Packing for your trip abroad can be one of the most challenging things when getting ready to leave. Did I pack too much? Did I not pack enough? To put your mind at ease I have a few tips from my own personal experience of going abroad. I learned some pretty important Do's & Dont's when it comes to packing for the whole semester as well as short weekend trips. The first thing you should check is the luggage guidelines provided by whichever airline you are taking. You can find this on any one of their websites under Baggage. It will provide how much your checked baggage can weigh, carry-on allowance, what items are restricted, etc. Pay close attention to the size of liquids you can bring such as shampoo, liquid make-up, lotion, perfume, etc. they can be very strict on that. The standard weight for international baggage is about 50 lbs. but its also depends on the airline. Be careful on the weight because if it goes over the allowed weight you will be charged a fee. You are usually allowed one carry-on bag to take with you on the plane as well as a purse or backpack. This is where you want to put the things you will need access to easily such as medicine, make-up, ipods, computers, money, etc. just in case you need them on the flight or when you land. Once you are on the plane, you won't be able to get to your checked in baggage for a long while. Also, if you want to add any more extra luggage besides what you are allowed, you can always pay extra to get it on the flight.
Now for the fun part: What to pack. It all depends on what country you are going to whether you will need to pack more winter clothes or lighter clothing. But the same rule applies to both situations: Pack Lightly. Keep in mind that you will be traveling constantly, exploring the history of each enchanting city. You want to be comfortable. This does not mean you can't bring your style game with you across the pond. It just means be mindful of how much you are bringing. Bring Essentials that can be worn with any outfit. For example: hats, scarves, sunglasses, some basic jewelry (do NOT bring a lot) a GOOD two pairs of boots, and depending on what season it is, a pair of sandals. Don't bring things you "might" wear. Trust me, I made the mistake of thinking I "might" wear a few tops and dresses and never used them. Another thing to keep in mind is that you can always buy clothes once you get there. There is always a cheap store to go to buy basic sweaters and jeans. While I was in London, I mainly went to H&M as well as Primark, which is basically like Forever 21. You can find tights and basics for about one pound.Very Cheap. Don't forget to bring basic things you need such as: your glasses, medicine, deodorant (their deodorant is mostly spray-deodorant), make-up, a towel, chargers, adapters & converters, etc. If you are doing a homestay, check with your host family before you leave to see what they will be providing for you. Depending on which country you are in you will definitely need an adapter/converter for your electronics. They can be found at Apple, Radio Shack, Best Buy, or any electronic store. Make sure you research which one your country takes. The best thing is to buy one that has plugs for all European countries, it is very convenient. The most important thing to ask yourself when your packing is "Will I really use this?"
One last thing I have to discuss is Things NOT to pack. When I was getting ready to leave I realized that I didn't know how I was going to do my hair everyday. If you have thick hair like me, It can be difficult not having a blow-dryer or straightener. The struggle was reaaal. Haha, but I strongly advise you to wait until you get there to buy those things. If you do bring them, they most likely won't work because the voltage is different over there. So don't bother bringing them, it's a waste of money. Also check with your homestay, if they have a daughter or mother, they will have one. The same thing goes for Shampoo & Conditioner, lotion, perfume, etc. You can always buy it once you get there for super cheap and it saves you the hassle in the security line at the airport when they ask to take out your liquids. A lot of the times customs will make you throw it away. Also no scissors or sharp objects whatsoever. Trust me, you'll be glad you left them at home.
Before you embark on your journey, make sure you do the research on what you should bring and should not bring. Check your airline's guidelines and security protocols. It is much better to be prepared than to be stopped in customs and forced to say goodbye to that amazing new perfume or cologne you got as a Christmas gift. I hope these tips are helpful for your next adventure. :)
Happy Packing!
xx, Miranda Lopez
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