Carry your prescriptions in your carry-on if possible. Consult airline, bus station and border rules regarding the carriage of pharmaceuticals between countries if your long summer trip crosses borders. Keep copies of your prescriptions on your person, in a wallet, if possible. Some frequent travelers keep small samples of their prescriptions in a pouch of their main suitcase in the event of loss or theft. Finding a pharmacy in another region could be a challenge depending on language barriers, local holidays and cultural norms.
Pack a passport and identification, including any visa forms for other countries, on your person. Photocopy all of these documents and give a copy to a trusted family member or friend at home while also keeping a copy in your luggage. Another passport and identification packing tip is keeping half of your identification on your person and another half in your luggage. The idea is that breaking up your identification and keeping it separate reduces the likelihood you will be without in the event of a theft or loss.
Type an emergency phone list prior to departure. On your emergency phone list, include a contact name and number for your pharmacist, doctor and lawyer at home as well as numbers for trusted family and friends. Copy this form and give to a friend or family member at home while packing one in your baggage. Keeping a copy on a laptop computer is another idea for ensuring access to important information is immediate. Add to this list any hotels, airlines and bus stations, as well as car company rentals, that you will be using. Keep a copy in your luggage and give a copy to the same friend at home. This will reduce stress during your long summer trip in the event you need a copy of a prescription, an address or other information.
Summer is a rainy time in many areas. Packing a rain coat and rain boots if necessary will ensure you are prepared. Travel stores sell temporary rain coats that come in very small packages. These are an option if you are running short on space in your luggage. Keep in mind that purchasing new rain gear on your long summer trip may be expensive if you will be in an area popular with tourists.
Regardless of where your journey will take you, quality footwear is a must. Comfortable sandals as well as walking shoes are must-have items. One pair of dress shoes is adviseable if you will be attending any semiformal or formal events or enjoying fine dining on your excursions. Women should avoid stiletto heels, which are often a challenge when packing.
A portable first aid kit is an investment piece for any long summer trip. Ensure it has rubbing alcohol, gauze, scissors, a variety of bandages, cotton swabs, bug spray and sunburn lotion. Researching issues in the area of the world that you are visiting (such as bug outbreaks or snake bites) will help you tailor your kit for the road.
What you pack will depend on what area of the world you are visiting. For hotter climates, pack lighter-weight fabrics, such as linen and light cotton, in a variety of styles including capri pants, shorts, skirts for ladies and T-shirts. Packing a light cardigan or blazer is also a good idea -- in some regions of the world shoulders must be covered at meals. Packing one basic dress is a good idea for ladies, while men should always pack one tie (preferably a tie that does not wrinkle) and a business blazer.
Pack your personal care items (contact lenses, glasses, toothbrush and toothpaste, preferred shampoo and conditioner) in plastic bags before placing them in your travel carry-on or large suitcase. This prevents spill and mess in the event your bottle or case breaks open. Carry a few spare plastic bags in your shower bag as a precaution. These can help transport any purchased items home.
