Alternatively, you can bring a large backpack and a daypack. [2] X Expert Source Angela RiceTravel Specialist Expert Interview. 18 September 2020. Use the backpack to carry your essential items – clothes, boots, and so on. Use the daypack to bring things you need when leaving your hotel or hostel like a water bottle, phone, and money.
Learn more about the climate and seasonal weather patterns of the place you’re headed and pack your wardrobe accordingly. If you’re headed for the Caribbean, you can probably leave your parka and mittens at home. If you’re studying abroad in Switzerland, on the other hand, you won’t have much use for shorts or flip-flops. [5] X Research source Don’t forget essentials. You should pack two weeks’ worth of underwear and socks to keep laundry costs down. Include a pair of sturdy and comfortable walking shoes. Some of what you bring can be determined by your personal preferences. You might want to bring a favorite set of pajamas, or that t-shirt from your favorite band. Be versatile when packing. Look for outfits that would be appropriate in both casual and professional situations. Choose clothing items that match well with many other items.
Do some investigating about cultural mores in the country where you’ll be spending your year abroad. If you have a trip coordinator, ask them about what kinds of clothing is acceptable in the nation you’re headed to. Avoid wearing sweatpants, hoodies, and flip-flops to class or work. Bring at least one formal outfit in case you have the opportunity to attend a formal event.
Some countries offer reduced plans for students and young adults. You can purchase a set amount of data, text messages, and call minutes per month, or you can “top up” your SIM card with additional capacity for texts, calls, and data. Many international airports sell SIM cards at shops or kiosks in the arrivals area. If an international phone plan is too expensive, consider using an app like Skype or WhatsApp to communicate.
Bring a pair of high-quality earbuds if you want to listen to music and watch movies on your tablet (or your phone). Tablets are also great for drawing or playing games on the go.
Don’t forget the memory card and charger when you pack your camera. Avoid bringing a bulky long-lens camera. Their size makes them hard items to carry on your flight, and their fragility means you should not trust them to baggage handlers.
Electrical adapter sets are usually sold as part of a package that contains adapters all international electrical outlet standards. In other words, you won’t need to buy a set for Japan, another for Nigeria, and another for Scotland. Instead, the set will contain interchangeable pieces that you can use as needed in each country. They are readily available online and in many hardware stores.
If you like wearing makeup, you could pack a small makeup set, too.
Some items like razors and toothpaste might not be allowed on your flight. Check the latest travel guides for your nation’s airport security bureau to ensure that whatever you pack won’t cause a problem at the boarding gate. Check your local stores for travel sizes of various toiletries, especially toothpaste and soap. Don’t pack too many of these. A small toiletries case should be sufficient. You can buy more soap, toothpaste, and so on when you arrive at your destination.
You might also want to bring some extra passport photos just in case you need them for a work permit or passport renewal. If you plan on driving, you’ll probably want to bring your international driver’s permit. Ask your host institution or company what documents you need to bring so you don’t forget anything crucial.
You can get blank scrapbooks at most arts and crafts shops.
Use the blank space toward the back of the dictionary to write down essential words and phrases like, “How much does it cost?” and “Where is the bathroom?”
Don’t go overboard with mementos from home. You should devote most of your suitcase to space for functional essentials like clothing.
Place some money in your wallet for easy access, and reserve some – at least $100 – along with your passport in the event that you misplace your wallet. Think about investing in a passport/document holder that you can sling around your neck beneath your shirt. That way, your important documents will always be with you.
If you don’t want to pack an entire sheet set, which can be quite bulky, pack a rolled-up sleeping bag. If it’s small enough, you might even be able to put it in a duffle bag and take it with you as carry-on luggage.
