Are you a student who has just booked an overseas trip? Are you busy focusing on all the fabulous sights, attractions, shopping and dining that you’ll soon be doing? It’s only natural to get excited and caught up in the vacation hype but, when it comes to packing, that’s something you want to take a bit more seriously. The worst would be to arrive at your overseas destination only to discover you’ve forgotten several essentials due to poor planning and packing.
To ensure that you’re prepared, we’ve created a list of six things that students must pack for an overseas trip. These items will make it possible for you to still prioritize your studies all while enjoying your time away.
Travel Documents Are the Most Important Item
Since you are heading overseas for a holiday, the first thing you’re going to want to pack is your travel documents. This means items like your passport and a travel visa if required by that country. These items should be stored safely in your carry-on bag in a pocket that isn’t easily accessible. Nowadays, most people don’t use paper tickets and boarding passes; instead, everything is digital so be sure you’re got your digital tickets handy and ready to be used.
The Perfect Laptop for Overseas Traveling
Another item you’re going to need is a laptop so that you can keep up with all your studies while overseas. In today’s landscape, students are expected to have a laptop at home that they can even use in class to take notes rather than a traditional notepad and pen. If you’re an online student, a laptop is your most essential piece of equipment, since all of your study materials and course requirements will be found online. The accelerated BSN programs online through Baylor University are just one example of such a course.
So, what is the perfect laptop for traveling? The answer will be different for each person, but there are some things to look for in a model before you make a purchase:
- The laptop is lightweight and sleek so it can fit in your backpack or carry-on bag.
- The battery has excellent lasting power.
- It needs to be user-friendly.
- There is plenty of storage space so you don’t have to worry about running out of room while away.
- The RAM needs to be adequate for you, as this allows for fast and smooth multitasking on the laptop. For most people just using it for school, 8GB or 16GB should be good.
- It needs to be budget-friendly.
Don’t forget to also think about the laptop accessories you may want to pack, such as a mouse, a mouse pad and a video camera (if necessary). The laptop and all the accessories can be neatly stowed in a laptop case, which will also protect it from potential damage. It’s all about combining productivity with enjoyment on your trip.
Will You Need Power Converters and Adapters?
Depending on where you’re traveling to, you may also need power converters and adapters. The plugs you are used to at home may not be the same overseas. This means you can’t just plug in your electronics such as your laptop’s charging cord. You can speak to your travel agent about what converter or adapter is needed, or check online.
If you do need to pack these accessories, look for a universal converters travel kit that gives you a variety of converters and adapters. This will cover all destinations so that next time you travel, you don’t need to buy a new kit. It saves money and hassle in the long run.
Save Space with Travel-Sized Toiletries
Because you have these extra items to travel with, such as a laptop, you are probably looking for ways to save on space. You don’t want to end up over the baggage allowance limit and then have to pay a huge surcharge. Toiletries are one of the easiest ways you can save on space and weight by choosing travel-sized bottles. As a bonus, whatever you don’t use by the end of your vacation, you can just leave behind. There’s no need to pack them back up if you don’t want to.
A Camera to Capture All Those Amazing Moments
If you had been planning on using the camera on your mobile phone to take photos while on holiday, you may want to re-think the decision. While today’s smartphones feature some pretty impressive cameras, it’s not going to compare to a real camera. It could be well worth investing in a quality camera especially if you foresee more travel in your future.
Just like with the laptop, there are specific features worth looking for in a camera that you intend to use specifically for traveling. The weight and size will probably be a top priority since you need to be able to carry it around with ease. You will also want something that is durable and can stand up to things like bumpy roads, being tossed around in a bag, and a variety of weather conditions. You may even want something that can be used underwater (those will have a much higher price tag).
Have the Local Currency On-Hand
Even if you aren’t the type who typically carries cash, it’s always a good idea to have some of the local currency with you. This is perfect for tipping, shopping at markets, picking up some street food and other such small purchases. It’s just convenient to have a little cash on you. You can purchase the currency at home before you leave so that you’re prepared the moment you land.
You Are Ready to Have a Fabulous Time
Taking the time to organize what you pack may not sound exciting and glamorous but it will have a huge impact on how successful your overseas trip is. As a student, you want to stay balanced, making sure you not only prioritize fun but also think about the essentials that will make it possible for you to keep up with your studies while traveling.