7 Unexpected Things I Always Pack for International Travel

Ronda McKnight
Apr 1
4 min read

Open suitcase with clothes, gold pouch, sandals, and toiletries; nearby are a silver laptop, camera, sunglasses, and a photo on wood floor.

If you have traveled internationally before, you probably already know the basics: passport, comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and a good carry-on bag.

But after many years of traveling around the world, I have learned that it’s often the small, unexpected items that can make the biggest difference during a trip. These are the things people don’t always think to pack—until they arrive at their destination and realize they wish they had them.

Many travelers assume that certain conveniences will always be available in hotels or that connectivity will work exactly like it does at home. In reality, travel experiences can vary widely from country to country.

Here are a few unexpected items I always recommend packing when traveling internationally.

Shower wall with metal faucet and hose. A pink shower puff hangs on it. Background features textured white tiles.

#1 A Shower Puff or Loofah

This one surprises people.

In many hotels outside the United States, washcloths are not standard amenities. You’ll always receive towels, but washcloths are often not included.

For travelers who prefer using something in the shower besides their hands, this can come as an unexpected surprise. A simple solution is to pack a small shower puff or loofah. They are lightweight, dry quickly, and take up almost no space in your luggage.

#2 A Mobile Hotspot

Reliable internet is something many travelers assume will be available everywhere. While most hotels offer Wi-Fi, the quality can vary widely depending on the property and location.

A mobile hotspot allows you to connect multiple devices to a secure internet connection wherever you go. It can be especially helpful if you want to:

Stream shows or movies in your hotel room
Stay connected while out exploring
Avoid relying on public Wi-Fi networks
Work remotely while traveling

For travelers who rely on their phones or laptops, this can be a very worthwhile addition to your packing list. Personally, I use the Solis Lite Hotspot from SIMO. I set my data up before I leave the US and use whatever I need while I am traveling abroad.

#3 A Universal Power Adapter

This one is essential but still frequently forgotten.

Different countries use different outlet shapes and voltages. Without the right adapter, you may not be able to charge your phone, laptop, or camera.

A universal power adapter solves the problem by working in multiple countries. I recommend one that includes USB ports, so you can charge several devices at once.

#4 Portable Phone Charger

Long sightseeing days can drain your phone battery quickly, especially when you are using maps, translation apps, or taking lots of photos and videos.

A portable power bank means you won’t have to search for an outlet in the middle of the day. It’s one of those items you may not use constantly, but when you need it, you will be very glad you packed it.

Having a portable power bank on hand saved my trip to Tanzania. I can remember it was only about halfway through the day on one of our safaris when I realized I was already down to 20%. I had been taking lots of videos that day and, if I did not have the portable power bank in my day bag, those memories would only live in my head!

#5 Basic Medications

White and blue pills alongside yellow capsules spill from an open container on a white surface. "500" and "10" are visible on the pills.

Another thing travelers don’t always think about is that over-the-counter medications abroad can be very different from what you are used to at home.

It’s always a good idea to bring a small travel kit with items like:

Pain relievers
Allergy medicine
Motion sickness tablets
Cold medicine
Stomach relief medication

While pharmacies exist almost everywhere, it is much easier to have what you need with you. Also, you already know how your body will respond to medications you are accustomed to taking.

#6 A Small Laundry Kit

For longer trips, having a way to wash a few things in your hotel sink can be surprisingly helpful.

I recommend packing:

A small packet of laundry detergent
A travel clothesline or a few clips

This makes it easy to rinse workout clothes, swimsuits, or lighter garments and let them dry overnight. Another tip would be to pack a large, jumbo-sized Ziplock bag for any clothing that you are not able to clean but you don’t want to contact your clean items.

#7 Wet Wipes or Travel Wipes

These are one of the most versatile items you can pack. Travel wipes are useful for:

Cleaning hands while sightseeing
Freshening up during long flights
Wiping down tray tables or surfaces
Quick clean-ups while on the go

A pink and orange packet of wet wipes lies on a blue surface. The lid is open with one wipe pulled out, creating a fresh, clean feel.

They take up almost no space and tend to come in handy far more often than people expect. I personally used wet wipes to clean off my dusty shoes after a safari in the Serengeti so I could repack them, to wipe down eating spaces that were not fully cleaned, and to clean a shirt after spilling food. As you can see, wipes can come in handy when you are traveling.

Final Thoughts

Packing for an international trip does not have to be complicated, but it does require a little planning. The items above may not be the first things that come to mind when creating a packing list, but they can make your travels much more comfortable and convenient.

After years of traveling internationally, these are a few of the “unexpected essentials” that consistently prove their value. When you have the right items with you, it’s easier to focus on what really matters: enjoying the destination, experiencing new cultures, and making incredible memories along the way.