1. Packing cubes
Packing cubes have changed my life for the better. They have been a life saver in packing for weekend trips. Most come in a pack of five or six cubes, all different sizes. I like to organize an outfit per cube so then I can keep my things all together and nothing gets lost. Also, it eliminates the issue of overpacking. The packing cubes I use are not the prettiest you can find but they are very practical and not overly expensive. I highly recommend for students abroad doing weekend trips.
2. Skyscanner
Sky scanner has been another life saver when booking flights for the weekend. Sky scanner is special because it will search the cheapest flights pairing different airlines together for round trips. It also gives you options to book the cheapest or fastest flights and what your options would be for that. I have found that sky scanner always has the cheapest flights for round trips and I recommend it for anyone traveling in general and the numbers show.. check out this article by BBC.
3. Download Airline Apps and Follow on Social Media
Another tip I would have would be to download the airlines apps that you fly on the most. For me personally it would be Vueling, but I also have Easyjet and Ryanair for the occasional few times I have flown with them. It makes it so much easier to download boarding passes, change seats, add bags and the list goes on.
Vueling does a great job of keeping their passengers updated via social media as well as give helpful tips. Vueling, in my opinion, is by far the best low cost airline in Europe. Its app, social media and costumer service is above all.
4. Apple Wallet
My apple wallet has been a very helpful tool as well. Apple pay is not as common in the United States, but it definitely should be. It is a more efficient way of paying and mostly everywhere in Europe accepts it so I recommend you add your cards to your wallet.
Another great thing you can do with the apple wallet is add your boarding passes which I recommend doing for every flight. Most airlines will let you download your boarding pass directly to your apple wallet which eliminates the possibility of waiting in a long queue at check-in.
5. Download TV Shows or Movies
For people like myself that cannot sleep on planes, Youtube Premium, TV app on iPhone, and Netflix (Mobile Version) will be your best friends. I have such a hard time falling asleep on planes, especially shorter flights. Usually I will download one or two episodes of current shows I’m watching. Youtube premium allows you to download youtube videos, the TV app allows you to download current shows for a low price via iTunes and Netflix downloads are free with a subscription.
6. Reusable Water Bottle
My favorite, Hydroflask, is an essential for me while traveling. I hate becoming dehydrated during travel and unfortunately it happens quite often. I like to bring my Hydroflask empty through security then fill it up at a water fountain. This eliminates the annoyance of paying for an overpriced water bottle at the airport and keeps your water cool for 24+ hours.
7. Travel Sized Items
I got all my travel sized toiletries from Target and all my makeup travel sized items from Sephora. Both have a huge variety and you can find most of the products you use in travel sizes. This has been a huge issue abroad because if you travel with friends and stay in Airbnbs or hostels they usually don’t supply toiletries. Many people studying abroad forget things or don’t even bother buying travel sized anything so will use all their friends. Don’t be that person…
8. Noise Cancelling Headphones
Noise cancelling headphones are also great especially if you are traveling longer distances than usual. They cancel out noises like babies crying, people talking or anything else you might unexpectedly encounter on your flight.
These Bose ones are good..
Or these Beats ones..
9. Portable Charger
Here is an article on the best portable chargers of 2019. Mine personally is from Amazon because I was short on time and needed one before abroad. Although, this was the best seller and holds almost two full charges for my phone. It has been an absolute essential for traveling, especially for me because I can’t sleep on planes and watching movies/TV drains my battery. It is also important to have a charged phone at all times for your boarding passes or copies of your passport/other documents you could need.
10. Neck Pillow
This is the neck pillow that I use, I know it looks a little strange but I promise it is so much better than the conventional neck pillow. I am obsessed with it now and will certainly not be going back to a normal one. It is again from Amazon, where I get most of my things.
Isabel goes International 