5 Must-Haves in My Suitcase for an Extended Trip Abroad
Written by Samantha May 13, 2016
Top five must-haves for an extended trip
Top Five Must-Haves for an Extended Trip
Packing has always been a dreadful task. I usually wait until the last second to throw something in a suitcase; however, Italy is a whole different animal. There’s so much to remember and bring on a study abroad trip, especially when my trip is extended! I will be traveling for three weeks after attending CIMBA, traveling down the east coast of Italy, down the “boot” and back up to Rome. After scouring the Internet for important tips while backpacking Europe, the most needed backpacking accessories while abroad, and top things most people forget while in Europe, I finally came up with a top-five list of must-have essentials while traveling. Aside from my important documents and walking shoes, the five must-haves I will be bringing on my trip are:
- A Headlamp: After reviewing some “Hostel Don’ts” it became apparent that a headlamp (or flashlight) is a needed accessory while traveling throughout Europe. At first I thought it was a silly suggestion, most of these rooms will have overhead lights (I hope at least). However, waking up in the middle of the night or leaving early in the morning will be tough to navigate in a ten-person dorm room without a light. To keep from being the “newbie” traveler, I will be sure to pack a headlamp! This is an essential to keep your traveling neighbors at bay.
- A Journal: I have always loved writing since a young age. Every night I would write in my diary and as I grew older this then turned into a journal. In the future, I hope to turn this into my own blog. Traveling Italy’s countryside is a once in a lifetime opportunity and capturing unique and special memories throughout the day will be essential to a successful trip. This is an essential habit for all nostalgic travelers.
- Sink Stopper: I read on many, many blog sites that a sink stopper is important for laundry! Some hostels will not provide laundry units, and since this will be my main form of shelter for a number of nights, I want to be sure I have a place to do my laundry. A sink stopper turns a sink into a pool of water to wash clothes by hand. This is an essential for a budget traveler like me.
- Microfiber Towel: I never really thought about linens and how that would work abroad. Some hostels provide this free, while others charge a fee to borrow a towl. However, I’ve read up on microfiber towels, which has been commended by REI and other experienced travelers. A huge perk is the ability to dry up to 4 times faster than a normal towel. Again, for those traveling on a budget, packing a lightweight, fast drying towel is important.
- Rick Steve’s Travel Guide to Italy: This is probably my favorite piece to my packing list. I was at REI buying a few essentials like travel sheets, TSA locks and a travel adapter, and I walked by the travel guide area and a book written by Rick Steve’s caught my eye. Coincidentally, my Bubbie had recommended a few days prior to download Rick Steve’s podcasts for self-guided tours. This specific book was about traveling Italy and I instantly put it in my cart. It was definitely an impulse purchase, but the important aspects are the “foodie” theme throughout the book and providing travel guides for tourist destinations. I am a huge foodie and love to try new things, which fits my liking to this book.
All in all, packing can be very stressful. And even now, writing this blog post, I haven’t had the chance to sit down and plan what I’m bringing to Italy. However, It’s important to have these top five must-haves with me while traveling abroad.
Blogger: Samantha, University of Minnesota
