Repacking to go home on the last day of the trip can sometimes be traumatic. Not simply because the trip is coming to an end but for me it’s when I realize that 40% of what I packed never left the suitcase. Looking at the nail I broke as I fought for inches to get the bag zipped, thinking about the cute top I left behind in the local store and I shake my head in disappointment. A packing fail by my standards. Let me explain. Packing fails come from bringing the wrong things (unnecessary, hard-to-use abroad) OR forgetting essentials that are expensive or difficult to find overseas. Packing for international travel isn’t just about space it’s about strategy.
If you’ve ever landed in another country and realized you forgot something crucial or dragged around a suitcase full of stuff you didn’t use, this guide will save you. I’m breaking down exactly what to bring and what to leave behind for every international trip.
What to Pack for Every International Trip
I pack and unpack more than the typical person, mostly because I travel a lot. And most of my trips include multiple cities or countries which means multiple hotels and possibly different climates. There is plenty of room for packing fails, especially when you travel abroad. Let’s walk through the packing mistakes I see international travelers make again and again. Some are quiet little errors that seem harmless in the moment but become a major headache once you land in another country. Here’s how you can skip the frustration entirely and pack the right things for every trip.
Solving the Outfit Dilemma
For years, all of my packing started the same. I have some cool outfits that I haven’t been able to work into the home rotation that I believe would be amazing on my trip. They all go on the bed and then I work through what goes and what stays. Not the best approach and the easiest way to have a packing fail.
This leads to outfits that never get worn, bulky items that take up space, and single use pieces that should have stayed home. You have that “just in case” outfit for the occasion that never happens and shoes that are totally impractical (we will get to shoes later).
What to do instead:
If you want to avoid this packing fail, here are the top three things you should do. First start with a location informed strategy. Check the weather, the terrain and what you actually plan to do during your trip. Then plan outfits by activity.
Next, create a capsule wardrobe by sticking with neutral colors and repeatable pieces. Look for fabrics that minimize stains and resist odor. You’ll appreciate this on the third wear.
Finally, my secret hack is packing cubes. They help to save space specifically when I use the compression and they keep me organized during packing and throughout the trip.
Comfortable, Multi-Use Shoes (2–3 Max)
Shoes arguable take up the most space in your luggage and it doesn’t matter the size of your feet. Shoes are the number 1 item that destroys luggage space. Even if they are not heavy, they are complicated to pack and should never touch your clothes.
Items like heels, wedges, and brand-new shoes are a mistake especially if you are headed to a place where walking will definitely be on the agenda cobblestone is everywhere. It’s not just a packing fail but can easily lead to pain or injury.
What to pack instead
Let’s be honest, there are only 3 shoes most travelers ever need: Comfortable walking shoe, a lightweight dressy option and a speciality shoe based on the destination (i.e sandals for hot destinations or boots for cold). Anything else is excess.
Consider the terrain cobblestones, dirt roads, hills to help guide your decision. And if you believe in working out on vacation like I do, make your gym shoes and walking shoes somewhat interchangeable. In all fairness, I never do this.
Universal Travel Adapter + Converter
These rules are changing every day especially with the widening use of USB/C ports. I’ve seen many hotels that have the port in the room and even a few hotels that have universal sockets around the room (IHG hotels do this often).
Even with all of this, I never travel abroad without an adapter and I do my best to avoid electronics that require a converter. If you don’t know the different, you remember, the adapter is for plug shape and a converter is used for voltage. Learn more about the difference between the two here.
What to pack instead:
In today’s world, there are universal adapters that can fit every outlet in the world (with few exceptions). Look for a universal adapter with multiple USB/C ports to accommodate multiple items. In most cases, modern electronics don’t require an adapter so you are less likely to need one. I’ve actually never brought one with me during my travels.
Toiletries You Should Bring vs Buy Abroad
Many of us get tripped up on toiletries. Yes, most hotels will have the staple body wash/soap, shampoo and maybe even body lotion. But if know like I do, not all of those items are created equal.
I have no interest in drying out my hair with cheap hotel shampoo or dealing with ashy skin because of watery lotion. That said, I am also not bringing a full sized bottle of anything. Even on long trips. Most of the containers are not made for travel and can’t handle the pressure that comes from air travel. If packed poorly, this which could lead to a real packing fail when you have shampoo all over your brand new dress.
What to pack instead:
There are some things that are easy to find abroad and torahs that are simply impossible. In the end, you know your body best, so determine what to pack based on your non negotiable. Heres what you need to know.
- Bring:
- Haircare specific to your texture (harder abroad)
- Skincare you rely on
- Sunscreen if you’re picky about ingredients
- Medications (cannot be replaced easily abroad)
- Buy abroad:
- Basic body wash
- Shampoo + conditioner (if not texture-specific)
- Toothpaste + deodorant
Forgetting Weather Changes and Cultural Norms
If you’ve ever traveled to places like Los Angeles California, you know the weather during the day and night can be dramatically different. And if you’ve spent any time in South Florida, you’ll know that the humidity can be brutal. Keep that in mind when traveling abroad.
Europe’s “summer heat” is not like US AC-friendly weather. The humidity in some parts of the world will make your knees buckle. Every destination has microclimates that will certainly challenge your packing.
What to pack instead
No matter where you are going, always pack a light layer and multi-purpose outerwear. Bring a waterproof layer even in “dry” season and avoid heavy bulky items like cotton hoodies. With new technology, it’s easy to find lightweight hoodies and jackets that do a great job of protecting you while easily fitting into your luggage.
Always consider cultural norms especially if you are traveling to places where modesty is valued. You don’t want to invite unwanted attention because you are showing too much. And if you have plans of visiting any religious sites, you may need some sort of shawl or cover.
What to Leave Behind (Seriously — Don’t Pack These)
Now that you know what to pack let’s talk about those items that are adding weight or simply taking up luggage space and costing you money. Below are a few ways to save your luggage space by skipping these common packing mistakes.
Bulky Towels or Heavy Clothing
If you are going on a beach vacation or plan on spending time at the pool, you should know the hotel and AirBNBs will provide you with towels. There is no need to bring these along. They take up an incredible amount of space. And forget about them drying in a humid climate.
Same goes for bulky clothes. Think heavy sweaters, jackets and your favorite sweat pants. Even with compression, they take up a lot of space.
And those shoes that have that really thick sole, aren’t just bulky it’s also heavy. Putting even one of thee in your luggage would e considered a packing fail.
Expensive Jewelry or Rare Items
This should go without saying, but leave expensive jewelry at home. There are very few reason to be flashy on vacation. Carrying these items on vacation is risky for a number of reasons. They make you a target for theft and if it is irreplaceable, you don’t want to risk losing it.
Simplify your jewelry choices. It will save you a lot of hassle and disappointment.
What Else
There are a few other considerations that should guide your packing strategy. International and European carriers have different and sometimes stricter baggage limits. Make sure you check the baggage rules before you head out to ensure you sty under weight and aren’t penalized of what you’ve decided to pack.
Additionally you want to pack a carryon with some essentials in case your checked bag is delayed (medications, chargers, 1 outfit, toiletries and a change of underwear). When you have a flight with an international connection, there is always a risk. It’s happened to me a number of times.
Leave those “just in case” items that are easy to find abroad at home (think umbrellas).
My Perspective
Packing smart isn’t about bringing everything. It’s about bringing the right things. Leaving behind the dead weight gives you more freedom, more comfort, and more room for the things that actually matter. If you do it right it also leaves space for those one of a kind items that you find when you travel.
Avoiding these common mistakes means smoother airport experiences, less stress, and more room for the things that actually matter on your trip. Smart packing is one of the simplest ways to upgrade your entire travel experience.
Every item should earn its place in your suitcase. If it doesn’t serve you, skip it. That’s the best advice I can provide.
Ready to pack smarter for your next international trip? Download my Ultimate Packing Checklist Template to get started. Subscribe so you never miss important International Travel tips.
H2: FAQs About International Packing Tips
❓ What should I always pack in my carry-on for international travel?
You should always pack medications, electronics, chargers, important documents, one change of clothes, and basic toiletries in your carry-on so you can function comfortably even if your checked bag is delayed or lost.
❓ How do I avoid overpacking for an international trip?
You can avoid overpacking by planning outfits in advance, choosing versatile clothing, using packing cubes to organize efficiently, and committing to a small, curated travel wardrobe designed around repeatable pieces.
❓ How do I know if I need a travel converter or just an adapter?
Most modern electronics like phones, tablets, and laptops only need an adapter because they have built-in voltage conversion, but items like hair dryers or older tools may still require a converter, so checking labels is essential before you pack.
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