Going on a backpacking trip around the world alone with Kyun-S!  (36) pack your belongings

 10. Before your trip, pack your belongings

Now that it is the final stage of preparations for a full-fledged solo trip, it is important to prepare thoroughly in advance, as the items you need may vary depending on the culture and customs of the destination, such as the importance of each item you need to pack before departure and its usefulness when traveling alone.

1.    Required documents

The beginning of the trip is a passport and visa. It is recommended to check the validity of your passport for 6 months, check the visa issuance of the country you want to travel to in advance, and prepare multiple copies of your photo, passport, visa, and each copy of your reserved ticket in case you book your ticket and lose it. In addition, we will create a separate emergency contact network with the contact information of family and friends. In addition, if you are a student, you can bring an international student ID card to receive various discounts.

2.    Means of communication

A smartphone that can be contacted by phone is essential, and it is important to prepare a tablet or laptop with Internet access that can search for necessary information and take notes during the trip.

3.    Travel Insurance

It is essential to have travel insurance before departure to protect against any unforeseen accidents or illnesses.

4.    Financial Supplies

You need to collect and check information such as cash, cards that can be paid overseas, and currency exchange in the country you are visiting to prepare for financial problems. In particular, in case the card cannot be used temporarily due to local circumstances, etc., prepare some cash, dollars, and local currency as an emergency fund, and check whether the card you will have can be used overseas with the card company.

5.    Over-the-counter medications and personal items

To stay healthy while traveling, it’s a good idea to pack a minimum of regular medications and personal hygiene items, such as prescriptions for any medications you’re taking.

6.    Clothing and accessories

Prepare clothing suitable for the local climate, comfortable shoes, and accessories considering the season of the destination, but pack your clothes in separate bags, use compressed pouches for long-term trips to save space, and prepare umbrellas and waterproof coats in case of weather changes, so as to pay attention to your health during the trip and improve the quality of your trip.

7.    Useful items

It’s also a good idea to research information about your destination in advance and pack useful maps and guidebooks. Also, it is recommended to prepare at least one multi-adapter that can be used anytime and anywhere by checking the voltage and plug shape of the country you are visiting to make your trip more convenient for your trip, such as a power supply that can replenish your smartphone’s battery when you go out for a long time.

8.    Packing Tips

Traveling is not about moving, so if possible, a backpack that is smaller and lighter may be better. Streamline your trip by creating tips and checklists for efficient packing.

9.    Other, useful apps during travel that can be used as a reference

When it comes to planning and running your trip, there are many useful apps that you can refer to. The following are basic apps that are essential for solo travel, and even if they are not necessarily the following apps, you can install and use various apps that suit your taste and operation.

1) Google Maps

Google Maps is very useful for navigation and providing information on public transportation. You can easily find the places you want to go during your trip and plan your route. It also has a function that allows you to search for nearby restaurants and tourist attractions, so it may be useful to refer to it.

2) TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor is an app that allows you to compare and choose accommodations, restaurants, and attractions based on reviews from travelers from around the world. It is a great help in planning your trip.

3) Exchange rate calculator

When it comes to using local currencies while traveling, a useful currency calculator app is a must. You can check real-time exchange rates through apps like ‘Exchange Rate Calculator Plus’ and calculate them easily.

4) Uber/Lift

Uber and Lyft, which are taxi services, are popular as public transportation in many countries, including the United States. You can easily call a vehicle through the app.

5) Skyscanner

With the ability to compare flights and accommodation and book accommodation, Skyscanner is a great starting point for planning your trip. It is convenient to compare different options at a glance.

6) AI

It is also recommended to use the subscribed AI in real-time to obtain information to overcome language barriers and more. In particular, it has a real-time interpretation function, which is a great help in communicating during travel