If you've already decided to embark on a school trip this year, it's never too early to start packing, especially if you'll be away from home for an extended period. Knowing what to bring is essential, and though it may seem like a straightforward task, it's not. Often, we leave packing until the last minute and end up forgetting essential items or bringing unnecessary things.
The experience you're about to live will be a defining moment in your life, so having the perfect suitcase is more crucial than it may seem at first glance. Below, we share a packing guide with items that should not be overlooked for your journey.
What to Pack: The Essentials
Student travel programs don't differ much from other types of trips when it comes to packing the essentials. The obvious items like your passport, ID, tickets, foreign-compatible bank cards, cash, and copies of important documents, including insurance papers, apply to all kinds of journeys. However, there are other things to consider when packing for this type of experience.
1. Clothing
First and foremost, pack suitable clothing for the seasons you'll encounter. It's crucial to have options for all weather conditions because surprises can always happen. The goal is to reduce luggage to items you know you will use. Remember that your suitcase will be "your life" for the duration of your travels, so you should be able to fit everything essential.
A common mistake is packing all the clothes you have, and that's the first thing to correct to make space for other items.
2. Footwear
Taking five pairs of shoes is excessive; choose only what's necessary! A pair of cozy boots for indoors, sneakers or athletic shoes, a pair of sandals, and some boots. Think of footwear as "activity," such as exploring the city or going out for dinner.
3. Medications
In some countries, medications can be costly. Therefore, basic medicines are recommended for travel: pain relievers, cold medicine, antihistamines, etc. However, ensure you can bring them with you to avoid issues with immigration authorities.
If you are under medical treatment, make sure the medications you are using are legal in the destination country. Otherwise, obtain a medical report or prescription justifying the use of these medications to facilitate entry.
4. Plug Adapter
A common mistake travelers make is assuming that electrical outlets are the same in all countries. In many cases, the voltage is different, so it's advisable to bring an adapter. Consider this point because, for example, if the voltage is too high, connecting devices may cause damage.
5. Extra Items
Bring a few things that make you feel comfortable, so your new room feels more welcoming upon arrival; like some photographs, a personally valuable item, and perhaps one or two local snacks that might be hard to find in your new city—anything that reminds you of home.
It may happen that upon arriving at the new destination, you don't feel entirely at ease, which is normal as it's a new place. Carrying items that transport you back home will make those first days easier to navigate.
Packing Process
When everything is ready to be packed, lay it all out on the bed and organize it by category. This way, you can see what you have and what you might be forgetting. During this phase, be critical and ruthlessly discard anything that is not essential and won't be needed, but also ensure you have the basics covered.
Optimizin Space
1. Place the maximum number of items inside shoes or sneakers
Shoes take up a lot of space in the suitcase, but they are an essential item. Use a pair of shoes to tuck in underwear such as panties, socks, bras, boxers, or briefs.
2. Roll shirts and underwear
A folded shirt and underwear together take up the space of a pair of socks. And if you fold a pair of socks over them, they will stay perfectly in place throughout the journey.
3. Fold the shirt in a square shape and use a belt to keep it secure
Traveling with button-down shirts can be annoying as they tend to wrinkle, meaning they need ironing upon reaching your destination. However, if you fold them as they come in their packages and secure them with a belt, they stay smooth.
4. Place heavy items on the side of the wheels
Due to gravity, when you're carrying the suitcase, the wheels will be on the ground, meaning all items will have pressure downward. Recommendation: delicate items on top, and heavy items by the wheels.
5. Fold clothes outward
The pressure between suitcases can cause something to break or stain some of the clothes we have in the suitcase. Therefore, one of the recommendations is to fold the clothes outward and thus reduce the risk of them getting dirty.
6. Wear the heaviest garments
It is recommended to wear the heaviest and bulkiest items, such as boots or jackets, as they take up a lot of space inside the luggage.
7. Carry cables in a toiletry bag
Cables for phones, computers, and headphones need to be taken care of and should not be loose in the luggage, as they can break. That's why it's best to use a toiletry bag or a small pouch to gather them all in one place and keep them separate from clothes and bathroom items.
8. Practicality of Luggage
Hard-shell suitcases are highly recommended for long journeys. They are easier to transport, even if they are heavy, and they keep everything protected during the trip. Carry-on luggage alone is insufficient, and a backpack is not enough when preparing for an experience of this magnitude.
Remember to carry valuable items in your carry-on, and toiletries in a waterproof bag inside the suitcase. Keep important documents, such as passports, plane tickets, bank cards, and cash in a waterproof compartment of your carry-on, easily accessible. This is also a good place to store your phone charger, as you'll likely need it soon after landing.
With these tips, you are ready to start planning your suitcase. Always remember that a school trip is an experience that will mark a before and after in your life, providing you with new knowledge and perspectives on the world. Carrying the right luggage from the start will give you the confidence that everything will go as planned.
