How to Pack for Travel Abroad

GET PACKING: A GUIDE FOR PREPARING TO VACATION ABROAD

You’ve finally saved up and bought your tickets for that awesome vacation to a faraway land, and now it’s time to pack for it. A few simple preparations will make your travel as smooth as a walk to the corner store. The basic principle to keep in mind for packing for an overseas vacation is pack what you want. Pack what makes you happy!

Remember, you’re going on vacation for fun and good times. Travel often includes downtime—from waiting to board your flight, to lows in your recreational itinerary—so it’s good to have a book with you for some leisurely reading. Likewise, if it makes you sad to go a whole day or more without bouncing your paddle ball, then be sure to bring your paddle ball!

So that’s the basic principle: Never forget that your mission while on vacation is to have fun. Now for the practical advice:

CHECK THE WEATHER

If you’re traveling far away, the chances are that the weather there is different from where you’re starting. Do a little research online and find out what kind of weather you’re likely to encounter on your trip. That simple research is an example of working smart over working hard. When you know what the weather is like, you’ll have a much better idea of what clothes to pack.

PACK ‘EM TIGHT

Here are two things you don’t want to do: 1) Have more luggage with you than you can comfortably carry, and 2) Pay the airline more money for checking excess baggage that you didn’t need in the first place. Most airlines charge extra if you check more than two bags on the flight. If you’re planning to check more than two bags, it’s a good idea to learn ahead of time what your airline charges for them. The costs vary a great deal, but on the average, your third checked bag will incur a fee of $100. That figure may serve as ample motivation for you to pack with maximum efficiency!

So pack your clothes and other items as tightly as you can. Roll your clothes like you would a sleeping bag. If you’re packing shoes, pack items into the shoes. Anywhere there is space in your travel bag, there is money and energy to be saved.

IF YOU NEED IT, KEEP IT WITH YOU

Okay, you’ve used your yearning for well-deserved good times as your guiding principle, you’ve learned what the weather will be like when you get there, and you’ve packed your things as tightly and efficiently as you can. But what happens if your airline accidentally flies your baggage to Bolivia, while you’ve landed safely at your destination in Reykjavik, Iceland? If you packed your heavy coat in a checked bag, you’re likely to spend a lot of time walking around chilled to the bone until the airlines recovers your luggage for you. Don’t let that happen! Figure out what you absolutely need for comfort and survival on your vacation, and carry those items with you on your flight.

Remember, your journey begins before it’s even started. Now get packing!