“What do you mean only a carry-on bag? How will I ever have what I need for the trip?” It’s a refrain heard from many travelers, especially those going international destinations, when the suggestion is made to travel with a minimal amount of luggage.
But in these days of high fees for checked baggage, costs of tipping porters and clerks, and hassles at customs, traveling with minimal luggage can make sense. And with a bit of preparation, it is not as hard as it would seem.
Packing for an International Trip: Where to Start
Surprisingly, packing for an international trip begins with documents rather than clothing. In the days before the trip, gather up a complete itinerary of the vacation, plane tickets, passports, driver’s licenses and credit cards. Make a copy of the documents and leave them with a trusted friend or family member who is staying behind. This will streamline the replacement process should the originals be lost or stolen during the trip.
Travelers who need medications should carry each prescription in its original bottle, with the name of the medication, the doctor or pharmacy’s name and phone number and the dosage clearly marked. This is especially important for prescription pain killers to avoid unpleasant questions at customs.
While it is possible to re-fill a prescription while traveling it is best to have enough on hand to last the entire trip, plus two or three extra days' worth just in case of delays. Travelers who need injectable medications should check with the airlines, state department or customs to discuss transporting needles which can be illegal in some countries.
Pack trial sizes of anti-diarrhea aids, aspirin or acetaminophen, a small first aid kit and motion sickness medications like Dramamine. While these things can be easily found in stores overseas, having a small amount on hand can make life easier if they are needed in the middle of the night.
What to Take on the International Flight
Next, look at comfort items for the flight. A paperback book, iPod, inflatable neck pillow, thin shawl or blanket and slippers can make a 12-hour flight more tolerable. Small electronics are an option, but most airlines now offer DVD rentals or in-flight entertainment systems, so they may not be worth the weight. Trail mix or granola bars are excellent ways to carry snacks that won’t take up space.
Travelers from the United States must remember that the Transportation Security Administration limits the amount of liquids allowed in carry-on luggage, so careful planning is a must. Choose trial sizes of multi-use products like shampoo that can be used as a body wash and sunscreen instead of moisturizer. Hand sanitizer is a must, so if necessary leave something else behind.
Choosing Clothing for the International Trip
Finally, pick out clothing for the trip. Travelers who choose to take only a carry-on plan to do laundry along the way, so they choose lightweight clothing that will dry quickly. If laundry facilities or services are not readily available, this type of clothing can be washed in a sink and hung in the shower over night to dry.
Clothing in the same color scheme allows the opportunity to mix and match without looking like the same outfit each day. Two pairs of pants, a long skirt, four or five shirts or blouses, a swimsuit, fleece jacket and five pairs of socks and underwear can be all that is needed for a two-week trip.
Every traveler needs a good pair of walking shoes. Whether these are sandals, sneakers or hiking boots does not matter as long as they are comfortable. The smart traveler will wear the heavier pair on the plane and throw a pair of flip flops in the carry-on for the pool or beach.
With a bit of planning, it is possible to travel anywhere with just a carry-on bag, even internationally. Leaving the “just in case” clothing and extraneous fluff behind saves on airline and porter fees, leaves more room for people in the cab and can reduce the time needed to clear customs. And since the idea of traveling is to relax and sightsee, not having to deal with excessive luggage makes it that much easier.
Kelly Sharp - Kelly Sharp holds a Master's degree in Education and a Bachelor's degree in Communication, and has been involved in training in a variety ...
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