What Not To Pack On An International Trip

The day is finally here, and the wait is over. Tomorrow, I will be South America bound! Although I am extremely excited to visit a new continent, one of the banes of my existence is packing. You think that I would be used to it by now, but I don't think I will ever be. As I was going through my closet, I decided to make a list of things that you should never take on an international trip...especially coming from the United States. Please note, that this is my personal opinion, and you can definitely do what you want :) My priorities while traveling include: safety, adventure, and self emersion. So here we go...

1. Baseball Hats / American & College Sports Clothing
Nothing screams "American" more than a baseball hat. It almost says, "Pick pocket me!" I try to be safe on trips abroad, and I try to blend in with the culture (luckily I have olive skin and black hair). And as much as I wanted to pack my San Francisco Giants hoodies & T-Shirts for Brazil, I had to leave them behind. Pride in your football, basketball, and college teams are great...just leave them at home. I once went to Ireland with a good friend (this was the first time we ever traveled together), and she wore a Maui shirt. When I saw her wearing it, I was horrified but immediately started laughing. This is definitely something we still laugh about to this day. 

2. A Purse without a Zipper
I have been with a group that has been robbed abroad, and this is an essential. Being in a crowded city with a purse that doesn't zip leaves more room for hands to slip in and grab your wallet, passport, ipod, etc. My favorite bag is a crossbody with a zip, which can be easily move to the front of your body when you are on a crowded bus/train/etc. My upcoming trip to the World Cup, I decided to buy a fanny pack, which I am very excited to wear. Blame it on nostalgia, but since I can't bring my flashy costume jewelry, I have to accessorize somehow. And it has a zipper. Score.
 
3. Workout Clothes
I know a lot of people are determined to work out on vacation, and I can say that I have been in the same situation. But the reality is, is that you will probably be walking and exploring (or at least I would rather be), and that is definitely a workout in itself. When I climbed to see the Acropolis in Greece, my body ached and I was so happy that I didn't actually make it a point to work out. The whole point of travel is to have those experiences, and I mean who wants to be bogged down in an actual gym? But, disclaimer- sometimes I do bring workout clothes (i.e. yoga capris), which makes it perfect for those long car rides through Ireland. :)

4. Travel Sized Toiletries
Nothing is worse than running out of deodorant on a hot day in Valencia, when all you want to do is lay on the beach. While I love Europeans, I do love smelling good. When a few friends of mine and myself decided to attend Tomatina in Spain, we definitely didn't anticipate how much deodorant, shampoo, and conditioner we would use on our trip. First it was hot, and we were always sweaty. Second, we were at the beach (and covered in tomatoes) on this trip, so we washed our hair more than we thought we would. Anticipate the activities of your trip. If you feel that you need a full size toiletry, chances are you do.

5. Expensive Jewelry
If you know me, you know I love jewelry. Especially the glittery, rhinestone pieces. The gaudier the better. While I do bring quite a bit of costume jewlery with me on vacation (sadly not to Brazil), I make sure none of it is valueable. I think the only exception would be a wedding ring, but I'm not sure if I would even chance that. Jewelry makes you a target for theft, and if you don't want to give up what you are wearing to someone robbing you, then chances are you should leave it at home. Also, if you plan on bringing inexpensive jewlery, make sure it goes in your carry on and with you on the plane. You never know who's hands your luggage may fall into. 

6. More Luggage Than You Can Physically Carry
I'll admit, I am strong for a girl and I usually am the "man" in my group of friends because I can carry and lift everyone's luggage in transit (trains, ferry's, etc.). But here are some words of wisdom...if you cannot carry and maintain all of your luggage by yourself then you shouldn't have as much. Maybe that means you don't have a carry on, or maybe you have a smaller check in bag. Whatever it is, make sure that you can handle it. I love my friends and am always willing to help carry extra things, but not everyone is like that.

7. Shoes That You Cannot Walk Miles In
I know what my feet can handle. I know that certain brands of stiletto's are extremely comfortable for me. But I also know how it feels to wear shoes that will give you blisters. Unless you plan on staying on a beach for your entire vacation (this is not me), footwear is extremely important. I remember that a friend had bought brand new shoes for our trek across Ireland (we literally drove and walked the entire country), and by the end of the trip they were "talking" to me. They were probably not the smartest choice, but she learned her lesson. Words of the wise: find shoes that fit you and your needs on vacation.

Packing is about being smart, but sometimes you have to learn your lesson before it actually "clicks". Remember these three objectives for your trip when making a packing decision: safety, comfort, and adventure!

Bon Voyage and I'll try to report from Brazil!