The Complete International Travel Packing List: Jet-Set in Style

This international travel packing list has everything you need for your trip abroad.

Okay, you booked your ticket, created the best itinerary ever, and now you’re counting down the days until your plane leaves for your dream vacation abroad. But before you get on that plane, you need to get through what I think is the most daunting part: packing.

Packing can be so stressful because it’s always full of “what-if’s” like… What if I somehow get invited to a fancy schmancy gala and need my prom dress? My imagination loves to run rampant and I always end up overpacking.

So, to make sure I have exactly what I need (and not too much more), I put together this very detailed international travel packing list.

This list has everything you need to make your trip stress-free. From the best international travel essentials to clothing items, I got you covered. This packing list will ensure you’re prepared for any adventure.

This post is all about what to put on your international travel checklist.

TOP INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL ESSENTIALS

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Before diving into the comprehensive international travel packing list, I wanted to highlight items you need specifically for traveling abroad. These are the top must have essentials you need to pack for international travel.

#1. PASSPORT & PASSPORT HOLDER

When traveling abroad, the number one thing to keep secure is your passport. Make it easy and get a passport holder than keeps it safe! Here’s a great article on the Top 10 Passport Holders of 2023.

#2. UNIVERSAL TRAVEL ADAPTOR

#3. AIRLINE COMPLIANT LUGGAGE

If you’re flying on an international airline, make sure to check the baggage policies beforehand. In addition to size constraints, some airlines have weight constraints for carry-on luggage. Measure and weigh your bags beforehand and pay for checked baggage if necessary.

#4. PORTABLE CHARGER

Packing a portable charger is an absolute must if you’re planning to be out and about all day. You don’t want to be lost in a new country with a dead phone! One thing to note is that TSA only allows you to pack portable chargers with 100 watt hours (Wh) or less in your carry-on, so check this before you go.

Post You Might Like: 33 Expert Money Saving Tips to Travel on a Budget

#5. MEDICINE

Make sure to pack enough prescription medication to last your entire trip, as well as a few over the counter medications that you might need. Fingers crossed that you won’t get sick while traveling, but it’s better to over-prepare now so to save yourself from scrambling for medication in a new country!

Check the CDC’s website for a list of medicine and first aid recommendations for your destination. Here are a few medications I think are the most important to bring (this is NOT medical advice, please consult your doctor before using any of these medications):

• Pain reliever
• Allergy medication
• Motion sickness pills
• Upset stomach and diarrhea pills

#5. PILL ORGANIZER

#6. FIRST AID KIT

In addition to medicine, pack a small first aid kit! Here are a few items that are super helpful to have in your kit:

• Bandages
• Hand sanitizer
• Hydration pills
• Tissues / Wet wipes
• Hydrocortisone cream
• Antibiotic ointment

#7. CASH

Do your research first and check if the country you’re going to is heavily reliant on cash. If so, try to buy the currency at your local bank before leaving. You’ll most likely get the better exchange rates compared to an airport’s foreign exchange counter and can avoid ATM fees abroad.

#8. CREDIT CARD WITHOUT A FOREIGN TRANSACTION FEE

Regardless of whether your destination has a cash economy or not, bring a credit card for any emergencies. Most travel credit cards offer the perk of having no foreign transaction fee. My absolute go-to travel card is the Chase Sapphire Preferred card. You can earn way more points on travel purchases and redeem points at a higher value for airfare.

#9. VACUUM PACK BAGS

THE ULTIMATE INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL PACKING LIST

Here’s a comprehensive checklist of everything you need to put on your international travel packing list.

This post was all about everything you need on your international travel packing list.