trip resources
obtaining a U.S. passport or travel document
To apply for a vision trip, you need a valid passport or travel document. Your passport should remain valid for at least six months after your trip’s return date.
state passport resources
Microsoft Translator
This app could possibly be the biggest life-saver when traveling abroad. With this you will be able translate between 103 languages through typing, and 52 languages if you don’t have internet access. You can even access camera translation, where you can use your camera to take a picture, and Google Translate will instantly translate the text in up to 37 different languages. There is also a conversation mode where you can have two-way instant speech translation in 32 languages.
Trip Plans
The Trip Plans app lets you view your detailed itinerary from your travel advisor on your phone. No data or internet connection? No problem! All your trip details will still be there presented in a beautiful and easy to understand format.
With WhatsApp, you can connect back to home (anyone with the app) without worrying about your cellular data. All you need is access to WiFi, and then you can text and make HD-quality phone and video calls for free.
Carryn's Favorite Things
Check out all of my favorite travel items here!
packing tips
Where to start?
When you begin to pack your bag for a trip, the most important things to think about are the weather, season, activities, and destination. What will the weather be like while I am in the country? What are the cultural customs: are shorts ok? Do women need to wear dresses/skirts? If I am traveling out of the country, will they have AC? What will I be doing each day?
How do I fit everything?
There are so many items now that can help you organize your clothes and essentials so that you never have to cram and shove them into a bag again. Use packing cubes, clear zip pouches, shoe bags, and packing envelopes to keep items as organized and wrinkle-free as possible.
CARRY-ON ITEMS
Medicine (Prescribed or over the counter)
Electric converter
Notebook
Book / e-reader
Neck pillow
Power bank/charger
Sunglasses
Wet wipes / antibacterial wipes
Colgate wisp (disposable mini travel toothbrushes)
Earplugs
Snacks
Change of clothes
PERSONAL BAG / BACKPACK
Toothbrush / Toothpaste
Bible
Headphones
Refillable water bottle
ON PERSON
Money belt (if desired)
Passport / visa
Travel vaccine form (if applicable)
Spending cash
Credit card
Driver's license
Tipping cash (optional)
SUITCASE
Rain jacket / light sweater or jacket
T-shirts (DriFit will keep you cooler and weigh less)
Shorts / pants / capris (may differ depending on trip)
Tennis shoes / walking shoes
Crocs or sandals
Swim wear
Sunscreen, antibacterial cream, insect repellant
Shampoo, body wash, skincare