What am I going to wear? This will undoubtedly be at the top of your thoughts once you book your trip.

Think simple: Italian women dress stylishly without a lot of fuss. Color coordinate, be neat, and all shall be well. Over-packing will end up being a drag on your trip. You can always hand wash, or get to a laundry or dry cleaner while you’re there. Plus, what’s the hardship in having to buy extra clothes or shoes in Italy?

Check the weather forecast: Ten-day forecasts (found online) can be a big help in wardrobe planning.

Tag your luggage: Include the phone number of your destination on a tag outside and inside, on the top layer of your packed suitcase, just in case your luggage gets misplaced.

Don’t pack:

• Your hairdryer: Even budget hotels have them.
• Spike heels: They get stuck in the cobblestones.
• Shorts: You’ll feel odd unless you’re biking or on a beach.

Do pack:

• Umbrella: To always carry with you on “iffy” weather days. You’ll regret having to buy one from eager street vendors who jack up the price the moment the sky opens.
• Tissues: To double as toilet paper. There will inevitably be places that are lacking.
• Band Aids and moleskin: In case of foot blisters.
• Travel-sized toiletries: This is the stuff that can really add weight, so bring only what you need. Dry shampoo is a great invention for traveling—lightweight and time-saving. Hotels generally supply shampoo and body lotion.
• Bathing suit: Even for non-beach vacations, so you’re prepared for a spontaneous spa visit or a pool. And consider a bikini, even if you feel you’re past bikini days. You’ll see Italian women of every age, shape, and size wearing them. Go ahead and join in on the pleasure.
• Crossbody bag: I find the crossbody style the most comfortable and convenient for those days of lots of walking.
• Lightweight duffel bag: To fill with souvenirs for your return trip.
• Copy of your passport, credit card numbers, and toll-free numbers to call in case of credit card loss. Give another copy and your itinerary to someone who can easily be reached, so they can be sent to you if necessary. Before you go, call your bank and credit card companies to give them a heads up, as in these days of high security, they may block your card if they aren’t forewarned about your foreign spending.
• Tablet and smartphone: Loaded up with the guides and apps about where you’re going. If you must take a guidebook, rip out and pack only the pages that apply to your destination, or scan the pages into a document for your device—don’t take the whole heavy book.
• Streetwise Maps for the cities you’ll be visiting. These laminated, purse-friendly, well-indexed maps are far superior to the ones hotels and tourist kiosks hand out. Even if you’re using GPS on your device, these are great to have in your hotel room as you plan your day. You can buy them in U.S. bookstores or online (www.streetwisemaps.com).

Packing à la Susan:

• Use Wire Hangers: I know Joan Crawford would be horrified, but putting all your clothes on wire hangers, which you then roll up in plastic to prevent wrinkling and then whoosh into your hotel closet when you arrive, cuts down on unpacking time, which gives you more time for Italy.
• Have a Dress Rehearsal: Here I go confessing my corny secret packing ritual: I take my inspiration from Cher in Moonstruck—the scene where she gets ready for her date with Nicholas Cage. To get psyched for my date with Italy, I put my mirror center stage, have a glass of white wine nearby, Andrea Bocelli blaring in the background, and all the wardrobe possibilities on the bed, including jewelry and scarves. Then I dress for the plane, for that day I know I’ll be touring a museum, for that special dinner, etc. Inevitably, this is where I’ll figure out what to mix and match, what shoes won’t work, and cut out half of what’s on that bed. And so the light, lovely adventure begins...