First time traveling Internationally

[jonny8642]

My work is finally sending me to Mexico for a job assignment and it'll be my first time out of the U.S. Any suggestions what I should pack as far as carry on? Plus any other tips would be greatly appreciated. Here a list of what I think I am going to be brining with me.
Laptop
IPOD
Reference books
Blackberry
Digital Camera
pens
note pad

[vadsoom]

With all travel, the less you carry, the happier you'll be in the end. There's less to worry about and less to lug around.

As for the iPod and blackberry, leave them home unless they are mission essential. Your laptop will do the job of both reduce the number of devices/chargers you'll have to carry to one each. I do carry a digital camera, but wouldn't if my phone had a decent one built in. My common items are:

Laptop (I use an OQO model 02)
Auto/Air and AC chargers (I wish these were in one device rather than two)
Tiny USB chargers for phone and camera (about 10 grams each)
Cell phone
Sony DSC-U20 digital camera
Small pack of cables, adapters, etc.
sunglasses
Leatherman Charge TI (checked)
notepad & pen
Small hand tools (meter, screwdriver, soldering iron, etc)

Including my luggage and clothes, my travel gear never weighs more than 25 lbs.

Other tips:
- Keep gadgetry to the absolute minimum. The more you carry, the better the possibility of being detained if TSA or customs agents are in a bad mood.
- Don't carry any reference books. They're heavy! Take PDF copies and print out what you need locally.
- Take backup copies of everything important on a memory stick. Don't keep it with your computer should it be stolen.
- Make a list of EVERYTHING you're carrying on a customs declaration for an easier time getting into Mexico and back into the USA. This way, there is no question what was purchased abroad. Be sure to document serial numbers and leave a copy with your employer.
- Take a photograph of your luggage to provide to the airlines should it become lost.
- Photo copy all of your tickets and itinerary. Leave one copy at home with a contact, one in your checked bags and carry one with you.
- Take scanned/ photographed copies of your driver's license, passport, tickets, birth certificate, marriage license, etc. This has gotten me out binds at the customs a time or two.
- Don't tag your luggage with your home address. Use your office address instead.
- Don't expect to be able to take one of those "rolling suitcases" on many streets and sidewalks. They're a mess in many places.
- Don't pack your laptop in a name-brand carry case - it will scream, "I'm a rich American, Steal me!" Particularly if you are headed into more rural areas.
- Never leave home without a flashlight! I knew three people in the World Trade Center. Two said the light from their cell phone screens was the difference between life and death. The third didn't make it out.
- Leave the "Ugly American" at home - always travel with an open mind and sense of humor.
- Don't forget your passport and work permit. No passport = no entry to Mexico or return to USA. No work permit = long delays at Immigration.


YMMV, Best of luck!

[jonny8642]

Thanks Vasdsoom,
This helps me out a lot and makes me more prepared for what I am in for.
my new list
laptop
IPOD (work computer doesn't like Itunes)
Pelican AA flashlight
Blackberry
small quick reference books
notepad
pens
cheap sungalsses
safety glasses
hand tools(checked since they're over the 7" mark)

[brix]

Just came back from the Philippines and was there for three weeks. I brought what I could in my FAST pack and bought one of these:
http://www.pacsafe.com/www/index.php?_room=3&_action=detail&id=11

Pretty compact and keep my gear safe. I did something pretty crazy and ended up buying a new laptop in Hong Kong on a layover before going to the PI and was lugging two laptops the whole time in the PI. The pacsafe keep my mind at ease when I had to leave the room. I locked it all up wife's Camelback BFM.