Carry-On Essentials

• Carry-on luggage is the only thing a traveler has access to between the time his other luggage is checked until the time it is picked up at the baggage claim when he arrives. Use a backpack or small wheeled suitcase: it is easy to maneuver through the busy airport halls, and can be taken on day trips once the traveler reaches his destination. Keep important documents, such as a passport, student ID, visa, other official documents, tickets and boarding passes with the carry-on or in a money belt. Prescription medicines, a small first aid kit, glasses, money, as well as an iPod, books and magazines, should be placed in your carry-on. Be sure to check the airline's security regulations, too, to make sure everything you packed will be allowed through security.
  
  

Clothes

• Before packing clothes, a traveler should research her destination to determine what and how much clothes she should pack. Consider the climate and season of the destination: the Mediterranean climate of Italy during the summer will require different clothing than would a fall trip to Ireland. Also, consider the duration of your stay and whether you'll be able to wash your laundry. Remember that while it may be tempting to bring a lot of clothes, you will have to carry your luggage and pay a fee if your luggage's weight exceeds the baggage limit.
  
  

Health and Personal Products

• For short trips overseas, it's often easier for a traveler to bring his own health and personal care products, rather than buying them when he arrives. Think about purchasing smaller travel-size items so that they take up less room in the suitcase. On extended stays, however, it is often wiser to use the space toiletries would take in a suitcase for other items and simply buy health care products at the final destination. However, a traveler should pack specific items like favorite makeup products, feminine hygiene products or contact lens solution, just in case it is not available overseas.
  
  

Other Must-Haves

• Once the clothes and toiletries are packed, there are other important items that most travelers want. A camera, wrapped in bubble wrap to keep it safe, as well as a journal, helps a traveler take mementos of her travels. Help stave of homesickness by packing some pictures of family and friends. If a traveler will not be staying in a hotel or with a friend, she may need a sleeping bag and pillow. A map and guidebook will help the traveler navigate her destination once she arrives. A travel alarm clock, outlet adapters, sewing kit, umbrella and sunglasses will also come in handy.