This blog post was sponsored by SafetyWing. Thank you SafetyWing for sponsoring us and continuing to cover us no matter where our adventures take us next!
Whether you're a frequent flyer, a backpacking enthusiast, or planning the ultimate family vacation, traveling internationally requires more than just a packed suitcase. From safety measures to comfort enhancers, having the right gear can make all the difference. This listicle breaks down the essential items you need for a hassle-free and enjoyable travel experience.
Travel insurance is a non-negotiable for international trips. It safeguards against unexpected events like trip cancellations, medical emergencies, and lost luggage. With 48% of travelers experiencing some form of travel disruption, insurance offers peace of mind during your adventures. We have a complete guide to the best travel insurances in 2025, but (spoiler alert!), our favorite is SafetyWing. We've used them for years and we have a complete breakdown of their coverage including what SafetyWing does and does not cover as well as our personal experiences using them for the last few years.
Bonus: You can sign up for a free SafetyWing account today. You can also schedule your travel insurance for an upcoming trip even if it's still months away!
I know this one might seem obvious, but your passport is your gateway to the world and without a passport you're not going anywhere. Ensure yours is valid for at least six months beyond your planned return date. Keep a digital copy stored securely in case it's lost or stolen and double-check visa requirements for your destination to avoid any last-minute surprises. If you're a frequent traveler, make sure you have enough blank pages in your passport before you depart!
Note: If you don't already have a passport, we encourage you to apply for one today! Even if you expedite your passport the wait time is currently 2-3 weeks.
Losing luggage can dampen any vacation. Apple's AirTags allow you to track your bags in real-time, ensuring they arrive at your destination with you. With millions of bags mishandled each year , these tiny devices provide an added layer of security. We keep one in each of our checked bags to give us further peace of mind. We love that we know the second our bags have been loaded onto our plane!
You can purchase AirTags individually or save a little money and purchase the four pack. We went ahead and purchased a four pack and we have them in our luggage, on our keys, and even in our wallets.
Staying connected while abroad is crucial, whether for navigation, communication, or emergencies. An E-Sim card or international cell phone plan can ensure you remain reachable without exorbitant roaming charges. We prefer using Airlo for its convenient e-sim services, offering extensive global coverage and easy activation. In addition to Airlo, we also have Google Fi, which provides flexible and reliable international service, making it effortless to switch between networks as we move across different countries.
Use code CHRISANDSARA3 for $3 off your first eSIM and download Airalo today: https://try.airalo.com/chrisandsara
Long flights and bustling airports can be overwhelming. A quality pair of noise-canceling headphones helps you relax and escape into your favorite playlist or audiobook. Look for over-ear models for maximum comfort and sound quality on those long-haul flights. My personal favorite over-ear headphones are the Sony WH-1000XM5. Not only do these Sony headphones offer wonderful noise cancellation and top quality sound, but they're also the most comfortable over-ear headphones I've ever owned.
This suggestion is coming straight from Chris since he almost exclusively wears AirPods on plans. For him, watching in-flight movies can be tricky with wireless earbuds. An airplane bluetooth adapter that connects his AirPods to the airplane's entertainment system, ensuring he never misses a moment of the show. Another thing I love about this little piece of gear is that you can connect not one but two pairs of headphones together so you can listen in sync!
Traveling light doesn't mean sacrificing your reading list. A Kindle e-reader stores thousands of books, offering endless entertainment options. With a battery life lasting weeks, it's perfect for long journeys and beachside reading. If you're like me and are still holding strong to real physical books, I get it. I finally caved and purchased an e-reader in 2024 and I can't believe it took me so long. We don't physically have room to carry books with us while overlanding and I didn't want to have to sacrifice reading. Since I switched to an e-reader 10 months ago I've already 30+ books!
Staying hydrated is crucial, especially when traveling to areas with questionable water quality. A reliable purifying water bottle eliminates 99.9% of bacteria and viruses, making any water source safe to drink. It's an eco-friendly alternative to single-use plastic bottles, not to mention it saves money in the long run! We have the Grayl water bottle and love having it with us everywhere we travel.
Safety should always be a priority, especially if you're traveling alone. A security alarm doorstopper is a super inexpensive piece of gear that adds an extra layer of security to your hotel room or Airbnb. This small device is easy to pack and emits a loud alarm if someone tries to enter, ensuring peace of mind while you sleep.
When venturing to remote locations or off-the-grid adventures, the Garmin InReach Mini 2 is an indispensable travel companion. It ensures that you can communicate with loved ones no matter your geographical location, thanks to its satellite communication capabilities. Unlike traditional cell signals or Wi-Fi, this device allows you to send texts and reach help in emergencies from virtually anywhere on the globe. This level of connectivity provides travelers and their families with peace of mind, knowing that you're only a message away, even in the most isolated areas.
Note: While many folks only carry their Garmin InReach Mini on hikes and other off-grid adventures, I always take mine with me wherever I travel because you never know if you'll be in a car wreck or have an accident. Cell signals and wi-fi can fail even in the largest of citieis which is why I'm particularly fond of this piece of travel gear.
Investing in quality luggage pays off in the long run. Look for durable materials, sturdy wheels, and secure locks when making your purchase. A well-designed suitcase can withstand the rigors of travel and protect your belongings, saving you time and stress. There are two main types of luggage we have: duffles and rolling suitcases. While we prefer a rolling suitcase for ease in airports and getting from one place to the next, right now we're mostly using our duffles since they pack so much smaller to store in the truck while we're overlanding.
For duffles we each have a 70 liter Patagonia Black Hole Duffle which have held up wonderfully to a lot of rough wear and tear travel already in the last year since we purchased these. For rolling suitcases we have one Away Large Flex suitcase and two of the Away Bigger Carry-On Flex suitcases. The Away luggage is wonderful quality for the price point and we've put them all through the test over lots of international and domestic flights as well as rolling them over all sorts of surfaces including cobblestone, brick, and just about everything else imaginable.
A comfortable travel blanket like the Rumpl keeps you cozy on long flights or train rides. Compact and lightweight, it's easy to pack and offers warmth, whether you're napping at 30,000 feet or enjoying a picnic in a foreign park. Our go-to travel blanket is the Rumpl synthetic down blanket which we always keep in our truck while overlanding. It packs small, dries fast (in case it gets wet), and is shockingly warm!
Avoid post-flight neck pain with a supportive travel pillow. I've tried lots of different pillows of the years and I finally found one that allows me to fall asleep on the plane (and in the terminal if I'm being totally honest...). The Turtl travel pillow is my new go-to travel must-have. I always pack it with me for flights and I even use it on long roadtrips. It packs decently small (compared to most travel neck pillows) and it offers maximum support. The only downside to this pillow is that I can't use my over-ear headphones with it, but that's true for all the neck pillows I've tested over the years. My Airpods work just fine with the pillow so when I'm ready to get a bit of sleep, I switch from my over-ear headphones to my Airpods and it's lights out in no time!
When traveling, it's crucial to pack all necessary medications to avoid complications. Filling prescriptions abroad can be extremely challenging, as the availability and approval of medications vary by country. Therefore, we recommend bringing more than enough of your prescribed medications to last the entire trip. Additionally, consider any preventive medications required for your destination, such as malaria prophylaxis if you're visiting areas where malaria is prevalent. Ensuring you have every necessary medication packed can spare you from potential health issues and disruptions during your travels.
When in doubt visit your local health department's travel nurse or physician to have them help you navigate figuring out what medications you should bring with you.
Along those same lines, certain destinations require specific vaccines for entry. Check with local health authorities to determine what you need long before you leave. Staying up-to-date on vaccines not only protects you but also protects those around you when traveling.
Note: Some vaccines and treatments (such as typhoid) require multiple doses. We recommend beginning your travel vaccines and wellness care with the health department no less than 60 days before departure but 90 would be ideal.
Using a credit card without international transaction fees is crucial for travelers aiming to save on unnecessary expenses while exploring new destinations. These cards allow you to make purchases abroad without the worry of additional charges, keeping your travel budget intact. In 2025, some of the most popular options include the Chase Sapphire Preferred, Capital One Venture Rewards, and the American Express Platinum Card. These cards not only offer the benefit of fee-free international transactions but also come with reward programs that enhance your travel experience through bonus points and travel perks. Keep in mind that Visa is the most widely accepted credit card type internationally followed by Master Card. While Amex markets itself as a travel credit card, the truth is that it's not accepted internationally too often. Just something to keep in mind!
Note: We don't like to push travel credit cards because we know they can be a serious downfall for some. However, we personally use these cards (except the Chase, but that's our next one to get for the included primary rental car coverage abroad) and to us they are worth every penny. That being said, if you don't travel a lot the more expensive options like the Amex Platinum won't be worth your money.
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A universal travel adapter is a must-have tool for globetrotters who frequently visit countries with different electrical outlet configurations. This small, compact device enables you to plug your devices into foreign outlets effortlessly, ensuring that your electronics remain charged and functional throughout your journey. With its multiple plug options, a universal adapter can accommodate various plug types, making it suitable for a wide range of international destinations. Investing in a reliable travel adapter saves you from the hassle of purchasing separate adapters for each trip, offering both convenience and peace of mind.
Journaling while traveling provides a memorable way to document your experiences, thoughts, and emotions. It offers a personal space to reflect on cultural encounters, new places, and adventures. Keeping a journal helps capture details that photos may miss, creating a vivid narrative of your journey. Plus, revisiting your entries allows you to relive the memories and insights long after the trip has ended.
While I personally enjoy having a physical journal so I can include postcards, ticket stubs, and other memorabilia in the pages, I also really love the new Journal app on iPhone. It's a great way to journal and log notes and memories about the photos that are in your phone library which is great for capturing the memories more thoroughly. Keep in mind that the Journal app is not currently available on other Apple devices other than iPhone, but hopefully one day soon they'll update it to include an app for Macbooks.
Before you jet off on your next international adventure, ensure you're fully prepared with these must-have items. They enhance safety, comfort, and convenience, allowing you to focus on creating unforgettable memories. Ready to explore the world? Start packing your essentials today!
