7 Things People Always Forget to Pack for an International Trip

You remembered your passport. You packed enough underwear. There’s a swimsuit somewhere in the suitcase.

We’re off to a good start.

But after hosting enough international retreats, we’ve noticed that it’s rarely the obvious things people forget. It’s the small stuff that suddenly becomes very important when you’re thousands of miles from home.

So before you zip up your suitcase, here are seven commonly forgotten travel essentials worth adding to your international packing list.

1. The Correct Outlet Adapter

Not all international outlets are the same, and buying something labeled an “international adapter” doesn't automatically mean you're covered everywhere.

Before your trip, check which plug type is used in your destination. If you’re visiting multiple countries, make sure your adapter works in all of them.

There’s also a difference between an adapter and a voltage converter. An adapter allows your plug to fit into a different outlet, while a converter changes the voltage. Check the voltage requirements of the devices you're bringing, particularly things like hair tools.

This is much easier to figure out at home than when your phone is at 4%.

2. Medication in Your Carry-On

If there is medication you rely on regularly, don't put it in your checked suitcase.

Keep prescription medication and other important medications in your carry-on so they're accessible throughout your travel day and stay with you if your luggage is delayed or lost.

For international travel, it's also smart to research your destination's rules for any prescription medication you're bringing, particularly if you take something that may be regulated differently in another country.

Your checked suitcase can take its own vacation. Your medication should stay with you.

3. A Portable Charger

Your phone does approximately 72 jobs when you're traveling.

It's your boarding pass, map, camera, translator, wallet, transportation app, reservation folder, entertainment for the flight, and primary way of communicating with everyone back home.

And travel days are particularly good at draining batteries.

A fully charged portable charger is one of those things you may barely notice when you have it—and desperately wish you had when you don't.

Just remember to check current airline rules about where batteries and power banks are permitted before you fly.

4. Electrolytes

Long flights, hot destinations, hiking, beach days, workouts, alcohol, and simply being out of your normal routine can make it surprisingly easy to fall behind on hydration.

Individual electrolyte packets take up almost no space and are easy to throw into a day bag when you're heading out for an excursion.

We especially love having them available for active retreat days and hot destinations.

5. A Small Day Bag

People spend so much time thinking about their suitcase that they forget to think about what they'll carry once they arrive.

You probably don't want to bring your full travel bag to a waterfall, market, beach, hike, temple, or walking tour.

A lightweight backpack, crossbody, tote, or packable day bag gives you somewhere to carry your phone, water, sunscreen, wallet, charger, and anything else you'll want while exploring.

Bonus points if it folds flat inside your luggage.

6. Shoes for the Trip You're Actually Taking

We have all packed the cute shoes.

The question is whether you've also packed the shoes you're actually going to wear.

Look at your itinerary before deciding what makes the suitcase. Are you walking on cobblestone streets? Hiking? Visiting waterfalls? Going to the beach? Walking around a city all day? Visiting temples or other places with specific dress expectations?

The shoes that work for dinner may not be the shoes you want three hours into an excursion.

Comfortable shoes aren't particularly exciting on a packing list.

Blisters are even less exciting on vacation.

7. Empty Space in Your Suitcase

Yes, one of our packing recommendations is to pack nothing.

If you like shopping when you travel, leave some room in your suitcase before you go.

Local markets, clothing, art, skincare, food, gifts, and the completely unnecessary object that suddenly becomes the thing you absolutely must bring home all require somewhere to go.

You can also bring a lightweight foldable bag if you expect to return with more than you left with—just check your airline's baggage allowance before relying on it for the flight home.

Future you will appreciate not having to sit on your suitcase while another person attempts to zip it closed.

A Few More International Travel Essentials Worth Double-Checking

Before you leave, we also recommend doing one final check for the small things that are easy to overlook:

• Copies or screenshots of important travel documents
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Refillable water bottle
• Charging cables
• Weather-appropriate layers
• Basic toiletries and essentials in your carry-on
• Any destination-specific clothing or gear
• Travel insurance information
• Offline maps and important addresses saved to your phone

The exact packing list will obviously look different for a week in Greece than it will for hiking in Guatemala or heading to the beach in Bali.

Which brings us to our biggest packing rule:

Pack for the Trip You're Actually Taking

It's tempting to pack for every hypothetical situation that could possibly occur.

What if there's a surprise formal dinner? What if it suddenly gets freezing? What if we randomly decide to go horseback riding?

Before you know it, you're hauling a 65-pound suitcase across the world containing six outfits you'll never wear.

Instead, look at your actual itinerary, destination, weather, activities, and accommodations.

Pack for that trip.

And if you're traveling with Create Your Fate Retreats, we make this part easier too. Before departure, our guests receive destination-specific preparation information so you know what makes sense to bring for the climate, property, excursions, movement, and experiences planned for your particular retreat.

Because the less time you spend worrying about what you forgot, the more time you get to spend enjoying where you are.

Check out our upcoming retreats!