My Essential Checklist for International Travel
Posted by Grace on January 23, 2024
After traveling with family intensively for almost 2 years, I have built up my essential travel checklist.
Here are the common important things everyone knows about:
- Passports
- Cellphone
- Travel Pillow
- Clothes (T-shirt, underwear, socks, pants, and coats)
- Headphones
- Water Bottles
- Credit cards
- Sunglasses
- Toothbrushes
- Floss
Here are the things which very few people mention, easy to forget but I find essential for travels:
Contents
- Travel Insurance
- Lightweight Slippers
- International Adapters
- Pajamas
- Comb / Hair Brush
- Lotion (travel size)
- High-Quality Toothpaste (travel size)
- Portable Water Flosser
- Ergonomic Walking Shoes
- Apron
- Tape Measure
- Final Words
Travel Insurance
We bought travel insurance before and did not appreciate it much until our iPad got stolen on the train in Italy. The travel insurance reimbursed the cost of the iPad and accessories. Now I think about it, travel is a very stressful thing to do. Many things could go wrong. Have travel insurance cover most of the worries; I think it is a no-brainer.
Not only theft, travel insurance covers many other things, including trip cancellations, medical emergencies, and lost baggage.
Lightweight Slippers
We stay in Airbnb a lot where some of them have no carpets. It is just not comfy to walk on hard and cold floors after a day of long walks.
You don't know whether the country has the same culture as yours where no shoes are worn inside; many guests before you may have worn shoes inside the rooms all the time. I often find that my feet collect a lot of dust and hair after walking around the room—pretty yucky!
Lightweight and soft sole slippers are ideal! They are clean, comfortable, and cozy, making you feel at home. At the end of your trip, you can easily dispose of them since they are usually inexpensive.
Another important note: if you are traveling to a warmer area, I highly recommend slippers with an open-toe design. They are more breathable and comfortable, preventing your feet from feeling stuffy. It's small details like this that can make your travel experience more enjoyable.
Lightweight Slippers with Open Toe
International Adapters
Universal Travel Adapter One International Wall Charger AC Plug Adaptor
An international adapter is the thing that you would suddenly "crap!" realize you need when you get to the hotel.
The world is not unified yet: some countries (like China and Australia) use 220V, and countries (such as the USA and Canada) use 110v. Some countries' outlets have a different shape like this: Type M.
You don't need to throw away the adapter after the trip. Many countries share the standard. For example, we used the Type G adapter in Hong Kong and got to use the same adapter in Italy, too.
Let's look up before your trip about the destination country and see what adapter you need to bring.
Pajamas
I love comfy PJs for travel
I would remember all the clothes that need for outdoor activities but forget what makes a good night's sleep.
Pack your PJs!
Comb / Hair Brush
You can find a travel size hair brush too, for example, this
For ladies with long hair, a comb is what makes you feel and look pretty in the photos. Don't forget to bring your comb. (Even though I often forget)
Lotion (travel size)
My favorite Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream also has travel sizes
My skin tends to be very dry. I always forget to pack lotion (I don't know why!) At the end of the trip, my face is so dry that I cannot look right in the mirror.
Pack your favorite lotion while you are traveling. Keep your face moisturized along the way.
High-Quality Toothpaste (travel size)
Colgate Optic White Stain Fighter with Baking Soda Whitening Toothpaste, my favorite toothpaste!
A high-quality toothpaste is so worthwhile in daily life. It truly transforms your smile and makes you confident. Don't wait for your dentist to clean your teeth and make them white. Just get the best toothpaste.
Now, before I leave for vacation, I also go to the travel section of the store and find the travel version of Colgate Optic. I'm so glad they have the travel size of a good toothpaste.
Portable Water Flosser
Water flossers are essential tools for maintaining good dental care. They effectively clean between your teeth and gums, where regular brushing might miss. You can even get a portable water flosser for when you're traveling. I use the Waterpik WP-21, which features a universal USB-C charging port (very convenient for sharing with other devices) and provides 45 seconds of water spray.
In my daily routine, I start with the water flosser and then follow up with regular floss. I wasn’t always diligent about dental care until my dentist warned me about the risks of poor oral hygiene—and the big bill for deep cleaning that followed. For me, investing in a water flosser is a no-brainer compared to paying hefty dental bills.
Ergonomic Walking Shoes
ASICS Men's, Gel Contend SL Walking Shoe, my husband's favorite shoes for traveling
Comfortable walking shoes are a must for travel involving a lot of walking. It is not only about making you comfortable but also protecting your knees.
For hilly cities like Istanbul or Lisbon, great shoes are essential! The uneven terrain and steep inclines can be challenging, so proper footwear can help prevent fatigue and injuries, ensuring you enjoy your trip to the fullest.
Apron
If you're someone like me who prefers home cooking while traveling, bringing an apron is a no-brainer. It helps protect your clothes from stains and spills.
In 2025, we stayed in Japan for a month and then in Australia for another month. I quickly realized how much I needed an apron—I was cooking often with animal fats, and grease easily got on my clothes.
Tape Measure
If you regularly track your weight at home using a scale, you might find that bringing a tape measure while traveling is even more convenient—and more telling. Measuring your waist or arms can actually be a better indicator of body composition than weight alone.
For example, if you walk a lot while traveling and gain muscle, your weight on the scale might go up or stay the same. But if your waist or arm measurements haven’t increased, that’s actually a positive sign—you’re eating well and staying active.
Tape measures are super small and lightweight, making them perfect for anyone who wants to keep an eye on their progress while on the go.
I was on a special diet during my trip to Japan and Australia. Without access to a scale, it was hard to tell whether I was overeating—especially with so much delicious local food to try. It was easy to get tempted.
For example, I ate a lot of wagyu in Japan, and later I noticed my cheeks were looking fuller. That’s when I suspected I had gained weight. If I had brought a tape measure, I could have tracked changes in my body more directly and known whether I was eating too much.
Final Words
For travel, it is a constant struggle to bring enough things but keep it lightweight. The things I mentioned in this article are either soft, or very small, but they are essential.
Pack enough, pack light!
What else are on your checklist? Let me know in the comments!
