Welcome back to another edition of Dodson Diaries!
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The time has come for me to head back! I am leaving on Monday to go back to Spain. I always feel mixed emotions about heading back. I am stressed because of having to pack all my stuff and the long 9+ hour flight to get there. I am excited to have the opportunity to go back to Spain where I wanted to be again this year. I am grateful to be able to play another year overseas. Lastly, some sadness because I will miss family and friends.
In this newsletter, I will be talking about a couple of things that I find important to pack for my trip out of the country.
Before I embark on my fourth trip overseas, I think I am getting better at not packing too much, but whenever I finish packing, I feel the opposite. My team pays for two checked bags which is fair, but I always end up bringing more. I remember my first time overseas to Poland, I think I checked four bags along with my carry-on bags. Since then, I have downsized my luggage, but still have an extra checked bag to pay for. This time around is slightly easier because I am returning to the same team, so I know what stuff I can get over there compared to not. We will see how many bags I bring this year. I have to pack all my stuff this weekend.
Below are some things I find important to pack:
Universal Travel Adapter with Voltage Converter
I have a small travel adapter, but having one with a voltage converter is a must for me. Some devices I have need a voltage converter and having a different plug is not enough. I use this adapter specifically for my recovery boots. Buying a universal one allows me to use the same charger in Poland, New Zealand, and Spain even though they have different outlets. The downside of this charger is that some of my hair products like my blow dryer still do not work because the voltage ranges are too low. That is the biggest thing to double-check with any of the devices you want to plug into it. Overall it was a great investment and here is a link to the one I bought off Amazon.
Currency
If I remember (or my mother if I am being honest), I try to buy some currency before I leave, so I do not have to deal with the exchange rates at the airport or not be able to buy the currency. This was important in Poland because unlike Euros or other currencies, zlotys (Polish currency) were not readily available at currency exchange places. I like to have some cash just in case even though I have a travel card that works everywhere.
Workout clothes
Unlike college, it is not a given that you will get all the gear you need for practices, games, etc. It also depends on the team. When they do supply you with gear, I usually only get a couple of practice jerseys and maybe shorts. I have gotten the most gear from my current Spanish team, but there are things they do not provide. For example, my headbands, spandex, compression shirts, socks, ankle braces, and other things I am very particular about. It is important to bring enough clothes for that reason. Another reason, having to wash all my practice clothes which can add up quickly especially when we have practice twice a day. I miss the perk of having managers in college to wash your clothes. I usually pack about a week and a half to two weeks of basketball clothes.
Recovery stuff
If I didn’t have to bring so much recovery and basketball stuff, I think packing would not be as much of a hassle. I always bring my recovery boots, massage gun, bands, foam roller, balls to roll out my feet, ice packs, etc. Often you will not have access to as much recovery equipment and it’s better to have your own, so you can do your recovery on your timeline.
Basketball shoes
I am very picky with my shoes, especially with my history of foot problems. It is often harder for me to find shoes when I am overseas. Furthermore, it doesn't help that every year I have to try to find a new shoe because each new version of a shoe line often is different. For example, right now I have been wearing the KD14s even though they are on the KD17 now because I do not like the newer versions. I try to switch out my shoes every two months, so during an eight-month season, I need to have 4 pairs of basketball shoes at least. I wear a Nike Men’s 12, so my shoes take up a lot of space. This year, I have decided to buy and pack 2 new pairs of shoes. I am fortunate my parents come to visit me usually twice, so I can have them bring me other pairs.
International travel size carry-on suitcase
I did not realize on my first trip that there is a significant difference between the size of the bins for your carry-on when overseas compared to in America. I learned this the hard way in my first year. Once I got on the international connecting flights, I could not fit my suitcase above. This summer, I bought an international-sized carry-on to use and I hope it helps relieve some of the stress of my flight overseas.
Next month, I hope to be able to write about more exciting content again. Thank you for reading my newsletter. Until next month :)
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