packing tips – Korean Convenience

10 Useful Things To Pack For Winter In South Korea

South Korea has a lot of things to do during the Winter. Whether you visit tourist attractions like the Garden of Morning Calm, La Petite France or Christmas shopping in Myeongdong. If you’re visiting South Korea more than likely your stay will be a week or longer.

I have compiled a list of useful things to pack for winter weather in South Korea, so you don’t have to purchase these items during your stay. Check out this South Korea packing list and see which items if not all will be useful to you.

If you’re going to South Korea check out my 10 Websites and Apps for Visitors to South Korea post.

Long Insulated Winter Coat – Most city attractions are outside. Which means that you will be susceptible to the elements. Having a warm coat that keeps away the wind will help you enjoy your time spent outdoors.
Water Resistant Winter Boots – You can wake up in the morning to snow or it may have snowed the night before. If you’re from the West Coast (California girl) then you’re not familiar with slippery streets and sidewalks. Purchasing a pair of winter boots not only will keep your feet warm, but also dry.
Universal Power Adapter (120 to 220 volts) – Choose an adapter that has multiple detachments as the power source can vary depending on your accommodations.
Clothes (Hats, Mittens, Pajamas, and Leggings) – Choosing clothes that are flannel, long-sleeve, and insulate: this will assist with layering versatility and comfort.
Hand Soap – Some of the bathrooms in Korea have soap on a stick as the only options for hand soap. Bring your own if you’re conscious of germs and don’t want to use the public option.
Backpack – I have included this option because the most popular method of transportation is subway travel. Not only will you be walking up and down stairs, but you will also be in crowded and confined spaces. The best place to keep your belongings (camera, laptop, passport, etc.) safe and secure is in a zipped compartment.
Laundry Bag – This is handy to keep your dirty clothes separate from your clean clothes. In addition, if your hotel accommodations have a laundry room then it’s easier to carry than a suitcase.
Hanging Travel Accessories Bag – Keep your personal items all in one easy and convenient location. *Free of clutter and save space on your desk, nightstand or bathroom sink.
Sturdy travel umbrella – The wind and the rain can really be fierce during the winter in South Korea having a sturdy umbrella helps with the elements.
Medicine – I have been told that medicine in Korea is fairly inexpensive. However, bringing your own antacids, allergy medicine, and prescriptions will save you the trouble of trying to figure out the correct dosage and usage. *Most medicine at the local convenience store may be written in Hangul without English translations.

Have any winter packing tips to add? Let me know in the comments!

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Travel Tips: On Long Lines And Safety On Vacation

I thought I would share my experience of learning tips and tricks for a safe and picture worthy travel experience. I gathered these tips and tricks this weekend at the Travel and Adventure Show that was held at the Los Angeles Convention Center. One of the best quotes I heard all weekend: “Travel Should Be The Next Best Trip Of Your Life” by Angel Castellanos.

Such a bold statement, usually I only think about completing a must-see checklist that I have compiled to make sure I make the most out of every trip. So whether you’re planning a trip to South Korea, spring break or summer vacation here are the tips I learned to have a safe and hassle-free trip.

Preplanning

TripIt: A travel organization application

Forward confirmation emails from your hotel, car, and flight to the TripIT mobile application. A master itinerary is automatically formed.
Access to your flight plan availability on any device. Additionally, you can access your itinerary without internet availability.
The mobile app is free to download and you can store your travel documents all in one convenient place.

App In The Air: Provides real-time flight status

Explore airports all over the world. Discover where your connecting flight is located within the airport.
Keep an all-in-one record for all of your previous flight information.
Keep track of changing time zones and weather while you’re traveling.

Transportation Security App: TSA Gov App

Check which items are allowed into the airport.
Request live assistance through the AskTSA social media integration.
Discover which airport and airlines support the TSA Precheck Clear.

The TSA precheck clear is a fairly new process that provides a personalized ticket agent that will meet you at a kiosk and scan your fingerprints. After your fingerprints have been scanned you’re personally escorted to your flight. For more information about this new process heck out Angel’s blog post: Clear Membership: The New Way To Beat Airport Lines.

Packing

In a previous post, I discussed what it was like to travel to South Korea with two fifty pound bags, a backpack, purse, and a large winter coat. One tip I learned the hard way “less is more.” Some tips that were given at the Travel & Adventure Show:

Be aware of carry-on weight restrictions. Check with your airline regarding their latest rules before you pack.
Choose one clothing color scheme for your entire trip. Pack clothes accordingly to the specified color scheme to maximize the number of outfit combinations.
Categorize shoes (Women): Choose one pair for an evening occasion, one pair for daytime walking and a pair of flats.

Crime Prevention

No one wants to experience being the victim of a crime whether at home or abroad. Here are some tips that will help prevent criminals from targeting you as their next victim.

Research ground transportation before you arrive at the airport. Get up to date information on the appropriate taxi and bus applications from the countries tourism website.
Be aware of the nearest U.S. embassy address and contact information. (United States Travelers Only)
Share travel itinerary with a close family member or friend. Additionally, share your itinerary with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).
Wear an undercover security wallet or travel belt. Additionally, don’t keep all of your money in one location (i.e. hotel safe, travel belt, backpack).
On the first full day of travel, hire a local guide to assist you with a personalized tour and transportation.

Travel Photos & Videos

With today’s technology, we can share photos and videos instantaneously anywhere in the world. Here are a few helpful tips for obtaining the best Instagram moments on your next vacation.

Photo vs. Video. A picture tells a screenshot of a story while a video lets your family and friends experience the excitement and magic of the moment.
Bring backup power supplies and phone chargers. Pack all electronics in a personal bag in case the bag gets screened at airport security.
Never download your memory card directly onto your computer. Helpful tip: take the memory card out of your camera and download your pictures in two different locations (i.e. memory stick and computer).
Getting around harsh lighting situations. Helpful tip: find the light and put the person or place into the light.
Best time to take pictures are at sunset and sunrise.

I hope these mobile apps, packing and photo tips are helpful for your next vacation. Whether it’s a staycation or traveling abroad be safe, and stay healthy.

What are some things you research before you plan your next vacation? Would love to hear your comments.

If you want to find more resources for a trip abroad check out my post on:

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South Korea Winter Packing Tips