With this travel essentials for international travel list, you’ll be able to solve international travel problems you were never even consciously aware of.
Here are 30+ genius, lifesaving travel essentials for international travel that you’ll never go abroad without again.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If a product is purchased using one of the following links, I may earn a small commission from the brand at no cost to you.
Things Not To Forget When Traveling Internationally
1. Passport And Important Travel Documents
Obviously, when traveling internationally, the most important thing to remember is your passport. If you forget your passport, you will be denied entry into your destination country.
Furthermore, don’t forget any other important travel documents you may need per destination, such as visas, proof of vaccinations, boarding passes, etc.
2. Passport Holder Wallet
This two-in-one wallet and passport holder is thin, secure, easily packable and will undoubtably keep your money, passport, boarding passes and other travel documents organized.
Plus, this particular passport holder wallet has a vaccination card slot, a pen (which you’ll need for filling out customs cards on the plane) and SIM card slots to keep your phone SIM card safe while using an international SIM card.
(Pro tip: Always have a photo copy of your passport packed in another suitcase. In the unfortunate event that your passport is stolen while abroad, having a photo copy will make the embassy’s replacement process quicker.)
3. Universal Outlet Adaptor
Did you know that not all countries use the same shape of outlet?
Obviously, this poses a bit of a problem when traveling internationally with electronics. You’ll need an outlet adaptor.
And if you travel internationally often, buying separate adaptors per country becomes expensive and annoying. That’s why this universal outlet adaptor will save you money, stress and even luggage space.
4. Retractable Power Strip
A little-known travel hack that you’ll no longer be able to live without is packing a power strip — especially when you need an outlet adaptor abroad.
We all know that outlets are sparse in hotel rooms. So, packing a power strip is life-changing when you have multiple devices (phone, laptop, tablet, camera batteries, etc.) to charge.
Plus, this power strip comes with a retractable cord, so you won’t have to deal with a long, thick cord tangling in your backpack.
5. Dual Voltage Hair Dryer
While we’re on the topic of electronics, do not forget to bring a dual voltage hair dryer (like this travel-size one) if you regularly blow dry your hair while traveling internationally.
If you do not have a dual voltage hair dryer, the difference in outlet voltage will start a fire. This can obviously be very dangerous, so a dual voltage hair dryer is a travel essential for international travel.
6. Dual Voltage Hair Stylers
In the same way, hair stylers, such as hair straighteners or curling irons, need to be dual voltage, too.
Again, varying voltages will start fires. A dual voltage hair styler will be able to convert the power to the proper voltage with a switch of a button, so you can use these hair stylers at home and internationally.
If you use both hair straighteners and curling irons regularly, I suggest purchasing this dual voltage 2-in-1 curling and flat iron to save money.
7. Electronics Organizer
Now, as you can imagine, you’ll have a plethora of electronics and cords to bring while traveling abroad.
Between your outlet adaptors, phone chargers, camera battery chargers, earbuds and more, there’s no doubt that there will be numerous cords to pack.
This affordable electronics organizer for travel will keep all these cords organized, untangled and mess free.
8. Apple AirTags
These Apple AirTags have become a standard international travel essential recently.
Why? So travelers always know the whereabouts of their luggage and, thus, to prevent lost luggage.
All you have to do is place an AirTag in your checked luggage, and you will be able to see if your suitcase made it on the plane with you/survived layovers without getting lost. Additionally, if your suitcase is lost, you’ll know exactly which airport to contact to expedite the baggage-return process.
Official Apple AirTags are available to purchase on Amazon individually or in a pack of four.
It’s also wise to tuck an AirTag inside your wallet and/or passport holder while traveling internationally. That way, you’ll always know where your wallet and passport are.
(P.S. remember, you’ll also need an international SIM card or international data plan if you want to have cell phone service while abroad.)
9. Packing Cubes
To be completely honest, I never used packing cubes until my most recent cruise. I thought they were a little gimmicky, and I was doubtful that they would actually improve my packing skills.
Boy, was I wrong. I will never not use packing cubes again.
These Well Traveled packing cubes from Amazon (which Well Traveled generously gifted to me) not only allowed me to pack two weeks worth of outfits in a single carry-on suitcase, but they also kept all of my clothes perfectly organized in my tiny cruise room without the hassle of unpacking every clothing article.
10. Hanging Toiletry Bag
Purchasing this hanging toiletry bag is a game-changer for international travel. Here’s why:
- You can conveniently hang it up anywhere: hotel closet rod, hotel shower curtain rod, door knob, towel hook, hostel shower/bathroom door, airport bathroom door, you name it.
- It packs easily because it can lay flat or fold up (or half fold up).
- It has multiple compartments to hold all of your toiletries, makeup, makeup brushes, jewelry, hair accessories, etc.
- The pockets are clear so you don’t have to dig through every compartment.
11. Travel Pack Of Bandages
Don’t forget this travel pack of bandages, just in case.
Depending on where you’re traveling and where you’re staying, you may not have easy access to first aid. Having a travel-size pack of bandages at minimum could really make or break your trip.
12. Travel-Size Hand Sanitizer
Similarly, when you’re traveling, you don’t always have access to a sink with soap. It sounds gross, but it’s true.
I always make sure to bring travel-size hand sanitizer on every trip. I especially love these essential-oil-infused, stress-relief-scented travel hand sanitizers from Bath & Body Works for easy sanitizing at restaurants and museums.
13. Clorox Wipes Travel Pack
You’ll want a few travel packs of Clorox Wipes to wipe down the plane seat, seat-back tray table, crumby airport food court tables, hotel room door knobs, etc.
Not all countries have the same standards of cleanliness, so it’s always smart to bring disinfecting wipes on your trip.
14. Anti-Bacterial Hand Wipes Travel Pack
Despite the practicality of Clorox wipes, they’re extremely harsh on skin.
If you prefer wipes to liquid hand sanitizer (which also acts as a carry-on liquid space-saver), a couple travel packs of antibacterial hand wipes will be essential.
15. LARQ Self-Cleaning & UV Purifying Water Bottle
Much like the necessity for hand sanitizer, you don’t always have access to a sink with soap to wash your water bottles. Furthermore, you rarely have access to purified drinking water while traveling abroad.
The LARQ water bottle has become super popular among travelers within the past year for this reason. LARQ water bottles use non-toxic UV light technology to kill bacteria and self-clean, so you don’t have to worry about filtering your water ever again.
The battery lasts an entire month without charging. Additionally, the bottle is made from BPA-free, plastic-free stainless steel, ensuring that your cold drinks will stay cold, and your warm drinks will stay warm.
16. Travel Pack Of Toilet Seat Covers (Travel Essentials For International Travel)
Some international airports, gas stations and other public restrooms do not have toilet seat covers available.
I’ve experienced some nasty restrooms during international travel. I brought these exact toilet seat covers to Disney World, and I’ll never travel without them again.
Also, ladies, it’s not good for your bladder to squat over the toilet, so if public toilets freak you out, you’ll need this travel pack of flushable toilet seat covers.
17. Flushable Feminine Wipes
Likewise, flushable wipes appeal to the less fabulous side of traveling, but they are still often necessary — especially for women.
As previously mentioned, travelers don’t always have access to clean water, showers or toilets. To avoid feminine infections, I always travel with these natural, pH-balanced Rael feminine wipe travel packs.
You can find all of my favorite travel essentials for women here.
18. Portable Charger (Travel Essentials For International Travel)
Remember, keeping your phone charged is imperative when traveling internationally, especially in countries where you need GPS access and/or an online language dictionary (i.e. DuoLingo, WordReference, Google Translate, etc.).
I bought these exact portable charger power banks for my husband and I, and I have zero complaints. The reviews speak for themselves.
19. Underwater Phone Case
I’m probably the only travel blogger who will admit it, but GoPros are overrated.
Unless you’re an aspiring travel vlogger or filmmaker, a GoPro is completely unnecessary if you have a smartphone with a nice camera. Even so, as a travel vlogger or filmmaker, you’re still better off investing in underwater housing for your DLSR or mirrorless camera over a GoPro.
An underwater phone case, like this one, is a safe and much more affordable way to take underwater photos and videos on your trip.
What To Pack In A Carry-On For International Flights
20. Plane Seat Phone Mount (Travel Essentials For International Travel)
If you’re traveling internationally, odds are that you have a long-haul flight to your final destination.
And, sadly, some international planes still don’t have seat-back TV screens, which is why bringing one of these plane/car seat phone mounts may save your sanity on your travel days.
Plus, you can use them for all shorter domestic flights, too.
21. Refillable TSA-Approved Perfume Bottles (Women’s Travel Essentials)
I purchased these refillable TSA-Approved perfume bottles this past year, and, let me just say, they are life-changing. Here’s why:
- They are TSA-approved for carry-on luggage liquids.
- You don’t have to worry about your glass perfume bottle breaking in your luggage.
- You won’t have to purchase a separate overpriced travel-size perfume bottle from the perfume brand.
- They are super easy to refill.
- They will hold more than enough perfume for your entire trip.
22. Natural Jet Lag Remedy (Travel Essentials For International Travel)
If you’ve ever experienced jet lag, you know how much it can affect your energy, hunger and emotions while traveling. In fact, how you combat jet lag can make or break your first few days in the destination.
This homeopathic jet lag remedy has incredible reviews for fighting jet lag naturally. All you have to do is follow the consumption recommendations based on your destination’s time difference and flight time, and you should see a noticeable difference in how your body responds to the jet lag.
23. Cleansing Face Wash
I have never regretted washing my face in an airport bathroom during a long-haul layover. My skin really seems to dislike traveling, so frequent cleansing is crucial.
My dermatologist recommended this Clean & Clear gentle benzoyl peroxide wash for my acne-prone skin, and I love it. I’ve also used this generic version for a fraction of the price, and it works just as well.
24. Toothbrush Caps (Travel Essentials For International Travel)
Furthermore, you’ll probably want to brush your teeth once or twice during your long travel day, especially if you have an overnight flight.
That being said, I will never understand how some people can pack their toothbrush uncovered.
If you’re germ-conscious like me, these cute toothbrush caps are perfect for keeping your toothbrush clean without taking up more space.
25. BPA-Free Travel Liquid Containers
I’ve had so many cheap travel liquid containers break and crack on trips. Not only is this inconvenient, but it’s horribly messy. These durable silicone travel liquid containers won’t break en route.
Furthermore, they are BPA-free, which means there will be zero harmful plastic chemicals seeping into your products.
26. Blanket Scarf (Travel Essentials For International Travel)
Planes get cold, really cold.
As the name suggests, this fashionable blanket scarf acts as a blanket during a long cold flight.
Plus, because you can wear a blanket scarf around your neck through the airport, it won’t take up any carry-on luggage space like a normal blanket would.
27. Supportive Neck Pillow
I have a confession.
I hated neck pillows up until our last long-haul flight to Bora Bora. Before this flight, I thought neck pillows were stocky, uncomfortable and more harmful for my neck than good.
However, my husband convinced me to try one again on our eight-hour flight from LAX to Tahiti because I can “never” sleep on flights.
I hate to admit it, but I slept better on those flights than I ever have on a flight before. I think I have to credit this basic neck pillow for the improved sleep.
28. Tube Neck Pillow (Travel Essentials For International Travel)
Tend to overpack?
Alternatively, this Tube travel neck pillow is hollow, which means you can stuff it with clothes to make extra room in your suitcase. You can stuff it with socks, underwear, shirts or any other soft clothing you want to bring on your trip.
Plus, because you are stuffing it yourself, you get to choose how firm or cushiony the pillow feels to personalize your comfort on any international flight.
29. Silk Eye Mask
As many beauty professionals today claim, silk is better for your skin and hair.
If you’re acne-prone like me, especially on planes, this silk eye mask is a better option than a regular fleece or cotton eye mask.
30. Essential Oils For Motion Sickness And Anxiety (Travel Essentials For International Travel)
Essential oils are a newer international travel essential, particularly if you ever experience motion sickness and/or anxiety while traveling.
This Migrastil Migraine essential oils roller stick relieves motion sickness (from planes, cars, trains, rollercoaster or anything really). I wholeheartedly stand by this and never travel without one. (This is coming from someone who suffers from regular migraines. Trust me.)
You can find my entire list of natural motion sickness remedies here.
In addition, lavender essential oils are known to reduce anxiety and promote rest.
Whether you suffer from travel anxiety or are looking for a natural sleep remedy, this travel-size lavender essential oil roller is phenomenal.
Packing List For International Travel PDF
- Clothes.
- Shoes.
- Toiletries.
- Passport.
- Wallet.
- Phone.
- International SIM card or cell service.
- Passport holder wallet.
- International outlet adaptor.
- Retractable power strip.
- Dual voltage travel hair dryer.
- Dual voltage hair stylers.
- Electronics organizer.
- Apple AirTag.
- Packing cubes.
- Hanging toiletry bag.
- Bandage travel pack.
- Mini hand sanitizer.
- Anti-bacterial hand wipes.
- Anti-bacterial cleaning wipes.
- Self-cleaning and purifying water bottle.
- Toilet seat covers.
- Flushable feminine wipes.
- Portable phone charger.
- Underwater phone case.
- Plane seat phone mount.
- Travel size perfume bottles.
- Jet lag remedy.
- Face wash.
- Toothbrush caps.
- BPA-free travel liquid containers.
- Blanket scarf.
- Neck pillow.
- Silk eye mask.
- Essential oils.
What Not To Bring When Traveling Internationally
- A lot of foreign currency cash (most places take card and have ATMs, depends on the destination).
- Fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, seeds or meats (will be confiscated away at customs).
- Culturally inappropriate clothing.
- Single voltage hair dryers and stylers.
- Reef-unsafe sunscreen (many countries have banned unsafe sunscreen).
- Highly valuable items (such as expensive jewelry).
- Firearms, knifes, scissors or other potential weapons.
Am I Missing Anything?
Do you have something you always travel internationally with that you don’t see on this list?
I’d love to hear about it! Comment your best travel essentials for international travel below.
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