It's the Kellys

“Where are you headed this summer?,” is the topic of conversation lately. It’s currently May. The weather is getting nicer, and travel is on our minds. We can’t help but think of that summer getaway, but do those thoughts come with anxiety? Leaving your familiar country and entering unfamiliar territory can be worry some for most people.

Being a well traveled woman, and a packing expert, I never really get anxious about my upcoming travel, or travel plans, but I know everyone else tends to. So lets go over ways to help survive your international summer travel, and make it as easy as possible.

Be a planner. Everything is easier with a plan. Not only does it help your fellow travelers get on the same page as you, but it can help you pack, and avoid mishaps. I’m not saying you need to plan all of your daily activities and meals… but think about what activities you want to do while you are there, and when you are planning to do it. For example, the Louvre is closed on Tuesdays, but open later on Fridays currently. You will be dissapointed if you wander over there on a Tuesday, and realize its closed.

Look into your flight plan. Some of you may be flying an unfamiliar airline, or laying over in an unfamiliar airport. Be sure to look at how long that layover is. Any international layover will require an immigration check, or at least a passport check, and additional security. With that being said, I like at least 3 hours for my layovers, and maybe even longer in airports like CDG in Paris and AMS in Amsterdam. Have a longer layover, or even an overnight? You can leave the airport, but make sure you have enough time. For example, the city center of a city can be 40-60 minutes away from the airport, and you will have to go round trip, and leave enough time for security and immigration.

Research your airline’s baggage allowance. It’s a very easy google-able answer. Not every airline is created equal. In fact, airlines in some countries only allow you to carry on a tiny roller bag that weighs less than 7kg. Or your huge duffel bag that you use as a personal item in the US? That is not going to fly in other countries. A small backpack is the maximum, and is often included in that 7kg weight. Look up the restrictions, and plan. That way, you won’t have an expensive surprise at the gate.

Think about how you are getting around. Most international destinations have a train or bus to the city center, for a set fee. This will be your cheaper option, but taxis (or maybe ubers) are available too, and faster. Besides the airport, how are you getting from Point A to Point B? Is it walkable? Public transportation? Paying for ubers or taxis? I like to add locations to my favorites on google map, and use directions on the app. It will give you walking, driving, or public transportation directions. I personally love public transportation in other countries, and can easily be done with google maps.

(Pro traveler trip– I “favorite” all of my places in advance, and plan my days around the hearts on the map. One day, I will explore one area, and one day another. It’s a great visual.)

Pack Light. Trust me. We just talked about baggage allowances and public transportation. Lets add the two together for a minute. Imagine lugging your 50 pound luggage on the metro, all the way to your stop. And then you see that you have stairs to get out of the metro station. And stairs at your hotel. a 20 pound carry on is going to be a lot easier to carry, I promise. Oh, and your hotel room? There is a good chance it is going to be very tiny.

Bring a portable charger. And make it a good one. I’m not trying to say that your phone is your lifeline… but lets be honest, we need it. You will be taking photos, posting them on instagram, getting directions on maps, and more. That QR code ticket for that tour? On your phone! You will not want your phone to lose power in an unfamiliar city. My favorite portable charger is this one. It charges everything so fast, and has multiple ports to share with a friend. I always have my anker charger with me.

Bring a travel pack of baby wipes, and have coins. A little culture shock for Americans is having to pay for bathrooms, and even worse than that, getting your minimal toilet paper upon payment. This doesn’t happen everywhere, but when it does, you will be happy to have baby wipes with you. Sure, you could pack tissue instead, but I prefer baby wipes because you might be sticky after eating that gelato on a 90 degree day, too.

Remember that not every country has air conditioning. Yep, and it gets hot. The key is not to assume your hotel will have air conditioning, and even research it first before you book it, if that is a deal breaker for you.

Consider your clothing. There is a bit of thought that should go into clothing for international travel. First? The weather. If it’s going to be hot, flowy wide leg pants can be great. Want to rewear items? Consider merino wool, which is actually cooling in the summer. (Pictured above) Also look up their dressing culture. Are you expected to cover your shoulders and knees or hair, especially in a religious building? I always recommend a capsule wardrobe for travel, regardless of the season. If all of your tops match all of your bottoms, you can make multiple outfits, and have options each morning.

Minimal, yet practical shoes. Wear a pair, and pack a pair, and be smart. Make sure they are comfortable. Believe me, walking 30,000 steps a day in Paris is not comfortable for your feet, regardless of the shoe support. Sneakers are essential, and all of the locals are wearing them, too. Consider your other activities for your second pair. A dressy flat? A sandal? Make them make sense with your clothing. (Pro tip- I like to actually go up a size in my chic sneakers for travel. Your feet may swell from the plane ride, or the constant walking.

I hope these tips help you prepare for your summer trip abroad!