If your job leads you to a business trip to Italy, it’s without a doubt a thrilling opportunity that you’ll want to make the most of.  Even if it’s only a weekend visit, a properly organized itinerary will ensure that you enjoy your time outside of the office, giving you an experience to remember.  However, it’s crucial to manage your packing efficiently to see that your time spent in transit is easy and stress-free.  Aside from the obvious laptop, toiletries, and camera, here are a few items you should definitely consider taking with you, no matter what your plans or where you’re going.

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  1. An Expensive Suit.  While you will need an expensive suit, preferably from a high-end label, for your business meeting, it will help you make a good impression for whoever you meet.  Wearing an Italian brand will be particularly appreciated—Armani, Dolce and Gabbana, Missoni, and Gucci are all a safe bet.
  2. Large Suitcase.  Conversely, you could always go ahead and buy luxury brand attire straight from the source.  Cities like Rome and Milan are strongholds for high-end fashion, as well as shoes, leather products, perfumes, and ceramics.  For the shopaholic, a large suitcase will be necessary in transporting gifts and souvenirs back home!
  3. Map.  Even if you don’t plan to do much sightseeing, a street map is imperative to bring along.  Plenty of Italian cities dating back hundreds or even thousands of years have labyrinthine streets and layouts that are incomprehensible to newcomers.  To avoid wandering in circles through the wrong parts of town, take a map and then stick to the advised sections.
  4. Plug Adapter.  It can be easy to forget in the heat of preparing for your flight that European countries use different electrical outlets, but if you want to be able to charge your phone and laptop or dry your hair, make sure you bring one ahead of time.  Wandering a strange city looking for adapters is the last thing you want to be doing straight out of the airport.italia
  5. Good Shoes.  As a tourist who won’t be familiar with the local public transportation, it’s safe to say you’ll be doing a lot of walking in Italy, especially since in traffic-congested cities walking is usually the best way to take in the sites and experience the town up close.  Especially if you’ll be carrying a lot of luggage with you, a pair of good shoes with proper arch support is a must-have.
  6. Italian-English Dictionary.  Even if you know some Italian beforehand, traveling with a dictionary will help you in communicating with the locals, finding your way around, ordering at restaurants, and anything else you can think of.  People will also appreciate that you’re making the effort to try and learn their language, which will lead to better relations both inside and outside the office.  To get started learning Italian for your prospective business trip, send us an enquiry or take a look at our different levels of Italian courses—we’d love to hear from you!