Packing list for a trip abroad

Going on a trip is not as hard as it used to be. All you need to do nowadays is go online, order flight tickets to wherever you are trying to get, and there you have it. Right? Well… Not so fast… Going on a trip is really quite easy, but getting all you can out of it is a bit harder. One of the main issues that trouble many people before they go on a trip abroad is what should they pack? Packing for a trip is rather intuitive, on the one hand, but having said that, the right packing list can make a world of difference if you manage not to forget a very needed item.  The following is a packing list suggestion for traveling to a Western destination (such as Europe, North America etc.):

• Documentation – Passport, boarding tickets, pre-paid tickets for concerts and entree fees, car vouchers, hotel confirmation codes, international drivers license, emergency phone numbers (local and international for medical, criminal, phone related or credit card related problems).  Travel tip: Before leaving home scan your documents and store them online (in your email).  You might also want to leave a copy of online confirmation codes somewhere you can find.
• Medication – If you have a chronic disease, do not forget your meds.  Also, we recommend that you carry the proper documentation about your disease and perhaps an up to date note from your doc.  Besides that everyone can benefit from a small first aid kit that contains tylanol (or another pain medication), band-aids with some antiseptic and perhaps an elastic bandage.
• Two types of bags can help during a trip – We recommend packing lite.  On the other hand comfort has a lot going for it.  Therefore we recommend you divide your equipment between two bags:  One larger, preferably rolling bag and another easy to carry backpack.
• Money – There are a few ways for carrying money around with you while on a trip:

1. Credit card – The advantage of having a credit card with you is the availability and ease of use.  Also, if the card is stolen it is rather easy to cancel it by phone.  Disadvantages of credit cards while abroad are the overseas and rate exchange commissions you might have to pay.
2. Traveler checks – These are safe, theft proof tools for carrying money.  The disadvantages of travelers checks are their high exchange rates and the fact that many smaller businesses do not accept them.
3. Cash – Cash is always the easiest form of money to carry around.  The main problem with cash is to protect it from theft.  You should also think about the currency you want to carry – local (Euro or Dollar) or your own.  As a rule – Euros and dollars are usually accepted world wide, however local currency will be accepted more easily and no small time “exchange rate theft” will have to be endured.   Travel tip:  if you carry cash around, always put a small amount in your pocket and the remainder in a hidden place, like in a safety sock.

• Camera and extra memory card and batteries
• Spare eyeglasses if you wear them.  Sunglasses are also nice to have.
• Enough cloths to last the duration of the trip.  Remember to take into account the number of days, the weather and your planned activities (e. g. Do you need dressy clothes or just casual ones? etc.).  Also remember – you can never have too many socks and underwear on a trip
• Small umbrella if that is relevant
• Swimming suit if that is relevant
• A pen and spare scrap paper for notes
• A cellular phone with an international line is great to have.  Another option is a modern Wi-Fi enabled phone with a VoIP such as Skype installed.  Travel tip:  If you are traveling with someone else try arranging a walky-talky for communication while abroad.  If you get separated in a crowd, that can come in handy.
• An electric converter if you are planning on using any kind of electric device.  This link can help you know what type of electric output is available all over the world.
• Coat and scarf if that is relevant.  Remember to check the weather at your destination before leaving.  It can help you avoid over or under packing.
• Sun block.  Remember this is relevant for sunny destinations but also for skiing.
• Lip moisturizing cream / Lip balm
• A hat
• A good local map.  Try and buy one or purchase one in advance.  Try to know the way from where you land to your first destination by heart.  You can always help yourself by using a service like google earth or google street view.
• A few spare plastic bags – We are very into “green” thinking and traveler responsibility, however, having said that a few plastic bags can come in handy.  Try packing a few zip lock bags that might be needed to board planes nowadays.
• Comfortable shoes.  If you have to choose one shoe for travel make sure to choose the comfortable pair and not the dressy one.
• Hygiene equipment  – Shampoo, soap, razor or shaving machine (if applicable), toilette paper (having a role around is always a good idea).