In the previous post, we have discuss about packing tips for overseas travel. here are the next point.
Look smart - Both men and women will want to take along one dressy outfit in case you should happen to go out to a club or be asked out to someone’s house for dinner. This doesn’t mean suit and tie for men, it means something other than jeans and a tee-shirt. Some dance clubs expressly forbid jeans and trainers (tennis shoes) as a matter of principle. You will probably also find that when people from other nationalities go out for a night of ‘pubbing and clubbing’ they tend to smarten themselves up a bit more than Americans do.
Good walking shoes – One thing you will definitely do much more than you do here is WALK. Therefore be sure to take at least one, preferably two, pairs of very good walking shoes. You won’t need professional hiking boots or the most expensive L.L. Bean ‘authentic Irish gum shoe’, but it would be a good idea to get something high-laced and waterproof for everyday wear. If you decide to do some serious hiking, of course, you will need hiking boots, but nothing particularly fancy. Hill and country walking in many overseas locations is usually pretty easy-going except for the mud. Avoid wearing expensive running shoes or tennis shoes, if possible, as these will often also identify you as a US citizen. If you take sandals with you, check to see if open-toed shoes are always appropriate – sometimes they’re not (such as in religious shrines or buildings). Also, be careful if you will be hiking in tropical areas where leeches, parasites, and other biting/stinging creatures might be attracted to your exposed feet!
Other Necessities
Bedding and Cooking Utensils – If you are being housed in a hostel, family home, or B&B, you will most definitely need to bring a towel or two with you, as these are normally not provided. You may also need to bring your own linens – a sheet and pillow cases. A duvet (comforter) and pillows will usually be provided, but you may need to buy a duvet cover once you arrive. Hostel kitchens should have plenty of cooking utensils, pots and pans, dishes and cutlery, but if you want to keep food in your room for snacks (if this is allowed), you may want to bring your own knife, fork and spoon with you plus one or two other useful utensils such as a corkscrew or a bottle opener. Check with airlines before taking any sharp items on board that could be mistaken for weapons.
Electrical Items – It is best not to bring electrical items with you overseas, as many countries operate on a different electrical current from the US. Hairdryers and shavers are cheaply bought in most countries and easily sold to the hostels when you leave (who can then sell them to other Americans coming over next year). Or some electrical items feature dual voltage, which normally means that you can use them in countries that have electrical currents of either 110 volts or 220/240 volts. If you must bring your own electrical items with you, you will need to purchase an adapter plug that will fit an overseas wall socket. These can be found in most department stores like Walmart. They are also usually sold in airports or through suppliers like Magellans. Be careful, however, because there are at least 34 different kinds of wall sockets overseas. Don’t wait until you get there to look for one. If you intend to bring a large electrical item (not recommended), such as an electric typewriter or computer, you may need to purchase an adapter and/or a transformer. Check with the experts at places like Radio Shack if you’re not sure whether you will need something or not.
Laptop computers - In some cases it is a good idea to bring a laptop computer if you have one with a dual voltage switch. Having a computer handy rather than having to wait to use one of the university’s computers or an internet cafe can save you a lot of time when you have a paper due. You must be sure to check that your laptop has a ‘universal’ switch on the side of it which will convert it from US current (110 volts) to non-US current (220-240 volts) or is compatible with both currents. If it isn’t, you will most probably blow up your very expensive computer! You can take a laptop without such a switch, but then you will need to purchase the adapter and transformer as indicated above. Also, remember that if you access the internet overseas it may cost money for every local call. You can save yourself a lot of money by subscribing to Skype for free internet calls.
Contact Lenses – The best advice here is to switch to a chemical disinfectant and bring your own solution from home with you. Be sure to bring enough to last the entire trip, as some solutions are difficult to find abroad. You will probably also want to bring a spare pair of lenses or a spare pair of glasses for emergencies. If you use an electrical disinfecting device you may find that it doesn’t operate properly overseas. Also, there are likely to be few plug outlets in hostel or hotel rooms. However, if you must use one, try to purchase the Cooper Vision unit that has a dual voltage switch.
Bicycles - It is not recommended that you bring a bicycle overseas for several reasons: First, you will have to carry it in addition to your luggage everywhere you go. Secondly, you will most likely be charged excess baggage fee by the airline unless you only bring one bag with you. Thirdly, it is very easy and relatively cheap to buy or rent a bike in most countries overseas. Additionally, you may want to consider where you will be doing your riding. Many big cities with busy traffic may not be the safest or healthiest place to be riding a bicycle. You will also need to consider storage of the bike, both while you’re there and if you should travel around after your studies. Whereas hostels may be willing to store your luggage for you while you travel, they might not be willing to store a bicycle. You may also find that you are not allowed to bring the bike into the hostel when you’re not using it, thus exposing it to the weather and to the possibility of theft. Brand new expensive American bikes are more likely to tempt thieves than well-used local ones.