Don’t Forget These Commonly Forgotten Items for Your Trip Abroad with Our Printable Checklist

Embarking on a trip abroad is an exciting adventure, but it’s all too easy to forget important items in the flurry of preparations. To ensure a smooth and stress-free journey, it’s essential to pack thoughtfully and include often overlooked items. In this article, we present a comprehensive checklist of commonly forgotten items for trips abroad. By keeping these essentials in mind, you can enhance your travel experience and be fully prepared for any situation that may arise.

Best International Travel Packing Checklist

Travel Documents and Money

Before leaving home, double-check that you have the following important documents in a secure and easily accessible place:

  • Passport (with at least six months of validity remaining)
  • Travel visa(s) if required
  • Photocopies of your passport and other identification documents
  • Travel insurance information
  • Airline tickets or e-tickets
  • International driving permit (if planning to rent a vehicle)
  • Credit cards, debit cards, and some local currency for immediate expenses upon arrival

Best International Travel Packing Checklist

Health

Don’t overlook the following items, which are essential for personal care and maintaining your well-being:

  • Prescription medications (with extra supply and copies of prescriptions)
  • Over-the-counter medications (e.g., pain relievers, antacids, allergy medication)
  • Prescription glasses, contact lenses, and spare pairs
  • Travel-sized toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, etc.)
  • Travel-sized hand sanitizer and wet wipes
  • Insect repellent and sunscreen (appropriate for your destination’s climate)
  • Personal hygiene products (feminine products, razors, etc.)

Best International Travel Packing Checklist

Electronics and Communication

To stay connected and capture precious memories, ensure you have the necessary electronic devices and accessories:

  • Mobile phone and charger (consider a portable power bank for on-the-go charging)
  • Universal power adapter for your destination’s electrical outlets
  • Camera or video recorder, along with extra batteries and memory cards
  • Earphones or headphones for entertainment during flights or long journeys
  • E-book reader or tablet for reading and entertainment

Best International Travel Packing Checklist

Travel Comfort and Safety

Don’t forget these often-overlooked items that can greatly enhance your comfort and safety while abroad:

  • Travel neck pillow and blanket for long flights or bus/train rides
  • Travel-sized umbrella or lightweight rain jacket
  • Locks for securing your luggage and personal belongings
  • Travel-sized sewing kit and safety pins for quick fixes
  • Portable luggage scale to avoid excess baggage fees
  • Waterproof bag for storing wet clothes or valuables
  • Compact travel alarm clock or smartphone alarm for wake-up calls

 

Miscellaneous Items

These additional items can come in handy during your trip and are often forgotten:

  • Reusable water bottle to stay hydrated on the go
  • Snacks for long journeys or in case of delays
  • Travel guidebooks or language phrasebooks for destination information
  • Travel-sized laundry detergent for washing clothes during extended trips
  • Extra plastic bags for storing dirty clothes, wet items, or separating liquids in your luggage
  • Copies of important emergency contact numbers and addresses

By using this comprehensive checklist of commonly forgotten items for trips abroad, you can ensure that you are fully prepared and organized for your adventure. Remember to pack your travel documents, personal care items, electronics, travel comfort and safety essentials, and any miscellaneous items that suit your specific needs. Taking the time to double-check your packing list and considering these often overlooked items will help you enjoy a worry-free journey and create unforgettable memories during your time abroad.

To help you remember, we’ve created a printable version of this checklist for you to use while packing. Enjoy!

 

About the Author: Mia Freeman

Mia Freeman is an intern at MedinAction and a student at Indiana Unversity, pursuing dual degrees in Management and Neuroscience. She is passionate about medicine and hopes to one day help increase healthcare access in low-income and underserved communities around the world.