Below is the checklist I use for international travel. I leave the majority of the liquid, medicinal, and hygiene items in my suitcase, so I don’t have to repack them unless I need to replenish them. (ie toothpaste or mouthwash) All of these items fit into a carry-on and laptop backpack, with room to spare. By far, bringing an additional pair of workout or dress shoes takes up the most space in your suitcase, so make sure you need it before you bring it.
Critical Items
- Passport
- Wallet / ID
- Cash
- Laptop
- iPad
- Phone
- Keys
Tasks Before Leaving
- Check CDC for immunization requirements
- Check country travel alert warnings
- Check / complete visa requirements
- Check conversion rate / need for conversion
- Check wattage conversion / need for converter
- Check frequentflyerbonuses.com
- Call credit card company to provide notice
- Get credit card PINs (for cash advances abroad)
- PDF travel docs and put on phone
- Remove non-use wallet items
- Backup all important files from laptop / tablet on Dropbox
- Scan wallet items bringing abroad
- Scan Passport
- Buy Snacks for Airplane
Tasks Right Before Leaving
- Check-In to flight online
- Check-In for non-United flights
- Charge Extra Laptop Battery
- Recharge Sonicare Handle
- Unplug electronics
- Turn off Alarm Clock
- Setup email auto response
Tech Tasks Before Leaving
- Load up iPod with Music
- Download Movies, Music. and Podcasts
- Charge Laptop Battery
- Charge Camera Battery
- Charge Phone Battery
-
Download Apps from destination country
-
Download language Apps
-
Add timezone to phone
- Remove SIM card to prevent roaming charges
Tech
- iPod
- iPod charger
- Phone charger
- Laptop charger
- Camera
- Camera Battery Charger
- Extra Laptop Battery
- Extra Camera Battery
- Extra Memory Cards
- Portable Speaker
- HDMI Cable
- Laptop Lock
- Earphones
Liquids Ziploc
- Hand Sanitizer
- Facewash
- Lip Balm
- Mouthwash
- Hydrocortizone / Anti-itch Cream
- Body Spray
- Skin Lotion
- 5-Hour Energy
- Neosporin
- Hair Gel
- Toothpaste
Hygiene
- Sonicare Toothbrush
- Floss
- Earplugs
- Sleeping Mask
- Comb
- Band-Aids
- Alcohol Wipes
- Salonpas
- Q-tips
- Nailclipper
Medicinal Ziploc
- Dayquil
- Sleeping Pills
- Imodium
- Tylenol
- Benedryl
- Pepto Bismol Tablets
- Thermacare Heat Wraps
Backpack on Airplane
- Coughdrops
- Prescription Medication
- Airborne
- Chewing Gum
- Surge Protector (for the Samsung airport charging stations)
- Sketchpad
- Pens / Pencils
- Playing Cards
- Snacks
- Backup Earphones
- Wireless Mouse
- Energy Bar
- Umbrella
- Selfie Stick
Clothing
- Underwear
- Socks
- T-shirts
- Sleeping Clothes
- Pants
-
Workout Clothes
-
Workout Shoes
Interviewing
- Suit
- Dress Shirts
- Ties
- Belt
- Dress Shoes
- Dress Socks
- Shoe Shiner
- Lint Roller
- Padfolio
- Breath Mints
- Business Cards
- Resume
Warm Location
- Frisbee
- Swimsuit
- Swim Goggles
- Drawstring Bag
- Sunglasses
- Hat
- Flip Flops
- Waterproof Camera
- Shorts
High Risk Country
- Hidden Waist Pouch
- Secondary Wallet / Money Clip
- TSA Luggage Lock