Traveling overseas? Whether this is your first trip or tenth, it’s hard to resist the urge to pack everything you own. While there are some things you can seriously do without on your trip, there are other things that are absolutely essential – like these five items.Five things that you should always pack when you travel abroad.Take a look at this article to learn about the essentials to pack.
Essentials to Pack When Traveling Overseas
1. Important Travel Documents
Traveling overseas means having to bring more travel documents. And to be on the safe side, you should have two copies of all your documents.
Depending on your destination, you may be required to have several different documents, including:
• Passport: An obvious requirement, but still one that’s often overlooked. Apply for your passport well in advance of your trip to avoid unwanted delays. Your passport should be valid for at least six months after you return home and it should have at least two blank pages, according to the U.S. Department of State. If your passport does not meet these requirements, you may not be allowed to board the plane.
• Visas: You may be required to have a visa to enter your destination country. Visas also need to be applied for well in advance of your trip, so check with the local embassy to learn more about traveling requirements.
• International Driving Permit (IDP): If you plan to drive while traveling abroad, you should obtain an IDP. You may also need additional auto insurance coverage. An IDP can be obtained at your local AAA for a small fee.
• Travel insurance documents: Be sure to pack copies of your travel insurance policy, which should include your policy number and information on how to make a claim if necessary.
• Itinerary: Pack a copy of your trip’s itinerary, and leave another copy with a trusted family member or friend at home. Your itinerary should include car rental and hotel confirmations.
• Rail passes: If you plan to use rail passes, you’ll want to purchase them and pack them in advance. Most passes are not sold in Europe.
2. Chargers and Power Converters
Along with your phone, camera and other gadgets, you’ll need to pack chargers and a power converter, depending on where you’re traveling and the device.
If you’re traveling from the U.S. to Europe, you will likely need a power converter. Europe uses a different voltage and the plug shapes are different, too. Converters and adapters are available so that you can use your electronics while traveling overseas.
You may also want to pack a portable charger or a power bank to keep your electronics charged up and ready for use when you’re away from the hotel.
3. Medications
If you can, pack your prescription medications in your carry-on bag. This way, if your checked luggage gets lost, you don’t have to go without your medication.
Make sure that your medications are packed in their original bottle with a clear, legible prescription.
You may also want to pack a first-aid kit and over-the-counter medications, like Advil, decongestants and immune system boosters, like Emergen-C. Packing tissues, baby wipes and chap stick can also help you deal with minor health issues without having to run all over town looking for a pharmacy.
4. Comfortable Shoes
Leave the high heels at home, ladies. It may be tempting to pack them, thinking you’ll wear them to that fancy restaurant in Rome, but heels are never practical – especially on cobblestone streets.
Pack a pair of comfortable day shoes, sneakers and a nice pair of sandals (if you’re traveling in warmer weather).
5. A Small Day Pack
Traveling means sightseeing, which means you’ll be spending several hours roaming around the city. Even if you’re not planning to do any hiking, you might consider packing a small day pack to carry essential items.
