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The Ultimate International Trip Packing List

Here’s everything you didn’t know you needed to make your international trip as seamless as possible.

international trip checklist reddit

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Travel + Leisure / David Hattan

We don’t tend to complain a whole lot when it comes to planning and preparing for travel. Sure, there are bad parts, boring parts, and stressful parts… but all the negative aspects of the travel process give way to some of the best and most memorable life experiences. The packing process may fall into the less-fun side of preparing for travel but, with the right mindset and strategy, it can make the whole trip.

Packing for an international trip specifically requires careful planning; sure, you can probably find forgotten items while abroad in many destinations but having everything already secured in your suitcase will make your trip a whole lot easier. Nobody wants to spend a half day of travel searching for something they forgot at home.

Packing Checklist for an International Trip

This guide will help ensure you’ve packed everything you could possibly need for an international trip, whether it’s your first time leaving the country or you’re a seasoned traveler. Having these items on hand — along with the appropriate clothing and shoes for your destination — will help make your trip as smooth and seamless as possible.

  • Best Adapter: Epicka Universal Travel Adapter
  • Best Wi-Fi Hotspot: Simo Solis Lite 4G LTE WiFi Mobile Hotspot
  • Best Camera:   Nikon ZF
  • Best Tripod: Phopik Aluminum Extendable Tripod Stand
  • Best Portable Power Bank: Nimble Champ
  • Best Noise-canceling Headphones: Apple AirPods Max
  • Best Luggage Tracker: Eufy SmartTrack Link

Accessories

  • Best Passport Cover: Paravel Cabana Passport Case
  • Best Travel Wallet: Leatherology Travel Wallet
  • Best Luggage Belt: Cincha Travel Belt for Luggage
  • Best Reusable Water Bottle: Memobottle A5
  • Best Packing Cubes: Gonex Compression Packing Cubes
  • Best Neck Pillow: Cabeau TNE S3
  • Best Money Belt: Raytix Money Belt
  • Best Compression Socks: Comrad Compression Socks

Luggage and Bags

  • Best Lightweight Backpack: Longchamp Backpack Le Pliage
  • Best International-sized Carry-on: Away The Carry-on
  • Best Checked Bag: July Checked Plus
  • Best Belt Bag: Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag
  • Best Travel Laundry Bag: Miamica Travel Laundry Bag
  • Best Tote: MZ Wallace Medium Metro Tote Deluxe
  • Best Toiletry Bag: Away The Toiletry Bag
  • Best Rolling Duffel: Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler Wheeled Duffel

We know, we know. You’re not setting out on an international trip to be consumed by your tech, but there are certain essentials that can make a good trip even better, whether aiding an itinerary, ensuring your safety, or simply entertaining you while in transit. Packing things like a reliable wi-fi hotspot and a portable power bank means you’ll always have access to your smartphone for emergencies (or just to use Google Maps to navigate your self-guided walking tour without having to pop into a cafe every few blocks).

Best Adapter

Epicka universal travel adapter.

  • Ease of Use 5 /5
  • Effectiveness 4 /5

Traveling abroad with a good adapter like the Epicka Universal Travel Adapter is non-negotiable. It comes equipped with plugs for more than 150 countries but the convenient sliding design means you won’t have to fuss with (or be responsible for) multiple attachments. During the testing process, we particularly appreciated that this option comes with so many USB ports (four USB-A and one USB-C) as it cut down the need for multiple adapters and made it incredibly easy to charge all our tech at the same time.

Best Wi-fi Hotspot

Skyroam solis lite.

Do you remember the days of traveling before Google Maps? It’s hard to imagine a time when we’d actually have to ask locals for directions or hope we’re reading a paper map properly. The Solis Lite 4G LTE WiFi Mobile Hotspot makes modern travel even easier by ensuring you’re always connected to a reliable Wi-Fi network, wherever you are. It doesn’t require a SIM card or a contract and functions seamlessly in more than 135 countries around the world. It can also support up to 10 devices at a given time — which means your travel buddies will thank you, too.

Best Camera

Nikon zf mirrorless camera.

The Nikon ZF immediately catches the eye with its beautiful, retro-inspired body. Don’t let the decidedly cool aesthetic fool you though — this camera also makes it super easy to channel your inner photographer. The 24-megapixel, full-frame mirrorless camera is very simple and user-friendly but offers enough bells and whistles to quell more advanced photographers. It’s also incredibly small and lightweight which makes it great for throwing into your day bag (no oversized camera bag required!).

Best Tripod

Phopik aluminum extendable tripod stand.

Another way to ensure great vacation photos? Investing in a decent tripod stand. Selfies have their time and place but being able to set up a tripod to get group shots in idyllic settings will ensure frame-worthy visual souvenirs. The Phopik Aluminum Extendable Tripod Stand is a great option for those who travel with both a digital camera and a smartphone as the convertible device can actually be used as a selfie stick and tripod for smartphones while also extending into a more stable tripod suitable for a heavier camera. It also packs down ultra-small when not in use so you won’t have to run around all day with a full-sized tripod under your arm.

Best Portable Power Bank

Nimble champ portable charger.

The Nimble Champ is a game changer for long travel days when you might not have the chance to wait by an outlet for your smartphone to refuel; the 10,000 mAh battery is more than enough to charge the average smartphone between three to five times in full. If you’re concerned about having your phone for safety purposes (like to grab an Uber, use Google Maps, call for help, etc.), a compact lightweight charger will also offer serious peace of mind. We like that this option is made using 99 percent certified recycled plastic so you can feel good about the sustainable choice. And, if you need even more juice, there’s a more powerful Nimble Champ Pro with a 20,000 mAh battery instead.

Best Noise-canceling Headphones

Apple airpods max.

  • Comfort 4.5 /5
  • Sound Quality 5 /5
  • Battery Life 5 /5

The AirPods Max are admittedly a bit expensive but they’re worth the price point for the quality and overall ease of use, especially if you’re a lover of Apple devices. During the testing process, we found the user experience to be the best out of all the headphones we tried. We really like how easy they are to connect to an iPhone or MacBook without having to go searching into the Bluetooth settings (there’s a simple pop-up that’ll ask you if you want to switch and that’s that). We found the headphones very intuitive to use and the sound quality is excellent as well with a strong enough noise-canceling feature to provide serenity everywhere from the airplane to the subway.

Best Luggage Tracker

Eufy smarttrack link.

  • Ease of Setup 5 /5
  • Accuracy 5 /5
  • Functionality 5 /5
  • Design 4.5 /5

Popping a luggage tracker, like the Eufy SmartTrack Link, into your checked luggage will allow you to track a suitcase in real time which offers peace of mind and can help expedite the return of lost-in-transit baggage. This tiny tracker was our top pick during testing due to its ease of use and convenient size and shape. The durable square comes equipped with a hole in the top corner that makes it easy to add a carabiner or key ring onto the tracker to attach to internal zippers or other items, too.

It can be tricky to strike a healthy balance between actual travel essentials and products that seem useful in theory but actually just end up taking up precious space in your suitcase or carry-on. The following items are designed to make travel as easy and comfortable as possible and are all compact, easy to pack, and won’t end up weighing you down. They’re also highly practical for staying organized and put together while making your way through passport control or while taking public transport from the airport to your hotel.

Best Passport Cover

Paravel passport case.

  • Capacity 5 /5
  • Quality 5 /5

You might not think you need a passport cover, but this Paravel Cabana Passport Case is a particularly great option since it not only keeps your passport safe and secure but holds up to eight cards, too. During the testing process, we found the luxe material to also be durable, and it was very easy to get our cards and passport in and out of the slots without having to stretch things out. We also like that this one comes in several colorways and can be customized with a hand-painted initial as well.

Best Travel Wallet

Leatherology zip around travel wallet.

If you’re hoping to score something with a little extra space, the Leatherology Travel Wallet is a particularly great choice as it’ll keep all your stuff organized without becoming too bulky or heavy. The compact design has a slot for pretty much everything you could need including your passport, cards, printed boarding pass, coins, cash, and even a pen. During the testing process, we found that this option stood out for its buttery soft leather that feels much more expensive than it is, and for the expansive interior that could easily hold more than a couple of passports. 

Best Luggage Belt

Cincha travel belt.

The Cincha Travel Belt is one of those travel accessories that you don’t realize just how much you need until you have it on-hand while on the go. The travel belt is designed to attach your personal items — like a coat, shopping bags, and even your handbag — to the handle of your rolling luggage without worrying about it sliding around or falling off the top of your luggage. This is a particularly handy option to have on hand while changing terminals or taking trains to the city center when you don’t want to have to worry about lugging multiple loose pieces.

Best Reusable Water Bottle

Memobottle a5 the flat water bottle that fits in your bag.

There are certain things that all responsible travelers should consider when setting off on a trip — and being a more sustainable citizen of the world is one of them. The easiest way to cut down on your carbon footprint while traveling? Investing in a reusable water bottle. The Memobottle A5 makes it easy to ditch single-use plastic while traveling without feeling like, you know, you’re carrying a massive water bottle around with you. It’s designed to be ultra thin and can fit in a briefcase or handbag. However, don’t let the thin size fool you. This water bottle fits a standard 750 milliliters which is the exact same as the single-use bottle of Smartwater in the airport shop.

Best Packing Cubes

Gonex compression packing cubes.

  • Design 5 /5

Packing the right amount of clothing for an international trip can be a bit of a daunting task which is why we’re such major advocates for the Gonex Compression Packing Cubes . The set of four cubes comes in a variety of sizes to help keep garments in order while planning for your trip. The compression cubes are also designed to squish down into the smallest size possible so you can fit even more into that carry-on roller without worrying about taking up too much space in the overhead bin or running out of room for souvenirs.

Best Neck Pillow

Cabeau tne s3 travel pillow.

  • Quality 4.8 /5
  • Portability 5 /5
  • Durability 5 /5

Think of the Cabeau TNE S3 as the neck pillow for travelers who hate carrying a neck pillow. The compact neck support folds down into a tiny bag that can easily be stored away in your carry-on or handbag while on the go. We loved this neck pillow during the testing process for its memory foam material and 360-degree support. It’s designed to attach to your seat and will keep you from that annoying head bobbing that can often happen when trying to sleep upright.

Best Money Belt

Raytix rfid money belt.

  • Comfort 5 /5
  • Performance 5 /5

Money belts might not be the most exciting of travel gear — but having this under-clothes accessory can offer major peace of mind if you’re nervous about carrying your valuables out in the open while on the go. The Raytix Money Belt was our top pick during our tests because of its smooth material that feels comfortable on the skin and a discreet size that doesn’t bulge when placed properly under your clothing. We also really liked that it was wide enough to comfortably fit a passport without having to wiggle the zipper in order to close the pouch.

Best Compression Socks

Comrad compression socks.

The Comrad Compression Socks do the impossible: make compression socks look cool and stylish. The double-dip ombre design is fun and aesthetically pleasing — especially compared to your average drugstore alternative — and the socks themselves are extremely soft to the touch. During the testing process, we found they offered gentle compression without being uncomfortable. They were breathable and we could easily wear them on a long-haul flight without any itchiness whatsoever either.

Selecting the right luggage for your international trip is half the battle. For example, if you’re hoping to avoid checking a bag at all costs, you’ll want something that is no bigger than 21.5 inches, and as lightweight as possible. If you’re looking for a suitcase that’ll handle the arduous checked baggage process, you’ll want to look for a hard-sided spinner with enough give that it won’t crack or puncture while in transit.

Choosing the right personal item and day bag is an equally important decision. Handbags and backpacks should be lightweight and multi-purpose, meaning that you’ll be able to use them at multiple times, like day trips to the country, jaunts around the city center, and evenings out.

Best Lightweight Backpack

Longchamp le pliage backpack.

Given the brand's reputation for high-quality bags , it's no surprise the Longchamp Backpack Le Pliage is forever our go-to travel bag when we’re aiming to pack light but stylish. Longchamp Le Pliage in general is kind of the perfect bag concept for travel as it packs down ultra small when not in use but can expand to a full-sized bag as needed. The backpack is no exception; it’s small and lightweight but stylish and large enough to fit a day — or night — of essentials without screaming tourist or looking too bulky. We also like that this option is made from a durable nylon and can withstand the bright sun and heavy rain without getting damaged.

Best International-sized Carry-on

Away the carry-on.

Packing for international air travel can sometimes be a little dicey, especially if you’re going to be flying on budget airlines with little wiggle room on suitcase sizing. The Away The Carry-on sits just below most international carrier limits so you won’t run into any surprises at the gate, but we also found that it’s incredibly roomy. During the testing process, we were able to fit everything we needed for a four-day trip with room to spare. The hard plastic shell is also incredibly durable — even when clobbered with a baseball bat — so it will hold up with heavy duty use, too.

Best Checked Bag

July large luggage.

  • Organization 4.5 /5
  • Maneuverability 5 /5

The July Checked Plus is our top choice when it comes to the best checked luggage for international travel , especially if you tend to be an overpacker as it fits 110 liters worth of items. Even if you don’t fill it to the brim, we particularly like the number of pockets and organizational features inside to keep things sorted. During our testing process, we found it was incredibly easy to pack a fair amount while giving everything a designated spot. We also found the wheels and handle to be the smoothest we’ve found in a suitcase which made it easy to trolley the suitcase around through the airport and into the city.

Best Belt Bag

Lululemon everywhere belt bag.

The Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag is, well, kind of everywhere, but it’s easy to see why. It’s incredibly lightweight and durable while offering a discreet but stylish solution to storing your daily essentials in a safe and secure manner. It’s also made of water-repellent polyester so you can get caught in the rain with less issue than a leather or cotton alternative. This option also comes in a huge variety of colorways to best suit your style, but we’re major fans of the classic black. During the testing process, we particularly appreciated how easily the zipper glides; it doesn’t pull or stick which makes it easy to quickly grab items like a wallet or passport out without having to use two hands. Plus, if you have even more to carry, there’s a 2-liter version , too.

Best Travel Laundry Bag

Miamica travel laundry bag.

The Miamica Travel Laundry Bag is another one of those items that is easy to forget or brush off as being unimportant but can actually make such a big difference while on the go. This lightweight laundry bag will take up no room in your luggage but makes staying organized while traveling so much easier. Whether you’re doing your own laundry in your hotel room or planning on sending the essentials off for dry cleaning, having a separate bag to store your dirty clothes in means you won’t have to rifle through your suitcase trying to decipher what is clean versus what needs to be washed.

MZ Wallace Deluxe Tote

  • Portability 3 /5
  • Ease of Use 3 /5

Don’t underestimate the power of a great tote while traveling as options like this lightweight MZ Wallace Medium Metro Tote Deluxe won’t take up much space in your luggage but can be a lifesaver if you somehow find yourself with more stuff to pack on your way home. We found this bag to be super roomy without overpowering us with a ton of built-in pockets and even a removable pouch to keep gear organized on the go. It’s also worth noting that this tote comes in a few different sizes from mini to large if you’re looking for something a bit bigger or smaller instead.

Best Toiletry Bag

Away large toiletry bag.

There are a lot of utilitarian toiletry bags out there but options like this one from Away both get the job done, and look good in the process. We found it very easy to pack and organize, thanks to an abundance of pockets and pouches to store everything from makeup brushes to delicate bottles. The material feels high-end and sleek but we found it to be secure and waterproof so nothing spilled out while in transit either.

Best Rolling Duffel

Eagle creek cargo hauler.

  • Design 4 /5
  • Maneuverability 3 /5
  • Durability 4 /5

The Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler Wheeled Duffel is our top pick for the best rolling duffel for international travel since it’s huge yet still incredibly easy to roll through the airport or tote by hand on public transit. We particularly loved that this bag came with its own packing cubes and could easily convert from duffel to backpack to rolling suitcase. Despite its multi-functional design, it really excelled at everything. We found the bag very smooth to roll and just as easy to grab and go when needed. The material also feels very durable; like it could withstand heavy use without having to be too precious with it.

Unfortunately, yes, there are quite a few items that you can’t bring on your international trip depending on the country you’re heading to. Take this into consideration when shopping for travel products. Some destinations don’t allow certain tech — like drones — while others are very strict about the medication you’re allowed to bring into the country. If you have any doubts or concerns about what you can and cannot bring to a certain locale, be sure to check the official TSA security screening rules and the screening rules of the specific country you’re planning to visit.

Every airline has its own set of rules when it comes to carry-on and checked baggage size and weight restrictions. The standard carry-on size outside of the United States tends to be a lot smaller, so you’ll want to ensure your hand baggage doesn’t exceed the restrictions of the airlines you’re flying. It tends to be about 26 pounds and 21.5 inches in height for most European carriers, for example, but always check with the exact airlines you plan to use.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

For this article, Kaitlyn McInnis used her experience as a full-time travel writer to curate the best options to suit most needs and international destinations.

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international trip checklist reddit

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The ultimate international travel checklist

If you’re wondering what to pack for traveling abroad, look no further. Here is the ultimate international travel checklist for the young, adventurous traveler.

international trip checklist reddit

Gabrielle Budget Travel With Gabby

Oct 27, 2023

international-travel-checklist

Traveling is one of the most rewarding things you can do in life. But for some people, the stress of packing can diminish the exciting anticipation of before, specially if it is the first time that you are planning a trip .

Luckily, the internet is able to connect travelers from all over the globe so we can share our tips and resources for common travel problems . Finding an international travel checklist online can ease some of the pre-trip stress and make you feel more prepared . 

I’ve been traveling abroad consistently for about 5 years, and I’ve done a few trips with Worldpackers. Based on my own travel experiences , and the research I’ve done in the past, I have created my own checklist for international travel .

These essential things to pack for traveling come with me on every single trip I take. So I’m going to share them with the Worldpackers community! Hopefully, this list will help other travelers feel more comfortable when packing to for a trip abroad .

The Ultimate International Travel Checklist

international travel checklist pdf

If you’re wondering what to pack for traveling abroad , look no further. This international travel checklist will be sorted into a few categories:

  • Travel Essentials
  • Entertainment

Other Recommended Items

Covid-19 safety.

Keep in mind, this list is just my personal preference . You don’t have to stick to the list exactly, and you can add or remove things to suit the country and your travel itinerary .

You might also like:  The greatest travel hacking guide you need for a stress-free trip , the best summer travel ideas  and know how much does camping cost.  

International Travel Essentials

Here are some of the things you almost always have to pack for a trip abroad.

international travel checklist documents

1. Sturdy Travel Bag

Your travel bag of choice may vary depending on your travel style and how long you’re traveling. But I’ve always loved just a good old fashioned backpack. 

You can buy huge ones for months on the road, or an average-sized one for a short trip. 

But make sure you get a bag that is comfortable and sturdy, as you’ll depend on it every day while traveling. If you prefer a rolling suitcase, stick with that.

Aside from your main backpack, be sure to bring a smaller bag for day trips. 

A small backpack or large purse is handy for exploring during the day, and you can also use it as a carry-on bag.

3. Universal Travel Adaptor

Remember that many countries have differently shaped electrical outlets on the wall. 

Pick up an adaptor before your trip so you can charge your devices abroad. 

If you really love traveling, I recommend getting a universal travel adaptor so you can adjust it to fit any country in the world.

4. Reusable Water Bottle

To save money and eliminate plastic waste while traveling, pack a good-quality, reusable water bottle. 

If you’re in a country that doesn’t have safe drinking water, sometimes you have no choice but to buy filtered bottled water. 

Or, you can buy a reusable bottle with a built-in filter so you can clean your own water.

5. Passport and Visas

Your passport is one of the most important things to pack while traveling abroad. Make sure it is in date and won’t expire. 

Also, be sure to research visa requirements before you leave for your trip. 

Most visas are electronic these days, but sometimes you’ll have to mail in your passport to have the visa imprinted. 

So don’t leave this until the last minute! (Also make electronic and hard copies of all important documents, just in case).

6. Travel Insurance

It’s always smart to have travel insurance in case you get sick or injured abroad. 

Do plenty of research and pick a plan that works for you.

7. Medications

If you are on any medications, talk to your doctor before you go traveling and ensure you have enough to last you throughout your trip.

8. Debit or Credit Card

You’ll need money while traveling, so pack your credit or debit cards for withdrawing foreign cash from ATMs. 

Skip transferring money at the airport and do it at a bank in your destination; you’ll get more value for your money as airports often charge high commission rates. 

Consider getting a card that doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees so you can save more money while travelling . 

International Travel Entertainment

These things will make your life easier while traveling. I couldn’t survive a long plane or bus ride without any entertainment!

international travel checklist to europe

It’s always nice to have a good book while traveling. They can be quite heavy and bulky in your bag, however, so try not to bring too many. Or invest in a kindle!

10. Journal and Pen

Journaling is a great way to record memories from your trip. 

If you’ve never journaled before, consider trying it out on your next trip abroad. It’s a relaxing way to pass the time, and it helps declutter your mind. 

Also, it’s handy to have your own pen for filling out landing cards or immigration forms on planes!

Whether you have a fancy DSLR camera, a compact digital camera, a GoPro, or a decent smartphone, make sure you have some sort of camera to capture the incredible sights you see on your trip. 

Pack all the necessary accessories too, such as a carry bag, battery, charger, memory card, and more.

12. Headphones

Headphones are one of the most important travel essentials. A podcast or music playlist is great for long travel days, especially if you are a solo traveler .

13. Earplugs

If you’re staying in a busy city or in a hostel dorm room, consider packing earplugs.

 Noises from the street or partying travelers in your hostel can keep you up all night. Earplugs can help block out the noise and give you a good sleep.

Clothing for travelling abroad

Of course, you have to pack clothes for traveling, but clothing preferences will differ from person to person. So aside from the obvious essentials like shirts, shorts, pants, socks, etc., I’ll just list some helpful tips for packing.

international travel checklist business

14. Comfortable Walking Shoes

Traveling means exploring, which means you’ll probably do lots of walking. Definitely pack your most comfortable pair of shoes for wearing daily. 

There’s nothing worse than getting blisters or sore feet from uncomfortable shoes while traveling!

15. Comfortable Clothes

Again, when it comes to traveling, comfort is more important than style. 

So whatever clothes you are packing, make sure they are clothes you’ll actually enjoy wearing. You want to focus your attention on the world around you, not on your outfits.

16. One or Two Nice Outfits

Though you want to be comfy 99% of the time, I recommend packing 1 or 2 nice outfits for special occasions. 

Whether it’s a party, a nice dinner, or a show, it’s fun to dress up once in a while. 

But you want to optimize the space in your luggage, so only pack a few nice outfits and save space for the practical clothing items.

If you plan to enjoy the nightlife where you go, check this article: 15 best party places in the world

17. Rain Jacket

A good quality rain jacket is definitely a travel essential. 

I find umbrellas to be bulky and inconvenient in windy weather. A nice rain jacket can keep you warm and dry on rainy days.

18. Hiking Boots

If you plan on hiking and connecting with nature , invest in a good quality pair of hiking boots. I’ve done a few hikes in sneakers and just wished I had better shoes the whole time. 

They do take up a bit of room in your bag, so only pack them if you’re an adventurous traveler who will be hiking in nature. But they’re so worth it!

19. Sun Protection

Even if you’re traveling somewhere cold, it’s important to have sun protection. 

A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are great ways to protect your skin from the sun while traveling. Also, consider lip balm with SPF in it.

Here are some other random items that I always recommend to pack for a trip abroad.

before international travel checklist 

20. Travel-Sized Toiletries

It’s up to you whether you’d like to pack your own toothpaste, shampoo, deodorant, etc. or buy it at your destination. 

If you only need 30ml or less of each, I recommend packing your own. 

But if you’re traveling for a while, it may be easier to just buy it when you arrive overseas.

21. Student ID card

If you’re a student, always travel with your ID card. 

Many tours and attractions overseas have student discounts. So flash your ID to save a little extra money!

22. A Few Plastic Bags

This might seem random, but having one or two plastic bags actually comes in handy while traveling. 

If you have a wet bathing suit or dirty clothes, it’s much more convenient to store them in a plastic bag until you reach your next destination.

23. Microfiber Towel

A microfiber tower dries quickly and rolls up to be much smaller than a normal towel. So it’s perfect for backpacking with limited space!

24. Luggage Locks

If you’re nervous about pickpockets, pack a luggage lock so you can secure the zipper on your bag. 

Most hostel dorm rooms have lockers where you can safely store your belongings, but a luggage lock provides extra security.

More packing tips at the  essential backpacking checklist for every trip .

international travel checklist packing

Let’s face it, the world has changed a lot in 2020 due to the global pandemic. Traveling safely  now means you have to take extra precautions to keep yourself and others safe. 

So pack your face mask, hand sanitizer, any other medications or products you may need and consider our  Covid-19 recommendations and how to support the travel industry during the pandemic .

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Gabrielle Boucher

Budget Travel With Gabby

Hello! I am a 25 year old from the USA with a knack for traveling on a budget. I fell in love with traveling while studying in Europe, and that love grew even more when I started volunteering abroad in South America. Since then, I've worked odd jobs and volunteered all over the globe while cultivating passions for hiking, wildlife photography, food, wine, animals, permaculture, and more!

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international trip checklist reddit

Mar 23, 2021

international trip checklist reddit

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International Travel Checklist: 15 Essential Things To Do Before Traveling Abroad

I am a big fan of checklists in general and I make lists for everything in my life. I have several travel checklists that I use to make sure that I am prepared and don’t forget anything before going on a trip.  Even though I travel abroad a lot, I always refer to my international pretravel checklist to make sure I don’t forget anything before traveling abroad.

If you are you traveling internationally for the first time or just want to be sure you don’t forget anything important before your next international trip, here is a list of essential things to do before international travel.

International Travel Checklist: 15 Essential Things To Do Before Traveling Abroad

Checklist for International Travel – Essential Things To Do Before Traveling Abroad:

1. Make sure you have a valid passport.

If you have a passport, check the expiration date of your passport and whether there are any blank pages remaining. Just to be safe, check that your passport does not expire less than six months before your return date (some countries will not allow entry if your passport expiration date is less than 6 months before your departure date).  If you travel abroad often, check if there are still blank pages left in your passport for entry and exit stamps.

If you don’t have a passport yet and are thinking of traveling abroad in the near future, make sure you apply for a passport as far in advance as possible.  It can take some time to get your passport after applying especially if you want to apply by mail and not pay fees for expediting your application.

2. Check entry and visa requirements.

Check to see if the country you are traveling to requires a visa. You can check for visa requirements here .

Some countries are not allowing international travelers right now or they might require visitors to be vaccinnated or take a COVID test.  You can check rules for every country here .

3. Research whether you need vaccines or malaria pills. 

If you are traveling to less developed countries, visit your closest travel clinic to get any vaccines you need for your destination.  In addition to vaccines, you might need malaria pills or a yellow fever shot depending on where you are traveling.

According to the CDC website , it is recommended you get vaccines or medicines at least  4-6 weeks before your trip. The reason is that it takes some time for some vaccines to become effective.

4. If you plan on driving, get an International Driving Permit.

If you plan to rent a car, you might need an International Driving Permit.  You can get an international permit from your local AAA office .

5. Purchase a travel adaptor if needed.

You will probably need an adapter plug in order to use your electronics in another country. If you travel a lot, it makes sense to buy a universal travel adaptor like this one .

6. Apply for travel credit cards and debit cards.

If you plan to use a credit card abroad, make sure you have a credit card that does not charge foreign transaction fees. If you don’t have a no foreign transaction fee credit card, consider applying for a new credit card before your next trip.  My favorite travel card is Chase Sapphire Preferred  because it has no foreign transaction fees and earns double points on travel purchases.

If you do not already have one, consider getting a debit card that does not charge foreign transaction fees or fees for using ATMs from other banks. If you live in the United States, I suggest a Schwab Bank High Yield Investor Checking account which gives you unlimited ATM fee rebates.

Ideally, you should bring at least 2 credit cards and 2 debit cards with you. While you can make due with one of each, I like to have 2 in case one is stolen, lost or the bank puts a hold on my account due to suspicious activity.

7. Let your bank know your travel plans.

Make sure to contact all banks that have issued your credit, debit and ATM cards and let them know of your travel plans.  If you do not let your bank know you will be traveling abroad, when they see foreign charges they could put a hold on your account for suspicious activity.  Some banks make it very easy to let them know you are traveling abroad and have online forms to let them know of your travel plans from your online banking account.

8. Make sure you have travel insurance.

Check if your travel insurance covers you abroad.  If not, research and purchase travel insurance before leaving your country.  You can purchase medical insurance, trip cancellation insurance and more.  At the very minimum, I always purchase emergency evacuation insurance just in case something happens as paying for that would run thousands of dollars.

9.  Research options for calling home.

I have T-Mobile cellular service so I have free data and texting when traveling abroad.  If you have another cell provider and want to use your cell phone, check prices to call, text and use data from abroad.  You might be able to sign up for an international plan to lower costs or switch to T-Mobile.

If you plan to use apps that allow free calls or texts (like Skype, Viber etc), sign up and download any apps before you leave.

10. Print and share itinerary and hotel, flight and other confirmations and make a copy of your passport and visa.

I like to print a hard copy of my flight and hotel e-mail confirmations – that way I don’t have to rely on having wi-fi or my data plan working to pull up my reservations.  Plus, it is good to have a paper version of your confirmations in case an immigration officer requests a copy of your plans.

Another thing you might want to do before international travel is to take a photo or make a copy of your first passport page and visa and email it to yourself or store it in dropbox.  That way if your passport is lost or stolen while you are in another country, it will be faster and easier to replace it if you have a copy.

I also recommend sharing a copy of your passport and your plans with a friend or family member in case of emergency.

11. Register with your embassy or consulate.

Register with your embassy or consulate – this will let your government know where you are in case of an emergency. U.S. citizens can enroll with the closest U.S. embassy or consulate using the free  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) .  It’s also a good idea to print out the address and contact information of the local embassy.

12.  Pay or schedule any bills due while you are abroad.

If I am traveling for a short trip, I like to prepay or schedule any bills that are due while I am gone.  I don’t like to log in to my bank or credit card accounts from free internet connections for security reasons plus I don’t want to miss a payment because I don’t check my e-mail as often.

13. Put a hold on mail.

If you are gone for over a week, you might want to contact your post office to hold your mail.

14 .   Download books, movies or apps on your phone, e-reader and computer.

It is a good idea to download any books, movies, reading material or apps you need on your smartphone, e-reader and computer before you leave.  You might need entertainment or reading material on your flight.  Some apps can even be used offline so it is better to download them before you leave as it might be hard to find free wi-fi or the wi-fi might be slower.  Here is my list of 10 must-have (and free) travel apps that you might want to install on your phone before your international trip.

15. Check your packing list to make sure you have all essentials.

Put together and check your packing list, in case you need to purchase anything before your trip.  Make sure you fill your prescriptions and bring copies as well. Figure out how you will handle money (will you exchange currency beforehand, how much to bring, etc.). As your travel date approaches double check the weather at your destination to make sure you don’t need to pack anything else. If you are checking bags, pack all your carry on essentials  in your carry on bag. You will most likely have to take a long flight, so check out my tips on how to survive a long flight .

Do you have a checklist for traveling abroad? What is on your international travel checklist?

Related Posts

Practical and Useful Travel Gifts That Every Traveler Needs

savvyglobetrotter

11 comments.

Very useful checklist. May I add medicines to it, in case you take any of them.

Yes that is a great idea. Medicines are super important. Will add to the list!

Great list – and very useful as sometimes, in the rush of preparations, details are forgotten. Adapters are a must for any travel – no matter how short – I mean, you do want to be able to use your laptop, right? My husband had to buy two adapters for UK as he forgot to take them from home…

I could deal without a laptop if traveling for a short time but would absolutely need an adaptor for my smartphone! The only way I can make sure not to forget anything is to make lists, otherwise there is no way I would remember everything I need!

I’m going to Thailand and Singapore next year and this is such a detailed list. In addition, we can find out their regulations, customs at countries where you’re gonna to. Now I just knew, Remember don’t chewing gum on the street in Singapore or don’t wear shorts to temples in Thailand.

Excellent and very useful list. Stopping the mail is a solid tip that’s easily overlooked.

Register with the State Dept regarding travels to developing countries. You will be altered of danger or natural disasters.

Yes that is a great suggestion.

Great post! It is advisable to pay all the bills prior to the travel as you said. Then only it will be a relaxed journey. I am planning to travel Europe countries next month and I will keep these points in my mind.

An interesting post. I like you always print of ticket, travel and accommodation as a hard copy at a local library, as sometimes a big queue at the airport for computers and the computer make not be working and sometimes peoples internet phone freezes at check in desk and they have to buy another ticket

Thanks for the checklist. This is super helpful!

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UponArriving

UponArriving

international trip checklist reddit

International Travel Checklist (25 Must-Do Items) [2022]

Heading out on an international trip presents different needs from simply traveling around your home country. There’s more to consider and potentially more challenges to overcome due to things like language barriers and cultural differences. Luckily, there’s a number of things you can do to adequately prepare for international trips.

In this article, I’ll break down 25 different checklist items for your international trips and provide you with some links that will help shortcut your research time so that you can focus on the fun part of your travels. Keep reading to find out more.

Table of Contents

1. Learn about the local scams

There is nothing worse than falling victim to a scam when traveling. The thing is many locations have common scams that they try out. For example, one of the most common scams is for folks to offer you rides from airports or train stations for 2X or 3X the cost of a taxi — I’ve seen those in many places like Italy and France.

But others will employ common tricks like offering you friendship bracelets, fooling you with rigged magic tricks, and many other forms. Make sure you’re aware of what you might run into so you can recognize it when you see it, especially if you’re an inexperienced traveler.  Simply Google “common travel scams in [region or country]” and you should be able to find things to be on the lookout for.

international trip checklist reddit

Tip: Use the free app WalletFlo to help you travel the world for free by finding the best travel credit cards and promotions!

2. Know what’s taboo (and avoid those things)

Did you know that it can be considered taboo to request salt and pepper in Portugal when eating a meal prepared for you? Were you aware of all of the 435,758 taboo things you can do with chop sticks in Japan? Sometimes these “taboo” actions aren’t taken very seriously but other times they are.

It’s a very good idea to do a little bit of research on what’s taboo in the culture(s) you’re visiting. Many things may surprise you. You likely won’t be in any type of serious trouble by violating some of these but knowing about them can surely save you some embarrassment and gain the respect of locals.

Here are some taboo things you might want to check out before traveling but you’re best off searching for taboo things in the specific region/country you’re visiting.

3. Check up on medication laws

You absolutely need to do some research into finding out what medications are allowed and not allowed where you are visiting. Some countries have some very strict regulations for medications and they will not hesitate to put you in jail for violating them. 

It’s not uncommon for countries to also limit the quantity that you can take in such as to a 30-day supply. Sometimes you can get around limitations if you have a signed doctor’s note but that all depends on the situation. The CDC recommends you contact the foreign embassy of the country you will be visiting to make sure your medicines are permitted in that country.

4. Check for holidays and major events

It can be easy to forget to check for major events when planning a trip or at least to not give them proper consideration. Trust me — it’s happened to me a few times. I once visited Hong Kong around Chinese New Year thinking it wouldn’t be that bad. But it was. Tons of closures and insane crowds at popular tourist attractions made the experience less enjoyable .

That’s an easy holiday to remember but many other local holidays or events like art festivals that take place might not be on your radar, so be on the lookout for those.

Visiting cities during these peak times could also mean limited lodging availability and higher hotel prices . S o be mindful of holidays and major events but also consider that the holidays might extend out to the week before and after the actual holiday. You can search for holidays in specific countries here . 

international trip checklist reddit

5. Research the climate

Many places around the world don’t have standard seasons like we have in most parts of the US. They might experience a monsoon season or even multiple monsoon seasons in a year or perhaps they have excruciatingly hot summers. And of course, there’s the flipped seasons in the Southern Hemisphere.

Don’t just check the weather forecast and don’t ever assume that the climate in another country will be the same as here in the US and make sure you know what you’re signing up for so you know how to properly pack and plan your activities.

Image result for taiwan rain chart

6. Know the tipping customs

You need to know if its customary to leave a tip in the country you’re visiting. This can help you to save money during your trip and will let you know if you need to carry around cash with you.

Tip: It really helps to memorize or make a note of how much $1 USD is in the local currency so you can quickly make judgment calls when leaving tips (see below about currency conversion apps).

Also, in some locations, it can be considered rude to leave a tip. I once tipped a vendor in Oaxaca, Mexico and you should have saw the look of disapproval I was given! Ooff. Super uncomfortable and I felt like a jack ass!

You can use a source like this to review is tipping is a thing in a given location, but I would try to ask around in places like Reddit to get a clear answer from people with experience living in the region. 

7. Set up your time zone clocks

If you have an iPhone, I suggest that you add all of the countries you’re visiting to your clock as well as your hometown so you can quickly reference what the time is back home.

Sometimes it’s helpful to memorize a trick for quick recall, too. For example, when I was in Taipei, I realized I could usually just subtract one hour and flip am to pm and that would be the time back home.

Another thing to think about is the amount of daylight you’ll have. If you’re traveling into higher latitudes, it’s possible you could have much more or much less daylight to work with depending on the time of year — that could alter your planning so keep that in mind. Daylight is much more consistent the closer you get to the Equator.

international trip checklist reddit

You absolutely need to make sure that you’ve applied for a visa if needed, since you could get turned away if you don’t have one. You can check here for a quick overview of what counties require from US citizens with respect to visas . 

There are different types of travel visas. Some are granted to you automatically when you enter a country and you can sometimes see these reflected on your passport stamp. For example, you might see a 90 day tourist visa granted. Others might require you to fill out some paperwork at the airport (and pay a fee) but are more or less automatic.

But some visas, like those for traveling to Russia or China, will require you to submit an application weeks or months in advance. These are the visas you need to pay attention to because you typically can’t get these last minute. So watch out for these.

Some countries might also ask you for proof of sufficient funds to cover your expenses during your stay. These can be shown with things like letters from banks or sometimes bank statements so make sure you’re ready to show those things if needed.

international trip checklist reddit

9. Passport

Many countries will require you to have at least six months of validity on your passport and if you don’t, they won’t let you in. Also, you want to make sure that you have room for stamps/visas on your passport (often you’ll need one full page per visa).

And finally, your passport needs to be in good condition since immigration could decline your passport if it’s too damaged, such as if it’s torn or tattered.

Tip: Be sure to make a color copy of your passports and visas (if you have hard copy versions).

10. Order local currency

Exchanging your money at the airport exchange counters is not a good idea because you don’t get the best conversion rates and can get hit with extra fees. ATMs are a better choice but you will likely also get hit with fees on those (unless you have a banking program like Chase Private Client ).

But one of the best ways to save on currency conversions is to order currencies from your bank before you take your trip . If you need a common currency like Euros or Great Britain Pounds, you might be able to walk into a major bank and walk out with those. But if you need something like Taiwan dollars, you’ll likely need to order these.

I’d recommend ordering your currency a couple of weeks before your trip to make sure they arrive in time.

Related: Tips for First Time Flyers

international trip checklist reddit

11. Get credit cards in order

It’s not that difficult to find a credit card that doesn’t have foreign transaction fees (even a credit card with no annual fee). So be sure to pick up a card that won’t force you to also pay foreign transaction fees on your purchases.

I personally also always carry with me at least one Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express credit card so that I always have some type of card that I can use. It’s also very useful to have a card that has chip+pin technology like cards from Barclaycard, since some kiosks often require you to input a pin number.

12. Get your adapters

You need to remember to check to see what type of outlets that you’ll be using when traveling. If you need a quick reference for all countries you can use, check out this chart here.  

One solution is to pick up a universal travel power adapter . Many major hotels will have adapters on hand so you don’t always have to stress about packing them but they may only provide you with one and there’s never a guarantee that you’ll have one.

13. Record hotel addresses

You should have the addresses (and phone number) for your hotels stored somewhere like the notes on your phone. You’ll need to enter those details for immigration cards and it will be very useful when taking taxi cab rides.

In addition to the address, I’d recommend knowing the neighborhoods and nearby landmarks. When we were staying at the W Dubai, it was a new hotel and the address didn’t do us much good but knowing nearby hotels did.

Also, you might even want to have a photo of the hotel, especially if it’s in an iconic building. In Hong Kong, we had issues with a taxi driver when we told him “Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong” — that is until we showed him a photo of the ICC Tower that the hotel is located in.

Tip: Use WalletFlo for all your credit card needs. It’s free and will help you optimize your rewards and savings!

14. Have onward travel plans

The idea of booking a one-way ticket to your favorite destination sounds romantic but it’s also not allowed by many countries. Instead, they usually require you to show that you have proof of onward travel so that they don’t have to worry about you sticking around too long in their country.

One way you can do this is to purchase a fully refundable ticket. If you don’t end up taking that flight or train or whatever, you can simply get a refund. Other people choose to purchase dirt-cheap flights that they wouldn’t mind throwing away the cash on. It all depends.

Make sure that when you show up at the airport you have an email or screen you can access to show your travel since sometimes you might not have service and might not be able to pull up an itinerary. 

15. Get needed immunizations

Many countries will require you to have immunizations. Some of them like the Maldives will simply ask you to state when you received your immunizations but others will require you to show proof. You can search for which type of vaccines you might need to get here. 

You should see a list of the different types of vaccines that are recommended or required. Keep in mind that some may only be required when you are traveling from certain countries. If you’re traveling from Brazil for example, you can almost count on needing Yellow Fever vaccination.

In the link above, you can also see if there are any outbreak alerts for the countries you’re visiting.

international trip checklist reddit

Note that sometimes you need to give yourself time to build up the immunity (like ten days to a month) so you don’t want to get your shots right before traveling.

Also, some of the vaccines like the one for Yellow fever can have limited availability at times which can make it a little time consuming to get depending on where you live. So planning for immunizations should be one of the earliest things you should do and it wouldn’t be a bad idea to find a good travel doctor. You can search for clinics here. 

16. Have an H2o plan

You need to make sure that where you’re headed it’s going to be okay to drink the water. If not, are you going to have access to water bottles at your hotel or a local store? It’s also a good idea to have a filtered bottle that you can use whenever to help you cut down on plastics and spending extra money.

17. Travel notifications

Before departing always make sure to put travel notifications on your credit card and debit card. Some issuers won’t require you to make these after they get a sense of your travel patterns but be careful.

Some banks like American Express claim that you don’t need to put on travel notifications due to their “advanced technology.” This technology works great when you’ve made travel purchases on your Amex cards indicating your travel plans.

However, if you haven’t, they won’t know you’re traveling. Therefore, you often still need to call in to make travel notifications on your cards. Read about making travel notifications for Chase.

18. Get travel apps

There are dozens and dozens of helpful travel apps out there. I could make a long list of just those items but I’ll save that for another day. I would say that there are just a few apps that are must-haves when traveling internationally though and here they are:

Airline and hotel apps

When traveling, it’s a good idea to have all of the apps for your airlines and hotels if possible. This makes it easy to view your booking details and can allow you to get alerts if there are delays or possible even gate changes.

FlightAware is also a fantastic app for getting updates on your flight status. I once got an update from FlightAware before an airline agent at the lounge even knew about the delay (or at least before she admitted to it)!

Public transport apps

If you’re going to be utilizing the public transport system, it helps to download the app for that system if there is one. I also like to save a map of the transit system in my notes on my phone for easy viewing.

Currency converter

My currency conversion app is probably the app I use the most when traveling (besides maps). These should work even when you’re offline and I recommend putting them on the first page of your apps for quick access. I use an app called Unit Plus that can also be used with things like length, speed, fuel mileage, temperature, etc.

Tip: To quickly convert Celsius to Fahrenheit simply multiply the Celsius temperature x2 and + 30. This will give you a rough idea that’s usually only off a couple of degrees but can also be dead on when temperatures are 10ºC or 50ºF.

Translator apps

The Google Translate App has been a handy app for me in the past. One of my favorite features is the ability to use your camera to translate a sign instantly . It’s not available to do that in every language, but it works for many, including those like Japanese and always feel like some Harry Potter type of stuff. You can also download an offline version of the translator that works great.

In addition to that, you can translate text words into voice in another language. It’s a really underrated app in my opinion.

Have back-up maps

Our phones get better service than ever before when abroad so it’s easier to rely on them for navigation. But I still like to have offline maps downloaded as a back-up plan because you never know what can happen, especially if you’re renting a car out in the middle of nowhere.

I really like Maps.me for offline use and typically always download an offline map of the region I’m visiting so that I always have a back-up in case my Google Maps or Apple Maps is not functioning.

19. Travel warnings

The US Department of State issues travel advisories for certain countries based on the potential risk in those places of something bad happening. There are currently four different levels of advisories that are issued and these advisories are based on specific potential risks, such as crime or terrorism.

You should always check out what these risks are before traveling. And note that many times they are limited to cities within a country so don’t just pay attention to the nation-wide warning levels. Read more about travel advisories here . 

international trip checklist reddit

20. Know where government buildings are located

There is a very helpful  travel advisory map that you can use to find where important government building are located (and also see the advisory level for each country based on the color it is filled in with).

international trip checklist reddit

These buildings include the following:

  • Consulate General
  • Consular Agent
  • Consular Section

Typically, as a tourist the Embassy can help you but you are most likely going to visit the Consulate, Consulate General, or a Consular Agent/Section to resolve your issues. These Consulate offices typically have normal business hours such as being open from 8am to 5pm. If something ever happened outside of those hours, you will need to call a duty officer.

The after-hours duty officer will be able to help you with anything that is considered a true emergency, but if you simply just misplaced a passport or something like that you will likely have to wait until the Consulate offices open up. Research the local consulate office for the phone number to the duty officer number close to you.  

21. Get your cell phone plan in order

There are basically three different routes to go with your phone.

Stick with your current plan. Many phone companies allow you to use your plan abroad and your phone will quickly connect once you land. Some of these can be pretty cheap while other are expensive. I have Verizon and I simply pay $10/day to use my data plan and it works well for me but there are restrictions on high speed data. AT&T has a similar program.

Another route is to purchase an international SIM card that you can insert into your phone if your phone is unlocked. I used to do this but I didn’t like estimating my data needs and dealing with setting up and installing phone cards, so I just started using my own plan.

And finally, you can purchase a pre-paid phone while abroad. I also used to do this back in the day but now it’s just not worth it to me, especially with the need to use my own phone cameras, social media, etc.

Your budget and data needs will likely dictate which route is best for you but you should have a plan before you depart on your trip.

international trip checklist reddit

22. Travel insurance

Travel insurance is a must and there are two main forms. The first is the type that will cover you for things like cancellations, baggage delay, and things of that nature. I prefer to get these protections via credit card and there are many different types of credit cards that offer these perks.

The second form is in the form of health insurance. You can also find a lot of different ways to get health insurance when traveling abroad and I suggest you do that because health care in some countries can be insanely high.

23. Do you need an international Driving Permit?

You may or may not need an international driving permit when traveling abroad but you should definitely check about whether or not you need one. These are also very easy to get and you can find out how to get them here. 

Also, if you’re planning on driving in another country be sure to read up on any unique driving laws they have there. For example, some countries like Germany might not allow right runs on red lights or have different ways of doing u-turns. You might not able able to memorize their full code of laws but just checking out a couple of articles on a country’s driving laws can go a long way.

24. Have a re-entry plan

Sometimes getting through US Customs and Immigration and can be a huge pain. But there are ways that you can expedite the process. Consider getting Global Entry which allow you expedited access back through immigration and customs . If you don’t want to pay then you can go with the free option of Mobile Passport .

international trip checklist reddit

25. Know emergency numbers

Make sure you know the emergency phone number for every country you’re visiting. You can find a list of emergency phone numbers for just about every country here. 

26. Bring a pen

From filling out immigration forms to sketching things out on a piece of paper in order to communicate a question, it’s a good idea to always have something to write with.

These are 25 things you want to think about before heading off on an international trip. Are there any additional things you would add to a checklist? Let me know in the comments below if you’ve come up with anything!

international trip checklist reddit

Daniel Gillaspia is the Founder of UponArriving.com and the credit card app, WalletFlo . He is a former attorney turned travel expert covering destinations along with TSA, airline, and hotel policies. Since 2014, his content has been featured in publications such as National Geographic, Smithsonian Magazine, and CNBC. Read my bio .

Excellent list. Many things I’ve done before, but great to have a list. I shared the post and bookmarked it for future use. Thank you.

Thanks! Always good to have things like this rounded up for future use!

Hi, helps me a lot..but i really appreciate if you can share some tips visiting Belgium as im from asia. Thanks much

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Exploring Wild

Preparing for International Travel: Don’t Forget These Essential Steps

international trip checklist reddit

By Alissa Bell : seeker of paths less traveled and active adventures on 6 continents

January 21, 2020

Updated: June 17, 2021

Laos village by river in mountains

So you just pulled the trigger on that big international trip you’ve been drooling over? Congratulations!

And now, holy moly you have a lot of work to do. What if you miss something important and the whole trip is RUINED?

You need a travel preparation checklist! Fear not, I’ve got you covered. By now I’ve traveled so much that preparing for an international trip is almost second nature. But the first few times, I remember, it was hard.

Here’s a detailed, experience-based checklist of essential steps to prepare for travel abroad.

Take care of these essential planning steps and you’ll have all the most important stuff covered. Then you’ll be ready to approach your trip with the calm curiosity and open mind of a seasoned traveler.

Sierra Leone dirt roads Bintumani

Check Your Passport Validity

You wouldn’t be the first person to discover, the night before your big international trip, that your passport expired a few months ago. Oops!

Don’t be this person! Check your passport well in advance of your trip, a few months ideally. This will give you plenty of time to get a new one if needed, without paying costly rush fees and triggering a panic attack.

What to check for:

  • Passport expiration date is minimum of 6 months after your trip (this is a requirement for some visas).
  • Passport has at least two blank visa pages remaining (also often a visa requirement).

Check Visa Requirements

Make sure you know, at least a couple months in advance, how you will get your tourist visa for the country you plan to visit. Can you simply get it at the airport when you arrive, or will you need to apply online or at an embassy in your home country in advance?

Visa requirements can be complicated and depend on both the country you’re from and the country you plan to visit. One good way to check visa requirements is to find the website of your destination country’s embassy in your home country.

For example, if you live in the US and want to travel to Laos, find the website of the Embassy of Laos in the United States (often located in Washington D.C.). The embassy should have a page on their website describing visa requirements for US citizens wanting to travel to Laos, and a phone number you can call with questions.

Beware when searching online for visa requirements, as many of the results you’ll find are from visa services companies trying to get your business. They will assist with the visa application process for a fee, but often this isn’t necessary because you can easily do it yourself. I’ve traveled to dozens of countries and only used a service like this twice, when it was truly the best way to do it.

If traveling through multiple countries on a long trip, look into getting your visas along the way from embassies in the countries you’re visiting. Good information about this, and visa requirements in general, can often be found in travel forums like Lonely Planet Thorn Tree.

If you’ll be applying for a visa on arrival, make sure to bring all the required documents on your trip. Depending on the country these can include:

  • One or more recent passport photos
  • Application form
  • Confirmation of hotel or flight details
  • Cash payment in a specific currency

Check Health and Vaccination Recommendations

Travel exposes us to fascinating new ideas and cultures, and also to new germs and illnesses. Especially for travelers from the “developed” world traveling to countries that are still “developing ,” it’s critical to check vaccination recommendations for your destination.

Check vaccination recommendations as soon as possible after deciding to travel. Some vaccines require multiple injections that can take weeks or even months to become effective.

To check vaccination requirements, start by looking up your destination country on the CDC travel website . If it looks like you might need something you don’t have, make an appointment with a travel clinic in your area, or your general doctor as a starting point.

A professional opinion is important, especially if you’re new to this type of travel. Recommendations can be complex and vary by country, region, type of activities you’ll be doing, and even time of year.

international trip checklist reddit

In addition to vaccines, you might need to prepare for a few other issues that can’t be vaccinated against:

  • Malaria is common in many parts of Africa, Asia, and other tropical locations, but there is no vaccine. Instead, travelers take preventative medication (not 100% effective) and use bug spray and netting to reduce mosquito bites.
  • The dreaded “traveler’s diarrhea” is real, and many travelers choose to bring a course of emergency antibiotics when traveling to places where food and water can carry unfamiliar bacteria. Ask your travel doctor about this, and only take it if absolutely necessary, because taking unnecessary antibiotics is harmful .

If you take other prescription medications, make sure you have enough to cover the duration of your trip. It’s also smart to pack them in their original containers with documentation showing what they are, in case airport security or customs decides to ask you about that mysterious baggie of pills in your luggage.

Buy Travel Insurance

I never used to buy travel insurance, and fortunately I was lucky. But since upping the out-there factor and taking long solo trips in Africa and Asia, I’ve changed my ways, and travel insurance has saved my butt a couple of times.

I recommend that most travelers look into travel insurance, since basics you may take for granted at home (like medical care insurance) usually don’t apply while traveling overseas.

I’ve used and recommend World Nomads . They’re especially popular with adventurous travelers for their reasonable prices and transparent coverage of outdoor activities. I’ve filed two claims with them in the past, for stolen property and trip interruption costs, and they processed both efficiently and fairly.

Research Your Destination

Your research needs will depend a lot on what type of trip you’re on (a guided tour versus a loosely structured independent trip) and how much time you’ll be traveling for (a jam-packed long weekend, or a month+ wander). Some people will want to research and plan each day in detail, and others are more comfortable just showing up.

Regardless of your style, here are the key logistical questions you should answer as you prepare for your international trip:

  • What will the weather be like?
  • What languages are spoken and how widely is English used?
  • What currency is used, and what is the best way to get local money (ATM, currency exchange)?
  • Is tipping common in the local culture?
  • Are credit cards and ATMs widely used, or should I prepare to pay mostly in cash?
  • How much money do I expect to pay each day for food, lodging, transport, and activities?
  • How will I connect to the internet and make phone calls? Is it easy to find wifi and/or buy a local SIM card for my phone?
  • What is the public transportation network like, if traveling independently?
  • What are the cultural norms I should be aware of in terms of dress and behavior?
  • What are the locations and activities I don’t want to miss?

international trip checklist reddit

Thoughtful travelers committed to going beyond a checklist and getting more depth out of their experience will also want to research questions like these:

  • What are the most common local religions? How were they developed? Are they interpreted conservatively or liberally?
  • What local history should I be aware of in order to understand the current cultural landscape of my destination? For example, visitors to Rwanda or Cambodia will need to understand the history of recent genocides, which are still fresh in the memories of many adult residents.
  • What’s going on in the local news? Are there any political elections coming up or recently completed? What events are the locals interested in right now?
  • What books, either nonfiction or novels, can I read for more insight into my destination?

international trip checklist reddit

Prepare a Packing List

Now that you’ve done your research, you’re ready to put together a packing list based on your travel style, trip duration, activities, and expected weather. Google can help you out with this – google “packing list for (your destination).” Personally I like to make a spreadsheet, so I can plan in advance and check things off as I go.

One of the biggest challenges with packing for international travel is not overpacking. This could be the subject of an entire separate post. In the meantime, here are some tips on how to not overpack:

  • Use a smaller bag. Carryon-size backpacks, like my beloved Osprey Porter 46 , work great.
  • Research thoroughly, so you can answer all those “can I find (thing) in (destination)” questions so you don’t have to bring every possible thing you could ever need.
  • Create a well thought-out minimalist wardrobe of comfortable, coordinated, non-wrinkling, stink-resistant travel clothes. I’m a big fan of merino wool for travel.

Register With Your Country’s Embassy

Some countries allow you to register your travel plans with your home government, for example the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) in the United States. It’s easy, free, and only takes a couple minutes.

STEP registration notifies the US embassy in your destination that you’ll be visiting, which might come in handy should you need emergency help while abroad. It also signs you up for travel advice updates, so you can monitor any potential issues in your destination before and during your trip.

Notify Banks of Travel Plans

If you plan to use your ATM or credit cards overseas, it’s important to file travel notices with your banks ahead of time. Otherwise, your transactions may be blocked by overzealous fraud protection features.

Many banks have an easy online feature for this. Look for an option called “manage travel plans,” “update travel notices,” or something similar. You can always call customer service too. Usually you’ll need to enter your travel dates and destination countries, and perhaps a contact number.

It’s a quick and easy way to avoid major headaches during your trip, so don’t skip this step.

Upload and Print Copies of Important Travel Documents

This might seem unnecessary in the age of smartphones, but as I’ll explain below, sh!t happens. Therefore I always scan, print, and upload to Google Drive the following documents before a big international trip:

  • Details page of passport
  • Visa page of passport, if you’ve already received your tourist visa
  • Recent passport photo
  • Credit card and debit card details (number, expiration date, and customer service phone number)
  • Travel insurance confirmation
  • Health insurance card
  • Contact info for my country’s embassy in the country I’m visiting

Why might you need this? All kinds of reasons. Your passport is lost or stolen and you need to get a replacement in order to travel home. Your credit card is lost or stolen and you need to call and have it canceled. Your phone breaks or disappears and you can’t access your travel insurance info online during a medical emergency.

Simply put, having these documents accessible via paper or online backup can save your butt. It’s easy to think these problems will never happen, but travel for long enough and eventually one of them will. Then you’ll be super glad you were prepared.

Withdraw Travel Cash

If you did your research as mentioned above, you’ll have a sense of how much cash you should bring. Factors include:

  • Are credit cards widely accepted?
  • Are ATMs widely available and reliable?
  • How easy is changing foreign currency to local currency, and which foreign currency is best (usually Euros or US Dollars)?

For travelers visiting developed countries where ATMs and credit cards are common, your cash needs will be relatively small. It’s still always recommended to carry some emergency cash while traveling, perhaps a few hundred US dollars.

For travelers venturing to places with primarily cash economies and unreliable ATM networks, you’ll need to bring enough cash to cover most or all of your expenses. When I traveled in West Africa for several months, I carried thousands of US dollars in my underwear! Travelers in this situation will want to pay special attention to planning your budget, storing all this cash safely, and knowing how you’ll exchange it for local currency.

international trip checklist reddit

In all these cases it’s safest to bring cash that is:

  • Relatively new
  • In large denominations, like $50 or $100 bills
  • In very good condition (not torn or creased)

This will usually ensure the best exchange rates, and make sure your cash isn’t turned down by picky money changers. You can usually ask a bank teller to help you withdraw cash that meets these requirements, instead of using an ATM and hoping for the best.

While traveling, always store your cash stash safely in a money belt or pocket underwear. Use ziplock baggies to make sure it doesn’t get wet or sweaty, and take care to keep it from getting crumpled or creased, as these factors can cause money changers to reject it.

Plan Your First Day and Night

For even the most spontaneous independent travelers, I almost always recommend planning these pieces at minimum:

  • How will you get from the airport to your first night’s destination? Local taxi, hotel shuttle, meeting a tour guide? How will you contact anyone you need to meet once you arrive, keeping in mind that your home SIM card may not work abroad.
  • Where will you stay your first night? Do you need a reservation?

international trip checklist reddit

After that, a spontaneity-loving traveler can wing it. Most people will do even more planning, and that’s fine too.

Take extra care with your plan if your flight arrives in the middle of the night. Sometimes, unless you have trusted transport arranged in advance and know the area you’re being taken to, it can be best to hang at the airport until sunrise. Transportation prices tend to be lower during the day as well.

Learn Some Local Phrases

Depending on the trip, this might be completely mandatory or just for fun. Regardless, it’s a great way to get a sense for a new country, show respect for the local people you’ll meet, and keep the language learning part of your brain sharp.

For those wanting to pick up a basic vocabulary and some key phrases, I recommend the Duolingo app. It can also be helpful to seek out a travel phrasebook, but this is really more a reference than a learning tool. It’s VERY hard to learn a language by simply reading a phrase book.

Travelers visiting for longer, in areas with very little English, or who just want to dive in fully can study a language more formally. I personally use and recommend the unique approach of Language Transfer , a free series of audio lessons that promotes an intuitive approach to learning language.

Guinea Truck Bonne Chance

Once at your destination, use tools like these to communicate and continue improving your language skills:

  • Notebook and pen, for writing down new words or keeping track of phrases to look up later
  • Google Translate app: you can even download individual languages for offline translation use
  • Pocket translation dictionary or phrasebook, especially for places where smartphones aren’t as widely used.
  • Picture dictionary, allowing you to point to pictures without needing to know the local word

Last-Minute Tasks

This will be a bit different for everyone, but here are some last-minute to-dos to keep in mind as you prepare for international travel:

  • Check in to your flight and arrange transport to the airport
  • Write down and/or cache offline any key transportation or hotel reservations and phone numbers for the beginning of your trip
  • Check to make sure you’ve packed all essentials in your carryon bag, if you’ll be checking luggage
  • Prepare your home: set the thermostat, turn off lights, arrange pet care, etc.
  • Get excited!

Preparing for international travel can seem overwhelming, but if you follow this checklist you’ll have all the essentials covered. Now all that’s left is to have an exciting, interesting, and enjoyable trip. Bon voyage!

More Travel Resources

If you enjoy traveling, check out the rest of the Exploring Wild travel resources , as well as these popular posts:

  • Responsible Travel: How to be a Good Human
  • Travel Tips: Coping with Culture Shock
  • Uganda: What Visitors Should Know About Ugandan Culture

Read more: More Travel Resources from Exploring Wild

international trip checklist reddit

About the Author

Hi there, I’m Alissa, founder of Exploring Wild. I’ve had the pleasure of traveling independently and solo on six continents, including some unusual destinations like Liberia and Sudan, and it has forever changed the way I see the world and myself. Learn more about me here .

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ONE CHEL OF AN ADVENTURE

International travel essentials you should never travel without – checklist.

Heading on an international trip and not sure what to pack? Obviously your packing list will vary by your destination, but there are several travel essentials that you’ll want to bring with you on EVERY international trip, no matter the destination. Here’s my international travel essentials checklist of items to bring — see printable checklist at the end of the post:

14 Essential Things to Bring on EVERY International Trip - International Travel Checklist

1. passport + travel documents.

Make sure you have your passport and all travel documents, including:

  • Your boarding pass
  • Confirmation of where you’ll be staying (customs forms often ask for the address)
  • Visa, if needed (check which countries require a Visa for Americans here )
  • Insurance (both regular health and travel insurance )

2. Copy of ALL DOCUMENTS - International Travel Essentials

I ALWAYS make a copy or two of my passport, Driver’s License, and Visa before going on any trip, and take photos of everything on my phone. It’s a good idea to keep one in your carry-on and another in your luggage just in case anything ever got lost. I also always make sure to have my Known Traveler Number (KTN) written down somewhere in case I need it – I wrote it in my passport book.

You May Also Like: 11 Thing to Know Before Traveling Internationally

3. Cash + Credit Cards

It’s always a good idea to travel with some cash and at least two credit or debit cards just in case one gets lost of stolen. I keep one card in my purse and the other back in the room or in a separate bag.

International Travel Essentials - cash and cards

TRAVEL TIP: Make sure you alert your bank that you will be traveling BEFORE you go. It’s a nightmare having your card frozen because your bank sees “suspicious” charges from another county.

4. Copy of Emergency Contact Info

Make copies of your emergency contact’s info and keep it in your luggage and carry-on. It is also a good idea to give copies of your itinerary to your emergency contact, just so they know where you’re supposed to be and when.

5. Phone + Portable Charger

Obviously you’ll want to bring your phone whenever traveling internationally (or literally any other time you leave the house, let’s be honest)! I also bring an extra battery pack too, you’d hate to end up with a dead phone in a foreign place.

International Travel Essentials - phone

TRAVEL TIP: Check out these 24 apps every traveler should have on their phone .

6. Universal Plug Adapter - International Travel Essentials

Save yourself some money in the long run and buy a universal plug adapter that will work in any country. This one is well-reviewed and under $20 on Amazon.

7. Hand Sanitizer/Wipes

I think now more than ever people are aware of germs. To help prevent you from getting sick and spreading germs, always keep a bottle of hand sanitizer or wipes with you when traveling. 

You Might Also Like:  How to Stay Healthy While Traveling

8. Medications + Basic First Aid

Whenever I travel, In addition to my prescribed medications, I like to bring a small supply of basic medications just in case you need them or they are not readily available wherever you are traveling to (try finding Benadryl in the middle of Croatia ). I personally bring:

  • something to help me sleep like  Benadryl ,  ZzzQuil , or  melatonin
  • Emergen-C  or  Airborne
  • Tums ,  Pepto ,   Immodium , etc
  • dry eye relief eye drops
  • a couple of  bandaids

International Travel Essentials - medicine case

TRAVEL TIP: Instead of bringing full bottles, use a travel pill organizer to save room in your luggage by bringing only what you need! You can use a sharpie to label what everything is on the cover.

9. TSA Approved Lock

Having a TSA Approved lock not only keeps your stuff safe, it may come in handy more than you realize. It can be used to secure a purse or bag to a chair at a restaurant to prevent theft. If you want to be extra cautious, lock up your suitcase and secure it to something sturdy anytime you leave your hotel room.

international trip checklist reddit

10. Lightweight Sweater or Jacket or Blanket

I always have a lightweight sweater or blanket in my carry-on no matter where I’m flying to (even a  tropical beach vacation ) in case it gets cold on the plane or in the airport!

You May Also Like: List of the Best Travel Pillows

11. Noise Canceling Headphones - Must-Have International Travel Essentials

I have said this in so many post, and I’ll say it again… Noise Canceling Headphones are SO WORTH IT. Yes, they are expensive, but I swear they make a huge difference and are worth the cost if you travel often.

International Travel Essentials - noice canceling headphones

12. Water Bottle

Water is obviously important! Stay hydrated on your trip and save money by bringing your own water bottle.  Vacuum insulated water bottles   are great because they doesn’t “sweat” and keep water cold for a long time!

13. Pen + Paper

You may not use a pen often, but you still have to fill out most customs paperwork by hand, so stick a pen or two in your carry-on. I like to bring a small journal with me as well.

14. Ziplock Bags

You’d be surprised how often Ziplock bags come in handy! They don’t take up any space, so pack a couple in your suitcase.

Here is a link to the International Travel Essentials Checklist in a Google Doc (seen below). You can “Create a Copy” and customize the list for yourself and print it!

International Travel Essentials Checklist

What do you always bring when traveling internationally? Share by commenting below or sending me a DM on Instagram .  Happy travels! 

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I had only few problems with travelling. I think it is very important to stay safe while traveling, during my last travel in Europe I had a problem with my date while using Wi-Fi a lot of my data from my Phone and Laptop where stolen. I think you should use VPN while traveling. Some VPN are free and worth using! https://howtogetavpn.com

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Journal of Nomads

16 Things to Prepare for a Long trip – International Travel Checklist

What are the things to prepare for traveling long-term? What do you need to keep in mind and how can you be prepared for anything when you’re going on a long-term trip? Here’s an international travel checklist with an overview of what you need to prepare and know before going on a long-term adventure.

I still remember that feeling of excitement when I was preparing for my first solo long-term trip.

I was going to travel for a year to Australia and New Zealand. I had little travel experience and not really a clue what I was doing. I felt nervous and anxious about leaving my family, friends, and home but also thrilled for the adventure ahead.

When you’re about to go on a long-term trip, there are a lot of things to take care off. And while you’re preparing for that adventure into the unknown, you might also go through a variety of emotions for the upcoming trip.

You might feel overwhelmed at times by all the things you need to do at home (storing your belongings, arranging a postal address, saying goodbye to your loved ones), nervous about the trip ahead (am I really ready for this??) and hopefully also very excited for this new adventure.

I can fully relate to these feelings as I’ve been through it myself many times.

How to prepare for long-term travel - International travel checklist- Journal of Nomads

I’ve been living a nomad life for 10 years now. Every time I’m about to leave my home base and set out on a new adventure, I have to prepare myself physically and mentally for the next chapter of my journey.

Reading Tip: Why I decided to leave the grind and become a nomad

Throughout the years I’ve learned a lot through trial and error. Realizing you can’t enter a country because your passport is going to expire within 6 months or having your credit card blocked because you forgot to tell your bank you’re traveling to a new destination isn’t fun…

To avoid making the same mistakes, I’ve started making an international travel checklist for myself with all the things to prepare before traveling to my next destination(s).

I’m also sharing some useful tips and resources so you’re prepared for anything while traveling long-term!

Disclaimer: This posts might contain affiliate links, meaning that if you make a purchase through these links, I may earn an affiliate commission. Thank you for helping to support this website!

TABLE OF CONTENTS

International Travel Checklist – Essential documents to prepare before traveling

1. get a passport with enough visa pages.

Depending on how many countries you’re going to visit, make sure you have enough visa pages available in your passport.

Some countries request having a blank page for either an entry stamp or a visa. If you don’t have any blank pages left, you might be refused entry.

Upon applying for a new passport, check how many pages the standard passport of your country of residency has. If you’re planning on traveling a lot, you should consider requesting a 52-page passport.

Most countries also require your passport to have six months of remaining validity . As you never know how your trip will go, just always make sure your passport is valid for 6 months beyond your planned trip.

If you’re already traveling and you notice that you’re running out of visa pages or passport validity, you should be able to renew your passport in your embassy or consulate abroad.

Just keep in mind that it will take longer to receive a new passport when you apply for one abroad than it would in your home country.

2. Check the visa requirements of your destination(s)

Never forget to check the visa requirements of your destination(s) before you leave on your trip. Some countries offer a visa upon arrival, other countries require you to apply for a visa in advance.

Nowadays most countries have an e-visa portal through which you can apply for a visa online. However, there are still countries that only issue visas at their embassies.

For a few countries, such as China, you have to apply in person in your country of residency. Keep this in mind if you’re f.eg. planning an overland trip from Europe to Asia !

A great resource for checking the visa requirements for each country and how to apply is iVisa . This service also offers assistance if the application process turns out to be a bit complicated.

10 years of experience - Everything you need to know about Hitchhiking - Journal of Nomads

Another tip is to always keep track of the time you have on your visa . This might seem obvious but is often overlooked.

I once miscalculated the days on my 30-day visa for Bali. Upon departure at the airport, an immigration officer kept questioning me for more than an hour why I had overstayed my visa.

I wasn’t even aware of it until I realized I had miscalculated with one day… I had to pay a fine and was able to catch my flight to Malaysia just on time.

So don’t make the same mistake as me and also, don’t leave on the last day of your visa in case your flight is delayed or gets canceled… You don’t want to be stuck at the airport like Tom Hanks in The Terminal. I’ll tell you later on in this article what to do in case of flight cancellation.

3. Get an international driver’s license

You might initially not have plans to rent a car and drive yourself but if you go on a long-term trip, it’s always good to be prepared for anything. You never know that you suddenly feel like going on a road trip or that you have to drive in an emergency situation.

When I was hitchhiking from Ireland to Central Asia, I had no intention of driving myself but it gave me peace of mind knowing that I could if something would happen.

Not all countries require an international driver’s license but it’s good to have one in case you run into any issues.

Kyrgyzstan Travel Tour - 8-day adventure overland expedition

4. Get proof of vaccination if required

Depending on where you’re going, you might need to get certain vaccinations. You can check here to see if your destination requires any mandatory vaccinations.

When I traveled to Africa many years ago, I had to get vaccinated for yellow fever or I wasn’t allowed to enter certain countries. I also got vaccinated for Hepatitis A & B, typhoid, diphtheria and tetanus. I’m telling you, I’m prepared for anything…

Nowadays it will also be important to check if you need proof of a COVID-19 vaccination or a negative PCR test result upon arrival at your destination.

5. Get an international debit or credit card, a travel card and cash

I always travel with 2 cards: an international debit card supported by Visa and a travel card. It’s good to have a backup in case one of the cards gets lost or stolen. That’s why you should never put your cards together in your wallet or handbag but instead keep them in separate places.

Most countries have ATMs nowadays but you need to check beforehand if you’re better of with a card supported by Visa or MasterCard . In countries like Kyrgyzstan, most ATMs only accept Visa cards.

Don’t forget to notify your bank that you’ll be using your card abroad. You don’t want them to block your debit or credit card when you need to withdraw money from an ATM abroad.

Bankomats and ATM in Uzbekistan - Uzbekistan Travel Guide - Can I pay with credit card in Uzbekistan - Journal of Nomads

I also have a travel card from Wise (formerly known as TransferWise). You can easily open an account online and apply for a debit card that you can use worldwide to withdraw money at a very low fee (1.75%).

Some countries don’t have well-functioning ATMs yet, like Uzbekistan , so it’s also very useful to bring some emergency cash. US Dollars are accepted worldwide and usually have one of the best exchange rates.

And last but not least, carry local currency with you in case you go to a shop or restaurant that doesn’t accept credit cards.

Tip: Most airports have ATMs nowadays but charge a larger fee than ATMs in cities. The rates to exchange money at the airports are also usually higher. Only withdraw or exchange enough money to get from the airport to your hotel or hostel and get some local currency once you’re in the city.

6. Make copies of your travel documents

Once you have all of the above documents in order, make paper copies of them. It’s handy to have paper copies of your passport, driver’s license, etc. in case you lose your original ones or if they get stolen. That’s why you should store the copies in a separate bag than where you keep the original ones.

Tip: If you travel in countries that are known for bribing officials, never hand over your original documents. Give them a paper copy instead and say that you left the original ones in your hotel room.

Fortunately, I’ve never been in such a situation but I’ve heard horror stories of travelers in which the officials would only return their passports after they paid a huge bribe…

I also always have a scanned copy of my documents on my phone and on an online account that I can access on any device.

Things to prepare in case of unexpected circumstances

7. get long-term medical travel insurance.

Chances are that nothing will happen when you’re on the road but look at what 2020 has taught us…

From catching a weird virus to motorcycle accidents, lost luggage at the airport, pickpocketing, breaking your leg while  skiing , or falling during a horse trek , bad luck can strike you at the most unexpected moment.

16 Things to Prepare for a Long trip – International Travel Checklist

Having medical travel insurance will be a blessing when you have to go to the hospital as you don’t want to spend your entire travel budget on medical costs.

For advice on what to do in case of flight cancellation and delay, read the section below.

Reading Tip: One of the Best Medical Travel Insurances for Nomads – SafetyWing Review

8. Know what to do in case of flight cancelation or flight problems

It can always happen that your flight gets delayed or canceled. Especially nowadays, due to the current situation, many airlines cancel flights last-minute.

Like many other travelers, I’ve had this happening to me in 2020. That’s when I found out about Flightright .

Flightright is a great platform to help you get to know your rights in case your flight is delayed or canceled, and they also offer assistance with flight problems caused by corona.

What to do if my flight is canceled? I firstly contact my airline to see if I can get a replacement flight or a refund. On top of that, I also check if I’m entitled to flight cancellation compensation.

To know how much compensation I can get for my canceled flight, I use Flightright’s free compensation calculator . They offer great advice to know your rights as a passenger and what you should do to claim your compensation.

If the airline refuses to pay, Flightright also has a team of travel law experts that offer legal services to enforce your claim.

So in case you’d encounter any problems with your flight (delays, cancellations, strikes, overbooking,…), definitely check out Flightright’s platform as they tell you in detail what you’re rights are and what to do!

Top 10 Budget Travel Tips for Student Travelers - Journal of Nomads

9. Know who to contact in case of emergency

Keep the contact information of your local embassy on your phone or write it down and keep it close in case you encounter problems with local authorities.

I once had trouble with some police officers in Kyrgyzstan who were claiming I needed proof of registration to travel in the country. That wasn’t true as these regulations had changed in the last year.

These police officers were just trying to get a bribe out of me. I kept my calm but when they started using threats like having me arrested, I took out my phone and told them I was going to call my embassy. They immediately left me alone.

It’s also not a bad idea to register with your local embassy . You can email them or give them a quick call as soon as you’re at your destination.

If there would be an unforeseen problem in the country, your government will know that you’re there and will help you get to safety.

I’d also recommend installing the TripWhistle app on your phone. This app maps your location, allows you to text or send your GPS coordinates to someone, and provides you with the emergency numbers for the police, the fire department, and medical services in nearly 200 countries.

Is Kazakhstan safe for (female) tourists

10. Keep a list of emergency contact info and stay connected with your home

As I often travel alone, I always carry a list with the contact details of my mother and sister in the form of a small card. I keep one in my wallet and one in my backpack.

I do this in case something would happen to me so medical professionals know who to contact.

If you have allergies, I would also write them down on a card. In case you need treatment and you can’t answer questions, the doctors at least will know what you’re allergic to.

I know that the list above seems a bit gloomy. I’m a very positive person and the chances that something happens on the road are very slim. It’s just always better to be safe than sorry and to be prepared for anything!

Now let’s move on to fun things to prepare for your upcoming adventure!

what you need to know before you quit your job and travel the world indefinitely

More Useful things to prepare for travel

11. essential travel items.

I’ll soon make a post of what I carry in my backpack as a long-term traveler. But no matter your destination and how long you go traveling, these are the items you should always pack:

  • small first-aid kit including bandaids, antibacterial ointment, paracetamol, medicine for stomach illness,…
  • hand sanitizer and toilet paper
  • small flashlight
  • portable charger
  • universal travel adapter
  • reusable water bottle with a filter so you can safely drink tap water wherever you are
  • pen and paper : very useful to take notes, fill in papers at customs,…
  • protein bars or snacks : if you want to be prepared for anything, make sure to have some food with you!
  • thread and needle travel kit : very handy when there’s a rip in your bag or clothing

Read: What’s in My Camera Bag – Essential Gea r for Travel Photographers

Backpacking in Georgia - everything you need to know - Journal of Nomads - waterfalls in Lagodekhi

12. Useful travel apps

It’s crazy to think that when I started traveling in 2011, smartphones and travel apps didn’t exist yet.

I used to find my way around places by using a foldable paper map, find accommodation by reading suggestions from a guide book or knocking on doors,… So much has changed in the last decade!!

I might sometimes feel nostalgic about those good old-school travel days but some travel apps have made things a lot easier.

Here are the travel apps I find most useful and are worldwide accessible:

  • Google Maps or any GPS app to find your way around places. I also download maps for offline use.
  • Google Translate : this app translates into 103 languages, has access to nearly 60 languages for offline use, offers camera translation in 37 languages (handy to read signs or menus) and has two-way instant speech translation available in 32 languages
  • XE Currency Converter : this app quickly provides up-to-day currency rates and you can also use it offline.
  • GlobeTips : this app advises you how to tip appropriately in more than 200 countries. It also offers a tip calculator.
  • Booking.com : there are many apps that help you find (last-minute) accommodation. I always use the booking.com app to find good deals that suit my budget.

13. Book first night accommodation

I’m an adventurous traveler and like spontaneous travel but I always book my first night’s accommodation in a new country in advance.

I’m usually tired after a flight or a long day of overland travel and it puts my mind at ease knowing that I have a place to relax for at least one night upon arrival.

It gives me the time to arrive, to adjust to my new environment, to explore the area, and prepare for the next steps of my journey.

Reading Tip: The Ultimate Guide to Finding Cheap and Free Accommodation around the World

14. Research your destination

I always do some research about the countries I’m visiting. Not only to have an idea of which places I would like to see but also to have some knowledge about the local culture and customs.

I don’t want to be an ignorant traveler thinking that the rules and etiquette from my home country are the same everywhere else in the world.

Research the dress code. You really don’t want to be that girl wearing short dresses in a conservative country or that guy wearing shorts and sandals while visiting religious sites.

Amazing places to visit in Georgia, the country - Journal of Nomads - Mtksheta - Religion

Know what is allowed and not to avoid misunderstandings. When I was hitchhiking from Ireland to Central Asia, I had to be very aware of my hand gestures. In some countries, a thumbs-up means the same as putting up your middle finger…

Remember that you’re a visitor. If you invite someone into your home, you would like them to respect your rules and customs. Do the same when you’re traveling, even if those customs don’t align with yours. It’s part of the travel experience.

15. Learn basic phrases

People love it when they hear you’re trying to speak their native tongue. They’ll react with amazement, give you a big smile, and won’t label you as “just another tourist”.

They’re happy when a foreigner puts effort into learning their language, even if it’s just basic phrases like “hello, how are you, thank you,…” and they’ll respect you for that.

By learning the basics of the local language, doors that otherwise would remain closed have opened.

I’ve been countless times invited for a drink, a meal or a sleeping place. People quickly open up if they hear you’re putting effort into learning their language.

7 Reasons why you should learn a foreign language today

Learning the local language has been a very enriching experience and taught me more about the country than if I would just visit its historical and tourist sites.

Reading Tip: 7 Reasons why you should learn a foreign language

16. Be flexible and have a positive and open mindset

There’s this saying ” If you want to make God laugh, tell him about your plans”. This is oh so true!

Nothing ever goes as planned, especially when you’re traveling. Unexpected things will happen. It’s part of the adventure and the journey.

I’ve learned to be flexible, have an open mind, and approach unforeseen events with a positive mindset. Every challenge is an invitation to learn and whatever came my way, it always brought me where I’m supposed to be.

International Travel Checklist - Things to prepare for travel - Journal of Nomads

I hope this travel checklist is helpful and that you’re feeling more prepared for your upcoming adventure! If you’d have more questions, feel free to leave a comment or send me a private message.

Do you have more things to add to this international travel checklist? Do you have more tips and resources that are useful to be prepared for anything on the road? Let me know in the comments below!

MORE USEFUL POST ABOUT LONG-TERM TRAVEL:

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Your article is very helpful, especially for the beginner.

Thank you Jay

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International Travel Checklist: 33 Essential Things You Must Do Before Your Trip

International Travel Checklist

Traveling Internationally Checklist: Essential Things to Do Before International Travel

This is the all-important pre-travel things to do list for worldwide travel.  Go through this essential international travel checklist as soon as you book your trip. Some of the most important things need to be done well in advance–like checking your passport expiration date!  Refer back to the list as your trip gets closer.

International Travel Checklist

***Before booking your trip, check if there are any covid restrictions and requirements for travel.  Keep checking for any changes until you leave for your trip.

After Booking Your Trip:

♦ Check that your passports do NOT expire within 6 months of your return date (some destinations are 3 months.)  Many people are turned away at the airport daily for this mistake! 

♦Take a photo of each and make sure it is backed up to iCloud, or pack photocopies in your suitcase (keep them separate from your passports).  *When booking airline tickets, make sure to enter names exactly as they appear on your passports.

♦If Visas are necessary, give yourself plenty of time to complete the process.  *Choose dates with a cushion on either end of your time frame to allow for unforeseen date changes.  Take a photo of each.

♦ Book your trip on a credit card that offers free trip cancellation and trip interruption insurance, car rental insurance, and does not charge a foreign transaction fee.  I use the Chase Saphire  Reserve Card.

♦ Get an ATM card that you can use at ANY international bank, without paying any fees.  Charles Schwab has an ATM that reimburses for any foreign bank fees for ATM withdrawals.

♦ Request a letter of proof of car insurance from a credit card company, for a car rental, if necessary.

♦Make sure you have completed any recommended or required vaccines .

♦ Check your medical insurance for coverage abroad and get any necessary medical documents.

♦ Check the carry on bag size on the websites of the specific airlines you are flying. 

♦ Purchase one of the Best Carry On Suitcases for your trip. Click here if you need a new carry on bag

♦ Line up someone to take care of your house, pets, etc.

♦ Get airport club passes or membership.  This makes the wait at airports so much better! Read How to Make Your Time In the Airport Quick, Easy & Fun

Checklist for International Travel 

Closer to your trip.

♦ Read Carry On Travel Packing List   and order any necessities that you don’t have.

♦ Check the weather for where you are traveling to so you can get an idea of the temperature. Pick out clothes that you plan to pack (shop if necessary.)

♦Email to confirm ALL of your reservations for accommodations and include any special requests and arrival times, transfers, tours, etc.

♦ Confirm any car rentals   *Check the pick up location and office hours, and get any special instructions if you will have an after-hours drop off.

♦ Get an international plan on your phones for texting, internet, or phone calls, then record any details about the plan in your notes.

♦ Download the airline apps for movies, check-in, etc.

♦ Get your seats on the plane by looking at the seating map.  Or, if you chose seats when you booked your flights, check to see if better seats have opened up.

♦ Download any necessary travel apps – Click here to read Best Travel Apps

♦Choose and download audiobooks   ( click here for Audible.com ), travel podcasts , walking tours , movies, or shows for your flights.

♦If you are driving to the airport, try to find an airport parking coupon and book online.  Put snacks and water in the car for your return.

♦If you are staying the night at an airport hotel, Click here for the latest prices on airport hotels

♦ Order special meals for your flights, or make a list of food to pack for your flight 

♦ Stop your mail if you don’t have someone picking it up.

♦ Call your credit card company to notify them of countries you are traveling to, so they don’t think your card has been stolen.

Must Have Packing Checklist

Just Before Leaving Home

♦ Print your Packing Checklist pdf   from signing up to be on my email list (scroll up, and enter your name and email in the box on the right margin) and check off items as you pack them

♦ Pack , using The Ultimate Carry On Packing List

♦ Take a photo of your passport .  In case something happens to it, having your passport number and photo will make the challenging situation easier.

♦ Print or take a screenshot of your boarding passes – Make sure that the spelling of all names is correct and matches your passports exactly.  

♦ Print your itinerary , as well as any tickets or vouchers, and put it into a page protector OR use the Google docs app for your itinerary and take screenshots of your other documents

♦If you are using a travel guidebook, Separate the pages by the area  

♦ Pay any bills that will be due while you are gone.

♦ Clean your house (or schedule your house cleaner for just before your return.)

♦ Clean out the refrigerator.

♦ Set your thermostat on hold with the desired temperature.

♦ Unplug everything possible to save energy.

♦ Turn a light on or set a timer for security.

♦♦♦Get all of this done early, so the evening before you leave, you can sit back, relax, and look forward to your trip as a well-prepared worldwide traveler!♦♦♦

Travel Resources

  • Save time and money by using the best companies!  For a list of all of my favorite travel-related companies, check out Top Travel Resources
  • Book your flight with   Skyscanner or read 8 Ways to Find a Cheap Flight
  • Book your accommodations with Booking.com  
  • Take carry on bags only! Get my ultimate Carry On Packing List , and learn how and what to pack for your trip!
  • Get inspired by 66 Quotes About Travel

Happy Travels!

For more tips on travel, please read:

Detailed itineraries for Europe, Southeast Asia, Latin America, and North Africa

Make the Airport Quick, Easy, and Fun with these Airport Travel Tips

Plan Your Trip! How to Plan Worldwide Travel In 12 Steps

How to Find the Best Places to Stay For the Lowest Price

Get Tips on How To Make Travel Fun For Teens

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The Essential International Travel Checklist PDF for Newbies

by Elizabeth Gorga - Last updated on July 5, 2018

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  • Before You Go

So you’ve decided to take the leap into international travel and your trip is just around the corner… but now what? The plan is in motion and anticipation sets in. Whether you’re planning to study , volunteer , work , intern , and just embark on a grand adventure abroad , any form of international travel is best planned ahead of time. After all, there are more things to do before traveling than just packing a suitcase and booking a flight (try our Flights page for discounted airfare for students!).

Whether you’re an organization freak or just want to prepare yourself in the best way possible, you need a clear plan with clear steps. A before travel checklist is the way to go.

Compass

Are you ready to GET YO’ TRAVEL ON?

No idea where to start? Lucky for you, GoAbroad has you covered! Here you’ll find the ultimate international travel checklist , complete with a planning timeline and packing list to make things easy for you. From the essential to-do’s , like picking your program and applying for visas, to finalizing itineraries and saying goodbye to family and friends, our pre-travel checklist will walk you through the six months leading up to your big trip abroad.

[ Download Our Meaningful Travel Checklist PDF Right HERE ]

It’s baby steps from here on out! Get moving on your to-do list early to eliminate the stress that comes with preparing for overseas travel. If you pace yourself now, you’ll be able to enjoy your trip abroad to the absolute fullest when the time comes!

international trip checklist reddit

A timeline of things to do before traveling

From the moment you decide to embark on travel abroad, it’s time to start planning. In fact, it’s never too early—the sooner you start to tick off items on your before travel checklist, the sooner you can relax and have fun!

3-6 months before departure

First things first: You need to pick a program (if you haven’t already). This first step is the most important, as it will determine how you go about planning in the coming months. There are endless opportunities for meaningful travel abroad, so if you’re feeling overwhelmed by the options, you aren’t alone. But selecting your program is the fun part (think online shopping!), and GoAbroad’s Online Advisor can help. Simply make a profile with your personal details and wildest travel dreams, and we’ll match you up with the best programs to help you reach your goals.

 Submit your application several months in advance—the earlier the better—and once accepted, you can start working on the travel logistics. Do you have a valid passport? If you’re an international travel virgin, you’ll need to apply for one right away. Make sure it’s valid for the dates of your trip. Have you booked flights? Are there visa requirements? Give yourself plenty of time for the paperwork. Does your program have additional requirements? Do you need a TEFL certification? What about CPR? Get crackin’ early so you aren’t pressed for time.

You’ll need to sort out your funding at this stage, too. Start budgeting to save for your trip, or look into scholarships and fundraising to cover what you can’t afford. Travel abroad can put a big dent in your bank account, but as long as you have a game plan, the price will be totally worth it. 

1-3 months before departure

Woman with great hair before traveling

Get a stellar haircut and tie up other loose ends, like doctor’s appointments or visits to the bank.

If you’re planning for an extended time abroad, your international travel checklist should include all of the necessary appointments to make sure you’re in optimum health for travel abroad. Schedule checkups with your dentist, doctor, and any specialists, sort out prescription medication for the length of your trip, and maybe even visit your hair stylist to make sure you’re feeling and looking good before you go! 

Your trip preparation checklist isn’t all tedious paperwork in the first several months. Now is the time to spread the word! Tell your family and friends so they can share the excitement with you, let your school or employer know about your plans so they can prepare for your departure, and connect with in-country staff to get more information about your program. Get inspired: do some research on your destination. Read guide books or novels by local authors. Reading ain’t your thing? Check out a documentary or listen to some music to get in touch with the country’s roots. The more you learn, the more real your trip abroad becomes!

One month before departure

Time is flying by! A month may sound like a long time, but you’ll be on that plane in no time. With your departure date quickly approaching, now is the time to hunker down and think about what still needs to be accomplished on your before travel checklist. No more procrastination!

Before you start on your one-month before travel checklist, make sure you’ve checked off any outstanding paperwork for visas and passports. Are your flights booking, programs confirmed, and budget in place? Once this is out of the way, your international travel checklist will help to finalize the fine details. Confirm your travel itinerary and accommodations with your program and lay the groundwork for any personal travel. If you plan to veer away from the group, think about transportation and hostel arrangements.

Next on the trip preparation checklist: start to tie up the loose ends. Buy the essentials from your packing list and say goodbye to friends, family, and your favorite restaurants. You don’t realize it now, but a Chipotle craving is bound to happen while you’re abroad, so eat that burrito and don’t feel bad about splurging on the extra guac!

Guacamole and chips

Impt item on you before travel checklist: Eat all the guac you can!

Need to brush up on those language skills? Buy a pocket dictionary or download Duolingo for your free time to brush up on key phrases and slang of your destination. You’ll want to pat yourself on the back when you can find your way around or have a short conversation with locals without a translator. 

Speaking of communication, make a plan with family and friends on how to keep in touch while you’re abroad. You won’t want to be tied to your phone or social media, but it’s a good idea to find an outlet to share your travels with those at home. Ever considered blogging?

Start getting EXCITED! This is the time to celebrate and have fun before your big adventure. Don’t forget to throw yourself a going away party, so all your besties can wish you bon voyage! 

One week before

The time has nearly come! At this point, there aren’t too many things to do before traveling. In a perfect world, your before travel checklist should be all checked off. Your passport and visa are ready, itineraries are finalized, necessities have been purchased. If you’ve been on top of your international travel checklist thus far, your last week will be a breeze.

There are just a few things left on your pre-travel checklist during your last week before departure. If you haven’t already, you’ll want to purchase travel insurance . Some programs include this in the program fee, so best to check with them first. If not, get this sorted right away—and no cutting corners with this one! You never know what can happen, and you’ll want the best coverage possible in case of emergency while abroad. 

Girl with packed bags before international travel

One of the most important things to do before traveling is packing your bags—smartly. Don’t overdo it!

Don’t forget to contact your bank and let them know you’ll be traveling. You don’t want to run into difficulties with credit or debit cards while you’re overseas. Enquire about travel cards, or think about exchanging currencies so you have cash for your first week or two after arrival.

And last, but not least, pack those bags! Make sure you keep two copies of all travel documents and IDs in your carry-on, along with some clean underwear and a toothbrush. As for the rest, your program should provide you with some must-haves before you set off on your trip abroad.

Download our travel checklist PDF ! 

Are you ready to take the plunge into international travel? If you’re committed to meaningful travel abroad, it’s time to get the ball rolling on the prep work. Download GoAbroad’s ultimate pre-travel checklist PDF to get organized for your trip abroad. Straightforward and simple, our international travel checklist will make your life a million times easier while preparing for travel!

 Not only do you get the essential international travel checklist, but GoAbroad has thrown in a bonus packing list. Whether you’re going for a week or a year, you’ll have the essentials covered. In addition to comfy clothes, don’t forget a few key items: 

  • Your passport!
  • Cash and debit card on hand
  • Travel-sized toiletries
  • Any medications or vitamins you need
  • Sunscreen and bug spray
  • Headphones, chargers, and adaptors
  • Translating device
  • Earplugs and eye mask
  • A good book and journal
  • Walking shoes and flip flops
  • Emergency contacts for your program staff
  • Extra underwear—remember, you can never have too many undies! 

Your daypack should carry all the essentials: ALL paperwork, toothbrush and deodorant for those journeys that turn into days on end without a shower, something cozy to snuggle on the plane, snacks, and anything else to make your trip more enjoyable. 

Girl relaxed while traveling abroad

You’re ready to make all of your life abroad and international travel dreams come true.

Remember to pack light! It can be easy to over-pack, especially when preparing for an extended overseas trip. Less is more when packing for your trip abroad. Whether you’re packing for a short-term volunteer stint or a year working overseas , the strategy is the same. Stick with clothing that can be layered or hand washed, and leave heavy books, high heels, hair dryers, and random accessories at home. You’ll be able to buy any clothes you need and most toiletries upon arrival, and that extra suitcase room will come in handy later for souvenirs.

You’re ready to get those travel plans rolling

That wasn’t too bad now, was it? Now for the fun part: stop daydreaming and put those travel plans into motion. With the right preparation, you’ll be ready for every excitement and challenge that comes with travel abroad. Throw your stresses behind you and dive headfirst into the trip of a lifetime. Adventure awaits!

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The Ultimate Packing List

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Christine Sarkis

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Ashley Rossi

There's a 95 percent chance Senior Editor Christine Sarkis is thinking about travel right now. Follow her on Instagram @postcartography and Twitter @ChristineSarkis .

Christine Sarkis is an SATW-award-winning journalist and executive editor at SmarterTravel. Her stories have also appeared on USA Today, Conde Nast Traveler, Huffington Post, and Business Insider. Her advice has been featured in dozens of print and online publications including The New York Times , Conde Nast Traveler , and People magazine. She has also shared travel tips on television and radio shows including Good Morning America, Marketplace, and Here & Now. Her work has been published in the anthologies Spain from a Backpack and The Best Women's Travel Writing 2008 . She is currently working on a travel memoir.

The Handy Item I Always Pack : The Trtl Pillow . It's easy to pack and comfortable, and makes it so I can actually sleep on flights.

Ultimate Bucket List Experience : Seeing the Aurora Borealis from the comfort of somewhere warm, like a glass igloo or hot spring.

Travel Motto : Curiosity is an amazing compass.

Aisle, Window, or Middle Seat : Aisle all the way.

Email Christine Sarkis at [email protected] .

Ashley Rossi is always ready for her next trip. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram for travel tips, destination ideas, and off the beaten path spots.

After interning at SmarterTravel, Ashley joined the team full time in 2015. She's lived on three continents, but still never knows where her next adventure will take her. She's always searching for upcoming destination hotspots, secluded retreats, and hidden gems to share with the world.

Ashley's stories have been featured online on USA Today, Business Insider, TripAdvisor, Huffington Post, Jetsetter, and Yahoo! Travel, as well as other publications.

The Handy Item I Always Pack : "A reusable filtered water bottle—it saves you money, keeps you hydrated, and eliminates waste—win-win."

Ultimate Bucket List Experience : "A week in a bamboo beach hut on India's Andaman Islands."

Travel Motto : "Travel light, often, and in good company."

Aisle, Window, or Middle Seat : "Window—best view in the house."

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Packing mishaps range from inconvenient (heading to the Caribbean without a swimsuit) to disastrous (discovering you left the country without your wallet), but most are preventable. We’ve created this ultimate packing list to help you pack well every time.

The Ultimate Packing Checklist

To see the ultimate packing list, scroll down the page or click here for an editable PDF version that you can save or print out. To customize the list, simply download or print it, then edit for your specific needs. You can also download the editable, mobile-friendly checklist here .

Clothes to Pack

  • Dress Shirts
  • Casual Shirts
  • Sweatshirts
  • Laundry Kit
  • Leisure Shoes
  • Hiking Boots
  • Dress Shoes
  • Collapsible Tote

Shop Our Clothing Packing List

Toiletries to Pack

  • Dental Floss
  • Conditioner
  • Styling Tools
  • Facial Cleanser
  • Face Lotion
  • Moisturizer
  • Contact Lenses
  • Contact Solution
  • Shaving Supplies
  • Makeup Remover
  • Menstrual Products
  • Birth Control/Medication
  • Nail Clippers
  • Hand Sanitizer
  • First-Aid Ointment
  • Insect Repellent
  • Pain Relievers

Shop Our Toiletries Packing List

Miscellaneous Items

  • Laptop/Tablet
  • Film/Memory Card
  • List of Medications
  • Banking Contacts/Information
  • Electronic Chargers
  • Emergency Contacts
  • Copy of Passport
  • Plug Adapter

Shop Our Miscellaneous Items List

What to Pack in Your Carry-on

  • Books or E-Books
  • Travel Blanket
  • Travel Pillow
  • Disinfecting Wipes
  • Change of Clothes
  • Empty Water Bottle
  • In-Flight Medications
  • Passport/Visa/ID
  • Credit/ATM cards
  • Insurance Cards
  • Maps/Directions

Shop Our Carry-On Essentials List

Packing Tips for Clothes and Other Items

Close up of person reading the SmarterTravel Ultimate Packing List on their phone while packing a suitcase

When packing for a vacation the most important things to keep in mind are the length of your trip, the weather, and any non-standard clothing or gear you might need.

Your first step when packing is to decide if you’ll be checking a bag or only taking a carry-on and then curate the amount of clothing you’ll need based on that decision. Typically, you should avoid checking a bag in situations where you have a layover since the likelihood of your bag going missing goes up with every connection . You might also want to avoid checking a bag if you absolutely need items in your bag on arrival—for example, if you’re going on a cruise.

If you’re packing more minimally, focus on packing layering clothes in more neutral colors. That’s not because we don’t like fun colors and patterns; it just means that neutral-colored clothing is more versatile, so you can wear these items more than once when you’re tight on space.

How to Pack in Just a Personal Item Sized Bag

Also invest in clothing that does double duty, like multi-use wraps , crushable hats , self-cooling and heating fabrics like merino wool layers , bug-repellent clothing , wrinkle-resistant shirts, quick-drying activewear and undergarments, casual sneakers, UPF-proof clothing , and compressible jackets … just to name a few. Look toward popular athleisure brands like Lululemon , prAna , and Athleta for comfortable yet stylish travel clothing.

When curating your packing list, you should keep in mind the length of your trip and decide on quantities from there. For a shorter trip (three to five days), you can probably manage with the following: one pair of underwear and socks per day, one pair of pajamas, one to two dressier outfits, one to two activewear or athleisure outfits, one to two casual outfits, and one to two pairs of shoes. For a longer trip (over a week), you can manage with one pair of underwear and socks per day, two pairs of pajamas, three dressier outfits, three to four casual outfits, two pairs of shoes, and two activewear or athleisure outfits.

And if you’re able to do laundry on your vacation, you can probably manage with even fewer items. Just don’t forget to pack a travel laundry kit .

Scrubba Untouched Review

Also make sure to bring along accessories like a money belt, scarf or sarong (can be used for things like an airplane blanket , coverup at the beach, or to throw over your dress on a cool evening), and a collapsible tote or day bag for any extra items you might acquire on your travels. If traveling to a city or destination that is prone to pickpocketing, make sure to pack some pickpocket-proof clothing and gear .

Depending on the type of trip you’re going on, you may need to invest in some special travel gear. We’ve tested out everything from waterproof baby carriers to interchangeable heels , so you can trust our recommendations. If you’re headed out on an organized group tour , you’ll most likely get a packing list from the tour provider, which should make your trip planning easier. If not, do your research online (one tip is to look at locations on Instagram and see what people are wearing) and consult this story for other handy lists of tips.

For more active trips, make sure you have a sturdy pair of hiking boots, quick-drying clothing, a day pack, snacks, and any necessary equipment. Check out our specific packing lists for hiking trips and camping trips .

The 5 Most Crowded National Parks (and Where to Go Instead)

Another type of trip that you may need to pack slightly specific items for is a cruise . Make sure you pack non-standard items like seasickness remedies, formal wear, dress shoes, and your bathing suit. Beach vacations also require different items like water shoes, towels, sunscreen, and maybe even snorkel gear. Luckily for you, we also have a specific cruise packing list and a beach vacation packing list .

Lastly, you need to consider the weather. For warm-weather destinations like jungles and Caribbean islands, you can obviously skip the coats and gloves, but if you’re headed out on a ski vacation then you’ll need a whole slew of things like goggles, a neck gaiter, snow boots, and more. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with a specific Caribbean vacation packing list , a Mexico vacation packing list , and even a ski trip packing list .

The Best Ski Hotels in the US

To help keep things organized, we love using packing cubes and/or compression sacks. They’re especially useful for when you’re traveling to multiple destinations in one trip.

Wondering how to pack all of your items? Enter the great debate of the rolling vs. folding method! While this is definitely a personal preference, we put two editors to the test to find out which method is in fact, more space-saving. Watch the video below to see the answer.

How to Pack Toiletries and Medications

Whether it’s important medication or your favorite lipstick, forgetting any type of toiletry can range from being mildly inconvenient to becoming a serious problem. For toiletries, make sure to pack your essentials, like medication, contacts, and any other items that you might not be able to purchase or replace during your travels. (Put them in your carry-on bag, not your checked suitcase.) However, if you forget items like a toothbrush or razor, you can typically call the front desk at the hotel for a spare.

We also recommend traveling with some type of a travel first-aid kit , which includes items like tweezers, first-aid ointment, bandages, travel-sized hand sanitizer, sunscreen, and insect repellent. Make sure to check TSA guidelines if you’re traveling with medication , as well as the policies and regulations at your destination.

Packing Tips for Everything Else …

Traveling without tech items like your phone, laptop, tablet, or camera can be a major bummer. For those traveling abroad, you’ll also want to remember to pack electronic adapters and converters . Other tech-related items for photographers to pack are a sturdy camera bag , backup batteries, and memory cards, as well as lens cleaner. And don’t forget smartphone essentials like a backup charger, waterproof case if you’re headed out on the water, and a phone stand or tripod for photos.

A travel packing tip we’ve learned the hard way? Travel with a copy of your passport, credit card, and bank contacts, as well as a list of medications and your emergency contacts.

If you are traveling abroad, we have an entire checklist for you, but the most important thing to note here is your passport and visas . Make sure that your passport is up to date, has as least six months of validity, and has enough blank pages for any stamps. Another tip for international travel? Give yourself plenty of time to apply for any visas that you might need and to arrange for a visit to a travel clinic if any special medications or vaccines are needed. You should also familiarize yourself with any remaining COVID-19 travel restrictions at your destination.

There are also some items that you may not think to pack, but should, like an electronic tracker , duct tape , toilet paper, a decoy wallet, or a whistle.

The 10 Best Expandable Suitcases

What to Always Pack in Your Carry-on Bag

In case you’re separated from your checked bag or other items, you should always make sure that you have your ID, wallet, house keys, medications, valuables, camera, phone, laptop, tablet, pen, cash and cards, glasses, and copy of your itinerary with you on the plane.

Other items that you might want to have handy with you include entertainment for your flight, comfort-promoting items like a blanket or pillow, as well as an empty water bottle to fill up post-security (here is a list of our favorites ), a change of clothes (just in case your luggage is lost or delayed), snacks, and gum.

If you’re looking to pack carry-on only, you guessed it: We also have a separate packing list and tips for that, as well as the best bags to use for carry-on only .

What to Pack to Stay Healthy While Traveling

The pandemic has significantly changed the way we travel and, by extension, the items we prioritize in our luggage. While many destinations have loosened or entirely lifted COVID-19 restrictions, some venues and events may still require a mask or proof of vaccination/negative COVID test to enter. Plan ahead to see if any activities on your itinerary have restrictions in place.

Sanitizing wipes and hand sanitizer , while always a good idea to have on hand at the airport , have become absolute carry-on musts. Wiping down areas like your tray table, airplane seat armrest, and hotel television remote can spare you from a variety of common travel bugs.

Editor’s note: This story was originally published in 2013. It has been updated to reflect the most current information. Ashley Rossi contributed to this story.

All of the products featured in this story were hand-selected by our travel editors. Some of the links featured in this story are affiliate links, and SmarterTravel may collect a commission (at no cost to you) if you shop through them.

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We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.

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International Travel Packing List: What To Bring When Going Abroad

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Unlike a domestic trip, an international travel packing list requires a longer checklist of must-haves. This is the time to invest in reliable gear that will prepare you for any kind of climate, as well as versatile accessories that you can use for sightseeing, going out and the journey to your destination.

Going abroad requires a longer checklist of must-haves when you’re packing for international travel.

Depending on where you’re traveling to, you should be able to find anything you’ve forgotten in your destination, but there are some essentials you’ll need on the way there, like a good multi-use power adaptor and TSA-approved toiletry bottles no bigger than 3.4 ounces.

The international travel packing list below will prepare you for any travel mishap, whether it be a backseat entertainment system malfunction or an unexpected downpour at the beach. For even more options, read our guide to the best travel accessories to bring with you on every trip.

The Best Patio Furniture Sales To Refresh Your Space For Spring

The best gifts for expecting moms to support and celebrate them, international travel packing list, at a glance:.

What To Pack In Your Carry-On: Fjällräven Kånken Totepack , Redagod Universal Travel Adapter , Anker Powercore III Wireless Portable Charger , Boacay Travel Document Organizer , Nintendo Switch Lite , Infurture Active Noise-Cancelling Headphones , Cadence Travel Containers , Arc’teryx Men’s Delta Jacket , Arc’teryx Women’s Delta Jacket , BlueMaple 6-Pack Copper Compression Socks

What To Pack In Your Checked Bag: Forge Cable Lock , Act+Acre Fulvic Acid Volumizing Shampoo , Cocunat Curl Moisturizer , Venture Large Body Wipes , EcoGoTravel Bamboo Foldable Toothbrush , Tropicfeel All-Terrain , The North Face Men’s Mountain Sweatshirt , The North Face Women’s Chabot Hoodie Women , Helly Hansen Men’s Loke Shell Jacket , Helly Hansen Women’s Loke Shell Jacket , Vuori Energy Top For Women , Vuori Strato Tech Tee For Men , Tropicfeel ProTravel Women’s Zip-Off Pants , Tropicfeel ProTravel Men’s Zip-Off Pants

What To Pack In Your Carry-On

Your carry-on bag isn’t just extra storage for items that couldn’t fit in your checked bag. It’s your repository for everything you might need in transit and, on the off chance that your checked luggage gets lost, it might be your only luggage for a few days. That means it should contain everything you need to keep you comfortable and fresh, while any essentials you may need on hand—like medication or documents—should go in your personal item. If you’re looking to secure a solid carry-on for years of future trips, check out our guides to the best carry-on luggage and the best carry-on backpacks .

A Versatile And Spacious Personal Item

Fjällräven kånken totepack.

Available in more than a dozen colors, this stylish unisex bag can be worn as a backpack or converted to sling over the shoulder like a tote bag. The soft-sided water-resistant material will protect your belongings from spills and the compact size means it will easily fit into that narrow space below the seat in front of you. With a sleeve for 13-inch laptop, plus an extra 14 liters of volume, there’s plenty of room to store your extra snacks, reading materials and even a sweater, if the plane gets cold.

A Solid International Power Adapter

Redagod universal travel adapter.

You can rely on this top-rated international adapter wherever you go. It features four outlet types that will work in the UK, the U.S., Australia and across Europe, and has four USB ports and one USB C port, so you can charge up to five devices at the same time. As long as you’ve got this in your carry-on, you’ll have every kind of plug you’ll need at your fingertips, so all of your devices can be charged in the same place.

An External Power Bank With Wireless Charging

Anker powercore iii wireless portable charger.

In case you’re ever on a long bus or train ride when you can’t plug in, or if you know you’re going to burn out your phone’s battery taking photos and videos on a full day of sightseeing, an external power bank can save the day. This model can charge up to three devices at a time with 4.5 hours of battery time, but the key feature is its wireless charging. If you’re doing a lot of water-based activities, moisture can get into your phone’s charging port which will prevent you from charging the traditional way. With this portable charger, you’ll always have a backup if something goes awry.

A Zippered Passport Wallet

Boacay travel document organizer.

There are a lot of stylish passport wallets on the market, but this is the most functional choice. It’s the one place where you can keep all your important travel documents, with a zipper that gives you the extra security to know that nothing will slip out when you’re not paying attention. It can hold up to four passports in multiple slots, and I love the internal pockets for storing my loose SIM cards. When I’m at the terminal, my favorite feature is the external pocket which I use to hold my boarding pass in a place I can quickly access. 

A Game Console You Like

Nintendo switch lite.

Gaming preferences aside, the Nintendo Switch Lite is a perfect console for travel. It doesn’t have the multiplayer features of the traditional Switch, but the price reflects that, and it matters less if you’re mainly playing to pass the time on long flights. It comes in multiple colors, which is great for personalization but there is only 32GB of storage so you will have to load up the games you like before you fly.

A Pair Of Noise-Cancelling Headphones

Infurture active noise-cancelling headphones.

I recently just replaced these headphones for the exact same model after nearly four years of use—that’s how much I stand by them. Comfortable, affordable and very effective at drowning out the hum of the plane or any chatty neighbors, I rarely leave the house without them, let alone the country. The key feature for international travel is the aux cord, which allows me to plug into the in-flight entertainment system directly so that I don’t have to use the flimsy wired headsets the airlines provide.

The Last Toiletry Containers You Will Ever Buy

Cadence travel containers.

Refillable containers are the best way to make sure you’re always complying with TSA regulations, but I’ve been through a few sets that are prone to leaks and feel impossible to clean. That’s why I love these innovative (and incredibly chic-looking) magnetic pods. Not only are they sturdy and leak-proof, but the magnetic labels can easily switched and the bottle sizes can be adjusted. Plus, they really elevate the look of any bathroom counter.

A Lightweight Layer For Men

Arc’teryx men's delta jacket.

Airplane cabins are usually cold, but they tend to feel colder when you’re traveling in the summer and aren’t wearing and packing your usual winter layers. This incredibly lightweight jacket from Arc’teryx is a smart solution because it can be folded down into such a small package, it barely takes up any room at all in your bag.

A Lightweight Layer For Women

Arc’teryx women’s delta jacket.

I also highly recommend this jacket in its women’s style. Designed for alpine environments, its breathable and moisture-wicking fleece ensures you’ll stay comfortable all through the long travel day and it’s a great layer to have if you’re planning outdoor adventures.

Compression Socks For Healthy Circulation

Bluemaple 6-pack copper compression socks.

If your feet are prone to swelling on long flights, a pair of compression socks can help relieve pain and discomfort by improving blood flow when you’re sedentary or supporting your muscles when you’re walking or standing for long hours. These BlueMaple sets come in a variety of styles so you can express your personality through fun patterns or match your outfit with a neutral color.

What To Pack In Your Checked Bag

A well-balanced checked bag should be 50 percent dedicated to your personal style—i.e., cute outfits for photos and stylish shoes for any night out—and 50 percent dedicated to function. Remember that international travel takes you to places you don’t normally go (like waterfall trails or windy archeological sites), so you should have a few key pieces that will keep you warm, will dry fast if you do get wet, and can be worn multiple times without needing a wash. If you’re looking to secure a checked bag for your next trip, check out our guide to the best checked luggage .

A TSA-Approved Luggage Lock

Forge cable lock.

Even if your checked luggage already has a TSA-approved lock built in, it never hurts to have a spare. Cable locks are preferable because they’re easier to get on and off than traditional metal U-lock. Forge’s cable locks, which we named one of the best TSA-approved luggage locks on the market, comes in packs of four, so you’ll have a lock for your whole family or just extra to spare. Approval is assured when you see the red Travel Sentry logo on a lock like this one. This model also stands apart from the rest due to its side window, which makes it easier to read the combination.

Dry Shampoo

Act+acre fulvic acid volumizing shampoo.

On your roughest travel days, you might not always have time for a shower—but that’s why dry shampoo exists. Most dry shampoos come in aerosol cans, but those can be tricky when traveling internationally. I suggest opting for something like Act+Acre’s Fulvic Acid Volumizing Dry Shampoo, which is a plant-based powder product (with a pump design) that absorbs excess oil.

Leave-In Conditioner

Cocunat curl moisturizer.

If you have curly hair like I do, a leave-in conditioner like Cocunat’s Curl Moisturizer can reset your locks in a pinch.

Venture Large Body Wipes

Wet wipes are another thing you’ll be grateful to have in case you find yourself in between showers for longer than you’d like. You can make do with a travel-sized pack or go all-in with these full-body wipes made of biodegradable material.

A Biodegradable Folding Travel Toothbrush

Ecogotravel bamboo foldable toothbrush.

Investing in a pack of these is a wise choice—its ingenious design cuts the size of this toothbrush in half while protecting the bristles from getting mixed up with your other toiletries. There are plastic versions with a similar idea, but the bamboo material is the more sustainable and guilt-free choice.

Versatile Quick-Drying Travel Shoes

Tropicfeel all-terrain.

When it first launched, travel brand Tropicfeel went viral on Kickstarter for its lightweight design. While this model rethinks the travel shoe for the rugged outdoors—thicker soles and a better grip—they still feel incredibly lightweight both on and off your feet. The waterproof features lead the way with a quick-drying design that prioritizes drainage and breathability. It’s an excellent hiking shoe that can handle any day of long walking in any environment.

A Comfortable Sweatshirt

The north face men’s mountain sweatshirt.

If you’re in the market for a new favorite hoodie or sweatshirt, prioritize something lightweight, warm and stylish. The men’s sweatshirt has a water-repellant finish and the insulation technology ensures warmth without adding too much bulk.

A Waffle-Knit Women's Hoodie

The north face women’s chabot hoodie.

The Chabot Hoodie, also from The North Face, can add an interesting texture to your look with a waffle-knit pattern and bold color options that are easy to style.

A Packable Rain Jacket For Men

Helly Hansen

Helly Hansen Men’s Loke Shell Jacket

You should never rule out the chance of rain on an international trip, but you don’t have to dedicate too much checked-bag space to your rain jacket either. This jacket can be folded down into its pocket and zips closed to form one tight little parcel that stays out of the way when you don’t need it. When you do need it, the waterproof material effectively locks out moisture, but there are vent zippers if you feel you’re starting to overheat.

A Packable Rain Jacket For Women

Helly hansen women’s loke shell jacket.

The women’s style is made from the same waterproof material and offers a flattering, slimmer cut.

A Moisture-Wicking T-Shirt For Women

Vuori Clothing

Vuori Energy Top For Women

A solid travel t-shirt that you can wear over and over again is worth investing in, and the Vuori Energy Top has been a staple of my suitcase for years. The tank-style cut adds a bit of style to any basic pair of jeans or leggings and the ultra soft moisture-wicking material has yet to lose its silky feel after years of wear.

A Moisture Wicking T-Shirt For Men

Vuori strato tech tee for men.

The men’s style has a more traditional cut but offers the same soft and quick-drying fabric, as well as a large variety of color choices.

Khaki 2-In-1 Outdoor Pants And Shorts

Tropicfeel protravel women’s zip-off pants.

Versatility, flatterability, and pockets? Say no more. International travel is all about adaptability, especially if you’ll be spending time outdoors. Zip-off pants have been around for a while and often get a reputation for being dorky, but the automatically adjusting waist belt makes this pair quite flattering. The breathable waterproof material also packs down incredibly small and takes up minimal suitcase space, while the pant legs are very easy to zip back on while you’re still wearing the shorts. As a bonus, the line where the zippers are is not as noticeable as you’d expect.

How We Chose Items For An International Travel Packing List

To select the essentials for a trip abroad, we tapped the expertise of freelance travel writer Jamie Ditaranto . Along with contributing to Forbes Vetted, Ditaranto has spent the last eight years writing travel content for Condé Nast Traveler , Travel + Leisure , National Geographic and more. She has lived in Mexico, Spain, Portugal and Brazil and has visited all seven continents.

As a writer who has taken more international than domestic flights in her life, Ditaranto put her first-hand expertise to the test for this story. When selecting the items for this packing list, she tested multiple products and considered the weight, size and durability of each. As an adventure lover, she especially noted the durability of each product she tested, as she is always looking for multi-use items that can be taken from a day on the trails to an elegant night out.

Why Trust Forbes Vetted

From meticulously testing and reviewing the best luggage to bring with you to the airport to the best packing cubes to keep you organized, we at Forbes Vetted have dedicated ourselves to helping make travel easy. When it came time to put together an international travel packing list, we applied the same unyielding commitment to ensure that our readers have everything they need on hand to see the world stress-free.

We examined each contender on this list, closely examining materials and construction and testing them out on multiple trips. To make the cut for our international travel packing list, products were required to be useful, versatile and easy to carry, so that you can toss them in your carry-on or checked bag without adding any extra weight or bulk.

Jamie Ditaranto

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The End Date of your trip can not occur before the Start Date.

Traveler reimbursement is based on the location of the work activities and not the accommodations, unless lodging is not available at the work activity, then the agency may authorize the rate where lodging is obtained.

Unless otherwise specified, the per diem locality is defined as "all locations within, or entirely surrounded by, the corporate limits of the key city, including independent entities located within those boundaries."

Per diem localities with county definitions shall include "all locations within, or entirely surrounded by, the corporate limits of the key city as well as the boundaries of the listed counties, including independent entities located within the boundaries of the key city and the listed counties (unless otherwise listed separately)."

When a military installation or Government - related facility(whether or not specifically named) is located partially within more than one city or county boundary, the applicable per diem rate for the entire installation or facility is the higher of the rates which apply to the cities and / or counties, even though part(s) of such activities may be located outside the defined per diem locality.

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Here’s Your Printable Oscar Ballot for the 2024 Academy Awards

international trip checklist reddit

By Savannah Walsh

Image may contain Jamie Lee Curtis Jonathan Ke Quan Accessories Formal Wear Tie Glasses Adult Person and Wedding

The stars are aligning for Oscars 2024 —and the simplest way to finalize predictions for Hollywood’s biggest night is by filling out Vanity Fair ’s printable 2024 Oscar ballot , which includes a complete rundown of each nominated film and artist. Hosted by Jimmy Kimmel, who returns for a fourth stint after emceeing back-to-back ceremonies in 2017 and 2018 as well as last year’s telecast, the ceremony features a list of 2024 Oscar nominees , led by Christopher Nolan ’s Oppenheimer with 13 nods, followed by Yorgos Lanthimos ’s Poor Things with 11. If you prefer to make your picks digitally rather than with a 2024 Academy Awards printable ballot, cast your votes via this interactive Oscar ballot . VF ’s Awards Insider team has made predictions for Oscars 2024 , so now it’s your turn to do some guesswork.

Print your 2024 Oscar ballot here.

In terms of pre-telecast prep, you can watch many of this year’s Oscar nominees from home—from Martin Scorsese ’s historic epic Killers of the Flower Moon to Greta Gerwig ’s Barbie , which is nominated in multiple categories, including best picture ( allegations of snubbery aside) . If you seek vital intel on some of the season’s biggest storylines, look no further. Get a breakdown of Barbie ’s twisted road to the Oscar , Da’Vine Joy Randolph ’s much smoother ride to a likely best-supporting-actress trophy for The Holdovers, and all angles of the tighter-than-expected best-actress race , which features a showdown between Poor Things ’ Emma Stone —who would join the likes of Jodie Foster and Jane Fonda with a second best-actress win—and Killers’ Lily Gladstone, who would become the first Indigenous best-actress winner.

One matter that has already been settled: The ceremony will have a buzzy lineup of presenters and performers . Costars from a few hotly anticipated 2024 releases will reconvene to present, including Furiosa leads Anya Taylor-Joy and Chris Hemsworth, as well as Wicked costars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo. And for the first time since 2009, a group of five previous Oscar winners will introduce each acting category’s nominees. As usual, several best-original-song contenders will also take the stage; highlights are sure to include Ryan Gosling ’s spirited rendition of “I’m Just Ken,” plus Billie Eilish and Finneas O’Connell, already 2022 Oscar winners for their Bond song, performing Barbie ’s “What Was I Made For?”

The 96th Academy Awards ceremony, the set of which you can get an exclusive look at here , airs live from the Dolby Theatre on ABC on Sunday, March 10, an hour earlier than usual , with the broadcast starting at 7 p.m. Eastern and 4 p.m. Pacific. 

Snag a front-row seat to the star-studded festivities by tuning into the Vanity Fair Oscar Party . At 8 p.m. PT following the 2024 Oscars , Queer Eye ’s Tan France and comedian Michelle Buteau, best known for Survival of the Thickest and Always Be My Maybe, will host this year’s livestream, featuring celebrity interviews, fashion commentary, and awards coverage. Hosted by VF editor in chief Radhika Jones, this year’s party will again take place in a custom-built venue located at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills. Acclaimed photographer Mark Seliger ’s portrait studio will return for a landmark 10th year at the 2024 Vanity Fair Oscar Party. Presented by Nespresso, Seliger’s studio will welcome A-list guests, nominees, and winners throughout the evening, with images revealed exclusively on vanityfair.com and Vanity Fair ’s Instagram. The hour-long livestream, presented by #SmartTox and ISDIN, will be available on both vanityfair.com and Vanity Fair ’s YouTube channel .

Until then, print out and fill in your Oscar ballot 2024 , dive into a comprehensive history of the Vanity Fair Oscar Party , and stay up to date on Hollywood’s biggest party. You can do so by signing up for the “Hollywood Daily” newsletter , and following Vanity Fair on Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , and TikTok .

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Inside the 2024 Vanity Fair Oscar Party

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From Emma Stone to LeBron James , Stars Collided at the 2024 VF Oscar Party

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Stay in the know and subscribe to Vanity Fair for just $2.50 $1 per month.

Lily Gladstone Melded Throwback Glam and Indigenous Elements for Her Stellar Look at the Oscars 2024

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Oscars 2024: So, Who’s Mad About What?

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IMAGES

  1. International Travel Checklist You Need For Stress-Free Packing

    international trip checklist reddit

  2. What to Bring on Your First Trip Abroad

    international trip checklist reddit

  3. What to Pack for 2 Weeks in Europe (Plus Checklist!)

    international trip checklist reddit

  4. 10 Free Packing Checklists

    international trip checklist reddit

  5. International Travel Packing Checklist

    international trip checklist reddit

  6. International Travel Checklist: What to Do Before Your Next Trip

    international trip checklist reddit

VIDEO

  1. Pre trip checklist #offroading #automotive

COMMENTS

  1. What's in your packing list? : r/travel

    6 pairs of socks and underwear in separate freezer bags with a dryer sheet in each. Extra pair of cargo pants, usually tan or sand colour. One pair of shorts. Travel pack of flushable toilet wipes, usually Cottonelle. Travel pack of sanitizer wipes, usually Wet Ones. Tooth brush and tooth paste.

  2. International travel for the first time—any tips?

    Try to only check one bag and take a backpack or work briefcase. If you go wild on souvenirs and shopping in France, just buy another suitcase in France for the return and use that as a carry-on. (Usually international flights include 1 free checked bag.) Bring a couple empty trash bags and maybe a couple empty ziploc bags.

  3. Packing for international travel : r/onebag

    OneBag - The Art of Minimalist Travel. This is a minimalist urban travel community devoted to the idea of helping people lug around less crap; onebag travel. Fewer items, packed into a single bag for ease of transport to make travelling simpler with more focus on the experience than the logistics. 701K. 585.

  4. Best First International Trip? : r/TravelHacks

    Canada is a good first easy destination. Quebec City feels almost European and is lovely. Going overseas, London is a great destination. You can easily spend a week without changing hotels Getting around is super easy and you don't have to worry about language issues. Scotland and Ireland are similarly easy.

  5. Checklist for traveling to Europe for the first time? : r/travel

    Bring compeed blister plasters with you in your day bag. Pack light! Most airlines inside Europe allow one single suitcase per passenger, and either one or two carry on bags. Smaller is better, as hotel rooms are small and if you are travelling by train, you want to be able to carry your own luggage without trouble.

  6. /r/SoloTravel: Where traveling solo is traveling social!

    Travel backpacks tend to be carry-on compliant up to 40L (in some brands: 45L), depending on the dimensions. Even for months-long or indefinite travel, you should generally not need more than 40L. Buying a larger backpack will just encourage you to overpack. Backpacks come in two styles: 'top-loading' and 'front-loading'.

  7. Travel checklist : r/travel

    Paddy-23. • 1 yr. ago • Edited 1 yr. ago. Electrical adapter so you can use our power grid. Headphones, ideally noise cancelling, make long-haul flights much more comfortable. Alternatively get some good earplugs especially if you're flying overnight and hope to get some sleep. Most other things you can probably pick up as and when you ...

  8. The Ultimate International Travel Checklist

    Start with this international travel checklist of items to pack: Passport and visa. Medications. Insurance and ID cards. Cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Pen to fill out customs forms ...

  9. What to Pack for an International Trip: A Complete Checklist

    5/5. Quality. 5/5. Value. 5/5. Packing the right amount of clothing for an international trip can be a bit of a daunting task which is why we're such major advocates for the Gonex Compression ...

  10. Ultimate International Travel Checklist: What To Do Before You Go

    Arrive at The Airport 2.5 Hours Before Your Flight. When flying internationally, one of the most important things you need to do is arrive at the airport at least 2.5 hours before your flight departs. If you're planning to check a bag, plan to arrive 3 hours before your flight.

  11. The Ultimate Packing List: 43 Must-Have Travel Items (by a Full-Time

    Here are the non-negotiable travel safety essentials that come with us on every single trip: Money Belt & Bra Pocket: Carrying a wallet in your pocket is pretty much an open invitation for pickpockets. Stash your cards and cash away in harder-to-reach places, like underneath your clothing, instead!

  12. The Ultimate International Travel Checklist

    12. Headphones. Headphones are one of the most important travel essentials. A podcast or music playlist is great for long travel days, especially if you are a solo traveler. 13. Earplugs. If you're staying in a busy city or in a hostel dorm room, consider packing earplugs.

  13. International Travel Checklist: 15 Essential Things To Do Before

    If you are gone for over a week, you might want to contact your post office to hold your mail. 14. Download books, movies or apps on your phone, e-reader and computer. It is a good idea to download any books, movies, reading material or apps you need on your smartphone, e-reader and computer before you leave.

  14. Our Ultimate Pre-Travel Checklist: Must-Dos & FAQs For Your

    Our International Travel Packing List. Here's everything I won't leave for the airport without when I'm traveling internationally, from the basic must-haves to some items you may not expect. Passport. Photocopy and digital photo of my passport, kept separately from my passport book in case of emergency.

  15. International Travel Checklist (25 Must-Do Items) [2022]

    11. Get credit cards in order. It's not that difficult to find a credit card that doesn't have foreign transaction fees (even a credit card with no annual fee). So be sure to pick up a card that won't force you to also pay foreign transaction fees on your purchases.

  16. Preparing for International Travel: Don't Forget These Essential Steps

    Check your passport well in advance of your trip, a few months ideally. This will give you plenty of time to get a new one if needed, without paying costly rush fees and triggering a panic attack. What to check for: Passport expiration date is minimum of 6 months after your trip (this is a requirement for some visas).

  17. International Travel Essentials You Should NEVER Travel Without

    7. Hand Sanitizer/Wipes. I think now more than ever people are aware of germs. To help prevent you from getting sick and spreading germs, always keep a bottle of hand sanitizer or wipes with you when traveling. You Might Also Like: How to Stay Healthy While Traveling. 8. Medications + Basic First Aid.

  18. The ultimate international travel checklist [2024]

    Use our full international travel checklist to get on top of everything before you travel. While you're preparing for your trip abroad, check out the convenient, cheap and flexible multi-currency accounts and cards from international money services business Wise. Wise cards let you spend in 150+ countries, in 40+ currencies, with the mid ...

  19. International Travel Checklist

    Nowadays it will also be important to check if you need proof of a COVID-19 vaccination or a negative PCR test result upon arrival at your destination. 5. Get an international debit or credit card, a travel card and cash. I always travel with 2 cards: an international debit card supported by Visa and a travel card.

  20. The Ultimate International Travel Checklist

    That ultimate international travel checklist. While you're wondering where to packing available traveling abroad, look no further. Here is the ultimate international journey checklist used the young, adventurous traveler. Gabrielle Budget Travel With Gabby.

  21. International Travel Checklist: 33 Essential Things You Must Do Before

    International Travel Checklist Just Before Leaving Home. ♦Print your Packing Checklist pdf from signing up to be on my email list (scroll up, and enter your name and email in the box on the right margin) and check off items as you pack them. ♦ Pack, using The Ultimate Carry On Packing List. ♦Take a photo of your passport.. In case something happens to it, having your passport number and ...

  22. The Essential International Travel Checklist PDF for Newbies

    Here you'll find the ultimate international travel checklist, complete with a planning timeline and packing list to make things easy for you. From the essential to-do's, like picking your program and applying for visas, to finalizing itineraries and saying goodbye to family and friends, our pre-travel checklist will walk you through the six ...

  23. The Ultimate Packing List

    For a longer trip (over a week), you can manage with one pair of underwear and socks per day, two pairs of pajamas, three dressier outfits, three to four casual outfits, two pairs of shoes, and ...

  24. International Travel Packing List 2024

    Unlike a domestic trip, an international travel packing list requires a longer checklist of must-haves. This is the time to invest in reliable gear that will prepare you for any kind of climate ...

  25. exempt check-in bags for international traveller. : r/travel

    For my domestic travel within the US be booking with a different airline. I've been trying to figure out if there are any exemptions baggage check-in fees for international travellers booking with different airlines for their domestic flights in the US. I'm recalling an experience from a while back when I traveled to the US.

  26. City Pair Program (CPP)

    The Origin is the airport code (domestic travel) or city code (international travel) that comes first alphabetically and the Destination is the airport or city code that comes second alphabetically. For example, you are traveling from Washington, DC to London, England. You know the city codes are WAS and LON respectively.

  27. Outrage over Brazilian tourist's gang rape in India

    The alleged gang rape of a tourist with Brazilian-Spanish dual nationality in the eastern Indian state of Jharkhand has led to outrage. The 28-year-old woman and her husband, who were on a ...

  28. Here's Your Printable Oscar Ballot for the 2024 Academy Awards

    Hosted by Jimmy Kimmel, who returns for a fourth stint after emceeing back-to-back ceremonies in 2017 and 2018 as well as last year's telecast, the ceremony features a list of 2024 Oscar ...