Anna Wondering what to pack for your next overseas trip? I’ve got you covered with this ultimate packing list for overseas travel! As a well-seasoned traveler who’s learned plenty of lessons the hard way (hello, forgotten toothbrush and overstuffed bags 🤦♀️), I know just how important it is to be prepared.
Whether you’re heading to a bustling European capital or a quiet seaside escape, packing smart can make or break your trip. International travel is exciting and inspiring—but it also comes with its fair share of challenges, from long flights to unfamiliar food. Forgetting the essentials? That’s the quickest way to turn your dream vacation into a stressful scramble.
This international travel packing list is here to help you feel confident and ready for whatever your destination throws your way. From travel-day must-haves and smart clothing choices to the gear that keeps you comfy, organized, and stress-free, here’s everything you need to pack for a smooth, safe, and unforgettable trip abroad.
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Outerwear
Wear your largest jacket on the plane to save room in your suitcase. You can use it as a blanket when the cabin gets frigid, or stuff it in the overhead bin if you need more space.
- Scarf: can throw it over your shoulders or wrap it as a neck pillow on planes or trains.
- Light jacket: a denim jacket or athletic zip up
- Weatherproof jacket if you’re going somewhere chilly. Something waterproof, and windproof will keep you comfy in a variety of weather conditions.
Footwear
How to choose the best footwear for your trip? This will depend on how much activity you’ll be doing (walking, sightseeing, hiking), if you’re packing nicer outfits for events (shows or fancy dinners). I typically pack a pair in the shoe compartment of my carry-on and wear the clunkiest one on the plane.
- Slip ons/sneakers are my go to’s
- Nice sandals for dresses and evenings out
- Flip flops for pools, hot tubs, or beaches
- You may want a pair of slippers or sandals for the hotel/airbnb
- Consider packing things like shoe inserts for some of your footwear. These are so inexpensive and they make flats so much more comfortable.
Accessories
- Jewelry to match your outfits. Personally, I like to avoid anything too flashy and valuable because why be a mark?
- Belts
- Sunglasses— so likely to forget these if you’re packing at night
- Sun hat, baseball hat, or visor
- Purse, belt bag/money belt, or small bag for day time- make sure it’s pickpocket safe: a zipper enclosure and sturdy straps.
- Is a water bottle an accessory? I pack a filter bottle to cut back on the water that I have to buy. I find that it really adds up! I feel better about using the filter because even when the tap water is safe and clean, it can still have high mineral content or other metals that can upset your stomach if you’re not used to it. We don’t need to ruin any vacations with GI distress, so I recommend packing the stainless steel reusable bottle in your carry on.
Clothing
- Tshirts, of course, pick colors that you can mix and match with your jacket and sweaters
- Jeans, leggings, or other styles of pants
- Skirts or dresses. I usually pack a versatile dress like this, especially for traveling somewhere hot and humid. I love the lace up back bc it always fits nicely but best of all- the shorts are not attached to the dress so you can easily pee without taking off your entire outfit. No one has time for that. also, the shorts HAVE POCKETS!
- Sweaters
- Pjs
- Socks and underwear for each day, and pack a few extra. You might change clothes more than you think
- Bras that are compatible with your tops: Strapless? Skin-toned?
- Sports bras for the gym or activities. I ALWAYS pack these sports bras, because you can wear them as crop tops under a denim jacket, with skirts, and they’re very convenient. I own 5 and wear them all the time.
- Swim suit
Toiletries for an International Travel Packing List
What toiletries you pack will really depend your personal preferences and routines, but this packing list should be all encompassing. I’ve suggested some of my travel go-to’s to streamline your shopping; they’re perfect for an overseas packing list but still useful for a weekend getaway. A general rule of thumb is that your liquids must be contained in 1L sealable plastic bag, but you should check with your airline for specifications.
- Shampoo and Conditioner
- Body wash (isn’t that important to me, because hotels supply it)
- Toothpaste, toothbrush, and floss
- Hairbrush, hair ties and clips
- Your favorite hair care necessities
- Travel sized razor, or a disposable razor for shaving
- Skin care routine items as needed: Facial cleanser and moisturizer
- Deodorant (double check, cuz this often gets left behind)
- Sunscreen- don’t skip the face sunscreen, you’ll catch a lot of sun in any season
- Your makeup essentials
- Travel sized makeup brushes
- Make up remover
- Travel sized perfume bottles. These you can fill with scents you already have at home.
- Lip balm, consider some with SPF
- Contact lenses and solution
Medicine and First aid
- Prescriptions and medical devices
- Pain relievers
- Tums, anti-diarrheal
- Allergy medicine
- Band aids
Ultimate Packing List for Overseas Travel: Tech and Electronics
Be weary of public charging stations. Always use your own plug, don’t insert your charger into a public USB or use a public cable. These can be altered to steal your info
- Lightning cables, USB-C, and wall plugs with multiple ports. Pack enough cables to charge all of your devices:
- Phones
- Ipad/kindle
- Headphones
- Booklight
- Smartwatches
- Powerbanks I bring this one because it also charges an Apple Watch on the go. I love keeping track of the miles we cover when we’re out traveling and it’s a huge bummer when my stupid watch dies.
- Power adapter
Miscellaneous items to pack that will save the day
Your ultimate packing list for overseas travel would not be complete with out these items. I always pack these random things to manage disasters and keep your trip running smoothly. I learned the hard way that items like baby wipes, drink mixes (like liquid IV) and certain medicines are not worth being caught without 🫠. You can learn from my mistakes and be better prepared with this quick list.
