My Go-To Packing Tips for International Travel

Whether you travel on the regular or you only get to sneak away a couple times a year, we all have our own ways on packing and getting organized for a trip. However, regardless of how many passport stamps you have, most of us could use a little improvement when it comes to prepping ahead of take off.

If you’re guilty of waiting until the last minute to do laundry and pack for a vacation, you’re not alone. I mean, let’s be honest, cramming outfits and toiletries into a carry-on or checked bag isn’t exactly the most peaceful way to kick off a getaway.

To help you nail down a more solid pre-flight routine, I’m sharing some of my best packing tips for international travel. While these ideas and travel finds would also work for domestic ventures, I have found them to be particularly handy for long-haul trips and flights.

Packing Tips for International Travel

Plan your outfits ahead of time.

The most efficient way you can pack for any type of trip? Plan your exact outfits ahead of time. This might seem unnecessary or “overboard” at first, but trust me when I say you’ll be hooked on this strategy once you give it a try.

When you map out what you’re going to wear each day of your trip, it helps you avoid packing items that you won’t need. Think about it: How many trips have you gone on and only touched a section of your suitcase rather than everything in it?

Try on all the outfits you plan to wear during your vacation and assign them each a day. You can set every outfit inside a packing cube to keep things extra organized.

Bring a travel-sized steamer.

While laying your clothes flat inside packing cubes can drastically help the wrinkle situation, some things are just unavoidable while traveling. TSA is exactly gentle with luggage, so after it has been thrown and tossed around, it’s likely you’ll be left with some less than presentable wardrobe pieces.

If you have the room, consider bringing along a travel-sized steamer. I always prefer to have my own with me in the case that my hotel doesn’t have an iron or steamer available.

Pack plenty of power adapters.

One rookie mistake that many people make when traveling internationally is forgetting to bring along power adapters. This can throw you for quite the loop if it happens, so be sure to add this to your packing list!

I love these adapters from Amazon and have used them for several big trips. Bring more than you think you’ll need — it’s likely that someone you’re traveling with will forget.

Don’t underestimate travel-sized toiletries.

I know how tempting it can be to bring along every skincare, hair, and makeup product you love, but the odds are that you won’t really miss having them while you’re traveling. Bring along your ride-or-die products, and leave the more frivolous items back home.

A leave-in hair mask? Pass. That blush you rarely use? Take it out of your makeup bag.

Instead, stock up on travel-sized products that take up significantly less space. Sephora has so many good options these days, including higher end brands. Oh, and if you need to bring a hair dryer or curling iron with you, consider purchasing a dual-voltage option.

Wear your clunkiest pair of shoes on the flight.

I don’t know about you but the one thing I still seem to struggle with when it comes to packing is figuring out how to squeeze in all my shoes. Because they’re odd shapes and are typically on the clunky side, shoes can take up a lot of luggage space.

I know this concept isn’t exactly life changing, but it’s an easy tip that people often forget — wear your bulkiest pair of shoes on the plane. Whether it’s white sneakers or a pair of boots, sacrificing your airport outfit for the sake of more suitcase space is well worth it. Use your luggage for your thin sandals and flats.

Pack a few outfits in your carry-on bag.

While no one wants to even think about the odds of flight delays, cancellations, or lost luggage, the reality is that it’s a common part of travel. Be prepared for the worst case scenario by packing at least a few outfits and your must-have toiletries in your carry-on bag. You’ll be grateful you have these items if things go amiss.

My Favorite Travel Finds

Delsey Paris Chatelet Hardside Luggage

This is the luggage I use on almost every single trip. I have both the full-sized bag (28 inch) as well as the carry-on (21 inch) and couldn’t recommend the duo more. It has held up wonderfully despite getting a lot of use, and it doesn’t hurt that it looks chic too!

Packing Cubes

If you haven’t gotten on board with the packing cube game yet, you’re missing out. Not only do they encourage you to plan your outfits, but they also keep everything from getting sloppy in your suitcase.

Makeup Organizer

I bought this makeup organizer earlier this summer and I’m totally obsessed. It fits so many beauty and skincare products in such a compact space and I love that it comes with an LED mirror. You can set it on your bathroom counter for an easy getting ready process.

Travel Steamer

I mentioned above that toting along a travel steamer is always wise if you have the space. I like this one from Amazon and think it’s a great size and price point!

Travel Adapters

These are the travel adapters I bring along on international trips. I have bought them several times and always recommend them to friends.

Apple AirTags

If you want some peace of mind that your luggage made it on board with you, Apple AirTags are a must. They’ll also come in handy in the (unfortunate) event that your suitcase gets lost.

Dual-Voltage Travel-Sized Hair Dryer

I swear by this mini, dual-voltage hair dryer for international trips. It gets the job done without weighing your suitcase down.

Need more travel tips? Check out these blog posts:

– Comfortable Summer Travel Outfits for a Seamless Trip

– The Best Travel Gadgets for any Getaway

– How to Pack Makeup and Skincare for Travel