International Travel Recs

So…I just got back from a hastily planned whirlwind trip to Italy from the United States. I haven’t traveled overseas in 9 years, so I wasn’t exactly sure what to expect or bring. I’m putting this down in writing so I don’t forget for future travels.

Before the trip:

1. Be sure you’re travel docs are up to date and easily accessible during your travel. If your airline asks, upload everything into their system. This made gate check in super quick and easy.
2. Check the weather for your location ahead of time, for the entire time you’ll be there if possible.
3. Get compression bags for your packing. You can pack twice as much in the same space – just be careful on the weight.

During the trip:

1. A portable charger and country specific adapter are must haves. Finding a small portable charger that has its own cord will be extremely useful, particularly on travel days when your day extends longer than the normal twenty four hours. Newer adapters have not only plugs but various USB ports.
2. Invest in a small crossbody bag that you can keep the essentials in. You won’t want to have a big bag that is easily grabbed. Pickpockets are looking for easy pickings, and a crossbody will make it that much harder.
3. GO FOR COMFORT, particularly with your shoes. Nobody cares what shoes you’re wearing when you’re walking miles on cobblestones, but you’ll feel it afterwards if you opted for cute over comfort.
4. Layer, layer, layer. Be sure to pack layering options, depending on the forecast. You might be able to get away with a light sweater and cute scarf rather than packing a bulky jacket.
5. Travel umbrella! Find a tiny one that fits anywhere so you’ll want to take it.
6. Don’t use a currency exchange window – they’ll entice you in with a high exchange rate, but then they’ll charge you a service fee of 20% or more. ATMs will give you the best rate of the day according to your bank, and the three bucks they’ll charge is far less.
7. Rewear and reuse – choose versatile options that you can layer, mix and match and dress up or down. You really only need two pairs of shoes – one for dressier occasions, and your walkers. That’s really it.
8. Don’t bother with a “travel blanket” – most airlines will supply you with one and they take up a lot of space.
9. Do invest in a good travel pillow – the ones the airline supplies you with don’t work unless you are sitting in a window seat and have a wall to lean on.
10. Bring an empty water bottle and refill it at the airport.

After the trip:

1. Try to stay up in the time zone you’re in until close to a normal bedtime. This is tough, but will help you acclimate faster – particularly on returning to the US.
2. Try to sleep on the plane coming home. This feels weird because you are in the daytime, but it will help when you arrive home at 3pm but your body feels like it is 9pm. A few hours in the sleep bank will help overcome that.