Taking a trip outside the States? Excited about your international journey? Keep reading so you can learn what to bring when traveling internationally. This guide will help take the stress out of packing so you can stay excited.
I’m so excited you’re here! This most likely means that you have an international trip coming up. Below, I share things that have helped me or that I actually need on my international trips. Let’s begin.
What To Bring When Traveling Internationally
Travel Plug Adapters
When I started traveling outside the US, I purchased a worldwide international set of travel plug adapters. They came in individual adapters for each continent. However, the one I purchased was confusing because it labeled the adapters as type C, type G, and so on (which I believe correlates to the country’s outlet). I would not recommend this.
I would look for adapters that are specific to the area you’re traveling to when purchasing. Make sure that they are clearly labeled so that if you do travel to the same area or somewhere close, you will know which adapter to use.
This is something you will definitely need, especially if you plan on charging your phone.
I’ve listed some of my recommendations below.
Converter
Another thing on what to bring when traveling internationally is a converter. Now, for the first couple of years I was traveling internationally, I was able to get away with not having a converter. It wasn’t until I started bringing my own hair dryer that I realized one was needed.
Don’t make the same mistake I did and blow out my blow dryer (no pun intended). Instead, check the voltage for the country you are visiting and see if you can get a converter that will fit your needs. Honestly, I would suggest just traveling with one if you can fit it in your luggage.
In the US, standard outlet voltages provide about 120 volts (V), whereas in Europe, it’s 220-240V. When it comes to electronics, I’m sometimes a bit picky about brands. Only because I don’t want to cause a fire or power outage, and the better-known brands should do better quality control tests, in my opinion.
I’ve heard that Anker is a good brand (from my engineering family) and usually purchase from other brands I’m familiar with, like Belkin, Acer, or Anker, etc. Especially if I’m buying electronics from Amazon. I feel like they’re more reliable, too. However, I’m finding it hard to search for name-brand converters.
I’ve listed a few below based on positive reviews from other sites. Also, some of the headers in this blog post are linked for your convenience.
Passports
Of course, you can’t get anywhere internationally if you don’t have your passport. This sounds like an obvious, but what wasn’t obvious to me was that some countries will not accept a passport and let you enter if your passport expires in six months.
I didn’t know this. Thank goodness I talked to friends who made me aware. Be sure to check the destination validity and entry rules as soon as you can.
Another thing to check is the country’s visa requirements. If you have a visa inside your old passport, be sure to bring that with you as well.
For me, I like to bring a second form of ID, like my license, just in case. I also learned while shopping in Japan that if I brought my passport with me while shopping, I could have saved some money on taxes/VAT. Keep that in mind as well because it could save you a trip to the VAT office inside the airport and potentially some money too.
I will also take a photo of my passport and ID and either email myself or my mom before traveling. This way, if I lose anything, I will have an electronic record of it that I can pull up as long as I have internet. You can also make hardcopies and keep that on you as well.
Money
When it comes to money, I will usually withdraw from the ATM in the country I’m visiting. I’ve heard it was cheaper and haven’t had any issues. However, if you are traveling to a smaller or remote location, you may need to take care of that before you get to your destination.
I also like using a travel credit card because I don’t get charged a foreign transaction fee for each purchase. There are so many great travel credit cards out there that you can even find one without an annual fee, too.
When using a credit card, the terminal should ask if you want to use the local currency or your home currency. It’s suggested to use the local currency since your credit card company or bank will get a better exchange rate.
Portable Battery
I don’t know if you’re like me, but I can spend all day out when I’m traveling. This means I am barely in or around my hotel or Airbnb. Because of this, I need to have a portable battery with me. I use my phone for everything, like navigating through the city, checking the time, and paying for things. And please be sure to always have your phone with you.
I was traveling through Switzerland and took a tour bus that stopped at a rest area where we could use the bathroom. I found a cell phone in the bathroom stall. Unfortunately, could not find the person who was missing it. That is one of my fears, losing my phone in a foreign country, since I consider it the key to everything instantaneously.
I prefer a solar power bank, but that can get heavy. I guess I mainly need that when I’m backpacking or camping. Not exactly necessary for city travel.
Water Bottle
I know there are so many trends around water bottles. Honestly, it doesn’t matter what kind of water bottle you have; you just need one when traveling.
I will usually bring an empty water bottle with me to the airport and fill it up there. Plus, when you’re traveling internationally, you can also use it as your cup and refill it with fresh, clean water.
Every time I forget a water bottle, I always regret it. My friends and I will buy a gallon of water and split it amongst all of us. When I don’t have my water bottle, I have to find a glass or cup, which usually gets used up pretty fast.
Also, if you can, bring a light and a small one. Something you can put into your bag for when you’re out exploring. When I’m out and about, I will usually refill it when I’m at a restaurant.
My friends also gifted me the Larq Water Bottle, which I love. I bring it with me camping or when I’m traveling to places like Mexico or Asia.
Nail Clipper
I also suggest bringing a nail clipper when traveling because it can be used for more things other than cutting your nails. They can become a mini pair of scissors for when you need to quickly cut something. It’s also small enough to fit in your cosmetic bag or purse, and doesn’t get confiscated if it’s in your carry-on.
I love a good nail clipper. I just think they’re so handy to have around.
Headphones
I have two pairs of headphones. One covers both of my ears, the regular kind. And the other ones are Shokz that are bone conduction. If you have earphones, then maybe this section doesn’t relate to you.
Recently, I started to travel with my Shokz. My thought process was that they were light and easy to travel with. Plus, they allowed me to hear my surroundings when the pilot made an announcement, etc.
However, that was the problem. I heard everything around me when I was on the plane. Especially not ideal on long international flights. It was also uncomfortable behind my head since the wire that connects each ear was back there. So I couldn’t lie my head back properly.
I went back to bringing my regular headphones now when I travel. I can’t wear earphones because after a while, my ears will start to hurt. Keep that in mind as well.
Travel Pillow
For short flights, I usually don’t need this. However, for a long flight (anything over 4 hours for me), a travel pillow is so helpful. I can take a better nap if I have a comfortable neck pillow, even if I’m sitting in an aisle seat.
The problem is, I haven’t found one that is easy to travel with or use. My friend, however, has found one, which I plan on purchasing for my next long flight. She took it on her trip to Barcelona. When she came back, she raved about how comfortable and easy this travel pillow was. So much so that I’ve added it to my wishlist and included it below for you to check out as well. It’s called the Trtl Pillow. It is a bit pricey, but in my opinion, worth it for long travel days.
Another thing when thinking about what to bring when traveling internationally is your essentials.
Don’t forget about all of your essentials like glasses, contacts, medications, underwear, and socks. I will keep a pair of clean socks and underwear, glasses, contacts, jewelry, money, and medications in my purse when I travel, just in case. I feel safer and more secure knowing the items that are valuable and important to me are with me and not checked in. Want to feel cozy and sensitive to light? Think about investing in a silk eye mask. I like eye masks with an adjustable strap versus the stretchy straps.
What to Bring When Traveling Internationally:
Passport
Money
As always, thanks for reading. I hope you have safe travels wherever you venture off to in the world.
Love, Sutivi
