In this post we’re sharing our international travel packing list that’s designed for International travel, but it’s one that you can just as easily adapt for domestic trips as well.
- What to pack for international travel – packing checklist
- Recommended travel gear – tips and further posts
- Packing tips from seasoned travellers
International Travel Packing Checklist
- Passport and Visa
- Travel Insurance Documents
- Tickets/Boarding Pass
- Cash and Credit Cards
- Emergency contacts
- Mobile Phone/Camera/Tablet/Laptop & Chargers
- Adaptors/Power Board/
- First Aid Kit (and any prescription medication)
- Antiseptic wet wipes
- Tissues
- Toothbrush and Toiletries
- Pen and palm sized notepad
- If you’re not driving to the airport, don’t forget your house keys.
- Light waterproof mac or poncho
- The best sun protection hat you can find
- Sun tan lotion
- Sunglasses
- A crossbody bag
- Noise cancelling headphones
- Book
- Waterbottle
- Small Microfibre Towel
- Sarong (which can always double up as a towel)
- Ziplock Bags (for things like your phone charger, tablets, hand luggage liquids, house keys, mobile phone in bad weather)
- For 2 weeks: 4 Tops, 4 bottoms, 1 sweatshirt, 1 cardigan, 1 jacket, 2 dresses, underwear.
- Leak proof underwear.
Lifestyle Fifty readers love travel. We know that. So do we! An international travel packing list is something that I like to keep as a printout with our passports, so that I don’t have to re-invent the packing wheel each time I get out and dust off my suitcase.
Of course packing lists change with the type of holiday you’re embarking on, and the season, but the essentials remain the same. The international travel packing list we’ve given you above reminds you of the must-have basics for trips abroad.
Print the checklist out and keep it somewhere handy so that you don’t have to remember everything yourself every single time.
I asked friends and travel bloggers for their ideas and suggestions too, and they’ve helped me compile, what I hope you’ll find is, a useful and comprehensive international packing list for your future travels.
If you have any helpful additions or tips, please let us know in the comments 🙂
Travel gear posts and Packing Tips
- Make sure you travel with a crossbody bag. Here are some of the best Crossbody Bags we could find, and Best Luxury Crossbody Bags.
- For the best travel clothes – take a look at this post: The Best Travel Clothes recommended by top travel bloggers.
- If you’re going on a cruise then have a look at our complete Cruise Packing List and this post, Cruise Clothes – 7 Tips.
- You’ll also need the Best Travel Shoes to keep your feet happy and comfy.
- Do buy a lightweight suitcase – here are our picks of the Best suitcases you can buy.
- Do travel with clothes that will stand the test of time, wash well and not need ironing – check out this post Sensational Casual Clothes.
- Buy an identifiable luggage tag for your suitcase or individualise your suitcase with bright ribbons, shoelaces, or stickers so that it’s not the same as everyone else’s black suitcase on the luggage carousel.
- If you’re packing make-up then pop a small piece between your compact pressed powder and the lid to prevent face powder and eye shadows cracking.
- Make sure you have an HPM World Travel Pack .You know you’re in the company of a seasoned traveller when they own the HPM World Travel Pack. Whether it’s London, San Tropez or even Albuquerque, there’s an adapter to suit all your charging needs. The World Travel pack also comes equipped with 2 USB ports so you can charge your phone and other devices without the need to carry its dedicated power adapter saving space and valuable weight.
When you’re packed …
Packing Tips from Seasoned Travellers
Read on for some insider tips about what to pack and how to pack by seasoned travellers.
Pick a base colour and layer. In the summer take some 3/4 length pants in a base colour such as black, then add a colourful tunic top. If it gets cooler add a t-shirt shirt underneath, and a cardigan over the top, followed by a jacket. If it’s cooler then take long pants and a long sleeved t-shirt and layer with a cardigan then add a jacket.
This worked for me for 3 years all temperatures (including a winter in Austria)
You only need 3 pairs of knickers and bras as they can be hand washed and dry overnight.
Michele Legge from Legging It
I regularly travel with under 10kg in a backpack and carry on to the plane. I’ve travelled for a week in Madeira last May, and still had a new outfit every day plus a posh frock. Make sure you have packing cubes and make a list. Solid shampoo and toothtabs are your friends too – so you can carry on your toiletries. Simples. Coral from Travelling Coral
Yep pack your bags! Halve everything you pack, and maybe halve again😆Travel light! Annette
My only packing obsession are packing cubes – Amanda Kendle from Not a Ballerina
Me too. Packing cubes changed my life. And I always travel w Lavender essential oil to help me sleep. Jane Pelusey
I only take dresses … for 14 days I take 10 dresses , rolled up. A petticoat for bed … and a couple of pairs of knickers to hand wash.
Elizabeth
This is all we own and we Pack it all in a Carry On … We’ve been traveling for 7yrs now – Jane and Duncan Dempster Smith below, from To Travel Too
Don’t forget a powerboard says Carly Findlay
I always take an Aussie power board with USB outlets … that way you only need one adapter and there are no fights for who uses the charger !! Jenny Shenton from Healthy Skin and Beauty
I’d also suggest a World Travel Adapter This International Travel Adapter – and Smart Plug Socket Converter is for Europe, Australia, Asia, Africa, America – World Travel Adapter with USB, Type-C Wall Outlet Charger – Plug and Lock, Safety Surge Protection.
Or the Targus World Travel Adapter with Dual USB Charging Ports for Laptop, Phone, Tablet, or Other Mobile Device .
- Includes 2 USB Ports and 1 standard AC Plug-in
- Compatible with countries in Africa, Asia, the caribbean, central America, Europe, the middle east, and North America
- Takes up minimal space with compact design
- Works with most Electronics, designed for worldwide Voltage compatibility (110 vac-250 VAC)
- Includes 4 integrated charging plugs
Only ever take carry on. Packing cubes are the best thing ever. Pack separates, making sure that every top matches every bottom. I can fit 48 outfits including different shoes and accessories)in one carry on. Start with shoes and choose items that go with your shoes rather than vice versa. You will have far more to wear and will pack less – Jo Karnaghan from Frugal First ClassTravel
Always travel with a sarong. It’s a towel, a picnic rug, a dress, a rug, a head covering, a sunshade, it’s everything !! Fiona Lowe Author
I had so many dramas travelling for 3 months and only being allowed 1 suitcase. The hardest thing was to accommodate an 8 week cruise within the three months for which I needed a different wardrobe. I texted a girlfriend and she suggested that I take 4 dresses suitable for evening wear. One for Mondays and Wednesdays, one for Tuesdays and Thursdays and one for Friday and Sundays, and then something special for Saturdays. She then said apply the same rule for day wear.
Jane
Don’t take anything / buy it all there from a Vinnies or such like and then give it back when you head home:)))) – Kim from Peppermint Lane Lodge
I’ve travelled with a 50 litre backpack bag for the past 2 years. Oh, and roll everything. Amazing how many little nooks and crannies you can fill when you roll your clothes.
Susan
I roll my clothes – it reduces creases. I take different sized zip lock bags to keep things separate – such as dirty washing (just in case you don’t get to wash before moving on) and things like chargers, power adaptors, shower gels and other liquids. Ziplocks are great for airports, but also great for possible leaks (I know … I know … single use plastics are a no no – but I use mine until they fall apart so I don’t feel toooo guilty). I pack a large scarf that can be used as a wrap as well as other uses like a sarong.I find it more versatile than a sarong. Then I wear my chunkiest shoes and heaviest jacket/jumper on the plane. My hubby has HUGE shoes … so I limit him to one pair – Shamara from The Joy of Less
I’m another fan of packing cells. I bought a pack six years ago in Aldi and they’re still going strong. Dan and I pack all our stuff into one of the big packing cells, one medium one for each of the girls and we use one of the small ones for chargers/techie stuff, and one to hold all out swimming gear. It works well as when you get to your destination, you just have to pull out a bag each. Have taught the girls how to pack too… they’re getting very good at it! No towels either, just four sarongs. They’re amazingly versatile and take up very little room.
Linda McCormick – Verdemode
If you have boomer-aged readers: Traveling carry on-only is great as long as you are able to lift the bag into the overhead on your own. However it is not worth injuring a shoulder or back and ruining a trip. Sometimes, checked luggage is a good idea, no matter how lightweight we have packed. Donna Leftwich Hull from My Itchy Travel Feet.
“A good old rucksack…. everything that does not for in is not needed!”
Ariane
If you take heavy walking boots then wear them on the plane if you feel comfy in them. If not pack them, but stuff them full of small flexible items or breakables. Jan Robinson from Budget Travel Talk
A lot of our clothing is dark in colours. That way when we have to wash I don’t have to worry about separating colours. The few light coloured things I have can be hand washed. Melissa from All Around Oz
I love using travel cubes within my suitcase so that I can sort clothing into types. Eg: Underwear, t shirts, jeans, etc. It keeps everything neat and orderly in your case and makes it easier to find what you want to wear. Kathy from 50 Shades of Age
I only travel with a hand luggage bag 10 kgs and a small square bag which sits on top of the hand luggage. It’s easy for getting in and out of busses trains and other transport and I can take plenty of clothes – but only one warm flexible jacket.
Avril
I always take a big melaware cup – because who wants a small cup of tea! Jo Parfitt writer, publisher, mentor, speaker, teacher.
Must have packing list for your trips and adventures
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International Travel Packing List.
Have you got any tips for items to add to an international travel packing list? Please share with us in the comments.
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Winter Looks To Keep You Sizzling into Spring
Hi Jo
Thanks for the very informative packing list.
I would add a Swiss Army knife or similar for cheese and bikkies, opening a corked bottle, cutting cable ties, cutting nails etc
Cable ties for if the case or shoe etc falls apart.
Scarf or buff when you don’t need a full jacket or jumper but something to have around your neck.
Download offline maps for travel destinations.
Many thanks once again ⛵️
Thanks so much for these tips Margo. They are all helpful, and great additions to the list. Much appreciated 🙂 x
I will have to save this post for the next time we can actually go travelling? Hope you guys are well and coping with being at home and not travelling in these uncertain times. Stay safe.
Let’s hope we can all get back to travel in the not too distant future. Yes we are fine, thank you. I really hope you are too. Stay well x
Hi – I always take a pashmina on the plane – its warm, doubles up as a pillow and can be used as a scarf or evening wrap and perfect for overly airconditioned hotels.
Such a good idea Ludmila 🙂
Hi Jo, I just got back from Melboure and I took my ‘Christin’ bag that I ordered on-line from your blogg from ‘Travel and Living Collection’ It is the best travel bag ever. I ordered it in the light blue colour which I love !!!
Thank-you xxx
I’m so so glad Christine! I know Christin will be so happy that you love it too. I agree the light blue, clay colour is fabulous – I have it too – it seems to go with so many colours. It really is a practical and luxe leather bag all round. Thank you for popping by to let us know your thoughts 🙂 x
Love this list of packing tips. I have to say that I do travel with most of them and still struggle to get everything in a carry-on. I hate to carry anything extra so I keep preening down my list.
Hi Sue, I’m sure that you are a seasoned packer, and we can learn a lot from you too 🙂
As much as I’d love to travel only with a carry on, I have to agree with Donna Leftwich Hull. It took me a year and a half to recover from injuring both shoulders hoisting my suitcase up on a plane and train. (I’m too proud/dumb to ask for assistance). Having said that, even though I usually have to check 1 suitcase, I only use a suitcase that could actually qualify as a carry on even in Europe as it is only 20 inches. Despite my no hoisting over my head rule, I do make sure I can carry it up and down stairs.
I’ve never gotten into packing cubes. I still have to try the ones our son gifted us. I am a firm believer in the tie down packing method. My clothes mostly arrive looking like they were just ironed. Admittedly, I also try to pack clothes that are as wrinkle resistant as possible. I’m traveling now for 5 weeks (different) climates with my 20 inch suitcase. Admittedly, I’m only 5’3” tall, so my clothes are smaller than some have to deal with. Fortunately, we’ll be staying with friends (and their washing machine) in Perth. 😉
Hi Suzanne, oh the joys of packing and what to take. Me too, I am hopeless at packing just carry on, and I have downgraded from a large suitcase that used to fit way more than I needed in it, to a smaller (could be 20 inch) suitcase which I can lug up and down stairs at train stations or wherever. What is the ‘tie down’ method of packing? I haven’t got into packing cubes yet either although so many people love theml I generally twist and fold trying to do as little damage to the clothes as I layer them in. But I always end up with some ironing – or just say, sod it and look creased! Yay, for your friends washing machine in Perth! I hope it’s not too time consuming though as I do want to see you 😉 Lol!
Long haul trips and extended stays – yup. So we’re always looking for the ideas of others at conquering the packing dilemma for long stays. Am loving that charger!
Hi Lori, Lol! Yes we all need that charger. I’m going to get one!
Thanks Jo for such comprehensive tips for packing for long haul flights. While many tips are familiar, there were new ones too. For me, your suggestion to print out a list and place it with my passport; to use zip lock bags more; plus the tip to take a large melaware cup on the flight (hate those tiny little cups) were all tips I will use.
I’m glad you found some new tips and useful bits of advice for packing Estelle. I also found quite a few new ideas from the suggestions of friends and travel bloggers in this post. Onwards in packing (and travelling!)
What a great bunch of suggestions! I’ve become fond of the Travel & Living Collection’s crossbody Christin bag above; it is beautiful!
The Christin bag is gorgeous Carole – highly practical for travelling, light, luxe leather that will last and get even better as it ages 🙂
What a great list. I use most of the items regularly, but think the most important tip for me is “not reinventing the wheel” I’m going to add a permanent list on my phone so I can adjust as needed and stop duplicate packing!
Great that it helped you Alison. I’m so glad that the packing list might help you not having to reinvent the wheel. Adding the list to your phone is probably a much better option than printing it out – much easier to adjust for various trips as you say 🙂
I always take a ball cap of light material with me for bad hair days. One flip-flop and one pair of shoes and 7 tops and 3 bottoms for me! I should be good for a week. And then I just repeat for more than a week’s travel.
What some great tips! Thanks Carol 🙂 Sounds as if you are a well seasoned packer too 🙂
I love reading the recommendations of others and learning how they travel! I think we all have to travel with what makes us comfortable. I have a friend who would have her trips wrecked if she didn’t have at least four pairs of shoes – which gives me the shudders and makes her feel good. She’s never tried lifting a suitcase through a narrow train door at the top of two steep steps in Europe or carried it up a stairway from a subway. After a few trips you get a feel for what is ‘right’ for you and usually that means less-is-better.
That is such a good point Jackie! We all travel differently and have different needs. Me too, I love the recommendations from other travellers, and I’m constantly amazed 🙂