Over the past couple of years, I’ve been on a travel kick. Taking at least two to three international trips a year, I’ve seen a lot of different things throughout my travel time. While I’m no expert, I have learned a lot with each trip – I hope you find the tips below useful 🙂

Packing Tips

  • Checked Luggage
    • #1 Rule: Leave room! Do not overstuff your suitcase before you get to your destination, chances are you’ll end up with a couple souvenirs and nowhere to put them
    • #2 Rule: Only pack clothes and colors that go together; I’ve learned over the years that it’s not worth packing that one cute pair of shoes that only go with that one dress (they just take up space and become annoying to carry)
    • Space saver tips: 1) roll your jeans/other bulky items, 2) carry on your largest coat, and 3) wear your largest/heaviest shoes on the flight
    • Other pointers:
      • Layering is key! Pack a sweater and a jacket that go together; it can get super cold unexpectedly, in which case you can always wear both
      • Always bring one pair of comfy walking shoes, one pair of flats/sandals, one pair of booties/low comfortable heels – chances are you will walk A LOT!
      • If you’re questioning the item, chances are you’re not going to need it… I always question if I should bring a really fancy dress (and 9 out of 10 times, I never end up wearing it)
    • Recommended Items (nice to haves):
      • Laundry Bag – once you’ve outworn something, you won’t want it to smell up your other clothes in your suitcase
      • Bag that easily folds up – if you think you’ll get some souvenirs, bring this bag! The bag won’t take up too much room going there and can become your second carry on should you need more room on the way back (I always either carry my Longchamp or this lightweight foldable duffle depending on how long I’m traveling)
      • Voltage Converter Hair Dryer – please please please do not pack your blow dryer (or even straightener/curling iron) for international trips. The voltage in countries varies and chances are you will burn out the device as soon as you plug it in. I had my favorite hair dryer basically catch on fire; it’s a big bummer and not worth it at all. Most Airbnb’s/hotels will have a hair dryer at least. If you can’t part with one, I recommend one where you can change the voltage via a switch (linked is one similar to what I carry)
      • Travel sized cosmetics – I feel like this is a no brainer but some people just can’t part with their large bottle of lotion or conditioner; what I’ve learned over the years is that a lot of foreign brands have incredible cosmetics! Bring everything travel sized and if you run out of something, enjoy the journey of finding and trying something new/foreign to you  🙂
  • Carry On 
    • Cosmetic Bag:
      • Chapstick, hand lotion, eye drops, concealer, roll on oil/perfume, tide-to-go pen, mini deo, gum
      • Airborne/Emergency C, Advil, GasX (flying long distances can cause air bubbles in your stomach that stay painful for a day or two)
      • Any prescription pills you take normally (I pack my pills for an extra two days just in case luggage gets lost or flights are delayed) 
      • Toothbrush & Toothpaste (especially on a 10+ hour flight… you’ll thank me later) 
    • Tech Gadgets:
      • Headphones with option for audio jack (noise cancelling over ear are game changing)
      • Portable charger – this is key!! The last thing you want is for your phone to be dead as soon as you land in a foreign place
      • Kindle/book (if you’re an avid traveler… Kindle is a must!) 
      • Power Outlet Adapter – each country has different outlets, make sure to look up the outlet for where you are going and bring so that you can charge everything
      • All other chargers (you never know when you can find an outlet and will need juice) 
    • Cozy Items:
      • Eye mask & Sock slippers (or any fuzzy socks) 
      • Coat/jacket (it can get cold on planes, you can also use it to rest your head if you have a window seat)
      • Have a bad back or knees? Or are you shorter? This footrest will save your life

Airport Tips

  • Reusable water bottle! Bring one and fill it up after TSA! This will also be helpful in hotel rooms, on trains, etc
  • Don’t cut it too close (arrive 2 hrs early)… there’s a reason why airlines recommend getting to the airport two hours early, especially for larger major airports, strict security countries, and around busy holiday seasons. Every country has their own unique check in policies and practices, plus TSA can take ages in certain airports; don’t stress yourself out, and just get to the airport >1.5 hours before you take off 
  • Always eat before a long flight + bring snacks on the plane! Yes, you’re supposed to get free food for longer international trips but you never know what’s going to happen (especially during covid, most flights limited or canceled their food options). Unfortunately, I’ve been on flights where they’ve run out of meals/snacks… the last thing you want is to be stuck on a really long flight and starving 
  • Check your gate once you pass TSA to make sure nothing has changed and you are in the right terminal
  • Instead of bringing a clear liquid bag, I recommend to make sure your liquids are in the same area of you carry on (not dispersed throughout). That way, if security has an issue, you can point them in the right area. In the past 10 years of travel, the only airport where I’ve had to use clear liquid bags was at London Heathrow (but they provide you with clear bags so it wasn’t an issue)
  • Do not bring your own alcohol on the plane to drink! It is illegal… I once sat next to someone who brought and drank their own alcohol on the flight, the flight attendant threatened to have the police meet her at the gate when she got off if she did not stop drinking it and throw it away 

What to do once onboard your flight?

  • Drink lots of water! This is why I love bringing a reusable. Flying is sooo dehydrating and the last thing you want is to get off a long flight groggy because you forgot to drink water all 10+ hours
  • Stand up and stretch! Sitting in the same place and not moving for 2+ hours is not good for your body… also the increase in elevation and cabin pressure tends to cause swelling; don’t be afraid to get up and stretch your legs. And I really mean stretch (quad and calf stretches, heel lifts, etc), this will increase your mobility and decrease your risk of flying health issues later on 
  • Try to sleep! When in doubt, sleep. I know it may be hard, but when you’re dealing with time changes, the worst thing that can happen is if you don’t sleep on the plane and then go the next 12+ hours once you land without sleeping 
  • Breathe during turbulence! While it may seem like it at the time, chances are that you are not going to fall out of the sky. My brother is a pilot and once told me that the planes wings are made to basically bend in half before snapping; while it may seem like you’re on a very dangerous roller coaster, you physically cannot fall out of the sky because of a bump (the engine or fuel system would have to malfunction first)
  • Wear shoes with socks and don’t tie them too tight! My feet swell sooo much when flying (which is completely normal). Make sure you’re not wearing super tight shoes or else you’ll get off the plane with very uncomfortable feet. Some people recommend compression socks, I personally can’t stand the feeling of them, but they help with circulation!

Train Tips

  • If you have the option between air or train travel, I highly recommend the train!! Trains are an amazing way to see areas in between your two destinations, while also immersing yourself in the culture; outside of the US, train travel is typically much easier, faster, and less stressful than flying 
  • Get to the train station at a similar time as the airport; some stations have security, some have rules on boarding times, and some trains even leave early (Switzerland and Japan in my experience)! Again, better to be safe than sorry 
  • Most trains have an area at the front or back of your cabin to store larger luggage; you can also try putting luggage above your seat… I’ve seen some large (50lb checked luggage sized) bags fit above your seat depending on the train
  • Always have your ticket and ID/passport on your body; chances are someone will walk by to scan your ticket and check ID once you board 
  • Do not rely on internet or chargers on the train; maybe it’s just me but I’ve always had the worst luck with train internet and abilities to charge with power (this goes for both Europe and Asia). Why I recommend having a portable charger with you at all times 🙂