After dozens of long haul flights, the items that actually make a difference are the ones that help you sleep, stay comfortable, and arrive feeling like a human being, and most of them aren’t what you’d expect.
International travel is magical. International flights, however, not so much…unless of course you made it to the front of the plane and are snoozing in a lie flat and getting served four course meals.
After enough long-haul trips in the back of the plane, early airport mornings, and multiple packing lists later, I have become extremely loyal to a short list of things that make traveling dramatically easier. I thought I’d share some of the international travel essentials that have earned permanent space in our suitcases.
With our upcoming international trip less than a month away, this list may be as much a reminder for me as it is a helpful resource for you! Prepare yourself: this is a long one, but somehow I’ve managed every international trip (besides when our son was a baby and needed all the gear) so far in a carryon bag.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. However, I only recommend products we personally use and love.
First Things First: Pre Travel Prep
Before you buy a single packing cube or strap on your compression socks, always double check: passport expiration (many countries require six months of validity), visa requirements, and any required entry forms.
It is not the glamorous part of trip prep, but it is absolutely necessary. I have had it on my to do list to get my husband and sons UK ETA set up, and I still haven’t done it. Luckily, it’s a quick thing. But some visas take a lot more work and documentation, so start researching as soon as you book. Or as your trusted travel advisor AKA moi.
One more prep tip that has nothing to do with gear: always have an offline copy of your itinerary, whether it’s digital or printed. When you book travel with me, I provide a downloadable offline itinerary with all of your confirmations, addresses, and important details in one place. Even if you are planning your own trip, make sure you can access everything without WiFi. Airports, train stations, and places where your phone is going to charge you $1M per bit of data are not the places you want to be digging through your email.
Now that we have handled the responsible adult portion of this conversation, let us talk about the things that make international travel actually comfortable.
The Long Flight Survival Kit
Long haul flights are their own special category of travel. The goal is simple: arrive feeling human, semi rested, and sort of ready to take on day one at your new destination.
After trying way too many versions of each of these, here is what has stuck.
Never board an international flight without a good neck pillow unless you’re one of those lucky people that can sleep anywhere in any position without needing a chiropractor. I got tired of having one that took up my entire backpack and in the end wasn’t even that great, so I started shopping around. I got this one before my last trip to Europe and it is top notch. It’s inflatable so it folds up small and allows you to choose how you want it to feel. It’s also a different shape than the norm which allows for more ways to get comfy. The hood is an added bonus. It’s huge and can cover your whole face if you want some “privacy”.
I also always pack a sleep mask as well, the hood in the neck pillow is nice but if you’re hot you may not want to wear it. Plus with cabin lights, windows open and sun shining in, and the person next to you that is reading with the light on at 3am, it’s a must. Many international flights provide them to passengers, however sometimes it’s just in the premium cabins. Better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it, especially for something so small. This is the one I personally use.
For kids, we have used this adorable sleep mask and neck pillow set, which is both functional and actually comfortable for little travelers. My kiddo was able to get comfy on a red eye and sleep most the night using this set, and it is one of the cutest things ever to see a tiny human with a full travel sleep getup on.
If you are flying long haul and not wearing compression socks, consider this your gentle nudge. They help with swelling and circulation more than you would expect. I won’t lie, I hate them. But, they really do help you feel a little more alive and your feet a little less like angry sausages when you arrive at your destination. These are the ones I use.
One slightly extra item that I fully stand behind if you are on the shorter side is a foot hammock for the airplane. It sounds unnecessary until you try it on a long flight in economy and suddenly your legs are much happier. Again, something that doesn’t take up a ton of space but can significantly elevate your experience.
Another non-negotiable for me: a change of clothes in your carry-on..at least a fresh shirt, socks, and underwear. Delays happen. Luggage gets lost. Red-eye flights can leave you feeling questionable, turbulence can cause you to end up with red wine on your shirt, you never know. Having something fresh and ready to go if you need it makes arrival day infinitely better.
If you want my full breakdown of what I keep in my carry-on for all trips, I have a detailed packing list here. 👉 https://wandersandwink.com/packing-list/
The Packing Upgrades That Actually Matter
I used to be firmly in the camp that packing smarter beats packing more. I’m working on getting back to that mindset now that my son is older and we don’t have to pack our whole house for him to travel comfortably.
The two biggest game changers for me have been packing cubes and compression solutions.
I never travel internationally (or really at all) without packing cubes at this point. They can be used for many things. They can keep outfits together, make hotel unpacking faster, and prevent the classic mid-trip suitcase explosion. I like to put the little things in them: underwear, socks, bras, swimsuits, etc. These are the ones currently living in my suitcase.
For bulkier items like sweaters or layers, I love a good space saver bag. They are especially helpful for Europe trips when you are juggling coats and still trying to leave room for souvenirs on the way home. I lot of people love the ones that suck the air out. For me, I don’t want to have to find a vacuum or bring the little air sucker in my already full suitcase. We have loved the roll up type. I will say, after 2-3 international adventures, they needed to be replaced (imagine reusing a giant ziplock bag). But they are fantastic while they’re in their prime.
One of the most underrated items we pack every single time is a simple laundry bag. Having a dedicated place to toss dirty clothes keeps your hotel room from descending into chaos by day three. I forgot a laundry bag on our last trip and it’s become such a normal thing that we felt a little lost. These are the ones we use.
I also always bring a small crossbody bag for international cities. In busy areas, I prefer something that stays in front of my body rather than a backpack. It just feels more secure when navigating crowded metros or markets.
And one very unglamorous but important addition: a med kit. Pain reliever, band-aids, Benadryl, and anything kid-specific if you are traveling with little ones. Finding familiar medication abroad is not always as easy as you think.
The Small Things That Prevent Big Headaches
These are the items that do not take up much space but save you major annoyance abroad.
I am a big fan of keeping travel documents contained, so I love a passport holder. The one I have is currently out of stock, but I saw this one that has a spot for an AirTag. Genius. In busy airports, that little bit of extra peace of mind is worth it.
A universal power adapter is also non-negotiable for international trips. Nothing like arriving to your accommodations exhausted and you go to plug in your phone after a 24+ hour travel adventure and you can’t. Talk about a feeling of defeat. This is a great one, but every country is different so make sure you find one for the country you are traveling to.
Another good tip: download offline maps in Google Maps for the city you are visiting. You never know how your cell service is going to be. Being able to navigate without data is a small thing that makes a big difference.
And if you still use wired headphones on planes, do not forget the tiny dongle that lets you plug into inflight entertainment systems. It is small, easy to forget, and very annoying when you do.
If You Are Traveling Internationally With Kids
When our son was still in his stroller era, we became very loyal to one particular folding travel stroller. It was lightweight enough for airports and fit in the overhead bin but sturdy enough for long sightseeing days. If you are in that phase of travel, this one served us really well.
For the booster seat stage, the Bubble Bum inflatable booster has been one of the most travel-friendly options we have used. It packs down small and is easy to bring along when needed.
Very important note here: always check the car seat and booster requirements for your destination country before traveling. Rules vary internationally and what works in the U.S. is not always the standard abroad.
If you are traveling internationally with a child and the other parent is not coming, look into whether you need a notarized consent letter. Many countries require written permission from the non-traveling parent to prevent child abduction concerns. Even if it is not strictly required, I always recommend bringing one. It is one of those documents you hope no one asks for but you will be very glad to have if they do. A simple signed and notarized letter including travel dates, destination, and contact information can save you a massive headache.
Cash, Cards, and Money in General
A very common mistake I see is travelers exchanging currency at the airport before departure. Airport exchange rates are almost always terrible.
Instead, use your credit card for most purchases and withdraw local currency from an ATM once you arrive. Make sure at least one of your cards has no foreign transaction fees and always bring a backup card stored separately from your main wallet.
Don’t forget to let your bank know that you’re traveling as well. Credit card companies generally don’t need to know, but if you’re going to use your debit card at the ATM, you’ll want to notify your bank. I’ve been locked out of my debit card in Thailand, Costa Rica, and the middle of the ocean on a cruise. Learn from my mistakes, I’m trying to.
Final Thoughts
International travel does not have to mean overpacking or arriving completely wrecked after your flight.
A handful of well chosen items can make the entire experience smoother, more comfortable, and honestly just more enjoyable from airport to arrival.
If reading this makes you excited, you’re my kind of person. If reading this makes you slightly overwhelmed, that’s exactly why people hire me. If you’re planning an international trip and want someone to handle the logistics, timing, research, and the “did we forget something?” spiral, I’d love to help. You can learn more about my travel planning services here.
And if you have a travel item you swear by, tell me. I am always looking for the next thing to test.
Becca Marsh is a certified travel advisor affiliated with Fora Travel and the voice behind Wanders & Wink, based in Grants Pass, Oregon. A lifelong traveler who has explored every U.S. state and dozens of countries from the street food stalls of Vietnam to the Michelin-starred restaurants of Paris, she specializes in food-forward family travel that actually delivers on the fantasy. She takes her own family on at least six trips a year (research, she calls it…) and brings that firsthand experience to every itinerary she builds for her clients. She believes great travel is accessible to everyone and will always tell you exactly where to go and what to order.
