International Travel Packing List

Whether you’re a seasoned jet setter or planning your first trip abroad, having a roundup of all that should go in your bags is always helpful. We have compiled an international checklist to make your life easier. It covers everything needed to bring for an international trip, from the necessities like a passport and insurance to the obvious items like a toothbrush and charger. The comprehensive list will assist in packing for almost any type of travel, whether it’s a weekend getaway, a business trip, a family vacation, or a monthlong rendezvous.

The Ultimate Packing List

You are not required to strictly adhere to the list. Feel free to add or remove items to suit the country, itinerary, length of stay, and personal tastes. If you stick to the packing list below, you are sure not to leave anything behind.

Travel Essentials

The first step in planning a stress-free vacation is to ensure that all of your travel documents are in order and packed in your carry-on. Check the validity of your passport and visa ahead of time to avoid any last-minute glitches. Make sure you have adequate health and travel insurance before leaving on an international trip. In addition to the originals, a photocopy and a digital copy of all documents should be kept on hand for easy reference.

• Passport & Visa
• Personal ID / Student ID / Driver’s License / Frequent Flyer cards
• Travel Insurance
• Tickets and Reservations
• Emergency Contacts and Addresses
• Debit & Credit Card
• Local Currency
• Vaccination Certificate / COVID-19 Documentation
• Sim Card
• List of Medications and Prescriptions

Clothing

I know it sounds obvious, but having a clothing checklist always helps to ensure that you don’t forget anything. The packing list will differ depending on where you are going in the world. Remember to check the weather and climatic conditions for the duration of your trip and pack accordingly. I have tried to cover the essentials because the type of clothing varies from person to person. Pack clothes in neutral colors that can be mixed and matched to create multiple outfits.

• Tops / T-shirts / Shirts /Polos
• Shorts / Skirts / Pants / Jeans / Cargo
• Formal Wear (Dresses/Blazers/Suits/Formal Shirts/Tie)
• Undergarments / Sleepwear / Microfiber Towel
• Hat / Scarves /Belts
• Swimsuit / Cover-Ups / Beach Towel
• Active Wear / Loungewear
• Socks / Stockings
• Sweater / Sweatshirt / Thermals / Coats / Light Jackets / Heavy Jackets / Cardigans
• Shawl / Gloves / Caps
• Raincoat

Footwear

You may need dress shoes, flip-flops, sneakers, or hiking boots depending on your destination. Plan your itinerary before packing your footwear so that you are prepared for all eventualities. Although you don’t want to bring too many shoes, you should take the right ones. Whatever footwear you bring, make sure they are of high quality, comfy, and well broken in.

• Comfortable Walking Shoes / Sneakers / Tennis shoes
• Sandals / Flip-flops / Slippers
• Hiking Boots / Snow Boots / Rain Boots
• Dress Shoes / Heels

Toiletries & Make-up

Most of us are trying to look our best for Instagram pics. This means we must always have a few toiletries and cosmetics on hand to freshen up, care for our skin, and achieve that perfect look. How much you want to carry depends on your preferences and routine, but try to keep it to a minimum. Always bring sample sizes of your favorite toiletries or pack them in small travel-size plastic bottles.

• Shampoo / Conditioner / Body Wash
• Face Wash / Makeup Remover / Body Wash / Nail Polish Remover
• Tooth Brush / Toothpaste / Mouthwash
• Foundation / Moisturizer / Primer / Concealer / Blush / Toner
• Eye Makeup (eyeliner/mascara/eyeshadow/kohl pencil)
• Lipsticks / Lip Balm / Nail Polish
• Cream / Body Lotion
• Feminine-Hygiene Products / Contraceptives
• Makeup Brushes / Cotton Wool
• Talcum Powder / Sunscreen / Suntan Lotion
• Contact Lens Solution
• Hair Styling Products (Hair Gel, Hair Spray, Mousse)
• Perfume / Cologne / Deodorant
• Razor / Shaving Cream / After Shave
• Hand Sanitizer / Wipes / Toilet Roll

Medications

In addition to your prescribed medication, pack over-the-counter medications for minor ailments such as a cold, upset stomach, allergies, and so on. A small first-aid kit should always be in your luggage so you don’t have to rush to the pharmacy in the event of an emergency and struggle with unfamiliar names. Furthermore, it is difficult to obtain supplies without a prescription in countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom.

• Prescribed Medicines
• Band-Aids / Gauze / Bandages / Disinfectant Spray & Wipes
• First-Aid Ointment / Antibacterial Ointments / Sunburn Relief
• Multi-vitamins / Laxatives / Oral Rehydration Solution
• Pain Relievers / Anti-Biotics / Anti-Inflammatory Tablets
• Basic Medicines for Allergy / Fever / Flu / Stomach Cramps / Cold / Diarrhea / Vomiting
• Motion Sickness / Altitude Sickness / Sleep Aid
• Insect Repellent
• Thermometer / Oximeter

Miscellaneous

Alongside clothing, footwear, and toiletries, you will need a slew of other items while traveling. Electronics, safety items, and entertainment options are just a few examples of what you’ll need to make your trip comfortable and enjoyable. Again, the requirements are highly subjective, but let’s list them so you can review them and see if you missed anything.

• Sunglasses / Reading Glasses / Contact Lenses
• Jewelry / Watch / Smartwatch
• Camera / Binoculars / GoPro / Sim Card
• iPad / Mobile / Laptop
• Chargers / Power Bank / Memory Card / Flash Drive
• Adaptors / Converters
• Travel Games / Pack of Cards
• Travel Pillow / Head Phones / Ear Plugs / Travel Blanket / Sleeping Mask
• Day Purse / Beach Bag / Collapsible Totes / Money Belt
• Scissors / Tweezers / Nail Cutter / Nail Filer
• Hair Styling Tools / Hair Brush
• Luggage Locks / Umbrella / Torch
• Plastic Bags for dirty and wet clothing / Ziplock Bags / Detergent
• Books / Pen / Notepad / Kindle / Travel Guides
• Reusable Water Bottles / Snacks / Basic Utensils
• Masks 

Save this travel packing list so you can refer to it whenever you need to pack for a trip. Please feel free to add any items I may have overlooked in the comments section below.