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10 Essential Items to Pack When Traveling Abroad

Traveling abroad can be a lot of fun, but it does take a bit more preparation than you might think. The first thing to consider is what kind of trip you’re going on — whether it’s for business or pleasure. For instance, if you’re going on a business trip, then you should pack your laptop and all the chargers, as well as any other work-related items that are necessary. If it’s a vacation, though, then different things need packing! You’ll want to have clothes that will keep up with the weather in your destination country and enough toiletries too. Then there’s the easily forgotten stuff that you’ll want regardless of the kind of trip like your vitamins or natural supplements like CBD oil drops. To help you out, here are 10 essential items you should pack before your next trip!

1. A Good Pair of Shoes – You’ll need a good pair of walking shoes when you visit any foreign country because you don’t know what kind of adventures await! Maybe it will be scorching, or perhaps the cobblestones are uneven, but having comfortable footwear is the key to having fun at your destination. You should also bring plenty of extra pairs of socks along with some waterproof-breathable boots if the weather calls for it.

2. Sunscreen and Bug Spray – This one seems like a no-brainer, yet many people still forget this essential item when they head off on vacation! The sun in foreign countries can burn much hotter than at home, so be sure to cover up and protect yourself with sunscreen. And don’t forget your bug spray, either! Chances are you’ll realize you forgot it when you need it most — just as you’re being eaten alive by the buzzy pesty local insect population!

3. Toiletries – You’ve probably been to a hotel room or AirBnB before and found that they don’t always have toiletries. Plus, if they do have them, they may not be up to the quality you’re used to or might be heavily scented in ways that don’t appeal. So, it’s best to pack your own. Also, they often come in small sizes, so you can bring liquids on the plane with ease without having to pay the extra fee that the airlines charge for oversized bottles that drive up luggage weight.

4. A Good-Quality Water Bottle – When you’re walking around a foreign city during the summer, it can get sweltering outside, and there may not be many places to stop and drink some water. Bring along a good-quality reusable water bottle that will keep your drinks cool for hours at a time, so you can stay hydrated throughout the day. According to experts, proper hydration is essential for our health. In addition, getting enough water will keep you cognitively more alert and in a better mood to enjoy your vacation that much more.

5. A Little Snack Bag – If you’re flying, then you might be encountering some delays or layovers where your flight gets delayed, and you won’t necessarily have access to a restaurant that is nearby. It’s always best to pack a little snack bag with some nuts or dried fruit and some other dried foods that won’t go bad over time. This will keep hunger at bay until you land! Just ensure that everything is factory sealed and labeled to make it through customs without an issue. 

6. An Organized Toiletry Bag – When it comes to packing for vacation, an organized toiletry bag should be a must! You don’t want half of your luggage filled with bottles of shampoo and body wash because it takes up too much room. Instead, get an organized bag that has lots of little compartments so each item can have its own spot. This will also make life easier for you at your final destination, especially if you’re city-hopping and not spending a lot of time in one place where you can adequately unpack or settle in.

7. Sun Hats or Caps – Depending on how you travel and your destination, a sun hat or cap can be beneficial! Since they are flexible and packable in most cases, it is easy to bring them along when visiting the beach or another location with intense heat. Unfortunately, heat exhaustion and heatstroke are more prevalent and dangerous the older you get. Still, folks of all ages should take simple precautions like sun hats when traveling. 

8. A Small Umbrella or Poncho – If you’re going on vacation in spring or early summer, then chances are there will be some rain in your forecast. Don’t worry, though, because all you need is a small umbrella that folds up super quickly if you’re trying to save space in your luggage! A thin poncho with a hood is also great because it won’t take up extra space and can keep you and your backpack dry if the weather turns bad. Plus, it’ll tuck nicely into your daypack or purse when you’re out and about.

9. Essential Identification – No matter where you’re going, you’re going to need your passport just to be able to board the plane. But you should consider bringing other forms of identification with you as well. You might need them for certain things like car rentals, but they also function well as backups if something happens to your passport. It’s best to bring at least two backup forms of identification just in case. Bring your driver’s license along with another photo ID that you can easily use if the need arises.

10. Documentation for Any Medication or Supplements – It’s always best to be ready for anything when you’re traveling, especially if you’ll be traveling with any particular medication or supplements that you require or take daily. Whether it’s a prescription for your anti-anxiety meds or the certificate of analysis for your THC-free CBD gummies, this sort of information is essential to keep with you. 

In addition, it’ll avoid issues or confusion in foreign countries where laws regarding certain medications and supplements vary. And, of course, always do your research before leaving and consult your doctor on alternatives if you find out something you take regularly is illegal at your destination.

A Little Planning Goes a Long Way!

The most common items that are easily forgotten when you’re packing for a trip abroad include sunscreen, bug spray, toiletries and water bottles. One of the best things to do is pack these essentials in your carry-on bag so they don’t get left behind at home! 

Finally, make sure you have all of the documentation about any medication or supplements that may be necessary while traveling. If not packed properly, it can lead to delays and potential problems with customs officials who want proof before you enter their country. In addition to this list of 10 essential items to bring on your next vacation overseas, we recommend looking up information about what vaccinations might be needed, depending on where you will travel! Remember: “Fail to Plan, Then Plan to Fail!”

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