The Ultimate International Trip Packing List

We know, we know. You’re not setting out on an international trip to be consumed by your tech, but there are certain essentials that can make a good trip even better, whether aiding an itinerary, ensuring your safety, or simply entertaining you while in transit. Packing things like a reliable wi-fi hotspot and a portable power bank means you’ll always have access to your smartphone for emergencies (or just to use Google Maps to navigate your self-guided walking tour without having to pop into a cafe every few blocks).

Best Adapter

Epicka Universal Travel Adapter

$23 at Amazon $23 at Walmart View on Epickatech.com

Our Ratings

• Ease of Use
  5/5
• Effectiveness
  4/5
• Value
  5/5

Traveling abroad with a good adapter like the Epicka Universal Travel Adapter is non-negotiable. It comes equipped with plugs for more than 150 countries but the convenient sliding design means you won’t have to fuss with (or be responsible for) multiple attachments. During the testing process, we particularly appreciated that this option comes with so many USB ports (four USB-A and one USB-C) as it cut down the need for multiple adapters and made it incredibly easy to charge all our tech at the same time.

Best Wi-fi Hotspot

Skyroam Solis Lite

$160 at Amazon $160 at Target $160 at Best Buy

Do you remember the days of traveling before Google Maps? It’s hard to imagine a time when we’d actually have to ask locals for directions or hope we’re reading a paper map properly. The Solis Lite 4G LTE WiFi Mobile Hotspot makes modern travel even easier by ensuring you’re always connected to a reliable Wi-Fi network, wherever you are. It doesn’t require a SIM card or a contract and functions seamlessly in more than 135 countries around the world. It can also support up to 10 devices at a given time — which means your travel buddies will thank you, too.

Best Camera

Nikon Zf Mirrorless Camera

View on B&H Photo Video View on Nikonusa.com $1,997 at adorama.com

The Nikon ZF immediately catches the eye with its beautiful, retro-inspired body. Don’t let the decidedly cool aesthetic fool you though — this camera also makes it super easy to channel your inner photographer. The 24-megapixel, full-frame mirrorless camera is very simple and user-friendly but offers enough bells and whistles to quell more advanced photographers. It’s also incredibly small and lightweight which makes it great for throwing into your day bag (no oversized camera bag required!).

Best Tripod

Phopik Aluminum Extendable Tripod Stand

$27 at Amazon

Another way to ensure great vacation photos? Investing in a decent tripod stand. Selfies have their time and place but being able to set up a tripod to get group shots in idyllic settings will ensure frame-worthy visual souvenirs. The Phopik Aluminum Extendable Tripod Stand is a great option for those who travel with both a digital camera and a smartphone as the convertible device can actually be used as a selfie stick and tripod for smartphones while also extending into a more stable tripod suitable for a heavier camera. It also packs down ultra-small when not in use so you won’t have to run around all day with a full-sized tripod under your arm.

Best Portable Power Bank

Nimble Champ Portable Charger

View on Gonimble.com

The Nimble Champ is a game changer for long travel days when you might not have the chance to wait by an outlet for your smartphone to refuel; the 10,000 mAh battery is more than enough to charge the average smartphone between three to five times in full. If you’re concerned about having your phone for safety purposes (like to grab an Uber, use Google Maps, call for help, etc.), a compact lightweight charger will also offer serious peace of mind. We like that this option is made using 99 percent certified recycled plastic so you can feel good about the sustainable choice. And, if you need even more juice, there’s a more powerful Nimble Champ Pro with a 20,000 mAh battery instead.

Best Noise-canceling Headphones

Apple AirPods Max

$471 at Amazon $549 at Target $549 at Walmart

Our Ratings

• Ease of Use
  5/5
• Comfort
  4.5/5
• Sound Quality
  5/5
• Range
  5/5
• Battery Life
  5/5

The AirPods Max are admittedly a bit expensive but they’re worth the price point for the quality and overall ease of use, especially if you’re a lover of Apple devices. During the testing process, we found the user experience to be the best out of all the headphones we tried. We really like how easy they are to connect to an iPhone or MacBook without having to go searching into the Bluetooth settings (there’s a simple pop-up that’ll ask you if you want to switch and that’s that). We found the headphones very intuitive to use and the sound quality is excellent as well with a strong enough noise-canceling feature to provide serenity everywhere from the airplane to the subway.

Best Luggage Tracker

Eufy SmartTrack Link

$20 at Amazon View on Eufy.com

Our Ratings

• Ease of Setup
  5/5
• Accuracy
  5/5
• Functionality
  5/5
• Design
  4.5/5

Popping a luggage tracker, like the Eufy SmartTrack Link, into your checked luggage will allow you to track a suitcase in real time which offers peace of mind and can help expedite the return of lost-in-transit baggage. This tiny tracker was our top pick during testing due to its ease of use and convenient size and shape. The durable square comes equipped with a hole in the top corner that makes it easy to add a carabiner or key ring onto the tracker to attach to internal zippers or other items, too.

It can be tricky to strike a healthy balance between actual travel essentials and products that seem useful in theory but actually just end up taking up precious space in your suitcase or carry-on. The following items are designed to make travel as easy and comfortable as possible and are all compact, easy to pack, and won’t end up weighing you down. They’re also highly practical for staying organized and put together while making your way through passport control or while taking public transport from the airport to your hotel.

Best Passport Cover

Paravel Passport Case

$75 at tourparavel.com

Our Ratings

• Capacity
  5/5
• Ease of Use
  5/5
• Quality
  5/5

You might not think you need a passport cover, but this Paravel Cabana Passport Case is a particularly great option since it not only keeps your passport safe and secure but holds up to eight cards, too. During the testing process, we found the luxe material to also be durable, and it was very easy to get our cards and passport in and out of the slots without having to stretch things out. We also like that this one comes in several colorways and can be customized with a hand-painted initial as well.

Best Travel Wallet

Leatherology Zip Around Travel Wallet

$160 at Amazon $140 at leatherology.com

Our Ratings

• Capacity
  5/5
• Ease of Use
  5/5
• Quality
  5/5

If you’re hoping to score something with a little extra space, the Leatherology Travel Wallet is a particularly great choice as it’ll keep all your stuff organized without becoming too bulky or heavy. The compact design has a slot for pretty much everything you could need including your passport, cards, printed boarding pass, coins, cash, and even a pen. During the testing process, we found that this option stood out for its buttery soft leather that feels much more expensive than it is, and for the expansive interior that could easily hold more than a couple of passports. 

Best Luggage Belt

Cincha Travel Belt

$40 at Amazon View on Cinchatravel.com

The Cincha Travel Belt is one of those travel accessories that you don’t realize just how much you need until you have it on-hand while on the go. The travel belt is designed to attach your personal items — like a coat, shopping bags, and even your handbag — to the handle of your rolling luggage without worrying about it sliding around or falling off the top of your luggage. This is a particularly handy option to have on hand while changing terminals or taking trains to the city center when you don’t want to have to worry about lugging multiple loose pieces.

Best Reusable Water Bottle

Memobottle A5 The flat water bottle that fits in your bag

$39 at Amazon View on Memobottle.us

There are certain things that all responsible travelers should consider when setting off on a trip — and being a more sustainable citizen of the world is one of them. The easiest way to cut down on your carbon footprint while traveling? Investing in a reusable water bottle. The Memobottle A5 makes it easy to ditch single-use plastic while traveling without feeling like, you know, you’re carrying a massive water bottle around with you. It’s designed to be ultra thin and can fit in a briefcase or handbag. However, don’t let the thin size fool you. This water bottle fits a standard 750 milliliters which is the exact same as the single-use bottle of Smartwater in the airport shop.

Best Packing Cubes

Gonex Compression Packing Cubes

$30 at Amazon View on Gonexsport.com

Our Ratings

• Capacity
  5/5
• Design
  5/5
• Quality
  5/5
• Value
  5/5

Packing the right amount of clothing for an international trip can be a bit of a daunting task which is why we’re such major advocates for the Gonex Compression Packing Cubes. The set of four cubes comes in a variety of sizes to help keep garments in order while planning for your trip. The compression cubes are also designed to squish down into the smallest size possible so you can fit even more into that carry-on roller without worrying about taking up too much space in the overhead bin or running out of room for souvenirs.

Best Neck Pillow

Cabeau TNE S3 Travel Pillow

$50 at Amazon View on Cabeau.com

Our Ratings

• Comfort
  4.5/5
• Quality
  4.8/5
• Portability
  5/5
• Value
  5/5
• Durability
  5/5

Think of the Cabeau TNE S3 as the neck pillow for travelers who hate carrying a neck pillow. The compact neck support folds down into a tiny bag that can easily be stored away in your carry-on or handbag while on the go. We loved this neck pillow during the testing process for its memory foam material and 360-degree support. It’s designed to attach to your seat and will keep you from that annoying head bobbing that can often happen when trying to sleep upright.

Best Money Belt

Raytix RFID Money Belt

$18 at Amazon

Our Ratings

• Ease of Use
  5/5
• Comfort
  5/5
• Capacity
  5/5
• Performance
  5/5
• Quality
  5/5

Money belts might not be the most exciting of travel gear — but having this under-clothes accessory can offer major peace of mind if you’re nervous about carrying your valuables out in the open while on the go. The Raytix Money Belt was our top pick during our tests because of its smooth material that feels comfortable on the skin and a discreet size that doesn’t bulge when placed properly under your clothing. We also really liked that it was wide enough to comfortably fit a passport without having to wiggle the zipper in order to close the pouch.

Best Compression Socks

Comrad Compression Socks

View on Comradsocks.com

The Comrad Compression Socks do the impossible: make compression socks look cool and stylish. The double-dip ombre design is fun and aesthetically pleasing — especially compared to your average drugstore alternative — and the socks themselves are extremely soft to the touch. During the testing process, we found they offered gentle compression without being uncomfortable. They were breathable and we could easily wear them on a long-haul flight without any itchiness whatsoever either.

Selecting the right luggage for your international trip is half the battle. For example, if you’re hoping to avoid checking a bag at all costs, you’ll want something that is no bigger than 21.5 inches, and as lightweight as possible. If you’re looking for a suitcase that’ll handle the arduous checked baggage process, you’ll want to look for a hard-sided spinner with enough give that it won’t crack or puncture while in transit.

Choosing the right personal item and day bag is an equally important decision. Handbags and backpacks should be lightweight and multi-purpose, meaning that you’ll be able to use them at multiple times, like day trips to the country, jaunts around the city center, and evenings out.

Best Lightweight Backpack

Longchamp Le Pliage Backpack

$140 at Nordstrom $140 at Nordstrom $105 at Saks Fifth Avenue

Given the brand's reputation for high-quality bags, it's no surprise the Longchamp Backpack Le Pliage is forever our go-to travel bag when we’re aiming to pack light but stylish. Longchamp Le Pliage in general is kind of the perfect bag concept for travel as it packs down ultra small when not in use but can expand to a full-sized bag as needed. The backpack is no exception; it’s small and lightweight but stylish and large enough to fit a day — or night — of essentials without screaming tourist or looking too bulky. We also like that this option is made from a durable nylon and can withstand the bright sun and heavy rain without getting damaged.

Best International-sized Carry-on

Away The Carry-On

$275 at awaytravel.com

Packing for international air travel can sometimes be a little dicey, especially if you’re going to be flying on budget airlines with little wiggle room on suitcase sizing. The Away The Carry-on sits just below most international carrier limits so you won’t run into any surprises at the gate, but we also found that it’s incredibly roomy. During the testing process, we were able to fit everything we needed for a four-day trip with room to spare. The hard plastic shell is also incredibly durable — even when clobbered with a baseball bat — so it will hold up with heavy duty use, too.

Best Checked Bag

July Large Luggage

View on July.com

Our Ratings

• Capacity
  5/5
• Organization
  4.5/5
• Design
  5/5
• Maneuverability
  5/5
• Durability
  5/5

The July Checked Plus is our top choice when it comes to the best checked luggage for international travel, especially if you tend to be an overpacker as it fits 110 liters worth of items. Even if you don’t fill it to the brim, we particularly like the number of pockets and organizational features inside to keep things sorted. During our testing process, we found it was incredibly easy to pack a fair amount while giving everything a designated spot. We also found the wheels and handle to be the smoothest we’ve found in a suitcase which made it easy to trolley the suitcase around through the airport and into the city.

Best Belt Bag

lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag

$38 at Lululemon

Our Ratings

• Quality
  5/5
• Capacity
  5/5
• Ease of Use
  5/5
• Fit
  3/5
• Value
  5/5

The Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag is, well, kind of everywhere, but it’s easy to see why. It’s incredibly lightweight and durable while offering a discreet but stylish solution to storing your daily essentials in a safe and secure manner. It’s also made of water-repellent polyester so you can get caught in the rain with less issue than a leather or cotton alternative. This option also comes in a huge variety of colorways to best suit your style, but we’re major fans of the classic black. During the testing process, we particularly appreciated how easily the zipper glides; it doesn’t pull or stick which makes it easy to quickly grab items like a wallet or passport out without having to use two hands. Plus, if you have even more to carry, there’s a 2-liter version, too.

Best Travel Laundry Bag

Miamica Travel Laundry Bag

$11 at Amazon $18 at miamica.com

The Miamica Travel Laundry Bag is another one of those items that is easy to forget or brush off as being unimportant but can actually make such a big difference while on the go. This lightweight laundry bag will take up no room in your luggage but makes staying organized while traveling so much easier. Whether you’re doing your own laundry in your hotel room or planning on sending the essentials off for dry cleaning, having a separate bag to store your dirty clothes in means you won’t have to rifle through your suitcase trying to decipher what is clean versus what needs to be washed.

Best Tote

MZ Wallace Deluxe Tote

$275 at Nordstrom $275 at Neiman Marcus View on Maisonette.com

Our Ratings

• Capacity
  5/5
• Portability
  3/5
• Ease of Use
  3/5
• Value
  5/5

Don’t underestimate the power of a great tote while traveling as options like this lightweight MZ Wallace Medium Metro Tote Deluxe won’t take up much space in your luggage but can be a lifesaver if you somehow find yourself with more stuff to pack on your way home. We found this bag to be super roomy without overpowering us with a ton of built-in pockets and even a removable pouch to keep gear organized on the go. It’s also worth noting that this tote comes in a few different sizes from mini to large if you’re looking for something a bit bigger or smaller instead.

Best Toiletry Bag

Away Large Toiletry Bag

$75 at awaytravel.com

Our Ratings

• Capacity
  5/5
• Design
  5/5
• Portability
  5/5
• Value
  4/5

There are a lot of utilitarian toiletry bags out there but options like this one from Away both get the job done, and look good in the process. We found it very easy to pack and organize, thanks to an abundance of pockets and pouches to store everything from makeup brushes to delicate bottles. The material feels high-end and sleek but we found it to be secure and waterproof so nothing spilled out while in transit either.

Best Rolling Duffel

Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler

$190 at Amazon View on Backcountry.com View on Eaglecreek.com

Our Ratings

• Capacity
  5/5
• Design
  4/5
• Maneuverability
  3/5
• Durability
  4/5
• Value
  4/5

The Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler Wheeled Duffel is our top pick for the best rolling duffel for international travel since it’s huge yet still incredibly easy to roll through the airport or tote by hand on public transit. We particularly loved that this bag came with its own packing cubes and could easily convert from duffel to backpack to rolling suitcase. Despite its multi-functional design, it really excelled at everything. We found the bag very smooth to roll and just as easy to grab and go when needed. The material also feels very durable; like it could withstand heavy use without having to be too precious with it.