Best Packing List for International Travel (2026 Checklist)

Use this checklist as a base and adjust it to your destination, season, and trip duration.

Travel Documents and Money

• Passport (valid for at least 6 months beyond return date)
• Visa (if required by destination)
• Travel insurance documents
• Flight tickets and hotel confirmations (printed copies)
• Photocopies of passport and documents (kept separate from originals)
• 2+ credit cards with no foreign transaction fees
• Debit / ATM card
• Cash in local currency
• Money belt or hidden travel wallet
• Emergency contact list (printed)
• Vaccination card or health pass (if required)

Electronics and Chargers

• Smartphone and charger
• Universal international power adapter
• Portable power bank
• Laptop or tablet and charger (if needed)
• Noise-canceling headphones
• Camera with batteries, charger, and memory cards
• AirTags or luggage trackers
• eSIM or international SIM card
• E-reader (optional)

Clothing

• 5–7 underwear and socks
• 3–4 casual t-shirts or tops
• 2–3 nicer tops or blouses
• 2–3 pants (jeans, trousers, or shorts depending on climate)
• 1–2 dressy outfits for dining
• Lightweight layers (cardigan, light sweater)
• Rain jacket
• Weather-appropriate coat or jacket
• Pajamas
• Swimsuit (if applicable)
• 1–2 pairs of comfortable walking shoes
• 1 pair of dressy shoes
• Sandals or flip-flops
• Hat and sunglasses
• Scarf (doubles as blanket on flights)
• Belt

Toiletries and Health

• Toothbrush, toothpaste, and dental floss
• Shampoo, conditioner, and body wash (travel-size, TSA-approved)
• Deodorant
• Face wash, moisturizer, and sunscreen (SPF 30+)
• Lip balm with SPF
• Razor and shaving supplies
• Hairbrush, hair ties, and styling products
• Contact lenses and solution (if applicable)
• Makeup essentials (if applicable)
• Prescription medications (in original labeled containers)
• Over-the-counter pain relief and antacids
• Antihistamines / allergy medication
• Melatonin or sleep aids (for jet lag)
• First-aid kit (bandages, antiseptic wipes, antibiotic ointment)
• Insect repellent
• Hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes

Comfort and Entertainment

• Travel pillow and eye mask
• Earplugs
• Books, e-reader, or travel journal
• Reusable water bottle
• Snacks for travel days
• Gum or mints

Safety and Organization

• TSA-approved luggage locks
• Packing cubes
• Ziplock bags (for liquids and wet items)
• Foldable extra bag (for souvenirs or laundry)
• Waterproof phone case
• Digital copies of all documents (email or cloud)
• Luggage tags with contact info

Make This List Your Own

Instead of copying this list every trip, save it in PackItSmart. The app adjusts what you need based on where you're going, how long you'll be there, and the kind of trip it is.