The list changes, of course,
depending on the length of the trip and
the destination, but the following are items to usually take abroad: |
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Passport
- Don't leave home without it! Your passport
must be valid for at least 3 months after your concluded travel abroad. It is
the traveler's responsibility to check with the Embassy of the country to be
visited for any visa or other entry requirements.
Copy of passport
- Handy if the original is lost or stolen.
Make a photocopy or two.
Traveler's checks
- Starting to bring them less and less.
Usually you get a better exchange rate if you use an ATM or have cash. Credit
cards come handy too. Traveler's checks though are a good form of insurance.
Alarm clock
- Rarely needed except for the early morning
departure; make sure you test it before you leave! Some look very smart, are
very light, and barely make a noise that can be registered by humans - watch
out!
Pocket Knife
- MacGyver (in Greek, Mac-Gai-ver) has
one; so should you.
Insect Repellant/Anti-Itch Gel
- Communing with nature can be pleasant
if nature isn't biting. Generally more concerned with pesky insects than large
mammals, so bring along some repellant, and if you are bit, something that will
relieve the itch. Choices: Itch-X or Caladryl's Calamina lotion.
Antibiotic lotion
- Speeds up the recovery of cuts and wounds.
Flashlight
- Signature trade-mark of both the X-Files
and savvy travelers.
Dental Floss
- Can be used as string for a multitude
of purposes besides flossing - not that you've ever had to tie your shoes or
backpack with it, but you could if you had to.
Candy
- Great energy pick-me-up on a trail.
(Don't forget your dental floss afterwards)
Dictionary
- Learn a foreign language one word at
a time! It's actually quite easy. In the beginning stage of learning Greek or
Italian, you may pick up a newspaper and start "reading." In the dictionary,
you could put a mark next to the foreign word. By the second or third time of
looking it up, you discovered it was actually part of your new vocabulary.
Books
- Bring something you've meant to read;
also think of bringing books you can leave behind at a library or book exchange.
Travel Guidebooks
- Guidebooks offer an insider's view of
the place you're visiting. You may carry two or three books on a trip and pick
up more materials en route. It's okay to disagree with the author, and probably
best to let him or her know when you return.
Plastic bags
- They can keep your shampoo from bubbling
over things in your luggage.
Gifts
- Depending on who you are visiting, great
gifts are local music you enjoy, books, and packaged foods. Peanut butter has
been a favorite with friends in Europe.
All other issues on
packing for your
trip!
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