The international travel essentials we actually pack

Reading Time: 6 min

You can get away with packing light for a weekend trip, but for a long-haul flight and two weeks abroad? Not so much.

With outlets that don’t match, bags that can go missing between connections, and the hours you’ll spend upright in a seat, the gear you bring overseas does real work.

We rounded up the products that will make your next international trip significantly easier — and less stressful.

When traveling overseas, there's one thing you don't want to misplace: your luggage. Just slightly bigger than a quarter, an AirTag can easily attach to all your travel essentials — including your checked or carry-on bags. Then, if something gets lost, misplaced, or even stolen, tracking it down becomes much easier.

Apple released a second-generation AirTag in early 2026, and it’s the one to buy now — Precision Finding works from up to 50% farther away, the speaker is 50% louder, and you can track from a recent Apple Watch instead of digging out your phone.

Get the Apple AirTags 4-Pack at Amazon

Since your preferred toiletry products might not be available in a foreign country, it's smart to bring your own. This is where the Tocelffe 18-piece Travel Bottle Set comes in handy as you can bring your favorite toiletries — shampoo, conditioner, moisturizer, and more — in your carry-on luggage. This is the set I personally use, and with an included carry case, taking out your liquids during an airport security check is easier than ever.

Get the Tocelffe 18-piece Travel Bottle Set at Amazon

Traveling to another country typically means more clothes and accessories in your luggage. But with the EPICKA TripCozy Compression Packing Cubes, you can pack almost double the amount. This is my preferred set as the cubes offer high, sturdy side walls — making it incredibly easy to pack.

Get the EPICKA TripCozy Compression Packing Cubes at Amazon

However, if you're on a budget, the BAGAIL 6 Set Compression Packing Cubes will also compress your clothes, allowing you to fit more in your suitcase.

Get the BAGAIL 6 Set Compression Packing Cubes at Amazon

Add some flair to your passport, while also keeping it — along with any additional travel documents — in one place.

With the WALNEW AirTag Passport Holder, there's even a slot for an Apple AirTag, allowing you to find your passport, credit cards, and driver's license in the event they go missing. This passport holder also offers RFID-blocking material to ensure your personal information stays safe during your travels.

Get the WALNEW AirTag Passport Holder at Amazon

Keep your legs and feet comfortable on your next international flight with the CHARMKING Compression Socks. Compression socks help promote blood circulation, which can make flights less stressful on your body. They can also help reduce leg swelling and cramping on a long-haul flight, when you’re sitting still for hours at a stretch.

Get the CHARMKING Compression Socks at Amazon

If your international flight includes an overnight, a travel neck pillow is a must-have (though I like them for shorter flights as well). With endless pillows on the market, I've gone through my fair share, and have found the FlyHugz Neck Travel Pillow to be my favorite — even during my 14-hour flight in an economy-class seat home from Tokyo.

This pillow is covered with breathable, sweat-resistant, super-soft fabric that's machine washable, and the pillow itself fits into its own travel bag. With several positive experiences under my belt, it's my new go-to travel pillow.

Get the FlyHugz Neck Travel Pillow at Amazon

With most international flights offering an in-flight TV system, you're going to want a way to connect your Bluetooth headphones. This is where the Twelve South AirFly SE comes into play. Just plug this Bluetooth transmitter into the audio jack of your plane's in-flight TV system, and you can connect your Bluetooth headphones in no time — and without any wires dangling around.

Get the Twelve South AirFly SE at Amazon

If you’re traveling internationally, a travel adapter is a necessity, especially one that works in almost every country. I'm a huge fan of the EPICKA brand, and there are two I recommend most: the EPICKA Pulse Duo 45W and the EPICKA Pulse Duo 140W.

With the EPICKA Pulse Duo 45W, you can charge up to six devices simultaneously, with access to two USB-C ports, two USB-A ports, a universal A/C outlet, and a separate U.S. outlet. It’s compact enough to disappear into a packing cube and covers 200+ countries and regions without any extra attachments — though it doesn’t include the Type D or Type M plugs used in India and South Africa.

Get the EPICKA Pulse Duo 45W at Amazon

But if you travel with a larger laptop or several USB-C devices, the EPICKA Pulse Duo 140W is the step up. It pushes enough power through USB Power Delivery 3.1 to fast-charge a big laptop, which means you can leave your regular laptop charger at home, and it runs six devices at once across three USB-C ports, one USB-A port, and two A/C outlets. There’s also a Pulse Duo 65W in between if you mostly need to keep a MacBook Air topped up.

Get the EPICKA Pulse Duo 140W at Amazon

You'll never have to worry about being out of juice on your international adventure thanks to the Anker Zolo Power Bank with a built-in USB-C cable. With its 30W max output, you can get about a 50% charge on your iPhone in just 27 minutes, and the Anker itself will fully recharge in just 2.5 hours.

This is the power bank I just upgraded to after switching to an iPhone with a USB-C port. Not having to carry an extra cable is a game-changer.

Get the Anker Zolo Power Bank 30W at Amazon

Keep your passport, money, cell phone, and any other valuables close by with the Boxiki Travel Hidden Money Belt.

With its flush-to-the-waist design, this belt bag can easily be hidden under your clothes. Plus, the triple-layer RFID blocking material will protect your information from hackers, keeping your personal information safe.

Get the Boxiki Travel Hidden Money Belt at Amazon

Or, if you prefer a wallet, keep your money and documents safe with the Zero Grid anti-theft wallet.

This wallet fits nicely in your pocket or around your neck, and with its built-in RFID blocker, it'll prevent thieves from trying to use electronic means to access your personal information. Available in two sizes and a variety of colors.

Get the Zero Grid Anti-Theft Wallet at Amazon

The Travelon Anti-Theft Metro Stadium Mini Crossbody keeps your belongings safe with its 5-point anti-theft security system.

The main locking zipper compartment is designed to keep your belongings secure, featuring three RFID-blocking card slots and plenty of room for other essentials. A convenient back slash pocket offers easy access to your smartphone.

Get the Travelon Anti-Theft Metro Stadium Mini Crossbody at Amazon