International Travel Packing List with Free Packing Guide

Expert travel packing
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I recently went on a trip that took me to two different continents over an 11-day period that required a carefully planned international travel packing list. My trip sent me to two different seasons in the span of a few weeks – spring in Argentina and fall in London – which complicated my desire for a minimalist travel packing approach. Now, even if you’re not changing temperatures while also changing locations, a savvy packing strategy is a must so that is why I put together this post on expert packing tips!

This post covers travel packing tips that can be used for any trip abroad based on the multiple international trips that I’ve taken over the years. Be sure to download the comprehensive (printable!) free packing guide and checklist at the bottom of the post. It includes travel essentials for Europe or anywhere in the world. And the best part is that it is useful regardless if you need a 4 day trip packing list, a long term travel packing list or even a Disney packing guide!

Now on to my expert packing tips!

Embrace Minimalist Travel Packing: 

Carry-On Luggage

If you read my blog post The Cheapest Way to Travel Europe then you’ll remember that my #1 tip requires a minimalist travel packing strategy. This is achieved by limiting your luggage to a carry-on suitcase or travel backpack.  

Here are my favorite carry-on suitcases with options for all budgets:

SwissGear: My go-to budget-savvy carry-on is the SwissGear 20-inch carry-on spinner. SwissGear is a very reputable luggage brand and offer this carry-on at an unbeatable price point.  Mine has held up well over the years and is a great option for your international travel plans!

Away: I recently invested in the Away Bigger Carry On, which has not disappointed even at the higher price point of $245. It’s a hardshell 22-inch spinner with an ejectable battery (for charging devices on the go!), a TSA-approved locking mechanism, and the best part – a lifetime warranty!

I love the wide range of color options available through the Away line (I went with pink!) and they have several luggage sizes depending on your need, and even a smaller carry-on option if the 22-inch is too big for your style.

If you are interested in trying out an Away carry-on, they offer a 90-day trial where they encourage customers to travel with their bags all over the world. If, for any reason, you are not completely satisfied with the luggage within the trial period, you can return it to Away – no questions asked! They will even send you a paid-shipping label for the return so there is no risk to trying out their bags (except for the risk of loving it!).

pink carry on spinner luggage

One Savvy Wanderer readers can receive $20 off their first purchase using this referral link – just create an account prior to purchase and you will see the discount applied at check out!

Packing Cubes

Make your carry-on even more convenient by adding packing cubes, or small zippered bags that are changing the way people are organizing their luggage by making the most of their space.  I heard about packing cubes on our last trip to Argentina from fellow travelers we met at a wine-tasting class and I am excited for the opportunity to try them out on this trip!

Carry-on Totes as Personal Items

Since airlines allow both a carry-on suitcase and one personal item, I use a versatile tote as my personal item.  It is big enough to fit my laptop, a change of clothes for easy access on the plane, and my wallet and all the personal items typically found in my purse. 

International Travel Packing List | Electrical Adaptors

Different countries require different electrical adapters for plugging things in like cell phone chargers, hair dryers, laptops, etc., so you will need to be sure to add these to your international travel packing list. Coming from the USA, I’ve used this Type I adapter plug for an Argentina electrical adaptor (fun fact: apparently, it can be used in New Zealand & China too!) and this Type G adapter plug in the UK. 

The thing is, I don’t want to carry around multiple adaptor plugs for trips that include stops in counties with different adaptor plugs. To avoid this, I recommend the Travel Smart All-In-One Travel Adapter which works in many countries around the world. An all-in-one electrical adaptor solution is a must for savvy travelers visiting multiple countries that use different adaptor plugs. 

Pro tip: these adapters are not power converters!  Luckily, most things in the USA have built-in power converters to change the voltage from 110 volts up to 240 volts, so be sure to check the fine print on all the power cords of the items you are taking (chargers for cell phone or laptop, hair straightener, etc.) to confirm that a power converter is not needed.

International Travel Packing List | Hair Styling Tools

Best Travel Hair Dryer

A lot of accommodations abroad (especially budget-friendly ones) do not provide hair dryers, so packing a dual voltage, travel size hair dryer is a necessity.  This Conair 1875 watt folding hair dryer is a girl’s best friend while traveling.  I’ve been using it for years and it’s never failed me, no matter the country I am in.  The dual voltage feature means that you only need a power adaptor (see above), and it takes up minimal space in your suitcase with its foldable design.  Besides, the 1875 watts of hair-drying heat dry hair fast so you can get on the run to your next destination.

Best Hair Straightener and Curling Iron for Travel

My flat iron of choice is the Chi hair straightener and it’s traveled with me internationally many times, so I can attest to its ability to convert voltage without a power converter.  Same with this Conair instant heat curling iron; it has dual voltage for international travel and with its low price point, you might feel better about taking it abroad over the higher-priced Chi flat iron.

International Travel Packing List | Walking Shoes

Flat Shoes

It’s going to take a lot of walking to truly explore your destination, so packing comfortable, flat shoes is non-negotiable.   A friend of mine sent me with her Nike Free RNs when I traveled to Europe for the first time after studying abroad.  She recommended them not only for their comfort and style while sightseeing but also for their lightweight and bendable structure, which comes in extremely handy when trying to pack a small suitcase for two weeks of travel!  I loved them so much that I’ve since purchased several pairs for myself and they are a staple in my bag whenever I travel to a place where I know there will be lots of walking.

Seasonal Specific Shoes

Flip flops: If you are traveling to a warm climate destination, then flip flops are the perfect shoes to pack. Not only are they small, which saves room in your carry-on suitcase, but they can also serve as comfortable walking shoes for short distances when exploring your destination.

Pro tip: Even if flip flops are not in season during your travels, they are still handy to pack as they can be worn in the shower.

Rain boots: Due to the season that I traveled to Argentina and London in, it was rainy in both countries that we visited. That meant that that I plan to make room for a small pair of rain boots, too. 

I purchased these Hunter women’s short rain boots during the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale knowing that they would be perfect for my trip since they are literally half the size of the Hunter original tall rain boots I took on a previous trip to Argentina.  The tall version took up way too much space and are unrealistic to take again on future trips so I was glad to find the short option!

Pro tip: don’t make my mistake and pack tall Hunter rain boots for any trip abroad!

Overall, your travel packing approach will vary depending on your personal style, the weather and activities that await you at your destinations, and the amount of space you have. Between keeping these expert packing tips in mind along with the free packing guide and checklist below, you will be well-prepared for wherever your next trip takes you. 

International Travel Packing List | Free Packing Guide

The Important Stuff

  • Passport (it’s always a good idea to take copies of your passport, just in case)
  • International Driving Permit (if you plan on renting a car)
  • Credit card with no foreign transaction fees + backup credit/debit card (make sure you share your itinerary with your bank/credit card company prior to leaving on the trip and make a copy of the front & back of your cards in the event you have to report them as lost or stolen) 

Technology

Travel Accessories

Clothing, Etc.

  • Outfits (remember this is a minimalist travel packing strategy so don’t go overboard by packing too many tops, bottoms, dresses, etc.)
  • Socks
  • Underwear
  • Pajamas
  • Comfortable shoes

Seasonal Specific

  • Seasonal specific
  • Flip flops
  • Sunglasses
  • Swimwear
  • Light jacket / coat
  • Gloves
  • Rain boots

Toiletries, Etc. (Travel-size!) for Minimalist Travel Packing

  • Toothbrush / toothpaste
  • Soap / body wash
  • Perfume / cologne
  • Deodorant
  • Shaving products (razor, shaving gel)
  • Contact solution
  • Feminine hygiene products
  • Over-the-counter medication (vitamins, pain relievers)
  • Prescription medication

Haircare

Skincare

thumbnail of the minimalist travel packing list free download
Download the Free Travel Packing Checklist!

Traveling with a baby?  Be sure to check out fellow travel-blogger, TravellingMama, who wrote a post on the Ultimate Packing List for Traveling Abroad with a Baby!

Until next time – cheers!

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