10 Must-have International Trip Travel Essentials

Over the past few years, more Americans are traveling abroad. But if it’s your first time leaving the country, putting together your international trip packing list can be intimidating. I remember the first time I went to Europe, for a study abroad program, my school sent us a three-page packing list. Looking back on it now, it was overkill. But then again, a lot has changed in the last 15 years. For starters, instead of a fresh-faced 19-year-old, I’m now a seasoned travel writer with over 70 countries under my money belt.

Thanks to innovation and design, you no longer need to pack everything but the kitchen sink to be comfortable in a foreign destination. That said, there are definitely travel essentials that you still need for international exploration. From comfy walking shoes for 20,000-step days to a pickpocket-proof wallet that would have saved me $5,000, here are 10 products I recommend packing on your first — and subsequent — trips abroad. Let’s face it: Once you get your first passport stamp, there’s no going back. 

Comfortable Walking Shoes

On Cloud 5 Women’s Sneakers

Most international cities I visit, especially in Europe, are far more walkable than the U.S. Whereas you may only log 5,000 steps per day while visiting L.A., you’ll probably cover at least triple that in London. For that reason, I recommend packing podiatrist-approved walking shoes like the On Cloud 5 Sneaker. Its signature speed-lacing system makes going through airport security a breeze, and most importantly, they’re super comfy.

“We averaged 20-30k steps a day for four weeks straight, and these shoes kept me feeling energetic the whole way,” wrote one shopper who wore them on a trip to Japan. Choose from dozens of colors at Amazon, where they have more than 3,500 five-star ratings. 

A Universal Adapter

Epicka Universal Travel Adapter

There are at least 15 different outlet types around the world. Fortunately, this handy adapter is compatible with most of them. How do I know? I’ve used it in over 50 countries and on all seven continents. “Having owned and used similar adapters for decades, this one is a great upgrade,” noted one shopper who praised the four built-in USB ports. In fact, this travel adapter can charge up to six devices simultaneously. 

It’s not the cheapest universal travel adapter on the market, but it’s reliable — and with nearly 13,000 five-star ratings, it’s ranked No. 2 on Amazon’s list of best-selling electrical adapters.

A Pickpocket-proof Wallet

Hero Travel Supply RFID-blocking Neck Wallet

Getting pickpocketed in Paris (and not having travel insurance) ultimately cost me around $5,000. If I could go back in time, I would have stashed my valuables in an anti-theft bag or in an accessory like this neck wallet. It’s basically an oversized travel wallet you wear around your neck that’s big enough to fit your passport, phone, credit card, and keys.

It has more than 7,000 five-star ratings at Amazon and is so trusted, that over 3,000 were purchased in the last month alone. “The neck wallet is lightweight, so even when it’s full, it doesn’t pull on your neck or hang heavy,” wrote one shopper, who credits the accessory for keeping their valuables safe when they encountered a pickpocket in Rome.

A Passport Holder

Pascacoo RFID-blocking Passport Holder

Every year, at least one unfortunate traveler’s horror story — where they were denied entry or boarding due to a slightly damaged passport — makes headlines. Fortunately, with this premium faux leather passport holder, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing that your most valuable document is protected. It has slots for your credit cards and cash and even includes an RFID lining, so thieves with scanners or skimmers can’t steal your information. Choose from dozens of colors at Amazon where it has nearly 11,000 five-star ratings.

A Coin Purse

Travelambo Leather Squeeze Coin Purse

While we rely on cards and phones to pay for most things in the U.S., many countries still use cold, hard cash. In Europe, where the Euro coin is king, you can expect to deal with lots of change. That’s why, when I go abroad, I always pack a coin purse. Mine was a gift from a friend, but if I had to buy a new one, I’d look no further than this leather coin purse that’s ranked No. 1 on Amazon’s list of best-selling coin purses and pouches.

The magnetic closure makes opening and closing a breeze, and shoppers love that it’s stylish and compact. “[It’s] perfectly sized for fitting in your pocket next to your wallet,” wrote a shopper, who used it every day for two weeks while visiting a “cash-heavy” country.

A Versatile Scarf

Woogwin Cotton Scarf

Two years ago I was denied entry to the Capuchin Crypt in Rome because I wore a tank top and shorts. Many religious sites around the world require shoulders and knees to be covered. Other sites, such as the Blue Mosque in Istanbul, require women’s hair to be covered. Savvy travelers pack a versatile scarf that can be worn as a shawl, skirt, or hair wrap. I like this one because it’s made from viscose, which is known for being lightweight, breathable, and super soft. One shopper, who bought it in black for a trip to Europe, said it “packs easily” and they’d “definitely buy” it again in more colors.

A Personal Fan

Jisulife Handheld Mini Fan

Americans take air conditioning for granted and don’t even know it until they go abroad. Do yourself a favor and pack this flight attendant-approved handheld fan with over 52,500 perfect ratings. It charges via USB-C cord (included) in just a few hours and features two fan speeds. On high, the battery lasts up to 12 hours. On low, it lasts up to 19 hours. Hold it in your hand while you ride Manila’s metro during a heat wave, or fold it and use it as a desk fan in your hotel room. Did I mention it also triples as a flashlight and backup power bank? 

A Power Bank

Iniu Portable Charger

In some countries, especially those with older infrastructure, finding a working electrical outlet is akin to finding the proverbial pot of gold at the end of a rainbow. I survive by packing a portable charger. If you’ll be working remotely and need a power bank that can charge a computer, or one that can last for days and charge up to five devices at a time, I recommend the BioLite Charge 100 Max. But if you want to stay under $20 and are able to recharge it every night, this Iniu portable charger is a great choice. It’s about the size of a phone and has racked up more than 56,000 five-star ratings at Amazon, with more than 10,000 sold in the last month alone.

Sunscreen

Sun Bum Original SPF 50 Sunscreen Body Lotion

I travel to Thailand a lot where I always struggle to find a sunscreen that doesn’t feature a skin-lightening agent. I also don’t like buying sunscreen in foreign countries when I don’t know the language because I can’t easily read the list of ingredients. My solution? Tossing Sun Bum in my bag. It’s not the cheapest, but it’s hypoallergenic, smells like summer in a bottle, and is dermatologist-approved. It’s so beloved, that it’s a repeat purchase at Amazon with a 4.7-star average rating. This spring, I’m traveling to the InterContinental Maamunagau Maldives Resort where I’ll need a reef-safe mineral sunscreen for swimming with manta rays. Fortunately, Sun Bum makes that, too.

An Easy-access Backpack

Yeti Ranchero Backpack 22L

I love my $22 foldable daypack, but for long-haul flights, I recommend the Yeti Ranchero with its game-changing RipZip Opening. With one quick pull, I can access everything in the main compartment. This is a huge timesaver when I’m going through security and need to remove my toiletries and electronics, or when I’m on the plane and don’t want to unpack my entire bag to find what I’m looking for.

The Ranchero has built-in organization, including an easy-access laptop sleeve. It also has a strap and buckle so I can attach it to my wheeled luggage. Yes, it’s pricey, but it’s made of durable and water-resistant nylon and comes with a three-year warranty. Worried about pickpockets enjoying the easy access, too? Don’t be. Simply do like me and grab these handy zipper clips from Amazon.

Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we’ll send you our favorite travel products each week.