10 essential items to pack for your year abroad (that you probably will not have thought of)

Going abroad to work or study can be a very exciting experience: not only will you get the chance to explore a new part of the world, but you will also probably make a huge number of international friends! However, one of the more stressful aspects of this sort of occurrence is packing for a long period of time. In today's article, I have listed ten items that may slip your mind as you prepare for your new life, but which you will not want to be without!

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Luggage scales

Luggage scales are one of those things I never realised I needed until I bought some. Now, I cannot leave on any trip without them! Think about it: if you are staying anywhere other than in a host family’s house, it is very unlikely that there will be a pair of scales in your bathroom, and unless you have got magic powers, you probably will not be able to tell, just by picking up your suitcase, whether it complies with your airline’s baggage weight restrictions. Save yourself any nasty shocks at the airport and buy some cheap luggage scales today!

Extension cords

You will likely have remembered to pack plug adaptors for your trip, but what if you have only got one or two? Easy! Save the hassle of constant plugging and unplugging by buying an extension cord. That way, you will be able to charge three or four devices per adaptor.

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A backpack or belt bag for day trips

Planning on travelling around a bit during your internship or study period? Make sure to bring a small backpack or belt bag to carry your day trip essentials in! If possible, pack a padlock, too. That way, you will know your stuff is safe, even when your back is turned.

A portable power bank

Along with this, remember to bring a portable power bank with you. You never know when you are next going to find a plug socket and having a dead phone can be a real nuisance when you are in a new and unknown place. Extra bonus: you will not have to bring any adaptors with you on day trips!

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A portable fan

If you are travelling to a hot country, be sure to pack a small portable fan. I cannot count the number of times I have had to sit on stuffy trains and buses, roasting away in the summer sun. Just a tiny bit of cool air would have made these experiences so much more bearable. (I guarantee that your travel companions will be grateful, too!)

A water bottle

By the end of my three months in Italy, I had accumulated quite the collection of plastic water bottles, simply because it had not occurred to me to bring a sturdier reusable one. Remembering to do so will save you money (you can fill it up with tap water before you leave the house), help you live in a greener way (you will not be consuming as much plastic), and, most importantly, keep you hydrated while you are out and about!

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A journal

If any of you are sentimental folk like me, you will benefit enormously from packing a journal. Not only will you be able to write about all your adventures; you will also have somewhere to stick all that memorabilia (train tickets, concert tickets, etc. ) that you cannot bring yourself to throw away!

A laundry bag or basket

You will need to do a lot of laundry runs during your year abroad, so make sure to bring a bag or basket to keep your dirty clothes in. Make sure it is sturdy: plastic shopping bags will probably break pretty quickly, and you do not want to have any accidents on your way to the launderette! This will also help at the end of your trip if you need to separate various items in your suitcase.

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Contraceptives

They say that travelling is one of the best ways to find love, so stock up on contraceptives before you set off. Speak to a doctor about the best options for you, or, if you have already sorted that out, make sure to buy some condoms. The last thing you want, when you are halfway across the world, is to contract some nasty sexually transmitted disease!

Gifts from your country

Last but not least, if you are going to be living with a host family, bring some gifts from your country to thank them for their hospitality! Affordable options that will not take up too much space in your luggage include: traditional delicacies from your nation (biscuits, tea, pasta, etc. ), guidebooks about your city or region, toys for the children (teddy bears, toy cars, etc. ), CDs of famous bands in your country, and fridge magnets. Do not fret too much about this, though: ultimately, it is the thought that counts!

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That is all, folks!

So, there we have it: ten essential items to bring on your year abroad, that probably will not have immediately sprung to mind. Have a wonderful time, wherever you go, and make sure to send postcards to update your loved ones back home on everything you get up to!

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