Checklist

International Travel Checklist

What to sort out before a trip abroad, and what to pack for it. Print it or download it as PDF, Excel or Word. For visa rules, plug adapters, currency and weather gear, build a list for your destination.

Build a list for your destination

Before you leave

Documents, money and to-dos to sort out before a trip abroad. Visa rules, plug adapters and currency depend on where you go: build a list for your destination and those rows are added.

  • Buy travel insurance and save the policy offline

  • Keep a backup card and emergency cash apart from your wallet

  • Copies of passport and bookings (paper + phone)

  • Tell your bank your travel dates and check foreign transaction fees

  • Leave your itinerary, emergency contacts and a passport copy with someone at home

  • Register with your embassy's traveler program (STEP for US citizens)

  • Passport (valid 6+ months past your return)

  • Wallet with ID and payment cards

  • Pen for arrival forms

  • Set up an eSIM or roaming plan for data

  • Save your two-factor backup codes in case you lose your phone

  • List your medications by generic name, with a doctor's note

What to pack for an international trip

Counts are per person for a 7-day trip.

Clothing

  • Underwear ×8

    Per person

  • Socks ×8

    Per person

  • Everyday outfits (tops and bottoms) ×5

    Per person

  • Comfortable walking shoes

  • Sleepwear

  • Light layer (sweater or hoodie)

  • Change of clothes in your carry-on

  • Flip-flops or shower sandals

  • Swimsuit

  • Compression socks

  • Light scarf or shawl for cold planes and buses

Tech & Accessories

  • Phone charger and cable

  • Power bank

  • Headphones or earbuds (noise-canceling for flights)

  • Multi-port USB charger or short extension cord

  • Luggage tracker (AirTag or similar) in checked bags

Health & Safety

  • Toothbrush and toothpaste

  • Toiletry bag (deodorant, shampoo, razor)

  • Prescription medication (with a copy of the prescription)

  • Glasses or contacts, solution and a spare pair (if you wear them)

  • Basic meds: pain relief, antidiarrheal, antihistamine

  • Small first-aid kit

  • Hand sanitizer

  • Travel wet wipes

  • Earplugs

  • Sleep eye mask

  • Lip balm with SPF

  • Nail clippers and tweezers

  • Period products (if you need them)

  • Blister plasters and anti-chafe balm

  • Pocket tissues or a small roll of toilet paper

  • Electrolyte powder packets

  • Motion-sickness tablets or bands

  • Face mask for the plane

Gear & Activity

  • Reusable water bottle

  • Daypack

  • Zip bags in a few sizes

  • Packable tote or shopping bag

  • Laundry bag for dirty clothes

  • Luggage lock

  • Anti-theft crossbody bag

  • Mini sewing kit and safety pins

  • Small flashlight or headlamp

Extras

  • Travel neck pillow

  • Book or e-reader

Download or print this list

Packing lists by destination