Packing for overseas?

[pantsparty]

Do you have any tips of things to pack for overseas trips?

So far I have on my list:

-Outlet adaptors
-Ear plugs
-Umbrella
-Protein bars / light snacks
-Filtered water bottles
-Small fan

Any tips?

[emilyinchile]

I don't pack for "overseas," I pack for where I'm going. Adapters are usually going to be necessary, but that's it. You won't need your umbrella if you're going to Santiago in December any more than you'll need a small fan if you're headed to London instead. Plenty of international vacations have great water, and I would never take up suitcase weight with water. I also would imagine if you're the type who likes to have earplugs and snacks with you, you'd want them on domestic trips too.

[Deleted]

Where are you going? Are you visiting a major city or rural areas?

I always take a variety of over the counter medicines (aleve, bonine, pepto, etc.) so I don't need to worry about navigating a pharmacy overseas. The one thing I never have enough of is small denominations of currency.

[pantsparty]

Jul 29, 2012 18:24:54 GMT -5 emilyinchile said:

I don't pack for "overseas," I pack for where I'm going. Adapters are usually going to be necessary, but that's it. You won't need your umbrella if you're going to Santiago in December any more than you'll need a small fan if you're headed to London instead. Plenty of international vacations have great water, and I would never take up suitcase weight with water. I also would imagine if you're the type who likes to have earplugs and snacks with you, you'd want them on domestic trips too.

I mean the bottles with the filter in them - where you can fill them with tap water and it filters as you drink it

[starlily]

Are you checking your luggage our doing a carryon only?

If checking your bag, I'd still be sure to carry an extra outfit with you onboard (including underwear!), as well as a toothbrush/paste, & contact lens stuff if you need it.

[emilyinchile]

Jul 29, 2012 19:24:34 GMT -5 pantsparty said:

]I mean the bottles with the filter in them - where you can fill them with tap water and it filters as you drink it

Oh, well that makes more sense Still wouldn't bother packing them though if I was going somewhere with good tap water. I really don't think there's a one-size-fits-all "outside the US" packing list.

[cricketwife]

We really need to know where you're going. I've traveled a fair bit and the only items on your list that I've ever packed are snacks and outlet adapters.

[pantsparty]

London and Amsterdam in December. I think I have it covered, just didn't know if I was missing something obvious. Thanks

[mrsukyankee]

Water from the tap is fine in both areas - I live in London and have spent time inAmsterdam - but I do get wanting to not pay for water as it's expensive. I would pack an umbrella, snacks, I wouldn't worry about OTC drugs as they are easy to find. And the fan makes me laugh as the weather in both countries most likely won't be hot...our high today is 68F and that's the norm. Pack layers to wear, you might be warm on public transport and cold standing around. Have fun!

[GilliC]

Jul 30, 2012 0:57:34 GMT -5 pantsparty said:

So far I have on my list:

-Outlet adaptors
-Ear plugs
-Umbrella
-Protein bars / light snacks
-Filtered water bottles
-Small fan

London and Amsterdam in December. I think I have it covered, just didn't know if I was missing something obvious. Thanks

I would pack some clothes. Shirts, pants, underwear... Maybe some socks and pajamas?

(You asked about missing something obvious! )


On a less silly note, I would consider a waterproof jacket in addition to the umbrella. If it's windy and rainy, the umbrella won't do much to keep you dry, and you don't want to have to limit your time outdoors because of the weather. A GoreTex 3-in-1 jacket is great for traveling, because you can use it as a warm waterproof jacket, a lightweight rain jacket, or a cozy fleece jacket.

Along with the ear plugs, an eye mask can really help when it comes to sleeping on the plane over.

Make sure you have an accessible pen in your carry-on bag if you're flying into London, because they often hand out the landing cards on the plane (Definitely have it accessible on your flight home for the US customs form). Also, UK immigration typically asks you to fill in the exact address where you're staying (not just the hotel name), so keep that handy as well.

[hz80408]

Gloves, hat, scarf (we used all when we were in Amsterdam in March).

-Camera batteries/battery charger

[pantsparty]

The fan is for white noise - we need it to sleep at night!

Thanks everyone! The waterproof jacket is a good idea.

[aurora]

Also, don't forget that if you don't finish your snacks while abroad you technically have to declare them when you return to the US since the card asks if you have any food with you. You shouldn't have a problem getting in with it, but it might mean one extra step.

You might already know this, but don't forget that with some chargeable items (usually laptops and cell phones) you just need the plug adapter, but with others (curling iron, hair dryer) you actually need a converter. For your chargeable items, it will say on the charger what voltages and frequencies it works with.