Research shows that the world’s international student population is greater than 3.7 million, increasing by around 12% every year.
This year, are you preparing to join those ranks?
Travelling abroad is a great way to discover different cultures, meet new people, and expand your worldview. However, packing for such a long trip can be a little challenging!
What makes the must-have list, and what do you leave behind? Most importantly, how will you stuff all of your travel essentials into your luggage to avoid sky-high airport fees?
No fear! Today, we’re sharing our guide to 10 tips and tricks that can help you prepare for your exciting new journey with ease. Take a break from all the prep work, kick up your feet, and read on.
1. Don’t forget your travel adapter
Chances are, you’ll need to plug in plenty of devices while you’re abroad, from your hairdryer to your laptop. The only problem?
There are around 15 different kinds of electrical outlets used around the world. Your two-prong phone charger won’t do you much good if all the outlets abroad are three-prong. That’s why we’re starting our list with one of your absolute essentials: a travel adapter!
Your adapter will be equipped with myriad prong styles designed to fit any outlet. You’ll plug it in first, then plug your device into the external side of your adapter.
In some cases, you might also need a travel power converter. These handy tools lower the voltage of certain outlets from 220/240V to 110/120V, so you don’t fry your electric toothbrush the second you plug it in.
2. Make your smartphone your guide
When you’re travelling to a place you’ve never been to before, it’s tempting to buy all the guidebooks you can find. After all, you never know when you’ll need translation help or a list of the best tourist spots in the city! Yet, those bulky books can take up way too much space in your luggage.
Thankfully, you can now find most of these resources in audiobook format. You can also download mobile apps, such as TripAdvisor, that can provide you with guides on where to eat, sleep and play during your time abroad.
3. Roll your clothes
Last year, everyone was inspired by Marie Kondo’s unique method of folding and rolling her clothes to maximise storage space. Yet, seasoned travellers already knew that technique! Laying your clothes flat or merely folding them once leaves little room in your suitcase for anything else.
Instead, roll most of your clothes as you pack. This way, you can fit much more into each section.
4. Use vacuum storage
Want to make even more room in your luggage? Invest in travel vacuum bags!
Organise your clothing into sections (e.g. pyjamas, work shirts, slacks, casual clothes) and put a few pieces into each bag. Then, compress the air out of each bag and start rolling from there! When you go this route, you’ll find that your packing efforts are 50% more effective!
Usable with or without the included vacuum, our space-saving storage bags are also a great way to transport any bedding or blankets that you plan to bring with you on your trip. Normally, these items alone would take up an entire suitcase, but now you can compact them down in seconds!
5. Use your shoes as storage
You read that right! Think about it. Your shoes are sturdy, hard, and hollow. This makes them excellent storage containers! While you won’t be able to fit that many items inside of yours, they’re ideal for transporting valuables, including jewellery and other trinkets.
For extra protection, stuff the items inside a pair of socks before putting them inside each shoe. Looking for another way to help your clothes pull double duty? Insert your belts inside of your shirt collars to keep them upright!
6. Leave extra room
Is your suitcase bulging at the seams? You might think there’s no way you can take anything out, but you’ll need to.
It’s likely that you’ll want to leave your time abroad with more than just memories and pictures to show for the experience. Leave a little room in your bag for any souvenirs that you want to take back home with you!
7. Pack shower caps
It might sound strange, but hear us out. The items inside of your suitcase will be jammed together tightly. That means your shoes could be up against your best dress clothes. While you can use gear such as storage cubes to keep everything separate and organised, they could still get jumbled up.
To keep the bottoms of your shoes from ruining your favourite shirt, slip each one inside of a shower cap! It’s a quick, cheap and easy way to keep scuff marks at bay.
8. Bring extra camera cards
There’s nothing like maxing out the storage on your camera after Day 5 abroad. That’s why it’s always smart to bring a few extra camera cards along! This way, you’ll never miss a moment or a great photo-op.
You may also need to bring a portable backup device along if you’re heading to an area where internet access won’t be available.
9. Organise your documents
From your passport and license to your aeroplane tickets and boarding passes, you’ll have plenty of documents to keep up with during your trip. Instead of stashing them randomly, organise them in a thin binder or secure folder.
Keep these documents in the front pocket of your carry-on so you always have them within arm’s reach.
10. Mark your bag
Are you travelling with a group? If so, there will be a mad dash for the baggage claim as soon as you land. It might sound obvious, but many people forget to tag their bag with an identifying marker so it’s easy to spot and grab.
Even though you know what your luggage looks like, it can easily become lost in a sea of black suitcases. Tie a colourful ribbon around your handle or colour your tag with a bright marker so you’re not left watching the conveyor belt aimlessly.
Remember these travel essentials and take off!
You’re about to embark on one of the most meaningful and memorable experiences of your lifetime. Be sure to soak up every minute of it!
While you’re making your last-minute preparations, these helpful travel essentials can help take some of the stress off your shoulders. This way, you can relax and start planning all the fun things you’ll do once your plane lanes.
Need more help organising and preparing for your trip? We’ve got you covered. Check out our full range of affordable, space-saving luggage cases, bags and more!