WHAT I PACK FOR INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL

These days, I can pack for any and every kind of trip in record time. But learning how to effectively pack for international travel involved a lot of trial and error over several years.

On my first big solo trip to South America, I tried to look like an experienced backpacker by packing light, placing the bare minimum into a 40+L backpack. We’re talking two shirts for five months of travel. But while washing my underwear in the hostel sink every two days was hilarious, this wasn’t the easiest way to travel.

On a later trip to Turkey, I tried to correct my minimalist mistake, but instead, I ended up going too far in the other direction. I brought the biggest suitcase you could imagine. And while I was never wanting for anything, carrying a heavy suitcase up narrow, winding stairs and lifting it onto buses was less than ideal. 

Then finally, I found my Goldilocks routine with a packing system that was just right. Now, I know the basics to bring on any trip and can customize to the weather, culture, and activities from there. I bring enough to feel fully prepared, but I know better than to bring 50 pairs of underwear for three days.

Below you’ll find my basic packing list. Use it as a guide for your own international trips, updating it as you go based on your preferences and trip specifications. 

If, after consulting this list, you still feel like you’ve packed too much or you’ve reached the liquid capacity for your carry-on, remember you can buy most of these items when you arrive at your destination. Also, most laundromats can clean your clothes within a day, so there’s no need to pack your entire wardrobe.

Clothes

• Shower shoes that double as walking around flip-flops

• Hiking boots 

• Sneakers

• 1 hat

• 1 rain jacket

• 1 lightweight jacket 

• 1 pair of pajamas

• 1 bathing suit

• 5 pairs of underwear

• 3 bras 

• 5 pairs of socks

• 4 athletic t-shirts (everyday shirts that double as hiking or adventure shirts)

• 1 long-sleeve t-shirt

• 1 pair of hiking pants 

• 1 pair of shorts

• 1 pair of jeans

• 1 dress shirt

Toiletries

• Lightweight, fast-dry towel

• Hair ties

• Hair brush

• Mini bottle of shampoo and conditioner

• Bar of soap

• Mini toothbrush and toothpaste

• Mini bottle of face wash and moisturizer

• Mini deodorant 

• Imodium

• Benadryl 

• Dramamine

• Pepto-bismol tablets

• Any prescribed medications for altitude, malaria, etc.

Documents

• Driver’s license

• Health insurance card

• Credit cards and travel card (just in case)

• Birth certificate and paper copy

• Passport and paper copy

• Social security card and paper copy

• Vaccination card

• Copy of itinerary

• Travel insurance information

Gear

• Power adapter/converter 

• Portable charger

• Smartphone and wall charger  

Miscellaneous

• Book/Journal

• Lock

• Extra ziplock bags

• Extra bag for laundry

• 1 pair of sunglasses

• Packing cubes

Notice something missing from this list? Let me know in the comments. Or better yet, comment with your own system.

Happy packing!

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A lot goes into international travel, and it can be difficult to keep it all straight. If you’d like a custom travel itinerary, easy booking, and all the documents you need in one place for an affordable rate, contact me to join the Kelley Goes Rogue travel program.