Packing:
I prefer to pack light. For 10 days or less, a carry on and personal bag is more than enough. Pack at least one or two changes of clothing in your personal bag, as well as any electronics or important documents. This will stay under your seat and easy to access. You carry on could be required to get checked if the flight is full. Passport, wallet, travel papers, tickets, laptop, money, 1/2 outfits, snacks, in-flight entertainment and such should go in this bag. I prefer to use a book bag. The double straps make me feel secure when wandering the airport (not to mention it is more stable for the occassional frantic sprint from one end of the airport to the other). Double check the size of baggage you can bring, especially if you go with the just carry on idea. Each airline has similar but not exact guidelines. Make sure it’s undersized so they don’t check it (if it ends up being too big at the gate, they’ll usually check it for free).
Only pack things you know you’ll wear. Things you like and wear often, are comfortable and versatile. Pack one outfit for all occasions: hiking to castles, fancy dinner on a river, walking around downtown cities. Bring things easily mixed and matched so you don’t have to wear the same outfit twice but do have a billion clothes item that never actually leave your suitcase. Don’t pack large or heavy items. Wear jackets or carry them, same with bulky shoes and such. I DO NOT believe in the roll everything system, I pack things flat and that works well for me (for all you rollers out there, you do you, boo boo). If it’s stuff I don’t want to have creases in, I’ll wrap it around my other folded clothes (so maybe I believe in a modified rolling technique…). Dress in layers for long flights. It will be freezing occasionally and steaming hot at other times. Wear comfy breathable material that doesn’t cut into you or rub oddly. If you have a zip up jacket, it will be easier to take easier on and off. I try to wear a blanket scarf that doubles as extra warm for chilly plane rides (international flights will often give you a cheap/thin blanket tho) Have an external battery pack to go with your International charging port. You never know when your battery will die, or when you’ll have a chance to charge your phone so get one that’s decent and charges your phone a few times before dying. (I will try to find the link I ordered my last international charge port from that worked really well) Make sure you have to passport ready and handy at all times. I have mine in a cute little cover so it stays protected in my purse since it’s just a small paper book. Purses should be on strap worn over the shoulder, with the body of the bag always in front of you. (Makes it harder to pick pocket) Double check your flight times, seat assignments, gate assignments in advance when applicable so you know where you are trying to get. Short layovers do happen and you might have to travel quickly to the next loading gate. Try to be prepared in advance. Pack snacks: international flight foods are usually okay, but not great. Nothing produce or fresh, but packages and processed is usually okay. Check with your airlines to be sure.
Just realized a lot of this is for flying, but the same goes for cruises as well, especially since you might have to fly to where you’re getting in the cruise. I have never been on a cruise, but I have heard it s like a floating hotel, soooooo… pack like you normal would if a carry on and backpack aren’t enough for you.
Check back soon!
~Kelly
Devine Perks 