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It’s time to plan your end of year vacations and round up your travel essentials! If you’re sick and tired of your day-to-day, you can start organizing your dream trip to have something to look forward to. Once you have locked on a destination, I have learned that creating a packing list is the best way to ensure you have all your needs in your suitcase. Missing small- but essential- travel items can be a recipe for disaster! Read along to create your own packing list.
Table of contents
What are Some Basic International Travel Essentials for Women?
These essential items are divided into two sections: carry-on and checked baggage. I think this is the most intuitive way to think about it; there are restrictions imposed on carry-on bags that you should absolutely take into account to ensure a smooth security check experience at the airport. If you want to be absolutely sure, please also check with your airline’s guidance on items you can and cannot carry on board.
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Carry-On Travel Bag Essentials
1. Travel documents
Passport
The MOST important document if you are going for international travel! Make sure that your passport will be valid for at least 6 months from your travel date (don’t risk getting deported!). Guard your passport as if your life is dependent on it, because losing it while traveling abroad is way more of a hassle. Also keep the contacts/address of your country’s consulate handy, just in case you need their help while abroad.
Visa
This is variable from country to country and your citizenship, because passport privilege is too real. Check your visa requirements in advance, see if visa on arrival is possible or if you’d need to apply for a visa beforehand. In some extreme cases it can take up to 2-3 months to get your visa approval- so keep that in mind!
Boarding Pass
Once you check in, put your boarding pass somewhere safe. Your baggage claim stickers are attached to it as well, so make sure it is on your possession up until you get your luggage back.
Soft and Hard Copies of your Itinerary
Some country’s customs are stricter than others. I have had experiences where they want to see the details of your itinerary, referral letter, and return tickets upon entering some countries in Europe. This might not be the case for every Immigration Officer, but it would be nice to have this information on hand, just in case. I also make copies of my passport, ID, and hotel reservations just to be on the safe side.
International Driver’s License
If you are planning on having a road trip in Europe, having an international driver’s license will allow you to rent cars easily. This is especially important if you don’t come from a mainly English-speaking country! Usually a US license will work for 90 days in most European countries, but some countries such as Austria, Croatia, and Greece require an International Driver’s License.
Pen (for Custom’s Form!)
A basic, but often neglected essential item! You might not need it for most of your trip, but having it to fill out forms at Customs is soo practical.
Travel Insurance
Make sure you have adequate traveler’s insurance during your trip! For some countries, it is a requirement for visa application anyway. You will be traveling in a foreign country, where people might not be the best at communicating payment terms or other miscellaneous requirements. Having insurance is just less headache for future you! Keep the contact details saved in your phone, and it’s one less thing to worry about.
2. Money in Local Currency / International Credit Card
Determine if you’d like to be mostly cashless (which is preferred in most countries!), but also prepare some cash on hand. Some stores in Europe might have a credit card fee or limit, so having some change won’t hurt! If you are bringing an international credit card (Visa or Mastercard), check with your bank if you’d get international purchase fees for your transactions. Travel credit cards generally are the most convenient for this application, so apply for one if you have some time (and good credit score). Also consider notifying your bank prior to travel, so that your card won’t get flagged during your trip.
3. Toiletries, skincare products
For toiletries and skincare products you are bringing in your carry-on, make sure they are 100 mLs and under. It has to state so on the packaging, because security officers frankly do not care if you only have a little bit left in your 500 mL bottles! They can, and they will, make you throw them all away (this is from personal experience 🥲). Use miniature toiletries, or repack them into appropriate containers. Some essential toiletries to bring are sunscreen, lip balm, body lotion, oil cleanser/makeup remover, toothpaste, toothbrush, deodorant, nail clippers, and hair ties.
4. Clothes
One set of change
I find it helpful to keep one set of clothes, just in case my checked baggage gets lost (please no, knock on wood 🪵). Just bring a lightweight shirt and underwear, and you are all set.
Warm, layer-able clothes or a coat
The plane gets SO cold on long-distance flights! Is it just me? I always bring a warm jacket AND cardigan on these long-haul trips, so that I can adjust how many layers I put on depending on the temperature. Women’s winter, anyone?
5. Sleeping tools
This is where you get creative, you know your needs best! Do you need melatonin supplements? Or a disposable heated eye mask? (oh those are so nice! Especially the lavender-scented ones.) The basics is to bring a neck pillow and a sleeping mask. If you are extra, prepare some noise-cancelling earbuds and aromatherapy spray to make your experience all the more pleasant.
6. Technology Stuff
Headphones are A MUST! I cannot imagine traveling without a pair. Also make sure to bring a charger and international plug adapter for any and all electronic items you bring. Prepare a power bank as well (20,000 mAh maximum and ONLY in your carry-on) to make sure your phone has some juice at all times. I have tried many kinds of cheaper power banks, but Anker power banks are still hard to beat. They are wayy more durable than their competitions. Also, hair dryers are never a good idea to bring around internationally, just use the one in your hotel room!
7. Empty Water Bottle
Yes, the tap water is drinkable (usually) in Europe, and having an empty water bottle is so practical! Make sure to keep it empty until after security checks, unless you want to drink your daily 2Ls in one go. Refill them right by your waiting gate, and keep yourself hydrated during the flight! Your skin will thank you.
8. Rainy Day Supply
This, of course, depends on your destination and time of the year. Prepare your umbrella and/or raincoat if the country you are visiting is in the throes of rainy season! Weather-appropriate clothing and accessories are essential to keep your travels enjoyable.
9. Foldable Small Tripod
This is especially important for solo travelers! This was, without a doubt, the most worth-it item I purchased for my European trip. No need to awkwardly ask a stranger for photos, I was able to frame my pictures AND take multiple pictures without worrying about what strangers think of me!
10. Medications
Goes without saying, don’t forget to bring your prescription medicines and birth control. There’s nothing more annoying than navigating a foreign hospital during a (supposed to be) fun trip~!
Checked Baggage Essentials
11. Packing cubes / vacuum packing bags
This is absolutely one of the most important things to bring for any long trip: packing cubes! Better yet, compression packing cubes! These bags can compress your clothes into a more compact shape, so that you can manage your luggage real estate better. Nothing is more annoying than sitting and maneuvering the items in your luggage 1001 ways to make them fit (and getting a few squished boxes here and there 😭). This will take away some stress in your life, trust me.
12. Flip Flops
Bare foot on a communal space = please no!
Keep it hygienic and have an extra summer footwear as well. Side note, though, I was forewarned by my Italian friend that you should absolutely wear nice, appropriate shoes in Italy. No flip flops in public there, please, unless you are on the beach!
13. Enough change of clothes
Plan your outfits, or if that is too much of a hassle, at least make sure you are bringing enough for the days you are traveling. Take into account possible laundries nearby and/or if you are planning to go shopping!
14. Shoes for the Occasion (casual, hiking, clubbing)
Good shoes take you good places! That quote is so true, nothing will make you more out of place than inappropriate shoes and attire. Make sure your footwear matches your agenda, it won’t hurt to pack a pair of heels if you are planning to go somewhere fancy. Since Europe is notorious for its uneven (but charming, really) cobblestones, heels with a wider base will be your best choice! I noticed that Parisian generally wear New Balance or Veja sneakers, if you’d like to blend in 😉
15. Period Supplies
SO important if you have a favorite brand. A lot of European tampon brands only have cardboard applicators (or none at all!), so be forewarned. You can also use period panties, if that is available in your area. Menstrual cups are a good option as well, I personally used this quiz to find out my best fit. This is not just a travel essential, but a great option for your monthly need!
16. Day Bag
You don’t want to use your carry-on every day, do you? Pack a cute day bag with adequate zipper, and make sure you hold it in front of you to deter thefts!
17. First Aid Kit
Nothing super complicated, a couple Band-Aids, painkillers, and some basic medicines would suffice. Good thing you have that travel insurance for any bigger emergencies!
I hope this list of travel essentials for women has been useful for you! I’m considering making this into a checklist- will update this post with that info later. Pin it to your Pinterest board or share it to a friend going on a long trip 💞
P.S. = If you are planning your Europe trip, check out these restaurants you should check out in Paris and things to do in Florence, Italy! 🪄
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