The holidays are right around the corner and it is time to start planning your holiday wish list! Instead of the new Call of Duty or pair of UGGs, ask your family for some of these travel must-haves to prepare for your internship abroad. Don’t have an internship lined up for this year? Add an international internship to your holiday wish list!
1. Luggage (with wheels):
You're about to live in a brand new city for 2-3 months. Chances are high that you're going to try and shove enough clothes into your luggage to last you 2-3 years. If you don't have any luggage, now is a perfect time to ask for one with wheels. It's so much easier to roll it next to you or behind you in the airport and the hallways of your new home abroad!
GE Favorite: We recommend looking at affordable and sturdy luggage at places like TJ Maxx
2. Versatile waterproof jacket
No matter what city you'll be interning in this year, you can bet that it will rain at some point. Every traveler should have a waterproof jacket that is comfortable, easy to carry, and will keep you dry.
GE Favorites:
Men (also available for women)
3. Backpack (carry on size for weekend trips)
A camping backpack that is carry-on size is fantastic for any travel experience and will last you for years. Even if you do not plan on backpacking after your internship ends, you'll want a backpack with you for your weekend trips to other cities or countries.
GE Favorite: Eastern Mountain Sports Backpacks
4. Water bottle with built in filter
In all of our locations it is safe to drink the water, but you never know where you may decide to go on your travels. Bringing a filtered water bottle will save you tons of money on plastic water bottles and will keep you hydrated after partying walking tours.
GE Favorite: LifeStraw Go
5. Travel guides/phrase book
Travel guides can give you ideas for activities and events in the city and they're great for learning more about cultural and historical references and hot spots. If you're traveling to a non-English speaking location like Paris or Barcelona, you will want to read up on some common phrases. Depending on your language skill you want even want to ask for language learning software like Rosetta Stone.
GE Favorites: Lonely Planet and Let’s Go
6. Camera:
Even if you consider yourself to be an expert photographer, you'll want to consider taking a nicer camera so your pictures will be higher resolution. During your time abroad, you'll see some breathtaking sights and those are memories you'll want to treasure forever.
GE favorite: Nikon D3200 DSLR
7. Cross-body bags/passport holder
Petty theft is common in most major cities. An over-the-body purse will make it harder for thieves to get to your valuables. A passport holder is also a handy travel item for men and women to keep their passports, IDs, and plane tickets in one safe and convenient place.
GE favorites:
- Passport holder
- Choose a purse that fits yours style
8. Travel adapters/converters:
You're going to have electronics that you will be plugging into European, American, or Australian outlets. You'll probably want 2-3 power plug adapters and/or converters. They can be pretty cheap and make great socking stuffers! Remember if plan on traveling to a different country you might need different adaptors.
GE favorites: Just make sure you find the converter/adapter for your country. Amazon always has a large selection.
9. Flight points:
Frequent flyer points and credit card flight reward programs can be used as a gift with no extra expense to gift giver. Those rewards could be used for your flight to your internship location or used to fly to other locations on weekend trips!
10. Money:
Money is always beneficial. Save up as much money as possible so you can fully take advantage of the city by eating local cuisine, visiting museums and castles, and taking weekend trips to explore new towns!
These are just a few great items to have handy when traveling abroad. What other items would you add to your travel wish list?
