Let’s face it, this pandemic has kept many of us from getting up and going. And with the latest variant, who knows when we will get back to life as we knew it. What do we need in a time like this? A nice international vacation! If you have never been on an international vacation, there are some things you may want to consider before you book the trip.
Make sure that you have your traveling documents!
You won’t get very far from your country without a passport. Be sure that it is not expired and up to date. There are different laws concerning passport requirements so be sure to review the laws for the country you intend to travel to.
Another important thing to consider is whether or not the country you plan to visit requires a travel visa. Bringing your children? Did you know that when traveling with children under 18, if both parents aren’t accompanying the minor, it may be necessary to have written permission from the other parent? Check with the country that you intend to travel to regarding their laws for this specific issue.
Do you have travel insurance? I highly recommend that you purchase it when traveling internationally. Its very inexpensive and can save you tons in the event you become sick, have flight delays, experience theft, or any other unfortunate mishap.
Keep all of your travel documents handy in a folder or some other secure device and keep a copy of them on you at all times. It may even be helpful to have photos of the documents on your phone in case you misplace the paper documents.
Many people have the luxury of downloading their boarding passes, but what happens if you lose your phone, or it dies? To be on the safe side, print a paper copy of your boarding pass so that you can avoid delays boarding your plane.
Have hotel accommodations? Make sure you have all necessary documents on hand for easy transition from the airport to your destination.
Are you bringing your electronics?
Let’s face it, we are in the technology age, and it is hard to go anywhere without our gadgets and going to another country exposes us to such a rich culture. Make sure that you have your camera, or you may opt to use your cellular device. Note: Check with your smart phone carrier about international rate plans ahead of time to avoid a costly wireless bill upon return.
It is also important to remember that when traveling to another country, you may need different power adapters in order to charge your devices. Before you leave home, I’d advise ordering a charger suitable for the country in question, if necessary, of course.
As a safety precaution, always keep your electronics handy either on your person or in your carry-on luggage. We don’t want to have to replace valuables while on vacation. Before you leave home as a rule of thumb, make sure all your devices have a full battery life because you never know what sights you will see once you touch down.
Don’t forget the Meds!
Whether you take medication daily or have vitamins and supplement items you take daily, pack these items along with some Tylenol or Motrin for the occasional headache. These items can be tossed in your toiletries bag. If you want to pack a small drink, your carry-on can have liquids in 3.4 oz bottles. Of course, the bottles have to be in a TSA approved bag (transparent).
Staying at a hotel? Consider leaving shampoos and extra toiletries at home as most hotels include these items in your bathroom and its free. Don’t forget that deodorant because no one wants to offend someone in another country with foul odor! Make sure you have your toothbrush and toothpaste, lotion, and maybe a disposable razor, for longer stays.
Okay, time for some clothing.
Consider how long you are staying on the trip. For a longer trip, I’d advise you to pack less, and make sure that the hotel you are staying at has laundering services to wash your clothing. Additionally, you may run into a cute little boutique with clothing that is just your style and that will allow room for allyour new treasures from your trip.
Traveling to a cooler destination, it would be beneficial to dress in layers, this way you aren’t putting the extra clothing in the suitcase. If you must take bulky clothing, consider wearing them during your flight, in order to prevent having to pack them in your luggage. For under garments, pack underwear and socks (unless you plan to wear sandals) for every day.
Consider taking items that can be worn in different ways. For example, you may want to pack your favorite pair of pants or shorts and several options of shirts. This way, you save space with the bulkier item and have an array of options for your top. Shirts can be rolled up to save space. For us ladies, dresses are also a good idea as they take up little space and are super comfortable.
Traveling for business? Obviously, you may want to bring a business suit. Make sure you bring a pair of heels ladies, or formal shoes fellas, and let’s not forget our tie and other accessories.
If you plan on getting some exercise in on your trip, don’t forget some active wear and a pair of sneakers. Note: try and limit the number of shoes you pack to three or less as shoes take up a lot of space.
Depending on your destination, you may want to pack a hat, scarf, swimsuit, gloves, belt, jewelry, and don’t forget your PJ’s. These items will be dependent upon your location and your personal preference.
Items we don’t necessarily need but may want.
Listen depending on your flight, you may want a light snack to eat on while you are flying. And if it adheres to the 3.4 oz rules set by TSA, throw it in the bag! Make sure you check with the country you are planning to visit on restrictions with certain food items as certain foods are restricted in certain countries.
You may want to carry an empty bag for your dirty laundry. You can get a mesh bag at your local Dollar Tree. You may want to pack some smaller zip-lock bags as well, just in case.
Planning on shopping, make sure you take a luggage scale because the last thing you want is to be hit with an expensive checked bags bill on the return home. Consider bringingsunglasses, an umbrella, hand sanitizer, face mask (because COVID is still rampant), a small notebook and pen, and of course cash. Make sure you don’t forget your keys because you will need to get into your home upon your return.
Enjoy the trip and make memories to last a lifetime!
Traveling is fun and you create memories with your friends and family that you will talk about for years to come. Make sure that you are prepared for your flight so that you can relax and enjoy yourself. For longer flights, load that Kindle with books, download your favorite tv shows and movies to your iPad. Create your ultimate flight playlist, or simply bring along a book to write your thoughts. Whatever it is you do to kill time, make sure you are prepared for the long flight. Note: It may be beneficial to have a neck pillow, eye mask and ear plugs, in the event you just want to take a nice long nap. Grab our Luxotic Neck Pillow and blanket for your next long vacation.