Over the years I’ve spent quite a lot of time on planes, trains and automobiles moving from one destination to the next. And while the scenery and itinerary may change, there are a few tried and true items that I NEVER travel without.
I am heading out on my first international trip of 2021 on Wednesday… to CROATIA! I am so excited to get back to Europe and explore this beautiful country and all it has to offer.
But I thought it would be a good little insight for y’all to see how I prepare for an international trip. From my go to travel products, to my carry on essentials, to the little tings I pack to ensure I am prepared.
Planning/Researching
Now I need to give a HUGE shoutout to my mom because she plans the most amazing trips! She should be a travel agent in another life. But we normally start planning an international trip 4-6 months before we go. Research is a huge part of planning for us. We research exactly what we want to do, our itinerary, hotels, restaurants, tours, everything!
We decide a few things that are super important must-sees and must-dos and then fill in the gaps with other activities. We love finding free walking tours, and have about 4 of them planned for Croatia already! Another thing that we have recently been finding more of is food tours. This is a great way to see your destination, and try some of the very best local cuisines!
Packing
I usually start packing for an international trip at least a week out. Starting by writing out a rough draft of an itinerary so I know if there is anything specific I need to pack for. Being an avid over packer, I go in knowing that I will have way too many clothes.
I usually bring 2 outfits per day, depending what is on the schedule for that day. I usually do a daytime outfit, which most likely includes a swimsuit, and then an evening outfit for dinner and nighttime activities. When I pack, I try every single outfit on- from shoes to accessories. Sometimes I even plan the exact outfit for each activity. This helps clear any anxiety or thoughts of “I have nothing to wear” while abroad. This way I know exactly what I am going to wear and each day.
We all know I have a major shoe problem – and traveling abroad with shoes is tricky. Shoes are so heavy so I try to limit myself to 3-4 pairs of shoes for an international trip. I will most likely always wear sneakers on the plane, and then I will bring 2 pairs of comfy “day time” and casual sandals, and then a nicer pair of sandals for the evening. I don’t even attempt to bring heels on international trips, especially to Europe. Who can walk on cobblestone in heels anyways!? I try to pack neutral colored sandals so I know they will go with each outfit.
Especially when traveling abroad these are a few extra items that I make sure I do not leave without!
- European charging adaptor
- European blow dryer
- Mini umbrellas
- Fast drying towels
- Sunscreen
- Dramamine – for sea sickness
- Steroids/medical kit – I am allergic to sunscreen, so I always bring in case I have a bad reaction
- Extra printed copies of my passport
Carry-on Essentials
Especially on long overnight flights like mine on Wednesday, having a good carry on is key! I usually bring a backpack on the plane with me so I can fill it with all of my long flight essentials.
Of course you need the important stuff, that my mom usually reminds me of. My mom somehow always manages to remind me to bring something I almost forgot. So even if you’re the most together person ever, here’s some things you can’t forget:
- Passport (make sure it isn’t set to expire!)
- Credit cards (I love my United Mileage plus for travel)
- Travel/vaccine/negative COVID test docs
- Copies of your passport & travel docs (I put copies of my passport in my suitcase)
- Expensive stuff (I usually don’t travel with expensive jewelry or designer stuff, but if I do I definitely carry it on)
- Medications (don’t want those getting lost)
But now onto the fun stuff!
- Portable charger – I can’t imagine going anywhere without my portable charger, let alone traveling without one. These have saved my butt more times than I can count.
- Clear plastic pouch – I recently came across these bags after years of getting stopped because my carry on liquids weren’t in a clear plastic bag (whoops lol). They’re super convenient and keep all your liquids and random items together in one spot. Plus these are TSA approved which makes going through security a breeze.
- Headphones – This one is pretty self explanatory, but I like to bring a few different pairs, one for my phone, and one to plug into the seat if there is inflight entertainment.
- Blanket Scarf – News flash, planes are cold. I know SHOCKER. And if you’re not about that flimsy blanket you get on most planes, let me suggest a blanket scarf. I never travel without mine.
- Snacks – If you are not about spending an arm and a leg for snacks at the airport, I highly suggest packing some in your carry on. I have a peanut butter addiction so I always make sure to pack some pb crackers or something. Also airplane food is simply not good….
- A good book – I CANNOT sleep on planes, so I always love bringing a good book to lose myself in to pass time. I am bringing 2 books to Croatia – “People We Meet On Vacations” and “The Hunting Wives”.
My carry on beauty essentials
- Under eye patches– These are so addicting. If you’ve ever gotten off a plane and felt & looked like you got hit by a bus, these are for you.
- Chapstick – A plane is a recipe for dry lips. So keep that pucker looking hydrated honey! There’s nothing better than Laneige lip mask. I apply this stuff on the hour and it keeps your lips so moisturized.
- Face Wipes – Now if I get on the plane with makeup on, I always make sure to take my makeup off at some point. I’m more so talking about long haul flights here. So when I’m ready to go to bed and put on my under eye strips and use my handy wipe to clean my face.
- Mascara – I always keep my mascara with me wherever I go. So I make sure to have some on the flight that I can reapply mid-flight before I get off and get on my way.
- CC cream – In order to look more put together when I step off the plane, I love applying my CC cream before landing. What I love about this is it’s super lightweight but covers up what it needs to. PLUS it’s got SPF 50 which is great because you should ALWAYS wear sunscreen on a plane.
- Deodorant – No one wants to smell your stank.
- Toothbrush and toothpaste – You don’t want dragon breath!
- Hand sanitizer and wipes – This day and age, this goes without needing reasoning.
- Undies – Just in case, you never know!
What are some of your International travel tips??
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