14 International Travel Essentials You Should NEVER Travel Without (2024)

Heading on an international trip and not sure what to pack? Obviously your packing list will vary by your destination, but there are several travel essentials that you’ll want to bring with you on EVERY international trip, no matter the destination. Here’s my international travel essentials checklist of items to bring — see printable checklist at the end of the post:

14 Essential Things to Bring on EVERY International Trip - International Travel Checklist

1. Passport + Travel Documents

Make sure you have your passport and all travel documents, including:

    • Your boarding pass
    • Confirmation of where you’ll be staying (customs forms often ask for the address)
    • Visa, if needed (check which countries require a Visa for Americans here)
    • Insurance (both regular health and travel insurance)
    • Itinerary

2. Copy of ALL DOCUMENTS - International Travel Essentials

I ALWAYS make a copy or two of my passport, Driver’s License, and Visa before going on any trip, and take photos of everything on my phone. It’s a good idea to keep one in your carry-on and another in your luggage just in case anything ever got lost. I also always make sure to have my Known Traveler Number (KTN) written down somewhere in case I need it – I wrote it in my passport book.

You May Also Like: 11 Thing to Know Before Traveling Internationally

3. Cash + Credit Cards

It’s always a good idea to travel with some cash and at least two credit or debit cards just in case one gets lost of stolen. I keep one card in my purse and the other back in the room or in a separate bag.

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TRAVEL TIP: Make sure you alert your bank that you will be traveling BEFORE you go. It’s a nightmare having your card frozen because your bank sees “suspicious” charges from another county.

4. Copy of Emergency Contact Info

Make copies of your emergency contact’s info and keep it in your luggage and carry-on. It is also a good idea to give copies of your itinerary to your emergency contact, just so they know where you’re supposed to be and when.

5. Phone + Portable Charger

Obviously you’ll want to bring your phone whenever traveling internationally (or literally any other time you leave the house, let’s be honest)! I also bring an extra battery pack too, you’d hate to end up with a dead phone in a foreign place.

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TRAVEL TIP: Check out these 24 apps every traveler should have on their phone.

6. Universal Plug Adapter - International Travel Essentials

Save yourself some money in the long run and buy a universal plug adapter that will work in any country. This one is well-reviewed and under $20 on Amazon.

7. Hand Sanitizer/Wipes

I think now more than ever people are aware of germs. To help prevent you from getting sick and spreading germs, always keep a bottle of hand sanitizer or wipes with you when traveling.

You Might Also Like:How to Stay Healthy While Traveling

8. Medications + Basic First Aid

Whenever I travel, In addition to my prescribed medications, I like to bring a small supply of basic medications just in case you need them or they are not readily available wherever you are traveling to (try finding Benadryl in the middle of Croatia). Ipersonally bring:

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TRAVEL TIP: Instead of bringing full bottles, use a travel pill organizer to save room in your luggage by bringing only what you need! You can use a sharpie to label what everything is on the cover.

9. TSA Approved Lock

Having a TSA Approved lock not only keeps your stuff safe, it may come in handy more than you realize. It can be used to secure a purse or bag to a chair at a restaurant to prevent theft. If you want to be extra cautious, lock up your suitcase and secure it to something sturdy anytime you leave your hotel room.

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10. Lightweight Sweater or Jacket or Blanket

I always have a lightweight sweater or blanket in my carry-on no matter where I’m flying to (even atropical beach vacation) in case it gets cold on the plane or in the airport!

You May Also Like: List of the Best Travel Pillows

11. Noise Canceling Headphones - Must-Have International Travel Essentials

I have said this in so many post, and I’ll say it again… Noise Canceling Headphones are SO WORTH IT. Yes, they are expensive, but I swear they make a huge difference and are worth the cost if you travel often.

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12. Water Bottle

Water is obviously important! Stay hydrated on your trip and save money by bringing your own water bottle.Vacuum insulated water bottles are great because they doesn’t “sweat” and keep water cold for a long time!

13. Pen + Paper

You may not use a pen often, but you still have to fill out most customs paperwork by hand, so stick a pen or two in your carry-on. I like to bring a small journal with me as well.

14. Ziplock Bags

You’d be surprised how often Ziplock bags come in handy! They don’t take up any space, so pack a couple in your suitcase.

Here is a link to the International Travel Essentials Checklist in a Google Doc (seen below). You can “Create a Copy” and customize the list for yourself and print it!

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What do you always bring when traveling internationally? Share by commenting below or sending me a DM on Instagram. Happy travels!

xx Chels

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14 International Travel Essentials You Should NEVER Travel Without (2024)

FAQs

What should you not bring on an international trip? ›

  • Excessive Valuables: Leave expensive jewelry and unnecessary valuables at home.
  • Unnecessary Gadgets: Think twice before packing items you rarely use.
  • Too Many Clothes: Overpacking can make your luggage heavy, make travel difficult and limit space for souvenirs.
Oct 17, 2023

What are the 2 things that you need to bring if you are going abroad? ›

Passport and Visas

Your passport is one of the most important things to pack while traveling abroad. Make sure it is in date and won't expire. Also, be sure to research visa requirements before you leave for your trip.

What is needed for an international trip? ›

Essentials for International Travel

Passport and visa: Ensure they are valid for the entire duration of your trip. Most places require your passport to be valid 6 months before the trip. Ensure you're good to go! Travel insurance: Including health insurance, if not covered by your regular policy.

What's one thing you can't travel without? ›

A passport and vaccination card holder, because if there are two things you don't want to be without while traveling, it's those.

Does toothpaste count as a liquid? ›

Each passenger is limited to one quart-size bag of liquids, gels and aerosols. Common travel items that must comply with the 3-1-1 liquids rule include toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, mouthwash and lotion.

What is the 3-1-1 rule? ›

Before Packing

Liquids, gels and aerosols packed in carry-on must follow the 3-1-1 liquids rule: 3.4 ounces or less per container. 1 quart size, clear, plastic, zip top bag (all liquids must fit in bag) 1 bag per passenger.

What do US citizens need to travel internationally? ›

A passport is required for overseas travel. It is recommended to make a copy of your passport and put it in a separate place. Carry your passport - do not pack it in your checked luggage. You must present it to the Customs and Border Protection officer upon arrival in the United States.

What is the most important thing for traveling abroad? ›

Things to Prepare for Travelling Abroad
  • Passport. The most important document that must be on the list is the passport. ...
  • Visa. ...
  • Applicable Currency. ...
  • BCA Debit and Credit Cards. ...
  • Personal Medicine. ...
  • Plug Adapter. ...
  • Learn the Local Language. ...
  • Buy Travel Insurance.
Mar 6, 2023

How many clothes to bring overseas? ›

Greenheart Travel's Packing List
WhatHow Many?Special Notes
Bottoms3-5 PairsShorts, Jeans & Slacks
Tops4-6 ShirtsT-shirts without writing or logos. At least one button down or polo is recommended. Avoid low necklines
Dresses1-2 DressesMaxis are modest & comfortable
Pajamas1 SetShorts & t-shirts are usually fine
19 more rows

How do I prepare my body for international travel? ›

Here's how to feel your best when you're in the air:
  1. Drink more water. Hydration will help you handle anything air travel sends your way. ...
  2. Drink less alcohol. ...
  3. Pack for hydration. ...
  4. Prepare your immune system. ...
  5. Flex your calves. ...
  6. Stretch everything else. ...
  7. Sleep near the window. ...
  8. Make your own legroom.

What to know when flying internationally for the first time? ›

8 tips for first-time international travelers
  • Check your documents.
  • Consider signing up for a travel rewards card.
  • Give yourself a long booking window.
  • Be selective about lodging.
  • Consider the not-so-common essentials.
  • Pack right for the flight.
  • Give a heads up to your credit card issuer.
  • Make the clock your friend.
May 9, 2024

How much money should I bring for international travel? ›

A good rule of thumb, though, is that, on average, you should plan to carry between $50 and $100 per day in the currency of the country in which you're travelling. As with all things, research is your friend here. Understand where you're travelling and what the local customs regarding cash are.

What not to take when traveling? ›

10 Things You Should Never Pack for Vacation
  • Anything irreplaceable. Sad to say, there are sometimes thieves among us. ...
  • Valuables with no ID. It happens to all of us; we put down our phone, get distracted and forget to pick it up. ...
  • Wine. ...
  • Sunscreen. ...
  • Reading material.
  • Too many shoes.
  • Hair dryer.
  • A 'maybe' outfit.
Jun 20, 2015

What thing do you never forget to bring with you when you travel? ›

This penultimate tip is a big one as, without these necessities, you won't be heading anywhere but home: check and check again that you have your monies, a valid passport and – for the sake of your holiday companions – a toothbrush. Keep these all on hand and then you'll be able to remember the most important thing…

What is everything you can't take on a plane? ›

Aerosol cans (except limited quantities of personal care items that are 3.4 ounces or less), butane, fuels, gasoline, gas torches, lighter fluid, strike-anywhere matches, flammable paints, turpentine, paint thinner, arc lighters, plasma lighters, electronic lighters, E-lighters, and replicas of incendiaries cannot be ...

What is not allowed in international travel? ›

Hazmats- Various radioactive materials, poisonous, toxic substances, or flammable liquids are not allowed inside the checked-in baggage. Box Cutter- A box cutter is a kind of razor blade knife, a carpet knife, or a stationery knife in a way. Therefore, it is one of the things not allowed in flight.

What objects you Cannot bring with you in an international flight? ›

Aerosol cans (except limited quantities of personal care items that are 3.4 ounces or less), butane, fuels, gasoline, gas torches, lighter fluid, strike-anywhere matches, flammable paints, turpentine, paint thinner, arc lighters, plasma lighters, electronic lighters, E-lighters, and replicas of incendiaries cannot be ...

What food items are not allowed in checked luggage? ›

Checked Bags: Yes

Solid food items (not liquids or gels) can be transported in either your carry-on or checked bags. Liquid or gel food items larger than 3.4 oz are not allowed in carry-on bags and should be placed in your checked bags if possible.

What is not allowed in a carry-on bag? ›

Firearms, ammunition, and fireworks are prohibited, as are all knives and safety razors (including pocket knives and Swiss Army knives). Straight razors and replacement blades for straight razors are also not allowed. Most tools also cannot be packed in carry-on luggage, as they have the potential to cause harm.

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