✈️ International Travel Add-On Packing List

Jennie Vandegrift
May 18
3 min read

What to pack when your adventure takes you beyond borders.

Planning a trip abroad? While your core packing list stays the same, international travel calls for a few extra essentials to keep things smooth, safe, and stress-free. This add-on guide expands on the basics and helps you prepare for the unique logistics of traveling internationally—especially if you’re venturing out with kids.

📄 Travel Essentials

✅ Passports (ensure at least 6 months validity)

✅ Visas (if required for your destination)

✅ International driver’s license (if renting a car abroad)

✅ Credit/debit cards – notify your bank of travel dates

💡 Use cards with low or no foreign transaction fees and always pay in local currency when given the option to avoid conversion markups.

✅ Local currency & emergency cash

💡 Order foreign currency from your home bank in advance to get better exchange rates and avoid airport or ATM fees.

✅ Copies of important documents (both digital backups and paper copies)

✅ Extra passport photos (for visas or lost passport situations)

✅ Printed itinerary & hotel address in local language (handy for taxis)

👕 Clothing & Accessories

General Clothing

💡 Pack clothing appropriate to local customs and your itinerary. Many religious sites require shoulders and knees to be covered for entry—lightweight scarves or maxi skirts can be handy for quick coverage.

💡Consider the climate! Layers are key, especially for countries with varying temperatures.

Accessories

✅ Scarf or shawl – ideal for temple visits or chilly flights

✅ Belt bag or money belt – keep your passport, phone, and money close and secure

💡 It’s smart to wear your belt bag under an article of clothing to deter pickpockets, which can be common in crowded tourist spots abroad.

🪥 Toiletries & Medications

Basic Toiletries

💡 Stick to your usual favorites, but remember: some items may be harder to find abroad, especially in rural areas.

Health & Medications

✅ Extra prescription meds (in original packaging)

💡 Getting a prescription refill in a foreign country isn't as simple as with domestic travel. Make sure you bring more than enough of any essential medications so you're prepared for the unexpected.

✅ Doctor’s note for any restricted medications

✅ Electrolyte packets

✅ Water purification tablets (for destinations with non-potable tap water)

📱 Tech & Entertainment

Electronics

✅ Universal power adapter (multi-country is best!)

✅ Charging cord for a power boost on that long flight

✅ SIM card or eSIM (if not on an international plan)

✅ Portable Wi-Fi device (optional, but useful for families or work trips)

Entertainment & Comfort

✅ Noise-canceling headphones

✅ Travel pillow & eye mask

✅ Inflatable foot pillow

💡 These are a game-changer on long-haul flights—especially for kids. They help reduce swelling, improve circulation, and turn cramped seats into a more comfortable space for napping. Just make sure your airline allows them, as some have restrictions on use during taxi and takeoff.

✅ Translation & map apps (downloaded for offline use)

✅ Sleep aids (like melatonin) to help adjust on red-eyes or jet-lagged nights

🧒 Kid-Specific Essentials

✅ Consent letter if one parent is traveling solo

✅ Familiar snacks and drinks

💡 When traveling internationally, kids can quickly get overwhelmed or tired of unfamiliar foods. Having trusted snacks on hand gives you a reliable backup when they’re hesitant to try something new—or just need a break from adventurous eating.

✅ Kid-safe ID bracelet or tag with your contact info

✅ Pajamas and bedtime essentials to help them settle in and get some shut-eye on that red-eye

🎒 Miscellaneous Extras

✅ Travel guidebook or printed cheat sheet with local customs and emergency contacts

💡 Customs like tipping expectations or dress codes can vary widely. A quick reference can help you avoid awkward moments or unintentionally offending locals.

✅ Reusable tote or foldable backpack

💡 Perfect as a lightweight daypack or for carrying souvenirs on your return. It takes up hardly any space and adds flexibility without extra luggage.

✅ Luggage scale

💡 International airlines are often stricter about weight limits—this helps you avoid surprise fees at the airport.

✅ TSA-approved luggage locks

💡 Secure your bags in transit or at hotels and hostels, with locks that can be opened by security without damage.

Packing for an international trip doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With these thoughtful add-ons, you’ll be ready for border crossings, cultural experiences, and every twist and turn along the way. Whether you’re exploring Europe, trekking through Asia, or wandering the streets of a new city, a little extra planning goes a long way.

Stay tuned for more destination-specific checklists—next up: beach vacations, cold weather, and cruise essentials.