Today we are going to talk about the 5 things you must have to travel internationally. There are some things you will want to have,but these are MUST haves. Now, don’t get me wrong, your suitcase will be filled with plenty of other essentials for travel but, there are certain things you can not do without.
So I have listed the 5 things you must take with you when you travel internationally.
1. Your Passport
Yes, I sure did put that as number 1. Believe me, some people do forget that one of the 5 things you MUST have to travel internationally is a passport. Yes you may know that already, but you do not want to get 2 hours down the road to your flight and remember, “We forgot our passports.” I know someone that did it before. Luckily they had very good friends that went to their home, met them half way and got their passport to them.
If you are planning to leave the country in the next 3 months now is the time to think about getting your passport as well. It can take up to 4 weeks to get a new one back. If you need the steps to getting your passport, get them here. This PDF has all the steps. They are not hard, but you must have a few things when you go to the Post Office.
You will need to take your passport and make a copy of it, as well as your photo ID or driver’s license. Make copies and put them in your luggage. Leave a copy of your passport at home as well. It is just a safety measure in case something gets lost or stolen. You must have the proper international travel documents, so prepare early.
Passport Protection
Why is passport protection a must have? Well, in large cities across the world pick pocketers are a real problem. So much so that it is mentioned on most videos we watch.
We are going to Barcelona, Spain in September. Every single piece of information I have read about Barcelona has mentioned how much of a problem it is.
Not only do people pick pockets, but the ability to scan your credit cards is also an issue. Because of this problem you will need to find some things to carry your passport and credit card in that will prevent them being stolen and your credit card from being scanned and used.
You can either get a cross body bag to carry everything in or a wallet that has a protective coating called Rfid blocking. Amazon has a few best sellers in this area and both are really inexpensive for a lot of protection. Zoppen’s Travel Wallet is one of them.
The cross body bags are made by a company called Travelon. They make multiple anti theft bags and many different sizes. Just think about the places you will be going and maybe a small cross body bag would be a better choice for you.
You don’t want to worry about your money or passport getting stolen while you are vacationing.
2.Compression Socks
A few years ago compression socks were only available by prescription. Seriously, they weren’t. Patients had to have a prescription for a really good pair of compression socks.
I had to go in their room and measure the calf, length of the lower leg and send them to a drug store to buy them. Now you can get really good compression socks on line. They still are not cheap, but you can buy them. Why do you need them? If you are going to be flying internationally your flight will probably be very long. Over 5-6 hours long.
If that is the case you need these socks to help prevent deep vein thrombosis and leg fatigue. They have become the norm in traveling long distances because you immobility and cramped quarters when traveling.
Deep vein thrombosis: DVT, the formation of blood clots in deep veins, is a known (if occasionally overstated) risk of longer flights. According to the National Institute of Health, the risk of developing DVT on flights up to four hours is small, but increases as travel time increases. The NIH’s tips include walking up and down the aisles of the plane; moving, flexing and stretching your legs to encourage blood flow, especially in your calves; wearing loose and comfortable clothing; drinking plenty of fluids; and avoiding alcohol. Also, if you’re at increased risk for DVT, your doctor may recommend wearing compression stockings while traveling or taking a blood-thinning medicine before you fly.
People that are on their feet for long periods of time wear compression socks. The socks not only help with DVTs but also just general fatigue. Sitting in one position for long extended periods causes restless leg and fatigue. The compression socks help combat some of those feelings as well.
3. Chargers/Adapters
Now I am going to include a few types of chargers in here, because there are a few.
- Phone chargers
- Camera chargers
- Video chargers
Also included here is
- Outlet extension
- Electric converter
Chargers are so easy to forget and can cost a lot overseas. Also the current is different in many countries so you need to take a converter for other areas of the world.
4. Currency
You will need to decide how you will pay for the things you purchase and other essentials. If you decide to get the currency in the country you are going to get it BEFORE you go. Your bank can procure it for you without fees. If you wait till you are in the airport you may pay a poor rate for exchange and fees.
Be prepared to have an idea of what the conversion rate is. You don’t want to be surprised.
If you are going to take a credit card, make sure you carry one that is recognized internationally. Surprisingly not all of them are. You may need to take two from different companies. You will probably need to take more than one way to pay for things, cash, credit and debit cards.
5. Medications
No one wants to visit a Dr. in a foreign country and you don’t want to visit one when you get back either. So get a medicine dispenser and put all of your prescriptions in it. Also take s dispenser for non-prescription medicines too.
Label all the boxes that say M,T,W,Th,F,S,S to what ever medicine you put in the spot. Take some practical medicines for headache, sleep, and allergic reaction, sinuses, etc.
Get your refills taken care of before you depart as well. You don’t need any bumps in the road.
Most Common Things Forgotten When Traveling
So what are the most common things forgotten when people travel. Number one I have forgotten so many times it is ridiculous.
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Chargers
- Swimming stuff
- Lip Balm
- Umbrella
- Sunscreen
So get you a packing list together so you wont’t forget all the essentials the next time you travel.
I have 2 travel helpers. The first one is about getting your airline tickets and list the best places to search. The second is 32 page travel guide that covers almost everything for international travel. You can download both or one of them. The second covers everything the first one does.
Both of these resources are full of tips and tricks for travel. Download one or both and get your binder ready for your next big trip.
My list is not exhaustive at all. You certainly will think of some things on your own. Starting with a good list will help prevent forgetting a lot of things.
Packing early will as well. Just remember, the 5 things you must have to travel out of the country and the most common things forgotten and I think you will be okay.
Tell me where you are planning on going. I would love to know and if you have a story about something you forgot, please share it! I would love to hear it. Tell us about it in the comment section. Bon Voyage, Janet