Are you planning to travel internationally and don’t know what essential documents and items to carry? This all-inclusive international travel checklist is all you need before your next international destination.
This year, I traveled to Bali and Almaty and can tell you from experience that traveling to foreign lands requires a lot of research and planning on items that should be packed no matter what (or shouldn’t be packed).
This checklist will be your compass, guiding you past packing pitfalls and toward stress-free international escapades. Forget the frantic searches at airport kiosks or the sinking feeling of realizing you left your adaptor in the toaster – we’ve got you covered from essentials to “wish I’d brought that.”
Buckle up, globetrotters, for a journey through document must-haves, clothing hacks, and tech tricks that’ll make you the envy of every customs line.
Essential Documents To Prepare Before Traveling
Check The Validity Of Your Passport
The first thing on your international travel checklist should be to check the passport validity.
Most countries have a prerequisite of 6-month passport validity. However, there are unknown circumstances that can change the whole trip timeline. So, we advise that you ensure your passport has a validity date that covers six months after the return date of your vacation.
Also, opting for a 52-page passport is beneficial if you travel internationally. This way, you will have more pages that can last longer.
Check The Visa Requirements Of Your Destination
Checking the visa requirements of your destination is another crucial item on your international travel checklist.
Some countries offer on-arrival visas, while others require you to apply for a visa in advance and go to a personal interview before they give you a visa stamp. Then, some countries offer online portals that allow you to apply for a visa without physically going to the embassy (also known as e-visa).
Besides that, you must check the additional visa requirements if you travel with children. Some countries need official permission or consent from your legal partner if both parents are not traveling with the kids. So, we advise carefully reviewing all the requirements before booking your international vacation tickets.
Remember, preparation is the name of the game. Start the visa waltz well before your departure date and research like a seasoned detective. Bookmark embassy websites, scour travel forums, and follow official social media accounts for updates.
Never Forget About Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will keep your mind at ease in case something goes wrong while you travel with your loved ones. Many options cover your delays, cancellations, medical emergencies, and belongings. Some offer limited covers, while others provide full trip packages.
Go through all the pros and cons of the options and pick the ones that cater to your needs and fit your budget.
Study The Health And Vaccination Requirements
Go through the health check-up and vaccination requirements of your destination. You may need to be vaccinated before you visit certain places. In some countries, vaccination may not be mandatory but is highly recommended due to the high risks of certain diseases. For example, a lot of countries in the African region require you to take the yellow fever vaccine. CDC recommends getting a Hepatitis A shot if you are traveling to India. Find more here.
Also, don’t forget to review the rules for the medications you wish to carry. Some countries require doctor’s prescriptions for specific medicines. Check all these particulars for safe travel. You should always check the rules for entering a country with medicines with the embassy of the country you will be visiting.
Budget According To Your Destination
You never want to be stuck in a foreign country without local currency or cards to pay. So, we advise you to sort out your estimated money requirements before traveling to your destination.
Try carrying a VISA/MasterCard, Travel Card, and cash (by this, I mean USD). Never keep them in your bag together in case they are misplaced or stolen.
Check which cards are widely accepted at ATMs and stores in your destination. Be aware that some countries have limited card acceptance, like in Kyrgyzstan, where only VISA cards are used. It’s better to be prepared and avoid potential hiccups in accessing your funds.
For emergencies, carry some USD as they are widely accepted in all countries. You can easily exchange them anywhere in the city.
Apply For IDP (International Driver Permit) If Required
Hitting the Road Abroad? Don’t Forget Your International Driver’s Permit.
Whether planning a road trip through the Scottish Highlands or a coastal cruise around Vietnam, an International Driver’s Permit (IDP) is your essential companion for navigating foreign roads. A simple Google search with an IDP license + “your country” should give accurate results. Follow the process, apply for IDP, and keep it safe.
Keep Photos And Spare Copies Of Travel Documents
When all the documents are ready and sorted, make copies and store them separately from the originals. You can show these copies wherever the original ones are not mandatory and eliminate the chance of misplacing them.
Alternatively, you can click photos of your document on your smartphone and keep a digital copy, which is handy while traveling. You can show something as proof if your documents are stolen or misplaced.
Essential Activities To Perform Before Traveling Internationally
Conduct A Comprehensive Research Of Your Destination
Before you blast off to that dream destination, there’s one secret weapon every seasoned traveler wields: Research! Digging into the local scoop, like customs, greetings, and even what not to wear (trust me, you don’t want to be “that tourist” in the sacred temple!), is like packing a superpower for your trip.
So, research your destination enough.
Pack As Per The Weather
When you plan your vacation, do not forget to research the weather of your destination during your visit. Knowing the weather will help you pack all the essentials required during your journey.
For example, if you are visiting a place in the monsoon, you must pack raincoats, waterproof boots, and umbrellas to explore the region without any unnecessary hassle. You should keep sweaters, thermals, and more if it’s cold.
Prior Flight Check-In
Raise your hand if you’ve ever stood in that dreaded airport check-in line, clutching your passport like a lifeline and desperately waiting for your turn. If you can relate to this, online check-ins are a godsend.
Online check-in also offers a convenient way to stay updated on flight status. Incorporating this into your pre-travel routine minimizes stress and creates a more enjoyable international travel experience.
Complete Your Accommodation Bookings
You should always research all viable options to stay based on your preferences and budget, considering factors like location, amenities, and guest reviews. Options include hostels, Airbnb, hotels, B&B, and guest houses.
You’ll know exactly where you’re laying your head and ditch the frantic hotel hunt after a long flight. Plus, having a confirmed reservation feels like a warm hug.
But don’t just book and forget! Grab those confirmation emails and save them somewhere to access them easily, even if your phone dies. Think screenshots, offline copies, or even printing them out (old-school, but it works!), and having those details handy lets you check in with a snap, even if WiFi decides to play hide-and-seek.
Secure Your Home
If you travel internationally leaving an empty home, you have to ensure your house is protected when you leave it. Inspect all your house’s locks and ensure everything is working correctly. In case something is broken, carry out the repairs immediately to avoid any last-minute hassle.
Things To Prepare In Case Of Unexpected Circumstances
Create A List Of Emergency Contacts
Always carry the number of your country’s embassy at the destination you are traveling to. Save it on your mobile and even write it down on paper that you should always keep on yourself.
You can always request assistance from the embassy if you get into trouble with the local authorities.
Keep A List Of Emergency Contact Information And Stay Connected With Your Home
Whenever you think of traveling internationally, list your emergency contacts (family members or friends) and save them on your smartphone. You can also keep a physical copy with you while you travel. Besides this, make sure you have informed them that you are traveling to a particular region for the given dates and get their updated contacts.
This way, you can contact them, tell them about your whereabouts, and ask for assistance in case of any emergency. This step is critical for people who like to travel solo.
Understand The Process Of Dealing With Flight Cancelation Or Flight Problems
Cancellation of flights is usual nowadays. So, knowing all the rules and compensation guidelines for the flight cancelation issue can help you contact the airlines, book accommodation, and get vouchers or compensation smoothly.
Opt For Long-Term Medical Travel Insurance
Long-term medical insurance provides comprehensive coverage for medical emergencies, ensuring you have access to necessary healthcare services abroad. Before you take on anything, you should thoroughly review the terms and conditions to understand the extent of coverage.
It is essential for extended stays, safeguarding against unexpected illnesses or accidents, and more. Prioritize policies that include coverage for hospitalization, medical evacuation, and prescription medications.
Sort Your International Calling And Communications
The ability to communicate is another central point to cover on your international travel checklist. Here are some tips to consider:
- Ensure your smartphone is unlocked for international use, and consider obtaining a local SIM card or a global roaming plan. Also, if your smartphone supports eSIM, opt for it for better convenience.
- Download messaging apps for free or low-cost communication and enable international calling features if necessary.
- Familiarize yourself with time zone differences to coordinate with contacts effectively.
International Travel Packing Checklist
Essential Travel Items To Never Forget
- Electronics: Keep everything you like to carry – camera, gimbal, tripod, lenses, and more.
- Electric Adapter – An electric adapter is essential to any international travel packing checklist. You have to know that American gadgets run on 110 volts while European ones run on 220 volts. In any case, you must research and pick the suitable adapter according to your destination. They are inexpensive and readily solve your device charging issues. Pro Tip: Some adapters have multiple fittings to fit in most countries. Grab that.
- Chargers: Don’t forget to pack your chargers for your smartphone, laptop, camera, or any other electronic item you wish to carry on your trip. With the apt charger, you can ensure proper charging of your device.
- Notebook/Pen: A small notebook and pen will help you note important things and act as pocket organizers.
- Leak-Proof Plastic Bags: Pack different sizes of leak-proof plastic bags to pack leftovers, separate your dirty laundry, and secure any wet items safely.
- Flashlight: Whether you are going out for late-night trips, want to read your favorite book under the sheets, or set a camping site with your loved ones, a small, handy, and powerful flashlight will always help you in several situations.
- First-Aid Kit: Pack a first-aid kit with medicines, cotton, sanitizer, antiseptic disinfectant, band-aid, etc., to deal with emergencies.
- Small Day Bag: A small bag safely carries all your essential items. However, make sure you secure it properly to avoid any theft.
- Reusable Bottle: Stay hydrated and minimize plastic waste with a reusable water bottle.
- Sunscreen: Protect yourself from the sun with a travel-sized, reef-safe sunscreen.
- Travel-Sized Toiletries: Pack the essentials like shampoo, conditioner, soap, and toothpaste in TSA-approved sizes.
Clothing for Traveling Abroad
- Comfortable Shoes To Walk Around – Trust me, your feet will thank you for packing comfy walking shoes. Sneakers or sandals with good support are your travel BFFs.
- Comfortable Clothes – Opt for breathable, versatile pieces like t-shirts, tank tops, and wrinkle-resistant pants. Think of layers you can mix and match for different destinations and weather.
- 1-2 Nice Clothes – Pack dressier pieces for fancy dinners or special occasions. You’ll feel polished and ready for anything.
- Jacket – A versatile jacket is key for adjusting to changing temperatures. Consider a light rain jacket or a denim jacket that can layer with scarves or sweaters.
- Scarf – This multi-talented accessory can be a scarf, blanket, or makeshift headscarf for cultural sites. Bonus points for packing a bright pop of color!
Essential Things To Keep In Your Hand Luggage
- Neck Pillow to sleep well
- Travel Itinerary: Think of it as your map through the destinations. It will help you quickly cover everything and have all relevant information at your fingertips. Print or save electronic copies for easy access.
- Passport and Visa: These go without saying! Ensure your passport is valid, and check visa requirements for your destination(s).
- Debit Cards, Credit Cards, and Cash: Research local currency and bring some cash (keep both USD and local currency)—pack cards with no foreign transaction fees.
- Medications: Bring any prescribed medications and pack over-the-counter essentials like pain relievers and allergy meds. You should also pack medicines you usually take for stomach upset, headaches, nausea, etc
- Airpods/Headphones: Whether you want to listen to your favorite music or drown out the excess noise, AirPods or headphones will always be handy. The noise-canceling ones are a little expensive but can come in handy when you wish to enjoy your favorite music without any disturbance.
- Books, game, etc: Pack a book, download music, or games for long journeys.
- Power Bank: Carrying a power bank when traveling to international destinations is essential. You can use it to charge your smartphones and communicate without any stress of your phone battery dying out. Make sure you charge your power bank before you leave your hotel or any other accommodation to explore the destination.
- Small Toiletries: Travel-sized versions of your must-have grooming products stay TSA-approved!
- Pack: A small towel, 1 extra underwear, sanitary pads, and socks for emergency. It has now happened to us twice that airlines misplaced our luggage and it didn’t arrive for a day. I always recommend keeping the basics at hand.
- Snacks to munch on
- A scarf or blanket: If you’re anything like me, you need a scarf or a blanket in the airplane.
Important Things To Keep In Your Check In Luggage
- Clothes
- Shoes
- Makeup
- Sunscreen
- Shoes
- Hiking Boots, if needed
- Bathing Suits/Sweater depending on the weather
Install Essential Travel Apps On Your Phone
Nowadays, you have a plethora of apps that you can install on your smartphone to get assistance in a matter of seconds while traveling internationally. Here are some essential apps that you should install before you travel.
Google Maps: One of the most useful apps for finding places at your traveling destination and getting all the required information, like directions, distance, etc., under one roof.
Google Translate Or Any Other Translation App: You must have a translation app to help you translate the local language to your language. The Google Translate app supports 103 languages and supports two-way speech translation, which is useful.
Currency Converter: You can get the exchange rate of the local currency with this app.
Cab Booking Apps: Research your destination and install local rental transportation apps that will help you rent cars or hire cabs when you travel for easy transportation.
Accommodation Booking Apps: You can install any app according to your preference to help you find the best deals for accommodation at your destination. If you have booked accommodation from a particular place, you can have the apps handy for details.
Learn Some Basic Phrases In The Local Language
Learning some basic phrases in the local language of your destination will help you communicate with the locals. These linguistic essentials are a universal bridge, fostering connections and demonstrating cultural respect.
Greetings like “hello” and “goodbye” create a positive impression, while expressions of gratitude such as “please” and “thank you” showcase politeness. Understanding simple affirmations like “yes” and “no” aids in clear communication. Apologizing with “excuse me” or “Sorry” exhibits courtesy in several settings.
I traveled to Almaty some time back, and local translations of these words were helpful during my time in the region.
Tips To Pack Better
Embrace Minimalism:
- Packing Cubes: Organize your belongings and maximize space with packing cubes.
- Mix and Match: Choose versatile clothing that mixes and matches, layers for different weather, and doubles as travel wear. Think flowy dresses that can become skirts, scarves that turn into blankets, and quick-dry fabrics that wash and wear easily.
Packing Power Plays:
- Rolling Revolution: Ditch the folding and embrace the roll! Rolled clothes take up less space and wrinkle less.
- Cube Conquerors: Packing cubes are your best friends! Organize your belongings by category, keeping everything accessible and wrinkle-free.
- Compression Champions: Compression bags can shrink bulky items like down jackets, freeing up precious space in your suitcase.
Planning Perfection:
- Destination Dictates: Research your destination’s weather and cultural expectations. Pack based on local customs and avoid overpacking for activities you won’t have time for.
- Layering Layers: Pack clothes that layer easily to adapt to changing temperatures. This allows you to create multiple outfits with fewer items.
- Laundry Love: Embrace the “wash and wear” approach. Look for quick-drying fabrics and consider packing fewer clothes, knowing you can do laundry during your trip.
Bonus Tips:
- Wear your bulkiest items: Save space by wearing your heaviest coat and shoes on the plane.
- Utilize carry-on space: Pack essentials like medications, documents, and a change of clothes in your carry-on for peace of mind.
- Download entertainment: Save space by pre-downloading books, music, and movies onto your phone or tablet.
- Leave room for souvenirs: Pack to add a few treasures from your journey!
Remember, packing light is an art, not a science. Experiment, find what works for you, and most importantly, embrace the freedom and convenience of traveling with less! The world awaits, and your well-packed suitcase is your passport to exploration.
A Positive Mindset Will Go A Long Way
International Travel is your particular time to relax and unwind. So, travel with a positive and flexible mindset and leave all your worries behind. There can be unexpected situations, but if you keep an open mind and embrace spontaneity, you will love how your trip unfolded with exciting surprises.
Remember that your smile and laughter are the most essential travel accessories. This will help you create the best memories of your life.