19 Essential Items Every Traveler Needs for International Trips

Are you planning an International trip and don’t know what to pack? This list will have you covered with everything you need.

Packing for an international trip can be daunting on its own, and even more so when you have to worry about what to pack in your airport carry on! To help you out, here are 19 essential items EVERY traveler needs.

There’s nothing worse than leaving home for a 10+ hour flight and realizing you forgot something, or wish you had “bought that before your flight”. We’ve all been there, and before we know it it’s our next flight and we’ve forgotten again!

Well, after having completed more than 50 international flights myself, I’ve definitely been in situations where I caught myself saying “I wish I had bought /done that!” After learning from my own mistakes, I am here to give you some recommendations that will have you thanking yourself pre/during/and post your international journey.

Without further ado, here are the 19 essential items every traveler NEEDS for International Travel.

Note: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you.

1. TSA Pre-Check & Global Entry Card

Okay, let’s get the important travel docs out of the way first, before we get into the fun stuff. If you qualify for Global Entry- GET IT.

Global Entry automatically comes with TSA Pre-Check, (although you can just opt for TSA alone without GE… but it just makes more sense to do both). and with this privilege you’ll be able to skip the lines, both when departing & returning home!

I never book a flight without inputting my Known Traveler Number (Global Entry #), and neither should you! Apply for Global Entry & TSA Pre-Check HERE

Check out this article below for more details on the sign up process! 👇🏼

https://croissantsandcafes.com/staging/8547/how-to-get-tsa-pre-check-and-global-entry-for-free

2. Priority Pass Select Membership

This is another travel essential you should not be traveling without! Arrived early to the airport and have some time to kill? Or maybe the security line was way shorter than you expected.

Either way, you’re excited because now you have more time to spend in one of the many amazing lounges Priority Pass has to offer. Most of the lounges offer free & delicious food options, beverages and alcoholic drinks, and some even have showers & sleep bods to relax and unwind in! This is one of essential items every traveler needs in their wallet 😍

🤩 Want to get the Priority Pass membership card for FREE? Sign up for the AMEX Platinum card here and, get 80,000 points + Priority Pass for free.

3. Suitcase with TSA Approved Lock

I was never a big believer in hard-shell suitcases until recently discovering these Delsey ones I just COULD NOT RESIST– but possibly my favorite part about them is the TSA approved locks, including some awesome extras 👏🏼

A lock of any kind should be a priority when traveling, especially internationally. It’s better to have your belongings safe, rather than be in a situation where your valuable possessions are compromised.

I love the TSA locks because they don’t have to break-in to your suitcase if need be, they just use a special key and your suitcase/lock will still be intact.

🔥HOT TIP: DID YOU KNOW the Delsey carry-on spinner has a USB port so you can literally charge your phone while on the go? This alone sold me on the luggage set.

4. Suitcase Cover/Protector

This one is self-explanatory. Want to preserve that beautiful hardshell suitcase you just spent all your hard-earned money on? A proper suitcase protector will put your mind at ease and ensure your bags are well-kept throughout your long-haul journey.

Here is the one I swear by. Although I will admit to having lost mine TWICE, as I just tend to forget about it when I’m on the go 😂 these plastic suckers can be so easy to overlook so make sure you’re keeping an eye on it!

5. Functional Travel Tote Bag

If you’re looking for a go-to, reliable, yet still fashionable airport bag, I’ve got you covered. This has been my most-favorite recent airport Tote- everything from the functionality, to durability, to style.

Did I mention there’s even a separate shoe compartment for when you want to change into comfy slippers on the plane?

You may have even seen this bag before, it’s quite popular! But if you’re wondering if it’s worth it and does it hold up well for long-haul flights, I can attest that it definitely does. Plus, it comes in sooo many gorgeous colors, you’re bound to find one that perfectly matches your suitcase ensemble!

6. Universal Adapter

This is my #1 choice for the best all-in-one universal travel adapter. It has 4 different plugs and covers over 150 countries, PLUS multiple USB and USB-C outlets, which are extremely useful for charging any/all of your devices.

You could probably charge or use up to 4 devices at a time on one of these little guys. A total must-have for your next international trip.

7. GlocalMe Portable Wifi

I talked about this in detail in my Learn French in 3 Months blog, but to reiterate the main point of the story: you just never know when wifi may be unreliable. Especially if you’re a digital nomad, you NEED this handy lil device!!

It has seriously saved my life so many times. You can purchase plans/wifi as you go, so you’re not locked into any long-term subscriptions or plans. Again, absolutely one of the essential items every traveler needs!!

8. Portable Charger Power Bank

Speaking of Portable Wifi, let’s talk about the importance of a portable charger bank! When you’re in a new country, your phone eats up battery faster than it normally would because you might be using up data faster, or your phone uses energy searching for a signal.

That’s why a portable charger is an absolutely must. The last thing you’d want is to be stranded wifi-less AND phone-less. Here is the one I’ve been using, and I love it! It also comes with a built in flashlight, you know, just in case.

It also shows you exactly how much battery you have left, which is sooo nice! I haven’t seen many charger packs do that.

9. Charger Organizer

Speaking of all these gadgets, it’s really nice to have something to organize all of your chargers & wires in especially when you’re traveling. I’ve been through so many different organizers that I’ve had to return because of the stiffness or space, but THIS ONE is a keeper so far.

The reason why I’m a huge advocate for this case is because there is NO zipper. Contrary to most organizers on the market, if you have a plug/charger that’s a bit bulky, it will prevent the zipper from closing. With this case, there is some wiggle room for bulkier cables, so you don’t have to worry.

10. Toiletries Organizer (Ladies, you NEED this)

This is my favorite Amazon purchase to date. Hands down. I have told anyone & everyone I know about this, so yes I am going to advocate for you to add this to your travel essentials immediately!!!

It’s the Cluci Toiletry travel bag with a hanging hook. I don’t know about you, but I always disperse my toiletries among 3 different bags, in an absolute unorganized mess. This bag has been a game changer for me and I am so much more organized on trips now.

I have it in the color Grey, and it is my absolutely favorite thing. The “leather” feels amazing, the zippers open and close so smoothly, and there is more than enough room for most if not all of your toiletries.

11. Cadence Capsules

Okay, I definitely wasn’t about to drop $150 on the ‘real’ Cadence Capsules, so I opted for these instead 😍

These leak-proof silicone jars for creams/gels/liquids/pills & more have been a life-saver! I’ve been putting my creams & medicines in these, and last time I even used one to store my dainty jewelry! Lol, you can really use them for so many things.

I’m not sure if I’d splurge on the real ones after having these, but who knows! I’ll come back and update this post if I do end up buying them haha.

12. Small Travel Jewelry Box

This is the only jewelry case I swear by. CALPAK is amazing when it comes to organization and everything you need to travel or have your life in order. But when I say their jewelry case changed my life, I’m not kidding!!

It is so luxurious, beautiful, practical, and durable for travel. Nothing shifts even after a 30+ hour journey (tried and true), and everything is as secure as it was when I packed it.

One thing about this jewelry box that I love, is that the inside features a luxurious velvet pouch, that is big enough to fit your bracelets, especially if you wear bangles a lot! It also comes with an earring card, which is super easy to slot your earrings into as well. You have to check it out ✨

(As of Oct 17th)
PS- THEY ARE HAVING A SALE RIGHT NOW AND IT’S SO GOOD!!

13. Tripod Stand

Every solo traveler needs his/her trusted tripod. If you’re worried about the whole “what if people judge me” thing, just remember that you’re in a foreign country, no one knows you, and the odds of you seeing ANY of those people again is, virtually, never.

This tripod has come along with me to all of my Europe travels, and never once let me down. I got some of my most beautiful pictures with this tripod and its handy bluetooth clicker (aka, my best travel buddy). This is such an essential item when traveling solo!

I love that it comes with a bluetooth clicker, and different parts to change out on my tripod depending on what I feel like shooting. For example, it comes with a selfie stick tripod, ring light, 3 different parts to attach your phone to, and more.

14. Earphones

Dare I add this to the list of essential items every traveler needs? A good pair of earbuds or headphones is necessary for any length flight, but especially long-hauls.

These ones have been my favorite, because the battery life is so long, so it’s perfect for long duration flights. It’s also noise cancelling, so I can hear my music clearly on the plane. Finally, they fit perfectly in my ear! I’ve always had issues with AirPods for this reason, and love the cushion earphones/earbuds

These ones are perfection, and Beats never disappoints.

15. Phone Mount

Okay, it’s pretty rare that an international flight won’t have a TV, but what if they don’t have the specific show or movie you feel like watching?

This in-flight phone mount is perfect for watching pre-downloaded films, or if you’re flying a budget-airline that may not have in-flight entertainment.

It clips to the serving tray in front of you, so you can watch your movies/shows hands free ☺️

16. Blanket for the Plane

Although most airlines will offer a small blanket on an International flight. I HIGHLY recommend you bringing your own comfortable blanket as well.

Why? The blankets they’ll give you on the plane are usually quite flimsy and/or don’t keep you very warm. And we’ve all been on those flights where the AC is blasting like none other… with an extra comfortable blanket, you can ensure you’ll get a good nights sleep and be well rested when you land.

This blanket here is my favorite. It’s faux cashmere but keeps you super warm, and the best part is that it’s lightweight, so it’ll easily fit into your bag or carry on without a problem. Also, look at this beautiful herringbone pattern? I’m obsessed. It comes in a few different colors/styles too 😍

17. Travel Pillow

Unless you’re flying business, we know those long flights can we be quite uncomfortable to sleep on, which can sometimes lead to a painful neck.

This travel memory foam pillow has been a lifesaver, and an absolutely essential for any long-haul flight. The memory foam contours to the shape of your head and neck, which provides customized comfort and alleviates any pain or discomfort.

It is also super durable and lasts a very long time, through multiple wears and uses. Check it out for yourself!

18. A PEN

Well, this one sounds more than obvious but I can’t tell you the amount of times I’ve forgotten one of these on my international flights!

Towards the end of a flight you’ll usually be asked to fill out some kind of customs or immigration forms, and let me inform you now they do not hand out pens.

Just keep at least one on you whenever you’re traveling, you will thank yourself later 🙂
I just bought these pens recently, and not only are they aesthetically gorgeous but also write so nicely!

19. Passport/Document Holder

I received these as a gift from my darling, and when I say I have never loved anything more, it’s true.

These gorgeous pebble leather passport holders & travel folder can not only be customized with your name (or travel brand name!!) & charms, they are also so practical and protect your travel documents perfectly.

I love putting my boarding passes & any other paperwork in the travel folder, and my passport fits perfectly in the holder.

I’m in the process of launching these on the C&C blog! If you want to be notified when they launch, make sure you’re signed up to my email list! You’ll also get a discount code that you can apply towards your purchase 🤭

Got any items I might’ve missed? Leave me a comment below with your favorite long-haul flight recs 🫶🏼

These 19 travel essentials will get you through any long-haul journey with ease and assurance that you’ll have a smooth and lovely flight!

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