The Essential International Travel Checklist

1. Essential Documents

Before you start packing, make sure you have all your essential documents in order:

• Passport: One of the most, if not the most important items to pack. Ensure it’s valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates.
• Visa: Research if a visa is required to enter your destination. If you do need a visa for your destination, it’s highly recommended to apply well in advance.
• Travel Insurance: Purchase travel insurance that covers health, cancellations, and lost items. Use an insurance quote aggregator like TravelInsurance.com to get multiple quotes simultaneously.
• Copies of Documents: Make photo and digital copies of your passport, visa, insurance, and itinerary. Keep a copy in your luggage and leave one with a trusted person at home.

2. Financial Preparations

• Currency: Get some local currency for your initial expenses like transport and tips.
• Credit Cards: Inform your bank about your travel plans to avoid any blocks on your cards. Also, ensure that your credit card doesn’t have international transaction fees.
• Emergency Cash: Have some emergency cash in USD or Euros, as they are widely accepted.
• Travel Money Card: Consider getting a travel money card for convenience and security.

3. Health and Safety

• Vaccinations: Check if any vaccinations are required or recommended for your destination. The CDC is a wonderful resource for this.
• Medications: Carry any prescription medications in their original packaging along with a copy of the prescription. It may be worth it to check if your destination allows your medication. Some countries, such as Japan, can have strict medication restrictions. 
• First-Aid Kit: Pack a basic first-aid kit with band-aids, antiseptics, pain relievers, and any other essentials. Here is a good example from Johnson & Johnson.
• Safety Items: Bring a TSA-approved travel lock, RFID blocking wallet, and a whistle for personal safety.

4. Packing Essentials

Clothing

• Weather-Appropriate Clothing: Check the weather forecast and pack accordingly.
• Comfortable Shoes: Essential for long walks and exploring. Examples of reliable and quality shoes are On Clouds, Brooks, and HOKA.
• Layering Pieces: Light jackets or sweaters for varying climates.

Technology

• Adapters and Converters: Different countries have different plug types and voltages. Research what plug type your destination needs or consider buying a universal adapter.
• Power Bank: Keep your devices charged on the go. 
• Headphones: Take it from us, noise-cancelling headphones can be a lifesaver on long flights. Recommended quality brands include Bose, Sony, and Soundcore for a budget pair.

Travel Comfort

• Neck Pillow: For comfortable sleep on planes or buses.
• Eye Mask and Earplugs: Block out light and noise for better rest.
• Reusable Water Bottle: Stay hydrated without buying plastic bottles.

5. Pre-Departure Checklist

• Confirm Bookings: Double-check all your bookings – flights, hotels, tours, etc. Ensure you’re able to access your email that contains any bookings you may need in case of an issue.
• Pack Light: Aim for versatile clothing and multi-use items to save space.
• Check Baggage Allowance: Know the baggage rules of your airline to avoid extra fees.
• Home Arrangements: Arrange for someone to check your mail and water plants.

6. Upon Arrival

• Local SIM Card: Consider buying a local SIM card from the airport or any shop in the city where you’re staying for cheaper calls and data.
• eSIM Card: An eSIM is the same thing as a SIM card except it’s installed directly onto your phone and doesn’t require a physical card. eSIMs can be activated before you arrive at your destination and will automatically connect to the local network when it is detected. Check reliable brands such as Saily to purchase affordable eSIMs for any destination of your choice.
• Local Transportation: Familiarize yourself with the local transportation options. See if your destination offers transportation cards like the Suica in Japan or the EasyCard in Taiwan.
• Emergency Numbers: Research and write down the local emergency numbers and your country’s embassy contact details.