We select and review products independently. When you purchase through our links we may earn a commission. Learn more.
X

29 Things You’ll Want to Take on Your First International Trip

Packing cubes, a passport, and someone sleeps with a neck pillow
Amazon Basics/ACdream/Trtl

Going on your first international trip can be exciting, but more than a little stressful. From handy organizers to gadgets that’ll keep you busy on the plane, here are some things you’ll want to take with you on your overseas journey.

Your final packing list will depend a lot on where you’re going and what you plan to do when you get there. However, this list includes items that will come in handy on pretty much any trip—including one to another country.

Packing

A suitcase, a passport, and a luggage scale
Amazon Basics/ACdream/Etekcity

Packing can be the hardest part of any trip. You’ll want to start with a sturdy luggage set that’ll keep your things protected while you’re on the road (or in the air). You’ll also want a few accessories to help you stay organized and keep track of your belongings throughout your trip.

We recommend picking up these accessories before you start packing:

Amazon Basics 4-Piece Packing Travel Organizer Cube Set

Keep your suitcase organized during your entire trip.

Passport and Vaccine Card Holder Combo

Protect your important docs.

Etekcity Luggage Scale

Make sure your baggage stays within weight limits.

Travel Cosmetic Case

Keep small items organized and safe.

Toiletries

Travel toiletries, wet wipes, and a toiletry holder
YICTEK/Wet Ones/Amazon Basics

Toiletries can be particularly tricky to pack. You never realize how many products you need until you have to get them all together to take with you on vacation. That’s why these gems are essential for every international traveler:

TSA Approved Travel Size Toiletries

Especially convenient when traveling with a carry-on only.

Amazon Basics Hanging, Travel Toiletry Bag

Keep all your toiletries organized.

3M Ear Plugs

Drown out all the noise on planes, trains, and at hotels.

PURELL Advanced Hand Sanitizer

To help you avoid getting sick.

Silicone & PP Cream Jars for Toiletries

Make sure lotions and liquids don't spill in your carry-on.

Electronics

A Kindle, a power adapter, and a woman on her phone
Amazon/HAOZI/LOVEHANDLE

Everyone travels with electronics these days. In fact, our phones hold everything from boarding passes to credit cards. Many folks also bring an actual camera to capture memories on their trip, instead of relying on their phone. An e-reader can also keep you occupied during any downtime.

Here are some of our fave electronics and gadget organizers to travel with:

FYY Electronic Organizer

Keep cords and chargers in one safe place.

HAOZI Universal Travel Adapter

So you can charge your phone in any country.

Universal Waterproof Pouch Phone Case

So you can still take pictures on rainy days.

Kindle

Take your entire library with you on one small device.

Anker Portable Charger

Ensure you'll never be stranded with a dead phone battery.

LOVEHANDLE Phone Grip

Keep your phone extra safe and secure.

Comfort

A woman with a travel pillow, powder electrolytes, and someone sleeps with an eye mask
Trtl/Liquid I.V./Alaska Bear

Unless you’re traveling in first class, taking a long international flight is not the greatest experience. Sitting in a small seat surrounded by dry air and loud passengers isn’t ideal for most people, especially if you need to catch some z’s.

However, these items can make all flights—long or short—far more bearable:

trtl Pillow

Actually get some sleep on the plane.

Alaska Bear Organic Silk Sleep Mask

Block out the light and distractions on the plane and in hotels.

Anker Soundcore Life Q20 Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones

Drown out the world and relax with your fave tunes, podcast, or a guided mediation.

Portable Travel Footrest

Take the pressure off your glutes on a long plane ride.

CHARMKING Compression Socks

Will help you avoid swollen feet on long flights.

Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier

Avoid dehydration by adding these to your water bottle.

Sightseeing

A woman wears a money pouch, a water bottle, and a backpack
KEAFOLS/Simple Modern/Simple Modern

Getting to your international destination is just a small part of your trip. When you finally arrive, you’ll want to make the most of your time and money, while also keeping your valuables safe. These items will help you avoid any mishaps or inconveniences while you explore your vacation destination:

KEAFOLS Travel Pouch Neck Wallet

Keep cash and credit cards safe.

Simple Modern Backpack

Carry everything you need for a long day of sightseeing.

Compeed Advanced Blister Care 10 Count Medium Pads

You'll be glad to have these after a long day of walking.

Simple Modern Water Bottle

So you don't have to waste money on water.

62 Phone Tripod

Capture awesome pics that include everyone.

MERRY'S Unisex Polarized Aluminum Sunglasses

See the sights clearly on even the sunniest of days.


Traveling internationally for the first time is a thrill, but there are a lot of things you’ll want to bring with you to make your trip as enjoyable as possible. From organized packing to keeping busy on the plane, these handy odds and ends will help you relax and get the most out of your vacation.

Anne Taylor Anne Taylor
Anne Taylor is a writer with a BA in Journalism and a passion for storytelling. Her work has been published on a variety of websites including Mental Floss and Well + Good, and she recently published her first novel, What it Takes to Lose. When she's not writing, Anne loves to travel (19 countries and counting), spend time outside, and play with her dog, Pepper. Read Full Bio »
LifeSavvy is focused on one thing: making your life outside of work even better. Want to know more?