1)What goes in what bag? - if you're planning on staying in hostels before reaching your final destination, it's a good idea to put the things you will need most (change of clothes, toiletries, towel, cell phone charger, etc...) in a smaller bag rather than the biggest suit case. Most hostels provde luggage storage - so you can store away your bigger, heavier bags, and keep the smaller one with you (it will fit in a locker at night, so you minimize the chances of having something stolen from you)
Also, don't forget plane carry-on rules. You can only bring liquids and gels in one 1-Quart clear zip-lock bag, and each item must be less than 3 ounces. Pefect time to get out all those sample-size toiletries you've been collecting!
2)Fake Wallet Trick - we don't really like to think about these things while vacationing or going on THE trip of our lifetime, but sometimes foreigners are especially easy targets for thieves. We may not always be able to help looking completely lost, but we can plan for the worst and avoid a disaster!
I would recommend using an old wallet, or buying one at the dollar store, filling it with fake credit cards (from the annoying daily credit card offers you get in the mail), and maybe putting some cash for the day (in local currency) in it.
While purchasing food and other things at train stations, airports, etc., use cash from this wallet. Your credit cards and other important documents will not be exposed, and if someone DOES grab your wallet and run off - oh well, it's the minimum amount.
3)What to Wear? - plan what you're going to wear while traveling in order to maximize space in your suitcase. For example, if you are bringing footwear on your trip - tennis shoes and flip-flops - wear the bigger item while traveling (tennis shoes), and pack the smaller one away(flip-flops)!
Since it's usually freezing on airplanes, this is the pefect plan, because you can wear jeans and a sweatshirt even when it's summer. You'll save space and feel comfortable on the plane!
4) Which Clothes to Bring? - before deciding which clothes to bring for the year, research if laundry facilities will be available to you, and how much they cost. You may have to avoid clothes that can only be dry-cleaned, and opt for newer garments that are easy to hand-wash.
Also, make sure to take your time and research the weather of the area where you will be staying. You should know how early the winter/summer/spring sets in, and pack accordingly!
5) How to Get All Those Clothes in the Suitcase? - there is no magic trick to fit a year's supply of clothes into a couple of suitcases, so you WILL have to plan carefully, but there are things you can do to make packing more efficient.
* Try putting your clothes in extra-large zip-lock storage bags, and then forcing all of the air out of the bags (by pressing on them, or by using a vacuum cleaner). The clothes will be completely compressed and take up the least space possible. The zip-lock bags will also protect your belongings from water or other accidents - you never know!
* Only pack the essentials. Rate your garments from most-needed to least-needed. Consider what could be easily/cheaply bought abroad, and don't bring those items.
* If you're leaving to go abroad in late summer, but plan to stay abroad through the winter, you may want to consider having some of your winter clothes shipped to you, later. Boots, winter jackets and sweaters will take up A LOT of space in your luggage, and you will not need them immediately.
6) Back Up Your Documents! - make copies of important documents (passport, visa, birth certificate, etc..) and pack them with your luggage. This will make your life MUCH easier in case your originals are stolen or lost. Also - give copies to parent/guardian, or trusted friend (or keep electronic copies stored away safely).
DO NOT pack the original documents in your luggage, also don't keep them in a backpack - a crook could easily get to them without you noticing!!
7) Have a Plan - arriving in a new country for the first time could be stressful. There may be several places you have to get to and many tasks to complete. You may have different packets listing your destination points, addresses, phone numbers, emergency contact info, and a list of key phrases to use while getting around. Get a small notebook or a spiral "notebook" of notecards, and write down ALL the information you will need. Put it in your purse or back pocket, and voila! - no stress and easy access to important information!
8) Bring Medicine - some common necessities such as medicine may not be as easily accessible in France. It's smart to stack up on cold medicine, cough drops, sleeping pills, nasal spray and allergy medicine before you go!
9) Plug Adapters - don't forget to bring plug adapters for the appliances you plan to use abroad!
1 comment:
Actually, there's no need to bring any medicine, except for perhaps enough for the flight. French pharmacies are *great*! You can get prescriptions filled and pick up many of the same OTC medications found in the US, as well as plenty of European equivalents. Just look for the green neon + signs!
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