Have you wondered how to pack luggage for international travel? Maybe you are an over packer or maybe this is your first international trip. These travel tips and tricks will help you stay organized and not over pack for that upcoming trip.
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Getting ready for that big international trip is exciting! If you are anything like me, you want to be well prepared and ensure you have everything you need. As a fellow travel lover, I am giving you the secrets that every traveler should know.
You are going to learn about essentials that you will need in your suitcase and how to stay organized. You will learn about how to prepare for your trip and the basics needed for every international trip.
After reading this, you will ready for any international trip that is coming up and be stress free.
This post is all about how to pack luggage for international travel.
How To Pack Luggage For International Travel
1. Make a list
First up is making a list! It is so important to ensure you write down what you need before you start packing. Prepare early, like weeks or months in advance. You do not want to be scrambling to find everything you need last minute for an international trip. A list will ensure you are well organized and could relax the days leading up to your vacation.
The Ultimate travel packing list is a related post that goes over everything you will need for any trip: Ultimate travel packing list | What to pack for vacation list
In addition, if you want to stay organized for your next trip and need the ultimate travel packing checklist, subscribe your email down below for a FREE PDF travel packing checklist template. It is customizable to fit your travel needs and you could reuse it for every trip.
2. Organize
Being organized for that long international flight is vital. You want to be comfortable and have everything you need. For those long flights you want to ensure you are dressed comfortably and also have a list. For example, you want to ensure you also have a list for what is needed during that long flight. Organization really is key when it comes to travel.
For more details regarding what to pack for long flights, check out this related post: Travel Organization | 7 Genius Travel Tips for Long Flights
3. Pack Dryer Sheets
This is a secret many do not know about. If you want to keep your clothes smelling fresh, packing a couple dryer sheets in your luggage will do the trick. Your clothes will have that fresh out of the dryer smell. There are many items we keep in our luggage and the last thing you want is to open your luggage and get a mildew or weird smell. Pack the dryer sheets, you will be glad you did. 🙂
4. Laundry
My favorite part of staying at an Airbnb or VRBO is being able to do laundry. This secret will save you money because you will save on overpacking. Do not forget that overpacking could lead to an additional suitcase which means more checked luggage. Or it could lead to an oversize luggage fee which also costs money. Checked luggage could mean additional fees. Keep in mind that not all Airbnb/VRBO’s have a washer/dryer in unit or available for use. Read the fine print for your accommodation to find out. Typically you could find one by checking off the options when you are searching for a place to stay. Most hotels have laundromats or services inside the hotel but for an additional fee. Weigh your options because it could still save you money from checking bags! Also, you could go home with fresh clean clothes and have no need to do a load of laundry your first few days back from vacation.
5. Organize Toiletries
Organizing toiletry items is a must!! This goes back to the first point of making a list. If you are not organized with your toiletries, you will overpack. Have you ever been in a situation where you have no idea what you need from your bathroom so you pack almost everything? You decided to pack last minute and assume you will use every item in your shower or bathroom drawers. Do not do it! You will likely be over the weight limit if you are checking or your luggage will be too heavy. The full size bottles weigh more than you think when you factor in clothes and shoes. Save yourself some space and invest in reusable travel size toiletry bottles. Not only do they come with labels for organization, they are space saving, and allow you to bring all the products you need. No need to hunt for the TSA approved bottle of your favorite shampoo.
If you are in need of a toiletry bag and makeup travel holder, a couple links are below.
For additional tips on packing toiletries, check out this related post: 7 Smart Strategies on how to pack toiletries for air travel
6. Packing Cubes 😀
Next up is everyone’s favorite – PACKING CUBES! Packing cubes will not only keep you organized, they will help you not overpack. Packing cubes allow for you to organize your suitcase by items. On the other hand, you could organize the packing cubes by outfits for the day. However you choose to organize, packing cubes will help you not throw everything in a suitcase. They allow for you to really know how to pack luggage for international travel by organization/categorizing. Once you use packing cubes, you do not go back to the old travel way. You will swear by them and will always travel with them. 🙂 If you want to see a picture of how they look and how perfectly organized your suitcase could look, a picture is below. If you need to order some, an Amazon link is below!
7. Extra Space
Next up is leave extra space in either your carry on or checked bag. The reason for this is any souvenirs you want to bring back home. This is something that many forget and begin to panic when they are packing for the trip back home. This is especially important if you enjoy to shop when you travel. The last thing you want is to pack up for your trip home and realize that you have no space left. You do not want to have to buy and another suitcase or bag just because you have no room left in the luggage your brought. Do yourself a favor and ensure you have at least room for a few items to bring home. Or ensure you have some wiggle room. For example, your carry on was light so you could add some items in there.
8. Weigh Luggage
Have you ever been at the airport praying that your luggage is not over the checked luggage weight limit? The solution to this is to get an at home luggage scale. They are affordable and could save you money in the long run! You will save money by not paying the oversize luggage fee that airports charge. In addition, you will have peace of mind knowing prior to arriving at the airport that your luggage is good. No more guessing. The best part is the luggage scale is portable so you could bring it with you to ensure whatever you are bringing from your destination is also not over the limit. If you are in need of a luggage scale an Amazon link is below.
9. International Documents
Do not forget any international documents that you may need to bring. Depending on where and how long you are traveling, double check for paperwork that is needed in that country. Sometimes a hotel will send you the international documents needed. Airline websites also typically provide that information for travelers. Every country is different and may require different documentation. For example, if you are traveling for work, what do you need to obtain a work visa? You will always need your passport for travel. While this is something that many people know, it is something many people forget. Add this to your ultimate travel packing checklist first and place it in your carry on.
10. Carry On Is Important
What you pack in a carry on bag for international travel is so important! The reason for this is you are without your checked luggage for a long time. If you are a light packer and could pack everything in a carry on, awesome! Most people are not and need that checked bag. Keep in mind it could even be a couple days depending on where you are flying and your layovers to receive your checked luggage. Ensure you have everything you would need for at least a full day just in case there are delays or it takes longer to get your luggage. You want to be able to change your clothes if needed, grab a snack, freshen up, and have plenty of entertainment.
For additional tips on what to pack in a carry on, read this related post: 9 Super tips for Traveling with a Carry On Only
11. Adapters
Do not forget your international adapters and double check if there is anything else you need for electronics. Do not learn the hard way and not have a way to charge your electronics. While some hotels and accommodations will provide international adapters, not all do. In addition, sometimes they only provide one. One adapter could be difficult if you need to charge your phone and use that curling iron at the time same. Plan ahead, do research, and do not forget anything important. This goes back to the first point of making a list and staying organized. It is a necessity to be organized when it comes to travel. The more organized you are, the less stress you will have leading up to your vacation. Vacations and travel (for work too!) should be stress free.
These are the secrets on how to pack for international travel. As long as you have a plan, stay organized, and plan early, you will be well prepared on packing for that international trip.
Happy and safe travels! xx
This post was all about how to pack for international travel.
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