Picture this. You plan this wonderful trip to Paris with your friends and you get severely ill the second day. This was definitely me. Sometimes it can be difficult to plan for every possible disaster when traveling abroad, which is why I created a list of must-have items to pack.
As I prepare for my upcoming trip to the United Kingdom, I thought I would share my 7 must-have items to pack when traveling abroad.
Table of Contents
1. Passport
Your passport is the #1 must-have item when traveling abroad. What most people don’t realize, though, is your passport cannot be less then six months from expiring while traveling. Most countries will not permit you to enter their country if your passport is close to expiring, so double check your expiration date before making travel plans abroad.
2. Colored Copies of Passport
I recently started carry colored copies of my passport while traveling. You never know if your passport will be stolen (hopefully not!) and it is always best to have proof of your passport when visiting another country. Carry your copy separate from your actual passport. I usually keep my colored copy in my purse and my actual passport locked in the hotel room safe.
3. Cold and Flu Medicine
After my girls trip horror story I never travel without cold and flu medicine. I always travel with Tylenol/Advil, cold and flu medicine, cough medicine, and definitely drowsy cold medicine for sleeping at night (I learned the hard way with this one…).
4. Currency
Before I leave for another country, I always order the currency from my bank beforehand. I like to be prepared when I land at the airport instead of trying to swap money later. That way you can begin your vacation stress free.
5. Travel Adapter/Converter
When traveling to another country you should always bring the appropriate adapters and a converter, if needed. I have made the mistake of forgetting my adapters and had to buy a plug at a local grocery store.
6. Woolite Travel Packets
These little packets are amazing for traveling! Whether you are staying in a hotel or Airbnb, these are perfect for washing clothes in the sink. While visiting London I encountered some unexpected rain and immediately soaked through all my socks. I happened to have one packet of Woolite with me and was able to wash a couple of pairs in the sink. I was staying in an Airbnb and laundry service wasn’t available so thankfully I had a Woolite packet. I never travel without them.
7. Travel Diary
I never leave for a trip without my travel diary. It helps me remember where I went, what attractions I saw, and what I ate. My favorite thing to do every night is write in my diary about all the wonderful things I did that day on vacation. I love going back weeks, months, or years later and re-reading about my amazing travels!
Now is the time for a personal story about why keeping a travel diary is a must. My mother and I took a girls trip to Paris back in 2012. It was the first time I had been to Paris and it was like a dream! One night we went to a restaurant called Le Soufflé for dinner. We had read wonderful things about the restaurant and wanted to try it. Don’t get me wrong it was wonderful, but they served us three courses of just soufflés! Needless to say, we have not eaten a soufflé since. I wrote down the restaurant, what we ate, and our experience in my travel diary. Reading back it makes me laugh thinking about our soufflé experience and re-reading that entry will always keep those memories alive for me.
What are your must-have items to pack when traveling abroad?
1 COMMENT
Katie
5 years agoLove your tips!