13 International Travel Essentials (stuff you actually need)
Traveling abroad is always an epic adventure — I love it. But it also requires a little bit of planning. So let’s make sure you don’t miss any important steps or requirements.
This is my checklist of international travel essentials. These are the must-have items to prepare and bring with you during your trip.
I’m keeping this checklist true to its name by only covering the stuff you actually need for overseas travel.
Because while designer neck pillows and satin-lined eye masks are nice, they aren’t exactly “essential” (well, according to me at least).
So these are my non-negotiables when journeying abroad.
Let’s get to it!
Table of Contents Show
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The Importance of Planning Ahead for International Travel
While spontaneous trips abroad and willy-nilly traveling is fun (and something you get better at the more you travel), it’s important that you at least do some planning for international travel.
Here’s why:
Get a better understanding of the culture you're visiting
Limit your risk of unexpected surprises or missing entry requirements
Enjoy more stress-free travel
Better optimize your schedule for the most fun
Improve your sense of control and travel happiness
Go through travel procedures quicker and more efficiently
Improve your travel confidence
Explore more:
➤ How to Plan An International Trip (10 steps)
International Travel Essentials Checklist (13 must-haves)
This is a list of international travel must-haves — i.e., the stuff you actually need. But remember, it’s also important to consider your individual needs, since you know, we’re all different.
1. Passport, Visas + Required Docs
Let's kick things off with the obvious.
If you’re traveling overseas, you’ll obviously need to have a passport to get into the country (and to even board the plane). So that’s step one.
Next, you’ll want to check if your destination requires a visa and any other extra documents or applications for entry.
While many countries offer visas on arrival (which don’t require you to do anything, except show up), some will require an application for approval (depending on your passport). Also be sure to check your expiration date.
A good rule of thumb is to have at least six months left on your passport. Otherwise, renew before you go.
Besides visas, it’s also important to double check if there are other requirements for entry.
For example, South Korea implemented an electronic travel authorization system (K-ETA) during the pandemic, which required all visitors to pay a small fee and fill out some information before arriving.
However, this requirement was lifted for all US visitors coming in on a tourist visa.
Still, just remember to check your destinations and make sure you’re not missing any documents, shots or applications.
2. Proof of Onward Travel
If you’re visiting a foreign country as a tourist, you need proof that you’re going to actually leave the country.
You need proof of onward travel — even though you may not always be asked to show it.
For example, I’ve never actually been asked by Japanese immigration to show proof of my onward travel. But I have been asked by airline employees when checking in.
So it’s best to just play by the rules and not roll the dice on this one. Because if/when you are asked, you need to make sure you can prove that you’re not staying forever.
To show proof of onward travel, you just need to have a purchased plane ticket showing that you’re leaving the country (within the designated tourist visa time).
Showing an email confirmation of your flight is usually enough here.
So remember, don’t just buy a one-way ticket thinking you’ll figure out your next move later on. Plan ahead and buy your next ticket (even if you end up canceling it to buy another).
3. Accommodations
When arriving at your destination and filling out your customs and immigration forms, you’ll need to put down the address you’ll be staying at (and the phone number).
Even if it’s just for the first night, you’ll need something to put in those spaces.
So before you head to the airport and hop on your flight, make sure you reserve a hotel or AirBnB (unless you’re staying with friends or family, then you can just use their address).
As long as you have this information to share with immigration, you’ll be good to go.
And again, you can move around once you’re actually in the country and stay at different places. But having at least your first night’s accommodation set up is key.
Explore more:
➤ Share Houses 101
4. Universal Travel Adapter
Different countries often use different outlets, so being prepared in this department will save you some stress after you arrive.
A universal travel adapter is a power converter that transforms the plug outlets in your destination country to match the electronics and power cords from your home country.
This is important, since a dying phone or laptop battery isn’t the most ideal thing while traveling abroad.
While you can try buying a converter after you arrive at an electronic shop or even at convenience stores (which I’ve done in Seoul), it’s more convenient and smarter to just plan ahead and bring one with you.
These devices are pretty cheap and relatively small, so it’s an easy (and essential) addition to throw into your suitcase before heading out.
I use this one here by Ceptics, but there are tons of options (all relatively affordable).
5. Power Bank
A power bank is a small portable device you can plug your electronics into and charge while on the go. My power bank has definitely saved me (and my friends) more times than I can count.
While you can usually find outlets on planes or in airports, having a backup power source is a smart move. Because you can always rely on unexpected circumstances to show up.
Plus, after you get to your destination, keeping a power bank with you while you explore is super helpful if you’re ever in a pinch.
I definitely use mine a lot (moreso if I’m taking a lot of videos, streaming music or using Google maps for everything).
You can pick up a decent power bank on Amazon for around $20-30.
6. Travel-Sized Toiletries
After spending 10+ hours traveling, having some products to freshen up a bit will feel like a lifesaver.
No one wants to be a stinky traveler.
Travel-sized toiletries are small but essential (in my view). I usually travel with:
Deodorant
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Some tissues
Hand lotion (if it’s winter)
Some cleansing wipes
Hand sanitizer
7. Security + Privacy
Chances are, you’ll be using the internet and your devices while traveling. So it’s smart to make sure you’re protected.
While traveling, you’re at a higher risk of using networks without proper security or being exposed to bad actors and malicious attacks. For that reason, I always use a VPN.
This is a simple way to boost your online security and privacy while traveling abroad. Plus, you can often access your account back home (like Netflix) by signing into one.
Explore more:
➤ How to Get Secure Wifi While Traveling
8. A Hardside Suitcase With Wheels
If you don’t have a suitcase with wheels yet, let this be your sign to get one.
I learned my lesson after hauling a large duffle bag, guitar case, snowboard bag and backpack throughout Tokyo. So I’m here to help you skip that pain (and save your back).
After traveling internationally, you’re going to be exhausted (and probably a bit sore). The long flight, meh meals and airport wandering is just the beginning.
Unless you snag a taxi, you’ll be walking through train stations and side streets to your accommodations. So having a suitcase with wheels is essential (unless you’re reframing this as a workout, then get at it!).
Luckily, you can pick up a decent budget suitcase for around $100 (or less) online or at the store.
Explore more:
➤ How to Make Travel Easy
9. Comfy Travel Clothes
I’ll never understand people who wear jeans to the airport — especially for long haul flights. Unless they’re the comfy stretchy kind, we can do better.
So let’s travel in comfort.
For me, that means a solid pair of sweatpants, a comfy sweater, a light t-shirt and comfortable shoes that are easy to slip in and out of. I’ll also pack an extra shirt and pair of socks if I have an extra long layover.
Because staying fresh and comfortable is key to better, carefree travel.
In my view, comfort while traveling is essential. It makes for a better experience and sets you up for success on your trip.
Explore more:
➤ The Best Travel Shoes for Men (my curated list)
10. A Credit Card (with no foreign transaction fees)
When traveling, you’ll likely be using your credit card(s) a lot. So let’s be sure we’re not getting hit with a ton of foreign transaction fees.
Because these fees can add up and ruin your travel budget.
Besides using cash while traveling abroad, having a travel credit card with no foreign transaction fees is your best bet. It’s also way safer than using your bank debit card.
So which do you choose?
Currently, I use the American Express Delta SkyMiles Gold Card. Besides no foreign transaction fees, I also get some other perks like points for qualified purchases and lost luggage protection.
These add up and I’ve gotten free flights from them (which is an awesome win).
Otherwise, check with your bank before leaving and take into account any extra fees you may incur while spending money abroad.
If you can’t get a card that has zero foreign transaction fees, the next best solution is to just use cash (whenever possible) and adjust your budget to account for additional transaction fees.
11. Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is a smart move. Because if serious curveballs start flying your way, it’s nice to know you can dodge them.
Travel insurance covers you for things like lost luggage, trip cancellations or disruptions, medical emergencies and natural disasters.
Protection from serious stuff means you can travel more carefree and protect yourself.
Luckily, you can pick up a cheap plan pretty easily. I use SafetyWing and love their flexibility, quality and convenience (I can start and stop plans anytime, like a flexible membership).
Explore more:
➤ The Best Travel Insurance Options (who I use)
12. Some Cash
Even if you have the fanciest travel points credit card with no foreign transaction fees, you should still carry some cash with you.
While most places accept credit these days (depending on where you’re traveling to), some places may not.
I live in Tokyo part-time and I still find myself at older restaurants that are cash only. It’s also easier to split bills with my local friends (since they don’t use apps like Venmo here).
Also, most train ticket machines are cash only. So whenever I need to reload my train card balance, I need cash.
And finally, it’s just good peace of mind knowing that you have some cash as a backup in case your card doesn’t run or some other circumstance pops up.
In Japan, I usually carry between ¥3-10,000 yen around with me. It’s not a lot, but usually plenty to cover the day’s expenses (just in case).
13. A SIM Card
The last item on my international travel essential checklist is a SIM card.
Unless you have international coverage on your phone plan back home, having service in your destination country will be a life saver.
For Japan, I usually order a SIM card before I leave and get it shipped to my home address (I use Mobal by the way, if you happen to be traveling to Japan).
Otherwise, you can usually pick up a SIM card at the airport or at certain shops in the country you’ll be visiting.
Alternatively, you can opt for a pocket WiFi rental. You can also usually find these services offered at the airport once you arrive (I would just research the airport before you depart to check).
But regardless of how you get connected, having the internet while traveling abroad is incredibly helpful (as I’m sure you can easily imagine).
Explore more:
➤ The Best SIM Card for Japan
Later ✌️
Having the essentials for travel abroad is important.
While you’ll probably end up packing stuff you never end up using, this checklist includes all the stuff you’ll definitely need.
Namely, your passport and visa, any required documentation, proof of onward travel and your accommodations are some of the most essentials things to have for overseas travel.
Although, it’s always best to check the official government website of the country you’re visiting for updated entry requirements information.
And you probably don’t want to just listen to one blog post. So do your research and make sure you’re fully prepared. But for most simple travel situations, this list should be a solid starting point.
Now go have an epic time!
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