Packing for a long overseas trip

Packing for a Long Overseas Trip: What to Do Before You Even Open Your Suitcase

Packing for an overseas trip of two weeks or longer is about far more than choosing outfits and fitting everything neatly into your suitcase. The truth is, the packing begins before you touch a single piece of clothing. For many people—especially those traveling solo or without nearby family support—the preparation that happens at home is just as important as what you bring with you.

Travel is freedom, adventure, learning, and joy. But leaving your life behind for an extended time means creating a soft landing for your return. The goal: to step back into your life after the trip with ease, instead of into stress, unpaid bills, dying plants, or loose ends.

Let’s walk through the key things to think about before you zip your suitcase shut.

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1. Your Home: Preparing the Space You’ll Leave Behind

Home Security Measures

• Set light timers or use smart home devices to mimic your usual routines.

• Stop newspaper delivery and consider holding your mail—or have a trusted neighbor collect it.

• Make sure all windows and doors are secured.

• Notify your alarm company and a neighbor of your travel dates.

• Wait to post your vacation photos publicly until after you return. (Of course this is widely recommended but I post while away.)

Plant Care

• Leave clear plant care instructions.

• Ask a neighbor, friend, or plant sitter to visit once or twice a week.

• Consider self-watering planters for easy-to-maintain greenery.

Vehicle Care

• Park your vehicle in a garage if you can.

• For extended trips, disconnect the battery or ask someone to start the car weekly.

• Confirm your registration and insurance won’t lapse while you are away.

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2. Your Finances & Business Affairs

• Pay upcoming bills or set them to auto-pay.

• Let your bank and credit card companies know about your travel dates and destinations.

• Pause package deliveries.

• Clear your work schedule and handle any essential projects ahead of time.

Departure is easier when nothing is hanging over your head.

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3. Healthcare and Medications

• Bring enough of your prescriptions to last your entire trip plus extra.

• Pack a personal health kit with items such as:

• Pain reliever of choice

• Antihistamines

• Motion sickness tablets

• Band-Aids

• A general antibiotic (if advised by your doctor)

• Any chronic care items (inhalers, EpiPens, etc.)

Keep all medications in your carry-on, never your checked bag. Also, pack all medical equipment in your carry-on bags.

Also:

• Bring copies of your medical insurance and travel insurance.

• Keep your doctor’s contact information accessible.

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4. Travel Documents and Currency

• Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your return.

• Order foreign currency in advance to avoid stressful ATM hunts on arrival.

• Print or store offline copies of all travel confirmations and reservations.

Share your itinerary and contact details with at least one trusted person at home.

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5. Getting To and From Where You’re Going

• Arrange transportation to the airport before the day of travel.

• Know how you’ll get from the airport to your lodging—especially if you arrive late at night.

• Save instructions and addresses offline, including the name of your hotel in the local language.

Phones fail—preparation does not.

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6. Hardcopies: The Lifeline You Don’t Know You Need

No matter how advanced our smartphones seem, batteries die, screens crack, SIM cards stop working, and international data plans can fail at the most inconvenient moment. Technology is helpful—until suddenly, it isn’t.

I once found myself alone in Lisbon at the end of a 23-day trip when my phone unexpectedly died. Completely unusable. It was the middle of the night, rain pouring, and I needed to get to the airport. No Uber. No GPS. No contacts. Just me, my wits, and the city. I walked through dark, wet streets at 3 AM looking for a human being who could help. Eventually, I found my way—not easily—but confidently. I traveled through three airports and paid for a very expensive taxi once home. And at no point did I doubt my ability to navigate without technology.

Why? Because I always carry hardcopies.

What to print:

• Your complete itinerary

• Copies of your passport and ID

• Airline reservations and boarding passes

• Hotel and lodging addresses

• Transportation and tour confirmations

• Maps of cities and neighborhoods you plan to visit

Hardcopies never run out of battery.

Hardcopies don’t rely on an internet connection.

Hardcopies give you power when everything else collapses.

They make you resilient.

They make you independent.

They make you unafraid.

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7. Packing Clothing and Essentials

Once life logistics are handled, then you pack:

• Focus on layers and mix-and-match basics.

• Bring comfortable walking shoes.

• Pack less than you think—laundry services exist everywhere.

• Leave space in your luggage for treasures and souvenirs.

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1. 8. Pet Care. Of course, you must arrange for pet care. I have friends who will not travel until they have a trust for the individual to care for their pets.

When You Live Alone, This Preparation Takes Extra Care

If you don’t have nearby family or a partner to rely on, planning is even more important. Consider:

• Hiring help for home or plant care

• Leaving written guidance for emergency contacts

• Asking one trusted friend to be your “backup contact”

You deserve to travel freely—and you can.

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Final Thought

Preparing thoroughly isn’t just logistical—it’s emotional.

It allows you to step into your journey with a calm mind and an open heart.

The world is waiting. Let your journey begin with confidence, clarity, and peace.

Safe travels—and may you always find your way, with or without a phone.📱 

Pre-Cruise Tips in Barcelona

 I just posted this in the Facebook group for my upcoming 15 day transatlantic sailing from Barcelona to Miami.

If you plan to spend time in Barcelona before your cruise, here are a few tips to help you navigate and enjoy this remarkable city. 🇪🇸🌆

One of the most convenient places for finding almost anything you might need—snacks, toiletries, cosmetics, or last-minute travel essentials—is El Corte Inglés. The lower level houses a large, beautifully stocked grocery store with small counters offering prepared meals, fresh bakery items, and excellent empanadas. It’s also a wonderful spot to pick up local treats, including European chocolate bars and regional specialties.  I always visit the large one at Plaza Cataluyna.

Barcelona is exceptionally easy to explore using its clean, efficient metro system. Spend a few minutes reviewing the map in advance and consider buying a multi-ride ticket or transport card for stress-free travel. Many major sights are right on the metro line—La Sagrada Família, for example, has its own stop just steps from the basilica.

Be sure to wander through the Mercat de la Boqueria, the iconic market just off La Rambla. It’s one of the most colorful and sensory-filled places in the city, bursting with fruit stalls, jamón, fresh juices, seafood counters, and plenty of grab-and-go snacks. Go in the morning if you can—the energy is incredible and the displays are at their freshest.

For a relaxed overview of the city, the hop-on hop-off buses are genuinely useful, with two excellent routes that cover the major neighborhoods, seafront areas, and architectural landmarks. They’re a great way to get your bearings, especially if you want to see a lot without overdoing the walking before your cruise.

I have visited many times and always find it easy to navigate. I don’t use GPS, only paper maps.

A few extra tips to make your stay even better:

 • Arrive at Montjuïc for sunset. The views over the harbor and city feel especially meaningful when you’re sailing out the next day.

 • Stroll the Gothic Quarter in the early morning. The quiet stone alleyways, hidden courtyards, and medieval buildings are magical before the crowds arrive.

 • Try at least one tapas bar outside the tourist zone. Neighborhoods like Eixample, Gràcia, and Poble Sec have wonderful local spots with better prices and more authentic dishes.

 • Watch your belongings. Barcelona is warm and welcoming, but pickpocketing is common in busy areas like La Rambla and the metro. Keep your bag zipped and close.

 • Enjoy the waterfront. A walk along the Barceloneta promenade is a perfect way to soak in the Mediterranean light and sea breeze—especially before boarding a ship.

If you are considering walking to the port, keep in mind that the walk is much longer than it seems.

Does anyone else have tips they would like to share❓‼️❓‼️

An adventure in Iran’s capital

 “Tea, Transit, and Tehran: A Cultural Adventure in Iran’s Capital”

https://youtu.be/NUaDwbr7K-w?si=HbhW9pOZ7HHG0XxT

I just watched a delightful video of an American gentleman exploring the capital of Iran, and I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of it.

He wandered through several neighborhoods in Tehran, getting a genuine feel for the city’s rhythm. In countries like Iran, travelers from some nations are required to have a local guide—but even with that limitation, his journey felt authentic and immersive. He rode the metro and took the bus, crossed busy intersections as a pedestrian, and interacted warmly with locals along the way. One of the highlights was his visit to a traditional teahouse and restaurant, where a local helped him navigate the customs of Iranian dining.

Watching him try to cross the street immediately reminded me of my own travel experiences in places like Vietnam and India—where crossing the road can feel like an adventure in itself!

These kinds of videos are a big part of why I love international travel. They offer a window into daily life around the world and remind me of the beauty and richness of other cultures. I’m always especially happy when videos like this pop up in my YouTube feed.

https://youtu.be/NUaDwbr7K-w?si=XhjdzR9kQcM-XU8N

Your first visit to China!

 I have been to China and I teach English online to students who live in China. (10,000+ classes). I hope you find this helpful!

✈️ What Americans Should Know Before Visiting China for the First Time

1. 💳 China Is a Largely Cashless Society

China has transitioned rapidly to a digital payment system. Credit cards from U.S. banks are rarely accepted, and cash is hardly used in major cities. Most people pay for everything—from street food to hospital visits—using mobile apps like WeChat Pay or Alipay. These apps now accept foreign credit cards, but it’s best to set them up before you arrive.

2. 🌐 You’ll Need a VPN to Access the Internet Freely

Many familiar websites and apps—like Google, Gmail, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, YouTube, and even the New York Times—are blocked in mainland China. If you want to access them, download and set up a VPN (Virtual Private Network) on your devices before entering China, as VPNs can be hard to download once you’re there.

3. 🗣️ Many Younger Adults Speak Basic English

Due to mandatory English education in schools, most people under 40 have studied English. That said, fluency varies and outside of large cities, English may be rare. A translation app (like Google Translate or Pleco for Chinese) can be incredibly helpful.

Some of my students’ “helicopter parents” speak English as well as an American.

4. 📱 WeChat Is Essential

WeChat is far more than a messaging app—it’s used for paying bills, booking appointments, shopping, calling taxis, and even scanning QR codes at restaurants to order food. You’ll likely need it to function smoothly in urban areas. Set up your account in advance.

5. 🚄 World-Class High-Speed Rail Network

China is home to some of the fastest and most extensive bullet trains in the world, connecting even remote regions with astonishing efficiency. Trains can travel over 215 mph (350 km/h), making them a great alternative to flying between cities.

6. 🏙️ Major Cities Are Ultra-Modern and Digitally Advanced

Cities like Shanghai, Beijing, Shenzhen, and Guangzhou are cutting-edge metropolises filled with futuristic skylines, contactless services, AI-integrated shopping, and smart public infrastructure. The level of digital integration can even surpass that of the U.S. in many ways.

7. 🧼 Public Hygiene Norms Can Vary

You may notice differences in bathroom facilities (many are squat toilets), and you should always carry tissues and hand sanitizer, as soap and toilet paper aren’t always provided in public restrooms.

8. 🚦Cultural Norms Around Personal Space and Crowds

China is densely populated, especially in urban areas. Expect crowds, close quarters, and fast-paced movement in metros and public spaces. It’s normal for people to push through lines or stand closely—this isn’t rudeness, but a reflection of a different cultural norm.

9. 🍚 Food Is Diverse and Regionally Distinct

Chinese cuisine is vast and varies by province. Don’t expect American Chinese food. Be adventurous—try Sichuan hot pot, dim sum in Guangdong, Peking duck in Beijing, or noodles in Xi’an. Street food is delicious, but choose busy, clean vendors.

10. 📵 Censorship and Surveillance Are Real

China has a tightly controlled media landscape, and surveillance is widespread. You’ll notice cameras in public spaces and may need to scan a passport for Wi-Fi access. Avoid discussing politically sensitive topics like Taiwan, Hong Kong protests, or Tiananmen Square.

11. 📶 SIM Cards and eSIMs Are Useful

For internet access, consider buying a Chinese SIM card or an international eSIM before arrival. Some airports have SIM vending machines, and eSIMs can be purchased online and activated instantly.

12. 🎟️ Tourist Sites Are Popular—Book in Advance

Top attractions like the Forbidden City, Terracotta Warriors, and Great Wall sections often require reservations and can sell out. Use Trip.com, Klook, or a local app to book early.

13. 🧧 Face and Etiquette Matter

“Face” (respect, dignity, reputation) is very important in Chinese culture. Politeness, patience, and humility go a long way. Avoid public criticism or confrontation.

14. 🧳 Customs and Entry Rules

China has strict customs laws. Don’t bring politically sensitive materials, large amounts of medication without documentation, or drone equipment without checking regulations.

15. 📍China Is Vast and Diverse

China is not just Beijing and Shanghai—it spans deserts, beaches, rice terraces, ancient villages, megacities, Buddhist temples, and futuristic tech zones. Each region has its own language dialect, cuisine, and customs.

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