Preparing to pack for your first trip abroad is a thrilling feeling filled with a mix of excitement and nerves. Trying to pack for every social situation and weather consideration can feel overwhelming though.
What if you need a nice dress?
What if the weather changes and you end up needing a jacket you didn't pack?
What if your sandal strap breaks and you don't have a backup pair?
What if you have an allergic reaction and don't pack the proper medicine?
What if you go to use your hair appliance and discover you didn't pack the proper adapter?
Sure, you can purchase things while you're away but that should be a last resort. It's easy to see how packing for any international adventure can feel a bit overwhelming, let alone when it's your first time. If you're like many, you might even practice packing, and then repack again. It's with this in mind that I'll go into what essential items you should always pack or prepare for when traveling abroad and what you can conceivably go without, regardless of how long you're traveling for.
Let’s dive into the essentials to ensure you’re fully prepared for this memorable journey.
Before You Jet Off
First things first, never underestimate the importance of having your essential documents in order (with backups accessible). Here’s a checklist of must-have essential documents for US travelers:
Passport: If you already have a US passport, ensure it’s valid for at least six months after your planned return date. If you don't have a passport, you can apply for one here. You'll need to allow up to 8 weeks for processing and $130+. If your travel plans have come up quickly or your passport will expire within the six-month requirement, you can pay an additional fee to expedite your paperwork (returned in around 2-3 weeks). You can find answers to all your questions and the latest requirements on the Travel.State.Gov website.
Visa: Check if your destination requires a visa and its cost, and apply well in advance. For those whose first trip abroad includes multiple countries and/or "winging it," make every effort to apply for visas in advance of arrival to your destination. While it's possible to acquire some visas at the border, it's unwise to take this approach as you may not be guaranteed entry upon arrival. The Trave.State.Gov website has a great search tool that outlines the travel requirements for any country you're traveling to including visas, vaccinations, safety considerations, and more. Along with their Smart Traveler app, you can always be in the know, no matter where you go in the world.
Travel Insurance: A must for covering unexpected mishaps. Maybe not necessary for a weekend getaway but in most instances where international travel is involved, travel insurance is always a sound idea. I like World Nomads but do your research. Regardless of which company you choose, read the fine print to know what is and is not covered by travel insurance.
Copies of Important Documents: Keep digital and physical copies of your passport, visa, driver's license, travel insurance, lifesaving medications, and any other critical documents easily accessible. I would also recommend keeping a notepad in your phone with important phone numbers such as the US embassy where you're traveling as well as bank and credit card customer support numbers in case your card is lost, stolen, or put on a freeze. It's also not a bad idea to leave a digital copy of these documents with a trusted friend or family member on the off chance you require outside assistance while traveling abroad.
Pack Smart to Travel Light
Packing can be both an art and a science. Here are some tips to help you pack efficiently:
Backpack or Suitcase: This will largely depend on how you intend to travel. If the intent is to be nimble and mobile then you can't beat a sturdy backpack. Don't just buy online. Visit an outdoor shop and check out your pack options in person. Stores like REI Co-op will have someone onsite who can fit you for a pack and even let you test it with weights so you get a sense of how it will feel when packed. Resist the urge to buy the largest pack or one with tons of straps and accessories if you don't plan on using them all. There are differences between backpacks for multi-day hiking/camping trips and backpacks that will better serve you when moving between cities and countries.
For twenty years I exclusively used an Eagle Creek 40L pack with a detachable daypack. It opened like a suitcase which has its pros and cons. In 2022, I updated my pack for an Osprey 40L with a very similar design. The detachable daypack is a no-brainer when it comes to urban backpacking while also forcing you to pack strategically so you can utilize said daypack.
On a recent trip to Japan, Taiwan, and South Korea I opted for a suitcase, simply based on how I've seen Asian travelers travel in the past. I will say, that while utilizing a suitcase did optimize packing with compression bags, navigating my suitcase across uneven streets and the Tenji tactile paving blocks (guidance systems for the blind and visually impaired) proved challenging. The next time I go, I will opt for my backpack.
A note on travel compression bags. First, I love these!!! While I always try to pack light and efficiently, these afford a big bang for your packing buck! That said, regardless of how much you compress the space your clothing takes up, you can't compress weight. Unless you have a personal porter, a heavy pack or suitcase can become a real hindrance midway through your trip.
Weather-Appropriate & Versatile Clothing: Choose items that can be mixed and matched. Think neutral colors and layers. Research the climate of your destination and pack accordingly. Consider moisture-wicking materials when packing as they're generally more breathable, lightweight, and simultaneously warm and cool, and you can usually wear them more than once before you need to consider washing them. Chances are you'll end up wearing the same few clothing items over and over and not even touch the others. Ask yourself, is this an essential favorite or a just-in-case outfit option? If it's the latter, resist packing it. Don’t forget a lightweight shawl—this travel accessory can serve multiple functions beyond fashion, including a beach towel in a pinch! Some of my FAVORITE clothing brands for travel (and generally in life) include Athleta, Prana, REI Co-op, and Sezane for affordable luxury.
Health & Safety Essentials: Bring travel-size toiletries. Resist packing your entire makeup kit and full-size hair products. In many instances, a tinted SPF moisturizer is all you need, especially in warmer climates.
Don't forget feminine hygiene products (or period panties), condoms, and birth control if applicable. Some items may be very expensive or might not be readily available abroad. If you use an electric toothbrush at home, I'd advise traveling with an old-school manual one.
Pack a basic first-aid kit (a Ziplock baggie will do), including hand sanitizer, masks, band-aids, antiseptics, pain relievers, antihistamines, and any prescription medications. Keep a detailed list of your prescribed medicines along with doses and doctor or pharmacy information included with your essential documents, in case of emergency.
Don't forget to pack a laundry bag (I like Chico bags) and Travelon laundry sheets in case you want to do a quick wash in the sink.
Solo travelers, pack a whistle in place of pepper spray or other personal safety items you might not be able to travel with. If you can't take it as a carry-on, I recommend leaving it at home.
Money: The saying goes, lay out everything you think you'll need to pack, then cut your clothing and accessory items in half and double your money. Speaking of, I highly advise ordering at least USD 100 worth of local currency before leaving the country so you have local cash on hand. I do this before every trip! Call your credit card companies (or see if there's an online option) and let them know you're traveling internationally. This will safeguard your card from being frozen against fraud charges. Additionally, double and triple-check that the credit and/or debit card you plan to use while abroad doesn't charge international fees for each transaction. These can add up quickly, are an absolute waste of your hard-earned money, and are avoidable with a little research. Websites like Nerd Wallet can help you find the card that's right for you.
Tech: In today’s digital age, some hands-on gadgets are indispensable for travelers:
Universal Adapter: Ensure you can charge your devices anywhere and you don't cause an accidental electrical fire.
Portable Charger: For my recent trip to Asia, I purchased two portable chargers. One was a Magsafe and the other had multiple adapter wires. I ended up using the Magsafe option exclusively and loved the little kickstand feature more than I expected to!
Travel Apps: Download apps like maps, language translators, and local guides like Get Your Guide or Klook. Travel Tip: if you're traveling to South Korea, Google/Apple Maps won't work so you'll want to download a local option like Naver. Do your research.
eSIMs - Invaluable in today's digital world! Be connected in over 200+ countries as soon as you land!
Comfort Travel Accessories: Eye masks, earplugs, head-sling (skip the neck pillow), and a good book for long flights or train rides. When I was backpacking, at one point I took up knitting to pass the time waiting for trains or long journeys. While I never made a sweater, it did make for great homemade holiday gifts when I was a broke backpacker!
Snacks: Finally, there's nothing worse than exploring a bucket list destination and either being hangry or having a travel companion who is hangry. It's super annoying and avoidable as I recently learned while traveling with my husband. Unfortunately for me, he found himself hangry on more than one occasion while we were traveling in Japan. You might not always have an opportunity to purchase food when it suits you, so always have snacks handy.
For quick access to my favorite travel accessories, check out my Amazon storefront featuring my go-to packing essentials.
Packing for Your First Trip Abroad: Recap
Pack smart, prioritize safety, and ensure you have all your important documents (and snacks)! Don't try to pack for every occasion—you'll be surprised how much of what you pack you won't use! The less you have to worry about tracking your stuff, the more fun you can have to explore and take in new experiences on your first (or second or fiftieth) trip abroad!
Do you have any packing tips you'd like to share in the comments below? I'd love to hear from you!
Happy Travels!
Want more! Check out my article on how to pack for specific getaways with free packing lists here!
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