Travel checklist

Going abroad for a conference? Here are some helpful tips to make preparing for your journey easier.

Electronics

Laptop
Phone
- Clear storage (e.g. old photos)
- Make sure it's unlocked for SIM cards from any country can be activated on it.
Headphones
- If owning Bluetooth headphones, bring a 3.5mm jack to use them in-flight.
Power bank (10k++ mAh rating)
Outlet adapters
- Bring at least two (one for your phone and laptop)
Flash disk
Camera

Passport & visa (including scanned copies)
- If passport was recently renewed, bring the old one as well.
- Double-check travel validity date.
Driver's license
Travel itinerary & conference print-outs
Travel diary containing names & addresses (in case phone gets lost)

Breathable, easy-to-wear clothing and footwear
- Slip-on shoes
- Track pants
- T-shirt w/ front pocket
Conference & everyday clothes that match the season
Accessories (e.g. belt, fanny pack)
Spare underwear inside carry-on luggage
Laundry bag and additional bags to put dirty clothes in

Toiletry bag containing 100ml or less of the following:
- Facial cleanser
- Toothbrush & toothpaste
- Hair product
- Soap
- Shampoo
Hand towel & body towel
Paracetamol & other over-the-counter drugs
Prescription medication
- Bring the actual prescription to avoid getting questioned.
Facial razor
Lip balm
Bath lily
Pain relief patches
Sunscreen

Travel insurance
Online seat selection & check-in
Spare glasses
Gifts to friends and family
Pocket money (in small denominations)
Roaming activation
Airline phone app to check flight availability
A VPN subscription, useful when connecting to public hotspots within airports, hotels, etc.
Credit/debit card
- Call issuing bank and let them know your intentions to use the card in another country.

When choosing connecting international flights, choose ones that are at least three hours in between of each other, as unexpected delays might force you to re-book your flight. In my case, I had a 24-hour layover in LAX because there was only a single flight to New Zealand available every day.
Always pack the important stuff inside your carry-on luggage (e.g. passport, prescription medication).
It's good to have at least one set of clothes and underwear in your carry-on in case you get laid over for more than 12 hours and would rather leave your checked-in luggage at the airport.