Traveling Abroad? Don’t Forget These Essential Items!
Traveling abroad is an exciting adventure, but it can quickly turn stressful if you forget to pack the essentials. Here are some must-have items to make your trip abroad more comfortable and convenient:
- Travel Adapter: Different countries have different types of power outlets, so it’s crucial to bring a travel adapter to ensure that you can charge your devices. Look for an adapter that can handle multiple types of plugs.
- Powerbank: When you’re on the go, you may not have access to a power outlet to charge your phone or other devices. A power bank is a portable battery that you can use to charge your devices while you’re out and about.
- Multiplug: A multi-plug or power strip is an excellent way to ensure that you can charge multiple devices at once, even if you only have one power outlet in your hotel/room.
- Travel Pillow: Long flights can be uncomfortable, but a travel pillow can help you get some much-needed rest. Look for one that is compact and easy to pack.
- Earbuds/Earphone: They allow you to listen to music, watch movies or TV shows, or even listen to audiobooks, which can make the flight more enjoyable and help pass the time.
- Lightweight Backpack/excluding luggage: A lightweight backpack is perfect for carrying your essentials while you’re out exploring. Look for one with multiple compartments to keep your items organized.
- Travel Insurance: Although we hope that everything goes smoothly during our travels, accidents can happen. Travel insurance can provide peace of mind and protect you financially if something goes wrong.
Prior to departing, it is advisable to complete several tasks such as uploading copies of documents, photos, and music onto cloud storage, preserving critical contact information in a Google document, verifying the weight limitations and onboard amenities of your flight, organizing transportation to and from the airport in both your home and destination country, downloading a messenger or online calling app to communicate with loved ones using accessible Wi-Fi, and adding unique features to your luggage to distinguish it from others.
After completing your initial preparations, it’s time to begin packing. Start with your carry-on bag, and make sure to:
- Keep your passport, visa, and enrollment letter easily accessible.
- Once you receive your boarding pass, store it securely in your carry-on bag.
- Bring some local currency for your destination country.
- Consider packing a journal and pen to document your experiences.
- Remember to bring any necessary prescription medications.
- Ensure that your phone, charger, cameras, and batteries are packed in your carry-on bag.
- Pack one or two changes of clothes in case your luggage is delayed.
- Bring a book or e-reader, as well as headphones for your journey.
- Pack face wipes, gum, hand sanitizer, a travel pillow, and your itinerary.
- Don’t forget to bring your reading glasses and sunglasses.
- If you’re traveling to a colder country, remember to pack mittens and a hat.
Moving on to the checked luggage, be sure to pack:
- Copies of all your essential documents.
- Toiletries such as contact lenses, solutions, and feminine products.
- Appropriate clothing for the weather in your destination country.
- A convenient first-aid kit.
- Souvenirs for your host family, if you are staying with one.
- An umbrella.
- Running shoes, flip flops, and college wear.
- Extra money for emergencies.
- A language dictionary.
- Any required books for your studies.
Remember to avoid packing the following items to prevent wasting money or encountering issues with customs:
- Spices or plant products.
- Stationery, which can be purchased locally.
- Excessive cash. Bring only what you need, and some emergency cash.
- Pirated goods or movies.
- Any object that may be deemed as a weapon.
It’s a good idea to always check for the list of banned and restricted items on the official website of your airlines in order to avoid any form of conflict at the airport.
