Why Tourists Visiting Italy Should Just Avoid Bringing This Common Type Of Luggage
There's no such thing as being a perfect traveler. Still, it helps to know tourists' common pitfalls so you don't make the same mistakes. In Italy, that means never exploring without a scarf or shawl, never ordering Aperol spritz with your pasta, and not forgetting to learn a few local phrases.
However, not all blunders take place after you arrive in the boot-shaped country — some, like bringing the wrong luggage, occur before you even board your flight. If you rely on a rolling suitcase to pack your travel essentials, note that you might get stuck on the cobblestone streets, which, while beautiful to look at, aren't so kind to small wheels.
According to travel TikToker Natasha (@exploringelsewhere), you might especially regret bringing your rolling suitcase to Italy's Amalfi Coast. As the content creator explains in a video, the area is known for its stairs, and lugging a heavy suitcase up and down can be a nearly impossible feat.
Swap your rolling luggage for a totable bag
The best bag for your travels might usually be a spacious piece outfitted with four 360-degree wheels, but different rules apply when visiting Italy. Even if you don't consider yourself a backpacker, Natasha suggests limiting your baggage to an easy-to-carry backpack in her TikTok clip. To fit all your clothes, toiletries, and electronics, skip the standard day bag and opt for a full-sized backpack that doesn't skimp on space. The best designs are equipped with several pockets and can expand to fit more than just the basics.
Duffle bags are another easy swap, and some can convert into a backpack if your shoulder gets tired. Since duffles tend to be long and can bulge when packed full, they might not always meet airlines' size restrictions for carry-ons, so be sure to measure your bag before checking in at the airport.
Finally, don't overlook the simplicity and sophistication of a traditional suitcase. Remember when suitcases only came with a handle for carrying — no wheels, special hardware, or other bells and whistles? These old-school cases are convenient to carry down cobblestone streets, and their vintage flair will fit right in with Italy's historical scenery.
If you do bring a rolling suitcase, follow these tips
If you can't imagine traveling to Italy without your favorite rolling luggage — or if your vacation budget doesn't allow for purchasing a new bag (buying quality luggage and backpacks can be pricey, after all) — be prepared to carry your gear down some Italian streets and up steep flights of stairs. Packing light will make the journey less back-breaking.
Commenters on Natasha's video also offered another tip: Have someone else carry your luggage for you! One wrote, "Used porter service for luggage in Positano and Capri! Didnt [sic] have to carry any of our bags." Another added, "You can absolutely bring a roller suitcase ... just pay one of the porters like 10 euro right when you get off the ferry and they'll bring it to wherever you're staying." While this advice may work in the Amalfi Coast area, you might not easily find porters in other parts of Italy. Some services, such as Kibag, offer luggage transportation in Rome, Naples, and other cities across the country, but be prepared to pay a fee.