Chapter 11: Luggage and Packing

Delayed Luggage: It Happens.

You will be changing planes on your way to Florence. Don't be surprised if your luggage takes a while to catch up with you. It is very common for checked luggage to be delayed for up to 3-4 days. The reason is that the smaller planes that fly into Florence can only take so much baggage weight. If that limit is exceeded, bags will simply be sent on later flights, and they will be delivered to FUA where you can pick them up. Be sure to pack any real necessities in your carry-on. NEVER check important medications, contact lenses, cameras, money, etc. Always keep those, plus at least one change of clothing in your possession at all times in case your checked luggage gets delayed. If your bags are delayed, please don't have your parents call us at our office in Connecticut. Our Program Director in Florence will help you, but very often the only thing you can do is be patient...and wash your socks out at night.

Luggage and Packing

Yes, you will be in Florence for an entire semester, fifteen weeks - or maybe you'll be there for a year. You may even be in Europe for more time than that. But don't pack your entire wardrobe. We strongly suggest:

One Large Suitcase Or Duffel: Remember, you and you alone will have to carry your luggage. If you're struggling to carry your luggage now, imagine carrying it up 3 or 4 flights of stairs to your apartment, and how hard it will be to bring it all home again, plus all the things you will accumulate while abroad! The maximum weight for checked luggage is usually 70lbs; the maximum combined measurements (length, height and width) are usually 62 inches. However, these figures change Check with your airline for current allowable weight and dimensions. Airlines are getting more serious about charging for excessive weight. Never pack valuables in your checked luggage.

One Carry-On: In this carry-on, you should pack all your important items, such as medications, extra glasses, etc. Call the airline to find out maximum measurements. Please note: Backpacks with frames are NOT carry-on luggage. Remember, you will be traveling great distances and the heavier the luggage, the less enjoyable the experience. You can live very comfortably in Florence and Europe with what we suggest. Students never return from studying abroad with the comment, "I wish I'd brought more."

Note That The Federal Aviation Agency Has Limited Carry-Ons To One Item (not counting purses). You Will Not Be Allowed More Than One Carry-On Bag By Airport Officials. Do not include sharp items (nail files, razors, etc.) in your carry-on.

Clothing

What you wear to class in the United States should work in Florence. Italians tend to dress up a little more, so it is advisable not to wear what we would term athletic wear to school. Sweat pants and pajama bottoms will brand you as a (less-than-chic) American instantly. Jeans are acceptable. While Europeans and especially Italians tend to dress a bit more formally than Americans, don't worry about taking lots of dressy clothes. For special occasions men should take one dress suit or sport coat/dress slacks and tie. Women should take a few dressy separates that can be combined in various ways. Avoid wearing pro-sports T-shirts, NBA-type sneakers, and other items that scream "I'm an American - steal from me!"

It's okay to wear the same outfits frequently. Europeans do, and find the huge wardrobes of Americans somewhat ostentatious. Choose carefully and take as little as possible.

You will do a lot of walking, so take comfortable walking shoes, like sneakers. During the late fall and winter months, you will need a good, heavy sweater. You will also need warm pajamas, socks and slippers because it may get cold during the night and the apartments may feel damp. You may want to consider buying a jacket when you get there instead of bringing one from home. For the late spring and summer, you should bring shorts, skirts, polo shirts or T-shirts. Light colors are preferable. Pack a swimsuit and a bath or beach towel in case you decide to travel to warmer climates. Most important; take clothing that you know, for sure, you are going to wear and need; it should be washable, versatile, durable and light. You'll probably want to buy a few items during your semester... wait to see what Italian chic is really like.

Other Essentials and Non-Essentials

Take a small travel alarm clock so you wake up on time for class (Italians are very punctual). Do not bring expensive jewelry. Don't risk losing or having stolen that precious bracelet or costly watch. Don't bring anything you could not bear to lose.

Regarding laptops: If you have one, you'll want to bring it with you. For use abroad, it should read ACv110-250 on the rating plate. You will need to buy an adapter plug so that you can plug it in to European outlets. If you have an older laptop with 110v, you will need a 240v-110v transformer.

Suggested items:

• Small umbrella and folding raincoat/poncho
• Travel alarm clock (battery or wind-up)
• Under-the-clothes money pouch or belt (available in travel stores, luggage departments, or AAA)
• A few dressy separates for special nights out
• Comfortable shoes for lots of walking
• Comfortable clothing that you will wear More Than Once.
• Bathing suit
• Jeans
• Toiletries, including your usual over-the-counter medicines and contact lens solutions.
• Extra pair of contacts or glasses
• Any necessary prescription medication (full supply for your stay)
• Camera

Items You Should Leave at Home:

• Valuables. Don't bring good watches, jewelry, or anything you couldn't bear to lose.
• Electrical items, including your hairdryer. Even with adapters, they don't work well in Italy. Buy one there.
• Anything that needs to be dry-cleaned
• ... and half the clothes you think you can't live without.

Remember that you'll need room in your suitcase for the inevitable purchases you'll be making. While Italy and Florence in particular can be expensive, you're sure to come home with even heavier bags!