Signed in as:
filler@godaddy.com
ITEM #1: A WASHCLOTH (RAG)
If you are someone that bathes with a washcloth (AKA rag), absolutely pack one. Maybe two. I have found that many overseas hotels don't provide them. They'll have big towels for drying your body and medium ones for your hands. But no rags.
True Story: Once, despite knowing this, I forgot to pack a rag. Sure enough, in my hotel room there was no washcloth to be found. "Oh well," I thought, "I'll just buy one from the nearby store."
Well...as you can see in the picture, I found plenty of dish rags...
I made do lol.
ITEM #2: YOUR FAVORITE CANDY
There's nothing like being comforted by a pack of Skittles, M&Ms, a Snicker's bar - or whatever you like - after a long plane trip or a frustrating day of navigating a city whose language you don't speak. But if you stop in a convenience store outside the US, you are going to experience one of the following:
- They will not have your comfort candy (Skittles? What's that?)
- They will have your candy, but it will cost you an arm and a leg (Europe, I'm talking about you)
- They will have your candy, but it will taste different
ITEM #3: YOUR GO-TO OVER-THE-COUNTER MEDICINE
You know it's true: We USA citizens love our pain pills as much as we love our candy. The medicine we can purchase over the counter in the States seems to be a bit stronger than over-the-counters offered elsewhere. Consequently, overseas equivalents may not do the trick. Sooooo...pack that Extra Strength Tylenol, and enough of it to last the entire trip! Bring enough of your go-to for the worst scenario: you're sick all day, every day of the entire trip.
True Story: Back in 2014 I spent approximately 6 months in France. I ran out of the only thing that soothes my sinus headaches: Advil Allergy and Sinus. I was absolutely miserable until my mom's care package arrived.
ITEM #4: AN EMPTY BOTTLE
Carrying an empty bottle with you is a must for so many reasons. For starters, it saves you from the exorbitant prices of bottled water and juices at the airport. You also have instant drinkable water at your destination (an immediate stress reliever if your destination is a developing nation.)
So, fill up the bottle at the airport's hydration station (AKA water fountain) on the other side of security and tuck it away in your carryon. The Stanley Quencher Tumbler is the perfect water bottle for the job.
ITEM #6: SOME SNACKS!
Again, the last thing you want to do after a long day of traveling is to immediately have to look for food. Snacks can hold you over until you are settled enough to search out a restaurant.
Snacks are also good to have while trotting around the streets or participating in excursions.
ITEM #7: USB TYPE A CORD (in addition to the usual ones for your devices)
Cords with a USB Type A port (the square ending on the cords for electronic devices) are still very much needed in some countries and cruise ships, especially if you want to charge your device in the port attached to the wall socket as opposed to hooking up your converter. Don't make my mistake: bringing a cord that was Port C on both ends WITHOUT the accompanying US power extension to plug into an adapter. I had to hunt for a Port A on the streets of Buenos Aires...
ITEM #8: UNIVERSAL TRAVEL ADAPTER
That is an absolute necessity and if you forget it, you are going to pay for an overpriced one at the airport; or a shoddy one at your destination that may damage your electronics. I like a singular Universal/Worldwide, multi-country adapter. (One less thing to buy for your next trip that may be to a different country!)
ITEM #1: ELECTROLYTES
I can't stress this enough. Flying dehydrates you, and dehydration leads to all sorts of problems: headaches, soreness, fatigue, etc... Who wants to start a vacation - as well as end a vacation - like that? So, bring electrolytes, regularly adding them to the water/juice you consume on the plane or on the ground.
The brand I swear by: Superieur Electrolytes. It tastes amazing and quickly knocks out any effects of dehydration.
ITEM #2: BOTTLED WATER
After a long day of travel, you're tired, hot, and thirsty. The last thing you want to do after checking in to your hotel room is immediately head out to find something to drink. So, save yourself the extra exertion and pack at least 2 unopened bottles (per person) of H2O in your checked bag/suitcase.
Yes, I understand that you took my advice from the previous section and filled the empty bottle with water before leaving the airport. But international flights can get in at odd hours (e.g. late night, wee hours of the morning) when everything is closed. The water in that bottle may only last you until you get to your hotel. Then what will you do?
Say what? You are one of those unicorns that travel internationally without checking luggage? Well...if you can, swipe several of those little water bottles they offer you on the plane and tuck them into your carryon.