Don’t leave home without these must have international travel items!
Traveling internationally can be very overwhelming. There are so many important things to remember to do. If you forget even one, it can ruin your entire trip.
To help you feel more at ease, we have put together a quick guide to the 20 best travel items we recommend for 2025. We have traveled overseas dozens of times and have figured out some of the most useful things to make your trip smooth.
These tips are especially great for those travelers who don’t follow the crowds, volunteer in far-off countries, and like to follow their instincts rather than a map. Read the list below to discover the 20 international travel items you must have for your next adventure.
1.) LuminAid PackLite
This is a solar-charging, small, inflatable lantern or flashlight. It’s also inexpensive at around $30USD.
It’s great to keep it in your bag at all times as an emergency light for your next backpack or camping trip! You never know when you might need it!
2.) Nitecore NU25 UL Headlamp
A headlamp is also a great investment. It might look dorky, but it’s useful for many things.
For example, you can use it for hands-free reading on the plane. It’s great for lighting your path while hiking on a dark trail. It also comes in handy when fixing or looking for something.
If you’re afraid of looks, you can always hold it in your hand as a flashlight when you want to! You don’t have to always wear it on your head.
3.) Translation and Travel Apps
Travel apps are a must have international travel item nowadays. Make sure to download at least one before you leave. They can help you plan your trip, be prepared for the weather, help you easily book tickets, and more.
We have put together a list of some of our favorite travel apps for you. We recommend you use highly rated apps because some apps do not securely handle your information. One other tip explained in this guide is to protect yourself by always using a VPN overseas.
4.) Sawyer water filter
One of the primary causes of sickness during overseas travel is contaminated water. The Sawyer water filter blocks/filters 99+% of germs and bacteria that makes you sick. Plus, it can be easily back flushed so there are no additional cartridges to buy, ever!
Whether you’re traveling to remote areas or filtering water from streams, etc. the Sawyer Filtration technology is the best. This is a great item to use for yourself if traveling to an area with unclean water. You can then leave it behind with a family or friend there!
There are a lot of different Sawyer filters to fit specific needs.
Business Connect World also has a model where Sawyer Water Filters can be purchased through them. The income goes towards local Sawyer representatives that can then continue to sell additional units. Or they can repair units locally to help the local economy and local area business. We love their model!
Another option is a Grayl ultralight water filtration bottle, which is given a thorough review here. This is helpful especially if you already always carry a refillable water bottle on your flights.
5.) A good travel towel
A travel towel can have many uses. Besides using it to dry off, it can also be used as a blanket in a pinch.
If you bring a towel that is 72in x 24in or wider, it can be used in many ways. For example, to change clothes behind, wrap up in (like a sari) while washing clothes, or use as a blanket or sheet when sleeping for extra warmth. Some people recommend using a 100% linen bath sheet.
There are countless travel towels of different sizes made out of different materials. What you need is a solid size, quick-drying, non-bacterial towel made of state of the art materials, that packs light and small. Nomadix and Yoga Design Labs make towels that fit this criteria.
If going to a sandy environment or beach, consider this sand-free blanket/towel originally designed by the military for helicopter landings.
Don’t skimp on the size or materials, or you will have much less flexibility. Trust us.
6.) A good fold-away knife
While the knife may not make it on the flight, you should definitely carry one in your packed luggage! CRKT makes some of the best and most affordable travel knives. They use some incredible technology and make it affordable.
You can spend $400 on a fold-away knife. But most of the time that is unnecessary. Unless you’re doing some intense hiking and camping, a knife made by Gerber or CRKT will do the trick.
7.) The Free Jet-Lag Guide: “The Definitive Guide to Jet Lag”
Jet lag is annoying because it can slow you down and disrupt your plans. Most people can’t afford to waste 2-3 days getting acclimated to a new time zone.
Your friends at Good Neighbor Insurance have put together a helpful travel guide to beat jet lag. This is the best, all-around guide featuring different strategies to help you defeat jet lag and perform at your best, no matter how far away you’re traveling. It’s a must have item for international travel!
It will help you get the most out of your trip. And it will also come in handy while at home trying to adjust before going back to work.
8.) Sanuks: The best shoes (or 2nd pair of shoes) for travel
Check out Sanuk for both men’s and women’s closed toe, super light, super comfortable, packable travel shoes. They are great for shower time, airplanes, the beach, and more.
These are the all-purpose backup shoes to have in your travel bag. They can be used in the shower or even washed in the sink.
They also won’t break the bank. More information and a couple of other shoe alternatives (including Lem’s) can be found here.
9.) A Kindle
To be honest, I’m not a huge fan of digital books. They can be hard on my eyes, and I enjoy reading real, physical books. There’s something satisfying about flipping the paper pages.
However, the Kindle is much easier on my eyes, keeps me from killing my phone battery on long flights, and is very affordable. It has extended battery life, decent reading experience, and is much lighter than hauling several books on an overseas trip!
We recommend the cheaper, non-color version like the Paperwhite or e-Reader. It’s easier on your sight for extended periods of time.
You can also check second-hand stores or apps to find a used one and get an even better deal. This can save money, especially if you’re not sure you will ever use it again after travel or are worried about it being stolen overseas.
10.) A high-capacity power bank
You should always travel with an ultra-high capacity, flat thin power bank. They can be used to recharge phones, laptops, and other devices when you don’t have access to a power outlet or charger.
A high-capacity power bank can store up to 50,000mAh. One we recommend is the Anker Portable Charger 40000mAh battery pack (or others at Amazon). These are becoming increasingly powerful and useful as we all have several devices to keep charged.
If you use Amazon, try searching for “Deal of the day, powerbank” since you can often get an extra 30%-70% off an already top-rated power bank.
11.) A portable bluetooth speaker
For music lovers, a portable bluetooth speaker is a must. They can also be great for listening to audiobooks on the beach. You can’t beat these sealed, water-resistant (or waterproof) drop-proof units with long battery life and outstanding sound.
We recommend the JBL Flip 7.0 or UE Boom 4 for sound on the go. There are so many other good options as well.
We realize this is considered a luxury item on trips. If you’re watching luggage weight, or only taking a carry-on, you may have to leave it behind.
Realize that your phone’s battery life is going to take a hit when using bluetooth to send sound to your speaker if you cannot easily recharge.
12.) Noise cancelling headphones (in the ear or over the ear)
Noise cancelling headphones can serve many purposes. They are great for sleeping in noisy hotels or on airplanes. They also provide crisp, clear music without interruption or the ability to listen to the quiet without ambient noise.
Bose’s QuietComfort headphones are expensive (around $300), but they are the best around. There are more affordable options such as the Skullcandy Hesh Headphones with a 36-hour battery life, or the JBL Live 460NC with 50 hours of battery life. Sony also makes some that are affordable but not as high quality.
In some cities, such as Cairo, people use their horns both night and day to talk to other drivers. If you’re staying in a Muslim country, the pre-dawn call to prayer can also startle you awake if your hotel window happens to face the mosque. Noise-cancelling headphones can be a life-saver in these situations.
On a budget: For under $60, you may also want to check out these Anker Soundcore noise cancellation headphones. And as mentioned in our Jet Lag guide above (see No. 7), these types of headphones can be part of an important strategy on the plane for beating jet lag as they allow for more sleep.
13.) A lightweight, multi-plug/splitter extension cord and travel power conversion kit
Depending on where you stay, one outlet might be all you get overseas. But if you’re busy running around seeing people and places, you will usually need two or more outlets for the short time you’re in your room.
Power outlets are rarely where you want them in your room. Oftentimes they are behind the bed or in the corner. And your cord is usually not long enough. This goes for travel overseas and business trips in the states.
Every savvy traveler knows an extension cord (and proper international plug configurations) is the solution. Don’t travel without them.
You may also want to consider a surge protector to protect your expensive equipment from power surges and spikes. (Some even include a warranty for your stuff if it gets damaged, but you will probably need original purchase receipts.)
Ask someone who has lost a laptop overseas due to a late-night power surge while traveling in a developing country. They’ll tell you to be acutely aware of the need for surge protection! (You may also need to adjust European power outlets (220-230 volts at 50 Hz frequency) for U.S. devices (120 volt at 60 Hz)).
If you’re bringing a multi-plug adapter and extension cord anyway, you might as well just bring a surge protector. It’s one less thing and can protect your devices.
If you’re staying in areas with U.S.-style power outlets, you can check out a surge protector from Belkin.
A multi-plug extension is also helpful in the airport when you need to share the limited power outlets with other travelers. And an extension cord will keep you from sitting on the floor next to the outlet.
In the first case (creating additional outlets), you don’t want something with a long wire because you are trying to “share” the plug with other users. (Just make sure the plugs are three-prong in U.S. electrical currency, not the two-prong variety, as many electronics/power bricks will not work since they are “grounded”, aka three-prong.)
14.) A basic scarf
You might think scarves are only useful for fashion purposes or to keep you warm in winter. But, scarves have been called the “Duct tape of the Middle East” for a good reason.
This piece of clothing can also be called a shemagh, keffiyeh, ghutrah, cemedani, or other various terms. It can be used to stay warm, as a breathing filter in sandstorms, a hat against sunburn or unexpected rain, a camp towel, a dishrag, and more.
Personally, I recommend staying away from a $500 cashmere or designer scarf. Instead, get something practical that can be used for a variety of purposes including wiping your mouth or sneezing into and later washing.
15.) A black wool or camel hair dress jacket/suit jacket
This jacket can be worn to dinner and can dress up any outfit. It will also keep you very warm in cold temperatures.
You might not have thought of this, but it can be rolled up as a pillow on flights or worn if the flight is too chilly. The jacket gets softer over time, resists wrinkles, and is warm when wet. I am never without my black camel hair jacket!
16.) Bluetooth “Tile” Tracker
These bluetooth tiles can be hidden in your bag or in a passport case, so you always know where your bags are. They connect to your smartphone and use GPS technology to track the location of your luggage. They also can be used to foil pickpockets.
There are ways to disguise the trackers, so they are less obvious. Or you can dress them up to make them look classier.
17.) An immersion water heater
Sometimes, you just need hot water. Maybe for something as simple as to make tea or as important as to bathe with.
One way to get hot water is by using an immersion water heater. Another option is a small, collapsible camp stove if you will not be near a power outlet/civilization.
You can also often purchase these things inexpensively overseas, and they will have the right plug set-up to plug in locally.
18.) A Dopp Kit (toiletries bag)
It’s time to quit trying to remember to pack soap or a razor. It’s also time to save yourself headaches from your toiletries rolling around loose in your bag or trying to remember to take them with you to the bathroom at the hostel.
Get a dopp kit (toiletries bag) that will fit all your needs. Then, go out and buy duplicates of everything you use at home (except in small versions for liquids). Or to save money, you can get a few small travel bottles and fill them up with your shampoo, lotions, and soaps. You can even find small sampler refillable cologne bottles online.
Now, when you travel, you can simply grab one toiletry bag and go. There’s no need to worry if you forgot the toothpaste because you used it the morning of your flight. And you don’t have to worry about not being able to brush your teeth because the toothpaste is packed away.
Many of these bags have easy-to-carry handles and may even hang on a towel bar so that everything is easily accessible. These are a must have international travel item!
19.) Chic Sparrow traveler’s notebook or its equivalent
A traveler’s notebook, like what Chic Sparrow offers, has many great uses while traveling. This includes holding receipts, taking notes, jotting down random ideas, and showing off your savvy, literate, urban-side. See the many YouTube videos on how to customize your notebook.
Traveler’s notebooks are great because they are so compact and sturdy. This means you can take them with you in the elements or wherever you plan to go.
You can combine it with a fountain pen by Lami or the Pilot Metropolitan (especially with a fine point if starting out with fountain pens) and a super-vibrant ink of your choice to really show off! Yes, fountain pens can go on board planes/pressurized cabins without making a mess using a couple pre-planned modifications.
20.) Travel medical insurance card
One of the most important must have international travel items might not seem so significant, but it is. Make sure you always know where your travel medical insurance card is.
Before leaving on your next adventure, don’t forget to purchase a travel health insurance plan that meets your needs. Sadly, accidents happen, and your domestic health insurance isn’t going to cover you. You need a plan that will provide you the needed care.
We recommend you carry your travel medical insurance card with you at all times. This way, the hospital will provide care for you immediately because they know they will get paid. And you will have the insurance company’s phone number handy if you ever need it.
So, there you go! Those are our best travel items for 2025 and best travel gear recommendations for 2025! You can also check out our “must-have” travel items from 2018 here.
We hope you enjoyed this list that didn’t include gimmicks (or Amazon links that we make money off of!), click-bait, nor slideshows to garner additional page views. Just real, trusted travel recommendations by travelers for travelers.
We left out common items that every traveler should carry with them overseas (such as gallon ziplock bags, duct tape and twist ties!). We also held back from recommending travel bags and carry-on luggage because those are often such personal choices depending on what you carry, the look you desire, and the type of travel you will be doing.
What are your “must-haves” when on the road? Leave your best must have international travel item recommendations below. Maybe we’ll post another “must-haves” of common items you should always have with you when you travel.
Enjoy your travels, wherever they may take you!
