You’ve been looking forward to your first trip abroad. You’re ready to get ready! But while you’re not used to traveling abroad, you may be wondering what you should bring and how it differs from what you bring on domestic trips.
In this article, we introduce 15 handy items that the travel-loving author has used and would like to recommend.
Excluding absolutely necessary items such as passports, smartphones, and first-aid medications, we will be presenting these items from the perspective of “handy items”! If you prepare these items, your trip will definitely be more comfortable and enjoyable ♪
- 15 useful items!
- No.1 : Conversion plug
- No.2 : Mobile battery
- No.3 : Passport case
- No.4 : Compression socks
- No.5 : Makeup remover
- No.6 : Shampoo and conditioner
- No.7 : Eco bag
- No.8 : Slippers
- No.9 : Moisturizing items
- No.10 : Compression bag
- No.11 : Wet wipes
- No.12 : Toothbrush set
- No.13 : Power Strip
- No.14 : Bubble wrap (bubble cushioning material)
- No.15 : Ziploc
- Summary: Let’s go on a trip abroad!
15 useful items!
The importance of items to bring varies from person to person, but I’ll present them in a ranking format in order of what I personally consider to be the most important items!
The criteria for importance are whether it is difficult to purchase locally and whether it makes the experience more comfortable. There are probably many different opinions, but I hope you will use this as a reference♪
I’ve introduced some recommended useful items to bring on long-distance flights in this article, so if you’re interested, please take a look!
No.1 : Conversion plug
First, a conversion plug! In many countries, the shape of the electrical outlets is different from the shape used in Japan (Type A).
It can be very inconvenient and frustrating when you can’t use an electrical outlet when you’re traveling. That’s why a conversion plug is an item you’ll want to prepare.
There are many types of outlets depending on their shape and size, but we recommend a multi-conversion plug that has a USB port and can be used with multiple shapes. It is convenient because you can charge multiple home appliances at the same time.
No.2 : Mobile battery
A smartphone without a charge is useless. When traveling abroad, you can’t just charge your phone whenever and wherever you want, so it’s a good idea to have a portable battery with you.
By the way, please be aware that there are restrictions on carrying items on airplanes according to aviation laws and the rules of each airline!
We recommend that you check whether or not you can carry items on an airplane before purchasing!!
No.3 : Passport case
A passport case with anti-skimming features.
Skimming is a criminal method of stealing information from passports containing IC chips using a special device. Skimming can also be done from bags and clothing, so we recommend taking measures to prevent this.
I recommend a wallet-type passport case with anti-skimming function.
It’s convenient because you can put credit cards and small amounts of cash in it. When traveling abroad, we recommend carrying your passport in a passport case.
No.4 : Compression socks
It’s essential to take measures against swelling even when traveling!
When traveling abroad, you have many opportunities to walk around sightseeing spots, world heritage sites, and art museums, and you may end up feeling more tired than in your everyday life. Compression socks are a great item to use in this situation.
If you are prone to swelling, I recommend bringing this with you from your country!
Taking measures against swelling will make your legs feel refreshed, so you can be active the next day.
If you are planning to go to a cold country and want to take measures against cold, we also recommend Belmis’ pajama leggings! These are compression leggings made of fluffy fabric, so they are also good for preventing cold.
No.5 : Makeup remover
Hotels overseas often do not provide amenities.
You can purchase them locally, but it’s best to use makeup remover from a brand you’re used to using. Make sure to bring your own makeup remover from your country!
I recommend a sheet-type makeup remover! It can be used without water, so you can even use it on an airplane.
No.6 : Shampoo and conditioner
It depends on the grade of the overseas hotel you are staying at, but many hotels only provide small bar soap or hand soap. I have the impression that they often provide a combination of body wash and shampoo.
It may not bother men, but for women, it may be difficult to take a shower with only bar soap…
Hair is a woman’s life! I think that’s why I recommend bringing shampoo and conditioner from Japan.
Dry hair makes it hard to get excited when you’re traveling. You want to look beautiful even while traveling. Even if you forget to bring your hair, shampoo and conditioner from a familiar manufacturer are easy to find locally.
No.7 : Eco bag
It’s very convenient to have an eco bag.
Not only is it useful when shopping on the go, but it can be folded up compactly and carried around, so it doesn’t take up much space.
I understand that having an eco bag is convenient, but I’d like to reduce my luggage as much as possible! I’m sure there are some people who feel this way. The eco bag from “Shupatto” is recommended for such people.
The ultra-compact Shupatto eco bag fits in the palm of your hand, so it won’t take up much space in your bag or pocket, and will help you keep your belongings to a minimum.
This is the perfect item for those who prefer mini bags and want to stay light on the move.
No.8 : Slippers
Unlike Japanese hotels, most hotels overseas do not provide slippers.
For Japanese people, who are used to taking off their shoes, not having slippers is more inconvenient than you might think. It seems that slippers are a uniquely Japanese culture, as people may be reluctant to put on their shoes barefoot after a bath.
Portable slippers can be folded up compactly, so they are easy to carry around and don’t take up much space.
Unless you are in a luxury hotel overseas, slippers are not provided, so we recommend that you bring your own slippers.
No.9 : Moisturizing items
Even when traveling, it’s essential to take measures against dry skin!
The moisturizing item we recommend is “Dalva Oil Mist.” This oil mist became famous after it was reported to be a favorite item of Korean flight attendants on board.
It’s great that it can be used in a variety of situations, such as as an introductory serum after a bath, to prevent dryness during the day, or as a glossy skin mist to finish off your makeup. It can also be used to prevent dryness on an airplane.
Another reason I recommend it is that the mist is so fine that you don’t even feel like you’re wearing it, which is a good thing.
No.10 : Compression bag
An item that will help you become a better packer!!!
There are vinyl compression bags that you compress by hand and reusable zippered compression bags, but we recommend the compression bags. The zippered type has the advantage of being reusable.
I recommend the MILESTO compression bags.
If the zipper is flimsy it can be difficult to use, but MILESTO compression bags are well-made so you can use them with confidence!
No.11 : Wet wipes
In restaurants overseas, wet tissues are often not provided. It’s a cultural difference.
It’s probably a little uncomfortable to eat without drying your hands, so I recommend bringing wet tissues with you!
It depends on the country and the restaurant, but tables are often dirty, so it’s useful to have wet wipes on hand. I use wet wipes every time I eat, so I try to bring lots of them!
No.12 : Toothbrush set
Toothbrush sets are often not provided in hotels overseas.
Even if toothbrush sets are provided, they may be too big or have a strange taste because they are made by an unfamiliar brand… lol
So, when I travel abroad, I always bring a toothbrush set with me. Even if I forget, it’s an item that’s easy to get locally, so it’s not a high priority.
No.13 : Power Strip
There are not many electrical outlets in hotels!!! A power strip is a useful item for times like that.
When traveling, there are many items that need to be charged, such as smartphones, mobile batteries, PCs, and cameras. Be careful, especially if several people are staying in the same room, as there is a tendency for people to fight over the electrical outlets. lol
If you have a power strip, it is convenient because you can increase the number of electrical outlets.
No.14 : Bubble wrap (bubble cushioning material)
Bubble wrap is great for packaging fragile souvenirs like mugs and glasses. It can also be used to pack alcoholic beverages like wine and beer!
You could wrap it in clothes, but wrapping it in bubble wrap is still a safer option.
If you think you might be buying fragile souvenirs, we recommend bringing bubble wrap with you! Maybe having bubble wrap with you will make you look like a good traveler?
No.15 : Ziploc
Ziploc bags are very handy to have.
You can use them to store things that have gotten wet in the rain or at the pool, to store leftover snacks and food, to separate and manage your local currency and Japanese yen… there are so many uses!
They’re transparent, so you can see what’s inside and it’s easy to find what’s inside, so they’re also great for storing small items.
Summary: Let’s go on a trip abroad!
These are the 15 recommended items to bring on your overseas trip.
To make your overseas trip more comfortable, it’s important to prepare in advance! I’ve ranked them in order of my personal priority, so please bear with me.
If you use these 15 recommended items, you’ll be able to reduce stress on your trip and enjoy it to the fullest. Check out the items that interest you and prepare for your next trip!