International Travel Essentials 

By Rachel Smith

As summer progresses, the age-old question comes to haunt many travelers: what do I pack for an international adventure? While preparing for such a trip may seem daunting initially, it is important to remember that this is the first step in the adventure of a lifetime! So worry no more, and keep reading for the ultimate travel guide that will keep you safe, comfortable, and eager to explore the beautiful world that surrounds us.

Proper baggage

The first step in this process is to consider what type of bag will best suit your adventures. Each airline varies when it comes to checking suitcases and carry-on luggage, so be sure to check out the policies of whichever airline you are traveling with. Once settled, it would be important to pack at least one change of clothes in your carry-on, as luggage can get lost on international flights and it would not be favorable to be caught without a change of clothes. With this, it is worth investing in a luggage tracker to ensure that your suitcase does not get lost during the travel process. Due to the variety of activities and climates abroad, buying some packing cubes will help to keep your clothes and belongings organized and compacted to maximize the limited space available.

Portable charger

When traveling to a foreign country, your phone is essential. Whether you are using it to take pictures, find the nearest café, or track public transportation, the last thing any traveler needs is to be stranded without charge on your phone. There are numerous portable chargers available on the market, but there are a plethora of options that provide environmentally friendly packaging and use recycled materials in their products. It is important to remember that many countries vary in electronic adaptors, so be sure to also look into proper voltage adaptors to charge your devices.

Safe to drink water

Traveling presents many uncertainties, water being one of them. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, contaminated or unclean water can make you sick with diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach pain. While water may look safe to drink, it is impossible to tell what kind of harmful viruses or bacteria it may contain. Business Connect offers Aquatabs, which are fast-acting water purification tablets. They are currently the world’s leading provider of water purification tablets, and the cost is much lower than continuously buying bottled water. However, if water bottles are more your speed, there is a Water-to-Go bottle that combines the practicality of a filter with the portability of a bottle.

Dental care

Due to the space restrictions often present when traveling, it is important to plan for uncertainty. Bulky toothpaste tubes and plastic toothbrushes often take up needed space. Toothpaste tabs are a better alternative as they are lightweight and easy to pack, while also being an environmentally friendly option due to their biodegradable packaging, making them an ideal travel solution. With this, bamboo toothbrushes pair well with the tablets, as they are better for the environment than their plastic counterparts! This classic pairing will supply you with peace of mind and provide more space for your travel bags.

First aid and emergency preparedness

While no traveler wants to think about the possibility of danger, it is crucial to be prepared for any situation. Try to find kits that are suitable for international travel and contain supplies that will put your mind at ease for your specific traveling plans. When considering the right kit suitable for your needs, be sure to take into consideration that some may contain a razor blade as a supplement for scissors. If you purchase a kit with a blade, be sure to look into the travel restrictions and plan for an alternative if flagged.

Sunscreen

Whether you are traveling to the sunny beaches of Italy, or the hills of Scotland, the sun’s UV rays present danger to our skin. The FDA urges travelers to wear sunscreen as ultraviolet radiation can lead to sunburns, eye damage, and skin cancer. It is also important to consider what type of sunscreen you are using, as many brands pose harm to our reefs through harmful chemicals. A good recommendation is to invest in a mineral-based sunscreen that is free of octinoxate and oxybenzone (the chemicals that pose harm to the environment). Some products on the market may cost more than others, but as long as you research the product, there are many affordable options to help protect against the sun’s UV rays!

A Comprehensive list of items to pack for international travel:

• Passport (and other international identifications)

• Travel Insurance

• Local Currency

• Clothes

• Toiletries

• Sunscreen

• Medication

• First Aid Kit

• Portable Charger

• Hair Brush

• Water Bottle/Purification Tablet

• Shampoo, Conditioner, Body Wash

• Dental Hygiene Products

• Eye Mask

• Ear Plugs

• Neck Pillow

• Compression

• Socks

• Portable Chargers

• Outlet Adaptors

• Towels

Conclusion

Traveling can be a stressful event with the constant worry of adequate packing and preparedness. However, it is important to remember that this is the event of a lifetime! Make sure to enjoy the whole process and do your research before traveling to an unfamiliar place. Hopefully, this list helps to streamline your packing process and ease your mind during your upcoming adventure.