Introduction
Are you going to be traveling internationally but are unsure what to pack? One of the most enriching experiences one can have in their lifetime is to go on a trip. However, for some people, the stress of packing can diminish the exciting anticipation that came before it. Being unsure what to pack is normal. This is especially true if it is the first time that an individual is planning a trip. Your packing list will change depending on where you are going, but there are a few essentials that you should never forget to bring on an international trip, no matter where you are going. The following is a list of items that are necessary to bring on international travel.
Things You Need for an International Flight
The following are some of the items that are almost always required to be packed for a trip overseas.
1. Sturdy Travel Bag
The kind of traveler you are and the length of your trip both play a role in determining the kind of bag you should bring with you. On the other hand, I’ve always had a soft spot in my heart for a simple backpack.
You can purchase a large one to last you for several months on the road, or you can purchase a standard-sized one for a shorter trip.
However, you should make sure to purchase a bag that is well-padded and well-constructed, as you will be relying on it daily while you are traveling. Keep using a rolling suitcase if that is what you find most convenient.
2. Day Bag
When going on day trips, in addition to your main backpack, you should bring a smaller bag with you.
If you plan on doing a lot of walking during the day, bringing a carry-on bag like a small backpack or a large purse that you can also use is a good idea.
3. Universal Travel Adaptor
Keep in mind that the wall outlets in many countries are shaped differently than those in the United States.
Get an adaptor before you leave so that you can keep your electronic devices charged while you are away.
If you travel a lot and enjoy exploring new places, you should invest in a universal travel adaptor so that you can use your electronics in any country in the world.
4. Reusable Water Bottle
Packing a water bottle that can be reused will help you save money and reduce the amount of waste produced by single-use plastic bottles.
If you are traveling in a country that does not have potable water, you may find that you have no choice but to purchase bottled water that has been filtered.
You could also purchase a reusable bottle that already has a filter installed in it so that you can purify your own water.
5. Passport and Visas
When traveling to a foreign country, one of the most essential items to bring with you is your passport. Check to see that it is not out of date and that it will not expire.
Also, before you leave for your trip, be sure to do some research on the visa requirements that will be necessary.
These days, electronic visas are the norm; however, you may occasionally be required to send in your passport to have the visa imprinted on it.
Therefore, do not put this off until the very last minute! (Important documents should also have hard copies as well as electronic backups; this is a precaution).
6. Travel Insurance
If you are going to be away from home for an extended period of time, you should always get travel insurance in case you get sick or hurt while you are gone.
You need to do a great deal of research and decide on a tactic that will be successful for you.
7. Medication
If you take any kind of medication, you should consult your physician before leaving on your trip and make sure you have enough of it to last you through the whole trip before you leave.
8. Debit or Credit Card
You should bring your credit card or debit card with you when you travel so that you can withdraw local currency from an ATM. You will need money while you are away from home.
You will get more for your money if you skip transferring money at the airport and instead do it at a bank in the city you are visiting. Airports often charge high commission rates, so you will get less for your money if you do it at the airport.
You should give some thought to getting a credit card that doesn’t charge fees for making transactions in other countries so that you can save more money while you’re away.
9. Sleeping Mask
If you are planning on sleeping on an airplane but it is not an overnight flight, you may have trouble falling or staying asleep with the lights on. Because of this, you should bring a sleeping mask with you so that you can cover your eyes.
Even if it is a flight that takes place during the night and the person assigned to your seat is adamant about having the light on, you can still sleep in the dark and get some rest.
For Entertainment
Bringing along these items will make traveling much less stressful for you. When there is nothing to distract you during a lengthy car or plane ride, it can be difficult to be patient.
10. Books
When you’re on the road, having a good book to read is always a welcome companion. However, because they can make your bag quite heavy, you should try not to bring too many of them. Or you could try to have a Kindle!
11. Camera
Make sure you bring a camera with you on your trip, whether it’s a high-end DSLR, a simple digital camera, a GoPro, or even a smartphone with a respectable camera so that you can take pictures of the amazing things you see on your vacation.
Remember to bring along all of the essential accessories, including a carry bag, a battery, a charger, a memory card, and even more.
12. Headphones
One of the most essential things to bring on a trip is a pair of headphones. Long days spent traveling are perfect for listening to a podcast or playing music from a playlist; this is especially true for solo travelers.
13. Earplugs
You might want to bring earplugs with you if you’re going to be staying in a busy city or a dorm room at a hostel.
The noise from the street or the travelers who are partying in your hostel may keep you awake all night. Earplugs are a great tool for blocking out noise and ensuring a restful night’s sleep.
Clothing Items
When you travel, you obviously need to bring clothes with you, but everyone has their own unique style preferences when it comes to what they wear. Therefore, in addition to the obvious necessities such as shirts, shorts, pants, socks, etc., the following is merely a list of some useful things you can bring.
14. Comfortable Walking Shoes
Because traveling requires exploration, you’ll likely do a lot of walking while you’re away. Remember to bring the pair of shoes that are the most comfortable for you to wear on a daily basis.
When traveling, nothing is more annoying than having painful blisters or feet as a result of wearing shoes that are too tight or too loose.
15. Comfortable Clothes
When it comes to things like traveling, comfort is much more important than looking stylish.
Make sure that the clothes you are packing are ones that you will actually like to wear, regardless of what you are packing. Instead of concentrating on what you are wearing, you should concentrate on what is going on in the world around you.
16. Nice Outfits
Even though you want to be as comfortable as possible, it is still a good idea to bring along one or two nice outfits for use on more formal occasions.
It’s always more fun to get dressed up for special occasions, whether it’s for a party, a nice dinner, or a show.
However, since you want to make the most efficient use of the space in your luggage, you should limit the number of nice outfits you bring and instead save room for more functional pieces of clothing.
17. Rain Jacket
A raincoat of sufficient quality should always be considered a necessity when traveling.
When the wind picks up, umbrellas tend to become bulky and inconvenient to use. On wet and cold days, a quality raincoat can protect you from the elements while also keeping you warm.
18. Hiking Boots
You should put some money into a good pair of hiking boots if you want to go hiking and spend time connecting with nature.
Because they take up a fair amount of space in your bag, you should only bring them with you if you are an active traveler who plans to go hiking in the great outdoors. However, they are well worth the effort.
19. Sun Protection
It is important to bring sun protection with you whenever you travel, even if you will be going somewhere cold.
When you are traveling, it is important to protect your skin from the sun by using items such as a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Think about using an SPF-containing lip balm as well.
Other Important Items You Can Bring
20. Travel-Sized Toiletries
It is up to you to decide whether you want to bring your own toiletries with you on your trip, such as toothpaste, shampoo, or deodorant, or whether you would rather buy those things when you get there.
It is best to be packing your own if you only require 30 milliliters or less of each item.
On the other hand, if you’re going to be gone for a while, it might be simpler to just buy it when you get to your destination overseas.
21. Student ID Card
If you are a student, you should never travel without your student identification card.
Student discounts are offered at a variety of tours and attractions across the globe. Showing your identification will result in a discount, so don’t forget it!
22. A Few Plastic Bags
While it might not seem relevant at first, having one or two plastic bags on hand can be quite useful while you are traveling.
It is much more convenient to store a wet bathing suit or dirty clothes in a plastic bag until you reach your next destination, so if you have either of these items, consider doing so.
23. Microfiber Towel
A normal towel is much larger when rolled up, but a microfiber towel can be rolled up into a much smaller space. Therefore, you won’t need to worry about it taking up too much room in your backpack.
24. Luggage Locks
If you are concerned about being robbed by pickpockets, you should bring along a luggage lock so that you can lock the zipper on your bag.
Lockers are provided in the majority of hostel dorm rooms so that you can safely store your belongings; however, a luggage lock offers an additional layer of protection.
25. Chewing Gum
Chewing gum serves a dual purpose on airplanes: first, it can freshen your breath if you’re too lazy to get up and brush your teeth after a flight, and second, it can help equalize the pressure in your ears and prevent painful pressure headaches.
Conclusion
It is not simple to travel by plane across international borders. Some people even get anxious about the possibility that they will forget to bring essential items with them when they pack. You should always make sure to have the essential items on the list above in your bag before embarking on any lengthy flight in order to ensure that you have an enjoyable and stress-free journey.