7 Packing Tips for International Travel
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I know a lot of you already have big plans for travel this year and are starting to plan for 2024. (Psst, we are too!)
With all that jet-setting on the horizon, I’m sharing my tried and true recommendations and suggestions for making airport travel as easy as possible. If you can master the art of packing, your travel experience will improve tremendously.
Here are the top 7 international travel tips I share when friends and family ask for guidance.
1. Use packing cubes because they’re an easy way to stay organized.
The linked option above is my personal favorite and the one I use on all my trips (Two other TTLT team members have these cubes too, so they’re definitely TTLT approved.)
2. I try to carry three items with me when bringing a carry-on.
Hear me out. I know they say two, but I’m rarely stopped if I go with these three items.
The first item is a carry-on roller bag.
The second item is a BIG backpack that can be squeezed under the seat. I like this bag in particular because it has a luggage sleeve to go over the handles of my roller bag, laptop space, and plenty of pockets for organizing.
The third item is a small fanny pack where I can keep my airport essentials like my phone, ID, medicine, passport, etc.
On the rare occasions that they do require me to throw my fanny pack in a bag, it’s so small that there is usually enough space in the backpack that I can squeeze it in or stuff it in a side pocket.
3. Liquids that are small enough are always an issue for me.
I like silicone travel-size bottles for things I can't buy in travel size. If you’re traveling with liquids, I recommend packing them in this clear pouch versus a ziplock bag because it’s more spacious and easier to open. Take my word for it, always pack your liquids in a separate little bag. Save yourself the headache of possible leaking liquids getting on everything after your flight.
4. I usually wear my most bulky & heavy shoes on the airplane so that I don’t have to fit them in my carry-on.
I always pack three pairs of shoes. First, one versatile tennis shoe that can be dressed up or down. They’re usually white-ish and basic. Second, a pair of sandals that can also be dressed up or down. Third, a pair of flats that are easy to compact and fold.
5. I always wear my jacket and a scarf on the plane because planes are a little chilly.
I recommend packing puffer coats and jackets that are super lightweight and compact when traveling. Check out Mountain Hardware and Uniqlo for some options.
6. Deciding which clothes to pack is usually what stumps people the most.
In order to prevent under-packing or, worse, overpacking, I plan out my outfits before I go and never bring a clothing item that can’t go with more than three outfits. This makes it really easy to dress up or down, warm or cold, with or without layers, etc. These are a few pieces I love and come with me on almost all of my trips.
High waisted wide leg pants - so lightweight
Zuri dress/jacket/skirt - very multi-purpose
Lightweight long-sleeve shirts and lightweight blouses
7. My last parting words of advice - Do laundry when you're traveling.
If you don’t have a laundry machine in your Airbnb or hotel, then find a local laundromat. It makes a world of difference and only takes an hour or two.
Written by Annie (Cheng) Sim, Founder and CEO
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