I started my international travel journey back in 2000 before the airline restrictions due to September 11th, and when travelers checks and calling cards were still go to travel items. My first international trip was a thirteen day tour of Cairo, Egypt including a cruise down the Nile. Egypt is one of those countries where unfortunately it was unsafe to drink the water unless it was boiled or bottled so I packed 13 liters of water in my duffle suitcase – 1 liter bottle for each day. My other travel essentials were of course several calling cards to call home, a money belt (the Fanny pack looking one that goes inside your clothes to avoid being robbed) and travelers checks for spending money. Even though I visited Egypt in the summer when temps were 100+ degrees and could’ve probably gotten away with a small bag, I checked an extra-large suitcase filled with shorts, convertible clothing, skirts, and of course water as well as taking along a carry-on with books, disposable cameras and other essentials. Fast forward to today where I’m visiting Quito, Ecuador for 4 days in June. My travel essentials this time: carry on luggage only, water bottle, sling pack with antitheft straps, local currency which happens to be the US dollar, a Kindle and my iPhone. So here’s a list of my travel essentials to help when planning a journey:
Bags
Carry-on Luggage
With the increased cost of flying and the additional costs airlines have added to checked baggage I try to limit myself to only bringing a carry-on and personal item when traveling:
- Carry-on – 21-22 in. (My aunt gifted me with an expandable Tumi suitcase which is amazing. I typically pack it unexpanded and expand it when I’m returning home with souvenirs. Before the Tumi, I used a Lucas rolling duffle suitcase that had multiple pockets on the outside – also a travel favorite)
- Personal Item – typically I use a backpack purse (my current purse is a waterproof outdoor doctor style backpack I got on Amazon)
- Sling bag with anti-theft straps- I usually pack it in my carryon and use as my day bag. It’s much more functional in my opinion than the travel belts you hide underneath your clothing.
Checked luggage
While I prefer to limit my baggage to carry-on sometimes you need a bigger bag. My favorite larger suitcase is my Lucas rolling duffle because it again has an abundance of pockets on the outside. Ideally any suitcase should be expandable or have lots of pockets and be on wheels.
Carry-on Essentials
Toiletries
We all know about the 3-1-1 rule for flights in the USA – you can bring 1 quart sized clear bag of liquids, gels and aerosols that are 3.4 ounces each or less. I typically put all of my toiletries in the 3-1-1 bag regardless of whether they’re solids or liquids unless I’m really short on space. Here’s what I bring:
- Aloe Vera Gel
- Body wash and washcloth (sometimes I pack bar soap so that I have more room in my 3-1-1 bag
- Deodorant
- Face mist (typically for use on the plane)
- Face wipes (used to cleanse my face when traveling as opposed to packing a bottle of cleanser)
- Flushable wipes (some public bathrooms in various countries charge for toilet paper)
- Hand Sanitizer/Wet Ones Sanitizing wipes
- Insect Repellant (depending on where and when I’m traveling)
- Lotion or body oil
- Lysol or Clorox wipes
- Makeup (eyeliner, eyeshadow, lip balm/gloss)
- Mouthwash/Floss
- Sunscreen
- Toothbrush (I have a battery powered electric toothbrush as well as a non-electric one)
- Toothpaste ( I currently use gel but may try toothpaste pills in the future to add more space in my 3-1-1 bag)
Other essential items:
- Sleep mask
- Shower cap
- Bobby pins
- Comb/brush/hair scarf
- First aid kit: allergy medication, aspirin/aleve, bandaids, Neosporin, alcohol wipes)
- Vitamins and medication
Clothing
If you plan to only bring a carry-on, then it should of course include the clothing you plan to wear on the trip. If you plan on checking luggage then your carry-on should at least include your toiletries, electronics, underwear, and one to two outfits in case your checked bag gets lost in transit. Wear your outerwear, and heavier clothing items including shoes onto the plane and pack the rest. Flight wardrobe:
- Outerwear – typically a raincoat or 2-in-1 jacket depending on the location
- Cardigan/ blanket scarf in case I get cold
- Boots or sneakers ( I pack flats and my croc sandals to use as shower shoes) -Try to ensure your shoes are easy to get on/off for going through airport security
- Jeans
- Long sleeved T-shirt
Electronics and Misc.
My go to electronics and other items:
- Passport and travel wallet
- Kindle (I love to read but this also has my music and some movies downloaded on it)
- Headphones (I haven’t upgraded to wireless yet – I either use my iPhone headphones or a noise canceling over ear pair)
- Travel adapter, charging cords, and portable chargers (Definitely make sure to pack charging cords for all devices – I also have a travel adapter that has two USB ports on it)
- iPhone (phone and camera – I typically keep my phone in airplane mode and can only use it to make calls when connected to WiFi since I usually opt not to purchase an international phone/data plan)
- Travel pillow
- Journal and pen for documenting my trips
- Water bottle (you can ask the stewardess to fill it up on the plane as well as refill it in the airport or at your destination)
A Memory and a Conversation 
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