You're ready to see a new part of the world. The reservations are set, and your airline confirmation is secure. International travelers share a common love of adventure and excitement. They also know that the thrill of travel depends to a large degree on proper preparation and knowing what to take that will serve them best in the country they are visiting. Follow these strategies to pack like a pro.
When packing clothes for a trip abroad, it is possible to be both comfortable and fashionable, although you'll want to err on the side of comfort unless you plan to attend a lot of fancy parties or dine at exclusive restaurants.
Do a little research on the weather conditions for the time of year in the country you'll be visiting. Moscow in December is no place for a windbreaker, but a rain slicker will come in handy if your trip to the Philippines coincides with monsoon season.
Pack as lightly as possible so you don't have to struggle with a lot of luggage through airport terminals, in and out of taxis and your hotel room. If you're on a budget, it's cost effective to carry your own bags and not have to tip the hotel staff, so less luggage is better.
As for how much clothing to pack, plan on two clean outfits for each day of your trip, excluding actual air travel, as you won't have much need to change clothes during your flight. But it's useful to have an extra outfit each day in case you perspire through your morning wardrobe or just want to wear something fresh when going out to dinner. A change of clothes will make you feel better and have a more enjoyable time.
As an alternative, pack travel clothing that can be hand washed and air dried. You can bring less clothing because you'll be doing laundry every few days. This is not a problem in temperate and tropical zones, where clothes can dry over a shock cord (pack a couple with attached plastic hooks) or on a handrail in 30 minutes. Cotton blends are comfortable, dry quickly and develop fewer wrinkles.
Research the cost of travel in the country you're visiting, then plan a budget for accommodations, meals, sightseeing, gifts and incidentals, such as bottled water or a snack from a street vendor.
Traveler's checks are best, as you can get them replaced almost anywhere. Use a credit card as a backup. Exchange rates can vary day to day or even during the day, but if you take the time to learn the monetary system and the prevailing rate for the last couple of weeks, you'll have a better idea of how much money to take. Some places you'll visit will accept traveler's checks, but you'll need to know the daily exchange to make sure you don't get ripped off. Try to exchange money at your hotel or businesses that specialize in exchanging money. You might get the best rate at a bank, but you might also spend an hour standing in line. That's time better spent sightseeing, so change a little money each day at your hotel before you go out exploring. Alternatively, if you can get a good rate and are willing to gamble it won't get any better during your stay, change larger sums of currency.
Carry all money and traveler's checks in a zippered wallet under your clothing. Hang it around your neck and wear under your shirt, or wear a money belt that attaches around your waist under your clothing. Make sure you fill out the emergency contact information in your passport.
A money wallet is also the place to carry your passport and any visas that may be required in the country you are visiting. Place the passport and visa in a separate, sealed pouch, and carry that inside your money belt. That way, when you need to show a passport, you won't have to pull out all your money and place it on tempting display while you dig out the passport. Bring your passport and other paperwork with you wherever you go. Never check your passport, money or credit cards with luggage. Carry these items on board the plane and keep them with you.
You are entitled to bring aboard an airplane any prescription medications that you must take, so pack them in your carry-on luggage. You'll also want to remember your prescription eyeglasses, contact lenses and cleaning supplies, hearing aid, extra batteries and any other health products or devices you depend on.
A guidebook and phrasebook are essential travel companions so that you can plan your trip and be reasonably conversant with the locals when you get there.
You'll want a record of your visit, either in photographs or video, so bring a camera. If you have an expensive digital camera, you might prefer to buy a one-use digital camera or disposable 35 mm film cameras and pack those for your trip. Digital video makes a nice documentary souvenir of your visit, although you may find yourself spending more time looking through a viewfinder than actually seeing the sights. Unless you're a die-hard videographer, you might get greater enjoyment out of your trip by shooting still images rather than hauling around a video camera.
Whether you travel with a laptop, iPod, MP3 player or just a hairdryer, you'll need a voltage adapter suitable for the country you'll be visiting. The adapter converts 220- and 240-volt outlets in foreign countries to the 110-volt standard used by most appliances and gadgets manufactured in the United States. A set of adapters fits in a drawstring pouch for easy packing. Most adapters come as a set, so be sure to bring all of them. That way, you are ready for almost any electrical outlet you might encounter.
