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8 Things You Should Take Abroad That Nobody Told You About

You won't find these ideas on other packing lists.

Brianna Elizabeth Farr

May 16, 2019

UNC Charlotte

479

8 Things You Should Take Abroad That Nobody Told You About

Brianna Elizabeth

1. A framed photograph

Brianna Elizabeth

Frame a photo of your favorite people and put it in your suitcase. When you arrive in your host country, place the photo somewhere in your room. It will be a sweet but subtle reminder of home and will make your space abroad feel more personalized!

2. Your favorite dressing

Food So Good Mall

If you eat ranch with every meal then you should probably pack a bottle in your checked bag. There's not much chance of finding ranch or Chick-fil-A sauce outside of the U.S. Consider this your warning!

3. A microfiber towel

Walmart

You never know when a hostel is going to charge you extra to rent a towel. Why not take a microfiber towel instead? They're lightweight, fast drying, and compact, making them perfect for weekend trips abroad.

4. Reusable grocery bags

Brianna Elizabeth

Lots of stores overseas don't provide free single-use bags at checkout. You may be able to purchase them for an additional fee, but it's better to be on the safe and environmentally friendly side. Pack a few reusable grocery bags and take them with you when you go shopping!

5. Multiple outlet adapters

Amazon

Sometimes you need to charge your phone and blow dry your hair at the same time, you know? It's just not realistic to take only one world adapter abroad. Buy one and borrow one or two more from friends who have traveled abroad before!

6. Some bottle protectors

Brianna Elizabeth

You're going to want to bring a bottle of wine or an aged vinaigrette back to the States. Take a few bottle protectors to protect your glass bottles from breaking during travel.

7. A travel backpack or purse

Brianna Elizabeth

Travel backpacks and purses are designed to dissuade pickpockets from snatching travelers' personal items. With so many styles and sizes to choose from, you're bound to find at least one travel bag that fits perfectly!

8. An international phone plan with data

Jan Vašek on Pixabay

Save yourself the headache of trying to set up a phone plan overseas by purchasing an international plan from your stateside service provider. Trust me, you will need data to translate menus, book train tickets, and GPS your way back to your apartment.

No matter what ups and downs you face as you embark on this journey, know that studying abroad will be 1000% worth the effort in the end! Happy travels!

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Recommended for you

8 Things You Should Take Abroad That Nobody Told You About

You won't find these ideas on other packing lists.

In This Article:

1. A framed photograph

2. Your favorite dressing

3. A microfiber towel

4. Reusable grocery bags

5. Multiple outlet adapters

6. Some bottle protectors

7. A travel backpack or purse

8. An international phone plan with data

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This isn't just for the single Pringles out there either, folks

Run Around Clanging Pots and Pans in Everyone's Face

Eat the Last Few Pigs in a Blanket

Pop Twelve White Grapes

Burn Something

Smash Things Against a Wall

Spontaneously Begin an Irish Jig

Call Your Mother

Throw a Coffee Table Out a Window

Sing "Auld Lang Syne" at the Top of Your Lungs

Do Some Squats

Swan Dive into a Nearly Freezing Body of Water

Take a Shot

Time to be merry and bright.

"First Noel" by Leslie Odom, Jr

"A Holly Jolly Christmas" by Burl Ives

"Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" by Kelly Clarkson

"All I Want for Christmas Is You" by Mariah Carey

"Christmas (Baby Please Come Home" by Michael Buble

"Last Christmas" by Taylor Swift

"The Christmas Song" by Josh Groban

"White Christmas" by Idina Menzel

"O Holy Night" by David Archuleta

"Believe" by Josh Groban

"Les cloches du hameau" by Celine Dion

Or at least try to do.

1. I will wake up (sorta) on time for class.

2. I will look decent for class.

3. I will go to the gym more.

4. I will go to the library and study more.

5. I will meet new people.

For those long nights that turn into mornings when the struggle is real.

1. Walk in motivated and ready to rock

2. Disappointed you let it get this bad

3. Distracted: When a 10-Minute Break Becomes an Hour

4. When the Yearning for Sleep Sneaks Up

5. In the words of Lorelai Gilmore "Coffee, Coffee, Coffee"

Oh, so done.

You need sleep, but also have 13 things due in the span of 4 days.

1. When it's December 1 and you have seven things due, three exams, and haven't slept in three days.

2. So you stress.

3. And cry.

4. Then call your mom to cry some more.

5. After the pep talk, you feel determined to get everything done.

6. But, now you're tired.

7. And really hungry.

8. Suddenly, it's 2 a.m. and you have only written three sentences and your paper is due in the morning.

9. You've made it to Friday... somehow.

10. Then Sunday hits and you find yourself back at the Lib.

11. So you cry some more.

12. But, you fight through the tears to get everything done because you're determined.

13. In the end, you feel on top of the world because you made it through the last week of class alive.

14. But, now it's finals week so good luck.

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