Coming home from Work and Travel is an emotional moment, just like leaving.
In 4-5 months you meet people from all over the world and a million amazing things happen to you, right?
For the end of this adventure called Work and Travel, we have prepared a few tips we have arrived at by trial and error.
- Make a list of the most important things – documents, money – and put them in your personal bag, fanny pack, man bag or purse.
- Check the baggage weight allowance on your airline's website.
If you exceed the allowance and can't move things to another suitcase, you will have to pay extra. The price for 1 kg or for 10 kg over the allowance stated on your ticket and the fee for an extra suitcase may be the same.
A real-life story: Everyone who loves shopping and buying gifts will understand my pain when I realized that for the same money I could have taken at least 10 kg more luggage with me.
- Calculate in advance how many suitcases you will need for the trip; you can also ship part of your luggage to Bulgaria.
- It's a good idea to get a luggage scale – they are sold at the big supermarket chains – Walmart, TJ Maxx. Weigh your suitcase(s) in advance, leaving at least 1 kg below the allowed limit. Your scale and the airport's may disagree.
Been there, done that – not fun.
- Don't lock your suitcases with a padlock or another combination lock. Airport staff must have access to the contents of your suitcase in case of an inspection. Use zip ties – you can ask an airport employee to give you one or two. Personally, I would get some in advance; don't rely on your luck too much. It is important that your luggage is secured and that airport security can inspect it if necessary.
A real-life story: Airport staff have run after me to ask for the key to my padlock so they wouldn't have to break open my suitcase; another girl wasn't so lucky and got her suitcase broken. After I learned my lesson and used zip ties, airport security was kind enough to put new ones on after they finished inspecting my luggage.
- Don't pack souvenirs in Styrofoam, as the scanner can't see through it and your luggage will be inspected immediately by the airport authorities.
A real-life story: My carry-on was duly inspected because of one souvenir.
You can ask for bubble wrap at the store to protect fragile items.
- It's a good idea to fill your shoes completely, so they don't get crushed in transit.
A real-life story: A pair of sneakers can hold socks or bottles, which are protected from breaking, small items and valuables. Although I personally put my most valuable things in my carry-on luggage or backpack.
- Go for a backpack, not a handbag, as your carry-on. (especially for the girls)
You have probably reached this conclusion yourself already, but personally it took me 2 Work and Travel summers to be convinced that it's not important to be fashionable at the airport.
- Invest in things that are worth carrying across the ocean.
A real-life story: To this day I don't understand why I brought back high-heeled platform shoes of an unknown brand that weigh probably 1 kg. A complete waste of weight and space – but they are red.
10. How do I send my money to Bulgaria? Check – there are cashing fees; sending through a bank – the bank transfer fee varies depending on your bank; Revolut – no fees and a good exchange rate; TransferWise – also a recommended option. One tip: however you choose to send your money, don't do it at the last minute.
11. And last but not least! Say 'See you soon' to all your new friends, make plans for when you'll see each other again, and why not sign up for Work and Travel in 2020.
Another informative article about permitted and prohibited items in your luggage.
I hope this article has been useful to you and that you finish your summer adventure called Work and Travel without any problems and with only good memories and emotions!
Greetings from the eternal Work and Travelers!