What Do I Pack On An International Trip?

When I'm helping people get ready for their first international trip I often get the same question: WHAT DO I PACK? There are an overwhelming amount of "packing lists" on Pinterest and Google that cater to specific trips or include way more than necessary. But I'm going to share a few essential items from experience that should be included for every trip. 

• Two outfits per day: Most people know to check the weather before packing, but it is a best practice to pack two outfits per day. While your agenda may be pre-planned by a travel agent, additional activities and unforeseen circumstances often arise. For example, if you're on a tour all day and pass by a wonderful restaurant, you may decide you want to change into something nice for later on. Also, flights are never 100% guaranteed, you could be delayed a day or two getting home so these days are accounted for in your packing. 
• A copy of your passport: Imagine losing your passport (it happens!). A copy of your passport is not valid but it is proof that you do have a passport and helpful for identification. From experience, I was at the border between England and the Netherlands without my passport (I left it at the hotel). Border patrol was going to let me on the ferry because I had a copy of my passport, but I would not be able to get back into England for my flight home. 
• A credit card: No matter where I visit I always make sure I have a credit card for general purchases and emergencies. Local currency is great, but it is hard to estimate how much you will spend on a vacation. Debit cards are great, you can use your own "cash". However, they often charge foreign transaction fees (which add up quick if you swipe a lot) and if you encounter some fraud the process takes longer to get your cash back. Credit cards are the best. They often have no foreign transaction fees, offer rewards for usage, fraud protection, and a decent spending limit.  Side note: American Express and Discover are not accepted worldwide like Visa and MasterCard.
• Cash: Cash is king. US dollars can be converted into local currency at airports or locally at currency exchange shops spread across the city. I've been to places where Uber/Lyft was not accessible and the taxi drivers did not accept credit cards, thankfully I had cash in my wallet!
• Travel size hand-sanitizer: Because, germs. Airports and public transportation are common places for germs and the last thing you want is to catch someone else's cold while on vacation. 
• Portable charger. Travel time and tours often have a longer length than our phone batteries and outlets are not available everywhere. Even if your phone plan does not include free international calls or data, you want to be prepared for an emergency call or Google search. 
• Miniature Emergency Kit. Accidents happen, so it's best to be prepared. The emergency kit can include anything you think is important but mine includes: a few bandaids, wet wipes, Tylenol, Benadryl, Neosporin, paper clip, safety pin, Q-tips, cotton balls, chapstick, and sunscreen. I made it a priority to include my emergency kit while packing after experiencing an accident while in Mexico. I slipped in sliced open a toe. While the staff was great at their hospitality jobs, there was not a medical professional on site and the stuff struggled to find something to stop the bleeding. United States medical insurance does not work out of the country, so I hope I never have any severe issues, but I am covered for small accidents.  
• Collapsable bag. Some people plan to shop on vacations, some do not. I plan for shopping and leave some space in my luggage but I also bring a collapsable bag for multiple reasons: a sturdy bag while on vacation shopping, baggage weight overage (the overweight bag cost is ridiculously high for international flights), extra space to bring back souvenirs, and it serves as a carry-on item for valuable or fragile souvenirs that I do not trust being in my checked bag!

​Best of luck and Happy Travels!