Basic packing list

If you're planning a longer trip, at some point you'll have to ask yourself what you'll need or what you'll need for your trip. Checked baggage is usually limited to 23 kg (or sometimes even 20 kg), and hand luggage is limited to 7 kg (plus one bag that fits under your seat). Exceptions for excess baggage are made on business or first-class flights (depending on the airline).

You have to figure out what you really need for yourself. I've compiled a packing list that works for me based on my years of travel experience and various test runs. Take a look and pick out the best one for you, then you can add to it according to your needs.

I recommend creating a packing list, either in paper form or as an Excel spreadsheet. Write down everything you want to take with you, then review what you already have and what you might still need to buy. This way, you have an overview and can check off the items you've already purchased. Once you have most of your packing list, I recommend doing a test run to see if you're getting enough luggage and your packing list, or if you might need to part with some items.

Find out about things that you won't be able to get at your destination or that are very expensive, and stock up on them (medicines, etc.). Observe the import regulations of the respective country.

Find out about any necessary vaccinations early on, using your vaccination certificate from your family doctor or a tropical institute, etc. Basic vaccinations such as tetanus, hepatitis A, and B are important in many countries.

If you're going on a longer trip, I recommend digitizing all your important documents so you have access to them at any time and not just storing them in a box somewhere where you can't get to them. I scanned all my documents at the office one weekend and archived them in my cloud so I always have access. If your trip ends unexpectedly, you have the option of applying for a job from abroad with your certificates and resume. If you're still registered in your home country, you'll probably have to file a tax return once a year. If you have access to your records and documents, you can do this from anywhere.