The Ultimate International Travel Checklist

Contents

• What to know when traveling abroad
• International travel packing checklist
• Packing your international carry-on essentials
• Packing tips for overseas travel
• Plan your next international trip with ZenHotels

What to know when traveling abroad

The key to traveling abroad is planning. Before you start working on your international packing list, you want to have the basics covered. These are your non-negotiables, and you’ll want to start thinking about them as soon as you book your trip.

Photo by Ben White on Unsplash

Check your passport is valid

Most of us have a 10-year passport, meaning it’s not something we often double-check. Before you book your ticket, make sure your passport is valid for the duration of your trip. Most countries require at least 3 months to be left on your passport, while others may require 6 months. You could be declined boarding if your passport is not valid. Check the passports for everyone in your family before traveling. 

Check if you need a visa

Visa rules vary between countries and often depend on the passport you’re traveling on. A growing number of countries are adopting the ETSA model of a visa waiver system, where you’ll pay a small fee and complete an electronic form to be authorized to travel into the country. Check your local government website to determine if you need a visa to travel to your destination. 

Photo: AnnaStills / Shutterstock.com

Travel insurance

It’s always recommended to travel with medical insurance. Some countries, such as Thailand and Costa Rica, specifically require travelers to have health insurance to be able to enter. Certain visa types, such as a J-1 visa for the United States, may also require health insurance.

Make sure to print a copy of the confirmation from your insurance provider as you may need to show this at immigration.

Consider your prescription medication

If you’re traveling internationally, you’ll need to travel with enough medication for your trip with a few spare days’ worth of doses if delays occur. You may not be able to get your exact medication when traveling abroad, so it’s best to consult with your doctor before going on an extended visit if you need more than one prescription’s worth of medication. Always keep your medication in your bag and have it with you throughout the day.

Photo: New Africa / Shutterstock.com

Don’t forget about currency

Currency and foreign exchange fees can be a headache – especially if you’re traveling internationally for the first time. While most of us are now using tap-to-pay, some countries still prefer cash. Do your research and always bring at least a small amount of cash in the local currency for emergencies. 

If you’re planning on using a credit or debit card, check with your bank if foreign exchange fees apply. Frequent travelers might find it worthwhile to open a new card with a provider that charges no foreign exchange fees.

Keep your cards safe and activate Apple or Google Pay for easy tapping.

International travel packing checklist

Once you’ve got your travel essentials sorted, it’s time to start packing. The basics of your packing list for international travel will stay the same, whether you’re going with just a carry-on or multiple pieces of luggage. Always consider functionality and what it’s going to be like at your destination.

Photo: eakasarn / Shutterstock.com

Will your accommodation have elevators? Are you visiting during a colder season? Do you have any special events on your itinerary? These are all practical things to consider when applying the advice below to your specific trip. 

Clothing

Don’t overcomplicate your clothing options. It’s easy to think you need multiple outfits for every day but most of us only wear one set of outdoor clothes a day. During vacation, you might make an exception and change before dinner, but you don’t need to pack three or four outfits per day. If you’re not sure of the climate, packing layers can make it easier to mix and match outfits together to suit any weather.

Choose clothes in a similar color palette that are easy to style together.

Before packing, try to create as many different outfits as you can from the same clothes. Essentials like jeans, basic t-shirts, cotton dresses, and shorts can be styled for multiple days throughout your trip. Bring a nicer footwear option for evening time and accessories to help take your outfits from day to night. 

Photo: kudla/ Shutterstock.com

Focus on packing breathable fabrics, like cotton, and avoid darker colors that can cause you to overheat faster. The opposite rules apply if you’re heading to a colder climate. Bring layers and shop for fabrics that offer thermal insulation to keep you warm. Don’t forget to bring a heavy coat. 

If you’re heading to one of the hottest places on Earth, you’ll want to plan accordingly.

Sensible footwear

Footwear is one of the trickiest things to pack for any trip. They’re the heaviest item you’ll pack and the most important piece to creating a comfortable outfit. Your travel shoes can make or break your packing checklist. 

 Plan to wear your heaviest shoes on the plan to reduce the weight of your luggage, but keep in mind you’ll be wearing these for several hours. Choose shoes that are both comfortable and functional. Sneakers and slip-on shoes with arch support are great choices for travel as they’re easy to take off at airport security. 

Photo: Matej Kastelic/ Shutterstock.com

If you’re traveling with only a carry-on, choose an all-around shoe you can wear throughout your trip. Don’t forget to consider your itinerary and if you have any outdoor activities like hiking or a beach day planned as these might call for extra footwear.

Try to bring no more than 2-3 shoes to maximize the space in your bag.

Your vacation isn’t the time to break in new shoes. No one wants blisters on the second day of their vacation. 

Travel-size toiletries

Pack the toiletries you use daily and any extras you might need to make your trip more comfortable. Avoid the temptation to bring every piece of make-up and skincare you own. Opting for travel sizes of your favorite products or decanting them into smaller bottles can help reduce the weight of your luggage. 

Photo: New Africa/ Shutterstock.com

If you’re traveling with just a carry-on, you’ll need to be strict with your toiletry choices to meet the liquid restrictions. Remember: you can always buy basics like shampoo and shower gel at your destination and most hotels will provide these as standards.

Converter and tech accessories

You might be planning to do a digital detox when traveling, but don’t forget to bring your tech essentials. When traveling internationally, you’ll likely need to buy an outlet adapter to charge your phone or use tools like a hairdryer. Certain products may not charge or operate as normal if the voltage is different.

Buy your power adapter or converter before your trip to avoid paying extra at the airport.

It’s a good idea to keep at least one power bank with you to charge your phone and ensure all your devices are fully charged before you go to the airport.

Photo: Vladeep/ Shutterstock.com

Packing your international carry-on essentials

If you’re a light packer, you might be planning to head on vacation with just carry-on luggage. It’s the most affordable way to travel and removes the anxiety of waiting for your checked bag and luggage. Even if you’re checking a suitcase, you’ll want to take the time to pack your personal bag to make your flight more comfortable. 

Anything you can’t replace or that you might need throughout your journey should be placed in your personal bag, including medication, travel insurance documents, and electronics. 

Packing tips for overseas travel

You want your suitcase to be as light as possible, while still being able to bring everything you need. Having the right packing strategy can help you avoid an overweight suitcase and maximize your space. 

Use packing cubes

Packing cubes are a must-have for frequent travelers. They make it easy to organize your suitcase as you can designate a specific packing cube for different items – such as using one for underwear, another for tops, or one for swimwear. Packing cubes also makes it easier to unpack when you arrive at your destination. Short on space? Try using compression bags.

Photo: Rosamar/ Shutterstock.com

Leave space and extra weight

If your suitcase is full when you head on vacation, you’ll not be able to buy souvenirs or you’ll need to pay for an extra case to bring them home. Avoid this headache by making sure your suitcase is under your weight allowance.

Be practical with your luggage choice

Think of the logistics of getting your luggage to your accommodation. Are you going to need to carry your suitcase across coble streets? Does your building have an elevator? It may be more practical to pack light and choose a smaller suitcase.

Photo: encierro / Shutterstock.com

Plan your next international trip with ZenHotels

The world’s your oyster. Tick another destination off your bucket list by planning your next international vacation with ZenHotels.

We offer global coverage with the best rates on hotels and accommodation options in over 220 other countries with ZenHotels. Download the ZenHotels mobile app to access exclusive rates even lower than on our website. 

Book now