- Download GoogleMaps app if you haven't already. On the app, you can go to offline maps, click download, and choose a city, country, town, whatever, that you want to download. That way, when you aren't connected to internet and you don't want to use valuable cellular data, then you can track where you are and find your own routes. (GPS works without internet_
- As for toiletries, go solid when you can. Meaning, switch out your shower gel for a bar of soap, invest in a shampoo bar from Lush, try the new and trendy facial cleansing stick by Neogen (St. Ive's also has an affordable, delicious smelling solid facial cleanser). Benefits of these are threefold: 1) You can pack them in your carry-on because they are TSA-friendly. 2) They last quite a long time (much longer than 100ml of a liquid cleanser). And 3) They are significantly lighter than liquid. As someone who lives abroad for 2 months at a time, these were my biggest travel breakthrough this year.
- Get a suitcase with a TSA lock. I stayed at hostels for the first time this year. While I still put all of my extra-valuable valuables (like iPad, back-up documents, and Airpods) in the locker provided, I could rest easy knowing my expensive beauty products or clothes would also be safe whenever I left the room.
- Pack as little as you can. I know, duh. But seriously— it is a must. I was able to travel entirely with 1 medium-sized suitcase and 1 back, both of which were not completely full at any point. This made flights easier (no hassle of having to store my carry-on in the overhead bin) and navigating winding European streets easier (not as much to carry). How might you do this? you may ask. Well...
- Buy an individual packet of powdered laundry detergent so that you can do any wash in a bathroom sink. I had one as a back up and never used it, but it was comforting knowing I had the option. This is a good place to also note that not every hostel has a washing machine. Just keep that in mind and do your research before going.
- Be practical about your shoes. This can be tough because of course you want to look nice while out and about. But the chances that you will choose aesthetic over comfort is slim when you're walking 8+ miles a day. So, make sure that the shoes you bring can serve multiple purposes. Invest in a pair of cute but comfortable sandals. Then, make sure the rest of your shoes are just about comfort. For my two month trip I brought four pairs of shoes: 1) hiking sneakers for the archaeological dig I worked on, that could also be nice for random hikes or archaeological site visits. 2) Flip flops for beach days and hostel shoes. Also, these can just be thrown on when you need to run out to the grocery store and you don't want to put on real shoes. They weren't nice looking by any means, but sometimes you just reach a point of not caring. 3) Tan leather Tevas for walking around but still looking kind of okay. They aren't the cutest, they're for sure still Tevas, but the leather and design made me kind of okay with wearing them with dresses and nicer clothes. 4) Black comfy wedge sandals with rubber soles for walking around and nights out. These were my cute but comfy pair. I give them a thumbs up.
- Choose all of the shirts, dresses, etc. that you want to wear while you're over there, and then put back at least 1/4 of them. Again, you'll always want to wear your new clothes on vacation, but do you really need all of them? Chances are you'll forget all about that cute tank top you chose to leave at home while you're getting gelato or visiting a museum. You won't miss it, I promise.
- Plan on wearing things twice. My general rule of thumb for clothing is that I pack enough shirts/dresses to last just over half of my trip. I can rewear clothes or do laundry in the sink. Worst comes to worst, you can just buy new, clean clothes wherever you are (most likely, at least in Europe).
- Look up the specific luggage requirements for each airline you use. I once did not do this for my Emirates international flight, and realized I was only allowed 1 carry-on (no personal item) but 2 checked bags. I had to reorganize everything right there in the airport. No fun. Also, some cheaper airlines make you buy your checked luggage and don't include it in the ticket price. Airlines also have different policies on dimensions and weights of luggage and carry-ons. I've been screwed by all of this. Take it from me, it is a lot of added stress that you don't need when you're abroad. Do your research before you leave, write it all down, and check over it as you're packing.
- Download GoogleDocs on your phone to store itinerary. I write carefully planned itinerary for my trips, with information including hostels contact info and street address, museum hours and admission prices, travel times to palaces or other sites, airline baggage policies, etc. This year, I made a giant GoogleDoc and put all of my information in it. When you download GoogleDocs on your phone, you can select an offline option that allows you to look at your files while not connected to the internet. This allows you to not have to print out and carry around a physical paper itinerary. Instead, you'll have it at your fingertips all the time.
- Get an international phone plan. You don't necessarily need one over in Europe because many places have WiFi. But, I can't tell you how many times I've been in a hotel or in a place without WiFi and the people I was with were not able to text their loved ones, but I was (able to text my loved ones, not theirs xD). For me, it was worth it.
- Foot spray. Get it. Yeah, yeah, I'm gross. But with only packing four pairs of shoes (see above) your shoes are going to get sweaty and stanky. Get some foot spray with vinegar and tea tree oil that will kill bacteria and make everything smell nice and pretty; if not for you, for the people around you. You can use the spray on your shoes and your feet so it does double duty.
- Bring Ziploc bags. I bring some sandwich bags and several liter bags for things just in case. Liter bags work well for shower things when they're still wet. Sandwich bags are great for packing snacks for the day or holding extra money or jewelry. Though you may be able to find some abroad, packing a few is better than having to buy a 50 count box.
- Pack dryer sheets between your clothes. This keeps your clothes smelling fresh and flowery even though they've been sitting in your suitcase for weeks. ** Pro tip: These things are stroooong. Keep them away from your Ziploc bags and food products, otherwise they will seep into your comestibles and let me tell you, it is not fun eating things that taste like fresh laundry.
- Bring a student ID if you're still a student or your ID hasn't expired yet. This will get you free or discounted admission at many museums, tourist sites, etc.
- Don't be afraid to use public transportation. Yes, it can be scary to hop on a bus in a foreign country, but it is significantly cheaper than getting a taxi. Do some Googleing before you use public transportation so you know which subway line you need and which direction on that line you need to go. Look up prices, the best way to get to the airport or train station, etc., and then gather all of your confidence and go for it. Don't be afraid to ask questions, like "Is this the right bus?" because it's important for you and it doesn't inconvenience the person you ask, even if they act like it does (some people can just be _rude_).
- After walking down the big streets and regularly trodden tourist paths, wander off the path for a bit. This is when you get the really great stuff like that cute cafe with great espresso and chill vibes, the boutique shop with fun knick knacks, the quirky decorated restaurant that boasts of grandma's cooking, and maybe even the best gelato you've ever had. I did this on my last day in Vienna, and I wished I had done it sooner. Things tend to be more unique, local, and less expensive on the side streets.
- Learn pieces of the language before you get there. You should know some basic words and phrases like "Hello," "Thank you," and "Excuse me." Although many people speak English, locals really appreciate the attempt at their language, even if you're really butchering it. If you forget to look up these phrases, ask a waiter or a store clerk. Usually, they'll smile and tell you exactly how to say it. A little goes a long way.
jun 28 2018 ∞
jul 7 2018 +