Before closing your packed suitcase for that trip abroad, take a good look at what’s inside it. Ask yourself if you have packed anything that you would hate to lose. If so, you will still have time to pack something less valuable, instead. Here are examples of items that are better left at home:
- Items of high value such as expensive jewelry.
- Anything of sentimental value.
- Things that cannot be replaced.
The last item to inspect before your departure is your wallet. Inside most wallets are a large number of important documents that are not needed on a trip abroad. Before leaving for an international trip, clean out your wallet. Remove any cards or other documents you don’t need to take with you. You'll be very glad you did this, if your wallet gets lost during the trip.
Some examples of wallet items best left at home:
- Social security card.
- ID cards you won't need on the trip.
- Voter’s registration card.
- Library card.
- Photographs or other mementos that cannot be replaced.
- Most of us carry several credit cards, gasoline cards, and department store charge cards in our wallets. For safety's sake, the U.S. State Department recommends you travel with just one credit card, leaving the rest at home. They also advise you to have contact information with you, in case you need to report the card stolen.