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International travel packing list: What to bring abroad
This international travel packing list covers everything you need—from documents to toiletries and tech—for a stress-free trip anywhere in the world.
Packing for an international trip doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right preparation and a solid plan, you can avoid last-minute scrambling and enjoy your journey with peace of mind. This international travel packing list includes everything you’ll need—from clothing and travel documents to toiletries and must-have tech—so you’re ready for any destination.
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Essentials for international travel
Let’s start your international travel packing list by breaking down the travel essentials you’ll want to pack first—from clothing and toiletries to travel documents and electronics.
Download your own international travel packing list:
Clothing
What you wear on your trip can influence everything—from your comfort during long travel days to your confidence at local events. Packing smart doesn’t mean packing a lot—it means choosing versatile, practical clothing that works for your destination and trip style.
Think layers, breathable fabrics, and shoes that can handle walking tours or unexpected terrain. And don’t forget about occasion-specific outfits, especially if you have formal plans during your travels.
Include the following in your luggage:
- Versatile clothing that can be mixed and matched across outfits
- Layers such as sweaters, hoodies, and a light jacket for fluctuating temperatures
- Comfortable walking shoes or hiking footwear for long days on foot
- Sleepwear and undergarments for the full length of your trip
- One pair of dressier clothes for special events or dining out
- Swimsuit and beachwear if you’re heading to beach vacations
💡 Packing tip
Stick to one color palette so your outfits are easier to coordinate.
Toiletries
Toiletries are often the most overlooked part of a travel checklist, but they can also be the most frustrating to replace on the road. Depending on your destination, you may not find the brands or products you’re used to.
That’s why it’s smart to travel with a compact toiletry kit filled with your daily essentials that can fit into your carry on luggage. Going light here helps with airport security and keeps your bag organized.
Suggested toiletry items:
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Shampoo, conditioner, and soap (travel-size bottles)
- Razor and shaving gel
- Deodorant
- Facial tissues and wet wipes
- Toilet paper (mini roll or travel-size pack)
- Contact lenses and solution (if applicable)
- Hand sanitizer
- Laundry soap or mesh laundry bag for extended trips
Travel documents and financials
Your travel documents are your ticket to smooth entry and exit, while financial tools ensure you’re never caught off guard. Keeping these items secure, organized, and accessible should be a top priority when packing for international travel.
Make both physical and digital backups of your most important items, and always have a plan for accessing money in different currencies or situations. You’ll thank yourself later.
Don’t forget to pack:
- Passport that is valid for at least 6 months beyond your return date
- Visas, if required — check your destination’s entry rules in advance
- Driver’s license or international driving permit, if needed
- Emergency contacts should be written down and stored digitally
- International travel insurance as a printed copy and digital backup
- Credit and debit cards — notify your bank before departure
- Local currency for small purchases or emergencies
- Money belt to keep valuables secure in crowded places
Electronics
Electronics have become essential travel companions and have earned their way into packing essentials. From navigating new cities to capturing memories and staying in touch, your devices help you travel smarter and safer.
When packing, make sure you have the right adaptors for your destination and enough backup power for long travel days. And don’t forget smaller gadgets that make a big difference—like tripods for better photos or headphones for long flights.
Pack these electronics:
- Cell phone and charger
- Portable power bank
- Charging cables for all devices
- Universal outlet adaptor
- Headphones or earbuds
- Travel-friendly tripod or stabilizer
- Day bag or tech pouch to keep gadgets organized
Miscellaneous
Some items don’t belong to any single category but are still critical for your journey. These personal items help you stay healthy, organized, and prepared for the unexpected—whether that’s a scraped knee, a lost luggage delay, or just a long day out sightseeing.
This part of your international travel checklist brings together those small but mighty extras that help your trip go smoothly.
- Small first aid kit with band-aids, antiseptic, and medications
- Prescription medications in their original containers
- Reusable water bottle
- Packing cubes to keep luggage tidy and conserve space
- Dirty laundry bag or extra plastic bags
- Sunglasses and travel pillow
- Notebook and pen for customs or journaling
Packing tips for international travel
Even with the best list, how you pack is just as important as what you pack. Efficient packing helps you travel light, save space, and avoid last-minute stress at the airport. These packing tips are designed to make the most of your luggage—whether you’re working with just a carry on or a larger suitcase.
They also help you stay organized and keep personal items easy to access during your international trip. From maximizing your space to staying within baggage limits, here’s how to make your packing list for vacation work.
- Use packing cubes: These help divide your clothes into categories, keep everything in place, and conserve space in your luggage. You can even pack a cube with just your toiletry kit or dirty laundry.
- Roll your clothes: Rolling instead of folding reduces wrinkles and allows for tighter packing. It’s especially helpful when using a carry on bag only.
- Wear heavy layers on the plane: Save space in your luggage by wearing your hiking boots, jackets, or bulky sweaters during your flight.
- Distribute weight strategically: Place heavier items near the base of your suitcase and essentials near the top or in your carry on for easy access.
- Keep must-haves in your carry on: If your checked bag is delayed, you’ll still have your medications, electronics, and travel documents handy.
- Limit “just in case” items: Stick to your international travel packing list and resist overpacking—you’ll rarely miss what you didn’t bring.
- Use portable versions wherever possible: Toiletries? Travel size. Additional backpack? Foldable. Headphones? How about earbuds? Portable WiFi? Use eSIM instead. Save space in any way you can.
💡 Packing tip
If you’re traveling internationally for multiple weeks, consider doing laundry during your trip. A small laundry bag and some laundry soap can go a long way.
Turn your complete packing list digital
These days, your suitcase and carry on bag aren’t the only things that should be organized—your phone is part of your travel kit too. From boarding passes and hotel confirmations to offline maps and emergency contacts, storing your ultimate packing list and documents in the cloud ensures you’re always prepared. After all, you’ll need your packing checklist on your way back, as well.
And the key to keeping it all accessible? The best global eSIM with strong internet connection.
That’s where an international travel eSIM from Holafly comes in. With no need to swap out your physical SIM, you can install it in just a few minutes—right from your phone—and get unlimited data across many countries. No roaming fees. No stress. Just instant connection the moment you land.
With Holafly, you can:
- Access your travel checklist and documents anywhere
- Use apps to hail a ride, navigate new cities, and translate signs
- Share your travels and stay in touch with loved ones
- Store backups of everything from IDs to insurance
Holafly eSIM makes saying online one less thing to worry about—so you can focus on what matters: enjoying your trip. Staying for a longer time? Check out Holafly Connect – a monthly postpaid plan with an option for unlimited tethering.
Navigate the world with ease
Use map apps as much as you wish with unlimited data eSIMs from Holafly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Include essentials like your passport, travel documents, medications, chargers, a change of clothes, and snacks. Keep items you’ll need during the flight or if your checked luggage gets delayed so you’re not stuck in a foreign country without your essentials.
Choose versatile clothing, pack light, and use packing cubes. Bring travel-size toiletries and plan to do laundry mid-trip with a laundry bag and laundry soap.
Use a Holafly eSIM for unlimited data, easy setup, and no roaming fees. It’s one of the top international travel essentials for staying online wherever you go.
Plans that may interest you
With a background in English literature and a focus on storytelling, I’ve turned my interests in travel and technology into a career helping others stay connected abroad. Originally from Serbia, I work remotely with my husband, experiencing local cultures firsthand and bringing that perspective to my writing for Holafly. Fun fact: before focusing on content creation, I was a professional volleyball player.
