Why you should consider packing these items if you’re planning on moving abroad, becoming an ex-pat, or a digital nomad?

In 2020, in the middle of a pandemic, I sold almost all my belongings.

I packed up the rest of my stuff into two suitcases, one hand luggage, and one large camping backpack. I cleaned out my apartment, turned in my house keys to my landlord, and boarded a one-way flight to my new life.

I was initially supposed to start my new life in Ecuador, but due to a series of bizarre travel events that transpired after I left the United States headed for South America, I ended up living in the tropical paradise of Jamaica for three and a half months. (A crazy story I’ll leave for another day)

Downsizing my life, and packing for my adventure, prepared me for anything and everything that came my way.

If you’re thinking of, planning on, or preparing to move abroad, here is my ultimate checklist to go through to prepare you for your new life, in your new country and city.

My recommended packing checklist

1. Electronics & Gadgets

These are some of the most expensive items to purchase in developing countries. I also usually pack spare chargers of my electronics, just in case they break, or I end up losing one of them. It’s always a good idea to have a backup.

Laptop: because duh!! You plan on working online while abroad, right?

Besides, you might need one need for entertainment, if you plan on catching up with any of your favorite TV shows or YouTube videos while traveling. Regardless of your job, I think it is always helpful to have a laptop when you’re traveling to a new country.

Laptop Charger & Spare Charger: Don’t forget the charger for your laptop! And to also pack a spare one, just in case the one you have breaks down, or you end up losing it.

Laptop Case: to protect your laptop from scratches, as you move around a lot with it.

VPN: According to google, a VPN is a “service that both encrypts your data and hides your IP address by bouncing your network activity through a secure chain to another server miles away.”

In layman’s terms, a VPN can be used to create the illusion that you’re in one place, instead of another, once you’re connected to the internet. With a VPN, you can make it seem like you are anywhere in the world of your choice when you are connected to the internet.

For example, if I need to log on to a particular online exchange that only works from a specific country, I can simply switch my VPN on to that specific country, which will then allow me to connect, and access the exchange website that I need.

It is very convenient to have. I’m also able to keep up with my tv shows on HBO, Hulu, and Netflix this way.

Unlocked Cell Phone & Cell Phone Charger: You can’t always just travel with whatever cell phone you already have with you now. Unless you have made sure that it is unlocked. If you’re not sure if your phone is unlocked, you will need to call your current cell phone provider to enquire about it. And also find out if your current cell phone can be used during international travel.

Keep in mind, unless you plan on ‘roaming’ with your current provider, which can be expensive, it is better to have an unlocked cell phone. As this will allow you to use another sim card when you’re in another country.

Spare phone charger: We all know how flimsy iPhone chargers have become?

I lowkey wish Apple would release newly updated phone chargers, instead of new iPhones every year. At this point, we need better quality chargers because the ones on the market are absolute trash!

With that being said, it’s always helpful to pack an extra phone charger, just in case, the one you have breaks down. Or worse, you lose your current one, charging your phone at a random spot.

The current market is saturated with cheap and fake iPhone chargers that can actually ruin your iPhone battery power. So, it’s always best to have a spare charger. (And this goes not only for iPhone but other smartphone that may be hard to find in other countries)

Camera: If you plan on capturing or recording your travels, you should absolutely get one. GoPros are less conspicuous, and very portable, and are great for carrying around while recording.

Camera tripod: Helps make it easy to record as you move around, and also when you need your camera to be still, for more stable shots.

Drone: If you want some dope aerial view shots in your recorded videos, a drone is a must.

Power bank: It’s always helpful to have a backup supply of power, as access to constant electricity supply varies from country to country, and city to city within countries. It’s always a plus to have a power bank; just in case your power supply goes out, or when you run out of battery power when you’re on the move.

Hard drive: to store footage and pictures from your trips, so you don’t use all the memory space up on your cell phone and/or laptop.

Earphones: for listening to music, or watching tv shows on those long bus or car rides.

Travel Adapter: just in case the country you’re visiting has a different socket/power input requirement and voltage.

Tablet, iPad, or Kindle: for work, reading, and or, entertainment.

· Juicer * (completely optional): I knew I was going to be surrounded by lots of fresh fruits and vegetables in my new setting. And as a juice feign, I needed to stay prepared for my new juicy life. Like many gadgets and electronics, they are much cheaper in the ‘developed world’.

· Portable and small blender * (also completely optional): for my smoothies and healthy drinks!

2. Footwear

Bathroom slippers: Because ewwwww! You don’t want to be barefooted in all the different bathrooms, and showers, you might end up in. It’s only safe to assume, not all of the bathrooms you encounter may be to your standard. I always prefer to wear slippers in the shower because ‘you ain’t about to catch me slipping in the shower! Literally!

Sneakers: For comfort, intense walking, and those unexpected adventures you don’t want to be caught in sandals or slippers.

Hiking shoes/boots: Lightweight boots, for the trenches of travel is always a plus. So far, I have worn my boots for hiking, while its raining, and when I’m signing up for an adventure in nature. They have come in pretty handy, although I’ll admit I haven’t worn them that many times.

Sandals: for those sunny days, or tropical locations, that might require your toes to breathe a little.

Also, for the ladies, having a pair of cute sandals can come in handy, when you want to go casual, or to a nice fancy restaurant.

3. Underwear

(It’s always Safe to pack extra ones too, just in case they become old and tattered, as a result of wash, wear and tear.)

Panties / Boxers

Bras /Sports Bra’s/ Undershirts / Vests

4. Clothes

(Obviously varies and depends on your taste and style. For functionality purposes, here are a few recommendations.

Long pants: aside from protecting you in cold weather, they can also come in handy in tropical locations, protecting you from mosquitos and pesky bugs, when you’re outside, or in nature.

Shorts or Skirts: When the sun’s out, and you want to feel cute or whatever!

Sweater/ Hoodie/ Cardigan: To protect you from expected or unexpected cold, and to keep you warm on those long, often cold, and chilly plane rides. Even if you’re headed to a tropical location, just pack a light sweater. They can be helpful.

Raincoat: Most countries have rainy seasons. You never know when you might walk into the rainy season in another country.

Casual Tops

T-shirts

Blouses

Dresses

Sunglasses

Hat

5. Your favorite personal care products, you wouldn’t want to be without

(Especially if you use special, organic, toxin-free, brands. You might want to stock up on your favorite items and brands, depending on the weight allowance permitted on your international flight.)

Body lotion & Soap

Face products

Toothpaste

Toothbrushes

Sponge

Travel-sized shampoo and conditioner

Bug Repellant

Towel: Most hotels and Airbnb’s come with towels. So, you absolutely don’t need to pack one, as they can be bulky and take up space in your luggage. However, if you are very particular about having a special towel, consider packing one.

Sanitary pads: You’ll find different sizes and brands of pads in different countries, and you might not like them. For that reason, it’s best to pack up a few of your favorite or most preferred sanitary brands.

Makeup: Your favorite brand, quality, or shade, may be very expensive or unavailable abroad. Pack what you want and need, because you aren’t assured of finding it abroad.

Hair Products & Hair extensions: (note to other Black women like me, please pack your gel, edge control, and those specialty items you will need that are not commonly found outside of communities that you inhabit)

5. Bags

(Keep in mind, most airlines allow two checked bags, one handbag, and one hand luggage.

All extra bags, as well as, overweight bags would need to be paid for at the airline counter of the airport)

Suitcases: Of course, to pack your items in. Get good quality ones that can withstand all the throwing, and mishandling, done by airport baggage handlers around the world.

Padlock for suitcases: It’s good to use padlocks to lock your bags, as you travel locally and internationally. Security is key for traveling.

Backpack: Backpacks are easy and convenient to use. I tend to enjoy them more because they disperse and balance out the weight of your possessions across your back. Instead of pressure put on one shoulder when you use one-sleeved or shoulder bags.

Hand luggage: especially, having ones with wheels at the bottom is a must-have.

**Travel Hack** You can load up your wheeled hand luggage because most airlines won’t weigh them. Making it a good place to stash extra weighted items. Remember though, no liquids or flammable items in your hand luggage.

· Waist bag: I know nothing screams tourist, more than a waste bag. But I like to keep my passport, debit/credit card, cash, and a few essentials literally glued to my waist. A cute waist bag is a good way to have some of your most valuable possessions on you all the time.

· A Cute Handbag: Most ladies like to have a nice casual bag to rock to a café, dinner, or a formal setting, other than a backpack. Finding a nice medium-sized bag to fit your laptop in, is a plus.

· Toiletry Bag: I like to have a small bag where I can store my liquids and toiletries to keep my luggage organized, and things, easy to find. Bear in mind, you will most likely be living out of your suitcases for a while, so keeping things organized, will make life easier for you.

6. Miscellaneous

Filtered Water Bottle: Essential. And cuts the number of water bottles you may need to purchase along the way. Depending on where you go, you might simply be able to refill your water bottle on the go. Having a filtered water bottle can save you lots of money as well.

Stationery (Notebook & Pen etc.): To write down thoughts, journal, and other important things. Having A PEN IS VERY IMPORTANT because you will need it to fill out health forms, and immigration forms on the flight, or once you have arrived at your final destination.

Credit or debit card

Cash: ALWAYS. ALWAYS. ALWAYS HAVE PHYSICAL CASH ON YOU! You don’t want to have all your money on a card because it might take time to find an ATM that accepts your card, and also save yourself on credit/debit card fees. I will also advise having lower denominations of the cash because sometimes it’s difficult to get change for purchases using larger denominations. Plus holding large denominations of cash can make you a target to be charged higher than normal prices.

A book to read: (if you don’t have Kindle, a tablet, or an iPad)

An Umbrella: to stay prepared for the expected, and unexpected, rainy days.

Your favorite must-have snacks, spices, and specialty food items, you might not find abroad.

Your special medications, vitamins, and supplements

Activated charcoal: This is good for dealing with poisons and absorbing toxins out of your body. While you’re traveling, you might be exposed to bacteria, and other toxins your body might not be used to, causing stomach upset or vomiting. It’s always good to keep activated charcoal on you, to absorb and rid your body of toxins.

What are your must-pack items when you’re traveling or moving abroad? I’d love to know in the comment section.