Are you preparing to add a stamp to your passport? By now, you have probably dreamt about all of the incredible sights you will see and foods you will savor. But don’t forget to put some extra thought into packing! You’ll need several items for traveling abroad that likely aren’t on your normal packing list. Let’s get started!
Travel Documents; Passports, ID, Visas, Insurance Card, Travel Insurance Contact Information
Your passport is not something you should go looking for the week before you leave. It’s something you need to consider the moment you are thinking about booking your international trip. Find where your passport is, and make sure it will not be expiring anytime soon. Some countries require your passport to have at least 6 months left on them before they expire for you to enter their country. Do this immediately if you do not have a passport or need to get it renewed! Even if you get it expedited, you could still face hang-ups. The passport offices cannot guarantee when your passports will arrive, so you don’t want to stress when you are supposed to be focused on packing. Next, you will want to check whether or not you need a travel visa. Each country has its own requirements, so take time to research this! You will also want copies of your health insurance (and auto insurance, too, if you plan on renting a car) as well as the contact information for your travel insurance. Travel insurance when going abroad is highly recommended! It can help cover things like lost luggage, flight delays, theft, injuries, etc. We all know it isn’t cheap to travel abroad, so be sure your trip is protected! Another suggestion to help you prepare for a successful trip is to make copies of these important documents. You can even email yourself a copy. Keep all of these documents (and their copies) with you in your carry-on luggage when traveling, and lock them in the safe when you arrive.
Money Belt
Sadly, tourists can often be targets for theft. Tourists are frequently distracted by the beauty around them, making them easy to target. Pickpockets also know tourists probably have important documents and money on them. Wearing a money belt under your clothing is much safer than putting these items in a purse, backpack, or pocket where they can be easily stolen.
Electrical Converters and Adaptors
To protect your electronics, be sure to buy a converter/adaptor before your trip. Think about how many things you plan on bringing that require an electrical source, and plan accordingly on how many of these you will need to purchase.
Inflatable Travel Pillow
However, saving space can also be essential too. Consider purchasing an inflatable neck pillow to save room in your luggage! We all know how long international travel can take, and although you may not think it looks cool, neck pillows can be quite handy for helping you get some sleep on your flight.
Bar of Laundry Soap
Speaking of conserving space in your luggage, consider dressing in layers. Piece your outfits together beforehand and plan on rewearing clothes. The easiest way to do this is to pack neutral-colored clothing and mix and match your pieces. When something needs to be freshened up, give it a quick wash in the sink with a Laundry Bar!
Reusable Filtered Water Bottle
Not only is this extremely helpful on the plane, so you don’t have to rely on the flight attendant's drink carts, but a reusable water bottle is something you will want to bring along with you, so you do not have to rely on finding and buying bottled water. Having one that can hook on the outside of a backpack is another plus!
Luggage Scale
If your destination includes multiple stops, you may want to pack a luggage scale. Depending on what items you are wearing, including in your carry-on or personal bag, or how many souvenirs you have acquired, the weight of your checked luggage is sure to change. You don’t want to be hit up with additional fees, and it’s much easier to do the suitcase shuffle in your hotel room instead of on the airport floor in front of a long line of fellow travelers! With a luggage scale, you can be sure your checked bag is within the weight restrictions before arriving at the airport.
Now, what’s stopping you from taking the trip? Get out of your comfort zone and soak up the culture of another country. I once read, “Of all the books in the world, the best stories are found between the pages of a passport.” If you need help creating your story, I’d be happy to help!
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