Are you planning a long international trip? If so, congratulations! This is an exciting and rewarding opportunity to explore the world, grow and learn about new cultures. However, packing for such a trip can be challenging. You want to make sure you have everything you need while avoiding over-packing and lugging around heavy bags. Here are seven tips to help you pack for a long international trip.
Photo by Daria Shevtsova
1. Make a list
Before you embark on your long international trip, it’s important to make sure you have everything necessary for a safe and enjoyable journey. Put together a comprehensive list of all the items that you must bring: clothing appropriate for the climate, crocs nz for your footwear, a passport or other valid travel documents, medications, and any other personal essentials. Having an organized list to refer to can provide peace of mind and help ensure you have packed all the key items for your trip. Most importantly, don’t forget to enjoy your time away from home as well!
Your travel must-haves include a buckwheat travel pillow, a compact and lightweight travel blanket for warmth, noise-canceling headphones to block out ambient noise, an eye mask for better sleep, and a portable charger to keep devices charged on the go. A power bank ensures electronic devices stay charged, and a dedicated travel wallet keeps important documents such as passports, boarding passes, and travel insurance easily accessible. Tailor your travel essentials based on the type and duration of your trip to enhance your overall travel experience.
Deciding when to start packing for an international trip depends on factors like the trip’s duration and complexity. Generally, it’s recommended to begin packing a few days to a week before departure, allowing time for pre-travel tasks and ensuring readiness for various scenarios. Early preparation includes handling documents, acquiring necessary items, and reducing stress associated with last-minute preparations. Creating a checklist, checking the weather forecast, and considering cultural norms contribute to a well-organized and stress-free packing experience.
Photo by Andrew Neel
2. Don’t overpack
When it comes to packing for any long trip, less is definitely more! Think carefully about every item you include in your suitcase to avoid excessive baggage. Is it absolutely necessary? Anything that doesn’t serve a purpose can easily be left behind and forgotten. A mindful approach to packing will make all the difference when it comes to having a comfortable and stress-free trip. There’s nothing worse than trying to carry too much stuff around the world. For journeys of a lengthy duration, consider what will actually be useful during your travels, and shed anything you won’t be using daily. Keep some room to buy small souvenirs of your international adventure!
Photo by Marissa Grootes
3. Pack light and versatile clothes
When it comes to long international trips, you want to make sure that you are keeping it simple. Some of the best tips for packing involve only bringing what you know you can carry. After all, who wants to arrive at their destination and have to deal with heavy suitcases? You don’t need to try and bring your entire wardrobe. Pack light and versatile pieces of clothing that can be mixed and matched to create different outfits. Stick to neutral colors, and consider layering options to accommodate different weather conditions. Versatile fabrics such as merino wool and lightweight cotton that can be dressed up or down with minimal effort. Pack light and don’t let the weight of your luggage drag down the weight of your travel adventures.
Photo by Sarah Brown
4. Ship non-essential items
If you are planning to move to a new country for a long period, you may need to bring more than what you can carry on the trip. To simplify the process, consider packing your essentials in one or two suitcases, and ship the rest of your possessions directly to your destination. This can include items you don’t immediately need upon arrival. To make things easier, pack them in sturdy, stackable boxes and send them off. By doing so, you can ensure the safe arrival of your belongings while reducing the stress of worrying about packing everything you need for your trip. As seen at Seven Seas Worldwide, you can even track their location and arrival time beforehand, so there’s no worry if something happens midway along the journey. With this option, packing for any international trip just got a whole lot easier!
5. Consider your luggage
When selecting your luggage, it’s essential to consider the size and weight of the bag. Airlines and other transportation companies have baggage restrictions, so it’s important to choose a bag that meets those requirements to avoid additional fees or the hassle of having to check extra baggage. Additionally, consider the durability and quality of the luggage. Look for trolleys or backpacks that are made of high-quality materials and have sturdy zippers and handles to ensure that they can withstand the rigors of travel. Finally, make sure your luggage is easily identifiable by adding a unique luggage tag or colorful ribbon, or even better, invest in a luggage tracker. This can help you quickly identify your bags on the baggage carousel and avoid confusion or loss of luggage.
Photo by Luan Gracioli
6. Roll your clothes
When packing for long international trips, rolling your clothes is an incredibly smart way to save space. Not only does rolling help you fit more items in the suitcase, but it can also keep garments less wrinkled than if they were folded and stacked on top of one another. To roll properly, start by laying out your clothing items on a flat surface and folding them in half (you may have to iron or steam them before this step). Then take each garment and fold each side inward one last time before rolling from the top until you get to the bottom, like a sleeping bag or a burrito. Rolling is an easy but effective way to maximize space while organizing your wardrobe.
7. Wear your heaviest shoes
One final packing tip to keep in mind if you’re going on an international trip is to wear your heaviest shoes and pack your lightest ones. Make sure that these are comfortable for walking, as well as the long journey, and do your best to make use of the space in your carry-on bag or checked luggage. Carry a pair of soft socks or compression socks to wear on the plane during your long-haul flight. Long international trips can be overwhelming and exhausting, but taking the time to wear your heaviest shoes during travel can ease some of that burden. This simple switch allows you to maximize the number of items you bring with you, making it a great way to prepare for a successful trip away from home.
Overall, packing for an international trip can be a daunting task, but with the right tips and tricks, you’ll be ready to go in no time! Remember to only bring what you know you can carry, ship the rest of your possessions if needed, choose clothing that is versatile and mix-and-matchable, choose the right type of luggage, roll your clothes rather than fold them to save space, and wear your heaviest shoes on you during travel.
By following these simple steps, not only will you maximize space but also make sure that all of your items are safe and secure throughout every step of your journey. With this knowledge under our belts now let’s get planning those amazing trips abroad! Hopefully, with these helpful tips and tricks, your next international trip will be a breeze.
