If you’re gearing up for international travel, these insider tips for smart packing will come in handy.
Preparing for an overseas adventure doesn’t need to be stressful at all if you do it wisely. Our tips will help you avoid any hassles and get you ready without surprises.
Packing Tip #1: Research your destination
Traveling to a foreign country can be a big change in many ways. For starters, finding your favorite product in a convenience store, or even water, can be challenging. To avoid this, research the country you’re visiting to ensure you have what you need. Also, one mistake newbies often make is not checking weather forecasts and not complying with dress etiquette for places like museums or cathedrals.
Packing Tip #2: Make a packing list
Start with a basic list of things you use daily, then add items based on the weather, the activities you plan on doing, and how long you’ll be there. For that purpose, we recommend this travel app, give it a try! Get ready for a trip abroad by making sure you have what you need.
Packing Tip #3: Select the right luggage
Picking the right luggage is key for international travel. It’s not just about convenience; it impacts how smoothly your trip goes. Airlines too have rules on size and weight, so having a suitcase that complies with these rules saves you from fees and hassles. In that sense, it’s smart to check your airline’s website.
Luggage isn’t all alike. For example, backpacks are great for moving around in places with uneven ground. While hard-shell cases are good for longer trips, keeping your belongings safe. A wise move is to know where you’re going, so you can bring the right one. Plus, well-organized bags with sections help you find things easily. Think about the weather too; it’s good to have weather-resistant luggage, especially if you’re exploring around.
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Packing Tip #4: Keep your documents safe
Keep important stuff like your passport, ID, visa, travel insurance, or reservation info in an easily reachable place. It’s vital to organize your essential documents to avoid stress, make copies of them in the cloud, or even send them to yourself by email. A piece of advice: it’s safer to have them on you, don’t put them in checked luggage. Likewise, keep emergency contacts and consulate details handy just in case.
Packing Tip #5: Have some cash on you
You may think that cards work in most places, but you’d be surprised how many issues there are with card acceptance or network issues in developing countries. So, remember to always carry some local currency cash before you arrive. Get it from your bank at better rates rather than at the airport or exchange places. This is one of those packing tips for international travel that not many share. In addition, tell your bank about your travel dates. Here’s a pro tip: download a free currency exchange app, Xe, to keep track of expenses in a foreign currency (we talked about that here).
Packing Tip #6: Use the space wisely
Don’t overpack, if you forget something, buy it later. As a rule of thumb, pack less than you need, especially if you’re visiting multiple places. Consider leaving half of the space you initially planned to use; chances are you won’t need it. It’s a good idea to take weather into the equation, but try to keep some space for other things like souvenirs. Plus, prioritize items that you can easily get rid of at the end.
Also, consider packing related items together. For instance, keep winter clothes, toiletries, and meds in separate bags so you don’t have to search for medicine in a bag with clothes. For example pack a first aid kit with meds and basics like pain relievers, Pepto Bismol, band-aids, etc all together.
Here are some other pro tips tested by seasoned travelers: Roll clothes to save space and minimize wrinkles. Use every inch of your suitcase by putting socks or little bottles into shoes. Each compartment serves as additional storage, like the front zipper for flat items.
Packing Tip #7: Leave your bulky clothes out
Don’t pack heavy stuff like boots, coats, or jackets to save on luggage space for international travel. Instead, wear your layers on the plane and store the coat or jacket nearby instead of taking up space in your suitcase.
Packing Tip #8: Layer up!
Smarter than bringing heavy coats is packing clothes that can be layered, as it saves space. It is very handy for different climates, wear lighter layers when it’s warm and add sweaters when it’s cold. But you need to choose clothes that can be layered and make sure the outer layers fit over the inner ones.
Packing Tip #9: Follow the 3-1-1 liquids rule
When packing for international travel, you can carry a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes through the checkpoint. Each item must be 100 milliliters or less according to the American TSA. However, there’s no need to take such risks at the airport if hotels usually provide toiletries and you can buy them at your destination. There are even solid toiletries that don’t fall under the regulations like soap, sunblock, and cologne bars available. Yet if you’re tight on space, skip packing toiletries at all and buy them at a local store.
Packing Tip #10: Tech on the Go
Bring your camera, laptop, e-reader, and tablet only if you plan to use them. And avoid putting such electronics in checked luggage to prevent theft or damage. If you’re traveling from the USA to Europe, bring a power adapter and a dual-voltage charger, which are essential for appliances like hair dryers. Also, don’t forget your power bank for long flights.
Bonus Packing Travel Tips
- Avoid bringing jewelry and valuable items, and never pack fragile items in your checked luggage.
- Write your contact information inside and outside your bags to prevent tag loss.
- Keep your credit card, cash, keys, and passports safe in a security belt.
Final thoughts
These packing tips for international travel are a good start guide, just take a little extra time to follow them wisely. From research and packing lists to choosing the right luggage and keeping documents safe, these guidelines ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey.
