S
tudying abroad is a rite of passage (and tremendous privilege). It’s a
chance to explore new places, meet new people, and experience new
soul-rending, sleep-killing anxieties; but, if you’re smart, you can nix
some pre-and post-departure paranoia by packing the right gear.
Some gadgets (say, smartphones and laptops) are obvious travel companions.
But others, including portable batteries and mobile hotspots, may not seem
essential until you’re stranded in the Italian countryside with no Wi-Fi and
waning battery life. You can’t go overboard—you still need room for those
knickknacks you promised Mom, making luggage space a valuable commodity.
So let this list serve as a space-conscious checklist.
SMARTPHONE
Of course you need a phone! You shouldn’t cavort around an unfamiliar city
without ready access to maps, music, and emergency numbers. (Granted, you
probably shouldn’t roam your hometown without those things either.) Whether
you choose Apple or Android, there’s no shortage of capable phones to help you
stay in touch with your friends and family.
If you’re willing to shell out the big bucks, pick up the Apple iPhone XS Max,
PCMag’s best phone of 2019; it packs a stellar camera, long-lasting battery, and
whip-quick processor into a sleek shell. Plus, most of your friends probably
have an iPhone, and iMessage makes it easy to catch up over Wi-Fi. If you
prefer an Android device, the Google Pixel 3 is a compact, gorgeous choice.
While you’ve got phones on the brain, don’t forget to swap your home-country
SIM card for an appropriate one.
