You are only days away from your trip abroad and now it’s time to get serious. It’s time to pack!
What do you put in your suitcase, carry-on, backpack, or bag and what do you leave at home?
Here are five items you should have—or not have—in your luggage.
1. Bring, or have quick access to, emergency documents and numbers. Carry or know how to quickly find the emergency telephone numbers for lost credit or debit cards. Have secure access to your card number, such as from secure, encrypted cloud storage or from a trusted friend or relative back home. In similar manner, have readily available a photocopy of your passport, birth certificate, marriage certificate, and medical powers of attorney, if any. Having this access is like an insurance policy you hope to never need.
2. Don’t bring unnecessary credit, debit, membership, or identification cards with you. If you don’t plan on driving during your trip, you may find you do not need to bring your driver’s license since you will be carrying your passport.
3. Consider bringing a sleep aid—over-the-counter, prescription, or natural—to help you rest during night flights and for when you first return home from Europe.
4. Bring snacks and water onto the plane for delays, tight connections, and emergencies.
5. On the plane and throughout your journey, one thing you should always have with you—your smile! Your pleasant demeanor will allow you, and the people you encounter, to enjoy the trip.
Buon Viaggio!