Traveling abroad is always an epic adventure – I love it. But it requires a little bit of planning. So let’s make sure you don’t miss any important steps or requirements.
Welcome to my checklist of international travel essentials. These are the must-have items to prepare and bring with you during your trip.
I wanted to keep this checklist true to its name by only covering the stuff you actually need when traveling overseas (i.e., no fluff).
Because while designer neck pillows and satin-lined eye masks are nice, they aren’t exactly “essential” (in my view, at least – others may disagree).
So these are my non-negotiables when journeying abroad. Let’s get to it.
The Importance of Planning Ahead for International Travel
Planning is important, especially for traveling overseas. Admittedly, I’m not the best at it either.
So using checklists like this one is a great tool. But what’s the importance of planning ahead for international travel exactly?
Here are some key reasons to plan ahead for overseas travel:
Better understand the culture you're visiting
Limit your risk of unexpected surprises
Enjoy a smoother travel experience with less stress or problems
Optimize your schedule and time for the most fun
Improve your sense of control and travel happiness
Go through travel procedures and steps quicker and more efficiently
Improve your sense of confidence
Recommended: How to Get Better At Planning
International Travel Essentials Checklist (11 must-haves)
This is a list of the international travel must-haves.
But long flights provide you with things like blankets, food and headphones. So while splurging on the extras is fun, it’s important to first make sure we have all the actual essentials.
1. Passport, Visas + Required Docs
Let's kick things off with the obvious – you need a passport (and any related stuff like visas).
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 – have your passport.
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).
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).
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.
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 often buy a converter at an electronic shop in your destination (or even at convenience stores), it’s more convenient 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.
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 circ*mstances 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
When you’re spending 10+ hours traveling, having some products to freshen up a bit is helpful.
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. 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 having to haul 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 have a taxi, you’ll likely be walking to your accommodation, the store and to trains. So having a suitcase with wheels is essential (unless you’re pretending you're at the gym and it’s just a workout).
Luckily, you can pick up a decent budget suitcase for around $100 (or less) online or at the store (Target, etc.).
8. 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 jeans, I suppose. But still, 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 a long layover.
Because staying fresh and comfortable is key to a better travel experience.
In my view, comfort while traveling is essential. It makes for a better experience and sets you up for success on your trip.
9. 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.
Currently, I have the American Express Delta SkyMiles Gold Card. Besides no foreign transaction fees, I also get points for qualified purchases that I can use on future flights.
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.
10. 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 circ*mstance 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).
11. 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).
Conclusion
Making sure you have the most essential items for your trip abroad is super important.
While you’ll likely pack some extra items you deem personally necessary, this checklist includes the most critical stuff you should have.
Namely, your passport and visa, any required documentation, proof of onward travel and your accommodations are the most critical things to have before traveling overseas.
But remember, it’s always best to check the official government website for the country you’re visiting for information related to entry requirements.
Because international travel essentials can vary depending on where you’re going, where you’re coming from and what you’ll be doing during your travels.
Put another way, don’t just listen to one blog post. 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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