Anna Planning an international trip is an energy-intensive process. After you’ve finally booked your flights and started daydreaming about your bucket-list adventure, chasing peachy sunsets and relaxing on the warm sand. Packing your suitcase always seems to land at the very bottom of the to-do list—right when your brain decides to spiral about everything that could possibly go wrong.
Sound familiar? You’re not alone.
Luckily, I’ve already endured my fair share of travel mishaps and in-flight discomforts, so you don’t have to. This isn’t your typical ultimate packing list—it’s a quick roundup of my favorite travel items and packing hacks that help me stay prepared, comfortable, and (mostly) stress-free when I’m traveling abroad.
Think of it as your shortcut to smooth, drama-free travel—with fewer forgotten chargers and less airport chaos.
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Packing hacks for Staying Fresh During your Vacation
1. Baby wipes
The way these have come in handy ya’ll… Wipes are better than hand sanitizer because you can wipe off dirt and city grime off your hands, and doesn’t leave a sticky film all over you.
Often enough someone spills a drink in their lap, gets pooped on by a bird, or throws up into their own palms (was that too specific…?). In such cases, hand sanitizer simply won’t cut it. ..and you’re far from a bathroom..? Ugh, DAY RUINED.
Having a travel sized packet of baby wipes is such a relief when you need to clean up a little disaster. I usually carry some gentle baby wipes or antibacterial wipes in my purse. They’re small and lightweight, and I’ve learned that being caught without them is not worth it.
2. Poopouri
If you’re sharing a little hotel room with a bunch of friends, some people are bound to get shy, just sayin. Someone should pack a bottle of poopouri and take the stress out of bathroom sharing.
3. Laundry sheets
I love waterless laundry sheets. They’re so small and lightweight, and why waste your liquid allotment on laundry detergent, when you could use it on excessive face and hair care? I cut mine into 4ths before I pack them in my suitcase so I can easily use a smaller section to hand wash stuff in the sink (if needed). Better yet, if your accommodations have laundry, just use the regular sized sheet. I’m telling you, this is a life saver, and I love this travel packing hack.
Pack these items to thrive and be unstoppable on your trip
4. Drink Mixes
I find these so awesome to travel with and I love this packing hack. They’re great for:
- When the tap water is safe to drink but tastes horrible.
- When you booked your trip in the dead of summer, are literally melting, and spending your entire budget on drinks just to stay alive.
- Spending long days on the road, hiking, or even walking around sightseeing: the caffeine will bring you back to life.
Traveling can wear you out, and if you’re anything like me, you love trying the local coffee shops. But I spend a lot of money on all those coffees! Adding a caffeinated drink mix to my water not only saves money, but it’s super efficient time wise, eliminating some time spent in long lines at popular tourist destinations.
5. Protein bars
I usually pack a few filling snacks. They come in handy when you simply don’t have time to eat:
- Sometimes you just get busy sightseeing, exploring or have a tight itinerary
- If there’s a long wait for the restaurant you’re determined to try.
- When traveling in a group, your friends’ appetites might get on different schedules and one person is starving while everyone else wants to move on with the day. Toss them a snack to keep the peace.
- If you’re on a budget, this is a great way to save on meals.
6. Medicine
- General aches and pains: Tylenol and Advil is always useful (think cramped flights, or long nights on the town).
- Allergy meds come in handy often, you never know if you’ll be affected by the local plants especially if you’re in a full bloom season.
- Plan for upset stomachs: You’re on vacation, eating buckets of new and delicious food and sometimes it doesn’t agree. I pack tums, pepto, and anti-diarrheal tablets. I’ve gone on so many trips where somebody gets a gnarly case of traveler’s flu, and we’ve fortunately had medicines to take the edge off. Nobody wants to shit their pants on vacation.
Of course, you can always buy first aid supplies if you need them. I find this really inconvenient. I swear, you see pharmacies everywhere until you need one, then it’s like where the eff ARE THEY?! Also, they’re more expensive when you’re traveling, so I recommend traveling with a few of each of the above varieties. You’ll save money, and if you need them, you’ll be so relieved you have them!!
Packing Hacks to Stay Comfy on Your Summer Vacation
7. Small Fan
Pack a small fan and body cooling wipes for hot summer months. I was in Budapest this summer and it was absolutely sweltering. Menthol wipes were so refreshing and made our days sightseeing for hours in the broiling steam so much more pleasant. Likewise, a small handheld fan or USB rechargeable fan are easy to pack and a make such a difference if you’re in a in hot weather.
8. The best sunscreen ever made
This little sunscreeen from Supergoop is the GOAT. It feels amazing your skin. It’s not greasy at all and still moisturizing with a touch of luminescence. If you need to bring only one skin care product, this is one that I can’t live without.
9. Sunglasses and hat
Don’t forget a hat and sunglasses. My all time rec for sunglasses are Goodr brand because they’re light weight and the polarization is 10/10. And with the reasonable price point, you won’t be devastated if they get knocked off your face in the surf or left on a bus.
10. Band aids
Blisters are inevitable. If your shoes are new, make sure you break them in before your trip. Keep a few bandaids on you when you’re out for the day. Those blisters sneak up.
11. Shoe inserts
I know it makes me sound geriatric, just trust me. They’re so small and inexpensive but it makes a huge difference walking all day in the unforgiving cobblestone streets of Europe. This simple packing hack will save your knees, back, and heels.
Useful Gadgets
12. Power bank
You’ll likely be out of the hotel for long hours, you’ll want to be able to charge your phones on the go. Be wary of public charging ports- these can be altered to swipe information from your phone. It’s safer to use your own cable AND wall plug. Bringing a portable power bank will help keep you safe. I use this one because it can charge my watch on the go- I hate when my watch dies on a highly active day!!
13. Power adapter
If you’re traveling overseas, your American electronics won’t fit in the European outlets. You’ll need a power adapter to charge your devices. It’s best to get a universal adapter with some USB charging ports.
14. Book light
I always forget my book light, and I often find myself missing it. It’s especially on long flights where they turn off the cabin lights. Sure, you can use the over head light, but they illuminate so much space, and I feel bad for my seat neighbors who are trying to sleep. This one from Amazon is so small and easy to pack, I love it because I can angle the light down and illuminate only what I’m working on.
15. External hard drive, USB or photo storage device
If you plan on taking lots of pictures, you may want to organize and remove them from your phone on the go. I use a USB to immediately back up my pictures and videos when I’m on a trip.
I’ve generated this list after many trips, uncomfortable situations, messes, and mayhem. I’ve experienced my share of travel mishaps, and this is the survival kit that I’ve learned will keep you prepared to handle whatever chaos and splatter comes your way. Thanks for reading 🙂
