The stress of figuring out travel dates, flights, initial travel costs is now all behind you. Check that off your list and SIGH with relief. Now it's time to countdown!
When it comes to packing, many people can get overwhelmed. Whether you travel a lot or a little, it's never quick to figure out what to bring.
A few factors to consider:
What season is it? Though, you should always prepare for it to be colder (I can attest to that)
Is this an active, outdoor kind of trip? Are we talking gear?
How fancy are we getting? Casual dinners vs wearing our best clothing?
It's not the worst thing to wear an outfit/item twice. You can change up different pieces into a new outfit, and avoid overpacking.
Checked bag:
We are all suckers for bringing way more clothes than we need. I know I personally want to bring all my very best outfits, and I ALWAYS underestimate the weather. Do I end up wearing all of the beautiful outfits I bring? No way.
So here are some basic packing thoughts on what to bring:
A few different versions of a jacket. Ex: jean jacket, thick sweater, light spring coat.
At least 1 pair of jeans. Always. Again, another mistake I always make. It WILL be colder than you anticipate.
A few night outfits, a few more casual outfits. Make a plan for what you will be doing. You likely wont need a dress and heels for dinner every single night. But a few nice options aren't a bad idea, just don't go overboard.
A few more undies and socks than days travelled. Realistically some days are sweatier than others when you are touring a new city, and it's nice to put on some fresh clothes later in the day.
Closed-toed comfy shoes for walking. And be realistic with all other shoe choices. Depending on the trip length, maybe 2-3 pairs that can be paired with multiple outfits. I'm not a person that loves heels, so I shouldn't be bringing my most uncomfortable, pretty pair on vacation.
Sunglasses! A must for me.
Small purse for touring. Not too heavy or bulky.
Small backpack or tote bag perhaps, for all the shopping you didn't plan on doing...
Do you really need to bring your own hair dryer? Check with the hotel first
Medications: acid reflux meds (for the husband), Benadryl (for him too), nausea medication, Neosporin/Bandaids, nausea medication, pain relievers.
Carry on:
Assess your personal preference, but I say bring the bare essentials. I can't tell you how many times I've brought so many things to do, and I end up people watching in the airport and then watching movies on the airplane TV screens.
Essential should include:
Headphones for your phone (headphones for plane will be provided, but if you have a pair, it's easier to bring them). If you like to watch Netflix, or end up on a plane without a TV, your cellphone headphones are key. I make this mistake often...
phone charger
if you are smart, an extra set of clothes. Especially when travelling in the evening, if flight gets cancelled and you need to stay in a hotel, it's nice to have a change.
book - if you are a reader and you think you will actually open it
SNACKS. Travel days are not good on my stomach with all the processed food in airports. Bring some familiar, somewhat healthy snacks to kick start your trip in a good way.
Wear layers because 90% of the time the plane will be cold. Until it's not, and you will be happy to have a T-shirt on under there..
And recently, meds like NSAIDs and Dramamine. The turbulence isn't so good to me these days... Maybe some Tylenol PM or Benadryl to help with sleep if you struggle on planes. My piece of advice for long flights across several time zones is to always sleep based on the time zone you are headed to. If headed to Greece from the west coast US for example, keep track of late night hours for Greece, and load up on Benadryl for those hours if you have to. If it's 11pm in Greece, it would be smart of you to try to get some sleep until it's 6-7am where you are going. It will make the transition much smoother upon arrival. Easier said than done, I know, but it's worth it to try.
International travel:
Research where you are headed and insure you have the appropriate visa.
Make copies of your passport and drivers license, and you need to place on on YOU, in your checked bag, and in your carry-on. If anything gets stolen, you have a copy some where
My best airport tip for international travel is a cross body bag (a.k.a. the fanny pack). For the amount of times you need your passport accessible, or other things like visas, it's a game changer to have it easy to get to on your chest. Throw in a chap stick, a pair of headphones, and a credit card, and you are set.
Bring a portable charger - fully charged. You can thank me later.
Also personal choice, travel insurance. I don't care how confident you are, you never know when your appendix may rupture or you may be hit by a motorcycle walking on the side of the street. Travel insurance is cheap, just purchase it. World Nomads I've used for example. Or check with your personal medical insurance to see if the country you are traveling to may accept your insurance. Some countries make you pay up front for medical care, then your insurance may reimburse you later, but make sure you can get the care you need when you need it.
Transport
Although not so packing-related, but as part of the preparation for a trip, make sure you know how you are getting out of the airport. We often assume we will have internet in the airport, but still make sure you have your hotel address in an easy to access location. Know if you need a taxi or if this country has Uber, Grab, etc. Is it a safe time of day to travel? If not, you want to be entirely comfortable and confident in your transportation. Know the route from the airport to the hotel, and exactly how long it should take. And have Google Translate at the ready.
Hotel
I'm all about a couple hotel comfort items. I have my comfy slippers, a comfy lounge outfit for the end of a long day, and some room snacks. My husband always needs his soda, so he is definitely one to locate a soda cooler and stock up in the room.
Do yourself a favor and take 15 minutes to settle into your room, lay out your bathroom toiletries, hang up some nicer garments, and put away your airport things. You will be much cozier when you feel at ease in your space and can find things easily.
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