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The Ultimate International Trip Packing List

Here’s everything you didn’t know you needed to make your international trip as seamless as possible.

In This Article

• Packing Checklist

Frequently Asked Questions

• Why Trust T+L

Travel + Leisure / David Hattan

We don’t tend to complain a whole lot when it comes to planning and preparing for travel. Sure, there are bad parts, boring parts, and stressful parts… but all the negative aspects of the travel process give way to some of the best and most memorable life experiences. The packing process may fall into the less-fun side of preparing for travel but, with the right mindset and strategy, it can make the whole trip.

Packing for an international trip specifically requires careful planning; sure, you can probably find forgotten items while abroad in many destinations but having everything already secured in your suitcase will make your trip a whole lot easier. Nobody wants to spend a half day of travel searching for something they forgot at home.

Packing Checklist for an International Trip

This guide will help ensure you’ve packed everything you could possibly need for an international trip, whether it’s your first time leaving the country or you’re a seasoned traveler. Having these items on hand — along with the appropriate clothing and shoes for your destination — will help make your trip as smooth and seamless as possible.

• Best Adapter: Epicka Universal Travel Adapter
• Best Wi-Fi Hotspot: Simo Solis Lite 4G LTE WiFi Mobile Hotspot
• Best Camera:   Nikon ZF
• Best Tripod: Phopik Aluminum Extendable Tripod Stand
• Best Portable Power Bank: Nimble Champ
• Best Noise-canceling Headphones: Apple AirPods Max
• Best Luggage Tracker: Eufy SmartTrack Link

Accessories

• Best Passport Cover: Paravel Cabana Passport Case
• Best Travel Wallet: Leatherology Travel Wallet
• Best Luggage Belt: Cincha Travel Belt for Luggage
• Best Reusable Water Bottle: Memobottle A5
• Best Packing Cubes: Gonex Compression Packing Cubes
• Best Neck Pillow: Cabeau TNE S3
• Best Money Belt: Raytix Money Belt
• Best Compression Socks: Comrad Compression Socks

Luggage and Bags

• Best Lightweight Backpack: Longchamp Backpack Le Pliage
• Best International-sized Carry-on: Away The Carry-on
• Best Checked Bag: July Checked Plus
• Best Belt Bag: Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag
• Best Travel Laundry Bag: Miamica Travel Laundry Bag
• Best Tote: MZ Wallace Medium Metro Tote Deluxe
• Best Toiletry Bag: Away The Toiletry Bag
• Best Rolling Duffel: Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler Wheeled Duffel

We know, we know. You’re not setting out on an international trip to be consumed by your tech, but there are certain essentials that can make a good trip even better, whether aiding an itinerary, ensuring your safety, or simply entertaining you while in transit. Packing things like a reliable wi-fi hotspot and a portable power bank means you’ll always have access to your smartphone for emergencies (or just to use Google Maps to navigate your self-guided walking tour without having to pop into a cafe every few blocks).

Best Adapter

Epicka universal travel adapter.

• Ease of Use 5 /5
• Effectiveness 4 /5

Traveling abroad with a good adapter like the Epicka Universal Travel Adapter is non-negotiable. It comes equipped with plugs for more than 150 countries but the convenient sliding design means you won’t have to fuss with (or be responsible for) multiple attachments. During the testing process, we particularly appreciated that this option comes with so many USB ports (four USB-A and one USB-C) as it cut down the need for multiple adapters and made it incredibly easy to charge all our tech at the same time.

Best Wi-fi Hotspot

Skyroam solis lite.

Do you remember the days of traveling before Google Maps? It’s hard to imagine a time when we’d actually have to ask locals for directions or hope we’re reading a paper map properly. The Solis Lite 4G LTE WiFi Mobile Hotspot makes modern travel even easier by ensuring you’re always connected to a reliable Wi-Fi network, wherever you are. It doesn’t require a SIM card or a contract and functions seamlessly in more than 135 countries around the world. It can also support up to 10 devices at a given time — which means your travel buddies will thank you, too.

Best Camera

Nikon zf mirrorless camera.

The Nikon ZF immediately catches the eye with its beautiful, retro-inspired body. Don’t let the decidedly cool aesthetic fool you though — this camera also makes it super easy to channel your inner photographer. The 24-megapixel, full-frame mirrorless camera is very simple and user-friendly but offers enough bells and whistles to quell more advanced photographers. It’s also incredibly small and lightweight which makes it great for throwing into your day bag (no oversized camera bag required!).

Best Tripod

Phopik aluminum extendable tripod stand.

Another way to ensure great vacation photos? Investing in a decent tripod stand. Selfies have their time and place but being able to set up a tripod to get group shots in idyllic settings will ensure frame-worthy visual souvenirs. The Phopik Aluminum Extendable Tripod Stand is a great option for those who travel with both a digital camera and a smartphone as the convertible device can actually be used as a selfie stick and tripod for smartphones while also extending into a more stable tripod suitable for a heavier camera. It also packs down ultra-small when not in use so you won’t have to run around all day with a full-sized tripod under your arm.

Best Portable Power Bank

Nimble champ portable charger.

The Nimble Champ is a game changer for long travel days when you might not have the chance to wait by an outlet for your smartphone to refuel; the 10,000 mAh battery is more than enough to charge the average smartphone between three to five times in full. If you’re concerned about having your phone for safety purposes (like to grab an Uber, use Google Maps, call for help, etc.), a compact lightweight charger will also offer serious peace of mind. We like that this option is made using 99 percent certified recycled plastic so you can feel good about the sustainable choice. And, if you need even more juice, there’s a more powerful Nimble Champ Pro with a 20,000 mAh battery instead.

Best Noise-canceling Headphones

Apple airpods max.

• Comfort 4.5 /5
• Sound Quality 5 /5
• Battery Life 5 /5

The AirPods Max are admittedly a bit expensive but they’re worth the price point for the quality and overall ease of use, especially if you’re a lover of Apple devices. During the testing process, we found the user experience to be the best out of all the headphones we tried. We really like how easy they are to connect to an iPhone or MacBook without having to go searching into the Bluetooth settings (there’s a simple pop-up that’ll ask you if you want to switch and that’s that). We found the headphones very intuitive to use and the sound quality is excellent as well with a strong enough noise-canceling feature to provide serenity everywhere from the airplane to the subway.

Best Luggage Tracker

Eufy smarttrack link.

• Ease of Setup 5 /5
• Accuracy 5 /5
• Functionality 5 /5
• Design 4.5 /5

Popping a luggage tracker, like the Eufy SmartTrack Link, into your checked luggage will allow you to track a suitcase in real time which offers peace of mind and can help expedite the return of lost-in-transit baggage. This tiny tracker was our top pick during testing due to its ease of use and convenient size and shape. The durable square comes equipped with a hole in the top corner that makes it easy to add a carabiner or key ring onto the tracker to attach to internal zippers or other items, too.

It can be tricky to strike a healthy balance between actual travel essentials and products that seem useful in theory but actually just end up taking up precious space in your suitcase or carry-on. The following items are designed to make travel as easy and comfortable as possible and are all compact, easy to pack, and won’t end up weighing you down. They’re also highly practical for staying organized and put together while making your way through passport control or while taking public transport from the airport to your hotel.

Best Passport Cover

Paravel passport case.

• Capacity 5 /5
• Quality 5 /5

You might not think you need a passport cover, but this Paravel Cabana Passport Case is a particularly great option since it not only keeps your passport safe and secure but holds up to eight cards, too. During the testing process, we found the luxe material to also be durable, and it was very easy to get our cards and passport in and out of the slots without having to stretch things out. We also like that this one comes in several colorways and can be customized with a hand-painted initial as well.

Best Travel Wallet

Leatherology zip around travel wallet.

If you’re hoping to score something with a little extra space, the Leatherology Travel Wallet is a particularly great choice as it’ll keep all your stuff organized without becoming too bulky or heavy. The compact design has a slot for pretty much everything you could need including your passport, cards, printed boarding pass, coins, cash, and even a pen. During the testing process, we found that this option stood out for its buttery soft leather that feels much more expensive than it is, and for the expansive interior that could easily hold more than a couple of passports. 

Best Luggage Belt

Cincha travel belt.

The Cincha Travel Belt is one of those travel accessories that you don’t realize just how much you need until you have it on-hand while on the go. The travel belt is designed to attach your personal items — like a coat, shopping bags, and even your handbag — to the handle of your rolling luggage without worrying about it sliding around or falling off the top of your luggage. This is a particularly handy option to have on hand while changing terminals or taking trains to the city center when you don’t want to have to worry about lugging multiple loose pieces.

Best Reusable Water Bottle

Memobottle a5 the flat water bottle that fits in your bag.

There are certain things that all responsible travelers should consider when setting off on a trip — and being a more sustainable citizen of the world is one of them. The easiest way to cut down on your carbon footprint while traveling? Investing in a reusable water bottle. The Memobottle A5 makes it easy to ditch single-use plastic while traveling without feeling like, you know, you’re carrying a massive water bottle around with you. It’s designed to be ultra thin and can fit in a briefcase or handbag. However, don’t let the thin size fool you. This water bottle fits a standard 750 milliliters which is the exact same as the single-use bottle of Smartwater in the airport shop.

Best Packing Cubes

Gonex compression packing cubes.

• Design 5 /5

Packing the right amount of clothing for an international trip can be a bit of a daunting task which is why we’re such major advocates for the Gonex Compression Packing Cubes . The set of four cubes comes in a variety of sizes to help keep garments in order while planning for your trip. The compression cubes are also designed to squish down into the smallest size possible so you can fit even more into that carry-on roller without worrying about taking up too much space in the overhead bin or running out of room for souvenirs.

Best Neck Pillow

Cabeau tne s3 travel pillow.

• Quality 4.8 /5
• Portability 5 /5
• Durability 5 /5

Think of the Cabeau TNE S3 as the neck pillow for travelers who hate carrying a neck pillow. The compact neck support folds down into a tiny bag that can easily be stored away in your carry-on or handbag while on the go. We loved this neck pillow during the testing process for its memory foam material and 360-degree support. It’s designed to attach to your seat and will keep you from that annoying head bobbing that can often happen when trying to sleep upright.

Best Money Belt

Raytix rfid money belt.

• Comfort 5 /5
• Performance 5 /5

Money belts might not be the most exciting of travel gear — but having this under-clothes accessory can offer major peace of mind if you’re nervous about carrying your valuables out in the open while on the go. The Raytix Money Belt was our top pick during our tests because of its smooth material that feels comfortable on the skin and a discreet size that doesn’t bulge when placed properly under your clothing. We also really liked that it was wide enough to comfortably fit a passport without having to wiggle the zipper in order to close the pouch.

Best Compression Socks

Comrad compression socks.

The Comrad Compression Socks do the impossible: make compression socks look cool and stylish. The double-dip ombre design is fun and aesthetically pleasing — especially compared to your average drugstore alternative — and the socks themselves are extremely soft to the touch. During the testing process, we found they offered gentle compression without being uncomfortable. They were breathable and we could easily wear them on a long-haul flight without any itchiness whatsoever either.

Selecting the right luggage for your international trip is half the battle. For example, if you’re hoping to avoid checking a bag at all costs, you’ll want something that is no bigger than 21.5 inches, and as lightweight as possible. If you’re looking for a suitcase that’ll handle the arduous checked baggage process, you’ll want to look for a hard-sided spinner with enough give that it won’t crack or puncture while in transit.

Choosing the right personal item and day bag is an equally important decision. Handbags and backpacks should be lightweight and multi-purpose, meaning that you’ll be able to use them at multiple times, like day trips to the country, jaunts around the city center, and evenings out.

Best Lightweight Backpack

Longchamp le pliage backpack.

Given the brand's reputation for high-quality bags , it's no surprise the Longchamp Backpack Le Pliage is forever our go-to travel bag when we’re aiming to pack light but stylish. Longchamp Le Pliage in general is kind of the perfect bag concept for travel as it packs down ultra small when not in use but can expand to a full-sized bag as needed. The backpack is no exception; it’s small and lightweight but stylish and large enough to fit a day — or night — of essentials without screaming tourist or looking too bulky. We also like that this option is made from a durable nylon and can withstand the bright sun and heavy rain without getting damaged.

Best International-sized Carry-on

Away the carry-on.

Packing for international air travel can sometimes be a little dicey, especially if you’re going to be flying on budget airlines with little wiggle room on suitcase sizing. The Away The Carry-on sits just below most international carrier limits so you won’t run into any surprises at the gate, but we also found that it’s incredibly roomy. During the testing process, we were able to fit everything we needed for a four-day trip with room to spare. The hard plastic shell is also incredibly durable — even when clobbered with a baseball bat — so it will hold up with heavy duty use, too.

Best Checked Bag

July large luggage.

• Organization 4.5 /5
• Maneuverability 5 /5

The July Checked Plus is our top choice when it comes to the best checked luggage for international travel , especially if you tend to be an overpacker as it fits 110 liters worth of items. Even if you don’t fill it to the brim, we particularly like the number of pockets and organizational features inside to keep things sorted. During our testing process, we found it was incredibly easy to pack a fair amount while giving everything a designated spot. We also found the wheels and handle to be the smoothest we’ve found in a suitcase which made it easy to trolley the suitcase around through the airport and into the city.

Best Belt Bag

Lululemon everywhere belt bag.

The Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag is, well, kind of everywhere, but it’s easy to see why. It’s incredibly lightweight and durable while offering a discreet but stylish solution to storing your daily essentials in a safe and secure manner. It’s also made of water-repellent polyester so you can get caught in the rain with less issue than a leather or cotton alternative. This option also comes in a huge variety of colorways to best suit your style, but we’re major fans of the classic black. During the testing process, we particularly appreciated how easily the zipper glides; it doesn’t pull or stick which makes it easy to quickly grab items like a wallet or passport out without having to use two hands. Plus, if you have even more to carry, there’s a 2-liter version , too.

Best Travel Laundry Bag

Miamica travel laundry bag.

The Miamica Travel Laundry Bag is another one of those items that is easy to forget or brush off as being unimportant but can actually make such a big difference while on the go. This lightweight laundry bag will take up no room in your luggage but makes staying organized while traveling so much easier. Whether you’re doing your own laundry in your hotel room or planning on sending the essentials off for dry cleaning, having a separate bag to store your dirty clothes in means you won’t have to rifle through your suitcase trying to decipher what is clean versus what needs to be washed.

MZ Wallace Deluxe Tote

• Portability 3 /5
• Ease of Use 3 /5

Don’t underestimate the power of a great tote while traveling as options like this lightweight MZ Wallace Medium Metro Tote Deluxe won’t take up much space in your luggage but can be a lifesaver if you somehow find yourself with more stuff to pack on your way home. We found this bag to be super roomy without overpowering us with a ton of built-in pockets and even a removable pouch to keep gear organized on the go. It’s also worth noting that this tote comes in a few different sizes from mini to large if you’re looking for something a bit bigger or smaller instead.

Best Toiletry Bag

Away large toiletry bag.

There are a lot of utilitarian toiletry bags out there but options like this one from Away both get the job done, and look good in the process. We found it very easy to pack and organize, thanks to an abundance of pockets and pouches to store everything from makeup brushes to delicate bottles. The material feels high-end and sleek but we found it to be secure and waterproof so nothing spilled out while in transit either.

Best Rolling Duffel

Eagle creek cargo hauler.

• Design 4 /5
• Maneuverability 3 /5
• Durability 4 /5

The Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler Wheeled Duffel is our top pick for the best rolling duffel for international travel since it’s huge yet still incredibly easy to roll through the airport or tote by hand on public transit. We particularly loved that this bag came with its own packing cubes and could easily convert from duffel to backpack to rolling suitcase. Despite its multi-functional design, it really excelled at everything. We found the bag very smooth to roll and just as easy to grab and go when needed. The material also feels very durable; like it could withstand heavy use without having to be too precious with it.

Unfortunately, yes, there are quite a few items that you can’t bring on your international trip depending on the country you’re heading to. Take this into consideration when shopping for travel products. Some destinations don’t allow certain tech — like drones — while others are very strict about the medication you’re allowed to bring into the country. If you have any doubts or concerns about what you can and cannot bring to a certain locale, be sure to check the official TSA security screening rules and the screening rules of the specific country you’re planning to visit.

Every airline has its own set of rules when it comes to carry-on and checked baggage size and weight restrictions. The standard carry-on size outside of the United States tends to be a lot smaller, so you’ll want to ensure your hand baggage doesn’t exceed the restrictions of the airlines you’re flying. It tends to be about 26 pounds and 21.5 inches in height for most European carriers, for example, but always check with the exact airlines you plan to use.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

For this article, Kaitlyn McInnis used her experience as a full-time travel writer to curate the best options to suit most needs and international destinations.

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Related Articles

The Perfect International Travel Packing List (+ Downloadable PDF)

Creating a packing list for your first international trip depends on various factors, like your destination, the duration of your trip, the season, and personal preferences. However, there are some things you’ll always need to put on your list, especially for a first time international travel packing list.

I’ve been to  over 30 countries  and can say, there are items you’ll always need and some you’ll need depending on where your going. That’s why I’ve also created a downloadable PDF of this international travel packing list with the ability to check things off your list and add your own additional items.

I hope this packing list will make planning your trip just a little bit easier! I know how much planning goes into your first international trip so if this is your first international trip or tenth, I’m excited for you! Cheers to traveling more and exploring the world.

If you want to download this, I have it for free in my  subscriber only resources ! It’s an editable PDF perfect for helping you plan your trip.

Table of Contents

Packing Tips

International travel means longer flights and ensuring that you are comfortable during your flight. Another challenge that comes with that is how easy it is to overpack in your checked luggage. Still, another challenge is carrying your bags around if you’re staying in historic places or are taking a lot of public transit/walking everywhere. Let’s tackle these challenges with some packing tips!

• Keep yourself comfortable on your long flight with a small bag of essentials that fits under your seat. I recommend bringing compression socks , a neck pillow/blanket , noise-canceling headphones , and wearing comfortable clothes. Plus, any electronics, a portable charger , your passport, and your wallet so they are always in your sight and on your person.
• Pack carry-on only if you can. It will save time and potentially money on bag fees. Plus, it will make packing and unpacking easier. You don’t have to worry about organizing as many things or overpacking. It helps you keep focused on what you need!
• I f you can’t pack carry-on only, bring your essentials in your carry-on . I recommend a few toiletries (toothbrush + toothpaste, hairbrush) and one set of clothes with you in your carry-on. Just in case. There’s nothing worse than getting to your destination, wanting to shower, and then your bag being lost (this happened to me in Peru ). Almost every hotel has shampoo, conditioner, and body wash, so those aren’t necessary unless you’re doing carry-on only.
• I would recommend no more than one carry-on bag that fits under your seat and one checked bag. It can be a lot to try to carry a big bag or a lot of stuff around with you!
• Don’t overpack – instead, plan your outfits. If you plan out your outfits and only bring things for those outfits, you’ll keep yourself from bringing too much. It’s easy when you are going somewhere new or international for the first time to want to bring a lot.
• Be aware of where you are staying when choosing a bag or bags to bring. Many historic hotels and areas do not have elevators. You may have to carry your bag up a few flights of stairs or up small side streets to reach where you are staying. A bag that you can easily carry is key! I recommend this bag from Patagonia . I love it so much, and they offer it in carry-on size!
• Utilize packing cubes to keep your things organized and your outfits clean.

Best Bags and Organization Items for your First Time International Travel Packing List

Yes, you need a packing list, but do you have a bag that will work well on your international trip? You’ll want something durable, easy to carry, and that you can use over and over. Here are my personal favorites.

Organization Packing Items

• Hanging Toiletries Bag : Many parts of the world (including cruise ships on the high seas) will not come with tons of storage space or large countertops.
• TSA Approved Travel bottles : perfect so you don’t have to throw out your favorite self-care products at the security check.
• Toiletry Bag : Easy to pack and water-resistant, this is a great toiletry bag. Comes in several colors.
• Packing Cubes : Packing cubes are a great way to organize your bag and make the most of the space in a larger bag.
• Travel Compression Bags : Use these bags to save space in your bag when traveling.
• Pill organizer : Great option for a travel first aid kit if you don’t want to buy the travel size of each medicine you’d like to bring or have prescriptions you take.
• Jewelry organizer : Great for keeping all your little pieces easy to get to and organized on a trip. This is something I held off on buying for a long time but now love having on trips!

Carry On Options

• North Face Backpack : Plenty of pockets and room as an under-the-seat carry-on.
• Black Hole® Duffel Bag 55L : My personal favorite and current carry-on bag. This is a great option if you want to bring just one carry-on.
• Travel Vest : If you bring the duffle, a great alternative to a second bag is this travel vest.
• Small Duffle Bag : This bag will fit under the seat while you’re traveling and hold your essentials. You can easily put it on top of the hard case luggage linked above for easy carrying.
• Hard case roller bag : Durable and easy to clean, hard case luggage is another great option.

Checked Bags

• Hard case luggage set :  consider getting a set with a carry-on and checked bags. Durable, easy to clean, and organization built in.

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. Medical costs can be very different depending on the country you visit, it’s worth researching ahead of your trip what you need.
• Flight tickets and itinerary : Print or digital copies. I like to have a digital copy and send it to a friend/family for reference in case.
• Hotel reservations : Confirmation details.
• Money : Cash and credit/debit cards. Make sure you are aware of any foreign transaction fees. I recommend having some cash in local currency on hand before your trip (most banks will do this for you free of charge or for a small fee) and using ATMs (if they are reliable in the country you are visiting).
• Travel adapter and voltage converter : Ensure it’s suitable for your destination by researching the compatibility.
• Prescription medications : Carry enough for the entire trip. Keep these in your carry-on.
• Weather-appropriate clothing : Consider the climate of your destination. One outfit per day unless doing a hike or outdoor activity. Then an extra outdoor outfit for that day.
• Underwear and socks : One pair for each day.
• Pajamas: recommend one for every two to three days
• Comfortable walking shoes : Especially if you plan to explore on foot.
• Swimwear : Even if you’re not going to a warm destination, you may want one! If you are doing water activities two days in a row, pack two.
• Hat and sunglasse s

Toiletries and Personal Care

• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Shampoo and conditioner (in travel bottles )
• Soap or body wash
• Hairbrush/comb
• Straightener Curler Combo
• Lip balm with SPF
• Personal hygiene items
• Prescription glasses or contact lenses

Miscellaneous

• Travel-sized laundry detergent
• Reusable ziplock bags : Useful for various purposes
• Travel-size sewing kit
• Travel-size first aid kit : add Blister Pads , Immodium , Pepto Bismol , Benadryl  , and Advil
• Door Stop   (for safety)
• Foldable Backpack (for day trips)
• Travel lock

Electronics

• Phone and charger
• Laptop/tablet and charger
• Portable Charger with Fast Charging Technology :
• Camera  for photos
• Noise-canceling headphones

In your Carry On (beyond electronics)

• Travel pillow/blanket (use code megelise for 15% off!
• Entertainment: Books, magazines, or e-reader
• Notebook and pen

Here is the downloadable and editable first time international travel packing list! Remember to customize this list based on your specific destination, the duration of your trip, and any unique needs you may have. Planning ahead will help ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey!

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Ultimate Packing List for International Travel From an Expert

Trying to figure out what to pack for your international trip you’re in the right place.

Packing to travel internationally- especially if it’s your first time- is basically like the hardest thing in the world. What do I need? What if I forget something? Don’t I need these 12 pairs of shoes? Can I even bring this on a plane? Gah. The endless questions. Don’t worry. I’ve got you covered. I’ve packed for tons of international flights over the years and have figured out a method to the madness. Here you’ll find what to bring, how to bring it, and what you absolutely need for that long-haul flight. Here’s your ultimate packing list for international travel:

1. A Travel Packing List For Your Carry-On

Packing your carry-on can make or break your international flight experience. If you don’t have things to do, things to keep you comfortable, and things you absolutely need , then your flight will be less than enjoyable. On the other hand, if you plan ahead and consider what will help you feel most at ease, you’re bound to have an amazing long-haul flight! For the sake of this blog post, I am considering your carry-on to be your personal item. I personally would not recommend that you fly internationally with only a carry-on suitcase unless you have multiple layovers. I’ve done it once, in my early twenties, and I will NEVER do it again. Whether it’s your first international trip or you are a seasoned traveler, you need a packing list for travel. Here are a few words of advice followed by the travel packing list for what you should plan to have in your carry-on!

Get A Well-Made Bookbag

The best carry-on, by far, is to take a backpack. It holds a lot, it is functional and small, and it also zips (which is way more important than you think during turbulence!). Do yourself a favor and spend the money on a decent backpack . There are some things you can chintz on when you’re packing for international travel. A bookbag isn’t one of them. The last thing you want is to be looking for a new bag abroad because your zipper or strap broke. I recently purchased a large North Face backpack that I am obsessed with. It has many pockets and organized sections, and it expands if necessary. It is also incredibly comfortable (with added waist support straps) and durable.

I completely forgot to think about this the first time I packed for an international trip, and I ended up having to purchase one. So, here I am saving you the trouble! You are not going to want to carry your bookbag around during the day once you arrive at your destination. For most destinations, you want a crossbody bag or some type of belt bag or hidden wallet to carry. I personally opt for a crossbody bag so that I can throw some essentials into it like chapstick, lotion, blister pads…you know, the lot. Regardless of what you choose, I recommend bringing it in your carry-on bag. This way, you can quickly change over once your international flight is complete.

Planning a Trip Soon? Use My Favorite Resources Below!

Booking a Flight : Use Skyscanner to find the best prices! Accommodations : I love Booking.com ! Travel Insurance : SafetyWing Is the best in the industry! Things to Do: Use Viator for amazing experiences ! Car Rental: In Europe, I recommend DiscoverCars

Liquid Rules DO NOT APPLY to Medication

A lot of people misunderstand the TSA liquid rules and how they apply to medicine. Your medicine, as long as packaged appropriately, does not need to adhere to the 3-1-1 rule. DO NOT, under any circumstances, pack necessary medication in your checked bag. There is always a chance that your checked suitcase could go missing, and medication is often not something you can get replaced easily at your destination. All of your medicines should go in your carry-on bag.

Get a Printable Packing Checklist!

Click here to grab your FREE Printable International Travel Packing List!

Flying With Medical Devices

My husband uses a CPAP machine, so figuring out how he would use this during our overnight flight to Iceland was a thing . If you’re in a similar situation, for instance, I needed to use a breast pump while flying last year, give some thought to this ahead of time. You’ll definitely need to carry your medical device on in a separate bag. Make sure it is marked with a medical device luggage tag (this has saved us so many security screening headaches). You might consider calling your airline and asking if you’ll be able to use your device on the plane. They’ll be able to tell you about power sources, adapters, and any converters that might be needed.

Are You a Traveling New Mama? Read about how I breast pumped my way around Europe and how you can too!

What Toiletries to Bring

I am a master at packing toiletries for international flights. Seriously- I’ve cracked the code. I use these zippable plastic toiletry bags to prevent leaking! Your shampoo and such…all that shower stuff…it can go straight in your checked luggage. But you’ll still want to put other things in your carry-on- especially things you can’t replace…like CONTACTS! On overnight international flights, I always bring the following: face wash, moisturizer, eye cream, a makeup remover towel, a face mask, toothpaste & a toothbrush, dry shampoo, some light makeup, and an additional pair of contacts with contact solution. Being able to wash your face and take off your makeup on an overnight flight is some sort of luxurious miracle. I am not even joking. You do not want to arrive at your destination feeling like a troll. Not the look. Take your makeup off before you sleep on the plane. Wash your face and put moisturizer on. Then, before your flight lands in the morning, use a face mask (if you’re a tad bougie like me 🤷), moisturize, brush your teeth, put on a little makeup, and spritz some dry shampoo. Voila! You feel like a new person and not a drowned, exhausted possum.

⭐Travel Packing List: Carry-On For a Comfortable International Flight

The last thing you want is to be uncomfortable or bored on a long-haul flight. Here’s what I always take on my international trips, and what I recommend you take in order to be most comfortable!

⭐ Necessary Practical Items For Your Carry-On

By the same token, there are some things that you need to have in your carry-on. These items will help you travel efficiently and travel well. Here’s what needs to be on the rest of your carry-on packing list for international travel :

2. International Travel Packing List: Checked Baggage

I’ve separated this portion of the packing list for international travel because, well, a checked bag is a whole other animal. What to pack for your entire trip in your checked luggage can be a bear . This is where the inexperienced end up severely overpacking, or you get to Europe and realize you have almost NOTHING that you actually need. Not to worry. I’ve made these mistakes so that you don’t have to! Here’s the ultimate international travel checklist for what you’ll want to chuck into your checked suitcase:

First Trip Abroad? Read About the 33 Top Tips for Your First Time Traveling Internationally!

Purchase Quality Checked Luggage

Purchasing luggage is not the time when you want to look to save a buck. Trust me when I say that traveling internationally with a broken suitcase is awful. Even if it’s just a snagging wheel, it’s so much more of an inconvenience than you might think. Purchase a well-reviewed, four-way rolling suitcase. This will help you maneuver easily at all times. I personally like to travel with soft-sided luggage, though I know many travelers who also travel with hard-sided. The choice is yours. If you’re not confident in your own research, here is a sturdy and reasonably-priced suitcase that I love!

The Best Ways to Save Space When Packing

There are a few different ways of packing to save space. You can fold in outfit groups, roll your items, or use packing cubes. I’ve found that a mixture of these tactics works best! First, place your shoes at the very bottom of your suitcase before stacking clothes on top. You can also slide sandals and thinner shoes into the sides once you’re finished packing. For heavier things like coats, sweatshirts, and jeans, rolling them will actually make them take up more space. Fold these as neatly as you can and stack them in a corner of your suitcase. You can absolutely roll other items like shirts, leggings, and thinner clothing pieces. I tend to have one side of my suitcase for rolled items and another for stacked. Finally, I am 100% a fan of packing cubes . I have found that they zip in many more things than I can usually fit! Plus, they are so much easier to organize. I can stack my outfits together and zip them into one packing cube, no sweat. They make life much faster- Especially when I’m traveling with my kids.

⭐ An International Packing List of Items For Your Checked Baggage

Travel Packing List for Summer or a Beach Vacation

If you’re traveling during summer or you are headed to a tropical location, you may want to add the following items to your travel packing list as well:

Everything You Need for a Winter Packing List For International Travel

As with above, adjust your packing list with the below items if you’re traveling internationally for a winter or snowy getaway !

3. Double-Check You Have ALL Necessary Travel Documents

You’re all set and ready to walk out the door on the adventure of a lifetime …WAIT! Stop and check for these critical travel documents. You cannot leave home without them (Seriously, don’t!).

Your Passport

Goes without saying that your passport should be at the top of your travel packing list, right? Well, you’ll also want to make sure that your passport is valid for at least 3 months after your return, otherwise you might be prevented from boarding. Not kidding- this happened to my friend when we were traveling together!

Read Next: Essential Must-Have Travel Items For International Travel

Depending on where you’re traveling to, you may need a visa in order to enter the country. You’ll want to check regulations for this early, as it can take a few weeks to gain clearance. The easiest way to do this is to consult this list of where visas are required.

Credit Cards (With No Foreign Transaction Fees)

The best way to prevent getting stuck in another country without access to funds is to have a credit card with you. Make sure you plan ahead and find a credit card without foreign transaction fees! This will save you a ton of money. Also, be sure to call your credit card company and let them know you’ll be traveling. This way, they don’t shut off your credit card due to suspecting fraudulent charges.

Medical Insurance Card

Emergencies and mishaps happen even to the best planners. Keep yourself safe by bringing your medical insurance card with you. Keep this on your person at all times just in case you need to hand it over to a doctor’s office or hospital abroad.

Travel Insurance Documents

You always think you don’t need travel insurance… until you do . And then you don’t have it. Because you thought it was a luxury. Purchase reliable travel insurance and make sure to carry copies of your policy documents with you.

⭐ I prefer to purchase my travel insurance through Safety Wing! Their plans are affordable and reasonable, and they have an incredibly responsive customer service team!

Birth Certificate

If you are flying internationally with a young child, double-check if you need to bring their birth certificate along with you.

TIP: Make copies of these documents and stash them in your suitcase just in case. That way, if you lose something important, you at least have a backup photo.

Don’t Forget These Easily Missed Items!

No matter how well you plan, there are always things that people end up forgetting. And, they generally tend to be the things that you can’t pack ahead of time. You know, like the glasses you will actually need the night before. Double-check and make a note of these commonly forgotten packing list items:

Things You’ll Likely Need to Purchase For Your Trip

Before I traveled internationally for the first time, I had none of the things I needed . I mean, how could you?

There are literally just so many things you don’t know that you don’t know. For instance, the electric plugs in other countries are completely different. (If you didn’t know that, count yourself in good company). In any case, the point is, there are likely a few key travel items you’ll need to grab ahead of time because you just don’t have them lying around and you can’t really survive without them. Here are a few:

What NOT To Pack For International Travel

Part of traveling internationally is recognizing that you will not have all of your creature comforts with you. Travel pushes you out of your comfort zone- and that’s a good thing! Try to avoid over-packing. You don’t need a new pair of pants for every day, and you certainly don’t need 75 pairs of underwear. If you do a 10-step skincare routine (it’s me. Hi!), what steps can you cut out during your travels? You don’t need to bring your own pillow, and, unless you have some fancy European partying planned, I can promise you that you ain’t wearin’ heels on the cobblestone streets of Amsterdam . So don’t bring ’em! Think about what you can purchase when you get to your destination, too. Drugstores and convenience stores are very widespread- especially in Europe! You can buy bath bubbles (if you must have them) when you get there. And, I hate to be that person, but you could totally also buy extra underwear if you had to, too. Lol!

Your Airport Outfit: What to Wear on Your International Flight

The absolute last thing you want is to be uncomfortable on a long-haul flight. This is not the time to dress for looks, people. Trust me on that one. Wear pants or shorts without buttons. I personally am always flying in leggings. Then, top that with something that can be layered. A tee shirt with a hoodie overtop. Or a tank top with a sweater. You never know whether the plane will be the Sahara desert or the North Pole; it’s always a gamble. Since you’ll likely be walking around the airport quite a bit, wear supportive shoes. You can always take these off in flight if you’d like. But DO NOT ever go barefoot on a plane. They are disgusting . Instead, bring a pair of fuzzy socks or something else to put on during your travel time. Just please, for the love of God, put your shoes back on when you go into the bathroom.

Travel Packing Hacks and Tips

Packing for an entire trip can feel like climbing Mount Everest. It’s a huge job. Thankfully, some travel hacks can make this task much more manageable.

Lay Everything Out Ahead of Time

Seriously, everything. A week before I leave on a trip, my bedroom looks like a tornado came through. Lay everything out and plan your outfits that way. When you’re finished, put things back that you don’t need to take! Also, use this time to write a list of what you’ll need to grab at the last minute (things you can’t pack ahead of time). That way you don’t forget anything!

Track Your Luggage

Grab an AirTag and throw that baby in your checked luggage. You’ll be able to see where your suitcase is at all times. If it gets lost, you’ll at least know where to tell the airline to look!

Wear Some of Your Heavier Pieces

If you’re traveling in winter, chances are you have some heavy coats, boots, and accessories that you’re bringing with you. Consider wearing some of these on the plane or stashing them in your carry-on to help lower the weight of your checked bag.

Use the Space Inside Your Shoes

Accessories like belts and hair things, socks, and even pairs of underwear and some toiletries can fit right into your shoes! Don’t let that added space inside your luggage go to waste!

Tag Your Checked Luggage With Something Visible

Have you ever been at an airport baggage carousel and seen just how many black suitcases there are? A million. That’s how many. If you’re not getting a suitcase that stands out from the crowd, you need to mark your luggage with something visible to make it easily recognizable! I use these luggage handle wraps . They’re cheap, bright, and durable!

Bring a Collapsible Bag

This is one of my favorite international travel packing list hacks! And it’s so ridiculously easy. Throw an extra packable or collapsible bag into your luggage on your way to your destination. Then, when you’re on your way home, use it as a personal item on the plane. You can put souvenirs, heavy clothes, or anything else you don’t have space for in your suitcase right into the bag and save space and weight in your luggage!

Final Thoughts: The Ultimate International Travel Packing Checklist

There you have it! Everything you need for a complete travel packing checklist for your international travels! Plus, some helpful tips and tricks to help you maximize your space and travel like a pro! I hope you have the best trip ever making your travel dreams a reality!

Taylor Beal, owner and author of Traverse With Taylor, has been traveling in Europe for more than a decade and helps others explore Europe easily through amazing guides and itineraries. She has adventured through more than 20 countries, searching for the best experiences, must-try foods, and delicious beers! She spends a lot of time in Scotland and Amsterdam, two of her favorite places! Taylor is also a Holocaust educator focused on raising awareness around WWII historical sites.

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International Travel Packing Checklist: What Gear to Bring

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Packing for international travel can be overwhelming, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the destination’s climate and culture. Even if you manage to bring everything you need, you could end up overpacking and lugging around a heavy suitcase.

To help make your packing experience easier, we’ve put together a comprehensive international travel packing checklist. Just remember to adjust the items on this list based on any specific requirements for your destination and the length of your stay.

The 9 Essentials That Should Always Be On Your International Travel Packing List

• Identification documents: passport, ID card, driver’s license, documents for your children, etc.
• Country-specific documents: visa, vaccination certificate, health forms
• Travel documents: boarding pass, booking confirmations, travel insurance
• Cash: local currency
• Medication: essential over-the-counter and prescription
• Clothing : enough to cover your whole stay
• Extreme weather gear : sun hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, rain jacket, cold-weather boots, etc.
• A bag of essential toiletries : shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrush, deodorant
• Electronics gear: country-specific adapters and chargers for your phone, tablet, laptop, etc.

Our Ultimate International Travel Packing Checklist for Men and Women

To download a condensed, free PDF version of our ultimate international travel packing list, click here .

• Electronics

Accessories

Miscellaneous

Some other items that you might need when traveling with toddlers and young children.

When traveling alone or as an adult couple, it’s generally possible to get by with the essentials. However, if you’re traveling with toddlers or young children, there are a few additional items that you should consider bringing.

• Baby food & formula
• Baby monitor
• Diapers and disposable diaper bags
• Toys & books
• Travel crib

Toiletries in Your Hand Luggage Must Follow the 3-1-1 Rule

If you’re bringing your own toiletries in your hand luggage, be sure to follow the 3-1-1 rule . This means your toiletry bag must contain no more than 3.4oz (100ml) containers, must be sealed in a 1-quart (1L) clear, plastic, zip-top bag, and each passenger can only bring one bag. This rule applies to liquids, gels, pastes, creams, and aerosols.

The Rules for Traveling With Electronics

The rules for traveling with electronics depend on the airline, country, and airport that you’re flying to and from.

When traveling to or from the U.S ., for example, you should be aware of the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) rules for electronics. These rules require that all electronics larger than a smartphone must be taken out of your carry-on bag and placed in a separate bin for X-ray screening . This includes laptops, tablets, and e-readers.

It’s also important to note that some countries have restrictions on the type of electronics that you can bring into the country. For example, many countries, including China and Brazil, prohibit the import of certain electronics, like iPhones and iPads, and require you to declare these upon arrival.

Certain countries have restrictions around lithium batteries as well . This means you won ‘t be able to bring batteries with more than 100 watt – hours in your carry – on or checked luggage . To check the watt – hours of your batteries , check the label on the battery or the device itself .

Finally , you should be aware that some countries, such as South Africa and India, require you to register your laptop and other electronic devices with customs when you arrive . This is due to the increasing number of laptop thefts and other electronics – related crimes in those countries .

Unfortunately , there is no one – size – fits – all answer when it comes to traveling with electronics , so make sure to do your research before you go .

Don’t Forget the Size and Weight Restrictions for Your Baggage

Underseat bags.

• Must not be larger than 17 x 10 x 9 inches (43 x 25 x 23 cm)
• Cannot exceed 17 lbs (8kg) when combined with the weight of your carry-on

Carry-on bags

• Must not be larger than 22 x 14 x 9 inches (55 x 35 x 23 cm)
• Cannot exceed 22 lbs (10kg)

Checked bags

• Must not be larger than 62 linear inches (157 cm)
• Cannot exceed 50 lbs (23kg)

No matter what size or weight restrictions you have, it’s important to make sure you pack smartly and efficiently . To do this, try to use packing cubes and consider rolling your clothes instead of folding them. This will help you maximize the amount of space in your luggage, so you can bring all the essentials without having to worry about the size or weight limits.

Which Items You’ll Need to Remove When Going Through Security

When you’re getting ready to go through security, there are a few items that you’ll need to remove from your carry-on bag and person. These include:

• Laptops and tablets
• All electronics larger than a smartphone
• Metal jewelry
• All liquids, gels, and aerosols
• Belts and other accessories

If you have any food items in your carry-on, you may also be asked to remove them for inspection.

It’s also important to note that some countries, such as the U.S., require you to remove your laptop, tablet, and other electronics from your bag even if you’re not checking them through security.

Which Items You Should Pack In Your Personal Item, Carry-On, and Checked Luggage

When traveling, it’s important to know which items you should pack in each type of luggage, as this will help you stay organized and minimize the amount of time you spend at the security checkpoint . Here is a quick breakdown of what should go in your personal item, carry-on, and checked luggage:

Personal Item

• Travel documents

Checked Luggage

As a general rule, it’s best to keep all valuables, medications, and important documents with you in your personal item and carry-on. This will ensure that you always have access to these items and that they remain safe.

Which Items You’re Allowed to Take for Free in Addition to Hand Luggage

When traveling, you’re usually allowed to take a few items for free in addition to your hand luggage. This typically includes a personal item, such as a laptop bag, a purse, or a briefcase, as well as a jacket or coat.

However, some airlines may limit the number of items you can bring for free, so it’s best to check your airline’s policy before you travel.

Tips on How to Save Space When Packing for an International Vacation

Packing for an international trip can be overwhelming, and it’s easy to end up overpacking or lugging around a heavy suitcase. To make your packing experience easier, here are a few tips on how to save space when packing for an international vacation:

1. Roll Your Clothes

Rolling your clothes instead of folding them can help you save a lot of space in your suitcase.

2. Pack Lightweight, Versatile Clothes

Bringing lightweight and versatile clothes will help you save space and minimize the amount of clothes you need to pack.

3. Use Packing Cubes

Packing cubes are a great way to keep your suitcase organized and maximize the amount of space in your luggage.

4. Wear Your Bulkiest Clothes

If you’re traveling to a cold destination, wear your bulkiest clothes, such as your winter coat, on the plane. This will help you save space in your suitcase.

5. Leave Some Space for Souvenirs

Make sure to leave some extra space in your suitcase for souvenirs, as this will help you avoid having to buy an additional bag to bring them home.

6. Pack Multi-Purpose Items

Bringing items that serve multiple purposes, such as a scarf that can also be used as a blanket, will help you save space and avoid having to bring multiple items for the same purpose.

7. Invest in a Lightweight Suitcase

Investing in a lightweight suitcase can help you save space and make it easier to carry your luggage.

Don’t Bring These Prohibited Items

When traveling internationally, you should be aware of the items that are prohibited on planes and in certain countries. These items include:

• Flammable and combustible liquids
• Sharp objects
• Electronic cigarettes
• Hoverboards

Make sure to check your destination’s customs regulations and the airline’s policy before you pack, as some countries and airlines may have additional restrictions.

Don’t Forget These Long-Haul Essentials for a Comfortable Flight

Taking a long-haul flight can be tiring and uncomfortable, so it’s important to make sure you bring the essentials to ensure a comfortable flight. Here are a few items you should bring on a long-haul flight:

• Neck pillow
• Water bottle
• Travel blanket
• Compression socks
• Entertainment (books, movies, music, etc.)
• Disinfecting wipes

Many of these will be provided by the airline, but they may not be up to your standards, so it’s always best to bring your own.

What to Look Out for When Shopping for New, Sturdy Luggage

When shopping for new luggage, you should look for a few key features to ensure you get a sturdy and reliable suitcase. Here are a few tips on what to look out for:

While hardside luggage made from ABS is likely to be the cheapest on the market, it’s also the most prone to damage. If you’re looking for a suitcase that will last, opt for a polycarbonate or aluminum piece. If you prefer softside luggage, go for a high-denier nylon or polyester piece.

Read more:  The Ultimate Guide to Luggage Materials

Most hardside luggage is fitted with spinner wheels, which are great for maneuverability. However, take a look at the wheels to make sure they’re durable and have quality bearings. For softside luggage, in-line wheels provide excellent stability and can be rolled along almost any surface.

Make sure the handle is adjustable and sturdy. Ergonomically designed handles place the least strain on your wrists as you wheel your suitcase. You should also ensure that your suitcase has carry handles so it can be lifted with ease when needed.

Zippers & Locks

Opt for a piece with good-quality zippers and an integrated TSA lock. YKK zippers are considered the best on the market.

Many manufacturers offer a limited warranty that covers any defects in the material and workmanship. Make sure you read the warranty carefully and check the length of the coverage before you make your purchase.

The weight of a suitcase is largely dependent on the materials used to make the piece, and generally speaking, hardside suitcases usually weigh more than softside suitcases. If you’re considering a hardside suitcase, opt for one made from polycarbonate or ABS, as these are the lightest materials on the market. For softside luggage, nylon and polyester are the lightest materials.

Read More:  How Much Does an Empty Suitcase Weigh on Average?

Final Words

Packing for an international trip can be daunting, but it’s important to remember that anything you forget will likely be available wherever you’re traveling.

By following this international travel packing checklist and the tips provided, you can make sure you have everything you need for your trip without having to lug around a heavy suitcase.

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Your Essential International Travel Packing List Guide

• December 17, 2023
• Before Your Trip , Travel Tips

When it comes to traveling internationally, packing efficiently is key. To help you prepare for your journey, I have put together a comprehensive packing list guide that covers everything you need for a successful trip. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or embarking on your first international adventure, this ultimate packing guide for global travel will ensure that you have all the essentials.

From clothing and toiletries to travel documents and entertainment items, this guide will cover it all. You’ll find recommendations for what to pack for different types of trips, including family vacations, beach getaways, and more. And to make your planning even easier, we’ve included our packing list template for your convenience.

So, before you start packing, take a moment to browse through this essential international travel packing list guide. It will help you stay organized, save time, and stop wondering what to pack for international travel. Let’s dive in and get ready for your next adventure!

International Travel Documents Checklist

Before embarking on an international trip, it is important to have the necessary travel documents . This checklist will guide you through the must-have items for international travel you need to have to ensure a smooth journey.

1. Valid Passport

Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months after your planned departure date, and renew it if necessary.

Research the visa requirements for your destination country and obtain the necessary visa before traveling. Some countries offer visa -free entry, while others require a visa in advance.

If you are not sure, check there are online resources, like VisaHQ , that help you find out if you need a visa. Your safest bet, however, is to check your own government’s website about visas.

3. Proof of Travel Medical Insurance

Having travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost or stolen belongings is highly recommended. Review the policy coverage and ensure it meets your needs and make sure to carry the proof of your insurance coverage with you.

4. Credit cards

Notify your credit card provider about your travel plans to avoid any unexpected security blocks. Carry at least one credit card for emergencies and make a note of the customer service number in case of loss or theft.

5. Additional Documents

• Itinerary: Print a copy of your travel itinerary, including flight details, accommodation, and any planned activities.
• Driver’s License: If you plan on renting a car , check if an international driver’s license is required in your destination country.
• Prescriptions: If you take any medication, carry a copy of your prescriptions and ensure you have an adequate supply for the duration of your trip.

6. Digital Copies

Scan and save digital copies of all your important travel documents , including your passport , visa, travel insurance , and itinerary. Email them to yourself and store them in a secure, password-protected folder.

By following this international travel documents checklist, you can ensure that you have all the necessary paperwork and peace of mind for a stress-free journey. Remember to check the specific requirements of your destination country and keep your documents safe throughout your trip.

Additional Travel Documents for COVID-19 Pandemic

As the world continues to navigate the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, international travel has become more complex. In addition to the standard travel documents, such as passports and visas, there are now additional requirements to consider before embarking on your journey.

Health Pass

A health pass is one of the key travel documents introduced during the pandemic. It is a digital or physical document that verifies the holder’s health status, specifically regarding COVID-19. The health pass may require proof of a negative COVID-19 test or vaccination. It serves as a way for authorities to track and monitor the health status of travelers, helping to mitigate the spread of the virus across borders.

Vaccine Card

If you have received the COVID-19 vaccine, it is important to carry your vaccine card with you when traveling internationally. The vaccine card serves as evidence of your vaccination status and may be required for entry into certain countries or venues. Be sure to keep your vaccine card in a safe place, as it is a valuable document that may need to be presented upon arrival.

Negative COVID-19 Test

Some countries may require a negative COVID-19 test result before allowing entry. This test is typically conducted within a specific timeframe before travel, such as 72 hours before departure. The results must be presented in a specific format, often in hard copy or digital form. It is important to research the testing requirements of your destination country and ensure that you have the necessary documentation.

COVID-19 restrictions are constantly changing, but there are online resources that give a good overview of the restrictions. One that I like to use is VisaHQ .

What are the essentials to pack?

Planning a vacation requires careful consideration of all the travel packing essentials you’ll need for a successful trip. Whether you’re traveling alone or with family, having a comprehensive packing list is essential to ensure that nothing is left behind. Here is a packing checklist for overseas travel:

• Cash: This can be a good option if you come from a country with a strong currency and are going to a country with a currency that is not widely accepted. It’s important to keep your cash in a secure location, such as a concealed pocket or a money belt.
• Local currency: It is a good idea to convert a little to the local currency before you get there. In some parts of the world, cards are not accepted everywhere and taxis, for example, might operate exclusively in cash. However, more often than not, you will get better rates at your destination (not the airport though!). So make sure you convert most of your cash when you get there.
• A travel credit card might be a great choice for you. This can be a great way to earn rewards while also having access to emergency cash if needed. Be sure to research different cards and compare fees before choosing one.
• Get a Wise card . Wise allows you to open balances in different currencies with a click of a button. You can also pay with their card around the world in more than 40 currencies and it will automatically convert the needed amount into the local currency with minimal fees. I always bring my Wise card with me when I travel internationally.

You will also need to make sure you have a way to pay for things while you are abroad. Be sure to have a mix of different payment methods, such as cash, debit cards, and credit cards.

2. Clothing

• Enough outfits for each day of the trip, including extra clothes for unexpected situations , like getting caught in a rainstorm or spilling food on your clothes at a restaurant.
• Sweaters or jackets for cool evenings
• Sleepwear for comfortable nights
• Swimwear and beach attire for water activities
• Comfortable shoes for walking and exploring

3. Safety Essentials

• First aid kit with band-aids, antiseptic ointment, and any necessary medications
• Emergency contact numbers and medical information
• Childproofing items for hotel rooms or vacation rentals
• Insect repellent to keep bugs at bay (depending on the location)

4. Medical Supplies

• Prescription medications with enough supply for the duration of the trip
• Over-the-counter medications for simple cases like allergies or headaches might come in handy while on the road
• Travel-sized hand sanitizer to keep hands clean
• Tissues and wet wipes for quick clean-ups
• Reusable water bottles to keep everyone hydrated

5. Toiletries and Personal Items

• Toothbrushes , toothpaste, and dental floss
• Shampoo , conditioner, and body wash
• Hairbrushes , combs, and hair accessories
• Deodorant and other personal hygiene products
• Extra empty bag to put dirty laundry in or carry souvenirs

Remember to pack specific items for babies , such as diapers, bottles, formula, baby food, and any other essentials they may need. It’s also a good idea to bring some entertainment items like toys, books, and electronic devices to keep children entertained during the journey.

Packing List for Beach Vacations

When preparing for a beach vacation abroad, it’s essential to have a well-planned packing list that includes all the necessary beach travel essentials and gear. Here is a comprehensive checklist to ensure that you have everything you need for a fun and relaxing time by the ocean.

Beach Clothing and Accessories:

• Swimwear : Pack an appropriate number of swimsuits for the duration of your trip.
• Cover-ups: Lightweight, breathable cover-ups provide protection from the sun and offer a stylish option for beachside lounging.
• Clothing: Don’t forget to pack comfortable beach clothing such as shorts, t-shirts, and sundresses.
• Hats and sunglasses: Protect yourself from the sun’s rays with a wide-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses.
• Sandals and flip-flops: Opt for waterproof and comfortable footwear that can withstand sandy beaches.

Toiletries and Personal Care:

• Sunscreen: Choose a high-SPF sunscreen to protect your skin from harmful UV rays.
• Beach towels: Pack lightweight and quick-drying towels for lounging on the beach.
• Beach bag: Carry all your essentials in a spacious and durable beach bag.
• Waterproof phone case: Keep your phone protected from water and sand while enjoying the beach.
• Beach entertainment: Bring items like beach games, books, and headphones to keep yourself entertained during beach downtime.

Remember to tailor the checklist to your specific needs and preferences, and enjoy your time under the sun!

What to Bring as Carry-On?

When preparing for international travel, it’s important to pack a few key items that will make your journey more comfortable and enjoyable. This international travel essentials checklist should always be included in your carry-on packing list , ensuring that they are easily accessible throughout your trip. Whether you’re traveling alone or with family, these items will help keep you organized, entertained, and prepared for any situation.

1. Headphones

Investing in a good pair of noise-canceling headphones is a must for long flights. They not only allow you to listen to your favorite music or watch movies without disturbance but also create a more serene environment, helping you relax and sleep during the journey.

2. Sweater or Light Jacket

Even if you’re traveling to a warm destination, it’s a good idea to pack a sweater or light jacket in your carry-on. Airplanes can get chilly, and having an extra layer can provide comfort during the flight.

Packing some snacks in your carry-on is a smart move, especially for long flights or delays. Choose non-perishable items like granola bars, nuts, or dried fruit to keep you fueled and satisfied throughout your journey.

4. Medications

If you take any prescription medications, be sure to have them easily accessible in your carry-on bag. It’s also a good idea to pack some over-the-counter medications like pain relievers, antacids, and motion sickness pills to address any minor discomforts that may arise during your travels.

Liquids and Toiletries for International Travel

When it comes to packing toiletries for international travel, it’s essential to be mindful of the TSA’s 3.4 oz (100 ml) liquid limit . This means that you’ll need to carefully select your travel-sized toiletries and ensure they fit within the guidelines. Here are some tips to help you pack your liquids and toiletries efficiently:

• Invest in travel-sized toiletries: Look for travel-sized versions of your favorite toiletries such as shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and toothpaste. These smaller sizes not only take up less space in your luggage but also comply with the liquid restrictions.
• Consider leak-proof containers: To prevent any mishaps and ensure that your liquids don’t leak during travel, invest in leak-proof travel bottles. These are designed specifically for travel and will help keep your toiletries secure.
• Use packing palettes: If you prefer to bring your own makeup or skincare products, consider packing them in palettes instead of individual bottles. This way, you can save space and still have all your favorite products on hand.

When it comes to medications, it’s important to pack them in their original containers and carry a copy of the prescription. Additionally, don’t forget to include essential toiletries for maintaining your skincare routine while traveling.

Remember, that these requirements apply to carry-on items only , so feel free to pack larger items in your checked baggage.

Entertainment and Comfort for International Travel

When embarking on long international flights, it’s essential to pack items that will keep you entertained and comfortable throughout the journey. These are some must-have items that will help pass the time and make your travel experience more enjoyable:

• A Good Book:  There’s nothing like getting lost in a good book, and there’s no better time to do it than when you’re on a long flight or traveling to a new place. Bring along a book that you’ve been meaning to read or one that you know you’ll enjoy.
• Your Phone/Tablet: If you’re going to be without Wi-Fi for a while, make sure to download some books, magazines, or podcasts before you go.Moreover, you want to make sure you have cellular data at your destination. You can either buy a local SIM card , which can be a hassle. Or use eSIMs for easy connectivity.
• Journal and pen: Document your travel experiences or jot down your thoughts and reflections during the flight. It’s a great way to capture memories and engage in self-reflection.
• Camera: Capture the beautiful moments of your trip with a camera. Whether it’s a compact point-and-shoot or a DSLR, having a camera handy allows you to freeze memories in time and share them with others.
• Noise-canceling Headphones: A good pair of headphones is a travel essential. Listen to your favorite music, podcasts, or audiobooks to relax and block out any unwanted noise.
• Travel pillow: Resting during a long flight can be challenging, but a travel pillow can provide extra comfort and support for your neck and head. It’s a small item that can make a big difference in your overall comfort. It’ll help you sleep, and you’ll be thankful you have it.
• Crosswords or Sudoku: We all know how frustrating it can be to be waiting in an airport or on a long car ride with nothing to do. To avoid this situation, make sure to pack a Sudoku or crossword puzzle book (or both!). Not only will they keep your mind sharp, but you’ll also have a great sense of accomplishment when you finish one.
• Comfortable Clothes: This one may seem obvious, but it’s worth mentioning. When you’re traveling, you’ll want to make sure you’re wearing comfortable clothes. That means clothes that won’t wrinkle, that are easy to move in, and that won’t make you too hot or too cold. And if you’re going to be doing a lot of walking, don’t forget to pack comfortable shoes.

The key is to choose items that align with your interests and preferences. Bon voyage!

Packing Cosmetics for International Travel

When it comes to packing cosmetics for international travel, it’s important to prioritize convenience and compliance with TSA regulations. Here are some tips and recommendations for selecting travel-friendly cosmetics that will help you look and feel your best during your journey.

1. Stick Products:

Opt for makeup products in stick form whenever possible. These compact and portable items are not only TSA-friendly but also easy to apply on the go. Look for stick foundations, blushes, highlighters, and eyeshadows to minimize the number of liquid or powder products in your luggage.

2. Multipurpose Items:

To save space and reduce the number of products you need to pack, consider using multipurpose items. Look for products that can serve multiple functions, such as a tinted moisturizer with SPF, a lip and cheek stain, or a makeup palette with versatile shades for eyes, cheeks, and lips.

3. Travel-Sized Options:

Many beauty brands offer travel-sized versions of their popular products, making it easier to adhere to TSA’s liquid restrictions. Invest in travel-sized bottles and containers for your skincare essentials, and consider purchasing travel-sized versions of your favorite makeup items. These smaller sizes not only save space but also ensure that you stay within the allowed limits.

4. Decanting and Sample Sizes:

If you can’t find travel-sized versions of your must-have cosmetics, consider decanting them into smaller containers. Use small, leak-proof bottles or sample containers to transfer your favorite products, ensuring that you have just enough for your trip. This way, you can bring your preferred items without exceeding the liquid limits.

When packing cosmetics for international travel, it’s essential to prioritize convenience, TSA compliance, and space-saving solutions.

Packing Tips For International Trips

When packing for an international trip, it is important to keep in mind the climate of your destination, the activities you will be participating in, and the length of your stay. With these factors in mind, here are some packing tips for international trips to help you make the most of your suitcase space and travel light.

• Make a packing list.  This will help you avoid overpacking and forgetting essential items. It’s best to start with the essentials like clothes, toiletries, and electronics. Make sure to check that you have everything you need before heading out. Then, add items specific to your destination and activities, such as swimwear if you’re going to the beach or hiking boots if you’re planning to go on nature walks.
• Pack versatile clothing items.  To prevent overpacking, bring items that can be mixed and matched to create different outfits. For example, pack a few basic tops and bottoms in neutral colors that can be dressed up or down. And don’t forget to pack a few items that can serve multiple purposes, such as a scarf that can be used as a blanket or a sarong that can double as a beach towel.
• Roll your clothes instead of folding them. This will help to prevent wrinkles and will save you space in your luggage. If you’re traveling with carry-on luggage only, make use of every nook and cranny by packing smaller items into larger ones, such as filling an empty shampoo bottle with body lotion.

Get Ready to Pack Your Bags

Creating a packing list for international travel can be overwhelming , but with a comprehensive checklist , you can ensure that you have everything you need for a successful trip. Following this guide,  you can have peace of mind and enjoy your international adventure to the fullest.

Knowing what to pack is one thing, but completely another to keep track of while packing. We also put together a travel packing list template to make your life just a little easier.

Traveling with the whole family, use this family vacation packing list .

Make your journey count!

Extra tip: Be 100% prepared for your international adventure with our  international travel checklist .

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The Ultimate International Travel Packing List for a Stress-Free Trip

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You booked your flight. You scored the cutest Airbnb. Now it’s time to pack—oh, crap. What on earth do you bring when you’re traveling outside the U.S.? If you’re a natural jet-setter, it probably doesn’t seem like there’s much of a difference from a domestic vacay (aside from that whole passport thing). But if you’ve never traveled internationally, welcome to the club!

Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-time international voyager, there is one thing that stands between you and the most epic getaway of all time: a perfectly packed suitcase. Stuffing your entire life into a stowed bag, carry-on and personal item for a long trip can be daunting (what if you forget lip balm?!), but it but it doesn’t have to be anxiety-inducing.

We like to think of packing in three distinct steps:

• Checked luggage
• Personal item/carry-on (including toiletries, entertainment, legal documents and medications)
• The airport outfit (of course)

Once you break your list into organized segments, packing is suddenly way more manageable. Here’s how we do it:

Your ‘Traveling the World for a Year’ Checklist, According to Someone Who’s Doing It

1. Checked Luggage

This is the big one (obviously). If you’re traveling for longer than a week without access to a washing machine (or just don’t want to deal—that’s why you’re on vacation, right?), you’re going to want to pack every single thing you need in an tiny 26” x 18” box. Sure, most of the places you travel will have the items you might forget, but you definitely don’t want to risk it or spend any of that hard-earned travel money on boring necessities—that cash is better used on an extra bottle of Chianti at that fancy Michelin-Starred restaurant you booked months in advance.

Even if you’re checking a bag, the space is a bit tight. How on earth are you supposed to pack the seven pairs of shoes you absolutely can’t live without? It’s all about paring down and learning to play Jenga with your items.

Packing Methods: Some of us are avid rollers, while others subscribe to the “fold it or bust” packing technique. The verdict? Do whatever fits the most in your suitcase (without incurring overweight fees, of course). Rolling clothing is said to cut down on creases and wrinkles, which is especially helpful for satin and silk items. But sturdier pieces, like jeans, might actually take up more room when rolled, as opposed to folded flat and stacked. Some PureWow editors are also obsessed with packing cubes , i.e., the best way to compartmentalize your items if you want to know exactly where everything is without rifling through your whole suitcase.

How to Save Space: Once you’ve found the clothing packing technique that works best for you, it’s time to think about shoes and accessories. Now, we’re not going to tell you that you can’t bring those seven pairs of shoes we previously mentioned. But just know that they will add lots of weight and take up space that could be better used for something else. If you are packing multiple pairs of shoes or multiple handbags, just make sure you’re using them smartly by utilizing the space inside for storage, too. We like to pack socks, belts, jewelry bags and even toiletries that you don’t need in-flight into the cavity of each shoe and handbag, kind of like an innovative, DIY packing cube.

We also like to plan out our outfits ahead of time to make sure we’re bringing multi-functional pieces. If one pair of heels is taking up a lot of real estate, but we’re only going to wear them with one outfit, it might be smart to leave them at home and sub in some other, more versatile footwear choice. It’s a lesson in strategy, for sure.

Here are the basics we make sure to bring, every time:

• Sweater, sweatshirt or light jacket
• Base layers like T-shirts and camisoles
• Pants, skirts and shorts
• Multifunctional dresses (Ask yourself this: Can you wear it as a beach cover-up and out to dinner?)
• Undergarments (you don’t need three per day, but pack one for every day plus a few extra)
• Shoes you can walk in (and dance in)
• PJs (this is a good place to skimp by wearing the same ones for two or three nights)
• Jewelry (but don’t bring your entire collection—just the pieces you’ll wear every day)
• Hat (especially if you’re headed somewhere tropical)
• Swimsuit(s)
• Wet/dry bag

2. Carry-on/personal Item

It’s not unheard of to pack for an international trip in a single carry-on and personal item. We’ve done it and it’s the way to go if you’re jetting around to a number of different cities (Euro trip, anyone?). Plus, there’s no way the airline can lose your luggage if it’s safely tucked into an overhead compartment, right?

If you’re using your carry-on as your only piece of luggage, the above checked-luggage packing tips and essentials still apply, you just have to be even more conscious of space as you’ll have to fit all your clothing and all your in-flight essentials (yep, and TSA-restricted liquids).

Liquids and Toiletries: TSA’s 3.4 oz liquid limit is internationally mandated, so if you’re using a carry-on as your only luggage, you’ll have to leave the full-size toiletries at home. However, that doesn’t mean you have to blow your souvenir fund on travel-size items. We love leak-proof reusable containers that fit a small amount of your everyday products, and packing palettes that resemble pill organizers, that can fit multiple products in one convenient carrier. Make sure to put any oils or liquids you’re concerned about leaking in a Ziploc or reusable sandwich bag , for an added layer of protection.

If you’re staying at a hotel with ample amenities (this can also include an Airbnb or a friend’s house; just check ahead of time), then you can most likely leave shampoo, conditioner, body wash and body lotion at home. But we highly suggest bringing along your skin-care routine so as to not throw your complexion out of whack while traveling. Even so, try bringing only the absolute necessities. Yes, that means the oil you always forget to use can stay at home.

Medication: This probably goes without saying, but if you require daily medication or just need something to help you sleep blissfully through a red-eye, make sure you pack it in your carry-on. While many countries have fully stocked pharmacies for things like cold and cough medicine or first-aid supplies, it’s harder to get your prescriptions sent over from America.

Here are the toiletries we always pack:

• Over-the-counter medication (Advil/Tylenol, Immodium, Pepto-Bismol, Dramamine, Benadryl)
• First aid kit (Band-Aids, alcohol pads, bacitracin)
• Shampoo, conditioner and body wash (if necessary)
• Facial cleanser, makeup-remover wipes and Q-tips
• Skin-care routine
• Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss and mouthwash
• Contacts and contact solution
• Face mist (it’s dry up there!)
• Hand sanitizer
• Cologne/perfume
• Hair products (dry shampoo, hairspray, air dry spray, etc.)
• Hair brush/comb, bobby pins and hair elastics
• Razor and shaving cream
• Moisturizer

Makeup: Yes, we all want to look #flawless in our vacay pics, but there are smart ways to bring along your cosmetics. We love stick products that won’t add to our liquid quota and also won’t melt or cause a mess en route to our destination. And even at that, we tend to bring the bare minimum, because who wants to fuss with a full contour and highlight regimen when there is food to be tasted and adventures to be had?

Here’s an example of the pared down routine we bring:

• CC cream or foundation
• Blush (powder doubles as eye shadow, cream can be used as lipstick)
• Highlighter (can also be used on eyes)
• Bronzer (again, eye shadow)
• Eyebrow pencil

In-Flight Entertainment and Comfort: If you’re traveling internationally, you have a decently long flight ahead. If you pack all the right things, the time will fly (pun intended), but if not, you could risk the most boring ten hours of your life. Seriously, what if the screen on your seat is broken?! A long plane ride can be a great time to catch up on Netflix, read a book, listen to music or even get some work done (but remember, once on land the computer gets stashed for the remainder of the trip!).

We make sure never to forget the below items:

• Cell phone and charger
• Laptop, iPad or E-reader and charger(s)
• International power adapter/converter
• Portable cell phone charger
• Headphones  (as much as we love our Bluetooth headphones, a pair with a cord is compatible with the seat-back TV)
• Camera or video camera, memory card and chargers
• Travel pillow , eye mask and ear plugs
• Scarf or shawl (that can also be used as a blanket)
• Pen (you don’t want to be stuck filling out your customs form when you touch down)
• Books and magazines
• Hand sanitizer and antibacterial wipes
• Water bottle (just wait to fill it up after you get through TSA)

Legal Documents: This is the big one. We all know that a valid passport is our ticket to another country, but there are other documents you should always bring. For example, do you need a visa to travel to the country you’re visiting? Or are there medical documents you might need in case of emergency? There are also steps you can take to ensure your credit cards don’t get frozen for “suspicious activity outside the U.S.” Important: These documents should always get stashed in your carry-on or personal item for easy access at any time and less risk of being lost with luggage. Also, consider emailing a copy of those papers to a close family member or friend as backup in case your copies get lost.

Passport, Visa and ID: For starters, ensure that your passport is valid at least three months after the date of your trip. This means if you have a trip planned with a return date of June 1, your passport can’t expire until September 1 of the same year. Because, A. You don’t want to get stuck abroad with an expired passport (although that’s what the U.S. Embassy or Consulate is for, if it happens); and B. It takes about 6 to 12 weeks to get a new passport, so you should apply for one at least three months before the expiration date on your current documents. Since you don’t want to keep your passport on you while out and about abroad (more chances for it to get lost or stolen), make sure to bring your personal ID. Have a student ID? Take that, too as many museums and stores offer student discounts. Make sure to keep a copy of your passport in your email or on your phone, also in case of emergency.

Next, you’ll have to determine if you need a visa to travel to the country you’re visiting. Not sure? Here’s an easy list to check. Keep in mind that the visa process can take anywhere from two weeks to two months, so you’ll want to get the ball rolling as soon as your flights are booked.

If you’ve ever had to take a trip to the doctor while abroad, you know health insurance can be confusing, to say the least. Make sure to save space for all your health insurance cards and other necessary medical documents (just in case).

Lastly, you’re going to want to make photocopies of all your legal documents (passport, visa, IDs and health insurance cards) to prevent total mayhem if they’re lost or stolen. This will help speed along the process of securing a temporary passport (with a maximum validity of seven months) and getting replacements of your other items as quickly as possible.

Credit and Debit Cards: Now that most credit cards have a chip, they can be used whenever and wherever your heart desires. Double check whether or not your card(s) incur foreign transaction fees—if they do, you’ll have to keep those in mind with every purchase you make. We like to use our credit cards for actual purchases (because, points) and our debit card for taking cash out of ATMs. Hot tip: It’s usually easier (and less expensive) to take money out once you get to the country you’re visiting as you won’t have to pay the same fees you do at currency exchange hubs in the airport. Many U.S. banks also partner with international banks to omit the ATM fees. Just check with your bank before leaving if there are certain international ATMs you should look for. You’ll also want to make sure to contact your bank to let them know when and where you’re traveling so they don’t accidentally freeze your cards for suspicious activity. You can call them, visit a branch in person or even set a notice on your banking apps.

Remember what we said about making photocopies of your passport and visa? Do the same with your credit and debit cards—again just in case.

Here are the essentials:

• Passport/visa(s)
• Personal ID/Student ID
• Cash and credit card(s)
• Health insurance cards/document(s)
• Reservations and itineraries
• Hotel information
• Transportation tickets
• Emergency contacts and important addresses
• Copies of all these things in case you lose your wallet

3. The Airplane Outfit

You’ve mastered the art of the fold and roll. You maximized all the space inside your shoes and handbags. And your passport is ready for a new stamp (or six). The last piece of the puzzle? Figuring out what to wear to the airport. It might sound silly, but it’s crucial to a comfortable, long flight. 

First, consider airplane cabin temperature (usually plus or minus freezing) and the climate you’re traveling to. We like to dress in easy-to-peel-off layers in case we get hot mid-flight. A go-to formula usually looks something like:

• T-shirt or tank top
• Pants with stretch (leggings are great, but if you’re trying for style, cashmere pants are even more comfortable and polished)
• Sweater or sweatshirt (it’s a good idea to wear this on the plane so it doesn’t take up valuable space in your suitcase)
• Cozy socks (or compression socks if you’re serious about blood circulation)
• Easy on-off shoes (like slip-on sneakers —in case you have to take them off through airport security)
• Belt bag or crossbody (for your cell phone and legal documents) 

OK, now you’re ready to jet. Just download this packing checklist (and don’t forget the airplane snacks).

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The Ultimate Carry On Packing List After 12 Years of Travel

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We’ve been living out of carry-on bags for over 12 years now. We love the freedom that travelling light gives us—we can pack our belongings in 10 minutes, walk around easily with all our luggage, and breeze through airports without queuing at check-in desks or baggage carousels.

Below we share our current travel packing list. It has evolved over the years and is meant to give you a starting point for your own carry on packing list. You don’t need to follow it exactly as we all have our own preferences and needs. 

Living out of carry-on luggage for over a decade is very different from travelling for two weeks or even six months, and we’re certainly not ultralight travellers. We have a ton of electronics to run our online business, whereas many travellers could manage with just a phone.

We’ve added extra clothes over the years to reduce the amount of laundry we need to do and as I started running and yoga. I can’t believe in our first year we only had three tops and pairs of underwear!

We used to travel mostly in hot climates but have been spending more time in cooler places in winter. The packing list below works for multiple climates and I’ve noted the extra things we pack for cold places.

Our biggest change in recent years has been switching from one carry on backpack each to a rolling suitcase plus personal item. You can read more about that below as well as our carry on packing tips.

Our Carry On Suitcases

Our recommended carry-on backpacks, erin’s clothes, simon’s clothes, electronics, miscellaneous, documents and money, carry on packing tips, more carry-on packing posts, our change from carry-on backpack to suitcase.

After nearly ten years of carrying everything we own on our backs, we were ready for a change. 

We loved the freedom of travelling with a backpack—it’s easier to carry on rough streets, climb stairs, and hop on and off buses and boats.

But as we added more items over the years, our bags were getting heavier and we began to dread carrying them. 

Our travel style has also changed—we travel more slowly, often rent cars, and can afford to take taxis to our accommodation rather than walk. 

For travelling by bus around South America, a backpack made sense. When we spend more time in airports and cars, a suitcase makes life much easier. 

Back to Contents

I opted for the Away Bigger Carry-On Suitcase and the Away Everywhere Bag (as my personal item for my electronics). 

With this combination I maximise the amount I can carry on a plane. I haven’t had any issues so far on 10 airlines (including budget European airlines like Ryanair).

I am prepared that on some stricter airlines, I may need to check the suitcase as it is on the larger size for hand luggage and not all airlines allow two bags. If you are worried about this, check out the smaller Away Carry-On instead.

I was nervous about the change, but Away offers an amazing 100 day free trial, so I knew I could return it if it didn’t work out. They also provide free delivery to the US, UK, and Canada.

I haven’t looked back. The suitcase is stylish, spacious, and durable. The smooth spinner wheels mean I can effortlessly roll it alongside me (no need to drag it behind). They even worked on cobbled streets in Europe.

I especially love how the Everywhere Bag slides over the handles of the suitcase, so I don’t have to carry a thing. Airports are so easy now!

Stairs are more challenging with a suitcase than with a backpack, but I think it’s worth it for easy rolling the rest of the time.

Simon was jealous of my burden-free travel days, so he has now converted to the Away Bigger Carry-On too.

He pairs his suitcase with a Tortuga Setout Laptop Backpack, which he loves. It’s no longer available, but we also tested the Tortuga Outbreaker Laptop Backpack , which is similar.

The backpack has plenty of organisation, fits Simon’s two (!) laptops and large iPad, and has a sleeve so you can slide it onto suitcase handles and not need to carry it. 

I do still think backpacks are a great choice for many people, especially if you’ll be moving around a lot, taking public transport, and walking to your accommodation. 

They are best if you can pack lighter than we do—reducing electronics would help. 

Another advantage of backpacks is that you can get away with being over the allowed carry-on weight on planes, as they are less likely to be weighed. That said, our Away suitcases have yet to be weighed (thankfully). Read my tips on dealing with airline weight restrictions .

We think the Tortuga 40L Travel Backpack is the ideal carry-on backpack if you want plenty of space with good organisation, comfort, and a stylish design. See our Tortuga backpack review for full details.

If you’d prefer a smaller bag, I used to travel with and loved the Osprey Farpoint 40. They now offer a women’s specific fit, the Osprey Fairview 40 .

Our Carry-On Only Packing List

• Away Bigger Carry-On Suitcase (Erin and Simon) – Durable, incredibly spacious, and so easy to manoeuvre. It also comes with an optional built-in battery for charging your phone and a detachable laundry bag. 
• Away Everywhere Bag (Erin) – A stylish travel bag for my laptop and camera bag. It fits perfectly on the Away suitcase with a trolley sleeve and is also ideal as an overnight bag. This is my personal item on the plane and fits under the seat. 
• Tortuga Setout Laptop Backpack (Simon) – A spacious, organised laptop bag with a sleeve to slide on the suitcase handle.  Great as an overnight bag too. Simon’s personal item on planes. 
• Matador Beast 18 Daypack – This packable backpack fits inside our luggage on travel days and is comfortable for hiking. It’s rather bulky, though, so the Matador Freefly16 is a much smaller, lighter option. Read our comparison of the best packable daypacks for more ideas.
• Reusable shopping bag – This is useful for shopping, beach visits, and storage of water and snacks on journeys. It folds up into a tiny pouch when not in use. 

Packing Cubes

Packing cubes are the secret to carry on packing. They are essential to help us fit more in our luggage and keep things organised. Read my post on  how to use packing cubes .

• Eagle Creek Pack-It compression cubes x 4 (Erin) – I love these as they are ultralight and squeeze my clothes down small. I have two medium cubes (one for tops, one for bottoms/dresses) and two small cubes (one for workout clothes, one for underwear). I have a set of Spectre and the newer Isolate cubes and both are good.
• Peak Design small and medium packing cubes (Simon) – For Simon’s underwear (small) and clothes (medium). These are heavier and don’t compress quite as much as the Eagle Creek ones, but they do have a useful separate compartment for dirty laundry and a more stylish design. 
• 2  Acai Skinny Outdoor Jeans – My new favourite travel-friendly jeans are super comfy, have huge pockets, and are shower-resistant. I have them in blue and black. They are UK based but ship internationally. For more options see my review of the best travel pants for women .When we spent most of our time in hot countries, I had linen trousers instead of the second pair of jeans. 
• 1-2 Leggings – For lounging, hiking, yoga, and planes. My favourites are the buttery soft Lululemon Align . The Wunder Under Tights are a bit warmer. The 25-inch is full length on me (5ft4) and I bought two sizes down as they stretch out.
• 1 RipSkirt Hawaii (Length 2) – This lightweight wrap skirt is perfect for throwing on after a swim as the water-shedding material means no wet bum marks and it dries so quickly. It’s also wrinkle-free and comes in lots of beautiful designs and various lengths.
• 1 -2 Shorts

Tops and Dresses

• 1 -2 Dresses
• 4 – 5 Short-sleeve tops or t-shirts – My favourite is the Bluffworks Threshold t-shirt which is super soft and odour-resistant.
• 1-2 Tank tops

• 1 Cashmere sweater – Cashmere is soft and light but it doesn’t machine wash that well (I do it anyway).
• 1 Fleece – I have one from North Face that’s lightweight with pockets and a hood.

Running Gear

• 1 Capri leggings   – I have the Lululemon Fast and Free High Rise Crop 19 inch which have handy pockets on the side and back.
• 1 Sports bra
• 2 Running socks – The Albirds Trino Sprinters are light, breathable, odour-resistant, and surprisingly durable.
• Runderwear underwear – So comfy!

Underwear and Swimwear

• 2 Bikinis  – I like Andie Swimwear.
• 7-9 Underwear
• 3 Socks – I don’t wear socks often. In cold places, I buy more as needed. 

I used to only travel with three pairs of shoes—running shoes, sports sandals, and ballet flats.

Now, when I’m in cold places I add a pair of Allbirds Wool Runners for casual use, so I can keep my running shoes just for running. They are perfect for travel—see the cold weather section below for details.

Alternatively, for rainier climates I like the Allbirds Wool Runner Mizzles , which are water-resistant and have extra traction.

I sometimes add a pair of hiking shoes (for New Zealand, UK, and US National Parks), but it is hard to fit them in my suitcase. I currently have the Oboz Sypes low waterproof hiking shoes.

I like ballet flats for cities and evenings out. I’ve tried many over the years—see my Allbirds Tree Breezers review (which includes a comparison with Tieks and Rothy’s) as well as my Tieks review (after travelling with them for 8 years) and Rothy’s vs Tieks comparison. 

• Running shoes   – I’ve run in Allbirds Tree Dashers for years now. I love their neutral design (so I can wear them around town too) and they are comfy, breathable, fairly lightweight, and machine washable. See my Allbirds Tree Dashers review for details. 
• Sports sandals – My Teva Verra sandals are perfect for travel—super comfortable, waterproof, and practical for hikes but nice enough to wear in cities. Amazingly, there was no break-in period. Buy them on Amazon or from the Teva website .
• Ballet flats – My Allbirds Tree Breezers are ultra comfortable, lightweight, machine washable, and made from sustainable materials. I wear then on planes as they are easy to slip off at airport security. See my Allbirds flats review for more details. 
• Shower caps – I pick up a few shower caps from hotels to store my shoes in and protect my suitcase. 

Accessories

• Sunglasses – I like Maui Jims , which are expensive but durable, stylish and have polarised lenses to reduce glare (it really makes a difference). 

Cold Weather Extras

In cold weather, I add these extra items: 

• Patagonia Nano Puff Hoody Down Jacket – It’s warm but light and packs down small in its own pocket. 
• Marmot PreCip Eco Rain Jacket – It packs into its pocket and has pit zips and an adjustable hood. 
• Extra sweater – I prefer merino wool for its warmth and odour resistance.
• 1 Flannel shirt – I like the REI Wallace Lake Flannel Shirt .
• 2 Long sleeve t-shirts – A budget option is the Uniqlo Heatech Extra Warm top or for extra warmth, the Icebreaker 200 Oasis Crew Top .
• 1 Fleece-lined leggings – The Lululemon Base Pace Fleece Tights were ideal for hiking on our winter US National Parks road trip.
• Extra socks – My favourite are Smartwool medium crew socks , which are thick, warm, and odour-resistant. Darn Tough hiker micro crew socks are also excellent. Smartwool, Icebreaker and Darn Tough all make great merino socks. Check out REI for lots of choice.
• Allbirds Wool Runners – I love how cosy and warm these wool sneakers are! They are as comfortable as slippers and I can wear them without socks. They are machine washable too. See my Allbirds Wool Runners review for more details. 
• Fleece headband – For running.
• Scarf and gloves

See our Iceland packing list for what we pack when we are only visiting a cold country. 

Most of Simon’s clothes are from the small US company Bluffworks , which makes shopping really easy.

They make travel-friendly clothes that are stylish, durable, wrinkle-resistant, moisture-wicking, and machine washable. Most feature hidden pockets to keep your phone and wallet safe.

Simon loves having clothes that are as suitable for active adventures as for dinners out and city exploring.

• 1 Aviator Travel Jeans – These are super comfortable, feature hidden zipped pockets, and the dark indigo colour looks great.
• 1 Bluffworks Ascender 5 Pocket Pants – They are dressier than normal travel trousers but still lightweight, quick drying, and with hidden zippered pockets for security. He’s worn them on hikes, horse riding, to fancy restaurants, and even to weddings! The khaki colour does stain easily so I recommend a darker colour. Read our detailed Bluffworks pants review .
• 2 Shorts – Simon looks for shorts with lightweight fabric and hidden zippered pockets. He loves his Clothing Arts Pick-Pocket Proof Business Travel Shorts and Bluffworks Ascender Shorts .
• 1 Board Shorts

• 5 T-shirts – Most of them are the wonderful Bluffworks Threshold t-shirts . They are as soft as cotton but moisture-wicking, quick-drying, and odour-resistant. He’s found them more durable than merino t-shirts (his previous go-to).
• 1 Long sleeve dress shirt – After struggling for years with shirts that wrinkled, Simon now travels with the brilliant Bluffworks Meridian dress shirt , which has all the features you need for travel—wrinkle-free, soft and comfortable, moisture-wicking, and quick drying. It looks great, too, and works as well for dinners out as it does for hikes. 
• 1 Long sleeve t-shirt – The Icebreaker 260 Tech Crewe Base Layer is the perfect light layer. As it’s merino it doesn’t smell.
• 1 Bluffworks Gramercy Shirt Jacket – Another genius creation by Bluffworks. This replaces Simon’s old fleece and his Bluffworks Gramercy Blazer . It’s more casual than the blazer but still looks stylish and has a cosy fleece lining and tons of pockets. It’s versatile enough to wear for bike rides or city travels and can be worn alone or under a down jacket for extra warmth.

• 7 underwear – His favourites are ExOfficio Give-n-Go Sports Boxer Briefs , which are very light and quick drying. 
• 4-7 socks – He prefers socks made from merino wool which is moisture-wicking and odour-resistant. REI, Icebreaker, and Smartwool are all good brands. Search REI for a range of options.

For nearly 10 years, Simon had just two pairs of shoes—hiking shoes and sports sandals.

A few years ago he also added a pair of casual sneakers, the Allbirds Tree Runners , which he loves. 

If you aren’t planning any major hikes, the Allbirds are great for travel as they are smaller, lighter, and easier to dress up than hiking shoes, and can be worn without socks. 

• Hiking shoes   – Currently he has the Keen Targhee III waterproof hiking shoes .
• Allbirds Tree Runners – The summer version of Allbirds are lightweight, comfortable, machine washable, and come in a range of fun colours. You can read our comparison of Allbirds tree vs wool runners here.
• Sports sandals – Simon has had a pair of Teva hiking sandals through all our years of travel and lives in them in warm climates. They are super comfortable, durable, and great for hot weather hikes and watersports. His current pair are the Teva Fi Lite . Shop for them on Amazon or the Teva website .

• Sunglasses – Like me, Simon has a pair of Maui Jims with polarised lenses. 

In cold weather he adds these items:

• Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer down jacket – This warm but light jacket packs down small into its own pocket.
• Marmot Eco PreCip rain jacket – A lightweight waterproof that packs into a small pocket but has features like a hood and pit zips. 

Remember to keep all your liquid toiletries in containers of 100 ml (3oz) or less if you are travelling by plane. Solid toiletries help minimise the liquids you need. 

• Toiletry bag  – We have the Sea to Summit Hanging Toiletry Bag  which is lightweight and comes with a mirror and hook to hang it up when there’s nowhere to put it. We have the small version which is just enough space for all of our toiletries. 
• Small zip-lock bag – For liquids when flying. We usually fit our liquids into one bag between us.
• Solid shampoo bar + tin – A must for carry-on travel. Solid shampoo lasts ages and doesn’t use up your liquid allowance. We often use it as soap as well. We buy bars from either Lush (which has shops worldwide) or Ethique . 
• Toothbrush each + head cover
• Toothpaste (usually a 50 ml tube)
• Solid deodorant ( Salt of the Earth 50 g ) – The more solid toiletries you pack, the better. This natural crystal deodorant works well and lasts over a year. 
• Lip balm  
• Moisturiser – I like the Steamcream 75ml tins.
• Hand sanitiser (50 ml bottle) – Especially useful for bus journeys and hikes. Dr Bronner’s lavender hand sanitiser smells so good.
• Shaving oil (15 ml bottle) – Magic stuff! A tiny bottle lasts Simon nine months.
• Razor each + 2 or 3 spare blades
• Hairbrush (travel-size)
• Nail clippers
• Menstrual cup (Erin) – Essential for travellers who menstruate. A Mooncup or Divacup takes up less space than tampons (and you don’t have to worry about finding them abroad) and is better for the environment, your body, and your wallet.
• Hairbands and clips (Erin)

Sometimes we add these extra items in 50-100 ml (2-3 oz) bottles when needed:

• Hair conditioner
• Insect repellent
• Paracetamol – Painkillers.
• Loperamide (Imodium) – In case of traveller’s diarrhoea.
• Dimenhydrinate (Dramamine) – For motion sickness.
• Plasters (Band-Aids)
• Prescription medications
• Antihistamine – Simon has allergies, so we sometimes carry these.

We have way too many electronics but we do need/want them as we work as we travel. Most people on shorter trips will only need a phone, Kindle (if you read a lot), and perhaps an iPad.

Laptops and Accessories

• MacBook Pro 16-inch laptop + Incase neoprene case + charger (Simon) – Powerful enough for all his design and development work.
• Razor Blade 14 3070 Gaming Laptop – Yes, ridiculously Simon now travels with two laptops (I don’t recommend this as airport security is a pain). One for work, one for gaming. He loves it.
• MacBook Air M2 13-inch laptop + Comfyable sleeve  + charger (Erin) – Smaller and lighter than Simon’s laptop but powerful enough for my writing and photography.
• Western Digital 2 TB SSD external drive (Simon) – For backing up our laptops. Solid-state drives (SSDs) are well worth the expense for travel as they are tiny and much more durable than spinning disk drives.
• Sandisk 2 TB SSD external drive (Erin)
• Small mouse (Simon)
• International USB travel power adapter   – A power adapter that works worldwide with multiple USB ports makes charging all our devices so much easier. 
• Electronics Organizer – We have an Eagle Creek electronics bag that keeps our cables and accessories organised. It’s no longer available, but this Bagsmart Electronics Organizer is similar or we like the look of the Peak Designs Tech Pouch (they always make quality gear).

Photography (Erin)

Most travellers these days can manage with the camera on their phone and save lots of space. As a travel blogger, that’s not an option for me. 

I switched from DSLR to smaller but high quality mirrorless cameras years ago and think they are the best option for serious travel photographers. 

I pack everything in my Peak Designs bag and then place that inside my Away Everywhere Bag (my personal item) so I only have two pieces of luggage on travel days.  

I charge my camera with my Kindle’s USB cable. 

• Sony A7 III Mirrorless Camera – This full-frame camera takes high quality photos and is especially fantastic in low light. 
• Sony 16-35mm f4 lens – I love the wide angle on this lens for landscapes and interior shots. 
• Samyang 35mm f/2.8 lens – An inexpensive, small, and super light lens that’s ideal for street photography, food, and low light.
• Peak Design Everyday Sling Bag – I love this stylish, comfortable, versatile camera bag that can be carried in three ways. The inside can be configured to fit your camera and lenses using the velcro dividers. I have the 5L in the older version—the 6L is the nearest size in the new bag. 
• Peak Design Slide Lite Camera Strap – A versatile strap that’s so much more comfortable than a standard camera strap. It can be worn as a sling (my favourite), shoulder, or neck strap, and it’s easy to switch between the styles. 
• 2 batteries 
• 3 Sandisk Extreme 64GB SD cards  
• USB memory card reader  – For transferring photos to my laptop. 
• Lens pen  – For cleaning.

iPhones, iPad, Kindles, Watch

• iPhone 13 Pro (Simon) and iPhone 11 (Erin)- iPhones are becoming increasingly good for photography and I often use it when I don’t want to carry my camera. We buy local SIM cards with data plans in each new country. eSIMS are really convenient (no physical card and you can set them up before you arrive)—we’ve used Airalo in various countries.
• Peak Design Everyday Case – This brilliant phone case is slim, elegant, and protective. It connects to our Peak Design wallet to make a phone stand (we often use it for selfies). You can also get mounts for cars and bikes.
• Apple AirPods Pros x 2 (Both) – We both love the wireless AirPods so much and the noise cancelling is great in the Pros (a life changer for planes).
• iPad Pro  + neoprene case (Simon) – It’s huge, but Simon loves the beautiful screen, especially for drawing.
• Apple Pencil – For drawing on the iPad Pro. Perfect for travelling artists as it replicates a real pen or brush. Simon now does all his artwork digitally.
• Kindle Paperwhite Signature + USB cable x 2 (Both) – I couldn’t live without my Kindle. It fits thousands of books on a device smaller than one paperback and is waterproof for pool reading.
• Apple Watch + USB cable x 2 (Both)  – We find them especially useful for fitness tracking and convenient Apple Pay payments.
• Apple lightning cables  + USB power adapter
• Apple USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter – For connecting our iPad and Mac to a TV. 
• Waterproof phone pouch – This keeps our phone and wallet dry while swimming, kayaking, or river hiking.
• Travel towel – We mainly use this for the beach or swims on hikes.
• Yoga Paws   Skin Thin – Little yoga mats for your hands and feet. A much smaller, lighter alternative to a yoga mat. I practice every day wherever we are with Yoga with Adriene videos (free on Youtube or I signed up for the membership site for offline downloads and extra content). Read my Yoga Paws review .
• Klean Canteen water bottle – This fits in the water bottle pocket of Simon’s laptop backpack on travel days.
• Vapur Element 1L water bottle x 2 – They are light and fold flat or can be rolled up when not in use to save space.
• Silicone earplugs (Erin) – Essential for me for noisy places and overnight bus and plane journeys.
• Eye mask (Erin) – I use a cheap light one, like the kind they give out on planes.
• Tiny sewing kit – Like the ones that hotels provide.
• Moleskine pocket notebook – I tried going digital but I still mostly prefer making travel notes on paper. 
• Zip-lock bags – These always come in useful for storing food or wet clothes. I take a few small and medium bags.
• Beeswax wraps – A sustainable way of storing leftover food and sandwiches. 
• Toilet paper – We store a little folded up in the pockets of our bags.
• Travel insurance – We used True Traveller for many years and they are the best value we’ve found for Brits. We now use SafetyWing instead, which is a monthly subscription designed for digital nomads and is available worldwide. See our SafetyWing insurance review for more details and our travel insurance after departure post for all the options if you are already travelling (or travelling long term).
• Peak Designs mobile stand wallet  – This slim wallet is so well designed. Not only does it keep our cards easily accessible, but it connects to our phone with a magnet and has a built in stand (perfect for selfies).
• Dollars – Around $100 for emergencies. Otherwise, we’re mostly cashless these days (depending on the country) and use Apple Pay via our watches (so convenient). When we do need cash, we withdraw from ATMs locally.
• 2 debit and 2 credit cards each – We recommend travelling with at least two cards in case one gets lost or compromised. Wise (in many countries) and Starling (UK) are the best debit cards we’ve found to use abroad. Read more about managing your travel finances .
• Passports – We protect them with a clear plastic cover .
• Card reader for online banking  – This is issued by our bank for secure access.
• Driving licence
• International driving licence (when needed)
• Photocopies of passport (we also keep a scanned copy on our laptops) 
• Passport photos – For visa applications.
• Vaccination card
• Scuba diving certification card

Here are my top tips for how to pack a carry on.

• Use packing cubes or compression bags to keep your clothes organised and squeeze more in.
• Pack clothes for about a week and then do laundry.
• Buy quick-drying and odour-resistant clothes (like those made from merino wool or from travel companies like Bluffworks ). This isn’t essential if you’re on a tight budget, but it does make things much easier. You have to do less laundry and items dry more quickly when you do.
• Choose solid toiletries (like shampoo bars and crystal deodorant) over liquids to maximise the amount you can fit in your airline-friendly ziplock bag. Keep liquids under 100ml/3oz.
• Don’t pack items “just in case” . Everything needs to earn its place in your bag. If you really need it later, you can probably buy it locally.
• Wear your bulkiest clothes on travel days.
• Go paperless . A Kindle will save so much space if you’re a reader.

See our other posts about packing light:

• Carry-On Travel in 10 Easy Steps – The basic principles you can use for packing carry on only for any trip.
• Iceland Packing List – How we packed hand luggage only for a 12-day trip to this chilly country.
• How to Pack Carry-On Only for Cold Weather – Our winter carry on packing list for Finland including snowboarding.
• How to Pack for 4 Months in Europe from Summer to Winter – How we adapted our packing list for a summer-winter trip.
• The Secret to Carry-On Only Travel: How to Use Packing Cubes to Save Space
• Airline Carry On Luggage Size and Weight Limits: A Detailed Guide

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116 Comments

Thanks for the great tips, Erin. Couple questions – does security ever want to see in the packing cubes? I was thinking of compression ones but thought could be a pain. Also, have you ever travelled to Scotland in early July, if so, any clothing suggestions? I keep getting mixed info.

Reply ↓

Security has never opened our packing cubes.

Unfortunately, weather can go either way in Scotland in July. I’d prepare for everything with layers. Probably most of the time jeans/t-shirt will be fine but you’ll most likely need a sweater and rain jacket too. I’d bring a pair of shorts just in case you get lucky with one of the rare warm spells. Enjoy!

I travel to Europe 1-2 times/year and am always looking for packing tips. This is the most comprehensive I’ve seen. I started taking just a carry on and backpack for 2-3 week trips and am glad I changed. What I learned is not all carry ons and backpacks are the same. My carry on is the biggest allowed and I changed to a non traditional backpack – that’s a game changer.

Thank you for your tips.

I pack dryer sheets with my clothes to keep them fresh smelling and I can wear clothes a couple of times feeling and smelling fresh.

Good tip, thanks Kelia!

As a seasoned traveler & packer, I have to call bs on your one carry on & one personal item mentioned holding everything in your list. I’d like to see a video…

Haha, we barely believe it too! They are very tightly packed at the moment. But the Away suitcases do hold a remarkable amount.

Best travel tip I learn if on a one week or two week vacation. Bringing less clothes. Each outfits can be worn two times . After wearing each outfit hang up or fold neatly to be used again (space out wearing days) or you can wash if needed

Love your information, thanks for sharing!

What’s your experience with Away Bigger Carry-On? Did you have to check-in? And in the overhead bin, it was easy to put the baggage?

We haven’t had to check it so far but due to the pandemic, we’ve only flown long haul flights (and one domestic New Zealand). We’ll be testing on a budget European airline (Easyjet) in May. We haven’t had any problems putting it in the overhead bins but you might on a very small domestic plane. We love the space it gives us!

As I watched a YT videos on travelling with Carry-On, one suggested that the commonly accepted size is 9″x 14″ x 21.5″, which would not allow (officially) for anything bigger than this. I could verify the next time at the airport during check-in, they have box frame to verify sizing, if you have not seen it already.

The kicker is, it is up to the airlines to enforce it. Sometimes, they un-officially allow when the carry-on is too big by asking and moving the carry-on to the checked bag areas. I suppose a passenger can’t complain for not paying a charge for checked bag.

Helpful for travellers. …

What do you use (or did you use) for water purification while traveling in South America? Was the tap water safe to drink in Medellin? Thank you.

It’s been years since we were there, but I think the water was safe to drink in big cities like Medellin and Buenos Aires. Elsewhere we used bottled water.

Sorry if I missed it, but what do you do for pajamas, Erin?

Usually I don’t bother but if it’s cold I wear any tshirt/tank top and leggings. Or one of Simon’s tshirts :)

After nearly 10 years of long term travels I am now of the conclusion that you do not need any expensive, travel specific, technical clothing. Especially in tropical climates, you can just buy local cheap market clothes such as cotton t shirts, shorts etc for next to nothing. There’s no need to pay over the odds for quick drying materials because if you wash a t shirt in the evening, it’s dry by morning, even cotton. A whole kit consisting of; 2 t shirts, 2 pairs shorts, flip flops can be got for under £10. Much of the travel specific clothing is over engineered, over priced and trying to solve problems that don’t exist for most of the time. Best to shop & dress like the locals do.

I can see how that could work. You definitely don’t need tech clothes, but we do find them nice to have.

We don’t find cotton always dries overnight. We just did a wash at a motel here in New Zealand and it’s taking ages (more than 24 hours) for the non technical and merino clothes to dry. We really notice the difference between our different types of clothes. When you only have a day before you are moving on this is inconvenient.

We also appreciate the moisture-wicking nature of tech clothes for hiking (and hot walks in cities) and the odour-resistance reduces the frequency we have to wash stuff.

But yes, it is a luxury rather than a necessity.

I’m planning my trip to Japan (1 month), with my boyfriend and I had in mind 2 big suitcases but mostly empty so we can buy lots of stuff from Japan. Can you give us some advice on how to pack big suitcases or even if there is a better idea for us? I intent to take a tablet and a camera, a few clothes and basic stuff. I’ve been reading non stop your blogs about Japan and I found them all so helpful, I even sat down and translated some things in Greek and noted everything to get ready! I am super excited! Thank you for your help, I hope you are doing well and have fun wherever you are. Greetings from Greece!!

I see in the pictures that you have a hard Carry on and a soft bag., How are you able to use BOTH bags for Carry-On. As you are only allowed ONE Bag and a small purse or small back pack. That soft bag looks way too big to be allowed as well as the other suitcase. Curious as I only take a Hard side Carry-On size bag and a Purse., or very small backpack. Have travelled to 65 counties for the last 50 years. I do not know of what airline allows 2 Carry-on’s of that size. The soft bag will not fit into the cage that they want to put your bag in at the boarding gate. What size are the bags you are using. Thanks.

They definitely won’t be allowed on all airlines, but they do meet the size restrictions of many airlines, especially in the US. So far (due to the pandemic) we’ve only travelled on one flight (Singapore Airlines) and had no problem taking them both on. The suitcase goes in the overhead locker and the soft bags fit under our seat.

My Away Everywhere Bag is 41.5 cm x 18.5 cm x 26 cm.

We do expect there will be times when we have to check the suitcases but after a decade of full-time travel, it’s worth the risk to us in order to have a bit more stuff. If we were travelling on shorter trips we’d stick with just one bag.

Hi, Can you advise where you store important documents such as birth certificates, property papers etc while your travelling? Thanks

We keep a folder of documents at Simon’s parents back in the UK.

Hi, What does Simon wear in bed when it’s cold? Thanks

Boxers and a t-shirt. He doesn’t get as cold as me though.

This is such an awesome list. I love it!! All the ideas, the products you guys use etc etc. Great thanks for putting this together for all of out here who need ideas and thoughts about carry on only desperately!!!!!! I know with all the products and links this would be hard to do, but…..do you have just a printable list?

Thanks Jennifer! I actually created one for readers of my book. You can find it in Google docs here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1R2579yFB2_Vna6PSr4vCgahq7xaNXDktaRirYqMkdgE/edit?userstoinvite=hfguite%40gmail.com&ts=5dd29d0a&actionButton=1#gid=1064467678

Such a helpful article! I’m wondering whether you carry a personal item with you as well as your main backpacks though and if so, what do you recommend?

For most of the last decade we didn’t have a personal item. Sometimes we’d use the packable daypack (we have the Tortuga Setout) or shopping bag if we needed to keep things handy on flights or have extra space for food.

Hey Erin, I was looking to get a good packable backpack for my upcoming trip to Thailand and found this backpack https://the-most-functional-packable.kckb.st/96ac29dc on Indiegogo. What do you think about it? Looks like a great backpack for travel, I was just looking for some opinions before I made my decision… By the way, I love the content you have been posting lately :)

It looks good. It’s a bit heavier than the Setout but has a few more pockets and a laptop sleeve. You can never be sure when (or if) these crowdsourced things will ship though.

Super helpful article! For an upcoming trip, my goal has been not to overpack like I usually do, so this is a great resource. But why bring the dock for the Nintendo Switch? It’s charged with a regular USB-C charger, which would be way smaller and lighter than the unnecessary charging dock. My partner and I also just bought a Switch Lite just to travel with, which is handheld-only and smaller than the original one (and came in a pretty yellow color).

Simon likes having the dock so he can play it on the TV when we’re staying in apartments for a few months. It’s not really necessary for most travellers though.

We’re planning to visit Japan in November, will the shoes you recommend be warm enough for the weather at that time.

Assuming you mean the Tokyo/Kyoto area, the Tieks should be ok but it won’t really be sandals weather. At the beginning of the month the average temperatures are around 20ºC but this drops by about 5ºC by the end of the month.

If you want something warmer, I have recently been wearing Allbirds Wool Runners for winter/spring in Melbourne. They are comfortable and warm and you can wear them without socks (I find I can slip them on and off without undoing the laces which is useful in Japan). https://www.neverendingvoyage.com/1/allbirds/

Hi, I really love your dresses. You didn’t mention where you get them from in your review. I like how your dress in Italy (I think) covers your shoulders and back and is still cute (floral navy dress). Would you mund sharimg yoyr dress yips. Cheers Tanya

Hi Tanya, I buy most of my dresses when we’re back in the UK. The one in Italy is from M&S (but from a few years ago) and I also buy them from John Lewis and White Stuff. Unfortunately they are always changing their designs so there aren’t any particular ones I can recommend. Erin

Hello! I have read through all your backpack information….I am looking for a backpack for a 2 week trip to Europe. I am flying Lufthansa, and they said it has to be 22 by 16 by 9 largest…also it can only weigh 18 pounds! So, I am curious if the Osprey Farpoint 40 would be right dimensions….but really worried it would weigh over 18 pounds when packed?? Thoughts or suggestions?? Thanks for your help!! I will be leaving the backpack at the hotel, but wanted to use one IF possible, for easier travel on plans and trains…Kristi

The Farpoint 40 will be the right size. Depending on what you pack you could end up going over the weight limit. We are usually over the weight limit though and find airlines rarely check. It helps if you check in online to avoid the check-in desk. We wrote more about it here: https://www.neverendingvoyage.com/how-to-travel-carry-on-only-airline-size-and-weight-guide/ Good luck!

Hi Erin, Thanks you and Simon both for an info packed excellent website! I’m about to purchase a Setout pack and am wondering if you have or would recommend the 35L size. I’m 5’1 and thinking that’s going to better fit me /be easier to carry on etc. than the 45L women’s size.

Take care and Happy Holidays!

I do think the 35L would be better as I find the 45L rather bulky. I hope it works out for you!

Simon, did you not have the Tortuga V2 originally? What was the impetus to change to the newer models? The reason I ask is the I have the Tortuga V2 (since October 2015). It has served me well although getting a little tired. We are heading to Europe for 15 months from February 2019 and am thinking about changing or not. Love to get your ideas and reasons why you changed.

Yes, Simon did have the V2 before. Honestly, Tortuga offered him the Outbreaker and later the Setout for review so that’s the main reason he switched. But we do think they are both improvements. The Setout is our favourite because it’s lighter.

Compared to the V2, the Setout looks better, doesn’t have the bulgy pocket in the front or the side pockets which always made it an odd shape, it’s more comfortable to carry, it opens fully on 3 sides so is even easier to pack, and there’s a large water bottle holder on the side. They aren’t huge differences—mainly I think it just looks a lot more stylish.

You can see our Setout review here: https://www.neverendingvoyage.com/tortuga-setout-backpack-review/

Have a great time in Europe!

Nice post. Though nowadays there is a lot of electronic devices that people bring during traveling. I, myself always bring my mavic pro, trackimo tracking device and romoss 20000mah powerbank.

Hey, we travel with a Nintendo Switch too! But you can get rid of the bulky charging dock by getting a USB C charger (we have one that came with our portable battery pack that can also charge our Switch and GoPro Fusion). We also got a tiny adapter that works to connect the switch to any TVs with HDMI to use instead of the dock.

Simon looked into that but apparently if you use a non-Nintendo HDMI adapter Nintendo may brick the Switch! We don’t really want to take that risk and wish Nintendo would come out with their own travel friendly adapter.

My wife and I wonder what you both typically carry for your “personal item” to take on the plane. Do you carry a particular travel purse you like? Do you use your day back?

We try not to have a personal item as it’s easier to travel with one bag and not all airlines allow a personal item. For long flights, when we want to keep things close at hand, we use our packable daypack or our packable tote/shopping bag.

Great post and so well laid out. Have you tried out the icebreaker lineup of merino wool? I highly recommend it. Great stuff.

Yep, we love our long sleeve Icebreaker tops – we’ve had them for over 8 years!

Who do you insure your laptops cameras etc with? I looked at True Traveller but their valuables and single article limit is very low.

We no longer insure our laptops and camera and just make sure we have a contingency fund in case of loss. We couldn’t find anywhere affordable to insure them for continuous travel.

These are such great tips! Thanks for this

Really enjoyed reading this, especially the backpack suggestions. We have been thinking of getting the Tortuga so it’s nice to know you guys like it!

We have continued to downsize and now travel ultra light for a family of 3. We recently went on an 8-day trip with 2 outfits each (we wore one and packed an extra). Our daughter got 4 total because toddlers can go through 2-3 outfits a day easily. We are trying to find an alternative to our noise machine (we love it but it’s so bulky).

That’s impressive Lejla! I always love hearing about families packing light as so many people assume it’s not possible.

Awesome breakdown of your travel packing list. Thanks for the good info!

I’m glad you liked it!

So when the seasons change I guess some of your gear also changes, for people traveling in and out of hot and cold weather climates, do you have any recommendations for selling gear. For example, I may need a coat in northern California this time of year, but I won’t need one when i go to LA.

I think it would be great to have an app where nomads could exchange clothing or sell it.

We have never bothered with selling our clothes on the road as it’s usually hard to get a good rate for it. We usually just donate to a charity shop. You could try ebay or craigslist.

I recommend travelling with a packable down jacket as they don’t take up much space when you don’t need it anymore. I’ve written more about them here: https://www.neverendingvoyage.com/carry-on-only-packing-list-cold-weather/

Hello. Have you ever had trouble with airport security with the retractable lock? I use one to secure my violin case which will be flying carry on shortly.

Not at all, it’s no problem.

great tips and such enjoyable reading!

What a great post Erin! Right up my street. I will be sifting through this with a fine toothcomb when we decide to move on from our first slow stay (in Malaysia). In the meantime, do you have any tips for adapting this list for the one critical “accessory” we also travel with… our soon to be four year old daughter ?

So inspiring–I’m so amazed–thank you so much for your update! Even though I can’t travel with just a backpack on longer trips (too much weather fluctuation, etc.), this is exactly what I love learning from as I aspire to do this on shorter trips. Thank you so much!

Thanks Kristen. Good luck with travelling with a carry-on on your next short trip!

Question for Erin I notice that you don’t pack any scarf. Is there a reason? Could it be that you are now traveling in warm climate places? I usually take a wrap (the big one) and several scarves of various materials to add to my outfit and to use as a blanket (the wrap). Do you find them redundant? Thanks for your take!

We travel mostly in hot countries so I don’t find one necessary. I do usually buy one when we get to colder places and then just leave it behind.

Oh wow. What a complete and useful list! When we travel we prefer having only carriers too, it’s so nice that you don’t have to pay any extra or wait for the suitcases after a flight. This year we’re planning to go around Europe by car during the summer. I’m also going to a short visit to Sweden soon. And maybe some travels will also be possible at the fall/winter season. :)

Enjoy reading your blogs.Thanks for all the tips.

This is an awesome list, I’ll definitely be taking tips for my trip at the end of the year! A little bit unsure about the lack of smart clothes though when looking for the likes of teaching jobs in South America!

You could easily fit in a smart outfit and then buy more clothes locally if you get a job. Have a great trip!

I’m gonna say that it’s a good idea to bring one smart outfit with you. You can buy more on the road if you need them, but having one nice outfit — that you know fits and flatters — is important, especially if you plan to job interview. Especially if you anticipate having trouble being able to buy clothes that fit off the rack — a frequent problem for taller or larger people in Asia, for instance, or for anyone who doesn’t wear standard sizes. (E.g. I’m a petite 5’1″ woman and I can almost never shop without significant alterations anywhere). Pack wrinkle-resistant fabrics, roll vs. fold, and use the age-old traveller trick of hanging it up in the bathroom while taking a shower to steam out the creases.

Won’t need anything for the first few months but I’m thinking ahead to applying for teaching jobs in Chile next February. From what I gather teachers in South America are expected to dress quite professionally. Might just have to get a suit and tie shipped from home at that point! Love those packing cubes though, definitely adding those to the list!

Ahh fellow Apple Lovers and Globe Trotters! I feel as though we would get along ?

Maybe we’ll cross paths one day!

Thanks for this post! Im treating this post almost like a blueprint in some places.

One thought thought: Instead of an HDMI cable why not a chromecast? does the same thing plus more, is lighter and takes up less space?

Just a thought

Really great post! I’ve spent the past ten years of vacations using my beloved Gregory Deva 60L pack, and I’m trying to downsize to a carry-on only bag to avoid the hassles of checked luggage. I’ve looked at the Osprey Farpoint 40 like you have, Erin, but, at 5’1″, I find it really doesn’t fit me very well, even in the S/M size. So I’m still on the hunt for the perfect bag. I also REALLY struggle with keeping my liquids under 100ml … especially sunscreen, since I burn so easily and I’m really picky about what I use. Any advice?

Hey! I really like your blog guys. Very insightful & eye-opening! Gotta use your rips in travelling. Thanks for this. ??

Great post, thanks for all the useful info! Just wondering, do you not use soap/shower gel/moisturiser, or do you buy it in the place you’re visiting? I really struggle to cut down on toiletries, and I’m not even someone who wears make-up etc. Any tips? PS. Looks like the link for your USB Lecxci adaptor isn’t working.

We use our Lush shampoo bar as soap when we need to or if we’re staying for somewhere for a few weeks we buy shower gel. Most places we stay also provide soap.

Great to see, I travelled for years like this too. I’m about to head back out on the road after selling everything and convincing my wife life on the road is better than the corporate grind…Thanks for sharing a great site! Question do you guys own a base anywhere? We are thinking Central America for our base…

We don’t have a base anywhere. Lots of our nomad friends have found a base after travelling full-time for a few years and rent it on Airbnb when they are away.

Really inspirational! :) I might not quite be there yet, although I tried traveling with carry-on for the first time this year. I noticed that there were even things that I could have left at home (and some that I forgot to bring). I guess it’s a process of finding your own list…

It’s definitely a gradual process and everyone has to figure out the packing list that’s right for them.

Hi there, LOVE the list – super helpful. Very interesting about your Tieks – I’ve been on the fence!

I’m interested in Simon’s Bluff’s trousers. My husband has a similar body type – tall and lanky. So it’s a struggle to find pants that look stylish and not baggy. Simon’s look great! What style of bluff’s did he go with?

Simon has the original pants in regular fit. If you get a smaller waist size they are more fitted. For his second pair he went up a waist size and they were a bit looser. They still aren’t too baggy though – so much more stylish than normal travel trousers.

I’ll be writing a detailed review of the Tieks soon. I’m on my third pair and couldn’t travel without them now.

Simon If you have just enough clothes for lasting a week between laundry, how come it’s only 5 shirts and 4 pairs of socks & not 7?

We usually wear t-shirts more than once. Simon doesn’t wear socks every day as we are usually in hot places and he wears sandals. Socks are pretty easy to wash in the sink if necessary between big washes too.

Have you looked at any alternatives to a backpack? I’m just not super keen on carrying my life on my back and was looking at the different options outlined here (www.essentialpackingchecklists.com/finding-the-perfect-carry-on-suitcase/), especially the wheeler with backpack straps. Thoughts?

I included some reviews of suitcases from other carry-on travellers in my book. The Osprey Ozone 22″ is a popular option amongst long term travellers wanting something rugged but light.

Many light packing travellers don’t recommend jeans, however I’ve just found that NEXT do a lightweight jean. They are a mix of cotton and linen and cost £38, much cheaper and better cut than Rohans! They also deliver to Europe.

Thanks for the tip. We wouldn’t be without our jeans and just look out for lightweight pairs in the summer.

If you were limited to just one pair of long trousers would you choose jeans or Bluffs?

Simon would probably choose jeans but it depends what style of travel you are doing. The Bluffs are lighter, dry more quickly, and are more suitable for hiking so would be better for more adventurous travel.

Where would you say is the most secure part of the farpoint bag to attach it with a lock to a piece of furniture?

Probably the top handle.

Commenting on this because I found your blog while looking for color accurate photos of the purple Tieks you used to have. I can’t seem to stop reading the blog — your stories are fascinating. Thanks for sharing. (and kinda delighted to hear that you are on your next-gen pair of the shoes)

Thanks Shani! And you won’t regret getting a pair of Tieks. I’ve been wearing them for three years now and still love them.

Great to see Simon’s clothes list not based on ridiculously expensive gear like Outlier, Wool and Prince et al. You can travel and live without such luxury gear, I am not saying his stuff is the cheapest but is much more realistic than lists you see with $500+ spent on 3 items. Great work love the site!

There’s no reason at all you can’t travel carry-on only with inexpensive clothes.

Really appreciate your work. Extremely detailed.

Reading this helped me to get a clear idea on traveller’s packing list.

Thanks a lot

It’s really nice to see what other travel photographers take on their trips. Thanks for sharing! Cheers!

Sorry but there’s too much attention paid to gear. Gear is just a tool, whereas travel should be about places, people, food, experiences, etc. You can travel in any clothing or even better just turn up in what you have on and buy as and when you need it. Besides, travel with carry-on, i.e. 35-40 litre bags is old hat now, there’s hundreds of articles about it. Try just what fits in a 20-25L day-pack, now there’s a challenge!

Looks like they could pull that off without the electronics, so all they have to do is stop working. :P

And in theory sure, travel has nothing to do with the gear. But a pack that doesn’t fit filled with clothes that are still damp isn’t much fun at all you see. So we share what we pack, learn from others, and hopefully have a journey that doesn’t involve thinking about stuff since we’ve already taken care of it.

Well said, thanks! And yes, most of our stuff is electronics!

This is so great & useful! Thank you.

As you’re heading to Spain soon, check out Decathlon as they have lots of quality clothing and gear for extremely good value. Eg. Quick dry, lightweight chino style hiking trousers for 9.99 Euros, T shirts for 4.99 Euros. We’ve been travelling for 3 years with only carry-on luggage and now most of our clothes are Decathlon. Your entire clothes packing list could be put together for under 100 Euros each!

Thanks for the tip Colin!

Thanks for sharing your experience. These lists are not only useful but inspiring! There is so much to be gained by living simply with just exactly what you need and nothing more.

Absolutely incredible I like how you pack things that really matters you don’t pack things that you are not going to use

Very interesting. Keep rocking guys!

Thanks Armin!

This post is very useful for travelers. Thanks for sharing

Very interested in your adventures!

Thanks Helen!

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The Complete Travel Packing Checklist for 2024 & the Best Packing Tips [Printable]

Erin Miller

Content Contributor

188 Published Articles

Countries Visited: 26 U.S. States Visited: 28

Keri Stooksbury

Editor-in-Chief

35 Published Articles 3233 Edited Articles

Countries Visited: 47 U.S. States Visited: 28

Table of Contents

General packing tips & tricks, apps for packing assistance, apps for itinerary management, before leaving the house.

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our  Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

When it comes down to it, packing for a trip (domestic or international) can be stressful. Do you wait until the last minute? Put off researching what you’ll need for certain activities or weather at your destination? Get distracted easily, or have young kiddos that need attention? It happens to the best of us!

On one hand, if you under-pack you might not be prepared. But if you over-pack, you run the risk of incurring hefty baggage fees or missing out on space to bring home that lovely souvenir. If you forget an essential travel document, you could even miss your trip altogether! We get stressed just thinking about it!

That’s why Upgraded Points is bringing you a guide full of packing tips and tricks, a printable travel checklist, a list of apps to help you out, and reminders for to-do’s around the house before you leave.

We’re here to assuage your anxieties and make sure you’ve got what you need, you’ve cut what you don’t, and there’s no wallet/phone/swimsuit/teddy bear left behind!

Hot Tip: Don’t forget to also check out our “Carry-On Travel Essentials” guide where we’ve compiled a “His” and “Hers” list of some great products that we simply can’t do without when we travel!

📋  Click To View Our Printable Travel Packing List >>  📋

Before you even take your suitcase out of the closet

Check the weather at your destination.

This seems intuitive, but you’d be surprised how many people are stuck traveling in rainy season without a raincoat.

Note how many days/nights you will be away.

This will help you decide the number of necessary outfits. Obviously, how often you prefer to wear the same clothes plays a part in this as well.

Note any special activities/events you may partake in.

Traveling for a birthday? You don’t want to forget that heartfelt gift you bought weeks in advance. Going to a wedding? It’d be a shame if you showed up without your suit. Hiking in Hawaii? Your water-shoes won’t get much use if you leave them behind.

Make a packing list early and review it at least twice. (Yes, twice.)

You can easily find printable vacation packing lists online (like ours above), or you can write out your own. There are also a number of apps you can utilize if you prefer something more tech-based. Read about several of these below!

Timing is key here. If you jot things down or review your printed list in advance, it gives you the opportunity to take a second look with a fresh mind. All too often you’ll remember something you didn’t yesterday when your brain was thinking about pizza instead of packing.

If you’re printing a list that’s not trip specific, review it first and immediately cross off items you won’t need. Why bring a winter coat to the beach?

Take items you can grab at your destination off the list.

If you’re planning to travel with only a carry-on, this tip is especially important as it will save space (at least for your outgoing journey!).

Most times when traveling, your hotel will provide shampoo, conditioner, body wash, toothpaste, etc.; why waste space packing them? If you’re a little picky about your toiletries or you’re not staying at a hotel, you’ll probably still encounter a drugstore where you can buy anything you might need.

Purchase travel-sized containers or toiletries if you plan on bringing your own.

Remember regulations for the amount of liquids you can bring in a carry-on for a flight. You’ll want travel-sized containers if you plan on carrying liquids this way.

Even if you’re flying with a checked bag and are allowed more liquids, do you really need that 16oz bottle of shampoo for a weeklong trip? Cutting it will save you room for other essential items.

Choose the right luggage.

Yes, different airlines have different restrictions on sizes for carry-ons and checked bags but stick to some general guidelines and you should be safe.

For carry-ons, you’re generally accepted at/under max linear dimensions of 155cm/45in. For checked bags, you’re generally safe under 158cm/62in max linear dimensions. However, be sure to check the airline you’re flying with prior to packing, as some can be stingy!

You also want to seriously consider the type of bag you enjoy traveling with – shoulder bag , backpack , roller bag, hard shell , soft shell, etc. There are definitely loads of options so just remember, your bag shouldn’t stress you out, it should make traveling easier.

Hot Tip:  We’ve done tons of research on this topic so don’t miss our articles on the best carry-on bags and the best checked luggage bags for any type of traveler. 

When you’ve done your prep and you’re almost ready to pack

Essentials first.

Gather your most important items first. This includes all travel documents such as your passport, ID/driver’s license, boarding passes, hotel reservations, etc. This also includes anything you’ll seriously regret forgetting and can’t purchase while traveling: wallet , credit cards , camera , cell phone, etc.

This being said, there are a number of apps that can assist with itinerary management and decrease the number of printed documents you’ll need to carry. See our list of helpful packing apps at the end of this post.

Choose an appropriately sized suitcase.

If you only have 1 suitcase, then you’re set. If you’ve got more options, attempt to use the smaller one – most people tend to overpack when their suitcase is too large for their trip. You don’t really need an extra sweater, 2 more t-shirts, and another pair of boots just because they fit! Plus, your baggage will be a lot easier to handle if it’s smaller and lighter, which will cut your stress level significantly.

Lay everything out.

Laying all of your items out allows you to plan outfits and account for your days/nights away. When everything’s laid out, you can clearly see how much you’re bringing and spot missing items easier. This also includes shoes, accessories, toiletries, etc.

Dividing items into sections based on where they’ll be packed is also helpful.

Lastly, don’t forget to lay out your plane/travel day outfit and consider it with your other pieces.

Pick simple mix-and-match pieces to prevent overpacking.

In general, choose simple tops and bottoms that can be mixed and matched to make multiple outfits. Did you know that just 3 bottoms (pants, shorts, skirt, etc.), 4 tops (tee, tank, etc.), and 2 outer layers (sweater, coat, or cardigan) can make up to 24 different outfits??

Depending on the reason for your trip, you might need to pack a special item that can only be worn once (suit, bridesmaid dress, etc.), but try to keep these to a minimum! This step is key if you’re pressed for space.

PUT STUFF BACK!

Once you’ve laid out all your items, really consider the number of days you’ll be on your trip. Chances are you could stand to put a few things back in the closet in order to pack more efficiently. Remember, no one wants to pay a fee for overweight baggage or lug around extra clothes for no reason!

Pack it up.

You never thought we’d actually get to this step, did you? There are a number of recommended packing tips when it comes to getting everything neatly in the suitcase. This can be overwhelming, but if you pick up the right habits packing will seem much less stressful.

Check, double-check, and triple-check your essentials.

Put a checkmark next to each item you’ve packed and DON’T TAKE IT OUT OF YOUR BAG. If you’re not ready to pack an item, do NOT check the box! That’s exactly how you leave your phone at home on the charger next to your bed. “But the box was checked!!!” you’ll say…

(Note: this rule actually goes for everything, not just essentials.)

If you’re notorious for leaving essentials at home, print an extra travel checklist just for those items and tape it to your front door the night before you leave. Make a promise that you can’t walk out without reviewing the list one final time.

Fold, Interfold, Bundle, or Roll?

By now you’ve probably heard that old-fashioned folding isn’t the best method to use when it comes to packing, especially in tight cases. If you have the room to spare, virtually any of these methods will do.

Interfolding involves layering clothes on top of each other in a top-to-bottom, bottom-to-top format, then interweaving them as you fold them together. If you fold the items in accordance with the size of your suitcase, you’re left with a neat little bundle that will fit right in. Additionally, this style of folding will leave your clothing virtually wrinkle-free.

Bundle packing is very similar to interfolding, but you are tightly folding or wrapping your clothing items around a soft core (like a dopp kit , stack of underwear, cloth zippered jewelry bag , etc.). Bundle packing is also said to reduce wrinkles and save space.

Many people also recommend rolling when packing your clothes – at least for softer items and jeans. Again, this method tends to save room and reduce creasing in the process.

If none of the above methods are doing the trick and you don’t have the option of a hanging garment bag , it may be beneficial to learn the proper way to fold nicer items (like a dress shirt or suit coat ) for the best results.

Pack liquids in secure bags.

Toiletries that can leak will leak. These should be placed in a plastic zippered bag or another secure bag of your choosing. Some travelers even encourage cutting small squares of plastic wrap to cover the opening between bottles and their lids in attempts to prevent further seepage.

Utilize shoe space when you can.

Rolled-up socks, belts, gloves, stocking caps, and other small items can easily fit into shoes (as long as they’re relatively clean and not smelly!). This also helps the shoe hold its shape throughout your travels. Rolled-up belts can also be used to keep a shirt collar stiff if needed.

Prevent dirty shoes from soiling clothes.

Pack them in a separate space or utilize plastic bags/shower caps to cover the bottoms and prevent dirtying the rest of your clothing. Have a delicate pair of dress shoes or heels? Pack them in their own bags if possible, or clean the bottoms and wrap with a durable garment.

Toss a dryer sheet into your suitcase to keep things smelling fresh.

While you’re at it, grab a stain pen or stain wipes for your carry-on. If you happen to spill on one of the only tops you’ve brought and don’t have laundry facilities, you’re cutting your number of outfits drastically. If you know you’ll have laundry facilities or need to wash your clothes by hand, you can purchase individual detergent packets.

Pack a change of clothes in your carry-on.

By packing a change of clothes and undergarments in your carry-on , you’re covered for at least a day if your baggage gets delayed or lost. Some travelers may want to pack an extra pair of shoes just in case.

Similarly, if you’re heading to a beach locale, pack a swimsuit and sandals . If you have to wait to check into your hotel, you can head to the pool while the concierge keeps your luggage.

Keep expensive/irreplaceable items on your person.

As a general rule of thumb, you should leave irreplaceable items at home. This includes objects such as expensive jewelry and heirlooms. If you must travel with them, these items should be kept with you at all times. Do not trust them to be safe when placed in checked baggage; if your suitcase is lost, delayed, or stolen, you’re out of luck.

Similarly, if you must travel with official documents such as birth certificates or social security cards, check to see if a certified copy will suffice. Or maybe take a photo on your phone for less hassle. Otherwise, the same rule applies to these irreplaceable documents.

Follow the TSA 3-1-1 rule for liquids in carry-on baggage.

3 – Travelers may carry liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes in containers of 3.4oz (100ml) or smaller.

1 – These items must fit into 1 clear plastic quart-sized bag.

1 – Only 1 bag per passenger is allowed.

Remove this bag from your carry-on and place it separately in the screening bin. This is meant to slightly expedite passing through security .

The following apps can be ultra helpful for those who prefer a mobile device to the standard pen and paper methods.

Evernote: While Evernote isn’t technically travel-oriented, it’s all about lists and can be a big help for packing. With Evernote, you can sync your packing list across all your devices, making it easy to keep track of things no matter where you are…even out at the store buying items from your list!

Evernote also enables sharing notes with others, which is especially helpful for group trips. Need reminders? No problem, you can set alerts in Evernote to keep you on top of your game.

Packing Pro: This app is everything you ever wanted if you’re a list maker, and everything you didn’t know you needed if you’re a forgetful person. Packing Pro helps travelers get organized via packing lists. From templates and suggestions to customizable designs, Packing Pro has options for every type of traveler. Users are allowed an unlimited number of packing lists of an unlimited length, and you can even add images, alerts, and mark “need to buy” items.

It also has iCloud support and the ability to share your lists via email, AirDrop, Dropbox, etc. You can also export and edit your lists with Excel, Numbers, or Google Docs. If you’re the type that physically needs to cross things off, you can send directly to a printer too.

The Expert List-Making Assistant is a cool feature if you’re low-maintenance: it will take your parameters (number of people, destination, weather, etc.) and automatically create lists for you.

PackPoint: PackPoint’s purpose is to take the guesswork out of packing. The app pretty much tells you what to pack based on how long you’re traveling, where you’re going, the weather when you get there, and any activities you have planned (chosen from a pre-defined list in the app). With PackPoint Premium, users can connect to TripIt, share their lists across devices, and add customizable packing items/activities.

Travel List: Travel List seems to have fewer bells and whistles. You can do many of the same things as with Packing Pro and PackPoint: create customizable packing lists, sync across your devices, share with other people, and create alerts/reminders. One nice component is their calendar view, which gives a different type of visualization that some people really prefer. And this one is compatible with Apple Watch, which can be a huge organizational perk.

Lists To Do: This app keeps things simple for general to-do lists and is super easy to use. See your list’s percentage progress for a clear visual on how much you have left to do/pack before jetting off and set yourself reminders and share lists with your travel companions.

The following apps are helpful for keeping all your travel information in one place. From flight itineraries to hotel confirmation, event tickets to dinner reservations, they’ve got you covered. Plus, this means fewer printed travel documents you need to worry about carrying with you.

Google Trips: In a nutshell, Google Trips seamlessly integrates reservations (flights, hotels, rental cars, etc.) from your Gmail and creates a specific “trip” in the app. These trips are like folders of information including some basic categories like Reservations, Things to Do, Saved Places, Day Plans, Food & Drink, Getting Around, and Need to Know.

It also provides opportunities for travel inspiration, traveler reviews, dining/drink options, and encyclopedic information on several hundred top cities and attractions around the globe.

Also good to note: when you download your trip, everything is available offline in case you’re stuck without WiFi or data.

Kayak Trips: Part of Kayak’s main app includes a platform called Trips, which acts as an itinerary management app to keep all your pertinent travel information together. With Trips, you can forward your booking confirmations to [email protected] , where your itinerary is managed for you in a nice timeline format with maps and important info all on one screen.

Kayak Trips gives you the ability to send other people access to your travel plans through sharing options, link to your calendar app for planning consistency, and receive SMS and email flight alerts.

TripIt: TripIt is one of the most popular travel organization apps on the market. The app automatically imports flight, hotel, rental car, and other booking confirmations ( concert tickets from StubHub, dinner reservations from OpenTable, etc.) from your e-mail. If you don’t appreciate the e-mail scan, you can always forward your emails to [email protected] or manually input all the information into the system.

TripIt then creates an itinerary in an easy-to-read format, including space for directions between airports, rental car pickup, and hotel details. TripIt also allows for calendar syncing and makes it easy to send your travel info to family/friends by sharing via text, Evernote, LinkedIn, Slack, or WhatsApp.

With TripIt Pro, users get real-time flight alerts, help to find alternative flights, an airline seat tracker for better seats, reward program points tracking, and interactive airport maps.

In this section, we list some steps you might forget to take when you’re in a hurry to leave for vacation.

Remember to:

• Download your travel resources (guidebooks, language apps, etc.)
• Notify credit card companies of upcoming travel if required (international trips)
• Set an email auto-responder if necessary
• Take out the garbage
• Check the washing machine for wet clothes
• Check the dishwasher for dirty dishes
• Turn off all lights and electronics
• Set lighting timers
• Water the plants
• Drip taps (in cold climates where pipes could freeze)
• Close/lock all doors and windows; pull all curtains
• Set alarm system

For longer trips, don’t forget to:

• Empty the refrigerator/pantry of perishable food
• Unplug electronics
• Put a hold on your mail
• Consider having a friend check on your house from time to time

The Upgraded Points team is always jetting off somewhere and even we  still have trouble packing sometimes!

Additionally, if you’re interested in “the best of the best” travel products to up your packing game, check out these posts:

• All Our Best Travel Product Reviews – In One Place
• The Best Checked Luggage Bags For Any Traveler
• The Best Carry-on Luggage Bags for Any Traveler
• The Best Travel Duffel Bags on the Market

Lastly, if you’re looking for the top travel-related gifts, we’ve got you covered with our Best Gifts for Travelers .

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it better to fold or roll clothes in a suitcase.

Whether it’s better to fold or roll clothes for your suitcase may depend on a number of things. If you’ve no concern about saving space, folding could be just fine. However, if you’re trying to fit a lot of clothes into a small bag, there’s no shortage of youtube videos out there which prove rolling clothes can help with this task.

Additionally, interfolding and bundling are other techniques that could be helpful space savers. However, to save the most space, vacuum bags will be your best bet – just keep in mind your weight limit when packing a lot of things into one case!

Do packing cubes really save space?

Packing cubes don’t necessarily save space but they definitely help you stay organized when packing.

They can also help by keeping items separated — who wants smelly gym clothes next to their fancy dinner outfits?

How do I maximize space in my luggage?

To maximize space when packing, try using these methods for your contents: roll, bundle, or interfold (explanations above). Each has its own special technique but all can help you save space and fit more into your luggage of choice.

Another quick space-saving tip? Utilize typically unused space. For example, pack socks or belts inside your shoes.

How to I pack clothes without wrinkling them?

Here are a few quick tips to decrease wrinkling when packing your clothes into a suitcase: iron first, use a roll or interfold method, pack wrinkle-prone items in garment bags or utilize tissue paper between folds and layers, and/or choose fabrics that are less likely to wrinkle in the first place (wool, Tencel, knit, cashmere, polyester, nylon, spandex).

How should I pack toiletries in my suitcase?

When packing toiletries, you’ll want to be sure they’re kept separate from your clothes in a special bag or case. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy — a Ziplock baggie will do — but this will prevent the leaking of liquid onto your clothing items.

Additionally, you can place a small piece of cling-wrap between the bottles and lids of your liquids to prevent leakage.

If you’re bringing them in your carry-on, you’ll want to be sure you’re adhering to the 3-1-1 rule (use 3 oz containers max, in 1 quart-sized bag, with one bag per traveler) in order to pass easily through security.

Should I pack valuable items in my suitcase?

Always keep valuable items on your person while traveling. This includes identification cards, passports, visas, money, credit cards, jewelry, important medications, etc.

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The Essential Carry-On Bag Packing List

Christine Sarkis

There's a 95 percent chance Senior Editor Christine Sarkis is thinking about travel right now. Follow her on Instagram @postcartography and Twitter @ChristineSarkis .

Christine Sarkis is an SATW-award-winning journalist and executive editor at SmarterTravel. Her stories have also appeared on USA Today, Conde Nast Traveler, Huffington Post, and Business Insider. Her advice has been featured in dozens of print and online publications including The New York Times , Conde Nast Traveler , and People magazine. She has also shared travel tips on television and radio shows including Good Morning America, Marketplace, and Here & Now. Her work has been published in the anthologies Spain from a Backpack and The Best Women's Travel Writing 2008 . She is currently working on a travel memoir.

The Handy Item I Always Pack : The Trtl Pillow . It's easy to pack and comfortable, and makes it so I can actually sleep on flights.

Ultimate Bucket List Experience : Seeing the Aurora Borealis from the comfort of somewhere warm, like a glass igloo or hot spring.

Travel Motto : Curiosity is an amazing compass.

Aisle, Window, or Middle Seat : Aisle all the way.

Email Christine Sarkis at [email protected] .

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Need a little help packing light? With SmarterTravel’s new carry-on bag packing list, you can stick to what’s essential for your trip, no matter where you’re headed.

Don’t need an umbrella since you’re headed to Palm Springs? Not bringing contact solution because your vision is 20/20? Customize the list by crossing off items you don’t need and adding any additional items in the “more items” boxes.

Don’t miss our downloadable, editable carry-on packing checklist below .

Shop Our Carry-on Essentials List

Clothes and Shoes

• Socks/stockings
• Undershirts
• Dress Shirt
• Casual Shirts
• Sweatshirts
• Leisure Shoes
• Hiking Shoes
• Athletic Shoes
• Dress Shoes
• Sandals/flip-flops
• Small Purse
• Collapsible Tote

While packing light is great, there are still a few essentials you need to make sure make it into your bag—think underwear , socks , pajamas , shirts , and pants . From there, you can get more specific based on your destination. Heading to the beach? Throw in a swimsuit . Vacationing somewhere colder? Gloves , hats , and scarves are a must. Keep in mind that clothing can take up a lot of space—if you’re planning on packing in only a carry-on, try wearing some of your bulkier items to free up precious room in your luggage.

Shop Our Clothing Packing List

10 Ultralight Rolling Carry-On Bags Under 6 Pounds

• Dental Floss
• Conditioner
• Hairstyling Appliances
• Facial Cleanser
• Face Lotion
• Moisturizer
• Contact Lenses
• Contact Solution
• Shaving Supplies
• Makeup Remover
• Period Products
• Birth Control
• Nail Clippers
• Hand Sanitizer
• First-Aid Ointment
• Insect Repellent
• Medications
• Pain Relievers

Toiletries are another necessity of travel to keep you feeling fresh. You can find the standards— toothpaste , shampoo , conditioner , deodorant —all available in TSA-approved travel-sized containers. Liquids should be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces and fit into a clear, quart-size, zip-top plastic bag. To learn more about TSA rules, see  Airport Security Frequently Asked Questions .

Once you have the basics packed, think about your individual routine. Don’t forget things like contact solution , period products , and daily medications. Curating your carry-on toiletry bag down to only essentials will help save space. Your one-in-a-million, go-to cleanser you can’t live without? Definitely throw it in your bag. Your extensive collection of handmade shower melts ? Maybe save them for home.

Shop Our Toiletries Packing List

What Do I Need in My Travel First Aid Kit?

Carry-on Essentials

• Passport / Visa
• Copies of Important Documents
• Identification
• Maps / Directions
• Boarding Pass / Tickets
• Medical Insurance Card
• Travel Insurance Cards
• Electronics Chargers
• Voltage Adapters
• List of Medications
• Memory Cards
• Credit / ATM Cards
• Credit Card Company Information
• Emergency Contacts

Whether or not you’re checking additional luggage, there are a few items you should always keep with you. Important travel documents like your passport , ID, boarding pass, insurance cards, credit cards , and copy of your COVID-19 vaccination card should always stay with you in your personal item. Pricey items like cameras , SD cards , and laptops as well as items you may want to have on-hand at your destination like umbrellas , a guidebook , and your itinerary should be stowed safely in your carry-on. 

How to Pack in Just a Personal Item Sized Bag

Don't Forget

• Chewing Gum
• Reading Materials
• Stain Remover
• Lint Roller

Finally, don’t forget to pack items to pass time on the plane. Items like headphones , books , and magazines will keep you entertained for however many hours you’re in the air. Make sure to load up your device with podcasts , music , and audiobooks pre-flight while you’re still connected to reliable wi-fi. Other essentials like ear plugs , sleep masks , and travel pillows make sure you’re able to arrive at your destination well-rested.

Download Our Editable Carry-On Packing List

Never be without your noise-cancelling headphones or a spare set of clothes again with our downloadable checklist .

Download Here

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Editor’s note: This story was originally published in 2010. It has been updated to reflect the most current information.

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• GENERAL TRAVEL

The Essential International Travel Checklist PDF for Newbies

Liz is a collector of grand adventures. She first discovered her passion for meaningful travel wh...

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So you’ve decided to take the leap into international travel and your trip is just around the corner… but now what? The plan is in motion and anticipation sets in. Whether you’re planning to study , volunteer , work , intern , and just embark on a grand adventure abroad , any form of international travel is best planned ahead of time. After all, there are more things to do before traveling than just packing a suitcase and booking a flight (try our Flights page for discounted airfare for students!).

Whether you’re an organization freak or just want to prepare yourself in the best way possible, you need a clear plan with clear steps. A before travel checklist is the way to go.

Are you ready to GET YO’ TRAVEL ON?

No idea where to start? Lucky for you, GoAbroad has you covered! Here you’ll find the ultimate international travel checklist , complete with a planning timeline and packing list to make things easy for you. From the essential to-do’s , like picking your program and applying for visas, to finalizing itineraries and saying goodbye to family and friends, our pre-travel checklist will walk you through the six months leading up to your big trip abroad.

[ Download Our Meaningful Travel Checklist PDF Right HERE ]

It’s baby steps from here on out! Get moving on your to-do list early to eliminate the stress that comes with preparing for overseas travel. If you pace yourself now, you’ll be able to enjoy your trip abroad to the absolute fullest when the time comes!

A timeline of things to do before traveling

From the moment you decide to embark on travel abroad, it’s time to start planning. In fact, it’s never too early—the sooner you start to tick off items on your before travel checklist, the sooner you can relax and have fun!

3-6 months before departure

First things first: You need to pick a program (if you haven’t already). This first step is the most important, as it will determine how you go about planning in the coming months. There are endless opportunities for meaningful travel abroad, so if you’re feeling overwhelmed by the options, you aren’t alone. But selecting your program is the fun part (think online shopping!), and GoAbroad’s Online Advisor can help. Simply make a profile with your personal details and wildest travel dreams, and we’ll match you up with the best programs to help you reach your goals.

 Submit your application several months in advance—the earlier the better—and once accepted, you can start working on the travel logistics. Do you have a valid passport? If you’re an international travel virgin, you’ll need to apply for one right away. Make sure it’s valid for the dates of your trip. Have you booked flights? Are there visa requirements? Give yourself plenty of time for the paperwork. Does your program have additional requirements? Do you need a TEFL certification? What about CPR? Get crackin’ early so you aren’t pressed for time.

You’ll need to sort out your funding at this stage, too. Start budgeting to save for your trip, or look into scholarships and fundraising to cover what you can’t afford. Travel abroad can put a big dent in your bank account, but as long as you have a game plan, the price will be totally worth it. 

1-3 months before departure

Get a stellar haircut and tie up other loose ends, like doctor’s appointments or visits to the bank.

If you’re planning for an extended time abroad, your international travel checklist should include all of the necessary appointments to make sure you’re in optimum health for travel abroad. Schedule checkups with your dentist, doctor, and any specialists, sort out prescription medication for the length of your trip, and maybe even visit your hair stylist to make sure you’re feeling and looking good before you go! 

Your trip preparation checklist isn’t all tedious paperwork in the first several months. Now is the time to spread the word! Tell your family and friends so they can share the excitement with you, let your school or employer know about your plans so they can prepare for your departure, and connect with in-country staff to get more information about your program. Get inspired: do some research on your destination. Read guide books or novels by local authors. Reading ain’t your thing? Check out a documentary or listen to some music to get in touch with the country’s roots. The more you learn, the more real your trip abroad becomes!

One month before departure

Time is flying by! A month may sound like a long time, but you’ll be on that plane in no time. With your departure date quickly approaching, now is the time to hunker down and think about what still needs to be accomplished on your before travel checklist. No more procrastination!

Before you start on your one-month before travel checklist, make sure you’ve checked off any outstanding paperwork for visas and passports. Are your flights booking, programs confirmed, and budget in place? Once this is out of the way, your international travel checklist will help to finalize the fine details. Confirm your travel itinerary and accommodations with your program and lay the groundwork for any personal travel. If you plan to veer away from the group, think about transportation and hostel arrangements.

Next on the trip preparation checklist: start to tie up the loose ends. Buy the essentials from your packing list and say goodbye to friends, family, and your favorite restaurants. You don’t realize it now, but a Chipotle craving is bound to happen while you’re abroad, so eat that burrito and don’t feel bad about splurging on the extra guac!

Impt item on you before travel checklist: Eat all the guac you can!

Need to brush up on those language skills? Buy a pocket dictionary or download Duolingo for your free time to brush up on key phrases and slang of your destination. You’ll want to pat yourself on the back when you can find your way around or have a short conversation with locals without a translator. 

Speaking of communication, make a plan with family and friends on how to keep in touch while you’re abroad. You won’t want to be tied to your phone or social media, but it’s a good idea to find an outlet to share your travels with those at home. Ever considered blogging?

Start getting EXCITED! This is the time to celebrate and have fun before your big adventure. Don’t forget to throw yourself a going away party, so all your besties can wish you bon voyage! 

One week before

The time has nearly come! At this point, there aren’t too many things to do before traveling. In a perfect world, your before travel checklist should be all checked off. Your passport and visa are ready, itineraries are finalized, necessities have been purchased. If you’ve been on top of your international travel checklist thus far, your last week will be a breeze.

There are just a few things left on your pre-travel checklist during your last week before departure. If you haven’t already, you’ll want to purchase travel insurance . Some programs include this in the program fee, so best to check with them first. If not, get this sorted right away—and no cutting corners with this one! You never know what can happen, and you’ll want the best coverage possible in case of emergency while abroad. 

One of the most important things to do before traveling is packing your bags—smartly. Don’t overdo it!

Don’t forget to contact your bank and let them know you’ll be traveling. You don’t want to run into difficulties with credit or debit cards while you’re overseas. Enquire about travel cards, or think about exchanging currencies so you have cash for your first week or two after arrival.

And last, but not least, pack those bags! Make sure you keep two copies of all travel documents and IDs in your carry-on, along with some clean underwear and a toothbrush. As for the rest, your program should provide you with some must-haves before you set off on your trip abroad.

Download our travel checklist PDF ! 

Are you ready to take the plunge into international travel? If you’re committed to meaningful travel abroad, it’s time to get the ball rolling on the prep work. Download GoAbroad’s ultimate pre-travel checklist PDF to get organized for your trip abroad. Straightforward and simple, our international travel checklist will make your life a million times easier while preparing for travel!

 Not only do you get the essential international travel checklist, but GoAbroad has thrown in a bonus packing list. Whether you’re going for a week or a year, you’ll have the essentials covered. In addition to comfy clothes, don’t forget a few key items: 

• Your passport!
• Cash and debit card on hand
• Travel-sized toiletries
• Any medications or vitamins you need
• Sunscreen and bug spray
• Headphones, chargers, and adaptors
• Translating device
• Earplugs and eye mask
• A good book and journal
• Walking shoes and flip flops
• Emergency contacts for your program staff
• Extra underwear—remember, you can never have too many undies! 

Your daypack should carry all the essentials: ALL paperwork, toothbrush and deodorant for those journeys that turn into days on end without a shower, something cozy to snuggle on the plane, snacks, and anything else to make your trip more enjoyable. 

You’re ready to make all of your life abroad and international travel dreams come true.

Remember to pack light! It can be easy to over-pack, especially when preparing for an extended overseas trip. Less is more when packing for your trip abroad. Whether you’re packing for a short-term volunteer stint or a year working overseas , the strategy is the same. Stick with clothing that can be layered or hand washed, and leave heavy books, high heels, hair dryers, and random accessories at home. You’ll be able to buy any clothes you need and most toiletries upon arrival, and that extra suitcase room will come in handy later for souvenirs.

You’re ready to get those travel plans rolling

That wasn’t too bad now, was it? Now for the fun part: stop daydreaming and put those travel plans into motion. With the right preparation, you’ll be ready for every excitement and challenge that comes with travel abroad. Throw your stresses behind you and dive headfirst into the trip of a lifetime. Adventure awaits!

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The Five Foot Traveler

Reaching new heights, 137 travel essentials: a comprehensive packing list.

by Sarah Gallo | Aug 15, 2019 | Resources | 2 comments

You’ve decided that you wanted to travel somewhere new, so you booked a flight, secured your hotels, and told all of your friends. You eagerly search Instagram for the must-see spots and, before you know it, you leave in a few weeks! Now, I never recommend saving packing for the last minute, but it’s silly to start gathering your travel essentials few months out too. 

This article is meant to serve as a guideline for the most efficient ways to go about packing your travel essentials. Coming from someone who has visited over 100 countries, it’s safe to say that I’ve done enough trial and error for all of you! In this article you will find the most useful carry on essentials, packing and clothing essentials, outdoor essentials, fitness “on the go” essentials, reading essentials, and business management essentials.

Chimp trekking in Uganda with travel essentials on hand

Now, here’s the thing: this list of travel essentials covers just about everything, so try not to get overwhelmed. No matter your age, no matter your type of travel, this comprehensive list should be used as a guideline to decide what you need to pack depending on your trip. For instance, you certainly won’t pack the same things for a luxury cruise through the Caribbean , an RV trip through New Zealand , or a road trip through South Africa . Of course, it should go without saying, but if you’re going to places like Antarctica or the Arctic, you will certainly need to include gear for extremities, and a packing list is almost always provided. 

Please note: This page contains affiliate links, meaning that The Five Foot Traveler may receive a small commission when you purchase any travel essentials using the links in this article at no extra cost to you. I appreciate your continued support!

I personally use and own everything that I recommend below. 

Before you begin packing, please make sure you go through this checklist of absolute, no questions asked travel essentials:

• Is your Passport valid for six months after you depart your destination and for the duration of your trip?
• Have you checked to see if you have all of the necessary visas for where you’re visiting?
• Have you purchased a comprehensive travel insurance plan ?

Hopefully you’ve answered YES to the above questions, so let’s dive in. First thing’s first, I always recommend having a staging area for your travel essentials well before you pack. For me, it’s the loveseat in my bedroom, but anywhere will do (although I do suggest keeping it out of reach from messy children or pets). Here, you can organize the travel goodies you’ve purchased and start organizing your piles of clothes and toiletries. I find this useful because I usually want to use the things I need to pack, so I’m not a big fan of throwing everything into a suitcase two weeks prior to departure.

And speaking of suitcases, decide early on the way you’d like to travel. Are you going on a luxury European vacation? Trekking through the Himalayas? Relaxing on a beach somewhere? Your luggage should reflect your style of travel. Since I started this travel journey as a backpacker, I initially checked a 55L backpack and used a hiking backpack as my carry on.

When I first started backpacking these were my travel essentials

Then I started traveling carry on only, where I used a spinner carry on and a hiking backpack as my personal item. Then, finally, when I transitioned into luxury travel and *gasp* needed to pack heels and a variety of dresses, I started checking a 24” spinner and bringing with me a carry on spinner on the plane and a cross body bag as my personal item for under the seat in front of me.

I've cleaned up a bit over the years though, don't worry!

I’ve loved every backpack, bag, and suitcase that I’ve owned and highly recommend picking and choosing between the following:

Airplane Personal Item

• Cross-Body Bag:  If you want to look a little more put together, but want easy access to all of your carry on travel essentials, a cross-body bag is a must. If you like to travel with your laptop, make sure you purchase one that has a laptop sleeve too. Of course, it should be small enough to fit under the seat in front of you but roomy enough that you won’t have to dig around in it to find what you want. My Recommendation – Vera Bradley Lighten Up Weekender Travel Bag . This is honestly an absolute must for me, and I bring it everywhere I go.
• Backpack: Your backpack should be both supportive and spacious. I love that this also can substitute as a hiking day pack. Everything that I pack in my cross-body bag will also fit in my 24L backpack, so it just comes down to personal preference. My Recommendation –  Osprey Sirrus 24 Women’s Hiking Backpack and Osprey Stratos 24 Men’s Hiking Backpack. These both have incredible structure and hip support.

Airplane Carry On Item

• A Spinner Carry On Suitcase: If you’re questioning whether you should get a suitcase with two wheels or four wheels, always choose the four-wheel spinner. It will make your life easier as you both navigate crowds within the airport and on the busy streets of your destination. Trust me on this, as I converted from a two-wheeler to a four-wheeler and it made a huge difference in the way that I travel. My Recommendation – TravelPro Maxlite 4 21” Hardside Spinner. Hardside here is key. It helps you not to overpack, and it is also more durable for your travels. This is one of the most lightweight hardside carry on suitcases that you’ll find on the market, and it has a built-in TSA-approved lock as well as a limited lifetime warranty.
• If you’re not carrying on a suitcase, you may be able to carry on both recommended personal items – depending on the airline, size, and weight.

Airplane Checked Item

• Spinner Checked Suitcase: Again, I highly recommend a spinner four-wheel suitcase over a two-wheel suitcase for the purpose of ease. Personally, I like when my carry on spinner and checked spinner match, which led me back to TravelPro. I like the way that the inside is organized, and it’s helpful that each of their hardside spinners come with a built-in TSA-approved lock. My Recommendation – TravelPro Maxlite 4 25” Spinner and TravelPro Maxlite 5 29” Spinner. Depending on the type of trip you’re taking (and how many shoes haha), you’ll need to decide which size checked luggage works for you. I find it useful to have a 25” and 29” on hand, but 99% of the time I will choose just to bring the 25” Spinner, as I’ve found that’s more than enough for me. If you’d like to purchase the 21”, 25”, and 29” as a set – which is the best bang for your buck – you can do so here.
• Trekkers Pack: Now, if you’re moving around a lot, camping, trekking, and staying in refugios, then a trekkers pack will certainly be the better option for you. When I first started traveling I used a trekkers pack, and it definitely has its benefits for the active among us! When researching which pack to get, make sure that it’s easily opened from multiple points on the bag, that it has plenty of pockets for your smaller items, and provides you with plenty of support. My Recommendation – Osprey Ariel AG 65 Women’s Backpacking Backpack and Osprey Atmos 65 AG Men’s Backpacking Backpack . I tried on what felt like hundreds of trekkers packs before realizing that these were, hands down, the ideal pack that I was looking for. I have carried quite a bit of weight in mine, and it was always comfortable on the hips and shoulders. Plus, Osprey has an “all mighty guarantee” where they will repair any damage free of charge and, if they can’t fix it, they will replace it at no cost to you. Incredibly, this applies to all of their products, no matter the purchase date. You can read more about it here , if interested. 
• Rolling Duffle: At the end of the day, some people just love duffle bags (my grandpa is one of them!). They’re a great combination of a duffle bag and rolling suitcase, and you have the ability to carry the bag or roll it, depending on your circumstances. My Recommendation – TravelPro Rolling Duffle Bag with Drop Bottom. This comes in all different colors and sizes, but I recommend the 30”, as it’s plenty roomy without being overwhelming. This rolling duffle is lightweight, yet incredibly durable; it survived a few weeks of safaris in Africa with no problems. It also has many different pockets and separators to keep your bag well-organized. 

To keep your luggage organized as a whole, I couldn’t recommend packing cubes highly enough. I originally didn’t think they had much use, but they’ve changed my life when it comes to packing – whether it’s just for a weekend trip or a year-long journey. They come in all different sizes, and I use a variety of small, medium, and large packing cubes. My Recommendation: I have tested many packing cubes over the years, and I can say – without a doubt – that the Eagle Creek Pack-It Specter Cubes are the absolute best on the market. They are incredibly durable and as lightweight as possible. And look at how nicely they fit into a suitcase!

How I pack my carry on to include all travel essentials

And always remember: lock all of your luggage with TSA-approved locks if you don’t have a suitcase with built in locks. Both checked luggage, and carry on (yes, this means backpacks too). I’ve tried many different locks over the years, but these are my favorite. I presume you’re like me and don’t want people sifting through your checked bag nor people sneaking into your carry on while you sleep (have you heard the stories of valuables being stolen from airplanes?).

But now that you’ve chosen your luggage, you’re probably wondering what travel essentials are actually necessary to pack….

I’m going to break down my packing list into easy-to-organize categories for you. Just remember to pick and choose what you most need for the trip you’re taking. So, let’s do this!

Carry On Essentials

Documents & Confirmations: These are things that you simply must have on you at all times. DO NOT leave your house without packing these into your personal items, as they are absolute travel essentials. 

Comfort: Unless you travel first class, flights are rarely considered comfortable – and it doesn’t matter if it’s an easy 5-hour flight or a 19-hour flight! Make your life easier by packing these few travel essentials for a bit of extra comfort. There’s no way that I could do an overnight flight even semi-comfortably without these!

Noise Cancelling Headphones, Eye Mask, Pillow – Travel Essentials

• Blow Up Pillow:  I’ll start by saying that I think I’ve tried every airplane pillow out there, or just about! Since I take so many overnight flights, and we all know how airplane pillows feel, it makes sense to bring your own. I began not to worry about the shape or size — if it helped me sleep, it was a keeper. My Recommendation – Haobaimei Airplane Pillow. I know, I know it looks a bit silly, but I promise you that it’s the best airplane pillow out there. It has allowed me to sleep comfortably in a variety of positions. I’d like to be able to describe it in detail, but you’re better off clicking this link , and scrolling to the “product description” to see all of the reasons why this pillow is a must!
• Foot Rest: You’re probably thinking, “what?” But yes, airplane footrests are a thing, and quite comfortable. Rather than trying to squeeze your legs under the chair (and slam your shins along the way), you can instead set up your footrest. My Recommendation – Sleepy Ride. I’ve had this footrest for years; it’s incredibly lightweight and folds up tiny. It’s very easy to set up, and you can adjust the height to your preference. 
• Eye Mask – Eye Masks are a tricky thing. Assuming that it will be over your eyes for hours on end, you need to ensure that it doesn’t press against your eyes, doesn’t let light in, and doesn’t slip off your head. My Recommendation – Manta Sleep Mask. I was drawn in not only by their 100% darkness guaranteed, but also by the fact that you can still open your eyes behind the mask too! The fact that there is zero pressure on your eyes, and that it’s fully customizable to your unique face makes it a must have!
• Compression Socks:  Compression socks are important to wear while flying, especially if it’s a long-haul flight! They not only increase circulation, but they help prevent blood clots and swelling too. My Recommendation – Alvada Compression Socks for Men & Women. Get them and remember to bring them on your next flight! 
• Cambridge Mask: I have always traveled with a mask on hand, should I get sick or should there be something going around. Cambridge Masks are amongst the best out there, as their masks meet the N99 standard and protect against almost 100% of pollutants, viruses, and bacteria *if the mask is worn correctly.* Whenever using a mask, make sure that it's snug on your face, avoid touching the front of the mask, and be sure to wash your hands before putting the mask on/taking it off.  My Recommendation –  Cambridge Mask Co.
• Earplanes: Have you ever struggled with painful ear popping on airplanes? Well I get horrible ear pain whenever I fly… to the point where I cannot fly without them. My Recommendation – EarPlanes Pack of 3. These work fantastically to relieve the pressure in your ears during take off and landing, while muffling some of the noise too. 
• Reusable Water Bottle:  I always recommend traveling with a water bottle on hand for two reasons. (1) It’s good to have a bottle that the flight attendants can fill up for you so that you’re not stuck to 3 sips of water until the next flight attendant comes back. (2) Having a reusable water bottle can help minimize your plastic waste. My Recommendation – Hydro Flask. The Hydro Flask is a BPA-free stainless steel, slip free water bottle. It comes in a variety of sizes and will keep hot drinks hot for up to six hours and cold drinks cold up to 24 hours. Definitely handy to have while traveling!
• Sweatshirt or Jacket: Planes (or any type of transportation honestly) can sometimes be unbearably cold! I definitely recommend always having a sweatshirt or jacket on hand, or both, as I doubt anyone wants to be freezing and uncomfortable for hours on end. 
• Change of Clothes: No one likes a smelly person 😉 But in all honesty, it’s important to have a change of clothes on hand for just in case your luggage gets lost. If you’re going on a beach trip, pack a bathing suit. A hiking trip, pack your spandex. You get the point. 
• Carabiners – While this may seem a bit random, carabiners are incredibly useful for travel. I use a carabiner to clip my water bottle to my carry on, as well as to clip my pillow and footrest to the seat in front of me too. You don’t need anything fancy, so something like these will do. 

Technology & Valuables: Anything of value should never be checked. Make sure that all technology and valuables (like jewelry & sunglasses) are packed in your carry on and in a locked compartment. Some of these things may be obvious, but I’m still including them if you reference this as your packing list. 

As a content creator, I obviously pack a lot more tech than the average person, but please use the list below as a guideline for what to pack tech-wise according to your needs. Perhaps you’ll even find something new to bring with you on your next trip! 

A typical day with my laptop on the road

• Smartphone: This is a given these days, but make sure you pack your phone! It’s also incredibly helpful to have some apps downloaded that might help make your travel easier. My favorite is App in the Air 🙂 My Recommendation – iPhone Xs Max. If you’re looking for a new smartphone, I have an iPhone Xs Max 256 GB and absolutely love it. 
• Noise Cancelling Headphones (and iPod):  Airplanes are noisy. People are noisy. Babies are noisy. Get rid of the noise! My Recommendation – Bose QuietComfort 35 II. These wireless, bluetooth noise-cancelling headphones are honestly a dream. They are the very first thing I pack in my personal item, as I couldn’t do a flight without them! Of course, make sure you have music downloaded on your phone or iPod to listen to as well (and yes, I still use an iPod). 
• Earbuds: While I’m obsessed with noise cancelling headphones, it’s always a good idea to have a regular pair of earbuds too. They do make noise-cancelling earbuds as well, but those have never felt right to me. My Recommendation – Apple Airpods with Charging Case. These Airpods automatically connect to your device and charge within 15 minutes once you put them back in their case. They’re small, lightweight, and easy to travel with. 
• Kindle:  I don’t go anywhere without my Kindle. I love that it allows me to travel with as many books as I’d like, without the burden of actually having to lug them around. My Recommendation – Kindle Paperwhite. The flush design is as close to “paper” as it gets and there are no glares (this I can promise, as I always read at the beach in the sun!). It is also waterproof, which is convenient, and pairs with bluetooth headphones as well if you’re an audiobook listener. 
• Laptop:  Depending on what you do or for how long you’re traveling, you may not need to bring your laptop. My Recommendation – MacBook Air or MacBook Pro 15”. These both have very different uses. For travel, the MacBook Air is significantly easier to travel with. While it’s infinitely lighter though, it doesn’t have the same processing power as the MacBook Pro 15”. If you plan on editing a lot of photos or videos, unfortunately the heavier MacBook Pro 15” should be your go-to. I personally used (and loved) the MacBook Air for years before switching to the MacBook Pro 15”, which is what I use now (for a stronger and faster laptop). 
• Laptop Case:  Even if your backpack or messenger bag has a laptop sleeve, be sure to have your laptop in its own protective case! My Recommendation – CCPK Laptop Sleeve. This is as basic a laptop sleeve as it gets, but it is snug and will protect your laptop, without adding extra bulk. 
• External Hard Drive:  If you’re on the road a lot or take excess photos, you’ll certainly want an external hard drive on hand to back everything up! My Recommendation –  LaCie Rugged Mini External Hard Drive. I’ve had multiple LaCie Rugged Hard Drives, and I’ve loved each and every one of them. They’re perfect for any kind of trip, as they’re compact, durable, and water-resistant. And if you’re interested in learning how to better edit your photos, it even comes with a complimentary one-month membership to Adobe! 
• USB Drive: I can’t even begin to tell you how many times people ask if I can give them a USB drive with photos. It’s an extremely small, very useful thing to have on you if you’re in the content creation space. My Recommendation – SanDisk Cruzer Glide CZ60 USB Drive . I personally recommend the 256 GB, as you’ll never worry about running out of space, but any will do based on your needs. 
• DSLR Camera: Now this one is tricky one because every person has different travel needs and preferences. I’ve personally traveled with a Canon, Sony, and Panasonic… but it wasn’t until I traveled with an Olympus Camera that I was fully content. My Recommendation – Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II. Not only is it the lightest DSLR that I have ever carried around with me, but it’s waterproof and weather-sealed, which makes it ideal for every situation. This is my go-to travel camera these days, and you can read the full review of my Olympus products here.  

Always travel equipped with a good camera!

• Lenses:  Again, lenses will depend on the type of photo that you’re aiming to get. The Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II can be purchased with two different lenses, or you can purchase the lenses separately. My Recommendation – M. Zuiko 14-150mm f4-5.6 for your everyday lens and M.Zuiko 7-14mm f2.8 PRO for a wide angle lens. I originally thought I wouldn’t need a wide angle lens, but sure was wrong!
• GoPro: By now I’m sure you’ve heard that the GoPro is the best action-cam on the market and, guess what, it’s true. Whether you’re running down the beach, zip-lining through the air, or diving with sharks, the GoPro can help perfectly capture the moment. My Recommendation – GoPro Hero 8. The GoPro Hero 8 prides itself on filming in 4K, taking 12 MP still shots, and having the best stabilization on an action camera. This is a must for any adventure traveler! 
• Memory Cards:  Make sure you purchase high quality memory cards. I always recommend smaller memory card sizes, and a lot of them. If a memory card were to become corrupt, I would hate to lose everyone on a 256 GB memory card! My Recommendation – SanDisk 32 GB Extreme Pro for your camera and the SanDisk 64 GB Micro SD for your GoPro. The Extreme Pro writes quite quickly at 95 mbps and the Micro SD is a Class 10, meaning that it will work great for full HD video playback. Both SD Cards are waterproof, shock proof, and temperature-proof. 
• Gimbal:  No one likes shaky videos. If you’re shooting with a smartphone or GoPro, a gimbal helps stabilize your videos and keeps them smooth. They’re relatively lightweight and portable, and a necessity if you want to get into video. My Recommendation – DJI Osmo Mobile 2. DJI is an incredible reputable brand and their gimbal is one of the most lightweight on the market. Run, jump, do everything in between, and this gimbal will keep your videos stable. 
• FitBit: It’s no secret that I’ve always loved my FitBit. I’ve worn one for years, and I love that it provides me with in-depth sleep analytics while also counting my steps, calories, and distance walked for the day. My Recommendation – FitBit Versa. I’ve had a few different FitBit’s over the years, and the Versa is definitely my favorite! It’s the biggest competitor to the Apple Watch, and I prefer its exercise analytics and sleek design. You can also download your favorite apps and music on your FitBit Versa too! 
• Portable Speaker:  I actually bought the UE Roll out of necessity when our other speaker died on a road trip through New Zealand , but I’m SO happy we did! It’s incredibly portable and easily hung up or carried with you. My Recommendation – UE Roll Wireless. This bluetooth speaker is not only wireless, but waterproof and shockproof too. It has great sound quality, and  it makes for the perfect addition to any camp out, beach day, or general use around the house. 
• Portable Battery Charger: You never know when your phone or camera might die. I always always always carry a portable battery charger with me. Not only does it ensure that I will always be charged up, but it’s also nice to be able to provide your friends with a bit of juice when their phones die too (because, no, they typically never have an external battery charger). My Recommendation – myCharge AdventureMax Portable Charger . The myCharge is an important buy for travelers because, aside from having dual USB ports for charging (which is awesome), it is also splash-proof, drop-resistant, and dirt-proof, making it the perfect travel buddy. It’s also incredibly small and compact and has an attached carabiner, so it’s easy to throw in your purse or attach off a backpack.  
• International Adaptor: No matter where you’re traveling, this is an absolute must. I always carry at least two international adaptors so that, if one breaks, I always have a back up. You would be surprised how many people forget to pack an international adaptor. My Recommendation – Upgraded Universal Travel Adaptor. The reason I love this travel adaptor is that not only does it have a standard plug, but four USB ports as well. Sometimes I don’t have a long time to charge my equipment, but with this adaptor I have the ability to charge everything at the same time. This Universal Adaptor works in over 150 countries, so it’s certainly handy to have!
• Chargers: If you have a lot of gear, it’s likely that you have a lot of cords and cables. While there’s no need to elaborate, these are the main chargers that I always have on hand. 

Medications: When people think of travel essentials, they don’t typically think of meds, but important Medications should never be checked! Should your luggage be lost, you don’t want to be without your daily meds. If you have prescribed medication, ensure that it is packed in your carry on. Aside from our individual health needs, I recommend packing – at minimum – Advil, Allergy Medications, Pepto-Bismol (or something similar), Motion Sickness Tablets, Tylenol AM/PM, and Malaria Tablets (depending on your destination), as well as Neosporin Cream and Hydrocortisone Cream. And, of course, if you carry an EpiPen, don’t forget that either! 

Miscellaneous: These are some small things I wasn’t sure how to categorize, but I make sure to have all of these in my carry on as well!

Packing Essentials

Clothing: Clothing is a tricky one, as this really varies per person. I’ve done 8 month trips where I’ve had 5 tops and 5 bottoms, and weeklong cruise trips where I have 20 outfits for 7 days. I highly recommend Anatomie as your go-to travel clothing brand though, and they’ve actually been endorsed by both Forbes Travel Guide and Condé Nast Traveler. Please take the time to view these three articles:

• The Best Travel Pants For Women
• The Best Travel Shirts For Women
• Travel Clothes For Women 

With the founders of Anatomie, my go-to travel clothing!

In general though, you can use the table below as a rough guideline for the types of clothing you should pack. I don’t go anywhere without these things – no matter what season it is. Remember when packing, your clothes will typically get a bit wrinkly, so I recommend bringing a travel-sized wrinkle releaser as well as a dual-voltage travel steamer. 

Toiletries: Do yourself a favor and purchase the Eagle Creek Pack It Quick Trip Toiletry Bag . It’s the perfect sized toiletry bag and very lightweight. It should easily fit all of your toiletries, aside from your Microfiber Towel ( this is a must! ). There’s no need to explain what each toiletry is needed for though, so I’m providing you with another table with what to bring – 

Shoes: Shoes are always a personal preference. I used to travel with just one pair of flip flops and one pair of hiking boots, but times have changed a bit. I know other people who practically need a whole suitcase just for their heels. With that said, these days I typically pack sandals, a pair of flip-flops, black heels, nude heels, cross-training shoes, sneakers, and hiking boots when I’m going on a longer trip. And, of course, plenty of socks! I recommend Puma’s ankle socks and Darn Tough hiking socks. 

Gotta have a good pair of heels while you're cruising!

Outdoor Essentials

Camping: So you’ve decided that you want to become one with nature, or you’re simply on a trip that’s better suited for camping – awesome! Years ago I spent two months camping through Central America and another two months camping through Africa, and both were incredible experiences. It helped that I was well-prepared though! It’s important to note that even if you decide to camp in the summer (or in a desert), it is not always warm at night. I’ve learned this the hard way, so make sure you pack many layers and are prepared for every type of climate, every time. My go-to camping equipment is as follows –

Couldn't have camped in New Zealand without my lightweight tent!

• Big Agnes Tent: Big Agnes is the best of the best when it comes to finding the most lightweight, durable tents. I used a bulkier tent for my first camping trip and regretted it instantly. My Recommendation – Big Agnes Fly Creek UL 3. I’ve loved every night that I’ve spent in this tent — it’s unbelievably light for a three-person tent, very comfortable, and weatherproof too! I always opt for a three-person tent over a two-person tent so that we can keep our gear inside with us and have a little extra space. 
• Sleeping Pad: A good sleeping pad is a necessity. When I first started camping I tried to go cheap to save money, but it was a terrible decision. It definitely isn’t fun spending the night slipping and sliding off your mat, or feeling the ground under your back. My Recommendation –  Big Agnes Air Core Ultra Sleeping Pad. This sleeping pad comes with the option of it being insulated or uninsulated, and I’d definitely recommend the insulation as it’s rated for 3-season camping and still only weighs in at 21oz! This folds up incredibly small (about the size of a water bottle) yet doesn’t compromise on its comfort. 
• Sleeping Bag: A roomy yet packable sleeping bag is also, obviously, very important for camping. I recommend getting a 2-3 season sleeping bag and doing your research to ensure that it’s super lightweight. My Recommendation – Sea to Summit Spark Down Sleeping Bag. The beauty of this sleeping bag is that it weighs just over a pound and packs down to just 4.9L! It also comes with a compression bag so that it compresses down to the size of a water bottle. This sleeping bag is water resistant, has a great hooded component, and will keep you warm all night. 
• Sleep Liner: This is something that a lot of people forget about, but it’s incredibly handy. I suggest traveling with a sleep liner for a few reasons. First, it can be an extra layer if it’s colder outside, but it can also be your only layer if it’s too warm for your sleeping bag. Also, it doesn’t need to be used just for camping. When I used to stay in hostels, I’d use my sleep liner in bed rather than use the blanket. My Recommendation – Sea to Summit Adaptor Coolmax Liner Traveller with Insect Shield. I’ve used this all over the world. You can purchase it without the insect shield, but I personally prefer having the extra insect repellant treatment, especially when in outdoorsy locations. 
• Ultra Light Pillow: You want a comfortable, small blowup pillow to have with you. I’ve seen way too many people fold up their clothes into an uncomfortable pillow when they could have just brought a lightweight pillow. My Recommendation – Sea to Summit Aeros Pillow Ultra Light. I’ve had this pillow for about five years now, and it’s never let me down. I won’t go anywhere without it. Not only does it pack down to smaller than the palm of my hand, but it’s genuinely comfortable! There have been many times where I’ve been in luxury hotels with pillows that were too high for me, so I just blew up this little pillow.  
• Hammock or Sleeping Hammock: If you’re camping, sometimes you just want to hang out outside of the tent… literally. A hammock definitely comes in handy during those times! Travel hammocks are easy to set up and are great for lounging, napping or reading a book. My Recommendation – ENO DoubleNest Hammock. This is a two person hammock, but comfortable for just one as well. It folds down small and is quite lightweight. Sometimes we bring it on our hikes as well, rather than just keeping them at the campsite! If you don’t feel like sleeping in the tent, or have a third-wheeler tagging along, the ENO Ember 2 Under Quilt could be of use too. 

Who doesn't love a good hammock?!

• Cookware: If you’re camping, you’ll definitely want the ability to cook easily. We all know though that no one wants to lug metal pots and pans to their campsite. My Recommendation – Sea to Summit X-Series. It doesn’t get much better than lightweight, durable, and collapsible cookware! The 5-piece set comes with one pot, two bowls, and two mugs, so you may need to order more than one set depending on how many people you’re camping with. They fold up smaller than you could imagine! 
• Spork: A spork is just one of the most convenient things you could have. Whether you need a spoon, knife, or fork, the spork has your back! I always carry a spork with me in my daypacks as well, as you never know when you will need one. My Recommendation – Tapirus 5 Spork of Steel Utensils Set. I highly recommend these rust-proof stainless steel sporks over their plastic equivalents. I had numerous plastic sporks break on me before transitioning to stainless steel and haven’t had any problems since. 
• Inflatable Lounger: Have you seen these things?! They’re infinitely better than any camp chair and fold up even smaller! These are truly one of the most interesting and useful camping additions that I’ve seen. My Recommendation – AlphaBeing Inflatable Lounger. If you have no idea what I’m talking about, click that link and check it out — it’s one of those things that is better visualized than described.  
• LED Camping Lantern: You certainly need something to light up your campsite or tent once it gets dark. As I like to keep things small and portable, I always suggest going for a lantern that collapses into itself. My Recommendation – MISPO 6 Pack Portable Camping Lantern with LED Flashlights. These are the perfect mini lanterns to put in and around your campsite. Then, when you’re not using them, they barely take up any space and pack away easily.  

Hiking: It’s important to practice safe hiking anywhere you go. As always, I recommend looking up your hiking trails in advance, letting someone know where you’re going, and having a trail map handy. Bring many layers, in addition to the following –

Couldn't have tackled the Matterhorn Base Camp without my hiking poles!

• Hiking Backpack: If you’re planning on taking day trips from your campsite or accommodation, a good hiking backpack is a necessity. I always look for things like good waist support and structure, as well as ample pockets. My Recommendation –  Osprey Sirrus 24 Women’s Hiking Backpack and Osprey Stratos 24 Men’s Hiking Backpack. If you don’t remember why I chose these packs specifically, please scroll back up to the “luggage” section. 
• Trekkers Pack: If you’re going on a multi-day hike or staying in refugios along the trail, then you’ll need a bigger and better trekkers pack. Like the hiking backpack, this needs to be both structured and very comfortable. My Recommendation – Osprey Ariel AG 65 Women’s Backpacking Backpack and Osprey Atmos 65 AG Men’s Backpacking Backpack . Jump back up to the “luggage” section if you’d like a refresher on these options.  
• Hydration Pack: Whether you’re going out on a two hour hike on a hot summer day or a long trek, a water bladder makes a massive difference! You won’t have to deal with taking off your backpack to take a sip, or worrying about your water bottle falling out of the side pocket. Plus, you can carry far more water with a hydration pack as well. My Recommendation – CamelBak Crux 2L or 3L Reservoir. I originally thought I’d save money by going with a non-name brand, but when I did that my water always tasted like plastic and, quite frankly, it was disgusting. CamelBak deserves the praise that it gets, and it’s definitely worth the price tag. I have both a 2L and a 3L, depending on what type of hike I’m doing. I find the 3L more useful on a day-to-day basis, as it doesn’t always need to be filled to the top.
• Hiking Poles: Hiking Poles are a necessity for any hiker, in my opinion. Hiking poles not only make you a bit faster, but they take some pressure off your knees too. I always look for carbon poles are they are a lot lighter than aluminum poles. My Recommendation –   Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z Trekking Poles. Not only are these lightweight, 100% carbon fiber, and of the highest quality, but they also fold into three sections which makes them incredibly convenient to pack or attach to a backpack when not in use. 
• Headlamp: Whether you’re completing a sunrise or sunset mission, wandering around your campsite in the evening, or misjudged the length of your hike, it is imperative to carry a headlamp on you whenever you’re hiking! My Recommendation – Black Diamond Storm Headlamp. This headlamp is both waterproof and dustproof, which is always helpful! It also had three different color LED options, as well as adjustable intensity. I also love that it has a lock mode, which keeps my headlamp from turning on in my pack!

Hiking in the dark can be dangerous without a headlamp

• Water Filter: A water filter is very important when you’re out hiking. If something happens and you run out of water, you can stick it into any water (from a dirty puddle to a river) and it should come out clean. My Recommendation – LifeStraw Personal Water Filter. The LifeStraw removes waterborne bacteria, waterborne parasites, and micro-plastics found in the environment from your water. It is the most reliable water filter system for a hiker on the market. One of the admirable things about LifeStraw is that for every product purchased, a child receives safe drinking water for an entire school year – pretty remarkable! 
• Pocket Tissues: You never know when you’ll have a runny nose, have to clean up a spill… or need to pee. Just have them on you. 
• First Aid Kit: This should be a given, but I know plenty of people who don’t hike with one. Should anything happen, it helps to know that you’re properly prepared. My Recommendation – M2 Basic 150 Piece First Aid Kit. This is a travel-sized first aid kit that is about the size of your hand, so there’s no excuse not to put it in your backpack!
• Bug Spray Wipes: Applying bug spray is typically a pain and tends to leave you sticky and oily, but not with the wipes! My Recommendation: Repel 94100 Sportsmen 30-Percent Deet Mosquito Repellent Wipes. I started traveling with these in 2013 and haven’t looked back. They’re incredibly easy-to-use, portable, and protective. 
• Clif Bars or Clif Protein Bars: You definitely need to ensure that you have some sustenance to keep you going while hiking. Although I’m not a big fan of the sugar content in Clif Bars, there’s no debating the fact that they were designed to help give your body fuel while active. My Recommendation – Clif Bar Variety Pack or, if you’re looking for a higher level of protein, the Clif Builders Protein Bar Variety Pack. While Clif Bars are – hands down – the tastiest protein bars on the market, my favorite flavors are the White Chocolate Macadamia and the Chocolate Mint. 
• Hiking Boots: Wearing good hiking boots is, of course, imperative. Over the years, I’ve spent ages researching the best and most comfortable brands. Another aspect that’s always important to me is that they’re waterproof, as you never know what conditions you might be hiking in or if the weather might take a turn. My Recommendation – Lowa Women’s Renegade GTX Mid Hiking Boot and Lowa Men’s Renegade GTX Mid Hiking Boot. Once I discovered Lowa, I never turned back. I’ve owned four different pairs of their hiking boots, as I’m incredibly happy with the model. They are properly waterproof and supportive, and perfect for any type of hike be it short distance or long distance. 
• Hiking Socks: If you hike a lot, you know how important a comfortable, breathable sock is. If you’re anything like me, your socks probably also take a bit of a beating, so you need to find something reliable. My Recommendation – Darn Tough Hiker ¼ Cushion Sock – Womens and Darn Tough Hiker ¼ Cushion Sock – Mens. Not only are Darn Tough socks incredibly comfortable and antimicrobial, but they are guaranteed for life! If you’re a frequent hiker, there’s no brand more reliable than Darn Tough, and they’re certainly worth the price tag.  
• Base Layers: Base layers have saved me time and time again while out for long hikes, and I cannot stress their importance! If I’m not wearing my base layers, they’re in my bags. While there are so many brands and base layers out there, it’s important to do your research as I simply can’t list them all. My Recommendation – Women’s Ultra-Soft Long Johns & Warm Top Set and Men’s Thermal Underwear Set. Always, always make sure that your base layers are moisture-wicking!
• Down Jacket: I carry a down jacket with me on every trail, every camping trip, and even every airplane. It doesn’t matter whether it’s sweltering hot or freezing cold, I always have one with me to ensure that I’m prepared. My Recommendation – Mountain Hardwear Women’s Ghost Whisperer Down Hooded Jacket and Men’s Ghost Whisperer Down Hooded Jacket. These jackets are, in my opinion, the best lightweight down jackets on the market. The hood is important, as it provides that extra warm, and they’re both machine-washable. Another aspect that I love – and find to be incredibly useful – is that it folds up into itself so that it packs down extremely small. The jacket is worth every cent to me, and I wouldn’t travel without it!

Staying warm in Iceland thanks to my down jacket

• Rain Jacket: You’re pretty much crazy if you decide to go hiking without a rain jacket. Not only could the weather change from a beautiful day to an ugly storm in the blink of an eye, but it also serves as a windproof layer as well. My Recommendation – Outdoor Research Women’s Aspire Jacket and Outdoor Research Men’s Horizon Jacket. After testing out multiple lightweight rain jackets, and finding myself soaked after a good rain, I decided to invest in a GORE-TEX rain jacket. While they’re slightly bigger, these rain jackets will still packs down small enough to throw in your backpack… and it will actually keep you try! They are waterproof, windproof, and extremely breathable due to the multiple venting systems. 
• Hat: An easily packable sun hat always comes in handy. While there are plenty of “cute” ones out there, I like to make sure that I purchase hats that can both be thrown in the wash and are moisture-wicking. My Recommendation –  Outdoor Research Women’s Solar Roller Hat. I discovered this hat a few years back, and found it so convenient that it’s the only hat that I ever hike or travel with. While this is obviously a women’s hat, the male or uni-sex equivalent would be the Outdoor Research Helios Sun Hat.  
• Buff: Buffs have many uses – whether you’re wanting to keep your neck, face, or head warm. They’re lightweight and incredibly useful. My Recommendation – Buff Polar Multifunctional Headwear. I’ve owned many buffs in my life and, when I’m outdoors, the Polar Buff is most definitely my favorite. It has a SPF 50 and has fleece at the bottom and microfiber at the top, making it the perfect accessory to keep both your neck and face warm in chilly temperatures. It’s also moisture-wicking and quick-drying, and can be worn in over ten different ways! 
• Gloves: There are honestly so many warm, cozy gloves on the market that it’s hard to choose just one. My Recommendation – Outdoor Research Women’s PL Base Sense Gloves and the Outdoor Research Men’s PL Sensor Gloves . You need a glove that can withstand cold weather, is wind resistant, and offers touchscreen compatibility. 

Fitness “On The Go” Essentials

I get asked all the time how I stay in shape while on the road. Whether I’m in a luxury hotel and eating my heart out, or camping and carb loading, I can’t say that it’s easy. But I will say that it takes conscious effort every single day. I’ve learned to say no to two $0.25 ice cream cones in the same day, as tempting as it is! I also implement a strict workout routine, which has gotten infinitely easier since I started using LiveKick Fitness. They specialize in one-on-one personal training and private yoga done via live video — think FaceTime but for fitness! You can choose your (highly qualified) instructor for a time that works for you, no matter where you live in the world! I’ve done everything from high intensity exercise in my ocean view hotel in Australia to yoga in my office at home in the States. And the best part is, you don’t need access to a gym or any equipment if you don’t want! You could try out LiveKick Fitness here, and be sure to use the code “FIVEFOOTTRAVELER15” for 15% off your LiveKick plan! Other than being armed with my LiveKick Fitness App, I travel with –

Screen cap of my LiveKick personal training (left) & yoga (right)

• Resistance Loop Exercise Bands – I started using looped resistance bands when I injured my knee two years ago, but it’s a fantastic addition to any workout when you’re a new exerciser or an exercise junkie. I use these largely for strength training and physical therapy.
• Flat Exercise Bands – Flat exercise bands give you a few more options, which allows you to truly get a full body workout whenever you want.
• Rumble Roller – My 12-inch RumbleRoller is one of my favorite things that I pack, when I have the space! Nothing feels better than this spiky foam roller after a good hike or exercise. 
• Cross-Training Shoe – I’ve made the mistake many times of doing aerobics and weight-lifting in a running sneaker, which just isn’t good for you! The Nike Air Bella’s are light-weight and comfortable trainers.
• Running Shoe – If you’re also a runner though, I’d recommend packing your running shoes too. Maybe you’ll be luckier than I and could find a one-shoe-fits-all for you though! I’ve worn Brooks Ghost sneakers for many years now and I’ve been quite happy with them. 
• Travel Yoga Mat – I always wanted the ability to be able to stretch anytime, anywhere, which led me to research travel-sized yoga mats. The Plyopic Travel Yoga Mat is both lightweight, eco-friendly, and foldable so that you can bring it wherever you need. 

Reading Essentials

Beach reads are always necessary. Sometimes it’s nice to get lost in a good story and enjoy a book with a view. While I could individually summarize these books, I think it’s best if you check them out yourself to see which one is best for you 🙂 Here are some of my favorite travel books –

It may not be the beach, but I thought it was a great spot to read!

• Love with a Chance of Drowning by Torre DeRoche
• What I Was Doing While You Were Breeding by Kristin Newman
• Vagabonding by Rolf Potts
• Wild by Cheryl Strayed
• On the Road by Jack Kerouac
• In a Sunburned Country by Bill Bryson
• Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer
• Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert
• Drink, Play, F@#k by Bob Sullivan
• The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

If you feel like being slightly more intellectual on your vacation, I highly recommend these excellent entrepreneur books:

• Expert Secrets by Russel Brunson (#1 recommended biz book!)
• DotCom Secrets by Russel Brunson
• 177 Mental Toughness Secrets of the World Class by Steve Siebold
• How to Make Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
• The Subtle Art of Not Giving A F*ck by Mark Manson
• Ca$hvertising by Drew Eric Whitman

Business Management Essentials

More and more frequently you will find people on the road who have the freedom to work remotely. If you are a business owner, or wannabe business owner, these are my absolutely necessary softwares and systems needed to keep my business running online, even when I’m not in front of my computer. Just because you’re traveling doesn’t mean that you need to stop making money 🙂

Working remotely on the beach in Australia

• ClickFunnels – Whether you run an online business or you’re looking to become a digital nomad, ClickFunnels is an absolute must! This software helps you great the highest converting sales funnels amongst many, many other incredible features. They offer a free Affiliate Bootcamp that I highly recommend going through if you’re new to the online space. If you aren’t new to working online, and haven’t checked out ClickFunnels though, you can grab your free trial here. Email me if you do, and I will share with you my top converting sales funnel.  
• GetResponse – Email marketing is key to success. No matter what business you’re in, you need the ability to directly reach out to your followers or consumers without every having to think about social media algorithms. Through email marketing you can get your audience to know, like, and trust you… and ultimately buy from you. And the beauty of this is that if you’re on a trip, you can set up an email autoresponder series to continually bring in sales without you having to even open up your computer! GetResponse is free for under 1,000 email contacts, and have incredibly reasonable rates after that given the service they provide. You can sign up for your free account here.  
• BlueHost – Do you have a blog or website? It needs to be hosted somewhere to be kept safe! Your web host ensures that your site continues to run smoothly and backs up your site daily should anything go wrong; it’s your website’s safety shield. BlueHost offers incredibly low rates, and I’m able to give them to you for even lower. You can purchase your BlueHost web hosting for just $3.95/month here! 
• ClickMagick – I personally never click on an “ugly” link – a link that has a ton of numbers and letters and seemingly goes on forever. ClickMagick allows you to turn those long ugly links into short, clean URLs using your domain name. You can grab your ClickMagick account here.
• Later – If you’re wondering how people post to Instagram on the go or have beautifully crafted Instagram feeds, it’s likely because they use a tool to help them get organized. I first discovered Later last year and have used them ever since to help schedule, analyze, and organize my accounts. Because they’re an official partner of Instagram, you can craft your posts and then schedule them to be automatically posted to Instagram! And the best part is, it’s free! Set up your free account here. 
• TailWind – If you understand the value of Pinterest for your business, TailWind is an absolute must. It allows you to easily schedule out your Pins and re-Pin from others in your niche. You can adjust your settings so that you auto-Pin throughout the day, without having to sit in front of your phone or computer the whole time! Pinterest is a huge driver of traffic to websites, so it’s important that you take advantage of its benefits. TailWind is also free, and you can claim your account here.  
• LiveLeap – Are you someone who likes to go live on social media a lot, either to showcase what your business has to offer or to show off your latest vacation? LiveLeap allows you to live stream on Facebook across multiple pages, which can increase your views ten times more than without it! So if you stream on your business page, you can also connect it to your personal page and Facebook group so that your live video goes live on all of those pages at once. It’s a great way to expand your reach! You can set up your account here. 

I hope that this list of travel essentials didn’t overwhelm you! I obviously travel full-time and am always over-prepared, so you just need to pick and choose which of these items is most important for the type of trip that you are preparing for. I wish you the best of luck with packing… as I sure as heck know how much we BOTH need it! As you pack and prepare for your next trip, please let me know in the comments below if I missed any important travel essentials. 

I'll leave you with some penguins – and a great travel hat!

In the meantime, please ensure that you purchase travel insurance before you leave! Of all of these travel essentials, t ravel insurance is arguably the most important thing to have on hand (after your passports and visas). I’ve had to use my travel insurance multiple times on the road, even though I’m healthy. You never know when something might happen; take comfort in knowing that whether your flight gets cancelled or you wind up sick and in the hospital, you will be covered. I recommend World Nomads Travel Insurance for all of you. You can get a free quote here.  

Pin “137 Travel Essentials” For Later!

The only thing I would add is: a few zip lock bags. I’ve done a lot of travelling…roadtrips, backpacking in Europe, rail and air travel, and won’t go anywhere without them. You never know when something will start leaking, or you have leftover snacks, or need a waterproof place to stash your phone or pocket camera. They take no space at all, and never say “I told you so!” when you do need one.

YES! Great tip! I always have them on me too 🙂

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Hi, I’m Sarah!

Hello World! I’m Sarah Gallo, The Five Foot Traveler, and I choose to dream out loud. After conquering a crippling fear of flying, I’ve developed an unquenchable passion for traveling. Since my newfound freedom, I have set foot on all seven continents, explored 114 countries, and continue to strive to live life to the fullest. Continue Reading…

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What Can I Bring?

Planning ahead and packing properly can facilitate the screening process and ease your travel experience at the airport. Know what you can pack in your carry-on and checked baggage before arriving at the airport by reviewing the lists below. Even if an item is generally permitted, it may be subject to additional screening or not allowed through the checkpoint if it triggers an alarm during the screening process, appears to have been tampered with, or poses other security concerns. Read about civil penalties for prohibited items .

• Twitter: @AskTSA
• Facebook Messenger:  www.fb.com/AskTSA
• Apple Business Chat: AskTSA
• Text Message: Text "Travel" to AskTSA (275-872)

The final decision rests with the TSA officer on whether an item is allowed through the checkpoint.

Officers may ask you to power up your electronic device, including cell phones. Powerless devices will not be permitted onboard the aircraft. TSA does not read or copy information from your device.

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Aerosol Insecticide

• Carry On Bags: No
• Checked Bags: Yes (Special Instructions)

Aerosol insecticides are not allowed in carry-on; however they are allowed in checked bags as long as they are not labeled as hazardous material (HAZMAT).

Air Mattress with Built-in Pump

• Carry On Bags: Yes (Special Instructions)
• Checked Bags: Yes

Air mattresses with built-in pump are allowed in carry-on bags. Please check with your airline for any size or weight restrictions.

Airbrush Make-up Machine

Devices containing lithium metal or lithium ion batteries should be carried in carry-on baggage.  Most other consumer devices containing batteries are allowed in carry-on and checked baggage.

For more information to portable electronic devices, see the FAA regulations.

Alcoholic beverages

• Carry On Bags: Yes (Less than or equal to 3.4oz/100 ml allowed)

Check with your airline before bringing any alcohol beverages on board. FAA regulations prohibit travelers from consuming alcohol on board an aircraft unless served by a flight attendant.  Additionally, Flight Attendants are not permitted to serve a passenger who is intoxicated.

Alcoholic beverages with more than 24% but not more than 70% alcohol are limited in checked bags to 5 liters (1.3 gallons) per passenger and must be in unopened retail packaging. Alcoholic beverages with 24% alcohol or less are not subject to limitations in checked bags. 

Mini bottles of alcohol in carry-on must be able to comfortably fit into a single quart-sized bag.

For more information, see FAA regulation: 49 CFR 175.10(a)(4).

Alcoholic beverages over 140 proof

• Checked Bags: No

Alcoholic beverages with more than 70% alcohol (over 140 proof), including grain alcohol and 151 proof rum. For more information, see FAA regulation: 49 CFR 175.10(a)(4).

Check with your airline if ammunition is allowed in checked bags. Small arms ammunitions must be securely packed in fiber, wood or metal boxes or other packaging specifically designed to carry small amounts of ammunition. Ask the airline about limitations or fees. Read the guidelines for traveling with firearms.

When traveling, be sure to comply with the laws concerning possession of firearms as they vary by local, state and international government.

• Carry On Bags: Yes

You may transport this item in carry-on or checked bags. For items you wish to carry on, you should check with the airline to ensure that the item will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the airplane.

Arc Lighters, Plasma Lighters, Electronic Lighters, E-Lighters

Measures must be taken to prevent unintentional activation of the heating element while on board the aircraft. Examples of effective measures to prevent unintentional activation include, but are not limited to: removing the battery from the lighter; placing the lighter into a protective case; and/or using a protective cover, safety latch, or locking device on the lighter's activation button.

Each lithium ion battery must not exceed a Watt-hour (Wh) rating of 100 Wh; or for lithium metal batteries, a lithium content of 2 grams.

Recharging of the devices and/or the batteries on board the aircraft is not permitted.

See FAA regulations for more information.

Artificial Skeleton Bones

Axes and hatchets, sharp objects, household & tools, sporting & camping, miscellaneous.

• Travel Advice
• General Information

Your International Travel Checklist: 27+ Essentials

Last Updated: May 3, 2024 May 28, 2024

Whether you’re flying between continents, embarking on a cruise, or taking a cross-border train, traveling internationally can be a thrilling experience. However, to get the most out of your journey, you’ll want to plan carefully. 

Each country has its own unique entry requirements, and many comforts you’re used to might not be available everywhere you go. A comprehensive checklist helps you stay organized so you don’t forget crucial items or tasks. 

In this guide, we explore the reasons you need an international travel checklist and the essential things it should include.   

Why You Need an International Travel Checklist  

Purchasing travel tickets and booking hotels is an exciting part of international travel , but there’s lots more to keep in mind. A checklist is a failsafe that prevents you from overlooking critical steps, such as securing visas, that could put a damper on your journey if not completed.   

If navigating new environments and unexpected challenges is stressful, a checklist can help reduce anxiety. By following a checklist, you can feel more confident knowing that you’ve made all the necessary preparations. 

Things to Do Before International Travel

Here’s a list of important steps to take before departing on an international trip: 

1. Obtain Travel Documents

Your passport is one of the most important items for international travel because you can’t get across a border without it. If you don’t have a passport, you can fill out the Department of State form DS-11 online or at a passport agency to begin the process.

Be aware that processing times can take 6-8 weeks, though expedited processing is available for an added fee. If you already have a passport, ensure it’s valid for at least six months past your intended return date. 

Though many countries allow visa-free travel for US passport holders, you’ll want to check your destination’s requirements beforehand. The process for securing visas differs by country; some nations require applying through their embassy or consulate, while others will issue a visa upon arrival. Costs can also vary widely. Make sure to budget accordingly and allot plenty of time for your destination country to process your application.

2. Secure Travel Insurance

A comprehensive travel insurance policy provides peace of mind and financial protection against unforeseen circumstances when you’re trotting the globe. As with other types of insurance, you’ll pay a premium based on specific risk factors, such as your age, trip duration, cost, and destination. Trip cancellations , medical emergencies , and lost luggage are much less of a headache when you’re covered by a reputable insurance provider. 

We recommend comparing travel insurance policies from multiple sources and providers to make sure you get the best policy at the best price. Our comparison platform makes it easy to get quotes from top-rated providers in just a few clicks. Many travel credit cards and airlines also offer travel protection plans to their customers, which may be worth considering as you plan your trip.  

3. Take Health Precautions

Traveling internationally means putting your body in environments and situations it’s not used to, which can lead to illness or injury. Consult with your physician to receive essential vaccinations and preventive medications based on your health history and travel plans. They can also advise you on strategies to prevent travel-related illnesses, such as how to evaluate food and water sources for safety. 

4. Notify Your Bank and Emergency Contacts

Most financial institutions have security measures in place for unusual activity, such as making purchases in a foreign country. Triggering one of these alerts may automatically decline the transaction. Providing your bank or credit union with your travel details helps ensure your overseas shopping excursions go smoothly. 

Informing your emergency contacts about your itinerary, including arrival/departure times and where you’re staying, is a wise move for safety, so someone knows your whereabouts and has alternate means of contacting you in case of an unexpected event.  

5. Research your destination

Travel advisories and weather forecasts are two important things to research before visiting foreign countries. You can check the US Department of State or World Health Organization for reputable information about potential risks , such as political conflict, public health issues, and so on.   

On a more positive note, learning all about your destination countries helps you build familiarity with local customs, traditions, and mannerisms. Knowing how the locals operate can lead to a more engaging experience. It can also help you avoid cultural faux pas that could offend people in your host country.  

Things to Bring When Traveling Internationally

Here’s what to pack to ensure a safe, exciting trip overseas:

Travel Essentials

• Passport and other travel documents
• Money and credit/debit cards
• Travel itinerary and contact information for accommodations 
• List of emergency contacts
• Travel-sized toiletries 
• Neck pillow and blanket
• Travel guidebooks

Clothing and Accessories

• Weather-appropriate clothing for your destination
• Swimwear (if applicable)
• Comfortable shoes for walking
• Lightweight jacket or sweater for layering
• Sunglasses and sunscreen

Technology and Entertainment

• Smartphone, tablet, and/or laptop 
• Camera and other portable photography equipment (such as tripods, extra lenses)
• Books or an e-reader
• Portable charger
• Travel adapter and voltage converter
• Headphones or earbuds

Safety and security 

• Money belt or concealed storage for valuables
• Personal safety alarm or whistle
• Luggage locks and/or cable ties for securing luggage
• Digital or physical copy of important documents (passport, ID, travel insurance) 

An international travel checklist is your ticket to a well-prepared trip abroad. By following the steps outlined in this guide and using resources like Squaremouth for travel insurance, you can embark on your adventure with confidence, ready for whatever the world has in store. 

By Casey Clague

24 International Travel Checklist To Dos Before You Leave

This page may contain affiliate links.  As an Amazon and Rewardstyle affiliate, we may earn a small commission for any purchases made through these links. Click here for the disclosure statement. 

When you are planning an international trip, there are a lot of moving parts and considerations to account for. How do you make sure you have thought of absolutely everything before starting your worldwide adventure? To remove your doubts, we’ve laid the framework for all international travel must-do’s prior to departure.

One of the most fundamental and best mantras that experienced and successful travelers live and act by: If you fail to prepare, you prepare to fail. 

We’ve created an international travel checklist to help you get all of your international ducks in a row. Following a travel checklist will allow you to walk into an experience abroad relaxed, confident, and ready to wholeheartedly enjoy the present instead of being plagued by uncertainty and frustration with yourself for preparing as you should’ve.

Set yourself up for success by following this international to-do checklist!

Start planning way ahead of time

Hugely important and vastly underrated is starting your international preparations as far in advance as you are able to. For example, some visa and passport processes can take months to fully resolve and can be very unpredictable. You will drip with sweat and suspense if your travel dates approach, but your paperwork is still pending. So if you plan to travel internationally, it’s best to start preparing now, not later. Using time to your advantage will also provide you with the best deals and entry to popular attractions and activities that fill up closer to the travel dates.

Find out the destination’s visa requirements

Every country has different travel laws. Some countries (such as Australia) require a travel visa for entry, and some countries (such as those in the European Union) require travel visas for trips that are longer than a certain length, such as 30 days. Visa requirements will vary, so researching this should be a top priority for you.

See here for your destination’s visa requirements .

Ensure your passport is valid

Check your passport expiration date and make sure that you are covered for the entirety of your trip abroad! Some countries even require that passports be valid for six months after your arrival date.

US Passport Application

US Passport Renewal

Check vaccination requirements

Some countries require proof of vaccination for entry. It is not extremely common but still applicable, and you should always check in advance .

See this quick list for necessary vaccinations

Book airfare, lodging, rentals, and activities in advance

Those who want to get the most bang for their buck, get the best (and most) options, and take advantage of as many opportunities as possible will do well to book everything ahead of time. For lower costs and peace of mind, start looking as soon as you can ! 

Have two official forms of ID, and carry two copies of all IDs and documents

One ID should be your passport and the other could be your US Driver's License, passport card , or international driver’s permit , for example. Have several printed and digital copies of these!

Have a starting amount of your destination’s accepted currency

Go to your bank and take out some of your destination’s currency ahead of time. There are steep rates for currency withdrawal and exchange kiosks at, and near, the airport in tourist destinations. You will be best prepared to have some cash in hand as soon as you touch down! Since trip length, intentions, and penchant for the *posh* travel style varies a great deal, a good rule of thumb is to carry about 10% of your entire trip’s budget . 

Notify your bank and credit card company of your travel plans

Let them know that there will be international transactions so that you are not denied access to your funds when halfway across the world!

Research your destination

Awareness and knowledge are your best friends when entering a foreign country, and that extends to exchange rates , local customs, recent events and natural disasters, common crime and tourist traps, and national holidays.

A great resource for up-to-date official security concerns is this Travel Advisory and Alerts page.

Make all necessary medical and prescription medication arrangements

Being physically or mentally unwell in a foreign country is unsafe, difficult, and expensive to resolve. You will want to take any necessary precautions to avoid a medical disaster! Consider getting medical insurance if you have pertinent medical circumstances or extended trip length. Have sufficient prescriptions and refills, and be sure to carry official documentation for prescriptions. Certain medications could be illegal in certain countries, so having documents can also prevent you from being stopped and questioned at official checkpoints like airports.

See the CDC’s resource list for traveling with medication.

Shop for necessary travel items for international travel

There are a few things you should always carry when abroad, no matter where the destination is. The essentials will help run your trip smoothly and still allow you to travel light. 

Portable charger

Toiletry holder

Secure and travel-friendly backpack/purse

Travel universal adaptor

Pocket translator (Or use a pocket dictionary , an app)

A physical travel guide to your destination with maps (or a free travel app like CityMaps2Go )

Water bottle

Great walking shoes

Compression bags

Quick-dry towel

First aid kit

Image: Amazon

Hanging Travel Toiletry Bag

Tripped travel gear.

Keep your personal items in one compact place to stay organized as you travel.

Leakproof Collapsible Water Bottle

Hydration is ultra important while traveling to stay healthy and happy!

Compression Bags for Travel

Compression bags will ensure your things are tucked away, organized, and condensed in your luggage while abroad!

Quick Dry Microfiber Towel

Wise owl outfitters.

It is really handy to have your own towel at your disposal when traveling. Towels can be a scarcity when you need them most.

Powercore Slim Portable Charger

A portable source of energy can save you in a number of scenarios and allow you to be flexible and prepared!

RFID Blocker Money Belt

Eagle creek.

A hidden pocket belt can go under any piece of clothing to keep your cash, passport, ID, and keys secure and out of sight.

Worldwide All in One Universal Travel Adaptor

Traveling internationally will require various adaptors for your electronics, so you can stay charged.

Easy Spanish Phrasebook

Pablo garcia loaeza.

A physical travel guide to your destination with maps (or a free travel app like CityMaps2Go ). A travel destination guide with maps is a great resource to have in hand, so that you have consolidated, ready-to-go navigation and information!

Portable Two-Way Voice Interpreter

 A translator, dictionary, or translating app will be a huge help in navigating basic foreign language phrases and international communication.

Large Carry On Backpack

Choose a backpack or purse that is resilient, versatile, and compact so that it suits all travel occasions and destinations.

Mini First Aid Kit

To be prepared for all minor emergencies or medical situations, bring your own first aid kit.

Integrity Walker 3

Since you will be walking a ton, shoes that are comfy and supportive are a must. Prioritize quality support over aesthetic!

Create a personal trip itinerary

A travel itinerary is for your own mental organization. Sketch out your lists, plans and ideas, and consolidate all bookings and relevant links in one place, such as a Google Doc that you could share with your fellow travelers.

Need more guidance on how to design a great trip itinerary for any destination? Read ours here !

Decide if you want travel insurance

It can be recommended but not necessary. Different situations and trips call for different protocols, but for the most part, deciding if you should get travel insurance is based on a number of factors, such as your travel experience, budget, travel destination, medical condition, and uncertainty of travel commitment.

More helpful resources include these articles:

Everything to Know About Travel Insurance

Should You Buy Travel Insurance? 

Take care of any home arrangements

Make sure home won’t burn down while you’re gone and don’t forget those poor plants! Arrange for petcare, let your neighbors know you’ll be gone, and notify the post office so that mail doesn’t pile up for a month. It is also important to share your itinerary with family and friends so they know where you are located in case of a safety concern and how to best contact you in case of a situation at home! 

Last action item: Triple-check everything

Triple-check travel requirements, restrictions, current safety concerns and conditions, paperwork, medications, and your suitcase. Throw in some more underwear, top off your plants’ water level, and give your dogs a few more kisses before heading out the door!

Recommended To-Do’s:

Make a list of personal intentions for your trip abroad

Learn local language phrases and keywords, using a resource such as Duolingo

Download helpful travel apps or maps

Bring a great book and your journal

Create a personal budget so that you spend responsibly while abroad

Buy international data or a phone plan

If you are planning to rent a car, get an international driver's permit

Find—or create—a sense of adventure

Peace the heck out!

Helpful resources:

US STEP: Smart Travel Enrollment Program : Free service to allow U.S. travellers to enroll their trip with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

US Dept of State Page for Female Travellers

US Dept of State Page for Studying Abroad

International Travel Emergencies

Protect Your Trip »

Carry-on luggage and personal item size limits (2024).

Just like checked bags, carry-on luggage size restrictions can vary by airline.

Carry-on Luggage Sizes by Airline

Key Takeaways

• The carry-on size limit for many airlines is 22 x 14 x 9 inches.
• Most domestic airlines do not have a weight limit for carry-on bags.
• You can typically bring a carry-on bag in addition to a personal item.
• Your personal item should be able to fit neatly under the seat in front of you.

If you're traveling with carry-on luggage and/or a personal item, you'll need to adhere to size restrictions in the same way you do with checked bags . These rules include the dimensions of your carry-on bag and, in some scenarios, even the weight.

What size luggage is a carry-on?

While carry-on luggage sizes can vary by airline, several major carriers go by these dimensions.

Airlines calculate carry-on luggage size measurements using two methods:

• Height by width by depth:  Most – but not all – airlines measure bags by inches or centimeters using this formula: height by width by depth, such as 22 x 14 x 9 inches. (Note: The dimensions listed below, which are given according to that formula, may differ slightly from the way each individual airline formats its size requirements.)
• Linear inches:  A few airlines have linear inch restrictions for carry-on baggage, meaning the airline gives one number for the total of all three dimensions. As long as the combined height, width and depth don't exceed that number, you're in the clear.

Can a 24-inch bag be a carry-on?

Yes, a 24-inch bag can be used as a carry-on suitcase when flying with the following airlines: Frontier, Southwest and Sun Country . However, if you're shopping for new carry-on luggage, it's best to opt for something that meets the requirements for most major airlines (22 x 14 x 9 inches or smaller).

Is there a weight limit for carry-on bags?

Most major domestic airlines do not impose a weight limit on carry-on bags; however, several international airlines have weight restrictions for carry-on luggage and, in some cases, personal items.

Carry-on vs. personal item: What's the difference?

A carry-on bag is typically stored in a plane's overhead bin, while a personal item should fit under the seat in front of you. Most airlines allow economy passengers to bring one carry-on and one personal item – such as an underseat bag – at no extra cost.

Carry-on luggage sizes by airline

Click on the major domestic and international airlines below to see their carry-on luggage size restrictions in inches for economy passengers – and note that any handles and wheels on your bags count toward size limits as well.

Domestic Airlines

Alaska airlines, allegiant air, american airlines, delta air lines, frontier airlines, hawaiian airlines, southwest airlines, spirit airlines, sun country airlines, united airlines, international airlines, all nippon airways, british airways, cathay pacific, klm royal dutch airlines, qatar airways, scandinavian airlines, singapore airlines, turkish airlines, virgin atlantic.

See all Alaska Airlines carry-on policies.

The fee is often around $20 if you pay for your carry-on baggage at the time of booking; it costs a hefty $45 if you add a carry-on bag later – and up to $75 at the gate.

See all Allegiant Air carry-on policies.

The above rules also apply to basic economy tickets.

See all American Airlines carry-on policies.

Note that if you're flying to or from Beijing or Shanghai, there is a 22-pound weight limit for a carry-on; for Singapore, there is a 15-pound limit.

See all Delta Airlines carry-on policies.

There are two instances where the carry-on bag fee is waived:

• You're an elite member of the  FRONTIER Miles rewards program .
• You bought a specialty ticket like the WORKS bundle.

Also note that carry-on bag fees, which typically start at around $30, depend on your destination, and that prices are cheapest if you add baggage when you make your booking. You'll pay more to add it later, especially if you do so at the airport. Sometimes it's actually cheaper to purchase a checked bag instead of a carry-on.

See all Frontier Airlines carry-on policies.

See all Hawaiian Airlines carry-on policies.

If you booked a Blue Basic ticket, you're only permitted to bring a personal item that fits under the seat in front of you. If you bring a carry-on bag, you will have to pay $65 to check it at the gate (or up to $180 if you've already checked two other bags). However, select customers with Blue Basic fares can bring carry-on bags for free. These include:

• Active U.S. military personnel
• Unaccompanied minors
• Customers flying to London

If you purchase a higher-class seat or if you reach Mosaic status on JetBlue's TrueBlue rewards program , you can also bring a carry-on bag for free on a Blue Basic ticket.

See all JetBlue carry-on policies.

See all Southwest Airlines carry-on policies.

Spirit's carry-on bag fees vary between flights, but they tend to start at around $25 to $30 for U.S. domestic flights. If you need to bring carry-on luggage, it's always cheapest to pay for it when you first book your flight. It will cost you more to add a bag afterward – and at least double the initial fee if you do it at the airport.

See all Spirit Airlines carry-on policies.

The Sun Country Airlines fee for a carry-on bag is around $30 if you pay for it when booking, or more if you add it later.

See all Sun Country carry-on policies.

There's one notable exception for carry-on baggage with United: Passengers with a basic economy ticket can only   take one personal item on board – no carry-on bag. This policy applies to travelers flying basic economy domestically or between the U.S. and Canada. If you have a basic economy ticket and are going to Central or South America (including Mexico) or taking trans-Atlantic or trans-Pacific flights, you can bring a full-size carry-on bag.

See all United Airlines carry-on policies.

Aer Lingus' carry-on policy depends on where you're flying. For trans-Atlantic flights, you can bring one carry-on bag within the dimensions above, plus a small personal item for free. If you're flying within Europe on Aer Lingus, the rules are a bit different: You'll have to pay a fee to bring a carry-on with you on board, starting at 5.99 euros. However, you can check that same bag for free.

If you're flying Aer Lingus Regional (a service with smaller planes, flying mostly around Ireland and the U.K.), a smaller carry-on limit applies: 18.5 x 13 x 8 inches, with a weight limit of 15 pounds.

See all Aer Lingus carry-on policies.

All Aeroméxico customers can bring a standard carry-on bag and a personal item on board. Be careful with the weight limit, though: For international flights or basic fare flights within Mexico, these two items combined cannot weigh more than 22 pounds. So, if your carry-on bag weighs 15 pounds, for example, your personal item cannot be more than 7 pounds.

See all Aeroméxico carry-on policies.

While there's no weight limit for carry-on luggage, Air Canada says your carry-on bag should be light enough that it can easily be lifted into the overhead bin. Also note that airport purchases (for example, larger duty-free items) count toward your baggage limit.

See all Air Canada carry-on policies.

Note that both your personal item and carry-on bag (referred to as "hand baggage") combined must not weigh more than 26 pounds if you're traveling economy. The weight limit is 40 pounds for premium economy and other higher-class cabins.

See all Air France carry-on policies.

A variety of personal items (think a handbag and umbrella) are permitted as long as they fit under the seat in front of you; this includes any items purchased at the airport.

See all All Nippon Airways carry-on policies.

If airline staff put a yellow tag on your bag, it should be stored under the seat in front of you.

See all British Airways carry-on policies.

Cathay Pacific has shifted from a weight allowance to a piece allowance, and this policy varies by itinerary. Passengers are generally permitted to bring one carry-on bag plus a small personal item (and assistive devices like a walking stick), but it's best to check your booking carefully to confirm the exact allowance. You're asked to check in any baggage that's too heavy to lift into the overhead compartment.

See all Cathay Pacific carry-on policies.

Since easyJet is a budget airline, standard fares only allow customers to bring one personal item (called a "small cabin bag") aboard for free. Fees for standard carry-on bags are between 5.99 and 32.99 British pounds, depending on your destination and when you add an extra bag to your reservation.

See all easyJet carry-on policies.

The above rules apply to all economy passengers except those traveling from Brazil, whose carry-on luggage can weigh up to 22 pounds. Emirates only allows economy passengers to bring one item on board; whether you bring a carry-on bag for the overhead bin or a personal item to tuck under the seat, this bag must comply with the size limits.

See all Emirates carry-on policies.

Be aware that the 22-pound weight limit applies to both your personal item and carry-on combined. If your flight was booked through Iberia but is operated by Vueling, similar rules apply, but the size limits for your carry-on bags are slightly smaller.

See all Iberia carry-on policies.

If you're traveling on the cheaper Light ticket, you may be asked to check your carry-on bag for no extra cost, if space is limited.

See all KLM Royal Dutch Airlines carry-on policies.

See all Lufthansa carry-on policies.

The above rules apply to LowFare+ customers. Passengers who fly LowFare (comparable to Basic Economy fare) can only bring a personal item (underseat bag) measuring 15 x 11.5 x 7.5 inches.

See all Norwegian carry-on policies.

Qantas 

Economy passengers can opt to bring a nonrigid garment bag measuring 45 x 24 x 4 inches (or 73 linear inches) instead of a standard 22 x 14 x 9-inch carry-on bag. The above rules apply to all economy tickets and vary for higher classes on international and domestic flights with Qantas.

See all Qantas carry-on luggage policies.

Qatar Airways allows passengers to bring multiple personal items provided they fit under the seat in front of you. Unlike with other airlines, laptops and laptop bags do not count as personal items and must fit within your main hand baggage allowance. For tickets issued in Brazil, the carry-on weight limit is 22 pounds.

Be careful: Qatar doesn't accept carry-ons longer than 20 inches, which is shorter than many other airlines.

See all Qatar Airways carry-on policies.

Ryanair is a low-cost carrier, so unless you pay extra, you can only bring one small bag that fits under the seat in front of you, per the personal item guidelines above. To bring a larger carry-on bag, travelers need to purchase Ryanair's Priority & 2 Cabin Bags option, which typically costs between 6 and 32 euros depending on your destination.

See all Ryanair carry-on policies.

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Most (but not all) Scandinavian Airlines fares allow you to bring one traditional carry-on bag, plus a personal item, which SAS calls an "underseat bag." There's one exception: Passengers traveling within Europe on the Go Light fare must pay for a larger carry-on bag. If you booked a Go Light ticket for intercontinental flights, a carry-on bag is included.

See all Scandinavian Airlines carry-on policies.

Singapore Airlines has an unusual method for measuring carry-on bags – the dimensions of the bag must not add up to more than 45 linear inches total. For example, a bag measuring 15 x 15 x 15 inches would be suitable. All passengers can bring one bag of this size, plus a smaller personal item. The personal item, whose dimensions are specified above, does not count toward the 15-pound carry-on limit.

See all Singapore Airlines carry-on policies.

See all Turkish Airlines carry-on policies.

Virgin Atlantic lets every passenger bring a carry-on bag, including children younger than age 2. You can bring a bag weighing no more than 13 pounds for your child, in addition to a collapsible stroller and/or car seat. Each passenger is also allowed to bring a handbag or small backpack, an umbrella, a walking stick and airport purchases. Take note: Laptops do not count as personal items on Virgin Atlantic and should fit into your main carry-on bag. There's no specific size limit on the other personal items, but bags or airport purchases should fit under the seat in front of you.

See all Virgin Atlantic carry-on policies.

Note that the above rules apply to passengers who book a TimeFlex or Premium Fare, as well as anyone traveling with a child under age 2 and/or requiring special assistance at the airport.

See all Vueling carry-on policies.

See all WestJet carry-on policies.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Amanda Norcross is a seasoned traveler who packs just one carry-on bag and a personal item – even when adventuring with her toddler . She used her personal experience and research skills to put together this guide, and notes that even if your carry-on bag meets size restrictions, you may still need to check it at the gate because of limited space in the overhead bin. Luckily, it's still free.

You might also be interested in:

• The Best Carry-on Backpacks
• What Is Allowed in a Carry-on?
• What to Pack in a Carry-on Bag
• The Best Travel Insurance Companies

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