Packing for a Year Abroad
What to Pack or Not Pack When You Travel Abroad
The number one rule of packing to live abroad is do not over pack. You should never pack more than you can carry yourself. Packing light makes your trip easier and you more mobile. It also helps ensure your safety because a foreigner struggling with luggage is often a target for theft and other crimes. Consider this golden rule as you read the following tips.
Know Your Luggage Restrictions
The type, size, and amount of luggage you take with you may largely depend on where you are going and what you are doing. Always check with your airline before you travel to find out luggage restrictions. If you have too many bags, or they are too heavy, or they do not meet all other requirements, you will either have to pay extra money for the airline to accommodate your luggage, or the airline may refuse to carry your bags completely.
When purchasing luggage, consider your destination. If you are going to the Congo for scientific research, a rolling suitcase may not be as good as a large backpack. If you are traveling in Europe, consider that most buildings in most cities are very old. Many of them do not have elevators and you will be required to carry your own luggage up many flights of stairs. In this case, backpacks and rolling suitcases may be more useful than duffle bags.
Research the Weather
Research the weather and overall climate of the region in which you will be living and pack accordingly. If you will be living in England, a rain jacket and water proof shoes are good investments. Living in Norway in the winter? You will not be sorry to bring your warmest winter jacket. If the Australia coast is your destination, do not forget your UV protection sunglasses!
What Not To Pack
Unless you are traveling to a very remote part of the world and will have no or limited access to shops and stores, do not pack items that you can buy at your destination. For example, it is not necessary to pack all of your toiletry products. These are usually heavy items that will weigh you down and are easy to purchase once you arrive. Other items you should not pack because you can easily purchase them are:
- Kitchenware
- Furniture (dorms, student apartments, and young professional apartments can often be rented fully furnished)
- Your cell phone (they can be purchased cheaper abroad and it will be cheaper to make phone calls with a local phone number)
- Bed sheets/Towels/Pillows
- Books (take one or two of your own, but purchase any others you will need once you arrive. Books quickly add bulk and weight to your suitcases.)
Pack clothing and shoes in moderation. There is no need to bring your entire wardrobe. Consider your destination’s weather/climate and the activities in which you will most likely participate. This will help narrow down which clothing items to select. Also, you will be experiencing a new culture, which often means different styles and fashions. Try purchasing some of the local clothing and really immerse yourself in the culture.
Conclusion
Your journey abroad will be much more fun, safe, and successful if you take some time to plan ahead. Give yourself some time to pack - start thinking about it a few weeks ahead of time, not a few hours before your flight. And remember - pack lightly! Always leave a little extra room in each of your suitcases. You will want to bring home souvenirs, gifts, and other purchases from your year abroad.
If you have other questions or concerns about what you should and should not pack, contact your university or place of employment abroad for other packing suggestions.
Luggage Anyone?
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