Are you planning an international trip this year? Traveling abroad is one of life’s most exciting adventures—the promise of new cultures, cuisines, and unforgettable sights has us all eagerly counting down the days. . But let’s be real… as thrilling as jetting off to another country is, the packing and prep can feel so overwhelming.
The good news? In this post, we’re sharing all of Erin’s expert tips to make your packing experience simple and stress-free. With over 40 countries under her belt, Erin has seen it all—and she’s here to help you avoid common pitfalls. From choosing your carry-on and second bag to smart travel essentials, we’ll show you how to pack strategically and efficiently.
Our goal? To help you pack like a pro so you can focus on what really matters—enjoying your incredible international journey!
what to pack for international travel
While packing for an international trip requires a little more thought than your average weekend getaway, it doesn’t need to be complicated. The key here is knowing what belongs in your carry-on, personal item, and/or checked bag, and what to leave at home! You’ll want to ensure that you stay within baggage limits and avoid any TSA headaches, pack everything you need, all while staying organized and efficient. It may seem like a challenge right now, but we’ll simplify this whole process for you!
First, we’ll cover how to pack your personal item and carry-on for international travel, followed by tips for packing your checked suitcase as well. We’ll also include travel must-haves and, of course, we’ll throw in some outfit inspiration too. Okay…are you ready? Let’s dive in!
How To Pack A Personal Item For International Travel
For your upcoming flight, you are allowed a carry-on suitcase (we recommend this amazing roller bag) and a personal item. Your personal item is just as important as your carry-on bag, especially if you are not checking bags, so let’s start there! For times when Erin is carrying on, she loves this mini weekender bag because of the sheer amount you can fit inside. In your personal item, you’ll want to pack things like your money and passport, travel-size toiletries, tech accessories, sunglasses, a pen, snacks, sanitizer, prescription medications, an empty water bottle to fill up after you go through airport security, and an eye mask. Everything else will go into your carry-on and/or large suitcase which we will cover below.
Tech Must-Haves
A good pair of noise canceling headphones can be a total game changer during long flights. Erin loves her Bose headphones, but you could also go with something sleek and compact like AirPods. Whether you want to block out the sounds around you, listen to music, or get some sleep, these will make your journey much more enjoyable. They’re really a must for international trips. Erin also loves using this device to connect to the airplane’s audio so she can use her own headphones with the the in-flight entertainment system.
Don’t forget your chargers and travel adapters for your electronics, especially if you’re visiting a country with different outlets. It’s also a good idea to pack a portable charger to use for airports, when you can’t get to an outlet. It’s also nice to bring along a tablet or reading device to help pass the time. And, last but certainly not least on the tech list, is an amazing camera. Of course, you can use the camera on your cell phone…but if you are a photographer of any kind (even just a hobbyist) we recommend something like this compact Sony!
Water Bottle
Next on your list of what to pack for international travel… a water bottle. It’s one of those small yet incredibly useful items that often gets overlooked. We recommend bringing a reusable bottle that’s easy to refill at water stations. Staying hydrated during your flight is crucial to avoid jet lag and fatigue. Plus, this LARQ water bottle is one that you’ll really love – it automatically filters the water for you! (If you have medication that needs to stay cool, this is a perfect way to transport it. Erin puts her hormone troches into 2 sealable plastic bags and puts ice in the water bottle so the hormones stay cool.)
Snacks & Travel Packs
You never know when you’ll be stuck on a plane with limited food options. Pack a few snacks that won’t spoil or make a mess (think nuts, protein bars, or dried fruit). You’ll also want to bring travel packs of hygiene essentials like this lovely hand sanitizer, facial wipes, and lip balm.
Toiletries, Makeup, & Medications
In your carry-on, stick to travel-size toiletries to meet TSA and international airline regulations. Remember the 3-1-1 rule: 3.4 oz (100 mL) bottles, 1 quart-sized bag, and 1 bag per person. Think about what you truly need here. Can you make do with hotel’s shampoo and conditioner to save space for your must-have skincare? Maybe so! If your liquids bag is full, you can switch to solids, like these toothpaste tablets, which won’t count as liquids. For items that don’t fit, place them in your checked bag, inside a clear plastic bag. Don’t forget to pack prescription medications and a few over-the-counter essentials like pain relievers, allergy meds and Imodium. Prioritize your essentials and aim for efficiency…less really is more when it comes to packing toiletries for international travel!
Pro tip: Ask your pharmacist for a smaller size of your prescriptions to pack only the amount you need for your trip. Keep this in your personal item bag, in case you need it on the plane or shortly after arrival. Make sure to check specific medication restrictions for your destination, to avoid any issues upon arrival or departure.
We’ll link all of Erin’s favorite travel-sized items for you below!
How To Pack A Carry-On For International Travel
Your carry-on bag is your lifeline during long flights, layovers, and any flight delays. It’s the one place where you want to keep your essential items. This means anything you might need during the flight or immediately upon arrival at your destination. OR in the unfortunate event that your checked bag is lost or delayed in transit, it’s all you’ve got! If you stay organized and avoid overpacking, you can bring only a carry-on and personal item for most trips. Yes, Erin has done this even for 2 weeks + international vacations! So, just how do you pack your carry-on for international travel? Keep scrolling for everything you need to know!
Stick to a Color Story
To pack with a carry-on only, our number 1 tip is…stick to a color story! Pick your outfits strategically and only pack items that will mix and match with each other. Think neutral pieces that can be worn multiple ways, and avoid the extras that you are unlikely to wear. You can wear most things more than once without needing to wash it too. If you do need to wash, there’s often laundry services available at many hotels. You can also hand wash small pieces in your sink and hang to dry.
Stay Organized
Keep everything organized in your bag with various sized packing cubes. Using multiple sizes helps you to use your space best, and keeps everything organized. We recommend that you pack these by clothing type… tops in one, pants in another, etc. This set of compression packing cubes is a game-changer for any trip! We’ll link a few other options at a variety of price points below, and keep scrolling for additional tips on using those packing cubes!
Limit Shoe Choices
We recommend that you only pack 2 pairs of shoes MAX. You’re wearing 1 pair, so that gives you 3 total for your trip. Select the shoes that make the most sense for your trip’s itinerary AND that provide the most comfort. Will you be walking on cobblestone streets, hiking, going out to nice restaurants? If you need a dressy pair of shoes, we recommend a versatile, neutral option. Uncomfortable shoes can ruin a whole trip! More tips on traveling with only a carry-on can be found right here.
How To Pack A Suitcase For International Travel
While we do highly recommend sticking to a carry-on only, we also know that this isn’t always possible. So, if you plan to bring a checked bag on your trip…we’ll cover all of the details that you need to know. Your suitcase is where you’ll pack the bulk of your clothing, extra shoes, any full-sized toiletries that you may need, and other personal items that may not fit into your other bags. When packing your checked luggage, you want to make sure you’re efficient and prepared without over-packing. The goal is to bring versatile clothing items that work together, so you can mix and match your outfits throughout your trip.
Remember the color story that we mentioned earlier? You’ll want to stick to it even with a big suitcase, to avoid bringing things you don’t really need. You will also want to save a bit of free space in your bag to have room to bring home souvenirs from your trip! The bag pictured above is a carry-on size, but comes in larger size options perfect for your checked-bag. We’ll link it and some other Team Busbee Favorites below!
Most of these bags come in a variety of sizes between 24″-27″. Just make sure to check the baggage rules and size requirements for your specific airline before deciding which one to purchase. Then, go for the bag you like the best… Don’t you just love it when your carry-on, tote bag, and big suitcase all match? 😉
Get Your Packing Cubes!
In your suitcase, you’ll want to make sure to maximize your space. Again, a great way to stay organized here is to use packing cubes. These handy organizers help you compress your clothing, and make everything more accessible when you’re unpacking at your destination. Some say that it’s best to lay your clothing out flat, others like to roll…try out each method and see which works best for you!
Then stick your shoes into any free space you have left, around your packing cubes. No need to worry about getting your clothes dirty with your shoes, since your clothing is all packed inside of the packing cubes! You can also use a disposable shower cap to cover the soles of your shoes. Shoe bags are great in theory, but often if you pack shoes that way there is a lot of wasted space. Another small packing hack…? Put socks inside your shoes.
Create a Chic, Versatile Travel Capsule
When planning your travel outfits, opt for pieces that are comfortable, stylish, and versatile. Creating a travel capsule wardrobe can help you create multiple outfits with just a few pieces. Pick a color story and stick.to.it! Have we mentioned that yet? 😉 Opt for wrinkle-resistant fabrics and neutral colors that mix and match easily. Be sure to pack for the climate of your destination too. If you’re headed to a warmer place, lightweight clothing and natural, breathable fabrics will keep you cool. If you’re visiting a cooler destination, layer up with cashmere sweaters, jackets, and scarves. Always check the weather forecast to ensure you’re not under- or over-packing.
Another pro-tip…Try everything on before you pack it just to really make sure you feel good wearing it – and take a mirror selfie in the outfit for quick reference while you’re on your trip! (Store the photos in an album on your phone.) This helps you to stay organized and prepared on the trip.
We also recommend that you wear your comfy walking shoes on travel day. These will more than likely be sneakers, which are fairly bulky – so wearing them saves space in your bag and keeps your feet happy while walking through the airport! The two travel day outfits we shared above are perfect examples of comfy, chic basics that are great for the plane ride, and will also be pieces that you wear throughout your trip too.
Check out this post on chic travel outfits for more ideas on what to wear for travel days!
Prepare for Rain
While no one hopes for rain during their travels, it’s always wise to plan for the possibility—especially if you’re heading to a destination with a forecast that includes showers. A water resistant trench coat is an effortlessly chic way to stay dry, even on those dreary, rainy days. It’s light enough to layer over cozy sweaters, and versatile enough to dress up or down, making it ideal for everything from sightseeing to a casual dinner out. In the image above, Erin is wearing a beautiful pleated trench that is not water resistant, but is SO chic! You can shop it right here. We’ve also linked some great options below that are water-resistant for you to shop as well. You can pack a small umbrella if you have space, otherwise skip it because most hotels have them.
International Travel Packing List
Creating a packing list is always a good idea! As an email subscriber, you’ll gain exclusive access to our extensive packing lists for all types of vacations. Whether you’re heading to Europe, exploring Asia, going on safari in Africa, lounging on a tropical beach, or even going on a rafting adventure, we’ve got a packing list for you! Our expertly curated packing guides are designed to take the stress out of packing, ensuring you have everything you need for any destination. Once you subscribe, you can easily download and print your personalized packing list in PDF format—perfect for staying organized and stress-free on your travels! It’s easy and only takes a few seconds right here.
International Travel Reminders
*Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates. Check visa requirements for your destination and apply well in advance. Take pictures of your passport and other important documents like your health insurance card and save them in a folder on your phone.
*Consider purchasing comprehensive travel insurance, especially for international trips where unexpected situations—like health emergencies, cancellations, lost luggage, or flight delays—could arise. Before buying, check with your credit card company to see what coverage you might already have.
*Check if any vaccinations are required for your destination – and discuss them with your doctor.
*Inform your bank of your upcoming travel plans to avoid card fraud and check for international fees.
*Double-check flight bookings, accommodation reservations, and any transportation connections. Ever booked a hotel stay for the wrong dates – we have (and found out the hard way.)
*Research the best way to stay connected (buying a local SIM card, using Wi-Fi, or checking roaming charges with your current provider).
When deciding exactly what to pack for international travel, the process doesn’t have to be stressful if you’re organized and prepared. By following this guide and taking the time to carefully plan out what to pack in your carry-on bag and suitcase, you’re sure to have a smoother, more comfortable travel experience. Whether you’re embarking on a long flight to a beach vacation, a bustling city, or a cozy village town, these packing tips will help you pack like a pro. Have the BEST time on your trip!
Let us know where you’re traveling next, or places you would love to visit, in the comments below!
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