10 Best Checked Bag International Travel Essentials

In 2017, I wrote a story for a magazine called “Tales from Tindering 25 Countries.” I visited 25 countries on five continents in less than one year. Nearly a decade later, I’m no longer dating like the Tasmanian devil. But I’m still Katie Talks TravelI am a travel writer who lives out of my suitcase. It’s true that I have learned to leave out certain things from my luggage. checked luggageIf you are a woman, it is especially important that you consider this. you’re flying internationally. 

You can start by assuming that there is a good chance your luggage will be damaged. won’t Make sure you reach your destination on time. Then, you have international airline regulations to abide by (in China, for example, a TSA agent once flagged my luggage after I packed a carbon dioxide cartridge in my checked bag for a cycling holiday—the good news is my bike never got a flat tire; the bad news was it took weeks to get my bag back). Then there are the items that don’t even warrant taking up any space. So, whether you are planning a trip to Australia or Argentina for your next international trip, here are 10 mistakes that travelers often make when packing their checked bags. what you should bring instead. 

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Do not pack electronics in checked bags 

Instead, pack them in your personal bag 

It makes me shudder to remember how I used my suitcase. GoPro Hero In my checked baggage. Why did I have it in my carry on if I was not going to use it? There are actually two good reasons to never put electronics in your checked luggage, especially when flying internationally, where there will be more people looking through your bag. The first is theft. The second reason is? Damage. 

Investing in a bag that is large enough to hold your electronics with padded pockets will be the best option. This Vancropak Carry-on Backpack, for instance, is an Amazon’s Choice selection with a USB charging cable and port built-in. my beloved Anker power bankThe packaging cubes are included. 

Packing old sweats with logos

What to bring instead: elevated-looking athleisure 

I love my old college sweats, and my fiancé loves his New York Yankees gear, but when we travel internationally, we make sure to pack outfits that are also nice enough to wear out to lunch at a white tablecloth restaurant. In Europe, locals are known to dress to the nines even if it’s just to take their dog for a stroll. Also, the locals are not big fans of the athleisure fashion trend. So you may want to leave those leggings back home. 

You can also find out more about this by clicking here. Wiholl 2-piece Matching Set The wide-leg pants, flattering cap-sleeved top and well-draped pants make this a great choice. Dress it up in wedges and jewelery for a wine-tasting, or pair with hotel slippers if you’re ordering room service. 

Packing jewelry into transparent cases or boxes is a mistake

What to do instead? Hide or carry in your personal items

Once, I had a piece of jewelry (a pair handmade earrings that I bought for my mother in Africa), stolen from my checked luggage. It’s enough to teach me my lesson. After taking the jewelry out of the box, I store it in a personal item that does not scream, “Steal me!” 

Take a look at this super-secure Lion Latch Travel Jewelry Box Case It looks like a lipstick container and can be attached to your key chain. This was perfect for our trip,” wrote one satisfied Amazon shopper. “I’d be able to keep all my jewelry and small diamond earrings safe and secure in it.” 

Packing plastic bags that are single-use is a mistake

What you can do instead: Use reusable bags for your laundry

Recently, I returned from a trip around East Africa. I was fortunate to be traveling with someone who could help me. Micato SafarisBefore I left for Kenya, I received a packing list from. It informed me that plastic bags that are only used once were not allowed in Kenya. The country is one of many that have banned single-use plastic bags or are currently in the process. 

I usually pack plastic bags to hold snacks, toiletries and wet clothes. It’s more important than ever to use reusable bags, such as these JHX Travel Laundry Bags Ziploc bags are not the only storage containers that can be folded up. Instead of Ziploc bags consider these best-selling leakproof clear silicone bags Amazon has sold more than 4,000 copies of this book in the past month.  

Do not pack your Dyson hairdryer

What to pack instead: a dual-voltage, cheaper hair dryer

Don’t get me wrong, I love my Dyson Supersonic hair dryer. I would prefer to go outside in the cold and have wet hair rather than plugging it in overseas. Dyson warns that their hair products are “precisely designed” to be used in the country they were purchased. 

For a fraction the cost, you can get a dual voltage hair dryer that is designed for international travel.Small but mightyOne shopper said: “It’s a great product.” Supcaliy Portable Ionic Hair DryerThey used the money to go on a European trip that included a land vacation and a cruise. 

The cordless curling irons are not packed correctly

What to pack instead: a dual voltage curling iron with cord

TSA says that cordless curling wands are not allowed in checked baggage. They often contain butane gas cartridges. While I personally don’t travel abroad with a curling iron—I just throw on this Sunday Afternoons Havana Hat—I’ve read great things about the Mini Travel Curling Iron Furiden has a travel-friendly product that ticks all the boxes.

The dual voltage iron can curl and straighten hair. It is compact, taking up less space than an electric toothbrush. “I was amazed at the beautiful curls that this little curling-iron gave me,” wrote a traveler It was used by a traveler to the French Riviera.

Mistake: Packing shoes that are uncomfortable to walk in

Bring supportive shoes to prevent blisters

If I could get a dollar every time I packed a heel that was rarely worn, I would own a closet full Louboutins. Not only are they not comfortable to wear for more than four blocks, but they’re also unpractical, especially when you live in a country with cobblestones. Since 2023 I’ve worn a metallic gold shirt pair of Birkenstocks I’ve been to at least 20 different countries. I’ve worn my cuffs with everything. $350 Alicia Bell maxi dress Santorini, to cutoff denim and a T shirt at the Paris Olympics in last summer. They’re versatile and I love how I’ve traveled hundreds of miles without getting any blisters. 

Mistake: packing bulky belts and heavy jeans

What to bring instead: lightweight drawstring trousers

If you are traveling abroad, denim doesn’t necessarily need to be packed in your checked baggage. It is too large and heavy for you to carry around, especially in summer or if the destination you choose is hot and humid. The most stylish and sophisticated globetrotters that I know pack bottoms similar to these Duyan Cotton-Linen Palazzo Pants. 

These pants have the wide-leg style and hand pockets on the front, but are super light and breathable. The drawstring waist allows you to leave your bulky belt behind. If you’re worried about wrinkles—linen does have that downside—throw in a bottle of this TSA-approved secret wrinkle remover spray Amazon has given this book more than 5900 five-star reviews.  

Packing full-size products for long trips is a mistake

What to do instead? Transfer them to travel toiletry containers

I took a 32 day cruise abroad in 2016, and I have taken longer trips overseas. Still, it’s never made sense to pack full-size shampoos, conditioners, lotions, and sunscreens—most of which come in 12-ounce bottles or tubes. 

Stock up if you think that you’ll require more than the 3 ounces of travel toiletries approved by TSA (which are included in most sets). 6.8-ounce refillable toiletry bottles. Amazon gives them 4.6 stars out of 5 and more than 2000 people have bought them there in the last 30 days. trips longer than one week “super easy to fill, they stay tightly closed, and easy to squeeze.” 

Mistake: Packing single-use tampons  

What you can do instead: Bring a reusable menstrual cups 

In April I delivered tampons and plastic applicators, which are hard to come by in South Africa. It can be difficult to find comfortable tampons across dozens of different countries. If I travel during this time, I make sure to pack a lot of feminine hygiene products that I know. 

This ultra-compact, collapsible backpack is what I am going to present you with. Saalt Soft Menstrual Cup A shot. It’s made of medical-grade silicone, so it’s safe to use, easy to clean, and can last up to 10 years—hence, why it’s been called a “real life game changerInternational travelers prefer to pack “. Some shoppers pack the Knix Light Period Underwear You can also find out more about Hanes’ Boxer Brief Period Underwear It comes in a 2-pack of value.

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