There’re more things to pack when going on an adventure as a tabler, than you might think. Here is a list of the most important stuff.
Passport / Visa
Without this, you’re usually not getting that far. Remember to apply for visa and make sure that your passport expiry is not within at least 3 months from when you go traveling.
Regalia
If you have regalia, this is the most important item (almost) to bring.
Clothes
Check the dress code of the event you’re going to well in advance and the weather forecast. It might also be that you need special things for dressing up one of the nights. If you have made special shirts, then bring more than one, as it can be exchanged.
Coins
Always bring more than one code, as you might loss one or exchange it.
Mobile phone
Most airlines and airports, you can use your phone for checking in and you also need it for getting in touch with people, find your way around and all the awesome photos with your new friends.
Money and credit cards
Don’t be a freeloader – have money and more than one credit card with you. Just in case.
Toiletries
Even though we’re tablers, personal hygiene is still important.
Banners
If you got your national or club banner, it’s a nice gesture (or even expected), that you will exchange them with at least the hosts, president and IRO (and maybe more).
Flight itinerary
You might think you have it on your phone, but it’s a good precautions to have the papers printed – especially if you need it in the passport check etc.
Charger
You will use your phone a lot to take pictures and find your way around. Remember both your charger, a USB/pocket charger and plugs for the country you’re going to. Most airports also sell adapters for the plugs in other countries.
Medicine
It can be hard to get your prescription medicine or even pain killers where you go. Bring also pills against stomach acid – they’re usually handy.
Gifts
It’s always nice to bring some gifts for the hosts, something from your home town or your table. This will also be used for a banner exchange.
Gala
For a few of the big events there’s a gala night. Remember to bring your fancy black clothes, tie or bow tie and black shoes.
Bathing shorts
You never know if you find water to swim in, so always bring the trunks.
Pins
It’s a good idea to bring lots of your own or club pins, both to wear, but also to exchange.
Shoes
Seriously, bring proper shoes, also for the gala dinner. You don’t want to be the only one with white sneaks in a black suit. You would be amazed how many times this happened to tablers…
Carry on luggage
Pack pins, coins and the chain of office in the carry on luggage. Large quantities might look suspicious on x-ray and you don’t want those items gone if the luggage gets lost or delayed.