You’ve booked your tickets and made all the travel arrangements. While you’re so excited to embark on your adventure, there’s still the dreaded task of packing. While different climates, cultures and activities may impact the specific items you bring, this international travel checklist covers the essentials to get you on your way. Save and refer to this travel packing list for each adventure to ensure you have what you need on your journey.
Note: this can also be used as a domestic travel checklist by disregarding the item(s) with an asterisk (*) below.
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Carry on (check out these personal item backpacks):
- Passport/ID
- Cash/wallet/purse (I love these crossbody bags, especially while traveling to keep my essentials easily accessible.)
- Devices – phone, tablet, computer
- Charging cords
- Portable charger power bank (be prepared with this 2-pack)
- Itinerary/Tickets/Confirmations
- Disinfecting wipes (these travel packs are great on the go and are gentle on hands. I sanitize so much my hands get dried out, so those wipes are a great alternative. Another trick to disinfect surfaces, including cleaning your area on planes, while traveling is to put a few paper towels in a zip lock back with alcohol – cost effective and travel friendly!)
- Hand sanitizer (I put a little bottle in all of our carry-on bags because things get dirty while traveling and it’s not always easy to get to a sink – i.e. trapped in the window seat with a double dose of sleeping passengers next to you.)
- Change of clothes
- Sweater
- Lip balm (this is probably one of the top 5 things I can’t leave home without. If you share in this addiction and are still searching for your favorite, allow me to introduce you to these.)
- Headphones
- Contacts, glasses & glasses case
- Books (or take advantage of Kindle to save precious space and weight while traveling)
- Medicine/Vitamins
- Reusable water bottle (I like the large capacity and clip carrying strap of this one)
- Food/Snacks – peanut butter sandwiches all the way! and other simple snacks like these high protein edamame snacks
Clothes & Shoes:
- Outfits – shirts, shorts, pants, dresses (Don’t forget a comfy (and cute) travel outfit!)
- Sweaters
- Pajamas
- Cover up (I opt for a simple dress with pockets that can also be worn as a regular outfit for travel versatility)
- Bathing suits
- Socks, underwear & bras
- Jacket / Rain jacket (opt for compact and packable)
- Hats (this is my favorite sunhat)
- Shoes – sneakers, sandals, flip flops, water shoes (these closed toe quick-dry water shoes function as sneakers so you can go from hiking to water activities)
Personal Care Products:
- Toiletries (toothpaste, contact solution, qtips, etc.)
- Makeup
- Face wash / wipes
- Deodorant
- Hair brush & products
- Sunscreen (we switched to mineral sunscreen for a safer option)
- Bug spray (this deet-free bug spray protects against ticks, mosquitoes and other insects for up to 8 hours)
- Sunglasses
- Other essentials, i.e. feminine products
Miscellaneous Items:
- Cooler bag
- Waterproof phone case (Keep your phone safe in the water with waterproof phone cases. You can also take pictures and videos under water!)
- Tripod (sure, selfies are great, but step up your game with this and capture those memories)
- Games
- *Outlet converter (this one is compatible with most countries)
- Storage bags
If you’re traveling with children, check out this additional toddler and baby packing list.
If your trip involves the beach, check out our beach packing list.
May your bags be filled with essentials, your hearts with wanderlust, and your minds open to the wonders that await you around the globe. Whether you’re a light packer or a ‘prepared-for-everything’ packer, this international travel checklist has you covered. Comment below if there’s anything we missed.
Before you head out, do these 6 steps to prepare for your trip.
Happy packing!
The Travel Tripster
[…] entire article to it. For a comprehensive packing guide beyond the kids, be sure to check out our general travel packing list. Use both lists together to ensure a well-prepared adventure for the whole […]