Whether you’re planning a whirlwind sightseeing extravaganza through Europe or a month-long island-hopping adventure around Asia, there are some items that you shouldn’t forget when traveling internationally. This includes prescription medication, as it can be difficult and time-consuming to get a new script abroad.
Ensure you’ll have all the necessities when hitting the road by packing with this TSA-approved travel toiletry bag.
Toiletries
A long plane ride can feel like an eternity if you don’t have the right stuff in your bag. That’s especially true when you’re traveling internationally, where certain items might be considered dangerous, prohibited, or require a special permit from Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to bring back into the country.
For this reason, it’s especially important to think about packing toiletries before you jet off to your international destination. For example, a clear organizer for your travel-size toiletries is a great option for keeping everything organized and adhering to TSA’s 3.4 oz liquid limit. Plus, it helps keep a leaky shampoo or lotion from staining the clothes you packed in your carry-on!
It’s also a good idea to pack extra contact lenses in case you lose or break one while traveling. Buying a new set of contacts in another country can be tricky and time-consuming, so it’s best to be prepared before you leave home! PureWow may earn commission from purchases made via links on this page. Prices are accurate as of the date this article was published, but they may change over time.
Laundry Stuff Sack
Whether you’re taking a whirlwind tour of Europe or a month-long island-hopping adventure in Asia, you’ve probably spent many hours researching your flights, lodging, tours and restaurants. But what about the little details? It’s easy to overlook items that might not seem like a big deal when planning a domestic getaway, but can make your international travel much less enjoyable.
This sack saves space in your luggage by separating clean from dirty laundry while traveling. It features a floating divider midway, making it easy to remember which end is clean and which is dirty. A carabiner hook also makes it easy to attach the sack to your bag.
Depending on your travel destination, you may have to pay extra fees for bringing certain items into the country. Before you travel, check with Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to find out what’s prohibited and what requires special licenses or permits. Then, prepare for a smooth, hassle-free trip. To help you, we’ve rounded up a list of items that should never leave your suitcase when traveling internationally.
Sunscreen
Whether you’re embarking on a whirlwind one-week sightseeing extravaganza through Europe or a month-long island-hopping adventure in Asia, you’ve likely spent many hours (if not days) mapping out every last detail of your trip. You’ve scored the best flight deals, nailed down the cutest Airbnb, and you’ve even snapped a picture of your passport for good measure.
Thankfully, most of the items that seasoned travelers forget when traveling internationally can be easily purchased once you reach your destination. But other forgotten essentials, such as sunscreen, can prove more difficult to track down in an unfamiliar country.
You’ll also want to be sure you’re up to date on all the recommended vaccinations for your international travel. This is particularly important if you’re headed to destinations that require vaccines against diseases that aren’t present or common in the United States, such as yellow fever, malaria, typhoid, and cholera. You can find up-to-date vaccination advice from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Contact Lenses
Whether you’re a natural jet-setter or it’s your first time traveling internationally, there are a few things that are vital to remember. Make sure to pack your glasses, a spare pair of contact lenses, and a travel-size bottle of solution in your carry-on bag. It’s a good idea to pack rewetting drops, too. This will help to keep your eyes comfortable during the flight.
Also, if you are a two weekly or monthly contact lens wearer who plans on travelling, ask your optician about switching to daily disposables for your holiday. This will save you from the hassle of packing extra pairs of lenses, bottles of solution, and a case during your trip.
Be sure to keep your contacts, lenses, and solutions in a separate zip-lock bag from any other liquids in your luggage. This will ensure that if your luggage gets lost, your contact lenses and solution won’t be contaminated or lost. You should also consider wearing polarised sunglasses when driving in sunny locations to protect your eyes from white glare and reduce eye strain.
Camera
You’ve done your research on transportation, accommodations, tours, and restaurants for your whirlwind trip around Europe or month-long island-hopping adventure in Asia. Now all you need to do is pack, right? Depending on your level of travel experience and whether you’re a natural jet-setter or it’s been awhile since your last international excursion, there are quite a few items that can easily be forgotten when packing for an overseas getaway. From electronics to toiletries, here are the items that you don’t want to forget when traveling internationally.
This post may contain affiliate links. PureWow editors select every product featured on the site, but we may earn commission when you buy from a link. Read our disclosure policy.
We only include products that we think you’ll love.