10.Any type of reading material. When you travel there’s a lot of sitting and waiting and sitting while waiting. It mi8ght seem like a minor thing to pack but trust me: when you’ve got hours to kill on the plane or the train you’re going to want that book. Also it is a good idea to buy the reading material before you leave because it can be hard to find it in your native language when you’re in a country where no one speaks it.
9. A universal plug adapter. Nothing is more annoying than arriving at your destination and realizing that you’re not going to be able to plug in your laptop, phone, or blow dryer because your plugs won’t fit into the wall sockets. But also, remember before you use this, it’s not only the plugs that might be different, the power supply might be different too. So make sure your appliance has a transformer on the power cord before you plug it in.
8. Cell phone. This might not seem a good idea. But it’s good to have it. You might need it to make sure your ride will be pick you up when you return, or you plan on meeting someone locally, and they need to contact you.
7. Camera and related accessories. I love photographs and have a knack for taking all the accessories necessary for photo shooting and downloading. But I realize that for most, this might be too much to carry around. So I recommend to at least take an extra memory card, so you don’t need to download images while you’re on holiday. Just don’t lose it. And while we’re talking about it …
6. Chargers. What can be more disappointing that arriving at your destination, ready to get out there and take some pictures and realizing that your camera is dead, and you forgot your charger at home! The same thing could happen with your laptop or cellphone, so always remember to pack your charger.
5. Guidebooks, phrase books and maps. There are so many great ones in the internet so why should you pick up a mediocre one at the hotel’s lobby? My advice is to grab a couple of guidebooks, maps and phrase books and tuck them into your carry on luggage.
4. Travel documents, and photocopies of travel documents. If you’re going to travel overseas, you’re going to need a passport for sure. If you’ve never applied for a passport, be sure to give yourself plenty of time ahead of your trip to apply for one. Once you have it, hold on to it like Grim Death because this is your way in and out of foreign lands. Also, be sure to check if you are also required to have a visa to visit your vacation destination. Often this information is available on the web. What if you lose your passport? That’s where your photocopies come in. Yu should make copies of your passports and keep them in a different place from where you keep your passport jus in case you get robbed.
3. Cell phone. It might seem a bit staid to carry a cellphone on vacation — after all! you’re immersing yourself in a whole new land! a whole new culture! — but even if you never plan to turn your phone on while you’re vacationing, it’s good to have it, if only to make sure your ride will be pick you up when you return, or you plan on meeting someone locally, and they need to contact you, or God forbid, you find yourself traveling during a state of emergency.
2. Small travel bag. This is something that I never miss while packing. I’m not talking about carry-on luggage; I’m talking about a small bag that holds nothing more than my wallet, my cell phone, my travel documents and my passport. With the number of times you have to whip one or all of these out just in the airport alone, I find a small, accessible bag is much better than trying to rummage through the bottom of my backpack looking for my wallet.
And finally, the Number 1 thing you must pack first before going abroad:
1. An open mind. Traveling means experiencing a new culture and sometimes, that whole new culture doesn’t include things like a McDonalds, or even Starbucks. So relax, and soak it all in.
While I was writing this, some of my friends helped me out with some other important things that must be mentioned.
* Lip balm and moisturizer. It was startling how many people said that they would die without their lip balm and hand moisturizer. “It’s the airplane air, it dries me out.” they said.
* Earplugs and/or MP3 player. If you’re a light sleeper, these can be invaluable.
* Journals. Even if you’re not much of a journal writer, go ahead and toss a small one in your bag you never know when inspiration might hit. There’s something about travel that brings out the Ernest Hemmingway in everyone.
Marina K. Villatoro, has lived in Central America – Costa Rica and Guatemala for over 10 years. She’s traveled these parts extensively and now loves to organize vacations to these amazing parts of the world. With her first hand experience, she can recommend the best options for you. Contact her for advice and to plan your perfect trip!
