INDEX
- The two JAL flight attendants who helped out this time
- A travel pro's packing list for your first overseas trip
- Don't forget these items: Travel Essentials
- Useful items to have! "Carry-on items" category
- It is recommended to purchase these items in Japan. "Toiletries and daily necessities" category
- Make your stay more comfortable! "Convenient Goods and Electronic Devices" Category
- [Extra Edition] Items that people wish they had brought overseas
- It's good to know this information. We also introduce some tips for before your trip.
- Your first trip abroad will be a lifelong memory. Make sure you enjoy it to the fullest.
The two JAL flight attendants who helped out this time
This time, JAL flight attendants Aoki-san (left) and Miyashita-san (right) shared with us the essentials and convenient items to take on your first overseas trip, as well as tips to use while traveling. They introduced us to the things you can't go without, from general items to their favorite travel items that they say they "must definitely bring!"
A travel pro's packing list for your first overseas trip
In economy class on JAL international flights, the free checked baggage allowance is 23kg or less. We recommend leaving some extra space for souvenirs to take home, but even so, you will still end up with a lot of things to take with you, so if it's your first trip abroad, you may be worried about what to bring. Making choices is also part of the fun of traveling, but we will suggest some must-have items by category.
Don't forget these items: Travel Essentials
Check your essentials multiple times to make sure you don't miss anything. Your passport serves as your identification when abroad, so we recommend carrying it with you along with your wallet and valuables.
| passport | Don't forget to check the expiration date. |
|---|---|
| visa | Depending on your destination, you may need to apply in advance. Please check beforehand. |
| mobile phone | This is a must-have item that will be useful even overseas. |
| credit card | If possible, it's a good idea to have two or more cards of different brands. If you lose your card, you can contact the card desk and it can be reissued at a later date without having to worry about it being misused. |
| cash | Bring not only foreign currency but also Japanese yen. Please don't forget to keep it with you in case of an emergency. |
| a copy of passport | When walking around town, try to leave the original in the hotel security box if possible. It's a good idea to bring a copy with you just in case. |
| E-ticket receipt | In some cases it may be required when issuing an airline ticket. Be sure to prepare it in advance. |
| Voucher (hotel or tour) receipt | It's a good idea to have it with you when you enter the country or in case of an emergency. When entering the US or other countries, you may be asked to give an explanation to the security officer, but just show this to him or her. |
| Overseas travel insurance documents | You can rest assured that you can check immediately in the event of an emergency. |
When working, we sometimes have to stay at a destination. We look forward to it, and sometimes we go out to eat together and enjoy our free time as if it were a day off. These items are essential for us.
For example, if you are flying to Europe or America, you will have one day off in the middle. While these items are important, a healthy body and a desire to have fun are also important "necessities"!
Useful items to have! "Carry-on items" category
A carry-on bag such as a tote bag will suffice, and you should pack the essentials and items that will make your flight more comfortable.
| toothbrush, | Many people take a rest after meals on the plane, so having these items will help you get a good night's sleep. |
|---|---|
| mask | It's drier inside the plane than on the ground, so it's useful to have one to protect your throat. |
| hand cream, Moisturizing facial spray | This also helps prevent dryness. If you are bringing it on board, make sure it is no larger than 100ml. |
| wet tissue | We will hand out wet towels, but wet tissues are also useful to have. It will come in handy during your stay. |
| glasses | If you have contacts, please contact us. On long flights, it's more comfortable to take off your contacts and wear glasses instead. |
| writing utensils | Fill out immigration paperwork before landing. We recommend you bring your own pen as there is a limited number of pens on board. |
| Cardigans, etc. Light outerwear | In most cases, it's colder inside the plane than on the ground, so it's a good idea to have something to put on over your clothes. This is especially important if you're sitting by a window. You can also use it at your destination, so it's a good idea to bring one. |
| Disposable slippers | My legs tend to swell on the plane. A classic item for kicking off your shoes and relaxing. |
| Neck pillow | You can rest in a seated position, allowing you to sit comfortably. This is a must-have item, especially for those who suffer from neck pain. |
| Noise Cancelling Earphones | Wireless earphones are not permitted as checked baggage. With the noise cancelling function, you won't be bothered by the engine noise while you sleep. |
| candy | The change in air pressure during takeoff and landing can cause ear pain. It's reassuring to be prepared. |
| Hot eye mask | Warming your eyes before taking a nap during a flight can help you relax. |
| Mini clear file | It is convenient for storing vouchers, travel receipts, etc. |
| Plastic bags with zipper | Carry cosmetics, gadgets, etc. in small compartments. It's convenient to have small and large sizes on hand so you can use them in a variety of ways. |
When I travel abroad for personal reasons, I don't wear makeup on the plane, but I always bring moisturizing products. It can be dry on the plane, so don't forget your skin care.
I also bring a moisturizing spray with me. I try to choose one that is moisturizing, has a nice scent, and refreshes me. Cabin attendants often exchange information about recommended products with each other.
It is recommended to purchase these items in Japan. "Toiletries and daily necessities" category
Hotels overseas may not provide amenities, so it's a good idea to bring shampoo and conditioner with you.
| Shampoo, conditioner, body soap | Some hotels overseas may not provide these, so we recommend that you bring one with you. |
|---|---|
| Hair Oil | In foreign countries where the water quality is different, your hair may feel rough after shampooing. It's convenient to have one that is individually wrapped. |
| toothbrush, | Again, this may not be provided in overseas hotels, so we recommend bringing it from Japan. |
| Makeup remover, facial cleanser | Products from overseas may not suit Japanese skin. Bring along the things you use all the time. |
| Skin Care Products | You can reduce the amount of luggage you need by transferring the contents into smaller bottles. |
| Comb | Hotels abroad may not provide these or may only have small combs, so it's a good idea to bring one that you're used to using from home. |
| tissue, toilet paper | Some toilets overseas may not be equipped with these features. Also, since they are not as readily available as they are in Japan, it's a good idea to have some high-quality Japanese-made products. |
| pajamas | Sometimes in hotels overseas, all you have is a gown. It's a good idea to bring some relaxation wear to make your stay at the hotel more comfortable. |
| flip flops | They can be used as slippers or after a bath. If you are concerned about the hygiene of the floor, you can also take a shower directly on it. |
| Regular medication | Obtaining medicine overseas where Japanese is not spoken is a struggle. It's important to have these on hand in case you get sick. |
| raincoat | There are few countries like Japan where you can buy plastic umbrellas anywhere. It's useful to have a folding umbrella and a raincoat when it rains. |
| Hats, parasols, sunglasses | There are places where the UV rays are stronger than in Japan. Even if you don't use it regularly, we recommend bringing it with you. |
| Paper cups, cutlery | It's convenient for drinking drinks at the hotel or eating food purchased at the local supermarket. We recommend disposable ones sold at convenience stores. |
We also bring along the face wash, shampoo, and skin care products that we are used to using. Sometimes we purchase them at our destination, but overseas products often have strong scents or don't suit our skin, so it's reassuring to bring them with you.
I recommend products that come in small portions like this one. I also love using a portable facial roller.
Make your stay more comfortable! "Convenient Goods and Electronic Devices" Category
There are many convenient items that are useful in a variety of situations, and electronic devices that are now almost necessities. If you want to make your trip even more comfortable, be sure to check out this article.
| Eco bag | You might end up buying a lot of souvenirs that you find on the streets. In times like these, it's useful to have an eco-bag that can be folded up small. |
|---|---|
| Plastic bag | It's useful to have a few on hand for storing dirty clothes, etc. Also, most trash cans in hotel rooms overseas do not have trash bags inside, so they are useful for throwing out wet trash. |
| Portable Charger | When traveling abroad, you often rely on your smartphone, especially while sightseeing. It's handy to have one so you can use it without worrying about the remaining charge. Don't forget to charge it. |
| A small bag that can be worn around the neck | Carrying your passport, credit cards, etc. around your neck under your clothes will help prevent theft. |
| Foldable kettle | If you also bring some coffee sticks or cup soup, you can enjoy them at your accommodation. |
| Foldable shoes and bags | Things that can be folded are useful. This means you won't have to take up valuable storage space in your trunk. |
| Hanging wardrobe clothing organizer | This is a convenient item that you can put clothes and underwear in beforehand and then hang in the hotel wardrobe. It is also useful for long stays. |
| Golf ball | A must-have item for flight attendants. After flight duty, the swelling in the legs becomes severe, After a shower, massage the soles of your feet while drying your hair. |
| Portable foot bath | A portable foot bath. When traveling abroad, where you will be walking more than usual, This item is useful for relieving tired feet. |
| Travel Sheets | Originally designed for camping and mountain climbing, this will help you get a good night's sleep even if you're worried about the hygiene of your hotel. |
| Conversion plug | The shape of the electrical outlet varies from country to country. This is a must-have item for using the home appliances and electronic devices brought from Japan. |
It's also fun to buy eco-bags locally. The eco-bags sold at supermarkets in Paris are cute and highly recommended, and can be purchased for around 2 euros.
My favorite is a hanging clothing organizer, which is compact and portable, making arrival/departure times more efficient.
[Extra Edition] Items that people wish they had brought overseas
In addition to the things we have introduced so far, the two of them told us that there is one item that is often overlooked on first-time overseas trips: Japanese food. Apparently, flight attendants often bring Japanese food with them to their destinations.
![Image: [Extra Edition] Great items that you might wish you had brought overseas](https://d1uzk9o9cg136f.cloudfront.net/f/16783489/rc/2024/08/01/8b625ead14bf91fdecdc65c898563dddd491a292_xlarge.jpg)
I recommend freeze-dried miso soup, crispy pickled plums, and wakame seaweed. It's best to choose products that can be closed with a zipper or individually wrapped. Eating Japanese products makes us feel at ease.
There is no country where you can't bring in miso soup or wakame seaweed. Use the paper cups and folding kettles you brought with you to enjoy the flavors of home.
It's good to know this information. We also introduce some tips for before your trip.
Well, as you can see, there are many good things to bring on an overseas trip, but the two of them say that there is more to it than just that. From here, we have compiled the travel tips they gave us in a Q&A format to help you feel at ease on your first overseas trip.
[About money] Should I exchange money in advance? Do I need cash?
A: If it's your first time, it's a good idea to exchange money beforehand.
If it's your first time abroad, we recommend exchanging money beforehand. You can often get a better exchange rate if you exchange money locally, but it takes time and you may feel nervous about the unfamiliar procedures. Also, avoid exchanging the entire amount in the local currency. You'll be in trouble if you don't have any cash to use when you return home.
A: No matter what country you're in, it's better to bring cash with you.
Although credit card payments are widespread all over the world, "cash is also important."
In particular, in Southeast Asian countries, where the food stall culture is well developed, in principle, only cash is accepted and credit cards are often not accepted, so we recommend carrying cash with you. Also, when it comes to credit cards, it's a good idea to have multiple brands of cards if possible. In Japan, VISA, Master, JCB, etc. are widely used, but overseas, there are stores that do not accept certain brands, so be careful.
[Crime Prevention] Are there any measures you can take to avoid getting into trouble?
A: Better to be safe than sorry. In foreign countries where the society and environment are different from Japan, it is also important to take crime prevention into consideration.
First of all, when sightseeing, it's important to have both hands free. Carry a crossbody bag or backpack. If you feel unsafe, it's a good idea to hold it in front of you.
Also, just in case, it's a good idea to print out or write down your contact information in case you get into trouble and carry it with you. If you only use your smartphone, you won't be able to find it if you lose it or the battery runs out. Risk hedging is very important when traveling abroad. Act on the assumption that you don't know what will happen.
[About Internet environment] How do I prepare a SIM card and Wi-Fi?
A: There are various ways to do this. If you want to simplify the process, we recommend using a "Pocket Wi-Fi."
There are two main ways to prepare a smartphone. The first is to use the overseas packet service provided by your carrier. This allows you to communicate at a fixed rate according to the length of your stay. The second is to sign up for a limited-time contract for a SIM card specifically for overseas connections. In recent years, e-SIMs, which do not require you to replace the SIM card, have also become popular.
If you don't like going through all this trouble, you can also rent a pocket Wi-Fi device. This is very convenient, as you can often pick up and return rental items at Japanese airports.
(reference)
Due to government policy, LINE cannot be used in China. If you absolutely must use it while you are there, you can use an internet connection service called a "VPN." This allows you to circumvent internet restrictions and connect to servers outside the country.
[About apps] Are there any services I should register for in advance?
A: If you install a ride-hailing service or delivery app, you won't have any trouble getting around.
There are several digital services available for use locally, so download them in advance. Check whether maps and taxi dispatch services are available in the country you are traveling to, and if not, download alternative services.
Also, if you want to use train transfers or maps, Google Maps is recommended because it is easy to understand. It will assist you precisely. However, the connection condition may be poor or you may have to use packets, so you should consider downloading the map information to your smartphone in advance.
In addition, Uber Eats and Walt are also convenient for when there are no restaurants around the hotel or when you are tired and don't want to leave the hotel. It's reassuring to have the services you use regularly installed in your device in case of an emergency.
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A: When language is a concern, a translation app is a must!
If you are not confident in the language, we recommend that you install a translation app. You can also use the translation function that comes standard with smartphones, such as "Google." Aside from English-speaking countries, when you go to Europe, there are many different languages, so if you get stuck at a restaurant, it is very helpful to have a function that automatically translates the local language into Japanese when you hold the camera up to it.
Also, when you are abroad and not familiar with the country, it may be difficult to judge the price by looking at it. For such occasions, it is useful to have a currency calculator app installed.
Your first trip abroad will be a lifelong memory. Make sure you enjoy it to the fullest.
Traveling abroad for the first time brings with it not only excitement but also anxiety. In some cases, you can purchase the things you need at the airport or your destination. Aside from essentials like a passport and money, most of the things you need are not things you can't enjoy without.
Since it's your first trip abroad, the most important thing is to enjoy it. I think the most important thing is to feel good.
We cabin attendants place importance on practicality and compactness, but that doesn't necessarily have to be the case for our customers. The best thing is to bring whatever you like and whatever makes you feel at ease!
Why not have fun preparing for your overseas trip by referring to the packing list and tips introduced in this article?
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The contents published are accurate at the time of publication and are subject to change.
