7 Essential Items to Pack When Traveling Abroad

When traveling abroad, it’s essential to pack wisely and bring the necessary items to ensure a smooth and comfortable journey. Here’s a list of essential items to consider when packing for your international trip:

Travel documents:
- Passport
- Visa (if required)
- Driver’s license or ID card
- Printed copies of travel itineraries, hotel reservations, and important contact numbers
- Health insurance information (I use my phone wallet)
- Travel insurance documents (can be digital just make sure you know where it lives on your phone – google drive folders are very handy)
Money and banking:
- Sufficient cash in the local currency and some US dollars or euros as a backup (most places take cards but it’s good to have cash in case you have card issues or you need to tip)
- Credit/debit cards (inform your bank of your travel plans)
- Money belt or secure wallet for keeping valuables safe
Health and safety:
- Prescription medications (in their original packaging with clear labels)
- Over-the-counter medications (pain relievers, allergy medicine, etc.)
- First aid kit (band-aids, antiseptic, gauze, etc.)
- Insect repellent (depending on where you are going)
- Sunscreen
- Hand sanitizer
- Travel-sized toiletries
Electronics and communication:
- Smartphone and charger (your phone also can double as your main picture taker if planning to travel light, like me!)
- Universal power adapter
- Portable charger/power bank
- Travel-sized headphones or earbuds
- E-book reader or tablet (if desired)
- Necessary cables and accessories
- Bonus! Rent a travel wifi (it’s very convenient to have when needing to call an Uber and your next locations. Plus if you just use wifi you can stay on airplane mode the whole trip with using international data)
Clothing and accessories:
- Weather-appropriate clothing (consider the destination’s climate and culture – also I find a Paris 60 degrees way colder than and Ohio 60 degrees. Layers and something to block wind is key)
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Swimwear (if applicable)
- Rain jacket or travel umbrella
- Hat or cap for sun protection
- Scarf or shawl for covering shoulders or entering religious sites
- Socks and underwear
- Sleepwear
- Sunglasses
Travel essentials:
- Lightweight daypack or backpack
- Travel pillow and blanket (for long flights)
- Travel-sized laundry detergent (for longer trips. It’s also good to map out where laundromats are located)
- Travel locks for securing luggage
- Travel guidebooks and maps (this can be virtual, plan ahead and create an itinerary and map it on your phone)
- Language translation app (google translate works just fine)
- Entertainment options (streaming apps, books, magazines, etc.)
Miscellaneous:
- Snacks (especially for long flights or travel delays)
- Reusable water bottle
- Travel-sized sewing kit
- Travel insurance information and emergency contact numbers
- Copies of important documents (passport, visa, etc.)

Remember to pack according to your specific needs, the destination’s climate, and the activities you plan to engage in. It’s also important to check the airline’s baggage restrictions and any specific regulations or requirements of your destination. By being prepared and packing the essentials, you can have a more enjoyable and stress-free trip abroad.

About Me

Let Me Be Your Travel Advisor!

Subscribe!