What to Pack for International Travel: The Ultimate Packing List

Having the right items packed for your trip abroad can make a huge difference. You don’t want to be stuck without essentials like prescription medicine or be uncomfortable because you have the wrong sleeping bag or clothes for the weather.

To avoid these problems, each trip on our program page has packing information included on the pages with program details. However, there may be some variance depending on simple factors like whether you get cold easily.

Our team of travel experts has decades of combined experience on international trips to just about any destination you can image. Keep reading for our ultimate international travel checklist with our expert packing tips!

International Travel Documents

When traveling internationally, having the correct travel documents for international travel is essential. Here are some of the important documents you need to consider:

• Passport – Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your return date. For more details on passport requirements, check out our Complete Guide to U.S. Passport Validity.
• Visa – Depending on your destination country, you may need to apply for a visa in advance. Be sure to check the requirements for your specific destination.
• Passport for Children – If you are traveling with children, you will need to follow specific procedures to obtain their passports. For more information, read our guide on How to Get A Passport for Children.
• Passport Book vs Card – Depending on your travel plans, you may need either a passport book or a passport card. Learn more about the differences in our article: U.S. Passport Book vs Card: Which Do You Need?.
• Lost Passport – If you lose your passport while traveling, it’s important to know what steps to take. Find out more in our guide: Lost Your Passport While Traveling? Here’s What to Do.
• Passport Safety – Keeping your passport safe is crucial during your travels. Here are our 10 Best Tips to Keep Your Passport Safe While Traveling.
• Passport Processing Time – Be sure to apply for your passport well in advance of your trip. Learn more about processing times here: How Long Does it Take to Get a Passport?.
• Passport Application – For step-by-step guidance on applying for a passport, visit our U.S. Passport Application Process: Easy Step-by-Step Guide.
• Passport Costs – Understanding the costs associated with obtaining a passport can help you plan ahead. Check out our guide: How Much Does a U.S. Passport Cost? Passport Fees Explained.

Carry On for Your International Flight

The carry on that you take on your international flight is the most important part of your packing list. In the case that your checkd travel bag is lost during transit, some 8 out of 1,000 checked bags are, you want your carry on to have everything you need. Travelers who like to pack light can fit everything they need in a carry on.

Here are the most important items to make sure you pack in your carry on on your next trip.

• Money – It’s a good idea to have some currency for the destination country and an international prepaid debit card or credit card, if desired. Be sure to bring multiple forms of payment, including debit cards and credit cards, as well as bring cash for emergencies. Most countries accept credit cards, and a card with a good policies is the best way to save money on foreign transaction fees.
• Travel information – Make sure you have all flight details handy, particularly if you are not using Rustic Pathways Air. This includes details about departure times, gates, and seats. You should also carry a printed copy of your itinerary.
• Prescription medications – This will need to be in the original container. A doctor’s note is also helpful. You can add an empty daily medicine holder if it serves as a reminder to take the prescription.
• Prescription glasses or contact lenses – Remember to include extra contact lenses, if applicable. For glasses, you may want to consider bringing an eyeglass strap and a small repair kit, along with an eyeglass case.
• Cellphone – Remember to download music on your phone before leaving home if you like to listen to music during trips and won’t have the option to stream. Bringing noise-canceling headphones can make a long flight much more comfortable.
• Chargers – Keep in mind you may need an international phone charger or adaptor. Also, bring a portable charger for your electronic devices to ensure they stay charged throughout long flights.
• Small snacks – This is not a bad idea if you want to avoid expensive airport options or if you have specific dietary requirements.
• Running belt or travel belt – Many travelers like using lanyards with a card holder for important items, like a driver’s license. However, they are too small to hold a passport and are not the safest option for some adventure activities, particularly if you have a lanyard without a safety release. Travel belts and running belts work well for this.
• Sweater/sweatshirt for the plane – This is a good option for anyone who gets cold easily.
• Basic hygiene items – You may want your toothbrush in your carry-on bag along with other personal items such as hand sanitizer and lip balm.
• Change of clothes – Don’t forget a change of clothes in your carry-on in case your checked luggage gets lost.
• Reusable water bottle – Bring a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated during your travels. It’s essential to drink enough water, especially on longer flights.
• Travel pillow and eye mask – These can help you get comfortable and sleep on long flights.

Odds and Ends

A few small items that are not on the lists you may want to pack include:

• Comb or brush
• Nail file
• Dental floss
• Hair accessories like ponytail holders
• Flip flops for the shower or beach
• Tissues
• Small laundry bag to separate dirty clothes
• Gum if you have problems with ear pressure while traveling
• Deck of cards
• Chapstick
• A belt, if needed
• Plastic bags for wet items
• Band aids and a small first aid kit

For any liquids, creams, or gels you decide to bring in your carry-on bag, remember you are limited to containers that are 3.4 ounces or less placed in a waterproof or plastic quart size bag. To avoid liquids, you can pack powdered or solid toiletries. The airport security process varies in countries around the world, but large containers of liquids are a common ban.

Packing Tips for Your Larger Bag

It’s recommended that international travelers use a backpack or duffel bag for the rest of their items. If you’re using a backpack, it’s preferable to have one that can be opened from the front and the top. That way you don’t need to dig as much for items. It’s also good to test carrying the bag to ensure it fits your body well and isn’t too large or small.

Once you have the bag, here are some things to keep in mind while packing:

• Don’t overpack – You will need less than you think. Packing light will make your journey easier and save space for souvenirs from your trip.
• Roll clothes – Using space saver bags is also an option, but if you are not overpacking, rolling works fine. If preferred, packing cubes can also be used to keep things organized.
• Use layering – If you are bringing a backpack or duffel bag as recommended, it’s easier to pack in rows. For a backpack, you can put bulkier items that are less needed near the bottom, heavier items in the middle, and things you’ll need more frequently or earlier in your trip at the top or inside the pockets. You should also make the best use of space by putting items inside your shoes and using other nooks and crannies.
• Pack practical clothes and shoes – Follow the suggestions on your program’s list to ensure your clothes are culturally appropriate and are the best option for service and adventure activities. Comfortable walking shoes are a must. You may also want to consider clothes that don’t wrinkle easily, so you feel confident when you get out to enjoy the day. Remember to pack dress pants if you expect any formal events.
• Stay dry – If you are going on a trip with swimming, packing a quick-dry towel is a great idea. You also may consider getting a dry bag, which will keep items like cellphones dry during rainstorms or when doing water activities like kayaking. Having some quick-dry clothes is very helpful.

If items do get wet during your trip, you may need to put them in a plastic bag if you’re on the go, but you’ll have to pull them out later to dry. Moldy clothes are not only unpleasant but also tend to be unsalvageable. So when you’re repacking your bag during the trip, keep this in mind.

• Get the right gear – Having a lightweight sleeping bag when it’s really cold or bulky thick shorts when it’s really hot can make things rather unpleasant. Check out the normal weather trends before packing to help guide decisions. It’s important to be realistic about how you handle temperature differences. If you get cold or hot easily, you’ll enjoy your trip much more if you pack with this in mind. Don’t forget to pack a comfortable day bag or small backpack for day trips and excursions.

Once you’re traveling, many programs have opportunities to buy items from local merchants if you are missing something. Hopefully, though, with the right planning, you’ll be all set for the journey.

Additional Travel Essentials

Traveling abroad requires some essential items that make your experience much smoother. Here are a few more must-haves:

• Travel insurance – Always have travel insurance to cover emergencies. It’s a crucial part of any international trip to ensure peace of mind.
• Comfortable walking shoes – Depending on your activities, you may also want to pack hiking boots for more rugged adventures.
• Weather forecast – Always check the weather forecast before packing to ensure you are prepared for the conditions at your final destination.
• Checked luggage tips – Pack your checked luggage with items that are not immediately needed, but make sure they are well protected. Always use TSA-approved locks for added security.
• Hotel room essentials – Bringing some familiar comforts like a travel pillow or noise-canceling headphones can make your hotel stay more comfortable.

For more packing details, download our free travel guide & packing list below! Happy packing!