Six essentials for an international trip:
Traveling can be stressful, even when you’ve done it a thousand times. The fear of being at the wrong gate or arriving at the wrong time is constant until you find your seat on the airplane. However, forgetting an item is a fear that just appears out of the blue. And then you find yourself creating a mental checklist where you second-guess every item you packed.
It is never a good feeling. However everything will be fine as long as you have the following 6 items. Unlike flip-flops or a camera that you can buy anywhere, these are nonnegotiable items that will ensure your trip is smooth from the start.
And I mean, is it really a trip if you don’t forget at least one item?
Whether it’s your first international trip or you’re just double-checking what you packed, here are 6 essential items to pack before leaving the country.
1.Passport
This may be a no-brainer. However, if this isn’t number one on your list, you better write it down. I always make sure to keep this in a small body bag that will be with me at all times in the airport. There are many things you may need your passport for while traveling, but it doesn’t matter if you can’t make it past TSA.
2. Credit or Debit Card
I know many US Citizens believe they can bring US cash anywhere, but that is definitely not the case. That might work in Mexico, but don’t go to other countries with that mentality. I’ve visited remote areas in Europe, and all of them accepted cards, with the exception of some buses. There may be some fees associated with certain Credit and Debit cards, but I personally don’t look into them that much.
On backpacking trips, my card always gets declined at least once, so I get 100-200 dollars in the local currency. You can get cash at airports, train stations, and ATMs.
3. ESIM or International Coverage
If you are leaving for a week-long vacation, you can probably get away with an international plan. However, I began using ESIMs for my extended trips because they are cheaper than the international plans I’ve used. I personally use Airalo, because it’s very easy to set up before I leave for a trip.
4. Charger Adapter
Charger adapters are inexpensive– I bought mine from target for $15 and it has worked great. Look into where you are going and if you will need one. If you are going to a resort in Mexico or in the Bahamas you will likely be alright, but in many other places you may need one. The one I bought has numerous different plugs on it, so I could use it in many different countries.
5. Language Cheat Sheet
Having a cheat sheet can be useful from the get-go. As someone who always uses public transportation, I am always asking people for directions. Most of the time I don’t understand them, but they can understand my question and point me in the right direction.
Many European and Asian countries speak conversational English, but it is always nice to put some effort into learning some of the local language.
Basic things like counting, directions, greetings, and locations can go a long way when asking someone for help.
6. Small Body Bag
I always have a small bag that I can pull to the front of my body. This bag will likely be holding the most important things on the trip; such as your passport, credit/debit card, and phone.
Although I recommend leaving your passport in a safe in your room, it may be required for excursions, clubs, and transportation to and from the airport. Having a bag that can go in front of your body is ideal because pickpockets are everywhere in big cities and having a bag behind you makes and easy target.
I put this on the list because I suggest having this with you from the moment you leave your house. I view it as my golden ticket since it is holding my most valuable things.
And those are my top 6 essentials for an international trip!
If you enjoyed this post, I recommend checking out some of my other posts for traveling tips.
