Packing Essentials for Traveling Abroad

Packing for traveling abroad can seem like a breeze. All you need are plug converters, foreign currency, comfortable shoes and a top notch camera, right? Wrong. If you want to have the time of your life and not worry about a thing, you need to pack the perfect essentials! Traveling abroad can be pretty stressful and besides flying, packing is part of the problem. So, let’s get to it and get the scoop.

1. Outlet Converters
Target sells the outlet converter of all outlet converters. It has three outlets AND allows you to plug in USB cords. When I traveled abroad, I definitely would have wanted one that I could’ve just plugged my cord into much easier! Before traveling, make sure the country you are going to needs converters. There’s no point in packing them if they are unnecessary.

2. A duffel bag with WEARABLE straps
When I went abroad I made the mistake of packing a duffle bag that I had to carry on my shoulder like a purse. Lemme tell ya, not very fun running through the airport with a 30 pound bag flouncing around on your shoulder! Several brands make duffel bags with wearable backpack straps. Check out Under Armour, Patagonia, North Face or Fjallraven. Check out Smarter Travel for the top travel backpacks.

3. Battery Charger
Whether you think you will need it or not, take a battery charger for your cellphone. You may find yourself in a tiff, get lost on a bus, be gone for 12 hours, need the map on your phone and then realize your phone is dead. At that second you will wish you had an extra battery for your phone! When I was aimlessly riding around on a bus in Denmark I sure wish my phone wasn’t dead. So, a battery charger for your phone is a must! Even if you don’t need it, it is a nice little security net. Foreign countries can be scary and our phones, whether we like it or not, comfort us. Check your local Target or look online at Amazon!

4. RFID Credit Card Protectors
I’m a nervous Nancy when I travel and think that everyone is trying to steal my information or pick pocket me. If you are like me, I suggest getting RFID card protector sleeves or holders. They are little sleeves that fit in your wallet that your credit cards go inside. They protect your cards from being scanned by any outside source from obtaining your information. Pretty cool, right?

5. Speaking of credit cards, find one with no international fees
International fees add up quick! I was in Denmark for six months and man do I wish my credit card was international fee free. If you aren’t able to get a card without fees you can do what I did to save some cash: get out a lump of money and use cash! It teaches you about the countries currency while saving money (woo).

6. Comfortable Shoes
Everyone says this but does everyone listen? If you have a favorite pair of COMFORTABLE shoes but are afraid of ruining them, take them. Europe isn’t made for driving around, it is made for walking around. When I was in Denmark I ruined three pairs of shoes because I walked so much. I also didn’t wear 1 pair of shoes because they were so painful. So, break shoes in before you go and/or take shoes you already know are comfortable.

7. Suitcase Organizers/Space Bags
For me, traveling lite was a huge issue. I was the girl repacking my suitcase in the airport… Anyway, Space Bags and suitcase organizers are a great thing to travel with! They save space and are great for weekend trips through Europe. They allow you to pack more in less space (obviously). Eagle Creek has a great suitcase organizer set! You can also check out Amazon or Target for Space Bags.

8. Travel Apps
Everyone also always says, “Oh download apps on your phone so you know how to speak and convert blah blah blah…” Seriously I urge you to. Research your destination and their mode of transportation. There will be an app for the trains. While in Denmark I had an app for the trains, busses and a map for everything. I knew when everything would depart and arrive. If you can’t figure out the apps there will be a visitor center. These apps will help you feel less lost and less touristy, I promise! Google Maps is also great at mapping your way around.

9. Reusable Water bottle
I still kick myself for not taking a reusable water bottle. I use one in my everyday life so taking one only would have made sense. Anyway, having one in your backpack or bag will make you happy! Most restaurants in Europe charge for water so having your own water will also make you happy. It won’t make your waiter happy but… that is besides the point 😉

10. Ladies: A COMFORTABLE purse with a zipper
I cannot stress how important this is. You need a zipper purse. No snaps, no open face purses, no shoulder purses. If you are going to be walking a lot, I suggest an over the shoulder purse! You can use backpacks too but, be careful when you can’t see it on your back.

11. Men: Wallets that connect to your pants somehow
It sounds silly but so many of my friends had their wallets stolen, I would hate for that to happen to you! I know wallet chains are so 2000 but they could save your wallet. You could also wear a jacket and zip it in the pocket or trust your friends to put it in their bag… up to you! Just be aware.

12. Small Wallet
Speaking of purses and wallets, get a small travel wallet. You need one just big enough for your ID, cards and money. Leave all your Target gift cards and Panera VIP cards at home. You only need the essentials and you don’t want to be lugging around your ginormous wallet. Also, the smaller it is, the harder it is to steal.

13. Passport Pouch
IF you don’t want to carry a wallet and you are afraid of loosing your passport you can get a passport pouch. It’s small little bag that you wear under your shirt. It holds your passport, money and credit cards! You have all three in one place and the place is hidden so they aren’t stolen. Amazon has several styles of passport pouches.

14. Lock
If you will be hostel staying, I suggest taking a lock. You never know who your bunk mates will be and you don’t want your belongings stolen. Lots of hostels have lockers or compartments to lock your stuff inside. If they don’t, jimmyrig your bag and then lock your lock on it. My hostel experience didn’t have a locker so I took my passport, outlet converters and a few other items, put them in my large makeup bag and locked the two zippers together! (You get creative while hostel hopping).

15. Travel First-Aid Kit
My friends and I found that we needed one of these more than once. Whether you’re traveling alone, with family or with friends, you are bound to need a bandaid at some point. Be the hero of the day and carry one of these with you!

This is just a short list of things that I find important to pack for traveling abroad. Most of these are things  I wish I had packed or did pack and was grateful for. If you are reading this because you are about to travel abroad know that I am jealous and would love for you to pack me in your suitcase. Ta-ta for now and safe travels!