The weeks leading up to studying abroad can be full of stress… What to wear? Is my suitcase big enough?! To help, here’s a list of some essential items that you might need to help in your packing! Whether you’ve already done some serious traveling before or not, there’s something here for everyone who is worried about what deserves to take up space in her suitcase. Here are 17 things to think about before your big adventure.
1.) Parka
Those of you traveling to Europe this winter, or somewhere else cold, think about investing in a longer parka, one with a warm hood and that is waterproof. If you’re going to be around snow, don’t worry too much about style, just think about how terrible it would be to be walking around with your teeth chattering. While some can be expensive, it can be a jacket that will last you years!
2.) Bathing Suit
All gals going abroad, whether to Vietnam or Scotland or Chile, will need a suit stuffed somewhere in her suitcase. It can be one you already have or you can splurge on a new one, but either way, you’d be surprised at the opportunities to swim you will have at various points during your experience abroad. Whether it’s at the beach during your spring break or at a bathhouse in Prague, it is nice to be prepared to let go and jump right in!
3.) Outlet Adapter
OMG we can’t forget about this one! No girl wants to get stuck without a way to charge what’s dearest to her. Make sure that before you leave, you research what kinds of adapters you’ll need to charge your phone and computer, it’ll make your life a whole lot easier if you take care of this before you leave on your adventures.
4.) A Journal
Don’t forget a THING about your experience. A journal does not have to mean that you’re writing everyday, but make sure you’ll have a way to record the awesome things you’ll be doing! It can consist of a series of lists, small reflections every week, and even sketching – because its solely for you, record your trip however is most fun for you! (This can also include pictures!!)
5.) Your Favorite Makeup
Okay, so not every girl is emotionally attached to her makeup, but it could be hard to get your hands on emergency eyeliner when away, so make sure that you’ve thought about this before you leave. If you have a favorite mascara or foundation, maybe ask for 2 for Christmas so that you’ll be covered for your time away. Some essentials might be your favorite mascara, eyeliner, a small palette of eye shadow, and cover up. Might I also suggest some RED LIPSTICK? ;)
6.) Walking Shoes
This one might vary from girl to girl, but make sure you pack shoes that are comfortable to travel in. For some that might mean booties, a pair of converse, flats, sandals, or even a pair of hiking boots. Make sure flats are broken in so you aren’t hobbling over cobble stones with blisters on your feet, and make sure that your walking shoe of choice is durable enough to handle some serious walking – if the boots are made for walking, make sure that’s what they’ll do.
7.) Retainers
Okay, this is a goofy one, but it could be pretty important! For those of us who have had braces, our parents will definitely suggest that we don’t forget about maintaining our smile. Make sure to keep your smile gorgeous and just pack your retainers somewhere in your suitcase and put them on once in a while.
8.) A Hat
Think about a sun hat or a baseball cap for encounters with warmer weather, a fuzzy winter hat for those of you who are going to be experiencing snow until March, and maybe you can even treat yourself to a change of style and go out and get one of those big black floppy hats ;).
9.) A Go-To Sweater or Poncho
Because lots of European destinations have some of the best dressed people in the world, its very rare that you’d see someone dragging themselves to a breakfast place on a Sunday afternoon in sweats. Sweats are barely worn in Europe, and other destinations as well might make your favorite baggy pants or old hoodie obsolete. So what to do when you want to cover up that you are not completely put together? A big sweater or poncho with a pair of jeans or black leggings is the perfect way to dress yourself up even when you don’t feel like trying.
10.) A Comfortable Pair of Wedges
Many places outside of the United States don’t pave their roads or sidewalks with concrete, but instead use cobblestones. When my mother lived in Madrid in the 80’s, she was once walking home from a nightclub and snapped a stiletto heel off in between two cobblestones. She had to snap the other one off herself so she did not have to walk home barefoot. Because this would be frustrating for anyone to go through after dancing all night, make sure you bring a pair of heels that your environment won’t destroy, like wedges!
11.) Two or Three of Your Favorite Dresses
Because we were just talking about my mother, I’ll share with you all another piece of advice she’s given me. You know those go-to dresses? That ones that you are always tempted to put on when you don’t feel good in all the other outfits you’ve tried? Yeah those ones! DON’T FORGET THOSE.
12.) Camera
Make sure to take a ton of pictures, and make sure that they are good ones! Whether you are more comfortable taking photos on your iPhone or want to buy a nice new camera for your travels, make sure that you have some way to record the mass of eye candy that will be all around you during your travels and your studies.
13.) Some Statement Jewelry
If you bring a couple of nice pairs of earrings and some nice statement necklaces, you can dress up any outfit with ease. Jewelry is also a nice way of quickly making yourself feel put together without needing to put on too much makeup if you’re in a rush.
14.) Medicine / Insurance Card
Every girl needs to remember her Insurance Card just in case she needs another form of identification, if her program might need it for some reason, or in case of a medical emergency. In terms of medication, make sure to bring pain killers like Ibuprofen just in case, your allergy medication, and your birth control, and any other regularly filled prescriptions that monthly medications. Be sure to talk to your doctor and you insurance provider about getting the right allotment of medication so that you are covered for your whole time away.
15.) Toiletries
This can be tricky, but try and make sure that you pack small portions of whatever you’d bring with you to move in to school, like Q-tips, tampons with plastic applicators (because Europe only uses cardboard, ladies!!), enough of your favorite face wash, makeup remover, toothpaste, dry shampoo, and moisturizer.
16.) Map / Travel Guide
Make sure that whenever you’re planning an excursion you have a game plan. Learn how to read a map and learn all about how to navigate the public transportation in your city, like the subway and bus system. If you are visiting another city, it only helps to buy a guidebook and a map to give you extra leverage and independence. Part of becoming an adult and a strong woman is tied to your ability to think on your feet, and using materials like a map and guide book will help you be prepared should you need to act quickly.
17.) Some Badass Confidence
Know that you are more powerful than you think you are. Go into your study abroad semester with optimism and reliance on your own intelligence and ability to cope. Go make some new friends, have some new adventures, eat some brand new foods, and don’t forget how lucky you are to have the experience!! Good luck and strut your stuff ;).