I've been talking about it for months, and it is finally about to happen...I leave for England in less than a month! Like the true Virgo that I am, I've been constantly planning and organizing things, trying to make sure that everything is in order.
One of my biggest issues with traveling is the process of having to pack everything. If it's just a weekend trip or something, I can generally get away with overpacking, but on a four and a half month trip to England, not so much.
So I've been scouring the internet for some great packing tips, and I've decided to compile a list of them, not only for my benefit but maybe yours too in case you're also thinking about going abroad!
1. Make sure to bring a good pair of walking shoes.
I'm going to the UK, and in my understanding, they don't wear tennis shoes to the same degree that we do in America. With that being said, I am 100% bringing my favorite tennis shoes because I'll probably wear them more than I plan to. They'll be good to wear when I'm trying to explore the streets of London or even when I'm just walking to class.
2. Leave bulky bedding behind.
Luckily for me, my host university has bedding packing that I will be able to buy once I get there so I don't have to worry about trying to pack pillows and big bulky things like that that are going to take up a lot of my limited space. It's different at each university though, so I would check with yours if you're unsure before you leave everything at home.
3. Pack a change of clothes in your carry on.
God forbid that your baggage gets lost or doesn't arrive at the same time as you, (this does happen, unfortunately) you'll want to be prepared. You can, of course, use your carry-on to pack your laptop, chargers, and other things like that. But I would recommend packing a change of clothes and some small TSA-approved toiletries in your carry-on as well, just in case.
4. Bring a nice camera.
While your iPhone will probably suffice, I think if you have a nice camera, you should probably bring it. I'm asking for one for Christmas specifically for my trip to England because I want to take incredible pictures that I know my iPhone just isn't capable of. You'll have a bigger risk of it getting lost, damaged, or stolen, but the outcome will be worth it if nothing happens to it.
5. Don't bring hair dryers, straighteners, or curling irons.
This makes me sort of sad because I use my hair dryer so often, but it's best to just leave these things at home. The outlets in other countries tend to use more voltages than the ones in the US do. Chances are, you'll fry these appliances really quickly, even with a converter, so it's best to just buy them once you're there if you really need them.
6. Bring medications with you.
If there is a specific brand of medicine that works best for your headaches, just bring that with you. It's easier to bring it with you than to try to find an equivalent once you're abroad. Some countries won't have medicines as accessible as we do in the US, so it's best to just bring what you need.
7. Roll your clothes.
I don't know why anyone would not do this, especially if you're trying to cram a lot of stuff into your suitcase. You'll save a ton of space, and your clothes with stay wrinkle free even after your long flight.
8. Bring something from home.
After the phase of euphoria that comes from being in a new place wears off, you're probably going to get homesick. Bring something to make you feel a little more comfortable when that feeling hits. For example, I'm going to bring my tapestry, some pictures to hang up, and a stuffed animal that I usually sleep with.
9. Pack a good pair of headphones.
I'm going to take my over-ear Beats for the plane ride, and I am also going to pack my smaller earbuds to use when I am walking around campus. You can't go wrong with some headphones, especially if you have a long flight or layover. How else are you going to binge season 2 of Stranger Things?
10. You'll want a water bottle!
Bring a reusable water bottle! This will help you save money in the long run because you won't have to constantly buy packs of water. It's also better for the planet, so duh.
Good luck packing and safe traveling, everyone!