Traveling should be an enjoyable, comfortable and picture-worthy experience. Packing right can help achieve this. At the same time, hurried or unplanned packing can lead to harassing and uncomfortable experiences, or it can overburden you with unnecessary luggage. Your pictures and videos from the trip will be most valuable to retain the memories and also to share with friends, and these pictures can look very attractive if you plan what you pack. We share some simple factors to consider while planning what you pack for an upcoming travel, in this three-part blog.

TECHNOLOGY AND COMMUNICATION

Staying connected and managing your devices is crucial in today’s digital age. Travel essentials include:

Mobile phone

While everyone carries their phone, but a few steps before travel help:

1. Clear the memory on your phone to have sufficient capacity for pictures and videos.
2. Backup your phone on the cloud (Apple or Google). This is very helpful in case of a lost phone
3. Make a physical note of some of the important phone numbers and keep them in your wallet, just in case you cannot remember these numbers if your phone is lost.

Communication Apps and Devices – Research to install essential communication apps for translation (Google translate), messaging and video calls. Certain countries require a VPN connection for making audio or video calls through an app. Install these or ask someone technically adept as setting these for you.

Consider international phone plans from your current mobile operator (Airtel and Jio have extensive coverage). This are suitable for basic requirements of – keeping in touch with you family, checking your emails and messages and browsing or searching. The data and voice limits might be inadequate for posting large number or picture on social media, watching streming movies, or for long calls.

Alternatively, you can purchase local SIM cards at your airport of arrival. These are suitable for local calls and can provide large daily data usage limit. You will need to provide some basic documentation to purchase these cards like – passport copy and local hotel address.

Universal Adapters and Chargers

Research on the countries or destinations you are visiting and ensure you have the right adapters for your destination’s power outlets. Universal travel adapters are very useful, but only address match the electrical pins and sockets, they do not address the voltage differences. E.g. Indian appliances run on 220 to 240 volt, which is common in Asia and Europe, but not in the US which uses 110 volt standard. Fortunately, most phone and laptop charges are now compatible with both voltage standards, but other devices like – hair irons, pugged trimers, travel irons etc. might not adapt to other voltage standards. You need to check this beforehand and pack chargers for all your devices, including phones, cameras, laptops, and any other electronic essentials.

Camera and accessories

While most phones today do an excellent job as a camera, but certain accessories are highly recommended for making the most of your phone camera, particularly during travel. These include:

Battery pack – to avoid your phone running out of juice in the middle of the day. This is most essential, as you are likely to use your camera excessively. The magnetic wireless battery packs make it convenient to use your phone while it is being charged. Note, that battery packs should be in your carry-on bag and not in the check-in luggage

Selfie stick – not only to check the box for posting a selfie, but also to avoid dependency on others to capture the best moments. This also avoids handing your expensive phone to strangers (tourist spots are infamous for runaway photographers). Many selfie sticks come with remote and tripod stand to provide stability for capturing low-light scenery like sunsets and sunrises.

Memory stick – if you phone is frequently out of memory space. It is a good idea to carry and OTG memory stick. This connects with your phone to download all pictures onto the memory stick for backup and to free up space on your phone.

Earphones, Headphones and Bluetooth speakers – Noise cancelling earphones (airpods) or headphones are very useful during travel. They cancel out all other noises and help you relax with your favorite tunes – on a flight, in a car, on a beach, or by the poolside. They can be useful accessory for making calls in noisy surroundings. Bluetooth speakers are party makers for small groups – while traveling in a van, celebrating on a terrace or during a picnic.

Packing for international travel need not be a daunting task. With careful planning and consideration, you can ensure you have everything you need for an unforgettable adventure. Remember, less is often more, and a well-organized suitcase can lead to a stress-free and enjoyable journey. Happy travels! Thanks for reading. Please share your views and experiences with us. If you would like to know more, or have suggestions for another topic to be covered in this blog, please do write to us at info@corporatetravel.in