The Ultimate Packing List Guide For International Travel

International travel can be an exciting adventure, but it can also be stressful and confusing. One of the biggest challenges is packing. You want to make sure you have everything you need, but you also don’t want to overpack and lug around a heavy suitcase or backpack. When you bring something light and compact, you can be rewarded with a lower cost airplane ticket or a cheaper taxi fare. To add to this, your overall back will also thank you so for not putting too much weight on your joints.

This ultimate packing list will help you pack light and efficiently for your next international trip. You can also save money by packing light and efficiently too.

Luggage and packing tools

The first step is to choose the right luggage. If you’re traveling for a week or less, you should be able to pack everything you need in a carry-on suitcase. This will save you time and money at the airport.

When choosing a carry-on suitcase, look for one that meets the airline’s size and weight restrictions. Head on over to the official airline page and review their baggage policy and fee. At NerdTicket, we created a guide right here on American Airlines baggage policy. You should also choose a suitcase that is durable hard shell case and has plenty of compartments and to help you organize your belongings.

Some suitcases have barely any internal organization compartments or pockets so it’s critical that you can see the suitcase internals BEFORE you purchase.  Also purchase suitcase that are double wheeled to increase its durability when you’re on rough road conditions.

If you’re traveling for more than a week, you may need to check a bag. If so, choose a checked bag that is sturdy and has double wheeled to make it easy to transport.

For checked bag and suitcase, the weight factor is more important so look at the suitcase’s weight and compare it to other competitors.

You should also consider packing a few packing tools to help you organize your belongings and save space. Packing cubes are a great way to keep your clothes organized and wrinkle-free. A travel pillow and blanket can make your flight more comfortable. A reusable water bottle can help you save money by avoiding those jacked up airport water bottle prices (in Las Vegas, I saw a single water bottle selling for over 6 dollars). You area also protecting the environment by reducing your plastic consumption.

Clothes

When packing clothes for an international trip, you must research your destination’s weather condition first. Do this first and then read below.

 It’s important to choose versatile pieces that can be mixed and matched. You should also choose quick-drying, wrinkle-resistant fabrics. Lastly, select clothing that aren’t too flashy or high-end because you don’t want to draw immediate attention that you are a tourist, or you have a lot of money for safety reasons.

Here is a basic packing list for clothes (Make this a checklist):

• 4-5 t-shirts
• 2-3 long-sleeved shirts
• 1-2 pairs of jeans
• 1 pair of shorts
• 1 pair of dress pants
• 1 dress shirt
• 1 jacket or sweater
• Underwear and socks
• Swimsuit and flip-flops
• Shoes for walking and exploring

If you’re traveling to a specific destination, there may be a few additional items you need to pack. For example, if you’re going to a beach destination, don’t forget to pack sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. If you’re going to a cold weather destination, pack a warm coat, hat, gloves, and scarf.

Toiletries

When packing toiletries for an international trip, it’s important to choose travel-sized containers. This will save space in your luggage and make it easier to get through airport security.

Here is a basic for the ultimate packing list for toiletries:

• Travel-sized shampoo, conditioner, and body wash
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Natural Deodorant
• Razor and shaving cream
• Sunscreen with SPF 30 or greater
• Insect repellent
• Any medications you need.
• Motion sickness pills
• Earplugs
• Diarrhea pills

Other essentials

In addition to clothes and toiletries, are other essentials items you need to pack for an international trip. These include:

• Passport and visa (if required)
• Driver’s license
• Credit cards and cash
• Pet insurance**
• Travel insurance policy**
• Phone charger
• Camera and charger**
• Any other electronic devices you need
• Two copies of all your itinerary and important contact information

** indicate optional items

Tips for packing light

Here are a few tips for packing light:

• Roll your clothes instead of folding them to save space.
• Wear your heaviest shoes on the plane.
• Bring versatile pieces of clothing that can be layered or dressed up or down.
• Leave behind any unnecessary items, such as bulky toiletries, books, and souvenirs.

What to pack for specific destinations

If you’re traveling to a specific destination, there may be a few additional items you need to pack. For example, if you’re going to a beach destination, don’t forget to pack sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. If you’re going to a cold weather destination, pack a warm coat, hat, gloves, and scarf.

Here are a few additional items you may need to pack for specific destinations:

• Beach destination: Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, swimsuit, flip-flops, beach towel, insect repellent
• Cold weather destination: Warm coat, hat, gloves, scarf, boots, thermal underwear
• Hiking destination: Hiking boots, backpack, sunscreen, insect repellent, water bottle, snacks
• City destination: Comfortable walking shoes, dress clothes for any formal events, adapter for your electronic devices

This is the Ultimate Packing List

By following this concise ultimate packing list, you can ensure that you have everything you need for a hassle-free international trip. I created this list from years of experience and learning about what worked and what doesn’t as a Season traveler. Just remember to try pack light and leave behind any unnecessary items. Have fun traveling!