.png)
Everything you'll need to go abroad.
A lot of people love to travel. It's a great way to learn and experience new cultures. It can help you widen your horizons and grow as a person. However, it's important to note that traveling outside of your home country isn't the same as traveling within it. Here are some international travel essentials that will help keep you out of unforeseen, sticky situations.
Our guide to the Best International Travel Essentials
Universal Adapter
If you're heading out of the country in this day and age, chances are that you at least have one device on you. However, be wary of bringing your own chargers without an adapter. A lot of country's electric systems are different than in the United States, and so are their outlets. You need to find a good adapter to keep your phone safe. It's recommended to get a full adapter and plug in your chargers instead of a new block charger because each country's system has a different voltage that may damage your devices (because they weren't built for it). Buying a high quality adapter can help mitigate these problems. There are great Universal Adapters which are made to work in most countries in the world, no matter the system they use. However, make sure that in choosing an adapter, you select on which covers the country you are going to.
Bug Spray
Bug spray is a must when traveling. No one likes bug bites, but they can actually be dangerous depending on where you go in the world. Many bugs carry diseases, especially mosquitoes in tropical regions. Cases of malaria have been found in many other countries in the world, among other diseases. Not fun. Before heading out on your next backpacking adventure consider adding a mosquito and tick repellent to your bag.
Portable Charger
This is an absolute must on long travel days. When you have long flights and questionable access to a charger, or are spending hours exploring a new city, a portable charger is always a smart decision. These are devices you can charge the night before and bring with you on your journey. If you notice your phone battery is running low, plug it in, and you have an instant charge, no matter where you are. This is not only super convenient, but a great way to keep yourself safe and access directions when exploring a new area.
Dowloaded Map
One thing I've learned in my travels is that it's not always possible to have internet or data plan access on the go. I find it helpful to pre-download maps of my destinations to my phone via Google Maps. This is a great solution because I don't have to worry about things loading and know I won't get lost somewhere.
Passport/Passport Card + Visa
This should be a given, but is absolutely a travel essential. You should not enter a foreign country without a valid passport or visa. Each countries rules for stay are different, and it's important to do research in order to travel safely and without sanction from foreign governments. Make sure to keep your passport safe when traveling, and seek help from the embassy should your passport get stolen.
Correct Currency
Make sure you exchange some of your currency to the one in the nation you are visiting. Airport exchange rates tend to be ridiculous, and you can often get a better rate by seeking out a local bank and ordering it a few weeks in advance. Sometimes banks require you to have an account there, so make sure to do research about a month or so in advance to ensure you can get a good exchange rate.
Debit/Credit Card
Make sure you are keeping an alternative way to access funds. You never know what might happen, so you don't want to keep all of your eggs in one basket- so to speak.
Be careful though! Make sure you place a limit on how much you can withdraw at once should the card gat stolen and used. You don't want to risk your account being drained!
Furthermore, a lot of cards have international fees, so you want to make sure you research this beforehand and see if you will incur an additional expense in using the card abroad. Do this in advance so you can have time to open a new account and potentially reduce fees if you plan on traveling for a long period of time or very often.
Camera
Documenting your journeys is a great way to remember them. Most of us have phones where we store our images and photos near and dear to us. However, bringing a disposable or professional camera can add a level of fun to the trip, and also may result in higher quality photos.
Lock (TSA Approved)
If you plan on storing your luggage with a hotel or bringing it with you while walking around a city, you want to make sure no one can easily access it. In certain parts of the world, theft is extremely common. It's important to remain vigilant and aware. A luggage lock can help keep you extra secure, both when you are with and away from your luggage.
Make sure this lock is approved by TSA or the travel administration in the area in which you live to avoid potential security issyes when checking or bringing a bag on an airplane.
eSim or International Phone Plan
Making sure you have access to data plans is important wherever you go. Phones help us get around, find places, and call others if we need to. They can keep us safe, but only with access to a strong data source. Unfortunately, some carriers do not provide services in certain areas and others charge a high premium for "roaming" or international use. This fee can be as high as $10/day or $100 a month. Make sure you see what your cell carrier's policies are on international travel before departing.
An alternative option is purchasing a sim card upon arrival to the country. This is often cheaper, though it can be more of a hassle, especially in locating and conversing with an agent in another language.
Do some research and see which option is right for your travel needs. For short trips, the "day pass" from your regular carrier is often cheaper, however, longer trips may benefit from an eSim or investment into an international phone plan.
Pepper Spray and Personal Safety Gear
While you can't bring pepper spray on an airplane, if you fear for your safety, you should consider grabbing some once you land. This will help you feel safer, especially if you are traveling solo. It's pretty inexpensive ($10ish USD) and can lend you peace of mind in your travels.
Basic Knowledge of Local Customs and Language
Please don't walk into a new country with no knowledge of the customs, culture, and/or language depending on the location. Do research on the area you are traveling to and create a vague itinerary (at least) about what you want to do. There are companies offering short courses to help you learn more about essential knowledge for travels. Consider utilizing those resources or looking on google or other search platforms for advice from those who have previously traveled there.
First Aid + Essential Medicines
If you are on any form of medicine, you should make sure it is permitted for travel purposes in the country you are heading to due to the legality of certain drugs. We don't recommend stopping any essential medicines for travel, but you want to make sure you aren't breaking any laws. We would recommend cancelling/changing your trip if this is the case.
You should also bring with you basic First Aid gear. Travelers tend to get sick often, and it can come in super handy having OTC medicine on hand and not having to deal with the medical system wherever it is you are heading. Furthermore, First Aid kits are never a bad idea, and there are a ton of travel sized versions available and tailored for this purpose.
Conclusion
Traveling abroad can be a stressful experience, however with proper preparation, it can also be one of the best experiences of your life. Try not to stress to much, but do make sure you are prepared for the challenges life may throw at you. Immerse yourself in culture and open your eyes to new experience. We hope these tips have been useful to you, and you enjoy the benefits the best international travel essentials provide. As always, leave a comment if we've forgotten anything! We can't wait to hear about the amazing trips you will go on!
Comments