On the Plane (for flights over 8 hours long)
Remember to pack liquids/toiletries in a small ziploc for the security check.
- Eye mask & ear plugs. If you have a long flight, you will want an eye mask to sleep. Some international flights give them to you, but you might want to bring one that you feel comfortable in. Bring ear plugs for the people who don't realize when sleepy time is for you.
- Face wipes. You can purchase some nice face wipes that will make you feel refreshed after sleeping on the plane. Make sure to go with a name brand on this one. The cheap ones will leave you feeling sticky.
- Toothbrush & toothpaste. Unless you like it when your teeth wear little sweaters.
- Deodorant. If you're worried about space, you can buy a little travel-sized deodorant. You'll be glad you brought it on a long flight.
- An extra shirt, pair of socks & underwear. Some people take one full change of clothes with them in case their luggage gets lost, which is not a bad idea, but I have managed just fine with only the essentials.
- One book and/or journal. Don't overdo it on the books. They make your bag heavy and you probably won't do all the reading you think you will on the flight. Pick a favorite and leave the rest in your suitcase.
- Headphones. Bring headphones that won't leave your ears feeling like they lost a dodgeball match after a few hours of wearing them.
- An international calling card. You'll never know when you'll need one.
- A snack. Something that you like and is filling, in case the food is poor or you don't have enough time to pick anything up in between a connecting flight.
- Music. All good trips include good tunes.
- Gum. A classic essential for planes.
- Camera. If your luggage gets lost, you will definitely not want to be without your camera for days, or even weeks.
- A small notebook. Record important names and numbers, such as the American embassy, your credit card company's international phone number, hotel contact info, and addresses of people who want postcards.
- Eye drops & nasal spray. Airplanes tend to dry you out, and you really don't want to be suffering from dry eyes or nose for 6 or more hours.
- Travel documents. Carry your passport, visa, insurance information, and other forms of identification. Also, put copies of all these items in other bags.
In Your Suitcase
- Medicine bag. Be prepared for anything. Bring an assortment of cold medicine, VITAMINS, cough drops, cold sore medicine, band aids, tums, Advil, allergy meds, neosporin, diarrhea meds, and anything else that you think could possibly happen.
- Layers. Bring clothes that can mix and match for any weather, be it hot or cold.
- Raincoat. It is miserable to be traveling outside in rainy weather, so unless you're going someplace certain to be dry, bring rain wear.
- Deodorant. Deodorant is a bit of a novelty in most countries, so bring more than enough to last you.
- A hat. Even if you don't look good in them, bring at least one hat. They are the perfect solution to a sudden hot water shortage which leaves you and your hair without a shower.
- Comfort food. Instant macaroni and cheese, granola bars, favorite candy, instant coffee, etc.
- Sunglasses. It may seem obvious, but you will need these.
- Good walking shoes. Spend some money on walking shoes that won't make your feet and knees scream after two or more hours of walking.
- A purse with a zipper. Where there are tourists, there are pickpockets.
- A small photo album. When you meet people, they often want to see pictures of your friends and family. Also handy if you find yourself getting homesick.
- An electronic adapter. I fried my best hairdryer in China because I plugged it into an outlet with the wrong voltage, so check what your country uses and bring an adapter.
- A leatherman. For the unexpected.
- Copies of your passport. You should have these in each of your bags and your carry-on.
As You Plan
- Traffic. If you are planning on renting a car, consider researching the traffic patterns of the country you are visiting. Most countries that I have visited have really bad driving conditions (crazy drivers, poor roads, unreliable vehicles, etc.). You couldn't pay me enough money to get into the driver's seat of a car in China, Rome, or Haiti.
- Language (if you can only learn a little bit):- Numbers 1-100- "Where is the...?"- "Do you have...?"- "How much is...?"- "This/that" (It helps when pointing to things)- Directions - "Right, left, straight ahead, stop."
- Bring a good phrase book and cultural guide to the place that you are visiting. Know how to cross a street, the proper etiquette for restaurants, taxis, and shop owners (tips? bargaining?), and whether or not girls will fear for their lives.
Experienced travelers, tell me what I missed.
I'm sure that there is more to be said for what to pack and prepare for on a trip. Feel free to add to this list according to your experience.
