Never Traveled Overseas? Here is What You Will Need in Your Suitcase

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You’ve got a new passport and are thrilled about your first overseas adventure. Whether you are jetting off to picturesque Europe or flying to the mystical East, a little preparation will make your trip go smoothly. Private jet travelers who go overseas for the first time are often unsure about what they will need to pack. Follow these planning and packing tips to make your foreign trip an unforgettable one.

How much luggage can you take on a private jet flight overseas?

First things first. Before we get into what to pack for your overseas trip, let’s find out how much luggage you can take on board with you.

If you are chartering a private jet, the number of suitcases and the weight of each piece will be determined by a number of factors. Private jet cabins are built for your comfort. This means that the storage configurations can vary widely from aircraft to aircraft. Enquiring with your private jet charter consultant will provide you the best answer on how much you can pack for your trip abroad, but here are some guidelines that could help you:

The amount of luggage allowed on a private jet depends on several factors such as the type of aircraft, runway length, and the number of passengers. But as a general rule:

• One suitcase is allowed per passenger on a light jet such as the Hawker Beechcraft Premier I IA.
• Two small suitcases are allowed per passenger on a mid-size jet such as the Gulfstream G150.
• Heavy jets have large baggage holds that can handle ample amounts of luggage. The Bombardier Challenger 850, for example, virtually has the same amount of space as an ultra-long-range aircraft.

TIP: Heavy jets are a good choice if you plan to bring recreational items on board such as a surfboard, golf clubs, skis or other bulky, heavy items.

What to Pack in Your Check-in Suitcase

People go overseas for several reasons. Whether you are planning a foreign holiday or traveling abroad for business, you don’t really want to lug giant suitcases from place to place. Most air travelers prefer to pack light and there’s a formula to getting it right.

Of course, the season and climate of the country you’re traveling to, as well as the purpose of your visit, will determine the type of items you pack. Whether you are heading for the snowy slopes of Switzerland, the sunny beaches of the Maldives, or the busy streets of Tokyo, you’ll want to pack smart clothing options.

If you prefer to travel light, the key is to include garments that can be paired with one another and dressed up or down with different pairs of shoes or accessories. This will give you enough outfit combinations to get you through your trip without having to pack your entire wardrobe.

Of course, being a private jet traveler affords you the luxury to bring more luggage on board than a commercial flight passenger. When it comes to private flights, traveling savvy does not necessarily mean traveling light, it simply means planning carefully.

If you cannot fathom the idea of leaving behind your favorite pair of designer shoes and those matching outfits, it’s a good idea to pack by day and by occasion, not forgetting to prepare for anything Mother Nature could possibly throw your way.

TIP: Use zippered packing organizers to have quick access to all the different things you’ll need during your trip. Save time with unpacking by quickly sliding your organizers directly into hotel drawers.

What to Pack in Your Carry-on Bag

Your hand luggage will be with you at all times, so it’s best to choose an easy-to-carry backpack or small portable suitcase with wheels that you can lug around with ease.

Even the most luxurious flight can take its toll on your body. Therefore, your carry-on bag should include beauty essentials that will see you arriving at your destination fresh-faced and beautiful.

But apart from your bag of beauty must-haves, your carry-on bag should also include the following essential items:

• Prescription medications (in case you end up stranded without your luggage)
• A change of underwear
• A toothbrush or mouthwash
• Hand sanitizer
• Tissues
• A lightweight jacket or pashmina
• Reading material (and glasses)
• Smartphone with compatible charger
• Travel documents and credit cards
• Personal comfort items such as a travel pillow or sleep mask

TIP: Keep the prescription medication in their original bottles to prove what they are.

How to Pack Your Toiletry Bag

Chartering a private jet does mean that you can bring anything on board that the pilot will allow, including all of your facial serums and lotions. In most locations, there is no baggage screening at the terminals that serve private jet passengers, which means that your toiletry bag does not need to be TSA-compliant (stipulating that liquids, gels, and creams must be 3.4 ounces or less per container).

Aside from your basic everyday toiletries like dental hygiene products, hair and skin care, make-up, moisturizers, sunblock, lip balm, deodorant, vitamins, chronic medication, and other personal hygiene products, you will need to pack a few key medicines and first-aid items too – to be fully prepared. There’s nothing worse than feeling miserable when you go overseas and not having the medicine you need.

Include the following emergency items in your toiletry bag when traveling overseas:

• Pain and fever relievers
• Sunburn ointment
• Medicine for colds (and throat lozenges)
• Diarrhea/laxative medicines
• Antihistamine medication
• Antibacterial cream
• Insect repellent and sting reliever
• Motion sickness pills or bands
• Altitude sickness pills (if you are planning to hike in higher altitudes)
• Eye drops
• A basic first-aid kit with bandages, gauze, adhesives, etc.

TIP: Remember to pack copies of scripts for your personal prescription medication.

Pack Your Travel Documents

Of all the items you pack for your overseas trip, your travel documents are the most important. Thus it is a good idea to place all of your important documents in a travel document organizer that can hold your passport, boarding pass, medical aid information, ID, credit cards, itinerary, and a pen. Having all your important information well organized in one place will ensure you have everything you need to get from one place to the next.

TIP: Remember to leave copies of your passport and itinerary with family or friends in case of an emergency so they know where you are at all times. It’s also advisable to bring a copy of your passport with you, in case the original is lost or stolen. This way, it will be easier to replace.