Small Things That Make a Big Difference During Study Abroad Travel Days
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Some of the most useful study abroad items aren’t the big purchases - they’re the small, practical things parents don’t always think about.
Here are a few “nice to have” items students are surprisingly grateful for once they’re traveling, settling into housing, and taking weekend trips.
1. A luggage scale
A small luggage scale helps students avoid surprise fees on budget airlines and makes repacking much less stressful - especially when flying on smaller European airlines with strict weight limits.
2. A secure phone strap or tether
A simple phone wrist strap or tether adds peace of mind in crowded airports, trains, and busy city centers. It helps prevent accidental drops and makes it harder for a phone to slip out of a pocket or bag - particularly in areas where pickpocketing is more common.
3. Locking micro clips
Locking micro clips are a simple way to add extra security to backpacks or luggage while traveling or sightseeing. They can be used to secure backpack zippers, clip a bag to a chair, or add peace of mind in busy areas. They’re small, lightweight, and easy to keep in a day bag.
4. An RFID passport holder
An RFID passport holder isn’t required, but it’s helpful for keeping important documents organized and easy to access during travel days. It’s especially useful at airports, border crossings, and train stations.
5. Packing cubes
Packing cubes make unpacking, repacking, and weekend travel much easier — especially in smaller living spaces. They help students stay organized without constantly emptying their entire suitcase.
6. A lightweight backpack for travel days
A lightweight backpack is far more practical than a tote for airports, train stations, and long walking days. Be sure to check the dimensions of smaller or budget airlines your student may use so the bag meets personal-item requirements.
7. Reusable shopping bags
Reusable shopping bags are perfect for groceries, markets, and everyday errands abroad. Many countries charge for bags, and students end up using these far more often than expected.
8. A small travel lock
A small travel lock comes in handy for hostels, gym lockers, shared housing, or even securing luggage zippers during travel. It’s a simple item that adds flexibility and peace of mind.
9. A quick-drying towel
A quick-drying towel is lightweight, compact, and dries fast - making it useful for weekend trips, hostels, shared housing, gym visits, or beach days. We like the 30" × 60" size because it can double as a light blanket, yoga mat, or picnic blanket if needed.
10. A small laundry bag
A small laundry bag helps keep dirty clothes separate from clean ones - especially during weekend trips or in shared housing.
11. Laundry detergent sheets
Laundry detergent sheets are lightweight, mess-free, and ideal for smaller European washing machines. These are the same ones my students use at college and the ones we use at home, too.
12. AirTags (for luggage and backpacks)
AirTags give students (and parents) peace of mind by allowing them to track luggage, backpacks, or even a wallet in real time. They’re especially helpful during long international travel days, tight connections, and weekend trips when bags may be checked, stored, or separated temporarily.
Even if nothing ever goes missing, it’s reassuring to be able to see exactly where bags are - especially during airport delays.
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Study abroad doesn’t require overpacking - just thoughtful preparation. These small items don’t take up much space, but they can make daily routines, travel days, and weekend adventures noticeably easier.
Related posts you may find helpful:
Looking for last-minute reminders before departure? You may also find Before They Leave: 10 Study Abroad Reminders Parents Are Glad They Didn’t Skip helpful.
For phone setup, charging tips, and digital safety abroad, read Study Abroad Tech Tips: Phones, Charging & Digital Safety (Without the Overwhelm).