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Minimize headaches and last-minute panic by bringing along essential items needed for any international destination trip. From items to keep you comfortable to things to keep you and your valuables safe, I have you covered.
Whether this is your first or fifteenth time outside the country, a list of essential items to have while abroad is key to making your travels smooth. Your can’t forget toiletries, versatile clothing, and every trip essentials are also crucial on any vacation, but international travel does require some additional items.
There is certainly a lot more planning involved when it comes to international traveling, as you need to consider things such as your destination, the length of your stay, the type of activities you will be doing, whether you will be checking a bag or packing everything into a carry-on, where you will be staying, the weather conditions, and who you are traveling with.
It’s never fun getting to your destination to realize you can’t use any of the outlets because you left the adapter at home, or have a pile of stinky clothes sharing space with your clean clothes. So keep on reading to find out some items that will help keep your international travel easy.
*See the free printable PDF at the bottom of this post. Available in completed or blank versions.*
The Things Inside: Your Travel Ingredients
Electronics
Tracking Device: an Apple AirTag or Samsung Smart Tag is useful to keep in your suitcase so you can keep tabs on your luggage. This is especially important in the unlikely event of it getting lost.
Outlet Converter/Adapter: most countries, especially those in Europe, have different outlets than those in the United States. An outlet converter/adapter is essential for your electronic needs.
Portable Battery Bank: this is extremely useful to have when you have a long day on the road or on a lengthy activity.
eSIM: cellular service is available globally, but your specific coverage is not. Having an eSIM is essential so you can keep in touch with those at home and have access to important information, such as an online map service.
Headphones: on long flights or layovers, headphones make time pass a little easier.
Tablet/Laptop: another useful item to bring along for longer travel days. Whether you use it for work or entertainment, time sure flies when you keep yourself busy.
Camera: phone cameras have made some significant advancements recently; however, a camera with a larger lens really captures your trip in the best way possible.
Packing
Expandable Backpack: this backpack has compartments to keep things organized and expands to fit all your items inside. It even fits under the seat on airplanes, making it the perfect personal item carry-on.
Laundry Bags: keeping your dirty clothes separate from your clean clothes while overseas seems like a simple task, but without the proper gear, it can get complicated. These bags fold up while not in use to stay compact for packing, come with a drawstring to keep them closed, have a strap to make carrying them easy, and come in two different colors to differentiate whose bag is whose.
Compression Cubes: I got on this bandwagon a little late, but now I refuse to pack any other way. Compression cubes make organizing your luggage a breeze and give you added space.
Luggage Scale: make sure your checked bags are within the proper weight range with this handy luggage scale.
Important Documents
Passport: this may seem obvious, but the number of times I have almost left my most important piece of documentation at home is more than I care to admit.
Itinerary: I typically write out my travel plans on Google Docs, then print them so I can access them easily. This also gives me space to write down any notes or moments I want to remember from the trip.
Boarding Passes: if you are traveling via airplane, a hard copy of your boarding pass is typically a good idea, as technology can glitch.
Hotel Reservations: again, technology is not always guaranteed to work, so having a hard copy of your hotel reservations with you is beneficial.
Activity Reservations: I can never keep track of which company prefers a printout of the reservation and which one prefers an electronic version, so I print a copy of every activity to play it safe.
Emergency Contacts: I like to keep a list of emergency contacts with me in the rare chance that I, or someone else, needs to call them using a public phone.
Travel Insurance: while traveling, anything can really happen, so having insurance to ensure you are covered in a time of need is crucial.
Proof of Vaccines (if applicable): depending on your destination, you may need to get specific vaccines. If this is the case, allow yourself enough time to get the vaccines and don’t leave the doctor’s office without a copy of them.
Wallet
Local Currency: cash seems to be a thing of the past, but it is handy to carry some while abroad. If you experience a power outage or need to tip your tour guide, cash is quick and painless.
Travel Point Credit Card: credit cards are more common to keep on hand while traveling, so since you are already using one, get cards that help you earn points and Skymiles. American Express and Chase both offer incredible incentives for travelers using their cards.
Passport Wallet: keeping your passports in a safe space while traveling can be nerve-racking. This passport wallet is not only a great way to keep yours safe, but it also keeps it clean, is easy to differentiate from others, and has space for other important cards.
Miscellaneous
Compression Socks: long flights or driving days can leave you with leg pain and swollen ankles, but compression socks can alleviate these issues, and they come in fun designs.
Travel Pillow: sometimes airplanes or airport terminals are where you will get your best sleep, so a travel pillow is necessary for a comfortable nap anywhere.
Reusable Water Bottle: stay hydrated while on the go by packing your own reusable water bottle. Just make sure it’s empty before passing through security.
Foldable Reusable Bag: this is especially useful to bring along any activity you embark on in your travels for out-and-about purchases. It’s also compact enough that it fits in your pocket.
Laundry Detergent: travel-size laundry detergent is essential for long trips, especially if you are trying to pack minimally. This laundry detergent is meant to be used in sinks or tubs for convenience.
Compact Microfiber Towel: if you are doing any water activities or are staying in hostels, a compact microfiber towel is terrific to have on hand.
Phone Lanyard: keep your phone close and safe with a lanyard that slips right under your phone case.
Waterproof Phone Pouch: if you are doing any water activities or just want to have an extra layer of protection for your phone, this waterproof phone pouch is perfect.
RFID Blocking Card: keep your credit cards safe from RFID scanners with this compact tool.
Know Before You Go
Passport and Visa Requirements
The beauty of travel is that you get to explore new lands and cultures. However, each destination may have different entry requirements. It is important that you properly research before booking your trip to avoid any last-minute issues.
Required Vaccines
Depending on your destination, specific vaccines may be required for your health and safety. Check your destination’s requirements for vaccines and what proof of vaccination you’ll need to carry well in advance so you have time to get them before you depart.
Weather Conditions
Check your destination’s weather before departing so you pack the proper clothing. See my full guide on versatile clothing that can be taken on any trip, so you will be prepared for all kinds of adventures.
My Top Packing Tips
Keep your valuables safe while out and about with a money belt. While out in public in your travels, you need to keep your valuables safe. A money belt sits across your waist under your pants, making it difficult for pickpockets to access.
Pack an empty bag for out-and-about shopping. Keep a foldable reusable bag with you while out in your travels so you can easily carry back any goods you purchase.
This International Travel Packing List is perfect to keep handy to ensure you have everything to make your out-of-country stay comfortable and smooth. Below you will find free printable lists you can use for your next vacation. And, if you are looking for more travel resources, visit my page or my comprehensive Amazon List for more items that may suit your travel needs.
Hey there! I’m Caitlyn, the brains behind The Traveler’s Ingredients. I’m an amateur chef, baker, and avid food lover who is also passionate about visiting every corner of the world that I can! I am adamant about recreating dishes that I fell in love with in my travels, mastering comfort meals, and building packing lists to ease pre-trip jitters.
The Traveler’s Ingredients contains affiliate links and is a member of the Amazon LLC Associates Program. If you make a purchase using one of these Amazon links, we may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. Read our disclaimer for more information. From brushing your teeth to washing your hair, I have you covered…
