Baggage Allowances

Top Must-Haves for International Travel

You probably have your own personal list of travel musts-haves—items that you always want with you when going on a trip. Mine include a travel packet of wipes, moisturizer with sun screen, essential meds plus prescriptions just in case, and my international service-enabled cell phone plus charger. There are other items on my list, but these items always go into my carry-on bag first.

But there are also items that should be included on every traveler’s list, no matter who you are or where you’re going.

Here's our list of top must-haves for international travel. 

Medication

You should always carry all of your prescription medication in your carry-on bag, not in your checked luggage. I find the containers that are marked with the days of the week to be the most helpful. Fill them up so that you have all the pills you need per day in each little container. If you need more than a week’s worth, fill up a second container. Ziplock bags make for perfect storage for these handy containers. If one of the compartments should open, the pills fall harmlessly into the plastic bag, safe and clean. Also, I recommend carrying a small assortment of other medication, including those to treat a cold, sore throat, or upset stomach. Even if you’re not sick when you leave, it’s better to have medication with you should something happen while away.

Photocopies of your passport

It’s never fun to lose your passport, but the experience can be somewhat less frustrating if you keep a paper copy of it with you. You won’t be able to use the copy to get through security, but it will be very helpful when you go to the closest U.S. consulate to get a new one. Just be sure to keep the copy somewhere separate from your real passport, so you have less of a chance of losing both!

Eyewear

Here is where it pays to exaggerate. If you wear contacts, remember contact lens solution, a case or two, and plenty of spare lenses should you rip or lose your primary pair. If you wear glasses, pack a back-up pair as well as a small eyeglass repair kit, which can be found in most drugstores and supermarkets. Finally, even if you have perfect vision, be sure to pack sunglasses to protect your eyes.

Phone charger

Unless you have an international plan for your cell phone, you probably won’t be able to make calls for the majority of your trip. But many of us use our phones as our camera or music player, so be sure to bring along your charger. Even if your family and friends are already on your phone contact list, it’s helpful to tuck a paper list of family and friends’ telephone numbers in with your other travel documents so you (or others) can contact them if necessary.

Inflatable neck pillow

Inflatable neck pillows are handy to have on a long flight or bus rides. Just blow them up and settle in for a light snooze, then deflate them for easy transportation in your purse or bag. They can help you feel refreshed and avoid neck pain that can put a damper on your vacation.

Space-saver bags

These bags can help you better organize and pack your suitcase. However, I don’t recommend purchasing bags that require a vacuum (who wants to lug a vacuum on vacation?!). Instead stick to the ones that let you roll the air out of them. Also, being able to fit more in your suitcase doesn’t necessarily mean you can pack more because you still have to comply with airline weight limits. The idea of these ingenious little bags is to conserve space so you can carry a smaller suitcase or even get away with just a carry-on bag. If you’re taking a piece of luggage that will be checked, be sure to throw your suitcase on the scale before you leave for the airport to ensure you won’t have to pay extra fees for an overweight bag.

Ear plugs

Who would guess that these small items would be such a lifesaver while traveling? They’re an absolute must-have and can be used almost anywhere – from the plane to the hotel to the bus you’ll probably be traveling on. I always carry extra earplugs as well in case my seatmate needs a pair — it’s a great way to make friends on a noisy plane or bus ride.

Your camera and accessories

Toting your camera, charger or batteries, and extra memory cards is necessary for collecting ample photo documentation of your trip. The extra memory cards are an absolute must, because they take up very little space physically, yet allow you to capture so many memories that you’ll treasure for years to come.

Voltage converter and plug adapter

To plug your phone or camera charger in overseas, you’ll need a voltage converter and plug adapter to work in their outlets. You can pick up a good converter kit at an electronics store or on Amazon.com. A good model will cost about $25 or less, so it’s definitely worth the investment, and new versions are compact and easy to pack.

Poncho or travel umbrella

This suggestion is especially relevant for those who plan on taking excursions, such as sightseeing, hiking, or biking, during their trip. Packing a poncho or travel umbrella could end up being a lifesaver if you encounter bad weather but still want to enjoy the great outdoors. You can pick up a very lightweight but effective plastic poncho at any dollar store for, you guessed it, a dollar!

We hope you keep this packing list handy for your next international vacation. By the same token, there are also some items that are unnecessary to take with you when traveling overseas.

Items You Don’t Need When Traveling Internationally

Traveler’s checks

Traveler’s checks used to make it easy to securely travel with a large amount of money. But using traveler’s checks today can be a big, expensive hassle. Even if you don’t pay anything to get them issued, you will definitely pay a hefty service fee when you cash them. Since many establishments no longer want to deal with travelers checks, you may have to fit finding a bank into your itinerary in order to cash them. Stick with your credit/debit card and cash instead.

Devices that keep you connected to work

This is a vacation you’re taking, isn’t it? You’ve worked hard and deserve some time off, so make sure you unplug enough to actually enjoy yourself. If possible, leave the work phone and laptop behind, with instructions to reach you only in an emergency. Give yourself permission to enjoy some much-needed time with loved ones or even all alone.

Snacks

If you have dietary restrictions, bringing snacks is a great way to ensure there are some foods you know you can enjoy and eat safely. If not, keep the amount of snacks you bring to a bare minimum. Instead, try snacking like the locals, which will save you plenty of money as well as room in your luggage. And who knows, you may discover an amazing treat along the way. And not to worry if you aren’t up for the local treats. I’ve found potato chips, peanuts, Oreo cookies and plenty of other US-branded snack foods in the most remote corners of the earth.

Shampoo and soap

Every hotel on your itinerary will have these available for you in your room. If not (hard to imagine), it’s easier to pop down to a corner store and pick some up then hefting your own along. Not every hotel will offer conditioner as an amenity, though. I pack a travel-size bottle of conditioner with me, and I’ve never run out, even washing my hair daily.

A hair dryer

Most women and many men rely on their hairdryers on a daily basis, but there’s no reason to pack a full-size dryer in your luggage. Every hotel in today’s world will provide you with a hairdryer. Even if you don’t find one in your room (rare occasion) you’ll be able to borrow one from the front desk. Don’t count on a diffuser, though. If you need one, carry a mesh sack, available in any store that sells beauty supplies, that fits over the top of every dryer.

New shoes

A vacation is no time to break in a new pair of shoes. Instead pack a pair of extremely comfortable walking shoes that you know you can wear to explore your destination pain-free. Unless you know you’re going to need to get very dressed up at some point, try and make due with an extra pair of shoes that can do double duty, for comfort by day and for style by evening. Definitely do not bring stiletto heels with you. You’ll lug them around and probably never wear them.

Denim jeans

Jeans are heavy, take up a lot of space in your suitcase, and can’t be washed and dried in your hotel sink. Opt instead for light, breezy clothing, such as cotton shirts and khaki pants. If you can’t live without at least one pair of denim jeans, wear them on the flights. If they need to be washed, send them to the hotel laundry and accept the charge as a splurge.

Jewelry you would hate to lose

If you would be devastated to lose your grandmother’s antique ring or a necklace you were given for your high school graduation, leave them at home. Travel with a few pieces of costume jewelry that you wouldn’t mind losing. And to perk up your wardrobe, check out the many inexpensive options at local markets. You’ll find lots of great items, often hand made, and help local artisans earn a living from their craft.

An iron

Talk about a space hog. Irons are heavy to carry around (even the travel variety) and will probably require a plug adapter. For wrinkles that absolutely have to come out, try running the hot water until the bathroom fills with steam. If you hang that garment up in the steamy bathroom, the wrinkles will mostly disappear. If you hate wasting all that water (and electricity) a travel-sized bottle of Downey Wrinkle Releaser will do the same thing, and your clothes will smell lovely, too.

An overabundance of clothes

Take a few comfortable outfits, that you can dress up or down with accessories. A few extra tops can turn two pairs of slacks and a skirt into a whole week’s wardrobe, and if you stick to one color palette, you’ll always match. Bringing less clothes from home will assure you’ll have space in your suitcase for those one-of-a-kind or handmade pieces that you’ll find as you travel.