Traveling internationally is an adventure filled with excitement, discovery, and the occasional challenge. Packing the right essentials can make all the difference between a smooth journey and a stressful one. Beyond your passport and tickets, there are key items that every savvy traveler should have to stay connected, safe, and comfortable.
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I don’t want to bore you with 100+ things, like travel pillow, toiletries or eye masks. Instead I’ll dive straight into 7 travel essentials for international travellers, that are useful, practical and that I – an ex full-time traveller – can’t imagine travelling without. Some are not actual things that you have to pack! Yay lighter luggage! You just need to get them for security and a peace of mind!
So let’s explore how these items can elevate your travel experience and keep you prepared for any adventure!
I do believe in trying to be as eco-friendly as possible during travelling though. Here’s the list of a few eco items, that won’t take a whole lot of your space, but will make a big difference for the environment.
And now straight to the point:
7 ultimate travel essentials for international travellers
1. NordVPN
All those public Wi-Fi at airports, hotels or cafés – we use them all the time without really thinking who’s there on the other side. Ok, that’s a bit overdramatic, but the fact is, that those public networks are very vulnerable to hackers. Luckily there is something you can do about it. Get a VPN. Well, not just any VPN, get NordVPN.
NordVPN encrypts your connection, protecting sensitive information like passwords and credit card details. It also lets you bypass geo-restrictions, giving you access to your favourite content or services as if you were back home. You want to continue watching your favourite show on Netflix, but you’re scared that it won’t be available in the country you’re travelling to? That’s where NordVPN comes in. So whether you’re booking flights, checking bank accounts, streaming or simply browsing, NordVPN helps keep your digital life safe and unrestricted wherever you go.
Sign up for NordVpn here.
NordVPN does have a summer sale at the moment. Use my special link and don’t miss your chance on up to 70% off for NordVPN with Threat Protection Pro!
2. Water bottle with filter
I said it many times and I’ll say it again: if I had to pick one item that I can’t imagine travelling without, it would have been a WaterWell bottle with filter. Not having to rely on trying to find the next convenience store, but always having access to clean, freshly filtered water instead, is a real game changer. Plus, you save so much plastic!!!
The filter water bottle from WaterWell filters 99% of waterborne bacteria and parasites and has 1000 litre lifespan. If you want to know how it works exactly and what kind of water it filters, I dedicated a whole blog post to this “magical” bottle. I also present the exact amount of money that you can save while using the bottle. Spoiler alert: it’s hundreds of dollars!
Feel free to read my blog post, but if I already convinced you: get you WaterWell bottle here!
3. Wise travel card
Another thing that will take up as little of your space as possible, but it’s one of the most important travel tools you can have! It’s bright, it’s light, it’s dynamite! A Wise Travel Card.
Again, I wrote a whole blog post about its usefulness, but here my favourite things about the Wise card and Wise app: transparency – no hidden exchange costs, multi-currency accounts, “jars”, the best exchange rates. Plus the app itself…it’s just so clear and pretty!
You might say: “ohh, but I already have Revolut”. I do too. But after getting Wise I stashed it into the depths of my wallet and I never used it once! Plus, in the blog post mentioned above, I list all the reasons why Wise card is a better choice!
4. SafetyWing travel health insurance
This one of the 7 ultimate travel essentials doesn’t weigh anything. It doesn’t even have a physical form. But the peace of mind it brings you is huge, like 30kg of luggage. What is it? Travel health insurance of course! And there’s no better insurance than SafetyWing Nomad Insurance. No worries, it doesn’t mean that it’s for digital nomads only. You can use it no matter who you are and where you travel to, because the best thing about it, is its flexibility.
The Nomad Insurance plan provides coverage for unexpected medical expenses, including hospital visits, prescriptions, and treatments for illnesses or accidents. It also includes travel-related benefits like trip interruption and lost luggage coverage.
Sounds good? Sign up here!
But if you want to know more…ok, I probably sound like a broken record already, but yet again, I’ve written a blog post about 5 reasons why SafetyWing Nomad Insurance is the best travel insurance out there. So have a read, get it today and don’t let the unexpected ruin your next big trip!
5. Universal travel adapter
Kind of an obvious thing, but can be easily forgotten. Especially if you’re like me and don’t care about the “technical side” of travelling. Naturally, different countries use different plug types, and without the right adapter, you won’t be able to charge your devices like phones, cameras, or laptops. Duh!
A universal adapter ensures you’re prepared for any outlet, making it a compact and convenient solution for an international traveller. Many modern adapters (like this one below) also come with USB ports, so you can charge multiple devices at once, saving time and hassle. It’s a small investment that can save you big headaches on the road!
6. Noise cancelling headphones
OMG! I had to put an OMG in the beginning of this paragraph, because noise cancelling headphones were my greatest discovery during full-time travelling. I don’t know how I previously could have gotten on any plane, train or bus without them! Blocking out those unwanted sounds is a real game changer. Screaming children (even if they’re yours :P ), airplane engines, bustling train stations and those annoying people who don’t how to behave on public transport and just won’t shut up! Or even worse – those who don’t know what headphones are for and play their music out loud. This is where noise cancelling headphones come in!
They let you fully immerse yourself in your own music, podcasts, or movies, making long journeys more enjoyable. Whether you’re trying to catch some sleep on a flight or focus on work in a busy cafe, these headphones create a calm, distraction-free environment. Plus, they’re usually lightweight and easy to carry, making them an essential part of any traveller’s packing list.
And no, you don’t have to spend a fortune on some fancy headphones. These Anker Soundcore Q20i’s from Amazon, that I personally use, will do a great job too.
7. Luggage scales
If you’re going on a super long trip where you’ll be taking multiple flights with different airlines with different weight limits – you need this baby.
A portable luggage scale is a travel lifesaver! It helps you avoid those annoying overweight baggage fees by letting you check your bag’s weight before you even leave for the airport. You’ll know if you have to wear that super big and heavy jumper or if you can simply put it in your suitcase. Compact and lightweight, portable luggage scales are easy to carry and perfect for weighing your suitcase on the go – especially after shopping for souvenirs. No surprises at check-in, just peace of mind!
Ok, I know I said “7 ultimate travel essentials”, but I have 2 more that are definitely worth mentioning. To keep you entertained during your travels.
8. Kindle
I bet that every bookworm wouldn’t go anywhere without it anyway. But if you want to read during those long flights, bus rides or while chillaxing on the beach, a Kindle is a must. Lightweight, compact, easy to carry, Kindle is an essential travel companion. With its long battery life, adjustable backlight and the ability to download books on the go, it allows you to enjoy reading in any environment and at any moment ensuring you’re never without entertainment or inspiration. Get yours here!
9. Amazon fire stick
You might think that this item is completely useless during travelling and shouldn’t be on the list of the ultimate travel essentials. But I will tell you why you’re wrong. Well ok, if you’re going on a few days trip, it probably is useless, but long term travellers can definitely benefit from putting it in their suitcases. Especially as the Amazon Fire Stick is small, light and easy to pack.
If you’re planning on travelling for a longer period of time, you definitely won’t be spending each and every night out. So why not bring your favourite shows and movies wherever you go? You only need a TV with an HDMI port and you can have an easy access to streaming platforms like Netflix, Prime Video and YouTube. You can personalize your entertainment instead of depending on what hotels or AirBnbs provide. Plus, you can install NordVPN on it and change your country, opening up a whole new library of entertainment options.
Get your Amazon Fire Stick 4K here.
I’d say that Amazon Fire Stick was my second most used item all my travels. Hahha Yes, I’m that sad. But it often allowed me to feel “like home” even in the most remote locations.
Ok, now I’m really done!
Hope you found those 7 ultimate travel essentials useful. From space-saving gadgets like the luggage scales and Amazon Fire Stick to environment saving filter water bottle and peace of mind makers like travel insurance or VPN, these items will keep you entertained, organized, and stress-free no matter where your journey takes you. Pack smart and travel better!
Hi, it’s Aga, the author of this blog. If you found this blog post interesting, entertaining or useful, please think of buying me a virtual coffee to support the site’s running costs. But if you know me, I might actually spend it on coffee. Thanks!
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