Don’t Leave Home Without These 15 International Travel Must-Haves

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Whether you’re heading to Europe for a summer vacation, exploring Asia, or taking the trip of a lifetime to Africa or South America, packing the right gear can make your journey smoother, safer and far less stressful. After traveling to more than 20 countries a year for decades, I’ve learned that it’s often the small, easily overlooked items that end up being the biggest lifesavers. From documents and backup payment methods to travel tech and comfort essentials, these are the 15 international travel must-haves I never leave home without.

1. Passport, Trusted Traveler Cards and Travel Insurance

Before any international trip, check the expiration date on everyone’s passport. Many countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates and may deny entry if it isn’t.

Pro tip: Set a reminder to renew your passport about a year before it expires. If you’re traveling as a family, set reminders for everyone’s passports since children’s passports expire much sooner than adults’.

If you have Global Entry, NEXUS (for Canada) or SENTRI (for Mexico), bring your card with you. Also, make sure your Known Traveler Number is saved in each airline’s frequent flyer profile and reservation so you’ll receive TSA PreCheck when departing the U.S.

Finally, don’t leave home without travel insurance. Keep both a printed copy of your policy and a digital copy in your email or phone so it’s easy to access in an emergency.

2. Backup credit cards and cash

I rarely carry much cash but I always bring a small amount in the local currency for tips, taxis or places that don’t accept credit cards. I also carry a backup credit card and keep it separate from my primary card in case my wallet is lost or stolen.

Make sure your credit cards don’t charge foreign transaction fees, since those can add up quickly. I also recommend enabling purchase alerts through your bank’s app so you’ll know immediately if there’s any suspicious activity while you’re traveling.

3. Slim universal travel adapter

A universal travel adapter is an international travel essential but many models are bulky and take up valuable space in your bag. I prefer this TESSAN four-in-one option because it’s compact, lightweight and works in more than 150 countries. It also has both USB-A and USB-C ports, making it easy to charge multiple devices without carrying extra adapters.

4. A 5-in-1 portable charger

There’s a reason portable chargers are one of the top items flight attendants say they never travel without. A dead phone can mean losing access to your boarding pass, maps, hotel reservations and more. I love this compact 5-in-1 portable charger because it can power up to five devices at once. It has built-in charging cables, multiple ports for iPhone, Android and other devices, fast charging and even a foldable AC plug so you can recharge it without carrying an extra cable. My wife and I relied on it constantly while traveling around Europe this summer.

5. Mini portable fan

When we were out sightseeing (the photo above was taken in Pompeii), I was so glad my wife bought extra portable fans before we left home. I’ve been using this slim, lightweight model, my kids love the JISULIFE handheld fan because it has a built-in flashlight and my wife prefers this one because its LED display shows exactly how much battery is left.

My only regret is leaving my neck fan at home. I was trying to save space and weight in my carry-on but I really missed having it. If you’re traveling somewhere warm this summer, don’t leave home without a portable fan. It’s one of those small items that makes a surprisingly big difference.

6. Pack for changing weather

Even if you’re headed somewhere warm, always pack a lightweight sweatshirt or sweater in your carry-on. Airplanes can be surprisingly cold, especially on long-haul international flights. I also keep an extra pair of warm socks and a beannie in my bag year-round. Finally, don’t forget a lightweight rain jacket or compact travel umbrella like this one from ShedRain. Weather can change quickly and having one with you is much better than paying inflated tourist prices when you get caught in a downpour.

7. Apple AirTags (or another luggage tracker)

If you’re checking a bag, a luggage tracker like an Apple AirTags (or any other tracking device) is one of the best travel investments you can make. There have been countless stories of travelers using them to locate delayed, misplaced and even stolen luggage, including one traveler whose suitcase was tracked to a homeless encampment in Los Angeles. I put an AirTag in every checked bag and have started putting them in my carry-on bags, too. It gives me peace of mind because I can usually tell if my checked luggage has been loaded onto the plane and when it’s been unloaded after landing. That means I don’t have to race to the baggage carousel only to stand there waiting. If an airline misplaces my bag, I also have a much better idea of where it is.

8. Medication and a mini first aid kit

If you take prescription medication, always pack it in your carry-on, never your checked luggage. I also recommend bringing at least two extra weeks’ worth in case your return is delayed. I never leave home without a compact first aid kit stocked with the essentials. Mine includes pain relievers, Band-Aids, anti-diarrheal medication, antacids, cough drops (I always keep a pack of the Italian brand Honees on hand), allergy medicine, SPF lip balm, eye drops, nasal spray, antibiotic ointment, a thermometer, a pulse oximeter, KN95 masks and disinfectant wipes for airplane tray tables, armrests and high-touch surfaces in hotel rooms.

Depending on the trip, I also pack prescription items like an asthma inhaler, an EpiPen and antibiotics if they’ve been prescribed by my doctor for travel. Pro tip: Keep all medications in their original labeled containers whenever possible, especially when traveling internationally, to avoid potential issues with customs or security.

9. Extra pair of glasses

If you wear glasses, always pack a back-up pair in your carry-on. Just like medication, they’re not something you want to be without if they get lost, broken or left behind. These days I wear 1.5-strength glasses for distance and 2.5 readers, so I travel with multiple pairs. Fortunately, inexpensive reading glasses are easy to buy in multi-packs on Amazon. I also bring a backup pair of sunglasses in case I lose or damage my Meta smart sunglasses, which I love for taking hands-free photos and videos and making calls while exploring a destination.

10. Reusable water bottle and snacks

I always travel with an empty reusable water bottle, which I fill after passing through airport security. It saves money, reduces plastic waste and keeps me hydrated on long travel days. I also pack plenty of snacks, especially for international flights and long sightseeing days. My go-tos include granola bars, dried fruit, crackers and Trader Joe’s Teriyaki Turkey Jerky. (I just avoid opening the jerky on a plane or bus unless I’m desperate because it’s pretty pungent.)

11. A compact foldable bag

A foldable tote or backpack is one of the most useful things you can pack. Mine folds down to about the size of a packet of tissues but comes in handy for grocery shopping, carrying souvenirs or a day at the beach. It has also saved me more than once when an airline weighed my carry-on. I simply moved a few heavier items into the foldable bag and used it as my personal item.

12. Gaffer tape

I never travel without a small roll of gaffer tape. It’s like duct tape but removes cleanly without leaving a sticky residue. I’ve used it to repair luggage, fix broken gear and cover bright lights in hotel rooms that make it hard to sleep. It takes up almost no room and has saved the day more times than I can count.

13. Comfortable walking shoes

Nothing can ruin an international trip faster than uncomfortable shoes. You’ll likely be walking miles each day over cobblestone streets, uneven sidewalks and airport terminals. Bring shoes you’ve already broken in, not a brand-new pair. Your feet will thank you by the end of the trip. My favorite shoes are these Skechers loafers.

14. An extra phone and an international eSIM

I travel with a backup iPhone just in case my primary phone breaks or gets stolen. (I once accidentally ran over one while riding a bike in Austria, so I learned that lesson the hard way.) Phones are also one of the most common targets for thieves in popular tourist destinations (here’s how they do it). Before you leave, check what your mobile carrier charges for international roaming. If the rates are expensive, install an international eSIM before your trip so you’ll have data the moment you land. It’s usually much cheaper than paying your carrier’s roaming fees, and I never want to worry about hunting for Wi-Fi just to order an Uber, look up directions or access my hotel reservation.

15. Dual voltage hair tools

My wife never travels without her dual voltage hair tools. After blowing up a hair dryer and frying a flat iron, she finally realized she needed a new plan for international travel and now, never leaves home without the L’Ange Hair TurboStyle All-in-One Air Styling & Drying System and the L’Ange dual voltage flat iron. You can read more about why she loves the TurboStyle here. For women who want to style their hair while they’re traveling and not have to use sub-par tools, try these. My wife says they’re worth every penny.

I’m sure I’ve missed some stuff so please share your international must-haves in the comments. I do add and subtract things from my bag depending on where I’m going – especially on a cruise. Here’s what I pack for a cruise.

KEEP READING:

–12 passport tips that will save you time, money and headaches
–The most important thing I do when I travel internationally is …
–Rick Steves got pickpocketed in Paris: Here’s what he wants you to know
–The most important thing for travelers to do according to a safety expert
–What you need to know about renewing or getting an emergency passport in the U.S.

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