What Packing Checklist Should I Use for International Travel?

International travel is exciting, with new places to see, different cultures to experience, and time zones to adjust to. But before you even get to your destination, one of the first things you need to do is decide what to pack.

Create Your International Travel Packing List

What you pack for an international trip is really important. Since international travel often means long hours on planes or other forms of transportation, you might worry about keeping busy or how your kids will behave. Plus, being far from home and adjusting to new places and cultures can make you anxious. You might even wonder if you’ll be able to find what you need in a foreign country.

The good news is that making a detailed packing list can help ease a lot of these worries.

This guide will walk you through creating the perfect list, including travel documents, family vacation essentials, beach trip must-haves, and tips for traveling with or without babies. Plus, it includes templates and apps to help you stay organized.

International Travel Documents Checklist

When you’re heading overseas, it’s important to know what travel documents you’ll need to cross borders.

Here’s what might be on your international travel checklist:

• Passport – Make sure it’s up to date and valid for the entire trip. Some countries require it to be valid for at least three months after your stay in case your trip gets extended.
• Visa – Not all travelers need a visa, but check the requirements for the country you’re visiting. U.S. citizens can often travel short-term to many countries without one. For more info, visit your government’s travel website.
• Proof of Travel Medical Insurance – Some countries require you to show proof of health insurance that meets certain standards before you enter. You might even need to buy insurance from the country you’re visiting.
• Birth Certificate – If you’re traveling with a baby under two and they won’t have their own seat on the plane, you’ll need a birth certificate.

Remember that travel rules change depending on your country, the country you’re visiting, and how long you’ll be staying, so it’s important to check the requirements early on.

Also Read: What Essential Items Should be Included in a Comprehensive Travel Packing Guide?

Extra Documents for COVID-19 Travel

The pandemic has changed international travel, so you might need extra documents now. Here’s what you might need:

• Health Pass – Some countries now require a health pass, which may include information about your health, proof of a negative COVID test, your vaccine card, or health insurance.
• COVID-19 Test & Vaccine Proof – Some destinations ask for proof of vaccination or a negative test before you fly. Make sure to keep these handy, even if they’re part of a health pass, to avoid forgetting them.

Also, check your home country’s rules for returning, as some may require a negative test to get back in.

Pro Tip: Check what kind of tests your destination accepts—many countries need a PCR test.

What to Pack for a Family Vacation

Traveling with kids adds its own challenges, whether you have babies, toddlers, or teens. To help you stay prepared, a “family vacation packing list” can be a lifesaver.

Here’s what you might need to pack for everyone:

• Clothing – From underwear and socks to casual wear, dressy clothes, workout gear, and pajamas.
• Shoes – Make sure to bring casual shoes, dressy ones, and activity-specific ones like hiking boots or water shoes.
• Safety Items – Don’t forget masks, hand sanitizer, sunscreen, bug spray, sunglasses, hats, and hand warmers.
• Medical Supplies – Bring any prescriptions, a thermometer, pain relievers, and a basic first-aid kit.
• Toiletries – Shampoo, toothpaste, deodorant, makeup, and anything else you need (remember, travel-sized and TSA-friendly).
• Personal Items – Don’t forget eyeglasses, cell phones, chargers, and any other personal items.
• Travel Adapters & Chargers – Universal plugs and extra cords are always useful.

Also Read: How do I Pack for a Long‐Term Backpacking Adventure?

Packing for Babies

Traveling with babies means extra essentials, such as:

• Diapers & Wipes
• Diaper Cream
• Pacifiers
• Bottles & Snacks
• Bibs & Baby Blankets
• Stroller and other baby gear

You can find printable baby travel checklists online to help you prepare.

Beach Vacation Packing List

Heading to the beach? Your packing list will look a bit different. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Clothes – Shorts, t-shirts, swimsuits, swim coverups, jeans, skirts, and a light sweater or jacket.
• Shoes – Water shoes, sandals, and casual shoes.
• Toiletries – Sunscreen, aloe vera gel, shampoo, conditioner, toothbrush, and the usual travel-size essentials.
• Medications & Health Supplies
• Water Bottle & Snacks
• Entertainment – Books, magazines, cards, and chargers for your devices.

You can usually rent or buy beach gear at your destination, so you don’t need to pack everything—things like beach umbrellas, chairs, or toys can often be found when you get there.

Also Read: What are the Best Packing Strategies for Business Travel?

Don’t Forget These Travel Essentials

When you’re traveling internationally, you’ll spend a lot of time in airports, on planes, or waiting for transportation. To pass the time, pack these essentials in your carry-on:

• Headphones & Earplugs
• A Light Jacket or Sweater
• Socks, Water Bottle & Snacks
• Sanitizing Wipes, Masks, and Hand Sanitizer
• Books & Magazines

For kids, add:

• Coloring Books
• Travel Games
• Favorite Stuffed Animal

Travel Packing Template

Packing for an international trip can feel overwhelming, but a travel packing checklist can make it easier. Start collecting items a week before you leave so you aren’t rushing at the last minute.

You can find downloadable packing lists online for all kinds of trips—family vacations, business trips, or even minimalist one-bag travel. And if you don’t want to print anything, there are travel checklist apps to help you plan from your phone.

Travel Checklist Apps

If you prefer using your phone, there are plenty of apps that can help you create your packing list:

• Packing Pro – Great for families and large groups.
• PackTeo – Offers customizable lists and a list generator.
• Packr – Plans your packing based on the weather at your destination.
• PackPoint – Creates a personalized list based on your activities and destination.

By preparing with a travel checklist, you’ll feel more confident and ready when it’s time to go.