Here is an international travel packing list!
Alright, I’ll be honest… At the start of my long distance relationship, I had NO idea what I was doing! I was 18, I only traveled alone once before flying overseas to meet my partner, and I didn’t even know how long I was going for. I booked a one-way ticket! Obviously, if you book a one-way ticket, you don’t know when you’re arriving back home, so I didn’t know what to bring and what not to bring. I wish I had an international travel packing list to look over first!
Thankfully, it’s been years, I’ve had tons of practice with figuring out what to pack, knowing what I need during long trips, what you need when flying international, etc. So, I made this list to help other people who are in looonngg distance relationships. I don’t mean LDRs that are a 2 hour drive away, I mean relationships where your partner lives hours, upon hours away in a different country!
The items featured on this list are just my own personal travel essentials for flying internationally. However, all items are perfect (and essential) for anyone to bring on their trips! I’m only going to mention small things, (not items like passports and toothbrushes!)
Here are some travel essentials for an international trip!
1. NECK PILLOW
If you’re going to be traveling on a long flight, then I’m going to warn you now… It’s basically impossible to get fully comfortable and find a way to fall asleep! However, don’t worry – there are so many things you can buy to ensure that you get nice and cozy on your flight. One item that will help you feel more comfortable is a neck pillow! Neck pillows are super popular when traveling – you’ll see them all over the airports.
2. TRAVEL ADAPTOR
If you’re traveling to a different country, chances are, they’re going to have a different plug socket than you’re used to. If you’re not aware of what the outlets look like where you’re traveling, don’t worry! There are tons of travel adaptors that contain multiple different plugs for you to use in just the one adaptor.
For example, my travel adaptor has inserts for plugs in France, England, China, etc! So, you don’t have to go out and find a bunch of different ones – it’s all in one!
3. HEADPHONES
This is a must-have! When traveling internationally, most airlines will have TVs provided on the back of the seats in front of you. However, not all airlines offer headphones. So, make sure you’re prepared and pack some headphones! I always bring two types – my wireless AirPods, and headphones with a wire. Why? Well, if I want to listen to music on my phone, I can use my AirPods and not have to worry about the wire, however, in order the TVs in front of you aren’t compatible with Bluetooth. So, you’re going to need to plug in headphones.
4. CHAPSTICK
If you’re like me, then you already bring chapstick with you wherever you go. Chapstick is especially important when you’re traveling on long flights. When you’re stuck on a plane for endless hours, your lips tend to dry out faster. So, just stay prepared, and pack some handy chapstick!
5. SLIPPERS
Like I mentioned earlier, it’s super hard to get comfortable on flights. Literally, even if the flight is an hour long, it’s not easy to get comfy! So, if you’re going to be traveling for hours, every item helps! Considering you don’t have much space for yourself, there’s only so much you can do. When you get home from work or school, what’s the first thing you do? Kick off your shoes, of course! You can do that while flying, too! (Just make sure you’re not barefoot and stinky, lol!) Slippers will make you feel relaxed, and they’re not as tight as shoes, so you’ll feel better!
6. CAMERA
A picture is worth 1,000 words. So, bringing some sort of camera on your trip is important! You’ll be able to capture memories that years from now you can look back on to reminisce. Whether you use your phone camera (which sometimes is just as good as using a DSLR camera), or a professional camera, make sure to capture some beautiful moments! Just make sure you’re not glued to your camera – it’s important to enjoy things in the moment!
7. COZY SWEATSHIRT
I’m just going to come out and say it… do not let Instagram models fool you! You don’t have to be dressed all fancy with tons of makeup on when you’re traveling on a plane. Wouldn’t you prefer to be comfortable and not worry about your makeup getting everywhere once you fall asleep on the plane? Unless your full-time job is an Instagram model, it’s not worth dressing all fancy and cute for just one photo! Don’t be afraid to dress like a bit of a bum! Comfort is more important! When I fly, I put my hood up, and cozy up in my hoodie!
8. SWEATPANTS
If you’re going to be in a hoodie, then might as well match it with some comfy sweatpants! Trust me, wearing jeans on long flights is horrible! Sweatpants allow you to feel freer considering you have extra room because they’re not tight on your legs! I always travel in sweatpants or leggings, and it’s the best decision ever!
9. SNACKS
This may sound odd, but snacks are SO important. Not only because they’re super expensive to buy at the airport, but because they’ll help you remind you of home while you’re away! Considering my partner lives in England and I live in New York, the stores where he lives don’t have the same foods as where I live. So, every time I travel overseas, I pack some of my favorite American snacks (including boxes of Kraft macaroni and cheese, but we won’t talk about that…) Anyways, thank me later!
10. BACKPACK
Although I travel with a carry-on suitcase and a big checked luggage, I always bring a backpack as well. Backpacks are great because once you land and get settled in at your partner’s house, or at your hotel, you can bring your backpack with you on your mini-trips. So, if you’re going hiking, or exploring their city, you can pack smaller essentials in your backpack to bring around.
THOSE WERE SOME IMPORTANT ITEMS FOR YOU TO KEEP IN MIND FOR YOUR INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL PACKING LIST!
Hopefully, you don’t forget to pack these travel essentials – (especially the snacks, those are most important!!)
Good luck with your trip, and I hope you have safe travels! If this is your first time going to visit your long distance partner overseas, let us know how it goes!
