What to pack when you travel

This is mostly for myself to use as a reference for what to pack so I don't forget stuff. 😊

Basics

When it comes down to it, most stuff you could buy when you get there, at a minimum you must have:

  1. Government issued ID
  2. Cell phone
  3. Credit card

Then there is a bunch of stuff that will make your trip much better, for each day of your trip, pack. Generally doing 1 of each for each day and then I like throwing in an extra pair of socks and undies just in case:

  • Shirt
  • Socks
  • Underwear
  • Pants/shorts
  • Something to sleep in
Then there is random stuff that you'll need:
  • Deodorant
  • Phone charger
  • Floss
  • Toothbrush
  • Toothpaste
  • Mouthwash
  • Q-tips
  • Toenail clippers
  • Tweezers
  • Small sewing kit
  • Gum
  • Sunglasses
  • Hat
  • Pills - Ibuprofen/Tylenol, melatonin, Dramamine, Benadryl, Imodium 
  • tip >$20 in 5s, books, journal, business cards, hardcopy of flight info,  hanky to give, umbrella. sleeping pills for each night

*Tip money is probably the biggest thing that I forget that I wish I had. $30 in 5s is very helpful.

Work trip include:

  • Business cards
  • Laptop w/charger
  • Pens
  • Notebook 
  • Book of Mormon - Nearly every business trip I go on, when people find out I'm from Utah they ask if I'm Mormon. I am. Then they have lots of questions, which I really appreciate and I really regret not being able to give people a Book of Mormon when they have so many questions. 

International

  • Phone charger adapter for that country
  • Cash for the country you are visiting. Most banks can order you foreign money with a couple days notice. Credit cards are widely accepted most places but having cash is nice at some restaurants, getting a ride or smaller souvenir shops where the good stuff is! $200 seems to be plenty. 
  • Extra pair of clothes in case you get stuck somewhere. At least an extra pair of socks and undies.
  • Something to help you sleep. If you head overseas, the time difference will make it tough. IT works pretty good if you can stay awake until nighttime and then take a melatonin or something so you don't wake up wide awake at 3am ready to go.
  • My hack - you know when your socks and undies get to the point where they are ready to go in the trash? When they get to that point, I set them aside for the time when I'm traveling. Stuffing all my stuff in a big backpack works great and makes it way easy to get around. If you wear those old clothes, undies and socks on the trip, then you can throw them away during your trip after you wear them and free up room for souvenirs! 
  • Google Maps is incredible and depending on your phone service, downloading the offline maps of the area can be very helpful! 
  • Google Translate is freaking amazing. Now Google Lens is part of it, it will translate anything on your camera or translate while people are speaking! Downloading the language that you'll be needing beforehand can come in handy.

Have fun and I'd love to hear about your travels or if there is something I'm missing!



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