These top 9 essentials for international travel aren’t just nice-to-haves—they’re what keep our adventures smooth, budget-friendly, and stress-free. Curious what made the cut? Keep reading to find out!
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As budget travelers who’ve explored over 60 countries, we’ve learned that a solid packing list can make or break a trip.
While there are plenty of travel essentials we bring, these 9 items are our non-negotiables. We wouldn’t dream of crossing an international border without them.
Whether you’re planning your first trip abroad or your fiftieth, consider these must-haves before your next international trip. Let’s dive in!
1. Passport & Visa
This might sound obvious, but it needs to be said. You can’t leave the country without a valid passport!
And heads up: many countries require your passport to have at least 6 months of validity left beyond your return date. Some only require 3 months, but it’s always better to check.
Don’t forget visas! While some countries let you enter without one, others require planning.
Research if your destination requires a visa, how much it costs, and the accepted payment methods—some places won’t take AMEX, and others may only accept their local currency.
If visas are available on arrival, double-check the process to avoid surprises.
We learned this the hard way. It was a sad day when we thought we were traveling to Vietnam during our honeymoon, but our eVisas didn’t come in time. Even though it’s an online process, you may have to pay additional fees for expedited service.
The second time around, we got our visas about a month in advance to play it safe!
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2. Universal Adapter
Different countries, different plugs—don’t get caught unable to charge your devices.
A universal adapter is the MVP of international travel, letting you plug in anywhere. One adapter = global convenience.
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3. Anker 3-in-1 Power Bank
This portable charger is a multitasker. It’s a portable charger, a wall charger, and it has a built-in phone charging cable.
You’ll never run out of battery, whether you’re exploring all day or stuck in transit. This has definitely saved us on long flights where the flight seat’s chargers weren’t working!
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4. Charles Schwab Debit Card
ATM fees? Foreign transaction fees? Not with this card. The Charles Schwab debit card reimburses all ATM fees and has no foreign transaction charges.
The easiest and cheapest way to get local currency is by using an ATM with this card, declining the conversion option, and withdrawing in the local currency.
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5. DJI Action 5 Camera
From snorkeling in the Caribbean to hiking in Greece, this waterproof action camera goes everywhere with us. It’s compact, lightweight, and subtle—perfect for capturing adventures without drawing attention.
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6. Reusable Water Bottle
Staying hydrated is non-negotiable, but buying single-use bottles adds up quickly (and isn’t great for the planet).
We bring a collapsible water bottle that saves space when packing and is easy to refill from larger water jugs we grab at local stores.
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7. Anti-Theft Crossbody Bag
This bag is just the right size to carry all our electronics, from drones to cameras, while keeping them safe.
It’s durable, secure, and comfortable enough to wear all day without feeling bulky.
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8. Sunscreen
Sunscreen is the one thing you don’t feel working… until you don’t wear it.
Between walking tours, boat days, and “we’ll only be outside for a little,” time in the sun adds up fast.
Even on “cloudy” days.
The key is finding one you’ll actually reapply (and that won’t leave a white cast).
That’s why we always pack this one.
9. SafetyWing Travel Medical Insurance
Getting sick or injured abroad can be stressful (and expensive). SafetyWing provides global medical and travel coverage in case you get sick or injured abroad.
You can sign up anytime, anywhere, and it’s affordable. Check out their plans and pricing before your next trip.
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Bonus: Our Phones
Our phones are absolutely essential. Apps like Google Maps, Google Translate, and WhatsApp make traveling so much easier.
We use T-Mobile’s international plan, which offers 5 GB of basic data, unlimited texting, and $0.25/minute calls in over 200 countries and destinations. While it’s not ideal for heavy internet use, it’s great for staying connected.
But for better speed and coverage, especially if you’re uploading, streaming, texting, or making calls—we recommend Sim Local’s eSIM.
It’s affordable, easy to set up, and works reliably in most countries. They have physical and digital SIM cards available.
Get 5% off your plan with Sim Local with code CHESWS.
Conclusion
Packing smart is the key to stress-free international travel, and these 9 items have made a huge difference for us. We hope this list helps you feel more prepared for your next adventure!
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All great tips! People tend to forget the most important one which is checking entry requirements to a country.
Thanks for checking out the article! 🙂 Knowing the entry requirements is definitely a difference-maker when it comes to whether you end up on your trip or not. That’s a mistake I wouldn’t want to make again!