Going abroad can be exciting but it can also be scary. It is only through planning that you can be ready for this exciting adventure. When planning for your trip abroad, the first thing to remember is that you have to pack properly. This slideshow presents you 10 things to remember when packing for travel as a baby boomer while traveling abroad.
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Choose the Right Luggage
Baby boomers need to choose the appropriate luggage for overseas travel. Light and sturdy cases with rolling wheels or travel backpacks with a lot of pockets are recommended. Invest in a carry-on bag that has a built-in charger for mobile devices, too.
Pack Smart Clothing Choices
When packing for your trip, stick to versatile, crease-resistant clothing that can be worn in different combinations. Choose lightweight materials that suit your destination’s climate, pack layers for temperature changes, and include a good pair of comfortable walking shoes. A lightweight jacket or sweater is a good idea as nights are often cooler than daytime hours.
Organize Medications and Health Essentials
Make sure you have an adequate supply of prescription medicines for the length of the trip, as well as the prescriptions or medical notes required for these. Pack basic first-aid supplies – painkillers, bandages, antiseptic wipes and so on. It’s a good idea to bring along some over-the-counter remedies for common complaints, like hay fever or indigestion.
Pack Travel-Sized Toiletries
Avoid bulky items in your luggage by using small travel toiletry bottles or transferring liquids into refillable travel containers. Go for multi-purpose products; for example, use 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner and solid toiletries to save space. Don’t forget to pack products like sunscreen, insect repellent, and hand sanitizer so that you stay healthy and comfortable while on the road.
Organize Travel Documents
Put all vital travel papers like passports, visas, travel insurance details, and flight itineraries – away in a safe and easily accessible place. You could opt to put them in a travel organizer or wallet with compartments.
Invest in Lightweight Travel Accessories
Use lightweight travel accessories that can improve your experience and comfort. This could be a small inflatable travel pillow and blanket for long haul flights or flights where you get the middle seat, or earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones for flights with screaming children or grating announcements, and a luggage scale to avoid oversized baggage fees.
Pack Technology Essentials
Of course, it’s important to be able to disconnect while on the road and enjoy the journey, but there are some travel-tech essentials that can help with safety and convenience. Pack a universal travel adapter to be able to charge and use your electronic devices in every country. Plus, you can pack a power bank for emergency charging on the go. Download offline maps or language translation apps to help you navigate cities and communicate as you travel.
Bring Entertainment and Relaxation Items
Grab some relaxation or entertainment stuff – a book or e-book reader, Sudoku, crossword, word search or any of those travel size games are good for relaxing. Also invest in a lightweight and compact travel hammock & inflatable neck pillow for travelling.
Include Essential Safety Items
Take what you’ll need for emergencies or other sticky moments. It could be a small torch or headlamp that you use to see the path in the dark or for power failures at a hotel or campsite. A mini emergency whistle, a Swiss Army knife to protect yourself, & a mini personal alarm can all come in handy for any female traveller.
Leave Room for Souvenirs
Remember to keep room in your suitcase for souvenirs & mementoes that you collect on the way. Take collapsible or foldable shopping bags so that you can carry the things home or mail the big or fragile souvenirs back to save yourself a bundle of baggage weight.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.