The overseas “trip of a lifetime” can often become the nightmare of a lifetime when it comes to packing. First-time overseas travelers wonder what to bring and what to leave behind.

That’s why the Society of American Travel Writers polled its 1,300 members to come up with some packing guidelines. These journalists and photographers who travel for a living offer the following tips on what to pack when traveling overseas.

1. Bring a copy of your passport's first page, copies of all your credit card numbers and the phone numbers to call to report lost credit cards. Keep these in a separate location from your wallet or purse. It's also a good idea to leave copies of all these numbers with a friend or relative back home. Should you lose your passport or credit cards, having this information will be invaluable.

2. Bring comfortable shoes.

3. Bring two sets of all prescription medicines that you must take and pack them in different locations in case one bag gets lost. Also bring a copy of your written prescriptions, including those for eyeglasses and contacts.

4. Bring an extra fold-up bag that you can unzip and fill with purchases as you travel. Make sure it is sturdy enough to bring back as luggage and bring a name/identification tag for it.

5. Bring your sense of humor and an open mind.

6. Bring a good guidebook. Sometimes they can be purchased in the country you are visiting, but it’s best to bring one with you. Maps, however, are often cheaper and more available in the country you're visiting.

7. Bring lots of film. Film will most likely be fresher and cheaper in the U.S.

8. Bring a small flashlight. Many countries have power outages and a flashlight can come in handy.

9. Bring a small carry-on with an extra set of clothes. Should the worst happen and your bag is lost, you will have a change of clothes until your bag catches up with you. If you must take daily medication, bring a two-day supply with you in the carry-on.

10. Bring photos of your home and loved ones. These do not add any weight and they make it easy to begin conversations with your new overseas friends.

Now in its 45th year, the Society of American Travel Writers represents more than 1,300 professional travel journalists, photographers, editors and media-relations professionals in North America. The Society works to raise the standards of the profession, guard the right to travel and encourage conservation and preservation of historic sites and natural wonders.