Essential but often overlooked items for travel abroad

Getting ready to jet off on your first big trip of 2023? Now is the perfect time to take stock of your travel routines and see where you can minimize stress (and space in your suitcase). If you’re planning a trip overseas, you’ve probably gotten a lot of advice on what to pack and how to prepare for your travels.

One of the best rules for traveling abroad is to keep it as light as possible. Yes, it may be tempting to pack all your best pieces — your entire makeup collection and multiple pairs of shoes — simply because you “never know where you’ll end up.” However, learning how to pack lightly is a major key to traveling well.

When traveling abroad, it’s extra important to make sure you’ve packed plenty of essentials. When traveling within your home country, you can usually count on finding what you need at a local store in the area.

But when you’re in an entirely different country, you can’t always assume that the exact product you need will be easy to find (if it’s available at all). It’s best to make sure all of your bases are covered ahead of time. That way, if you find yourself in a rush to find the right supplies, you can simply turn to your suitcase.

You can never entirely know what to expect from a certain environment until you’ve arrived, and there are so many details that remain unknown. Unless you’ve been there before and have an exact itinerary for how each day is going to play out, prepare for any scenario. That means packing plenty of comfortable outfits, health supplies, and even a first aid kit to ensure you’ll never find yourself in a difficult scenario.

Depending on where your journey is taking you, your definition of “essentials” might shift. But no matter what your go-to items are, it’s never a bad time to find a few new things to make your travels easier and more fun.

Take a look at your packing list and see which of these essentials you need to add:

When traveling abroad, it’s essential to be adaptable. After all, you never know what kind of spur-of-the-moment adventure may call to you on a whim.

That’s why it’s important to pack clothing that is as comfortable as it is stylish. If you’re looking for fun patterns and versatile daytime outfits, shop around for some tunics for women by Johnny Was.

They’re the perfect thing to have on when your afternoon shopping trip turns into a spontaneous trip to the beach. They come in a wide variety of colors and styles, so you can pack multiple and still feel like you’re rocking a completely different look every day.

Of course, you’ll need something pretty to wear underneath your cute outerwear. A trip to a romantic new city might just be the ultimate excuse to splurge on some gorgeous lingerie from Fleur du Mal. Whether you wear your new piece as a part of your going-out look or simply wear it under your layers for an extra boost of confidence, you’re sure to glow a little brighter.

Confidence is key when you’re strutting down the streets of a gorgeous new city — especially if you’re in a place like Milan, Paris, or London, where ultra-chic outfits can be seen even on people running a quick errand or enjoying a casual cup of tea.

Lingerie can help empower you to feel your absolute best, so no matter where the day takes you (or how tired you may be from jet lag), you’ll be looking and feeling good the whole time.

Plus, pairing a beautiful bralette with an oversized blazer or wearing a lace teddy underneath your adorable leather skirt is a simple way to minimize the amount of time you spend poring over outfit options while you’re getting ready.

To minimize the amount of time you spend getting ready, invest in a beautiful pair of DIY lash extensions from Lashify. Not only will you look effortlessly glamorous even if you’re not wearing any makeup, but you’ll also save yourself a few minutes of sleepy stress while you’re adjusting to the time difference or heading out on one of those early morning tours.

Apply them before you head out on your trip to make sure you have enough time to make adjustments and get used to them before using them in a foreign place. You’ll also want to be sure to patch-test the glue on another part of your skin before applying them to your lashes. The last thing you want is to be dealing with irritated skin around your eyes while you’re trying to sightsee.

There’s one more thing you need to consider when traveling (and a lot of people don’t think about this enough to pack the proper precautionary items) — how much you’ll be moving and walking. Even the healthiest people can often experience joint pain or muscle fatigue after hours roaming the cobblestone streets of France or the hilly slopes of Switzerland.

Sensible shoes will solve part of your issue, but they won’t provide the full support or assurance you need if you’re concerned about overusing any joints. That’s exactly why a knee sleeve from Incrediwear can be a true lifesaver to pack in your carry-on.

Even if you’re an avid walker or runner, you never know how your body is going to feel, so it’s best to prepare ahead of time. Not only helpful for walking down uneven cobblestone streets or uphill paths, the knee sleeve should be kept handy for any hiking or outdoor activities you may want to partake in.

You don’t need to wait until you’re feeling pain to wear your sleeve; you can even put it on as a purely precautionary measure. The best part? It’s thin and tight, so you can easily wear it under a pair of loose pants or a long dress without anyone knowing it’s there. If your clothing is a bit sheer, you can find the sleeve in a variety of colors to work with your look.

For veterans eager to show off your pride for serving your country as you travel overseas, some thin ribbons from USAMM are an easy way to create your perfect ribbon rack. They’re also a great gift to give the veteran in your life who may have played a big role in planning your dream trip.

Maybe you don’t feel the need for any major upgrades and simply want a few small knick-knacks to personalize your travel backpack or go-to denim jacket. Custom lapel pins from Lapel Pins and Coins add a fun touch to any basic clothing item or accessory.

If you’re traveling in a group, you can even create customized matching pins to commemorate your trip for a lifetime! Create unique shapes to honor your favorite hobbies, foods, experiences, or even your pets.

On a similar note, it’s amazing what a simple piece of jewelry can do for an outfit. When traveling, be extremely careful about the jewelry you’re packing. Taking all of your most valuable jewels with you might be a bit risky, depending on where you’re staying and what type of insurance you have on your items. Also, you might not be able to confidently store those items in a safe or locked location when you leave your hotel, rental home, or hostel.

That’s why many people leave their more expensive jewelry at home and travel with only their more modest pieces. Some people even leave their real wedding rings at home and travel with a less expensive band around their ring finger.

That doesn’t mean you need to sacrifice the quality or appearance of the accessories you pack. In fact, CRAFTD’s selection of men’s rings is quite the opposite. Whether you love a classic band or something with a more eccentric design, you’re sure to find at least a couple of pieces you will absolutely love wearing with both your casual and fancy travel outfits.

What about the more practical, wellness-oriented supplies you’ll need while traveling? Clothes and accessories are an essential part of any great trip, but it’s just as important to make sure you’re prepared to care for your health and keep up your usual wellness routines while you’re on the go. This is even more important when it comes to maintaining your strength, energy, and immune system when you’re in a new environment.

After a long, exhausting trip, nothing is more annoying than realizing you’ve forgotten a critical item you need to take your post-plane shower or freshen up with your essential creams and supplements.

Sure, you may be able to walk to the nearest shop and pick up a quick item here or there, but you’ll need to account for the possibility that it’ll be challenging to find (especially if the shop stocks most items in another language).

That’s why you should stock your toiletry bag with everything you need to carry you through a long trip — especially if you’re in a foreign country and are unsure whether your usual items will be available.

That being said, when you’re eating an incredible delicacy in a new country, your vitamins are probably one of the last things on your mind. However, your daily vitamins and supplements should be a high priority on your packing list.

This will help keep your body regulated and healthy while traveling in a new environment — especially if those supplements are something you need to take every day to help you stay strong and achieve your health goals.

If you’re trying to boost your fertility, stock up on some of Ovaterra’s fertility supplements for women. Depending on your needs (which you should absolutely discuss with your doctor before starting any new supplements), you may find it valuable to order a fresh supply before you jet off. 

Another supplement that often gets overlooked in the chaos of packing is anything that maintains your body’s essential levels of fatty acids. These are key to maintaining a healthy metabolism as well as optimal brain and heart health.

A supply of C15 from Fatty15 is exactly what your daily vitamin lineup has been missing. Adding it to your wellness routine will help ensure your body is functioning smoothly. Plus, it’ll give your immune system a little boost, which is more important than ever when you’re traveling in a new environment and most likely putting your body through more activity or change than it’s used to.

Everybody wants to look their best on vacation, and collagen-based beauty products are an easy way to ensure your skin is glowing and supple even after a long day in the sun (with sunscreen, of course!) or a late night out on the town.

Vegan collagen from Pacifica is the ideal place to start — you can even find it for a variety of uses, from total-body care to face masks to hand cream. Whether you throw it in your purse or make it a part of your nightly self-care routine, collagen helps keep your skin taut, no matter how exhausted you may be after a long day outside paired with a dose of jet lag. Talk about a glow-up!

A great skincare routine is an absolute must no matter where you are in the world — and if you’ve just gotten a new tattoo, it’s even more critical. Don’t forget to pack your tattoo aftercare products from Mad Rabbit to ensure a smooth healing process that will withstand the elements and keep your new work of art looking gorgeous while you travel.

In addition to their products, make sure you check out Mad Rabbit’s blog for a variety of tips on tattoo aftercare. After all, your tattoo artist may not have covered everything with you, seeing as how there are only seven U.S. states that require artists to provide their clients with proper aftercare instructions from the public health department. Don’t let your aftercare routine fall to the wayside because you’re busy exploring!

Speaking of looking your best, your toiletry bag isn’t complete without a reliable razor that will last you your entire trip without risking razor burns or cuts. This straight edge razor from The Beard Club is a fan favorite for a reason! It comes with a travel-sized blade holder to keep your blade sharp and clean. If you love the clean-cut look, this razor offers a professional-grade shave that’s hard to beat.

Last but certainly not least, you’re probably wondering how your long-distance travel is going to affect your sleep habits. After all, it’s not easy to adjust to a brand-new time zone without feeling a drastic impact on your body’s natural functions.

Be patient with your body and give yourself at least a few nights to naturally adjust to the new time zone. Luckily, there are a few products that can help ensure you are able to fall asleep quickly, no matter what time it is in your home state.

If your regular melatonin doesn’t do the trick, an edible for deeper sleep from Sunmed may help you fall asleep in no time. CBD and CBN help ensure your mind and body feel calm and relaxed as you prepare for a deep night’s sleep and recharge for another day full of exciting activities.

If you’ve never tried CBD products before, consult a medical professional to determine what type of product and dose might be best for you.

Preparing for an international trip requires a little more planning and consideration than domestic travel. You’ll need to account for the possibility that running to a corner store and picking up last-minute items may be challenging. With that in mind, it’s good practice to take stock of your supplies before you start packing and be open to buying a few new products that will make your life a little easier.

Ask yourself what needs to be updated, what needs to be replaced altogether, and what needs to stay at home. Then, think about a few key things you can add to your suitcase to make your travels smoother. Whether that’s a quick wardrobe refresh, a fun accessory, or an essential wellness item, you’ll be thankful you planned ahead when you’re relaxing on a European beach or hiking the mountains of South America.