The Most Useful International Travel Packing List

Taking a trip out of the country intensifies the pressure of being prepared and increases packing stress! It’s never a good feeling to forget something important for a trip, especially when it’s for international travel. You have to remember to bring so many things, from your passport to important medicine and travel adapters; it can be hard to remember what to bring and leave behind. Luckily, I’ve taken dozens of trips abroad, and my packing list is second nature to me, so here’s my most useful international travel packing list that will help you pack faster and easier.

International Travel Packing List PDF

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Here’s an international travel packing list pdf you can download and print to use while you pack!

International Travel Essentials

If there’s anything you bring on your trip, it’s these essentials for traveling abroad. Without these, you might not make it past the airport security!

Documents:

• Passport — This is THE most important thing to take with you for traveling internationally.
• Visa — Not all countries will require a visa, especially if you have a strong passport like the US, Japanese, Singaporean, or UK passport. But if your destination requires one, make sure to pack it and make copies of it! This is another one of the must-haves for international travel besides a passport or travel document.
• Important Travel Documents — You may need health insurance documents, banking documents, proof of residency, etc. For example, many South American and African countries require travelers to have the yellow fever vaccine, which comes with its own vaccine passport paper.
• Copies of Documents — This is a lifesaver if someone steals or you lose your passport. You’ll have all the important information on hand, and the embassy can help you get an emergency document.
• Boarding Pass — This isn’t something you pack unless you print it out, as most airlines give mobile boarding passes. You’ll also receive a physical boarding pass if you check bags in, but it’s a good reminder to check that you have it.
• Accommodation Details — It’s always a good idea to write or keep accommodation details somewhere other than your phone so that you’ll know where to go if your phone runs out of battery.

Other Essentials:

• Travel Adapter — Save yourself $20-30 bucks and bring a travel adapter! Each country has its own outlet types and your laptop charger might not work in a different country unless you have an adapter. It’s more expensive to buy specific plugs and another travel adapter abroad than to take one with you.
• Credit Cards — If you can’t pay, you can’t enjoy! Make sure to bring a travel credit card or one with no fees!
• Cash — Some destinations are cash-based economies, so you’ll need to either bring cash to exchange or withdraw local currency from an ATM. It doesn’t hurt to bring some cash (like $100 USD), though, in case of emergency.
• Travel Insurance — If you have travel insurance, make sure to have that information with you.

What to Pack for International Travel

Aside from the essentials, here is what to pack for international travel! You’ll find all this in the international travel packing list above.

Clothing

Depending on where you’re going, you’ll pack different types of clothing. If you’re going somewhere tropical, you’ll pack swimsuits, tank tops, etc. And if you’re going somewhere cold, you’ll pack thick sweaters, a coat, and clothing that will keep you warm. But no matter where you go, you’ll use these clothing packing tips:

• Pack Versatile Outfits — Pack clothing that matches each other so you can re-wear clothing and make different outfits. This way, you can pack less clothing and have multiple outfits, which saves luggage space.
• Purposeful Clothing — If you’re deciding whether or not to bring two similar items, pick the one you think you’ll wear more and leave the other behind. No one needs two blue sweaters (unless you really, really love them), so pack one as your designated blue sweater.
• Footwear — Pack a casual, comfortable shoe you can walk a lot in, a pair of sandals in case you want to go to the pool or beach, and a nicer pair for a night out.
• Accessories — If you’re going somewhere sunny, pack a hat. Pack a beanie for the cold, etc. If you like wearing jewelry, pick out what you’re going to wear and put them in a small bag for organization. I like keeping my jewelry in a small pouch in my toiletry bag.
• Undergarments — This is the only thing I like packing lots of because I can re-wear clothes, but I don’t really want to re-wear dirty underwear. Plus, they’re small, so it doesn’t take up too much space. Same with socks!
• Pajamas — Don’t forget to pack a pair of pajamas!
• Nice Clothing — If you want to go for a nice date or dinner, pack a more dressy outfit. Ideally something you can dress up or down if you want to wear it again.

Here’s how to customize this packing list to your trip.

What you wear to the airport also matters! In summer, wear loose, comfortable clothing that’s breathable and can be worn with your other packed clothes. In winter, wear your heaviest items on board.

Electronics

This is probably one of the categories that people forget most often. I know I’ve definitely forgotten a charger cable or two, and almost leaving without packing my laptop charger! So here are the electronics you should bring on your international travels:

• Chargers + Cables — You can’t use any electronics unless you can charge them, so make sure to bring important chargers and charging cables for your phone, laptop, cameras, power banks, etc.
  • While you can purchase common chargers abroad, it’s a lot harder (and more expensive) to repurchase a charger for specific electronics like cameras and laptops. If you use an electronic toothbrush, make sure to bring the charger!
• Portable Charger — Bring a portable charger that’s slim, lightweight, and easy to carry so you can charge your phone on the go. It’s a lifesaver if you’re out for long periods of time.
• Travel Adapter — This is a must for international travel! It makes using electronics easier abroad, and you don’t have to worry about getting new chargers for different plugs.
• Headphones — Noise-cancelling headphones or earphones are great for the plane or on public transit when you want some peace and quiet. They’re also good if you need to work while traveling.
• Phone — I don’t think many people will forget their phones… but it’s the most important electronic for travel these days.
• Laptop — Essential if you’re going on a business trip or doing some work on your trip. It’s also great for use at the end of a long day or if you want to plan more things later on.
• Kindle or iPad — Perfect for in-flight reading or entertainment. Download movies, books, or work materials in advance to access them offline.

Toiletries

Another popular category that many people forget items from. Dental hygiene is a must no matter where you go! Here are some toiletries to pack for your international trip:

• Toothbrush — Make sure to pack your toothbrush, especially if you use an electric brush (manual brushing isn’t the same). And remember to pack the charger!
• Floss — Even if you forget it, it’s quite inexpensive to purchase but annoying to run out of or forget to bring.
• Toothpaste — Use a travel size if you only want to bring a carry-on.
• Soap — Use travel-sized refillable bottles for shampoo, conditioner, body soap, and laundry detergent if you plan on doing laundry on the go. Detergent is great if you just want to wash one or two pieces of clothing (for unexpected stains, dirty clothing, etc.)
• Skincare — Not only limited to cleaners, moisturizers, and other items you use in your skincare routine but also sunscreen!
• Personal Hygiene — Bring deodorant if you use it, as it can be hard to find in some countries where the population doesn’t use it. Pack feminine hygiene products such as tampons, pads, or menstrual cups if you menstruate, especially if you like using certain brands. Wet wipes or travel-sized packs of tissues are also good to bring.
• Perfume — Great for smelling nice or even spraying your used clothing so it doesn’t stink in your luggage.
• Hairbrush — I like using a foldable brush that’s perfect for travel! The case protects the bristles and it’s compact.
• Razor and Nail Clippers — Pack a disposable razor and small nail clippers in case you want to shave or cut nails on your trip.

Make sure to take nail clippers out when going through security since it’s considered a blade. If you put it deep in your bag, your bag will get searched.

Personal Health

Everyone should pack some small items in case of emergency or health problems. You’ll also pack medicine depending on if you have medicine or allergies. Here are personal health items that are useful when traveling internationally:

• OTC Medicine — Some OTC (over-the-counter) medicines that are helpful to have include anti-diarrhea medicine, antihistamines (allergy medicine), motion sickness tablets, and pain relievers like ibuprofen. Most OTC medicines are allowed in other countries as well. I always keep small amounts of each in my carry-on bag that I use until the medicine expires or gets used.
• Prescription Medicine — Bring enough of your prescription medications to last the entire trip, plus a few extra days in case of delays or if you drop some. Keep medications in their original containers with clear labels so airport security knows what they are. However, make sure your medicine is legal at your destination because some medicines are illegal in different countries (i.e., Adderall in Europe and Japan). You may also need to carry a copy of your prescription and a note from your doctor.
• Small First Aid Kit or Bag — A small bag of bandaids, topical ointments like anti-itch cream, and alcohol wipes are perfect for small cuts.
• Hand Sanitizer — Great for times when there’s no hand soap!

Flying Items

You’ll probably be on some long-haul flights if you’re flying internationally, so here are some flying items you should pack for travel comfort:

• Eye Mask — This is necessary if you want to catch some sleep on your flight. Bring an eyemask that has thick fabric that blocks out light and extra fabric around the nose for total darkness.
• Earplugs — It’s guaranteed that someone will snore or use their phone with the volume on the plane, so bring earplugs or noise-canceling headphones to create a quiet environment.
• Snacks — Some flights don’t give out snacks, and you might get hungry in between meals, so packing a few snacks will keep you satiated until you land.
• Water Bottle — You can’t bring water through security, and water bottles are so expensive to buy at the airport, so pack an empty water bottle and refill it inside the airport.
• Tote Bag or Daybag — Bring a foldable bag to use on your trip, perfect for shopping or daytrips.
• Entertainment — Bring a book or a journal to keep busy on your flight, or download movies, games, and other entertainment beforehand. You can also pack a small board game or cards if you’re traveling with a group for unplugged fun.

I don’t pack neck pillows because I find them uncomfortable and it ends up being extra baggage to carry. Try using one first before you decide to pack it!

International Travel Packing Tips

Now that you know what to pack for international travel, here are some international packing tips to use alongside this international travel packing list:

• Pack Light — Don’t overpack! Only pack things you know you’ll use. Pack one, not multiple, of each type of item and if you’re unsure about something, leave it at home.
• Pack Smart — You can either roll your clothing or use packing cubes to save space in your luggage. Take items out of their packaging, nest items if possible, and wear your bulkiest clothes to maximize space.
• Pack Valuables and Essentials in Personal or Carry On Bag — If you need anything while you fly, pack it in your carry-on or personal bag. Especially health items like inhalers or allergy medicine—keep it on you! You never know if you’ll need it, and it’s best to avoid a medical emergency.
• Use a Carry-On Only — I’m a part of the carry-on-only club; I hate dealing with checked luggage and avoid carrying things at all costs. Using a carry-on eliminates many headaches, especially if the airline loses your luggage. It’s possible to pack everything in a carry-on and a personal bag! However, if you want to bring back souvenirs, checking a bag is probably best.

Follow Airline Restrictions

Before you even get to packing, and also while you pack, make sure you check airline restrictions! I know so many people who got expensive toiletries and souvenirs thrown away because they didn’t fit airline carry-on requirements. Especially if you’re planning to travel with just a carry-on, you need to follow these restrictions:

• Liquid Limits — Different countries have different liquid limits. Europe is notorious for having all liquids be in travel sizes and fit into a liter bag. If you have large liquid amounts, put it in your checked bag if you have one. Avoid getting expensive skincare, makeup, alcohol, drinks, etc., confiscated and thrown away!
• Weight Restrictions — Budget airlines have strict weight requirements for carry-on bags. Whether they’ll check the weight is a gamble, but if you do and your bag exceeds the weight limit, you’ll have to pay an expensive fee. So make sure to weigh your bag before you fly.
• Lithium Ion Batteries — ALWAYS pack your laptop in your carry-on. The reason is lithium-ion batteries. If you pack it in your checked bag, there’s a chance that the change in pressure in the luggage hold causes your battery to combust.

If you accidentally pack your laptop in your checked bag, tell your flight agent ASAP. Most of the time, there’a security screening for checked luggage that checks for lithium ion batteries so you should be fine. But just to be sure, let your airline know and they’ll let you know if you have to take any action.

What Not to Pack for International Travel

Lastly, here’s what not to pack for international travel:

• Unnecessary Clothing — Leave the thick jackets (unless you’re going somewhere cold), extra pairs of shoes, and clothing you’ll only wear once at home.
• Heavy Items — Leave behind items like books, large boots, and heavy clothing that, while useful, can weigh your luggage down.
• Fragile Items — Luggage, especially checked bags, are thrown around and roughly handled in transit. Don’t put anything fragile in your checked bag because it might break! But if you buy glassware or ceramics to take back home or bring to another place, wrap it in clothing and pack it in your carry-on or personal bag.
• Full-Size Toiletries — It’s bulky, heavy, and doesn’t fit airline liquid requirements. Pack it in travel-sized bottles or purchase them ahead of time.
• Valuable Items — Don’t bring your family heirloom on your trip unless absolutely necessary. There’s always a chance it might get lost, and sentimental items are irreplaceable.
• Prohibited Items — This includes the obvious, like dangerous weapons and toxins, but some not-so-obvious prohibited items include Swiss army knives, pepper spray, fresh produce, and fresh meat or dairy products.

Make International Packing Easy!

Hopefully this guide to packing for international travel helps you pack faster and makes it easier. Definitely use the downloadable and printable international travel packing list pdf to use while you pack! It’s a free resource that you can share and also edit for your trip. And hopefully, packing this time around will make you excited for your trip, I know it builds great anticipation. And if you do forget an item or two (hopefully not important), you can always get a temporary one. Happy travels and happy packing!