The 10 Key Items to Pack for International Travel

Yes, this will add about half a pound of weight to your haul, but a universal plug adapter is vital. We like this one because it works in just about every country on the planet, from Tanzania to New Zealand, and because it features two USB ports for charging the all-essential smartphone.

You can never, we repeat, never go wrong with packing a classic white T-shirt. This one is so versatile, we’d recommend bringing two, one in white and another in black. Dress them up with a cute jacket and jeans or turn them into sleepwear if you forgot your PJs. 

Travel is all about adapting to your surroundings, and that can be applied to your outfits too! That’s why a pair of black jeans will get you through a trip almost anywhere around the world. These classic sleek black skinny jeans are made with stretch denim and are ankle length, so you can pair them with slides or sneakers. Whether your itinerary includes a fancy dinner or a biking tour (or both! On the same day!), black jeans are a must-have.

If you’re going to Egypt, you can skip ahead. Anywhere else, you need to be prepared for at least some rain. This lightweight cape will keep you dry and cozy, even if it downpours for hours (with no notice, naturally). The many thoughtful features are what elevate this way above the average rain poncho: reflective shoulder patches, thumb loops, and a billed hood are great for biking or walking, while Velcro tabs cinch excess fabric. The whole thing packs into a tiny mesh pouch, so it won’t take up much space in your bag or suitcase. 

Think of this multi-tasking beauty product as your travel BFF. It’s a water-resistant SPF 30 stick that contains jojoba and grapeseed oils, so it moisturizes while protecting the lips, face, and eye areas. Its wide-stick applicator makes it easy to use on the go. Did we mention that it smells like candy?

Say hello to the most sensible, yet stylish travel-ready outfit. Perfect for packing, Arc'teryx’s lightweight and wrinkle-resistant dress has it all: drawstrings that add some style, a secret zip pocket for valuables, and UPF 45 fabric protects your skin from the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays.

Spare yourself the headache and pack a TSA-approved set of mini skin- and hair-care products. This six-piece set includes a body moisturizer, body wash, conditioner, shampoo, face cleanser, and face moisturizer—necessities that are not always guaranteed at a hotel and definitely not available at a hostel or rental.

Over-the-ear headphones are great for canceling out noise, but they simply add too much bulk to a long trip. Swap them out with this compact in-ear pair by RHA, which comes with noise-isolating technology and seven pairs of tips, so you can find the ideal fit for your ears.

There are so many things about these OluKai slip-ons that we love: the cloud-like footbeds, the moisture-wicking lining (hooray for no muggy insides), and the insane arch support. But perhaps our favorite part is the drop-in heel, which allows you to wear them as full shoes or backless slide-ons. Because sometimes we're just lazy like that.

A travel pillow by a freakin’ mattress company is probably pretty legit. So without further ado, we bring you the Tempur-Pedic travel pillow. It will have you catching zzzs in a jiff thanks to its supremely cushy memory foam and secure cradle shape.

Traveling makes us all the more aware of the world issues we face, and, sadly, plastic pollution is a major one. Every one of us must do our part, and this quick-drying reusable bag is a good start. It holds up to 35 pounds, and folds into itself when empty. Use it for carrying your water bottle and other essentials, for souvenir shopping, or as a beach bag.