Taking a trip to another country is an incredibly exciting experience. However, traveling so far from home can generate some anxiety about what to pack and what to leave behind. Do you know what is in your essentials bag? You will likely have a weight limit on your checked bag as well as your carry-on, so it is very important to get rid of the excess without losing your necessities. Included here are a few essentials to pack when traveling overseas.
Clothing
While you likely would have remembered this without a reminder, it is still critical to understand which clothes are necessary and what is superfluous. Take into account the climate of the region you are visiting as well as the length of your stay. You can also consider which clothes can be worn more than once and which can easily be washed in a hotel bathroom. Avoid clothing that needs to be dry-cleaned or ironed.
Corrective Lenses
For anyone who needs corrective eyewear to see, this is a must-have in your packing essentials. Be sure to include paper copies of your prescriptions for both glasses and contacts as well as contact information for your eye doctor. Bring a backup pair of glasses, even if you primarily wear contacts, and plenty of cleaning solution. You do not want to end up across the globe from home with an eye infection and no glasses to wear to see out your hotel window.
Prescriptions
Another essential for traveling away from home are your prescription medications. Something you take for granted at home, but finding yourself needing a refill when you are five days from the nearest town can be a stressful situation. Be sure to pack plenty of meds for the duration of your trip as well as a paper prescription in case your luggage or pill bottles are lost.
Toiletries
While some areas will have plenty of options for you to replace and buy toiletries, you may be traveling to countries that are not as well stocked. For example, if you have any allergies to certain cleansers or deodorants, it is important you have a large enough supply to last you through the trip; this will ensure that you do not have to attempt to find it in an unfamiliar locale.
Camera Gear
Many people consider documenting their trip a necessity. If you do not have the appropriate gear, you could find yourself lens-less at the ideal Kodak-moment. Be sure you pack enough extra memory cards and batteries to sustain yourself through the trip. Spending time deciding which photos are worth keeping on day twelve will be a total waste of valuable trip time.