When you pack these international travel essentials, you may still look like a tourist—but you certainly won't act like one.
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16 Things Never to Forget When Traveling Overseas
Updated on May 15, 2024
Being prepared makes all the difference
Whether you’ve planned a whirlwind one-week sightseeing extravaganza through Europe or a month-long island-hopping adventure around Asia, you’ve likely spent many hours researching transportation, lodging, tours, restaurants, and attractions. Now that you’ve captured every last detail of your itinerary, all that’s left to do is hop on the plane and head overseas, right? Not so fast—what about packing? Overseas travels require special consideration. If you haven’t traveled internationally before, or it’s been many years since you made the trek abroad, then you could easily be overlooking items that seasoned travelers would never leave home without. It’s a good thing that Amazon Prime Day is around the corner to help you find the perfect products at the best price. Find out some major packing mistakes that could ruin your vacation.
VPN for Wi-Fi Security
Unless you have an unlimited international data plan on your smartphone, you’re probably going to be on the lookout for cafés and hotels that offer free Wi-Fi. While it may seem like the best invention since sliced bread, public Wi-Fi is actually a dangerous practice. “Travelers are taking risks every time they connect their devices to public Wi-Fi hotspots, because these networks can easily be hacked in minutes, giving the someone access to all your online activity, possibly even passwords or financial information,” says Harold Li, vice president at ExpressVPN, a company that provides security by ensuring all your Internet traffic is encrypted. “For travelers to countries with censored Internet access—including China, Russia, Thailand, Vietnam, and Turkey—VPNs also help you stay connected to blocked sites such as Instagram, Facebook, Gmail, YouTube, Twitter, and even the New York Times.”
Credit card with no foreign transaction fee
Sure, you can take any ‘ol credit card overseas, but choosing one without foreign transaction fees will definitely increase your budget for souvenirs. “Many travelers end up using a credit card that charges a foreign transaction fee on every purchase overseas, which is typically around 3 percent,” says NerdWallet’s credit cards expert, Kimberly Palmer. “That can really add up and give you a nasty surprise when you get home from vacation.” She also recommends looking at premium travel cards for hotel upgrades, too. Here are more travel fees that smart travelers avoid.
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Headphones
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Packing cubes
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Waterproof phone case
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Neck Pillow
Key phrases
Being able to speak even a few words in the local language while traveling can go a long way toward enhancing your experience. “I learn how to say hello, thank you, and please in the language before I visit a different country,” says Kiersten Likkel, cruise consultant, Cruise Specialists. “If you want to connect with people, making even the smallest effort to speak their language is always a barrier-breaker.” Available in 14 languages, from Spanish to Indonesian, the Babbel app will get you talking no matter your level—beginner, moderate, or advanced. Not only can you practice your language skills and work on your accent from the first lesson, but the content you learn can easily be applied to real-life situations, leaving you feeling at home around the world. While you’re at it, take the time to learn these 12 local customs so you don’t accidentally offend your new friends.
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Surge protector
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Universal adapter
![Foval Power Step Down 220V to 110V Voltage Converter with 4-Port USB International Travel Adapter for UK European Etc - [Use for US appliances overseas]](https://f-cce-5283-b.rdu.r.tmbi.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/foval-power-step-down-220v-to-110v-voltage-converter-with-4-port-usb-international-travel-adapter-for-uk-european-etc-use-for-us-appliances-overseas.jpg?resize=700%2C466)
Voltage converter
American appliances run on 110 volts, whereas European appliances are on 220. If you want to use your hair dryer, flat iron or electric shaver overseas, then you’ll need to use a converter. “It is important to make certain your electric device converts to the correct voltage to avoid frying your device,” says Erica Papley, group leader and business development specialist, All Aboard Travel. Your other option is to purchase dual-voltage appliances ahead of your trip—just make sure to adjust that switch before you plug them in; otherwise, you’ll fry the appliance and/or blow a fuse!
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Sunglasses and an extra pair of glasses
When you’re on a sightseeing-heavy trip, you want to make sure you can see all the sights clearly—and that means bringing a high-quality pair of sunglasses, especially if you’ll be spending time on water or snow. ”If you wear contact lenses or glasses, it’s also worth taking spares in case you lose or break them,” says Annie Foot, Africa travel expert for travel company Scott Dunn. “Also, bring a copy of your prescription, particularly if you have a complex prescription.” SportRx is a company built by active opticians who ride their bikes, run their races, and bomb down ski slopes; it specializes in custom prescription sunglasses for active individuals.
Travel Visa
Remember to check the current visa requirements of any countries you’re traveling to well ahead of time. “Even if you’ve been there before, there’s no guarantee that the visa rules are the same as the last time you visited,” says The Swedish Nomad travel blogger Alex Waltner. “If you’re unlucky, this could mean that you’ll be rejected entry to the country.” If you’re a U.S. citizen looking to travel abroad, begin by researching visa requirements here. Before you book anything, it’s also wise to check here for any travel advisories for your intended destination. Brush up on these 12 golden rules for stress-free air travel.
Vaccinations
Depending on where you are headed, you may come into contact with diseases that are rare or nonexistent in the United States—such as malaria, yellow fever, cholera, and typhoid. As such, vaccines may be required (or, at the very least, recommended) before traveling to certain countries. Getting vaccinated will not only help keep you safe while traveling but will also help ensure you don’t bring any diseases back home to your loved ones. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention maintains updated information on vaccination advice—keep in mind that some vaccinations require multiple rounds, so you may need to start several months ahead of your travels.
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RFID-blocking wallet
When traveling, it’s always important to be on the lookout for pickpockets because they are incredibly skilled at their craft. But petty thieves aren’t limited to picking pockets anymore: Hackers are essentially fancy pickpockets who can wirelessly gain access to your credit card data through radio frequency identification (RFID). An RFID-blocking wallet or purse is designed to prevent this problem. Stephanie Miller, founder of The Scenic Suitcase travel blog, recommends the SanSiDo RFID blocking leather passport cover and wallet combo, “which not only keeps my personal information and credit cards safe from compromise but also keeps me organized with multiple slip pockets.”
Copies of important documents
Always bring copies of your passport with you, both a physical photocopy and a digital image stored on your phone. “In case you lose your original, or it’s stolen, you want to have at least two copies of it stored in separate areas for safety and security purposes,” says David Bakke, travel expert for Money Crashers. “Also, be sure to bring a list of the customer service numbers of the credit cards you’re bringing with you. That way, if there’s an issue, you can call immediately to have a stolen card or a fraudulent charge rectified or addressed.”
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Portable charger
