Your Ultimate International Travel Checklist (Tested on 19 Countries in 9 Years)

After nine years of traveling all over the world and visiting 19 different countries, I've learned something important: most international travel checklists are either way too complicated or completely miss the point.

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You don't need 47 pages of "expert tips." You need hacks that save you money, stress, and luggage space.

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This international travel checklist gives you exactly what you need to never overpay, overpack, or overlook the essentials.

Don't Leave Home Without These International Travel Must Haves

Before we dive into the details, let me save you some stress. If you remember nothing else from this post, remember this: you need your passport and you need your money. That's it. Those are the two non-negotiables for any international trip.

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I tell this to every friend before they travel, and I check it myself before every single flight. 

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You can find almost everything else when you get to your destination, but without these international travel must haves? Your trip is over before it starts.

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I've heard way too many stories about people who left their passport sitting on their kitchen counter or forgot to bring enough cash and cards. Don't be that person. 

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Put both items in a bag that's easy to access because you'll be showing them multiple times throughout your journey.

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When I say money, I'm talking about cash and cards, plus any payment apps on your phone. 

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But here's a reality check: your phone might die, especially when you're constantly checking Google Maps in a new city. Always have backup options.

Electronics to Double-Check on Your International Travel Packing List

Every country has different plug types, and if you're hitting multiple countries, you'll want a universal adapter. This isn't optional advice, it's just practical.

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In Europe, the plugs are completely different from what we use in the US.

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Here's something most people don't think about when creating their international travel packing list: check the voltage requirements for your electronics, especially things like hair dryers and straighteners.

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I've heard horror stories of people plugging in their hair tools abroad only to have them literally explode because of voltage differences. Not exactly the vacation memory you're going for.

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But having the right plugs is only half the battle. The bigger question? Staying connected once you arrive.

Why Internet Abroad Changed Everything for Me

I used to think having internet abroad was nice but not necessary. Then I took a trip from Switzerland to Turkey and started using an eSIM for the first time. It completely changed how I travel.

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Here's the reality: when you're in a new country, you need to check your banking apps, look up directions, find your accommodation information, and maybe call an Uber.

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You're not going to do any of that on public WiFi, especially not banking. That's just asking for trouble.

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An eSIM like GigSky lets you have internet in multiple countries without buying a new physical SIM card every time you cross a border but it’s one of those international travel essentials people overlook.

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No more trying to communicate with phone store employees in a language you don't speak. No more overpaying for tourist-targeted phone plans.

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GigSky now offers a subscription where you get internet for 365 days in 120+ countries.

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You pay monthly, quarterly, or yearly, and you're covered. If you travel regularly and your work depends on staying connected, this kind of setup makes sense.

Complete Travel Packing Checklist

Essential Documents & Money

• Passport (original)
• Money (cash and cards)
• ID/Driver's license
• Copies of passport
• Copies of visa (if required)
• Travel insurance copies
• Hotel reservation printouts
• Itinerary printouts

Electronics & Connectivity

• eSIM setup (like GigSky) 
• Universal adapter/plug converter
• Phone
• Phone charger
• Laptop
• Laptop charger
• Tablet
• e-reader
• Portable chargers/power banks
• Camera

Clothing

• 2-3 pairs of pants/bottoms
• Shirts/tops (about half the number of travel days)
• Underwear (one per day + 2-3 extra)
• Socks (one per day + extras)
• Light jacket/layer
• Heavy coat (for winter travel)
• Hat (summer) or beanie (winter)
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Slippers or flip-flops
• Foldable flats (if needed for nicer occasions)

Personal Care & Toiletries

• Wet wipes
• Sunscreen
• Lip balm
• Toothbrush (travel size)
• Toothpaste (travel size)
• Shampoo/conditioner (travel size, if specific needs)
• Detergent sheets (for longer trips)
• Makeup remover (if you wear makeup)
• Travel-size makeup essentials
• Microfiber towel
• Personal medications

Carry-On Essentials

• Passport
• Money/wallet
• ID
• Phone
• Portable chargers
• Laptop
• Tablet
• e-reader
• Camera
• Noise-canceling headphones
• Neck pillow
• Sleep mask
• Compression socks
• Bubble gum (for ear pressure)
• Snacks (non-liquid)
• Toiletries under 100ml (if needed during flight)
• Medications
• All electronics in easily accessible bag

Optional Comfort Items

• Travel insurance documentation
• AirTag or luggage tracker
• Entertainment (books, downloaded movies)
• Travel-sized laundry detergent

Checked Luggage Only

• Liquids over 100ml
• Full-size shampoo/conditioner
• Hair dryer/styling tools
• Larger toiletries
• Extra clothing
• Souvenirs space

Pre-Travel Tasks

• Call bank to notify of international travel
• Check voltage requirements for electronics
• Set up eSIM or international phone plan
• Pack essentials in easily accessible bag
• Set passport reminder alarm
• Check weather forecast for destination
• Verify hotel/accommodation bookings

Clothing Ratios That Always Work

Now that you've got your electronics sorted, let's talk about what takes up most of your suitcase space.

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I've learned over the years that smart packing is about understanding your travel style and being honest about what you'll wear.

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Here's what works: think about your typical week at home. How many times do you really change your pants versus your shirts?

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You probably wear jeans two or three times before washing them, but you change your shirt daily, right? Apply that same logic to travel.

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For pants and bottoms: bring 2-3 pairs max, regardless of trip length.

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One to wear, one backup, and maybe one slightly nicer option if you're planning dinners out. You can wash them or just wear them multiple times.

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For shirts and tops: this is where you need variety. Pack about half the number of days you're traveling. Going for 10 days? Pack 5 shirts. Going for two weeks? Pack 7-8 shirts. You'll want fresh shirts because you'll be walking, sweating, and exploring.

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For underwear: pack one pair for every day, plus 2-3 extra. This isn't negotiable. You never know when you'll need extras, and they take up almost no space.

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For socks: same as underwear. One pair per day plus extras, especially if you're doing lots of walking.

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The seasonal stuff matters too. If you're traveling in summer, you probably won't need a heavy jacket, but many places get cooler in the evenings. Pack one light layer.

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Winter travelers should bring one light coat for daytime and one heavier option for nighttime.

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Don't forget a hat for summer trips (your skin will thank you) and a beanie for winter destinations.

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And here's something many people skip: bring slippers or flip-flops. Hotel and hostel floors aren't your home floors, and you'll want something to protect your feet in shared showers.

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If you're doing a lot of walking but need something nicer for dinners or evenings out, foldable flats are a game-changer.

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They take up almost no space but give you a comfortable option that looks more put-together than sneakers.

The Documents That Keep You Out of Trouble

Once you've got your packing sorted, let's talk about paperwork.

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Most experienced travelers will tell you that you don't need much paperwork, and they're partly right. When you have a passport full of stamps, immigration officers tend to ask fewer questions.

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But if you're newer to international travel, or if something goes wrong, you'll be glad you prepared. Make copies of your passport, visa, and travel insurance. Keep them separate from your originals.

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Here's why this matters: countries like Italy and Spain are generally safe countries, but they're famous for pickpockets.

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When you arrive at your destination, leave your actual passport in a safe place at your hotel.

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Carry a copy instead. If someone official needs to see ID on the street, show the copy. Most of the time, that's perfectly fine, and you're not risking losing your actual passport.

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Immigration officers sometimes ask where you're staying and what you're planning to do.

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Having printed copies of your hotel reservation and itinerary makes these conversations go much smoother.

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Sure, you have everything on your phone, but what happens if your battery dies right when they ask to see your booking confirmation?

Personal Care Items That Matter

With your documents ready, let's cover toiletries. Wet wipes are essential for long international flights. You're going to be eating, touching things, and sitting in the same clothes for hours. Stay clean and comfortable.

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Sunscreen is non-negotiable for summer travel. Lip balm is another must-have, especially on planes where the air is incredibly dry. Your lips will thank you.

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Everything else is mostly personal preference because you can buy toiletries almost anywhere in the world. It's fun to explore local supermarkets and pharmacies.

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That said, definitely bring your toothbrush and toothpaste. Get travel-size versions because you'll want to brush your teeth during long flights.

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If you have specific hair care needs, bring travel-size versions of your usual products.

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For longer trips, pack detergent sheets for washing clothes, makeup remover if you wear makeup, and any other personal care items you use daily.

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A microfiber towel is worth considering too, especially if you're staying in hostels or budget accommodations where towels might be questionable.

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But don't bring your entire bathroom cabinet. Stick to what you use every day.

Finding Balance in Your Carry-On

Now let's talk about organizing everything you've planned to bring. The key to packing smart is knowing yourself and prioritizing ruthlessly.

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If you're sensitive to noise, noise-canceling headphones are worth the space.

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If you have trouble sleeping while traveling, a neck pillow is essential.

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A sleep mask can make the difference between arriving exhausted or rested, especially on long flights or if you're sensitive to light.

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For long flights, compression socks aren't just for older travelers. They help with circulation and can prevent that uncomfortable leg swelling you get from sitting for hours.

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If you want to save money on airport food, pack some snacks (just make sure they're not liquid). Bubble gum is great for takeoff and landing because chewing helps with ear pressure changes.

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Here's a system that works: make a list of everything you think you might want to bring, then rate each item from 1 to 5 based on how important it is to you. Pack the 5s first, then the 4s, and so on.

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When you run out of space? You run out of space. This forces you to prioritize what matters to you.

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Your carry-on needs your passport, money, ID, and anything you'll need on the plane: neck pillow, snacks, noise-canceling headphones if you use them.

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All electronic devices go in your carry-on: laptop, tablet, phone, e-reader, portable chargers.

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Airlines require portable chargers in carry-on luggage for safety reasons, and you don't want your laptop getting crushed in checked baggage.

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Any liquids over 100ml go in your checked bag. Toiletries under 100ml can go in your carry-on, but only if you need them during the flight.

Handling Money Like a Pro

Most countries accept cards and mobile payments now, but there are still places where you need local currency in cash. Small markets, family restaurants, street vendors? They often operate cash-only.

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Bring at least $100-200 in cash, just in case. Also, call your bank before you travel. Some banks automatically block international transactions unless you notify them first. Nothing sabotages a trip like having your card declined when you're trying to pay for dinner.

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Travel insurance is worth it, especially for longer trips or destinations far from home. Many banks have partnerships with travel insurance companies that offer reasonable rates. You'll travel more relaxed knowing you're covered if something goes wrong.

Simple Ritual to Avoid Forgetting Your Passport

Here's where good habits pay off. Put your passport, money, and any medications in one small bag the night before you travel. Put this bag somewhere you absolutely cannot miss it, like on top of your luggage or by your front door.

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Set an alarm for a few minutes before you need to leave home. Label the alarm "PASSPORT" so you remember to do one final check.

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If you have an iPhone, put an AirTag in your checked luggage. If you have an Android phone, there are similar tracking devices available. Airlines lose bags more often than they like to admit, and having a way to track your luggage gives you peace of mind and practical information if something goes wrong.

What You Don't Need

After years of travel, I've learned that you almost never use the "just in case" items.

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That umbrella you're debating? Check the weather forecast instead.

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Those extra shoes "in case you need to dress up"? Unless you have specific formal events planned, one comfortable pair of walking shoes will serve you better.

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Keep things simple. Most of the time, you can buy what you need when you get there. It takes up less space in your luggage and less mental energy deciding what to pack.

Avoiding Delays at Airport Lines

Don't wear belts or boots to the airport. Avoid any liquids over 100ml in your carry-on. Keep all your electronics in one bag that's easy to access because you'll need to take them out at security.

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Put all medications in one bag too, separate from everything else. This makes security checks faster and smoother.

Your Ultimate International Travel Checklist [Recap]

• Passport + Money = Non-negotiable
  Without them, your trip doesn’t even start. Keep them together in an easy-to-reach bag.
  
  
• Backup Your Money Access
  Carry cash, cards, and payment apps, but expect your phone to die. Always have a backup.
  
  
• Stay Connected Smartly
  Skip public WiFi. Use an eSIM (like GigSky) for safe, borderless internet in 100+ countries.
  
  
• Electronics Survival
  Bring a universal adapter, check voltage before plugging in, and pack portable chargers.
  
  
• Pack Smarter, Not Heavier
  
  
• 2–3 pants total
  
  
• Shirts = half your travel days
  
  
• Underwear + socks = one per day + extras
  
  
• One jacket (light or heavy, season-based)
  
  
• Walking shoes + flip-flops/slippers
  
  
• Documents That Save You
  Copies of passport, visa, insurance, hotel, and itinerary prevent headaches if things go wrong.
  
  
• Carry-On = Lifeline
  All electronics, chargers, meds, snacks, headphones, and comfort items (neck pillow, mask, gum).
  
  
• Money & Banks
  Bring $100–200 in cash. Call your bank before flying to avoid blocked cards.
  
  
• Toiletry Musts Only
  Wet wipes, sunscreen, lip balm, toothbrush, travel sizes. Buy the rest abroad if needed.
  
  
• Smart Habits
  
  
• Put passport/money/meds in one bag night before
  
  
• Set a “PASSPORT” alarm
  
  
• Use trackers for luggage
  
  
• Don’t Overpack ‘Just in Case’
  Check weather, skip extra shoes, buy local if needed.
  
  
• Airport Speed Tricks
  No belts/boots, no liquids over 100ml in carry-on, keep electronics + meds in one easy bag.

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