15 things we always pack when we travel abroad
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Jet lag, a language barrier, and the lack of creature comforts like reliable cell service are all things you have to think about when planning an international trip.
I'm traveling to four countries over the next two weeks, and I want to make it as fun and efficient an experience as possible, so I asked my Business Insider colleagues to share the things they always pack when they travel abroad.
Some are seemingly random (a pair of jeans), a handful are convenient (a portable charger), and others I never thought I needed, but are now in my Amazon cart (jet-lag medication).
Check out our favorite international travel picks below.
Reusable toiletry cases
I swear by these GoToobs for carrying soap (always Dr. Bronner's — a little bit goes a long way, ideal for packing light for long trips) and liquids. They never leak! — Jeffrey Huang, partner manager of business development
Humangear GoToob, $17.82 for set of three
A portable charger
I never leave without my portable battery charger. It's saved my bacon more times than I can remember! — David Ibekwe, video editor
Anker PowerCore 20100, $41.99
An RFID-blocking passport case
I always put my passport in a case that has an RFID blocker so it can't get scanned and my info won't be stolen. — Rachel Green, BI Intelligence research intern
Venture 4th Travel Neck Pouch with RFID Blocking, $16.95
Jet lag tablets
I swear by these for not having jet lag. You have to follow the directions: Take one during take-off, every two hours (when you wake up if you fell asleep), and at landing.
I used these all the time when traveling to China (a 12- or 13-hour difference). Before these, I would get terrible jet lag. With them, I have little to none. — Kara Chin, associate video producer
Miers Labs No Jet Lag Homeopathic Jet Lag Remedy, $10.42
An e-reader
International flights are a great excuse to start a new book. I always bring my Kindle Oasis with a handful of e-books downloaded, so I can stay occupied during the flight. The small size, long battery life, and great protective cover make it the perfect travel companion for a bookworm. Ever since I switched to an e-reader, my carry-on has been a few books lighter. —Malarie Gokey, guides editor
Kindle Oasis E-reader with Leather Charging Cover, $289.99
Check out Insider Picks' buying guide of the best e-readers here.
Lightweight suitcases
I recently went on a trip to Barcelona, Copenhagen, and Berlin with this Eagle Creek EC Lync hybrid luggage. It weighs less than most suitcases (which could make it great for older folks or people with pain issues), but the best part is that it can transform from a rolling suitcase into a backpack. So you can choose how you carry it.
I bought the carry-on size (22-inch), so I wouldn't need to check it at any of the airports. I'm a minimalist packer, but I've also found than non-carry-on luggage can waste a lot of time after a flight when you just want to start exploring. — Leanna Garfield, tech reporter
Eagle Creek EC Lync System Carry-On 22 Inch Luggage, $259.95
A travel wallet
This Bellroy wallet is great for carrying multiple currencies of different shapes and sizes, it can even hold your passport and boarding pass (if you still prefer paper versus an app). — Julian Childs, managing director, Business Insider UK
Bellroy Travel Wallet, from $119.95
A travel adapter
Before leaving for Scotland last year, I picked up this travel adapter from LOOP that comes with an outlet and two built-in USB ports so you can charge up to three devices simultaneously. If you travel with lots of gadgets and want to charge them all at once, this accessory is a no-brainer. Whether you're traveling to the US, UK, European Union, or Australia, you'll be covered.
Note: This travel adapter is not suitable for powering high-voltage electronic appliances, like hair dryers, curling irons, or heating pads. If you want one that is, see my next pick. — Ellen Hoffman, commerce editor
LOOP World Adapter Plug, $14.95
A voltage converter
While LOOP's adapter is ideal for charging multiple gadgets at once, Samsonite's is perfect for converting the wattage of US appliances to conform with foreign outlets. So if you want to use your Drybar hair dryer overseas (like I wanted to), this kit's your pick.
It's bulkier than the LOOP adapter, but it pays to pack a voltage converter if you plan to use high-voltage electronics. I brought both adapters the last time I traveled abroad since they served different purposes, and I'm glad I did. — Ellen Hoffman, commerce editor
Samsonite Travel Converter/Adapter Plug Kit, $19.99
A flying app
Before downloading SkyGuru a few months ago, I would spend every flight wide awake, anticipating a huge drop in altitude. This app gives me enough peace of mind that I'm able to spend my time watching movies, getting some work done, and even sleeping, which is something I haven't done on a plane in years. — Kelsey Mulvey, commerce reporter
SkyGuru App, $19.99
A waterproof phone case
I bring a waterproof phone case if I am going to a beach destination or know I will be doing activities around water. — Ciara Appelbaum, INSIDER reporter
Lifeproof FRE Waterproof Case for iPhone 6/6S, $36.59
Comfortable jeans
The first thing on my packing list when I travel are my Wooster Jeans from Mott and Bow. Their Dynamic Stretch technology makes them the most comfortable things to wear when I'm traveling. They look like jeans, but fit comfortably on an airplane or when walking around all day. The jeans are the one big "must-have" I have when I travel since they look good and are incredibly versatile. — Breton Fischetti, senior director, commerce
Mott & Bow Wooster Jeans, $118
Earplugs
Heavy-duty earplugs! They're a lifesaver on long-haul plane rides, and I don't know how anyone sleeps without them. I use these earplugs because they never fall out and cancel a lot of noise. They can also be helpful if you're in a hostel, because you won't have to worry about people snoring or coming in late at night. I simply can't leave without them! — Madeleine Sheehan Perkins, news intern
Mack's Pillow Soft Silicone Earplugs Value Pack, $2.24 for set of six
A money belt
After one of my friends was pick-pocketed in Paris, my friends and I picked up money belts to ensure that would never happened again. Not the most fashionable travel accessory, money belts have the reputation of being lame or silly. But if you're looking for a way to keep your valuables safe and out of sight during a vacation, I couldn't recommend them more.
This option from PEAKGear is slim enough to slip underneath your shirt and has a RFID-blocking pocket to prevent anyone from swiping important information from your card. — Kelsey Mulvey, commerce reporter
PEAKGear Travel Money Belt, $17.76
A notebook
Moleskine notebooks and a special mechanical pencil, for doodles and notes and random thoughts while in foreign lands. Throwback travel! — Matthew DeBord, senior correspondent
Moleskine Ruled Classic Notebook, $11.97
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