Some of the considerations when packing for an overseas vacation include thinking about what kind of luggage will be needed, how things will be organized in the suitcase and what items will be needed over the course of the trip.
What Luggage is Needed for an Overseas Trip
Before packing for international travel, travelers should consider the type and amount of luggage they will need. Generally, international travel takes more luggage than a short domestic trip will. Many overseas travelers choose to splurge on a new luggage set, while others opt instead to supplement their existing suitcases with a few new pieces. Either way, suitcases should be easy to handle and capable of fitting all of the items the traveler plans on bringing.
For travelers considering purchasing a new suitcase or luggage set for their upcoming travels, the article Options for Buying Overseas Travel Luggage can help narrow down the options.
Packing Clothing for International Travel
International travelers on their first trip overseas often overpack their bags with clothing. Instead of packing multiples of the same type of clothing, it's often a good idea to choose a few sets of clothes for different occasions. Travelers can bring a couple of outfits each for sporting, sightseeing and fancy dress events and be well prepared for any contingency.
Even on a long overseas vacation, no more than one or two of each type clothing should be necessary, since most locations will have laundry facilities available.
Technology Packing for the Modern International Traveler
Many modern tourists bring a wide array of technological equipment with them when they travel. Digital cameras, laptops, and smartphones can commonly be found in the luggage of overseas travelers.
Some considerations when traveling with tech gear are weight and availability of use. Purchasing a lightweight netbook for travel may be a better choice than lugging a heavy laptop from location to location. Smartphones may be unusable in some countries, so these might be best left at home, especially in places where basic cellphones can be rented cheaply for use while on vacation.
Another important thing to think about when packing tech gear for use overseas is how charging the devices will be handled. In countries with different voltage requirements, an adapter may be necessary to plug in chargers. Of course, remembering to pack all of the needed chargers for each device is something many travelers overlook, so it's a good idea to make a list and check off which chargers have been packed already so that none are accidentally left at home.
Pack Medical and Personal Items or Locate Toiletries Overseas
When it comes to medical and personal items, international travelers should investigate what will or won't be available at their destination. Some places have vastly different ways of handling personal hygiene, so visitors may need to bring their own or go without. As an example, in some parts of Asia stick deodorant is almost impossible to find, so travelers who forget to pack theirs are relegated to using roll-on or spray varieties.
Keep Documents and Money in Carry-ons or Purses
Most seasoned overseas travelers insist on keeping money and important documents, such as passports or flight reservations, on their person at all times. It's generally not a good idea to pack these things in checked luggage, since there is always the possibility of loss or theft. Instead, international tourists should have a carry-on, purse or fanny pack where they keep all money and documents while traveling and should ask at the hotel about renting a safe or safety deposit box for the duration of their stay.
Leave Room for Souvenirs in Luggage
One thing overseas travelers often overlook is leaving room in the luggage for gifts and souvenirs. Many tourists are disappointed to find that they have no room to pack all of their purchases for the return trip home and must leave some behind or buy another suitcase. A solution that frequent travelers use for this dilemma is to pack a small duffel bag inside their luggage, to be used for transporting souvenirs and gifts home.
Using these tips, international tourists can be assured that their packing is thorough, leaving them relaxed and able to enjoy their vacation instead of worrying about whether they forgot something. As a final packing tip, overseas travelers concerned about airlines losing luggage might want to put their name and contact information on a piece of paper inside the suitcase, not just on the tags attached to the outside. This simple final piece of packing can add a lot of peace of mind to any international vacation.
Bridget Coila - I'm a cell and molecular biologist, freelance writer and photographer currently living in Beijing, China. I'm fascinated by science, ...
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