I’ve been abroad for over two months now, which means I can finally admit that I packed way, way too much.
The problem started the night before going abroad. My one checked bag was packed, so all that was left to do was weigh it. I was hopeful it wasn’t over the required 50-pound limit, but if I had to remove a pound of stuff, so be it. Maybe I’d take one less pair of shoes.
My friend came over to say goodbye, and we hoisted the bag onto a scale to double-check. The weight read not 50, not 60, but 75 pounds.
There was no way I could cut 25 pounds of packing in one night, so I decided to be the person who packs two checked bags for abroad—a decision everyone warns you against. This meant I could stuff the second bag full until it nearly reached the weight limit, too.
Well, I’m here to confirm that the aforementioned advice is correct. I overpacked. I probably should’ve cut 40 pounds of stuff. To anyone studying abroad in the future, or anyone curious about what you should bring on your trip to Prague, here’s a review of my good and bad packing decisions.
Let’s start with clothes. I brought, to Prague, four pairs of sandals. I haven’t touched those shoes once. That jacket that you never wear at home, but think might be in style in Europe? You will double not wear it here. I’m embarrassed to admit how many t-shirts are in my closet right now, when I wear the same three on rotation (if it’s even warm enough).
Now, it’s not like my closet is completely useless. I am very glad for the number of basics I packed. Simple long sleeves, tank tops, black skirts, and jeans will be your uniform in Europe and are surprisingly hard to find in stores. My leather gloves have been a lifesaver in the colder months here—I wore them every day of February. I thought I was overpacking sweaters, but I’ve bought even more since I got here.
The lesson to take away from my closet woes is to consider the weather while you’re abroad. If people say Prague is going to be cold, it’s probably going to be cold. Sure, some warm-weather clothes are a good idea for traveling, but no one needs four pairs of sandals in central Europe.
Packing toiletries and medicine is a fine line. There’s the worry that your favorite makeup line isn’t sold where you’re going. It’s much harder to find simple medicine here, and I’ve already run out of my cough syrup because of my four-week-long cold.
These items, however, weigh a lot. So when choosing between two huge jugs of Advil and Tylenol or just one, well, it’s sad I didn’t choose to pack only one. I also brought all 10 pounds of my daily vitamins here. But between travel, study, and exploration, it’s almost impossible to get into a good routine abroad, and my vitamin habits were the first to take that hit. It’s okay to leave the L-theanine at home.
One thing you can’t find abroad is pictures from home. I am incredibly grateful that I remembered to print out some photos and pack Command strips, so I have a mini-picture wall of everyone I love at home. It’s simple, easy, and provides some fun in my communist-era dorm room.
My travel backpack, portable charger, AirTags, and crossbody bag have all been lifesavers multiple times. And a printed-out photo of your travel documents to keep in said travel backpack—in case your train is halfway to Munich when you realize you forgot your passport—is a great idea.
In all my overpacking, I did manage to forget some things that have been a pain to locate here. Shower shoes are surprisingly inaccessible! Good boots that you can walk comfortably in are easier to find at home. And I definitely should’ve packed a water bottle with a cap, not a straw poking out to gather international germs.
Most of all, I wish I “packed” more money. As cliché as it sounds, you will be spending much more than you think, even if you’re in a cheaper country. My best advice is to start tucking away some cash as soon as you can. If you know you’re going abroad next semester, maybe don’t order the lobster at your next dinner.
Packing is a harder challenge than you’d expect, but don’t worry. It’s a good problem to have too much stuff versus not enough. I’m not sure how all my stuff is going to make it back to the United States, but it’s a challenge for another day. If you haven’t left yet, though, save yourself.
