Planning a trip overseas is a daunting task, from booking airfare and hotel stays to dealing with different languages, currencies, times zones, and cultures. That’s why you should plan as much as you can in advance, including your packing list.
Here are some unexpected essentials to include in your suitcase when packing for a trip overseas:
Peanut Butter
Peanut butter has protein, fat, and sugar, which are your basic nutritional needs. It doesn’t spoil, and it tastes good on fresh fruit or bread. Peanut butter is a comfort food that tastes like home. Bring it with you, because it’s unlikely you’ll find it in the grocery stores in other countries.
Pack your favorite jar of peanut butter or a non-perishable snack like granola bars, crackers, or trail mix. These snacks make those long plane, train, and automobile rides much more bearable.
Footwear
Grab your favorite pair of sneakers, and you’re all set, right? Wrong. In Hong Kong, a restaurants often refuse to serve patrons because they are wearing sneakers. Some hotels in Europe don’t allow you to wear flip-flops in the lobby. Give yourself some options because you don’t want to have to buy shoes at your destination.
Shoes purchased in European or Asian shoes might look like your favorite Nikes or Timberlands, but they might not hold up after a 10-mile walk through the cobblestone streets of Denmark or London. You don’t want to fall or break an ankle. However, if that happens, you can use a trusted company like MedjetAssist to arrange transportation to a medical facility.
Outerwear
Make sure you know what type of weather you’ll encounter on your travels. If you are going to several places where the climates may differ, find a thick jacket with layers that can withstand many temperatures and keep you dry, too.
Antacid
While traveling it’s wonderful to experience local cuisine. Adventurous eating can be a highlight of traveling. However, you might find your stomach upset by unfamiliar food. Be sure to bring some of your trusted gastrointestinal prevention along. Otherwise you might find yourself having an uncomfortable vacation. Even if you have an iron stomach, acid eats through iron. Your stomach won’t withstand everything you throw at it. With a little pre- and post-noshing medication as needed, you and your stomach can enjoy the cuisine of any region.
U.S. Dollars
If you enjoy the art of bargaining, you might be surprised to learn that you’ll get a better deal if you have U.S. dollars–especially in some parts of Asia. In Vietnam, you’ll find that many retail shops and restaurants display prices in dollars. Make sure you carry some, but not too many, or you might find a local kid picking your pocket and running off with your dollars.
By putting these often-overlooked items on your packing list, you can ensure that your trip is more comfortable — allowing you to focus on the destination and the adventure.
Sydney Aaliyah Michelle 