Helpful Getting Ready Tips for International Travel

Packing and Travel Tips for Traveling Abroad

There is a common misconception that you should travel while you’re young because you might not be able to when you’re older due to finances, health, work, or other reasons. However, traveling can be just as fun, just as possible, and just as rewarding even later in life. There are often many things holding people back from taking the leap of faith to take an international trip, which is why it’s much easier when you work with a travel company that can take the planning aspect off of your plate and who can offer professional travel tips for traveling abroad.

At the Dandelion Journals we plan international trips for women traveling solo of all ages. While we believe that traveling is for people of all ages, we think that it is best enjoyed with a group! Whether you want to make new friends, make some acquaintances for the trip, or just have the safety net of being with a group of familiar faces, traveling with a group as a solo traveler is a safe idea and an excellent experience. When you travel with a company like ours, we have preset itineraries that we follow and local knowledge of the areas we visit, giving you the peace of mind of not having to plan anything other than what you pack. We are licensed, certified, and insured, and we even personally design our trip to inspire exploration, connection, and personal growth for our guests. In today’s article, we will discuss travel and packing tips for international travel. Let’s dive into it!

Packing for an International Trip

It can be tricky to pack for an international trip. The type of clothing you bring will vary depending on the current climate of the place you are traveling to, and your needs might change based on what the trip entails: if it is a cruise, you won’t need hiking boots. If it is a cold weather climate, you might not need a bathing suit – you get the picture. However, there are some standards that we recommend to all of our solo female travelers regardless of where we are headed:

  • Start and end with cubes (shaped suitcase)
  • Roll, don’t fold (to save room)
  • Bounce sheets keep your clothes smelling fresh
  • Downy wrinkle spray keeps your clothes wrinkle-free
  • Be sure to pack coordinates and layers (as many as the climate calls for)
  • Leave space to buy souvenirs
  • Make sure you can lift it (just in case)

If you follow these tips, your suitcase will have everything you need, smelling fresh and wrinkle-free, and will allow room for the things you buy on your travels. Here are a few brands that we trust:

If you try these brands out, be sure to comment and let us know what you think!

What Type of Everyday Bag Should You Use?

When you take a trip, it’s important to have a reliable everyday bag for the various day trips that you take while you are there since you won’t be dragging your suitcase behind you everywhere. Whether you want to use a purse, backpack, fanny pack, or crossbody bag, here are our recommendations: 

  • Don’t make it easy for pick-pockets: Make sure your bag zips, ties, or buttons shut and isn’t too easy to open. Also, make sure the opening is within your eyesight, and don’t keep your valuables in open pockets or back pockets.
  • Versatility is key: Make sure your everyday bag is versatile for different types of situations, such as being able to be carried by hand or over the shoulder. This will come in handy more often than you might think while you travel.
  • Sassy and practical: You can be sassy and practical at the same time by using a bag that is stylish but that also is secure and versatile. Neutral color bags are a good idea so that they can match a variety of outfits.

No matter what type of everyday bag you go with, just make sure that it is secure, versatile, sassy, and practical. Here are a few brands that we trust:

Again, if you give any of these brands a try, comment down below and let us know what you think!

Must Haves when Traveling Abroad

A sign that reads "Safe Travels" sits on a table surrounded by other travel items.

When you are traveling to another country, there are some things that are truly essential. One of the most important tips for international travel that we can give you is to pack these must-have items. Here is our list of essentials to make sure you have everything you need on your trip:

  • Passport (hard copy and photocopy)
  • Cash, credit card, and a debit card
  • SIM card or international phone plan
  • First aid and essential medications
  • Compact umbrella
  • Scarf
  • Phone and portable charger
  • Sunglasses
  • Foldable hat
  • Hygiene kit 
  • Foldable bag
  • Reusable water bottle (check out Vapour)
  • Hydration picks
  • Handheld fan
  • Journal and pen
  • Snacks

Most of these essentials are fairly small and shouldn’t take up too much room in your bag, but you will be glad that you have these items with you! 

What Shoes to Pack for an International Trip

Many of us women love our shoes, but we need to be practical when packing them for a vacation. They can make or break you on your trip, so don’t let shoes ruin your fun! Here are some essentials:

  • Walking sandals
  • Walking shoes
  • Loafers
  • Dress shoes

Here are some essential requirements of the shoes that you bring. Make sure they are:

  • Versatile
  • Supportive
  • Compact
  • Dressy

You will likely do a lot of walking; more than you might anticipate. Even just in the airport! So it’s important that the shoes on your feet are comfortable and that they don’t ruin your trip. Here are a few shoe brands that the Dandelion Journals trust:

As always, if you give any of these brands a try, be sure to let us know what you think!

Immerse Yourself in the Local Culture

Everywhere in the world has a different culture. Traveling is a really fun and exciting way to experience a new culture firsthand, so make sure that you take advantage of that opportunity by immersing yourself in the local culture! While we understand that it takes a little bit of upfront effort, it is well worth it. Here are a few simple tips to help:

  • Use Google Translate to help speak to the locals
  • Try Babbel or Duolingo before you travel to learn a few key phrases of the local language
  • Check out Rick Steves and Tripadvisor for must do’s and off-the-beaten-path sights
  • Try TripIt to keep yourself organized if you’re traveling solo
  • Learn about your hosts if you have any for a more personable experience

Download these Phone Apps for an Easier Trip

One of our more recent tips for international travel is to download the right apps to your phone to make the trip easier. Since most folks have a smartphone at this point in time, there is an app for just about everything. Here are some helpful phone applications that are worth downloading before your trip:

  • Currency Converter Plus
  • Flight Aware (a plane tracker app)
  • Mobile Passport Control (helps you through customs)
  • Welcome Pickups (helps manage transportation)
  • Global Blue Shop Tax Free (issue duty free tax refund)
  • Stasher (a bag storage locator)
  • Visit a City (trip planner)
  • Timeshifter (jetlag manager for new time zones)

These are our recommended essentials to make your trip (and your life) much easier. The last thing you need on a vacation is any kind of stress, and these apps will help to prevent that!

Various Travel Tips for Traveling Abroad

Okay, at this point we have covered almost everything, but we have a few last minute tips that will make your trip so much easier. Here are our final suggestions:

  • Bring a universal adapter
  • Use Global Entry in the airport
  • Bring hydration tablets/powder such as LiquidIV
  • Bring Shout travel packs or Tide sticks
  • If you have prescription medications, bring the bottle (to prove that it’s prescribed to you)
  • Bring a spray bottle for perfume
  • Pack compression socks (for flights if you’re at risk of blood clots)
  • Avoid restaurants with English-only menus (you are traveling for a reason!)
  • Accessorize and smile! 

With all of that said, you are now all set and ready for any situation on your trip.

Take an International Trip with a Group of Women

If you follow these travel and packing tips for international travel, you will have a great time wherever you go! We are The Dandelion Journals and we plan trips to Egypt, Italy, Portugal, Ireland, Japan, and Greece. If you are a female traveling solo and want to travel with a group of women, then send us an email or call us at +1(678-692-6584). We look forward to traveling with you.

Thank you for reading