In less than a month, we are heading to Greece for our honeymoon (can’t wait, can’t wait!). We’ll spend a few nights in Athens before heading to Santorini and Naxos to round out our trip in the Greek Islands. This Vermonter, however, hasn’t travelled abroad in years. In high school, I was a world traveler practically. I visited Russia, Finland, London, Spain, Morocco, Italy, and Switzerland. Then my passport took a hiatus, unfortunately. Since then, I’ve been focused more on travel within the United States. It’s no secret that I love finding all of the nooks and crannies in Vermont to showcase and celebrate. So I tend to spend most of my time near home. Given it’s our honeymoon, though, we want the experience to be memorable in the best possible way, by being prepared and having everything we need.
So, naturally, I’ve done a lot of research, planning, and purchasing. I’ll start laying out our clothes in the next few weeks to ensure we’re well equipped for the best vacation of our lives. If you’re like me and haven’t traveled abroad recently, let me do the work for you… Here’s my packing list for our upcoming Greek Islands honeymoon.
What to Pack for International Travel
A Four-Wheel, Spacious Carry-On Spinner Suitcase
Also, you can pack so much in it. On a recent trip back from Charleston, I packed all of my clothes for a five-day trip and 23 16-ounce cans of local beer back for my beer-loving brewer fiancé. For our honeymoon, Nick will be using my Delsey in Trolley Brown. I scooped up the same Delsey 21-inch suitcase in Champagne with a gorgeous red lining.
Why do I love it? It’s the perfect size for overhead compartments on just about any plane. It has equal compartments on each side, and it fits a ton of clothes. It comes with a travel hanger and a bag for dirty clothes. The Delsey Chatelet also has a unique braking system, so you won’t be chasing down a run-away suitcase in the airport. I’ve also gotten so many compliments on it. It’s cute and functional, the perfect match.
An Under-the-Seat Carry-On That Doubles as a Beach Bag
I bought this striped navy-and-white Baosha Canvas Weekender Overnight bag ($34.99) for business travel and our Greek honeymoon earlier this year. It’s been perfect as an oversized purse (that fits my MacBook Pro) and an under-the-seat carry on. The straps are faux leather, but for the price, that hasn’t bothered me. I also don’t worry too much about getting it dirty and plan on bringing it to the beach while we’re in Greece, complete with flip flops, towels, and plenty of suncreen.
Why do I love it? It fits my laptop easily and has a sleeve that you can slide over the standard handle of your rolling luggage. The bag also has a lifetime warranty from the manufacturer.
An Anti-Theft Cross-Body Bag
We are going to be in crowded areas around the Acropolis and other touristy sites in Greece, and the last time I would want to happen is to have my bag stolen. I put this cute Travelon Anti-theft Cross Body Bag in Ocean on my Christmas list this past year. It has deep pockets, slash-proof straps and compartments, and RFID blocking card and passport slots and pockets. The shoulder strap can also attach to a post or chair, which is perfect for dinners out or stops at local watering holes.
Why do I love it? I don’t typically love cross-body bags, but the contouring of this one allows the bag to fall flat against your body. It’s also a beautiful, rich color, and gives me peace of mind above everything else.
Lightweight Shoes Made for Walking
I’m anticipating we’ll be walking many miles in Greece over the course of our vacation. There’s nothing worse than not wanting to take to the streets and explore like a local because you have blisters. Nick and I both have a pair of Hey Dudes, which we love. They’re super lightweight, fold up nearly flat, and didn’t need any adjustment time to me. I bought the women’s Hey Dude Wendy shoes in Iron ($54.95). They’re worth every penny. I’ve already worn them, scurrying through many airports, and am deciding what color to buy for my second pair for our honeymoon. Nick has the Hey Dude Washed Wally’s in Indigo ($59.99), which he loves to slip on and off for quick errands too.
Why do I love them? They’re so light weight and require no break-in time. They also fold always flat, so you can easily pack them in a carry-on or your regular luggage without taking up much space at all.
Other Things to Pack for International Travel & Travel Abroad:
- We picked up two of these Defway Passport Holders with RFID protection to ensure we always know where our important documents are at all times.
- Given the long winters in Vermont, I needed to ensure I don’t get too much sun while hopping the Greek Islands. I purchased this packable wide-brim straw hat that’s cute and functional to keep excess sun off of my face.
- Low-rise compression socks! As I got older, I notice my ankles swell more when I’m in the air for a long time. These aren’t your grannie’s compression socks. They’re low and just give you a bit more support and structure.
- We will have limited time for sightseeing in Athens, so we want to make the most of our time in the ground before our ultimate relaxation in the Islands. I picked up these Anti-Jet Lag pills that are all natural to see if they help us recuperate more quickly.
- A small jewelry holder. I don’t plan on bringing much in the way of jewelry (I have my standby diamond studs and engagement ring and band from Matthew Taylor Designs in Shelburne, Vermont), so I’ll largely be packing a few pairs of statement earrings and necklaces. This jewelry organizer won’t take up much space but will ensure I don’t lose any jewelry I bring along.
What are your must-have items for international travel? Comment below to keep the conversation going!
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Categories: Beyond Vermont: Travel Guides