You have found the perfect provider for your work and travel adventure and have completed all the necessary formalities? Then it's time to pack! But what do you actually need in order to be able to work abroad and at the same time spend your free time in a meaningful way?? We have created a clear packing list with sub-items, which will make it easier for you to think of everything important.
1. Your luggage: The backpack!
Experience shows that work and travel trips are most likely to be enhanced by a good backpack. Because oversized suitcases and impractical travel bags are more likely to hinder you on the road. You can strap on the backpack in a jiffy and off you go. You are much more flexible and save your back at the same time. Provided that it is an ideal model for you. First and foremost, the backpack must have a sensible packing system and provide you with the best possible support on the road. This also includes making sure there are no pressure points on your shoulders or elsewhere. Therefore, pay attention mainly to an ergonomic design, padded straps and a good weight distribution. A breathable back is also beneficial so that you don't sweat too much in the heat. Hip and waist belts are a must for longer trips, because they fix the load optimally to the body and thus prevent back problems. The necessary volume depends on several factors such as destination and travel duration. If you are traveling in colder regions, you will need thicker clothing, which automatically means a higher backpack volume. 60 to 85 liters are recommended in many guidebooks for work and travel trips. However, if you are very thrifty and can get by with few utensils, it is quite conceivable that a 40-50 liter touring backpack would be enough for you. On the Internet, we discovered a sensibly designed range of backpacks at Campz, a specialist retailer for adventure products, which you can sort accordingly using categories such as "trekking backpacks". This will make it easier for you to find and select the ideal product.
2. Fanny packs, shopping bags and co.
In addition to the backpack it can be useful to take a fanny pack and a foldable shopping bag with you. While the shopping bag will help you while shopping, the fanny pack will keep your most important items, such as your wallet or smartphone, close at hand during excursions. If you want to make regular larger trips to various sights or active activities such as hiking, it may be necessary to pack a second smaller backpack. After all, you don't always need the generous trekking backpack. The better alternative, however, would be a flexible travel backpack that can be adjusted in terms of volume and makes carrying a second model unnecessary. A separate bag for dirty laundry should also be on your packing list, so that clean laundry does not take on odors and dirt. A toilet bag to hang up makes your everyday life in hotels, motels and other accommodations easier.
3. Clothing
You can not do without clothes. Which textiles you will need depends on your destination and activities. For example, if you are traveling to tropical regions, you will need an airy wardrobe and a change of clothes. If you are planning a trip to a cold country, you will need insulating footwear, warm jackets and accessories such as gloves, scarves and hats. Therefore, take your time to think about what requirements the textiles have to meet on site and pack accordingly. Keep in mind that you may need completely different outfits for work and for leisure, do not underestimate the space for them in your backpack. Find out in time if you can wash your clothes daily or if you have only limited possibilities to do so. Depending on this, you may need more or less clothing.
4. Toiletries& First-aid kit
The list of toiletries is also individual, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Here it depends not only on female or male, but also again on destination and activities. If you spend a lot of time in the sun and have to work outdoors, sunscreen, head protection and after-sun lotion are recommended. You also need to think about individual accessories such as contact lenses or eyeglasses. We will not list the usual toiletries such as toothbrush, shampoo and the like here.
The importance of the first-aid kit should by no means be underestimated. No matter if you fall, get stung by insects or suffer other injuries, it is advantageous to be able to help yourself at least provisionally. After all, the nearest doctor or pharmacy could be many kilometers away. It is good to have provisions for emergencies. The following list is intended to make it easier to put together a sensible first-aid kit, but should by no means be regarded as complete. Instead, check yourself what needs to be supplemented for your personal needs:
- Plasters and bandages for wound care
- antibacterial wipes
- Scissors
- Wound and healing ointment
- Disinfectant spray
- Medication against diarrhea and nausea
- Painkillers
- Anti-mosquito spray / ointment
- utensils for water disinfection
- Cortisone ointment
- Medication according to your needs (in case of illnesses, allergies etc.).)
5. Documents
Important documents must also be stowed away. Below passport (pay attention to validity!), tickets for flights, train journeys or buses, visa documents (confirmations, payment), international driver's license, identity card and booking confirmations. But also documents like curriculum vitae, job references, insurance documents, medically relevant documents, maps and credit cards belong here. Check the current entry regulations of the destination country online at the German Foreign Office and check which papers you need for your trip. Ideally, you should have all the necessary documents scanned and on a storage device. In case something gets lost, you can make copies of it. It is also advisable to give a person you trust in your home country access to the copies. If everything goes wrong and you personally do not have any documents due to theft or something else, you can at least have the necessary papers sent to you via e-mail.
Which deadlines regarding formalities, insurances, accounts and maintenance are useful and what is also elementary for the individual items, we have summarized in our Work and Travel Checklist. We have also arranged additional organizational assistance in a guide for travel preparation.
6. Accessories
In addition, you may need power adapters, various chargers for smartphones, laptops and other electrical devices, as well as a camera, TAN generator or camping items. If you want to spend the night mainly outdoors, tent, sleeping mat, sleeping bag and some other products equally belong on the packing list.
Say goodbye to the idea of being able to prepare for all eventualities. Most of the food can be bought almost everywhere in the world, so you don't have to carry every little thing with you. Try to reduce your luggage to a minimum to save weight. If something is missing, you will find a solution for sure on the spot.
Watch the video of Youtuber Clarissa for more tips and experiences on how to prepare for a work and travel trip: