We’ve all been there—standing in the middle of our bedroom with an open suitcase, completely convinced we’re about to forget something vitally important. That is why we should have travel checklist
And let’s be honest: international travel? It’s a whole different beast. You’re not just packing for a quick weekend getaway; you’re preparing for a multi-hour flight, new time zones, foreign grocery stores (where you’ll 100% misread a label or two), and—if we’re being real—at least one minor travel meltdown. 🧳✈️
So how do you avoid the chaos? With a solid, no-nonsense International Travel Checklist, of course.
This isn’t your average “remember toothpaste and socks” list. Nope. We’re talking carry on essentials, emergency must-haves, and those lifesaving little things that make international travel smoother, comfier, and way more enjoyable.
Whether you’re packing light with just a carryon (go you!) or checking a bag stuffed to the brim (also valid), this guide has your back with a realistic, woman-approved Luggage Packing List that balances style, practicality, and sanity.
Here’s what you’ll find inside:
- Genius items for your carry on packing list
- Smart things to stash in your airplane carry on
- The lowdown on international travel essentials
- Items that belong on every packing essentials list (and might just save your trip)
- And yes, emergency essentials you hope you never need—but will thank yourself for packing
So grab your suitcase, pour yourself a coffee (or a mimosa—we don’t judge), and let’s dive into the 15 essential things you simply can’t travel internationally without.
Loading…1. Universal Travel Adapter – Your Tiny Tech Lifesaver
Let’s kick this off with something most people don’t realize they need until they’re staring at the wall of their hotel room wondering why they can’t charge their phone.
Every country seems to have its own opinion on plug shapes, voltages, and the number of prongs it takes to power a curling iron. That’s where a universal travel adapter swoops in to save the day.
Why It’s Essential
✔ Works in 150+ countries (because no one wants to pack 3 different plug adapters)
✔ Converts outlets so you can charge phones, laptops, e-readers, and camera gear with no drama
✔ Often includes USB ports, so you can plug in multiple devices at once—major win when you only have one hotel outlet
Where to Pack It
Carry on packing list, 100%. If you land after a red-eye and your phone’s at 2%, you’ll want that adapter within reach before you even hit baggage claim.
2. Portable Charger – Because Dead Phones Are Not Cute Abroad
Whether you’re navigating Google Maps in Rome or TikToking your way through Tokyo, your phone is your lifeline abroad. But battery life? Yeah, it’s rarely on your side.
That’s why a reliable portable charger belongs in every woman’s international travel essentials kit.
Why It’s Essential
✔ Keeps your phone alive during long flights, layovers, or bus rides to nowhere
✔ Helps you stay connected—whether you're translating a menu, booking a cab, or texting your mom to say you made it alive
✔ Fits right into your airplane carry on or crossbody bag
Pro Tip
Get one with multiple USB ports so you can share the power (because we all have that one travel buddy who never charges their phone).
3. RFID-Blocking Travel Wallet – Keep Your Cards & Identity Safe
You’re stylish. You’re organized. But you’re also traveling through airports, public transport, and crowded tourist spots where card skimming and identity theft are real threats.
An RFID-blocking travel wallet keeps your passport, credit cards, boarding passes, SIM cards, and emergency cash all in one sleek, secure place.
Why It’s Essential
✔ Prevents digital pickpocketing (yes, it’s a thing!)
✔ Keeps all travel documents in one spot, so you're not frantically digging through your bag at immigration
✔ Often comes with a wrist strap or crossbody option, making it harder to lose
Where to Pack It
This one belongs in your airplane carry on and never leaves your side. Keep it accessible at the airport, train station, and basically anywhere you need to flash your passport like a VIP.
4. Noise-Canceling Headphones – Peace & Quiet On Demand
Let’s face it: airplane cabins are chaos. Crying babies, that guy watching a movie with no earbuds (why is that still a thing?!), and the constant hum of the engine—it’s not exactly the spa-like experience we deserve.
Enter: noise-canceling headphones, aka your travel sanity-saver.
Why It’s Essential
✔ Blocks out everything from chatty seatmates to crying toddlers
✔ Makes it easier to sleep, meditate, or escape into your audiobook or Netflix binge
✔ Most come with a wired option, so you can still use them with in-flight entertainment systems
Where to Pack It
Straight into your carry on essentials bag—never ever check these. You’ll want them the second you hit the airport terminal.
Pro Tip
Choose foldable, over-ear headphones for max comfort. Bonus points if they come with a travel case and airplane adapter plug.
5. Travel-Sized Toiletry Kit – Because TSA Will Not Budge
No one wants to be that girl in airport security, frantically tossing out her full-size shampoo while the line behind her gets longer and judgier. That’s why a travel-sized toiletry kit is a must-have on your luggage packing list—and honestly, your carryon packing checklist too.
Why It’s Essential
✔ Keeps your beauty and hygiene routine on point, even after a 10-hour flight
✔ TSA-approved sizes mean no drama at security
✔ Prepping it ahead of time means less stress the night before your trip
What to Include in Yours
- Mini toothpaste, toothbrush, floss
- Face wipes or micellar water
- Moisturizer & lip balm (planes = desert air)
- Dry shampoo & deodorant
- Tiny hairbrush, hair ties, and a foldable comb
Where to Pack It
Keep it in a clear zippered pouch and toss it into your airplane carry on for mid-flight refreshes or emergency gate-side touchups.
6. Document Copies & Emergency Essentials – Just In Case...
We all hope things go smoothly on vacation, but real talk—things happen. Luggage gets lost. Phones go missing. Passport pages get mysteriously soggy. That’s why every savvy traveler should pack a set of emergency essentials and backups.
Why It’s Essential
✔ A copy of your passport, ID, visa, and travel insurance can save you serious time at embassies or airports
✔ Emergency cash and a backup credit card are clutch if your wallet gets lost or frozen
✔ Medical info (like allergies or prescriptions) can be critical in a health emergency abroad
What to Pack
- Printed copies of important documents stored in a separate bag
- Digital scans emailed to yourself or saved in your phone/cloud
- A small stash of local currency + USD/Euros
- Emergency contact list (on paper, not just your phone)
Where to Pack It
Stash one set in your carry on, another in your checked bag, and email digital versions to yourself—just in case.
7. A Lightweight Scarf or Travel Wrap – The Ultimate Chameleon Item
Listen, if there’s one item on this list that deserves a standing ovation, it’s the humble travel scarf. It may not look like much at first glance, but this beauty is the Swiss Army knife of international travel essentials.
Why It’s Essential
✔ It doubles as a blanket, shawl, beach cover-up, airplane pillow, or even a makeshift curtain in sketchy hostels
✔ Adds instant style to basic travel outfits (hi, leggings and a black tee)
✔ Keeps you warm on over-air-conditioned flights without looking like you’re wrapped in grandma’s throw blanket
What to Look For
- Breathable, lightweight fabric like cotton, bamboo, or modal
- Neutral colors for maximum outfit-matching potential
- Bonus if it folds up small enough to stuff in your personal item
Where to Pack It
Toss it in your carry on essentials bag—you’ll use it before, during, and long after your flight.
8. Collapsible Water Bottle – Stay Hydrated, Stay Glowing
Staying hydrated while flying is basically the difference between arriving at your destination looking refreshed or looking like you’ve just crawled out of a dehydrated crypt.
That’s where a collapsible water bottle becomes your travel BFF.
Why It’s Essential
✔ Fills up after airport security—no need to spend $8 on bottled water
✔ Collapses down when empty to save space
✔ Keeps you hydrated on flights, tours, and long travel days
What to Look For
- Leak-proof design (seriously, triple check this one)
- BPA-free material or silicone
- Clip or carabiner to hook onto your backpack or bag
Where to Pack It
In your carryon packing list, 100%. Fill it up at a refill station before boarding so you’re not at the mercy of those tiny airplane cups.
9. Packing Cubes – The Secret to Organized Luggage Nirvana
Raise your hand if you've ever torn through your suitcase like a raccoon in a trash can trying to find that one top you swore was in there.
Same, girl. That’s why packing cubes are an absolute game-changer on your international packing list.
Why It’s Essential
✔ Keeps clothes grouped and separated by category—tops, bottoms, undies, swimsuits, etc.
✔ Compresses items so you can fit more in your suitcase without it becoming a black hole
✔ Makes unpacking at your destination as easy as pulling out a drawer
How to Use Them
- Use a different color or size for each category
- Label cubes if you want to be extra organized
- Keep a separate cube for laundry or wet items
Where to Pack It
Goes inside your checked or carryon luggage, depending on how light you're packing—but trust us, you’ll never go back to suitcase chaos again.
10. Comfy Yet Stylish Travel Shoes – The Golden Unicorn of Footwear
You know the drill: You want to look cute in all your vacation photos, but by Day 2, those trendy shoes are turning your feet into angry little traitors.
Enter the hero: travel shoes that are both comfy and stylish. They exist. And once you find your perfect pair, they’ll be the MVP of your whole trip.
Why It’s Essential
✔ You’ll walk more than you ever planned—airport terminals, cobblestone streets, surprise uphill hikes
✔ Stylish travel shoes mean you don’t have to choose between comfort and looking put together
✔ One great pair can save you suitcase space by replacing multiple not-so-great ones
What to Look For
- Neutral color that matches everything
- Lightweight, breathable, and easy to slip on and off at security
- Memory foam or arch support (your feet will thank you)
Pro Tip
Wear them on the plane to save room in your suitcase and avoid packing your bulkiest shoes. Bonus: they’re usually the ones you’ll reach for every day anyway.
11. Minimal Makeup Kit – Just the Essentials, Darling
International travel isn’t the time to haul your full glam squad. But that doesn’t mean you can’t feel cute and confident! A streamlined makeup kit with just your everyday essentials keeps you glowing without weighing down your bag.
Why It’s Essential
✔ Keeps your beauty routine simple, efficient, and stress-free while abroad
✔ Saves space in your carry on packing list or toiletry bag
✔ Makes quick touch-ups easy—whether you're fresh off a red-eye or heading out for dinner in Paris
What to Include
- Tinted moisturizer or BB cream
- Concealer stick (doubles as spot treatment or brightener)
- Brow gel or pencil
- Travel-size mascara
- Lip + cheek tint (multi-use is the name of the game!)
- Compact powder or blotting papers
Pro Tip
Decant your go-to products into mini containers, or grab travel-size versions of your faves. Your skin—and shoulders—will appreciate the lighter load.
12. A Mini First Aid Kit – Because Bandaids Are Underrated
Let’s not jinx it, but… life happens. Whether it's a blister from new shoes, a surprise headache mid-flight, or a battle with unfamiliar food, your mini first aid kit is there for you when things go a little sideways.
Why It’s Essential
✔ Saves you from scrambling to find a pharmacy in a foreign country
✔ Helps you treat minor issues before they become big problems
✔ Keeps you in control when you're off your routine or miles from home
What to Pack
- Pain relievers (ibuprofen, acetaminophen)
- Antihistamines (for allergies or mystery bug bites)
- Motion sickness tabs
- Bandaids, antiseptic wipes, blister pads
- Tummy meds (always a good idea)
- A few basic prescriptions, if needed
Where to Pack It
In your carry on essentials pouch if space allows, or tuck it into an outer pocket of your luggage for quick access.
13. Travel Laundry Kit – Stay Fresh Without a Laundromat
Let’s be real: international trips aren’t always 5-star resorts with laundry service. Sometimes it’s hostels, Airbnbs, or tiny hotel rooms with no washing machine in sight. That’s why a mini laundry kit is such a lifesaver.
Why It’s Essential
✔ Extends your wardrobe—no need to pack 14 outfits for a 10-day trip
✔ Saves money (and your clothes) from pricey hotel laundry
✔ Lets you wash essentials in a sink or shower and air dry overnight
What to Pack
- Travel-size detergent sheets or concentrated liquid
- A universal sink stopper (trust me, you’ll want this)
- A compact, fast-drying travel clothesline
- A few clothespins or clips
- A collapsible laundry bag for dirty clothes
Where to Pack It
In your checked bag or carry on packing list depending on how long you're staying and how much you plan to wash.
14. A Foldable Tote or Day Bag – Your Expandable Sidekick
You start your trip all tidy and minimalist... and then souvenirs happen. Or you need a bag for the beach. Or you spontaneously go shopping at a local market (as you should). This is where a foldable tote or day bag swoops in like the stylish hero it is.
Why It’s Essential
✔ Takes up almost no space in your luggage
✔ Gives you a spare bag for beach days, market strolls, or overflow when coming home
✔ Helps you stay organized on the go—no more juggling stuff in your arms
What to Look For
- Lightweight but durable fabric (bonus if it’s waterproof)
- A zippered option for added security on the street or in transit
- Packs down flat into a pouch or your pocket
Pro Tip
Keep it in your airplane carry on and use it to stash snacks, souvenirs, or your "I’m not checking this" jacket.
15. Travel Journal or Notes App – Capture the Moments
Yes, Instagram is great, but your memory? Not always so reliable. Whether it’s that cute café in Lisbon, a hilarious lost-in-translation moment in Tokyo, or the name of the wine you fell in love with in Florence—writing it down means you’ll actually remember it.
Why It’s Essential
✔ Helps you document your journey in a meaningful way
✔ Becomes a keepsake filled with small details you’ll treasure later
✔ Great for tracking travel tips, recommendations, or future bucket list updates
How to Make It Work
- Use a compact notebook with a pen tucked inside OR
- Create a dedicated “Trip Notes” folder in your phone’s notes app or Google Docs
- Record one or two highlights daily—it only takes 2 minutes, but it’s priceless later
Pro Tip
At the end of your trip, write down your favorite memory, best meal, and funniest fail. It’s like a travel scrapbook without the glue sticks.
✈️ Final Thoughts: The Only International Travel Checklist You’ll Ever Need
Packing doesn’t have to be stressful—especially when you’ve got a solid list that blends practical must-haves with stylish lifesavers. From your carry on essentials to your emergency backup plans, this guide helps you travel smarter, lighter, and way more confidently.
✔ Quick Recap of Your Packing Essentials List
- Universal Travel Adapter
- Portable Charger
- RFID-Blocking Travel Wallet
- Noise-Canceling Headphones
- Travel-Sized Toiletry Kit
- Emergency Essentials & Document Copies
- Lightweight Travel Scarf
- Collapsible Water Bottle
- Packing Cubes
- Comfortable, Stylish Shoes
- Minimal Makeup Kit
- Mini First Aid Kit
- Travel Laundry Kit
- Foldable Day Bag or Tote
- Travel Journal or Notes App
Whether you're headed off on a whirlwind European getaway, a solo soul-searching trip to Bali, or your first long-haul flight ever—this international travel checklist has your back. 💼
💬 Which of these essentials do you swear by? Or did we miss your go-to travel item? Let us know in the comments!
👉 For more packing hacks and travel guides, check out: More Travel Tips on the Blog
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