Whether you are a skilled traveler
or a first-timer packing for this 4 month long study abroad can be
stressful. I have made list after list
(No really I’ve been through half a spiral notebook). I made a couple mistakes when looking at what
clothes to pack; I’ve packed to much
only to realize I packed the clothes I was going to wear and the change of
clothes for my carry-on. I have come to
the point of realizing that yes we all have our favorite clothes and shoes, but
most places have all the necessities you might need if you lose or forget
something (especially me heading to Milan (fashion hub), Italy).
Necessities:
1) Toiletries, seriously these are not a big
deal as people make them out to be. I have come to realize that if you Google
what are the top hair/personal care brands in your Host country they will have
familiar brands (i.e. Italy has Proctor and Gamble products). I have only
packed shampoo and body wash in travel sizes in the 3-1-1 rule in my
carry-on. You will probably want to pack
enough travel size toiletries for the first few days so you don’t have run out
as soon as you land to get products so you can shower.
2) Medications are a big decision
on what to take and how much. I for one
am pretty particular on what I take. So
I am packing enough vitamins to last me the duration of the trip. Now on pain medication I am taking a few
different types with me to help with the headache of flying and change in
climate. I am also taking some allergy
and cold medication once again with the changes to your body it is advisable.
As well in my personal bag I am packing some of those UrgentRX singles to help
with upset stomach and the pains of flying and customs.
Research is your
friend:
I couldn’t tell you how many videos, blogs, stories,
tips and tricks I have heard or watched.
I have learned some important things in my research.
1)
do not pack any appliances (i.e. flat irons, curling irons, hair dryers)
it will be easier just to buy cheap ones once you arrive do to the change in
electrical current.
2) Check the outlet styles for
where you will be staying/ traveling to. Odds are they are different from here
and some may different from other places you may visit (i.e. Italy has 2
different styles, but I asked my coordinator and found out that the three round
pronged outlet is most common, but in the UK round 2 pronged outlets are more
common. So be prepared for those weekend trips too.
3) DO NOT and I mean DO Not forget
convertors. You will fry anything you plug in most likely.
4) Cell phones: Here is the big
one. I am taking my current phone
overseas with me. I advise talking to your service provider on what you can and
cannot do with your phone overseas. I
lucked out and found out we have international texting and that when connected
to Wi-Fi I can still use my phone to call through apps (Viber, Tango, and
Skype).
5) Whatever device you are taking
to use as a camera (phone camera, iPad, and etc.) pack extra memory cards and back-up
the device regularly while abroad then back up that device regularly as well.
6) Research the culture and what is
or isn’t taboo in your host country. (i.e. Italians do not wear sweatpants or
yoga outside of their homes).
7) Those 5 inch heels are super
cute, but it’s advisable to leave them at home. If you need to pick up a pair
of heels for an occasion it would be easier than packing that beautiful pair
and leaving those comfy shoes home instead (Plus who is going to turn down shoe
shopping in a different country (especially Italy)).
8) Check and recheck your airline
bag restrictions and requirements.
Measure your bags to be safe. Buy a baggage weight scale. Practice packing and if you cannot carry all
of your bags safely and securely through a crowded airport in a foreign
location, rethink your clothes and extras. Remember that you may have to carry
your entire luggage on a train, or down a cobblestone street. Be mindful to
your surroundings and your luggage.
9) I do not know how much this will
help other than helping with adapting easier, but look up the top music genre
of the country and listen to some of it. You may find yourself liking some of
the music or an artist and that can help with immersing into the culture.
(Jovanotti Radio on Pandora is my new jam).
10) Not
everyone has a Pintrest account, but you can find tons of blogs and tips when
searching on there for study abroad or for study abroad in (insert your country
here). I found a few tips and tricks
that way.
Ciao amici,
2 days left in the U.S.