Whether you’re heading to Singapore or Sydney, Iceland, or the Galapagos Islands, if you’ve booked your next international vacation and you’re excited to get away, before you set off you first need to pack. What to pack for international travel will, of course, depend on your destination and what you plan on doing when you get there.
Things to pack for international travel range from travel adaptors and local currency to beachwear and weather-appropriate apparel for day and night. How much you pack will depend on how long you’ll be traveling and whether or not you plan to do any laundry while you’re away. Ideally, you’ll want to rewear items and pack versatile pieces that you can mix and match, say a skirt or pants that can be worn with different tops, or a silky scarf to jazz an outfit up.
From what to pack for the season and the destination to what not to pack, here’s everything you need to know about packing for international travel.
Swimwear & Beachwear
Kalafatis Beach in Mykonos, Greece
If you intend to spend long days on white-sand beaches, sipping fruity cocktails, and taking gentle dips in bath-warm water, pack a wardrobe of beachwear.
There are the practical items to pack, say two or three bathing suits, including a rash vest with UV protection, a pretty two-piece, or all-in-one suit. You’ll need a sun hat or a cap, sunglasses, and flip-flops or beach sandals. Bear in mind that some beaches in Europe, particularly in Croatia, are pebbly, so jelly shoes are useful. You may then want to pack accessories, such as a chic sarong or a wraparound to see you from lounge chair to beach bar.
Pack outfits that are easy to throw on over a swimsuit, such as a loose-fitting T-shirt or a vest top, and shorts, and a beach bag to store your accessories and daytime necessities. This might double up as your travel bag to save on space in your suitcase.
You’ll want to keep sunscreen, a credit card, a good book, your phone, headphones if you plan on listening to music or a podcast, a water bottle, and some snacks inside it.
Snorkel mask
Consider a snorkel mask, too, if you plan on spending plenty of time underwater admiring marine life in destinations such as the Caribbean, Canary Islands, or Greek Islands.
Comfortable Daywear
Burano in Venice, Italy
If your plans involve touring ancient churches, Roman sites, and old towns in Spain, France, Italy, or Malta, pack casual but comfortable daytime outfits that will help you keep cool on a hot summer’s day, such as linen pants and a linen shirt, shorts, loose-fitting T-shirts, and sundresses.
You’ll want comfortable walking shoes for walking around museums and palaces, such as tennis shoes or sneakers. Many towns and cities in Europe have cobblestone streets and uneven sidewalks, so sturdy footwear is essential.
Warm Clothes
National Ceramics Museum in Valencia, Spain
Many museums, galleries, and shopping malls will likely be air-conditioned, too, so it’s worth packing a light jacket and a pashmina scarf to keep chills at bay. A pashmina is also useful for visiting places of worship where it’s respectful to cover arms and shoulders, such as the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul.
Scarves, a sweater, and light jackets are also great to have on hand for when the temperature drops at night or during shoulder-season travel, such as in May or September.
Grimsey Island, Iceland
If you’re traveling to a cool-weather destination, perhaps Copenhagen, or leaf-peeping in Japan or Europe in fall, pack long-sleeved shirts and T-shirts, cargo pants, jeans, and warm layers, such as gloves, a scarf, and a coat. Throw in ankle boots, sneakers, and walking shoes. Add a touch of luxury by packing a cozy cashmere sweater.
You could introduce fall tones, such as caramel, mustard, and plum to fleece jackets, corduroy pieces, and plaid shirts to look extra stylish and coordinated in your envy-inducing fall travel photos.
If you’re traveling somewhere it might rain, such as Iceland or other parts of Northern Europe, pack a waterproof jacket and an umbrella. Sunglasses and a cap or hat are useful for those bright and sunny days in cool weather.
Read: What to Pack for Iceland
Summer Clothing
George Town, Grand Cayman
During summertime in the Mediterranean or when visiting tropical destinations such as the Caribbean, Singapore, and Australia, you will want to pack light clothes that keep you cool. Think shorts and T-shirts, polo shirts, and vest tops.
Skirts paired with tops, spaghetti-strap sundresses, and lightweight maxi dresses also work well for summer travel. For footwear, you’ll want to stick to light and breathable shoes, such as flip-flops, sandals, and sneakers.
A high-factor SPF and bug spray are also essential for the tropics. Consider a cooling mist spray to help you stay hydrated when the mercury rises.
Activewear
Pulpit Rock, Norway
If you’re going to be active on vacation—hiking, kayaking, biking, and fishing in Alaska or the Norwegian fjords—you will want to pack layers and waterproofs. Cargo pants, leggings, T-shirts, and light fleeces will become your wardrobe staples. For footwear, pack sneakers and hiking boots.
A waterproof jacket, gloves, a scarf, and a multifunctional neck tube are also useful for keeping warm if your trip involves hiking to glaciers and canoeing in frigid northern waters. Additionally, wooly hats, caps, sunglasses, and a waist or belt bag are useful for when on an active trip.
If you plan to work out every day, pack athleisure wear, shorts, T-shirts, and tank tops that can double up for wearing on hiking and kayaking trips.
Evening Wear
Santorini, Greece
If you’re hoping to sneak in a glamorous dinner at a waterside table in Santorini, under the glow of Sydney Opera House, or in the dreamy French Riviera, you’re going to need to pack for the occasion.
Pack chic dresses, such as a little black dress and a tropical-themed number that will look sensational in photographs. Glitzy blouses and tops work well paired with skirts and tailored slacks, too. Pack sparkling jewelry, too. Kitten heels, slingbacks, or slinky strappy heels will complete an outfit.
For men, pack linen pants suits, tailored shorts, and shirts. Even a chic lightweight suit is befitting in the right environment, such as a knockout fine-dining restaurant. Pack cufflinks and a silk pocket handkerchief to complete a head-turning evening look.
International Travel Packing List FAQs
What are the essential items to pack for international travel?
Tuscany, Italy
Essential things to pack for international travel include socks, underwear, nightwear, activewear, swimwear, footwear, and different looks to take you from day to night.
The day and evening wear you pack will depend on when and where you are traveling, and what you plan on doing—sunbathing, swimming, sightseeing, and hiking, for example—while you are there.
Isla Verde, Puerto Rico
For a typical sun-soaked vacation, for example, shorts, T-shirts, tunic tops, skirts, sundresses, and casual pants are essential daytime items. For the evening, you can mix and match some of your daywear by wearing a dressy top with a skirt or pants, then adding a sparkly blouse, jewelry, and heels.
For men, similarly, day and evening wear includes cargo shorts and pants, casual linen slacks, and smart tailored pants, with a selection of T-shirts, polo shirts, and short-sleeved shirts.
You’ll also want to pack a secure rucksack or cross-body zip bag with internal pockets for sightseeing in busy cities or to use on hiking trips.
What documents do I need to pack?
Passport
Travel insurance, passports, any confirmation of reservations, credit cards, and boarding passes are all essential things to pack for international travel. If you require visa documentation, such as on trips to Australia, pack this, too. If you are renting a car on your travels, remember to carry your valid driver’s permit.
If you’ve booked any extra tours, such as a food tour in Rome, a whale-watching trip in Alaska or a snorkeling excursion in the Bahamas, it may be easier to have a printed out confirmation of these, too.
Extra-organized travelers might also want to pack a travel itinerary and ensure all of your online travel documents are saved in your email Inbox.
Finally, as a safety precaution, always pack a photocopy of essential documents, just in case.
Should I pack a travel adapter?
Travel adapter
Yes, you should pack a travel adaptor for international travel if you plan to recharge any electric item, such as phones, cameras, laptops, and tablets.
Check which type of adaptor you will need for your destination. Europe operates on a round two-pronged outlet; while in the U.K. and Ireland it’s a three pin adapter. Australia and New Zealand also use a three-pin adapter, but the pins are positioned in more of a triangle shape.
Smart travelers pack a universal adapter, which you can use in multiple destinations. You can purchase these from online retailers and airport travel stores.
How do I pack for international travel with kids?
Malaga, Spain
Things to pack for international travel with kids include some lightweight toys, books, and games to keep them entertained while traveling, and mess-free snacks that are easy to travel with. For older kids, download movies onto your laptop for long flights and carry headphones.
Consider how your kids will be spending their time on vacation—sightseeing and museum-hopping or playing on beaches and swimming in the ocean? Your kids’ international travel wardrobe should be similar to your own.
Include cute T-shirts and short sets, pretty floral dresses, loose comfortable pants and sweaters, a light jacket, rash vests, and swim goggles for the beach and pool. For footwear, pack sneakers, colorful jelly shoes, and sandals.
Remember high factor sunscreen if you’re headed to the tropics, or to Europe in the height of summer.
Read: Unique Family Vacations Around the World
What should I pack in my carry-on?
Carry-on luggage
Things to pack for international travel in your carry-on include all of your travel documents, including a valid passport; credit cards; and some local currency. It is essential that you pack medication and prescription contact lenses or glasses in your carry-on.
Carry technology, such as a phone, tablet, laptop, camera, and charging cables in your hand luggage. You’ll want a water bottle that you can refill at water stations and some essential snacks.
Pack some basic toiletries in your carry-on, including hand sanitizer, toothpaste, a toothbrush, a travel-size deodorant, and a moisturizer, and make sure they are all in containers under 100ml, or 3.4oz.
Carry a book and magazines with you to read while traveling. Pack compression socks, plus a travel neck support cushion, and a black-out eye mask if you intend to sleep on flights. Lastly, consider packing a light change of clothes, too, such as a t-shirt and shorts.
Are there any items I shouldn’t pack for international travel?
Portofino, Italy
Don’t pack items that you’re not going to wear or need. For example, if you’re going to the Galapagos on a nature-filled adventure, don’t pack several dresses or formal outfits. And if you’re heading to the tropics, you won’t need warm clothing apart from something to combat strong air conditioning.
It goes without saying, but don’t pack illegal or contraband items, such as firearms, explosives, narcotics, and objects that are potential weapons. Loose or spare laptop batteries aren’t allowed and larger lithium-ion batteries are typically prohibited by airlines.
Read: Packing List for a European Summer Vacation
Santorini, Greece
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