It pays to be prepared: 10 essential items for your next travel abroad

To pack or not to pack?

It pays to be prepared: 10 essential items for your next travel abroad

Most packing advice usually focuses on what you should not bring from home, but it is also important to consider which everyday essentials you should pack when traveling abroad. What is considered normal and easily accessible for you and those around you might not be available in other places, or it might be different from what you are used to.

So before immersing yourself in a new culture, it is worth checking whether these everyday items are easy to come by at your destination, or whether carrying them with you will save you a headache later on.

Over-the-counter medication

You might have never considered this, but did you know that medications that are sold over the counter in the United States sometimes require a prescription in other countries? Analgesics, antihistamines, sleep aids such as melatonin, or cold medicines are some of the things that might be trickier to come by abroad. If you consider any of these essentials, it might be worth bringing them from home.

Deodorant

Deodorant is sold worldwide, but this doesn’t mean it will work for you. Not all deodorants are formulated in the same way. Some regions, such as the European Union, have regulations that restrict the use of certain ingredients in personal deodorants, which changes the formula and the strength, even if it's the same brand you know. In other countries—Japan, for example—people tend to have a less noticeable body odor due to their genetic makeup, which means that deodorants are often formulated to be milder.

Stain remover

This item might seem less important and easier to find, but do you really want to be looking up how to say "stain remover" in a different language because you got sauce on your favorite shirt? It’s more about convenience than about a real need, but stains and accidents are bound to happen when you least expect them.

Noise-cancelling headphones

What is considered an acceptable volume level definitely varies across cultures; some welcome bustle and noise, while others have stricter social rules about it. Noise-cancelling headphones are useful in both situations: if you are somewhere extremely loud, they will make it less overwhelming. If you are somewhere where loudness in public is frowned upon, headphones are a must for using your phone or listening to music.

Adapter

Adapters are among the items most often forgotten by international travelers. Did you know that there are 15 different types of plug sockets used around the world? And this does not account for the differences in voltage. This means that even if your electronics’ plug matches the socket, the voltage difference might cause issues. Plug adapters are generally easy to find, but having your own from the get-go will help you avoid complications.

Personal medication

Much like over-the-counter medications, there is no guarantee that your personal prescription will be available abroad, even if you have travel insurance. Some medications might not be available at all, while others might be restricted. If you rely on medication regularly, it is extremely important not only to check your destination’s regulations regarding it, but also to make sure that you are carrying enough with you.

Water bottle

There’s water everywhere, so why is a bottle a must? While a water bottle is not an essential, water definitely is. You can always buy bottled water if needed, but having a reliable water bottle with you will save you money, reduce waste, and keep the water cold for longer.

Bug spray

In the same line as deodorant, bug spray varies around the world, and so do insects. Locals at your destination may be used to them or have a lower risk of an adverse reaction, but there is no guarantee that this will be the case for you. If you are traveling somewhere where insects are abundant, carrying a strong insect repellent with you is never a bad idea.

Portable charger

Another commonly forgotten item, a portable charger, is always a good idea, even more so if you take into account the differences in plug sockets mentioned earlier, which might make it difficult to charge your electronic devices with your usual charger.

Lip balm

Is lip balm an essential? Many might think it isn’t, until they find themselves with chapped lips in the middle of nowhere. For those who do deem it a key item, once they find the lip balm that works for them, nothing else will do. So, do your future self a favor and remember to put the lip balm in your bag.