming either.
editing to add: If you are in the CdA area we have a wonderful meet-up the 1st Saturday of the month. You'd be welcome to come! WARNING - there are several of us who are light or very light packers but we won't force you over to the dark side, hahaha!