Whether you’re planning to spend your next vacation on the white sand beaches of the Maldives or exploring the streets of Paris, you’ll want to make sure to pack all the necessary travel accessories to guarantee a stress-free and relaxing trip. If you don't know where to start, don't worry. Shop TODAY has got you covered.
We spoke to true packing pros — a pilot and two flight attendants — to get their best tips on how to tackle international travel and everything you need for the journey.
Expert tips | Tech | Sleep | Beauty | Fashion and accessories | Unique accessories | Carry-ons | How we chose | Meet the experts
Organization is key
Preparing for an international vacation can be quite overwhelming, especially if it's your first time leaving the country. "Find your inner Marie Kondo," suggests flight attendant Anna Tune. "Organization is a must when traveling internationally.”
“I started separating my things into separate compartments and it has made such a difference in efficiency and time management. For example, I have a toiletry bag, makeup bag, electronics bag for all of my chargers, shoe bag and even a tote with all of my important documents," says Tune. "It not only makes things easier to find, but it is less likely you will leave something behind.”
Comfort > style
In terms of what to wear on a plane, you'll want to opt for a more relaxed look.
Tune agrees that being comfortable is imperative: “I always bring my own blanket. I get cold very easily and an extra blanket is a game changer for me on a long flight. Also, legs and ankles tend to swell on long flights. Wearing compression socks will help with the swelling and also keep you nice and warm.”
Don't forget the right adaptor
Domi, a professional flight attendant and world traveler, is no stranger to long trips. Her essential travel tip? “Don’t forget an international adaptor/charger for your phone so you can stay connected during the flight and anywhere in the world. An external power bank is also a good idea in case the socket on board doesn’t work."
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate
Domi also advises travelers to drink a lot of water on board as the air can be very dry. “I always have an empty water bottle in my carry-on bag so I can pass it through security and then ask the flight attendant on board to refill my own bottle. Believe me, it’s less annoying than to ask for a glass of water every 30 minutes,” she says.
Don't be afraid to pack light
Professional pilot Stephen Sabato travels with the mentality that “less is more.”
“I use only a carry-on bag for work and for traveling internationally, no matter how long I am away. I feel like the key to traveling with luggage is to be able to have your bag with you on the plane. Just in case things go wrong, you can be flexible enough to have to change flights, especially if you are getting rebooked through a different connecting airport,” he says.
Check the rules of wherever you're going
Be sure to keep in mind that there are specific TSA rules for every country, so Sabato advises reading all of the information available on your chosen airline's website that pertains to your destination. "Most of the airlines have information dedicated to the countries that you are traveling to," he notes.
“For example, some countries require your passport to not be within six months of expiration. I have seen people turned away at customs in a foreign country for it, so there are a lot of little things that are important to look for,” Sabato says.
From hydrating face masks to noise-cancelling headphones, we’ve rounded up everything you could possibly need in preparation for your next (or first) international trip — starting at only $9.
Tech accessories for international travelers
Gritin 9 LED Rechargeable Book Light
- Lightweight
- Adjustable brightness
- Great battery life
- Doesn't store flat
Features: Dimmable, rechargeable | Battery life: 2.5 hours to charge, up to 60 hours once full | Light source: LED | Dimensions: 2.36 x3.94 x 1.77 inches
What’s better than losing yourself in a good book? If the overhead light isn't enough, this LED rechargeable book light will certainly come in handy! Rated Amazon’s Choice in book lights, this eye-protecting reading light allows you to adjust the brightness from 100% to 20% with the press of a button, so you won’t wake your neighbor. The built-in 100mAh battery takes roughly two and a half hours to get a full charge and can last up to 60 hours.
Calpak Portable Charger
- Compact size
- Not super powerful
Weight: 0.15 lbs | Materials: Faux leather | Tag dimensions: 4.75 x 3 x 0.5 inches | Strap length: 10 inches | Something to note: Power supply higher than 5V prohibited
Don’t miss capturing one moment of your journey with this portable charger from Calpak, that also doubles as a chic luggage tag. This compact, lightweight charger features a USB port and includes an insert card for your personal information. “Awesome for travel or carry every day. Stylish design. Highly recommend,” raved one verified reviewer.
Epicka Universal Travel Power Adapter
- Charges multiple devices
- Can be temperamental
Colorways: 4 | Input voltage: 240 volts
This universal power adapter is Shop TODAY Travel Awards winner for best international travel tech. This all-in-one charger features four different plug types that can be used in over 200 countries. Satisfied Amazon customers speak to the size, overall quality and performance of this travel adapter.
Apple AirTag
- Easy to use
- Can be temperamental
Battery: One lithium metal battery (included) | Dimensions: 1.6 x 1.6 x 0.31 inches
Keep track of all your belongings with this Apple AirTag that instantly connects to your iPhone or iPad. With its built-in speaker, this small tag allows travelers to play a sound to help find their personal items or carry-ons if lost. Plus, you can also drop it in your checked bag to keep an eye on it in case you have to deal with a dreaded lost luggage situation.
“A bag was delayed on our trip & the AirTag alerted us to it’s {sic} continued location at our departure site. Saved us much anxiety & baggage arrived at designated time within a {sic} hour," one traveler wrote in an Amazon review.
Mark & Graham Leather Charger Roll Up
- Compact
- Easy to roll
- Personalization is extra
Material: Unlined leather | Size unrolled: 11.5 x 5.5 inches
Successfully store all your tech accessories in one location with this leather charger roll-up from Mark & Graham. This resourceful case includes pockets for safe storing and a leather tie to keep it all together while traveling. You can also have it monogrammed for a special added touch.
Soundcore Anker Life Q20 Hybrid Active Noise-Cancelling Headphones
- Comfortable fit
- Cancel out background noise
- Limited battery life
Battery life: 40-60 hours | Form factor: Over ear
Jam out to all your favorites tunes with these noise-cancelling headphones from Soundcore. Named an Amazon’s choice pick, they are designed to reduce ambient noise up to 90%, according to the brand. The description says you can get up to 40 hours of non-stop playtime in wireless active noise-cancelling mode and up to 60 hours in standard music mode.
“Highly recommend if you are on a budget. I purchased these to help me focus on my studies. So far it’s doing its job with no issues. The foam is soft and the functions are basic, no app required,” said one verified Amazon shopper.
Twelve South AirFly Pro Wireless Transmitter
- Portability
- Easy to use
- Limited battery life
Battery life: 25 hours
You'll never have to miss your favorite movie on the plane again with this wireless transmitter that is the Shop TODAY Travel Awards winner for best in-flight must-have. Its long battery life will help you stay entertained, no matter how long your flight is. “I was able to use my headphones without feeling wires attached to the screen. It made easier to sleep with my headphones and I had no issues with battery. I used it for 10 hours on the plane,” wrote one recent Amazon reviewer.
Sleep accessories for international travelers
Angemay Airplane Footrest
- Portability
- Compact
- Not super sturdy
Weight: 3 ounces | Size: 16.93 x 8.46 inches
Perfect for lengthy flights, this affordable footrest is designed to help prevent lower back and leg stiffness or swelling, according to the brand. One traveler said, “I bought this for 10 hours of flying, and it was money well spent! I used it like a swing, and switched my feet off frequently...It really kept me from getting uncomfortable and fidgety. It rolled up into my purse, and it took up no space.”
Flents Foam Ear Plugs
- Great value
- Works well
- Fit can be awkward
Material: Foam | Quantity: 50 pairs
Never again will you lie awake to the snoring sounds of your seatmate as these are designed to reduce noise levels and fit comfortably in your ear. Made from soft foam, these earplugs offer hearing protection from music, heavy machinery and other loud environments, according to the brand.
One verified customer said, “We use earplugs all the time. A friend sent us approximately one dozen individual packages of different ones to try. We’ve bought every different type. These are by far superior to others. Very comfortable, they stay put, they do a great job at blocking out the noise. I just bought another container full.”
Quince Mulberry Silk Beauty Sleep Mask
- Very comfortable
- Buttery softness
- Runs big
Material: 100% 22mm mulberry silk | Features to note: Machine-washable; hypoallergenic
You’re getting sleepy… Never stay awake counting sheep again with this mulberry silk sleep mask from Quince. Pair this classic black mask (or one of the other 11 colors it comes in) with ultra-comfy pajamas and you’re ready for a good night’s sleep — even when you’re 30,000 feet in the air. Sweet dreams!
Cabeau Evolution S3 Neck Pillow
- Great support
- Backstrap holds position
- Pricey
Material: Memory foam | Features to note: Removable, washable cover; adjustable front clasp
This evolution S3 neck pillow from Cabeau just made traveling a lot more relaxing with its innovative seat strap system designed to eliminate head drop and neck strain. This memory foam pillow includes an adjustable front clasp which customizes fit for individual comfort. “The only travel pillow you should ever consider buying. It’s incredibly comfortable and highly supportive for the head and neck,” raved one five-star reviewer on the brand's site.
Beauty accessories for international travelers
Tonymoly I’m Real Sheet Mask Collection
- Pleasant scent
- Not super durable
Quantity: 10 | Features to note: Paraben-free
Mask and you shall receive! This sheet collection is Amazon’s choice for facial masks and is designed to yield maximum hydration for your skin. The three-layer pulp sheet is filled with natural ingredients and soaked in different types of enriched essence, so you’ll walk off the plane feeling better than ever! “I love these, after using them you can feel your face so fresh! They are also really affordable!” said one verified reviewer.
Hydro Flask 21-Ounce Standard Mouth Water Bottle
- Insulated
- Heavy duty
- Can scratch easily
Colorways: 19 | Sizes: 18 ounces, 21 ounces, 24 ounces
Hydration is a key part of any beauty routine. This reusable water bottle is the ultimate choice for traveling as its Tempshield double-walled vacuum insulation keeps drinks cold for up to 24 hours or hot for up to 12 hours, according to the brand. “This is really the best. It looks really nice and it keeps the drinks hot/cold for a long time. Very easy to clean and wash. No leaking at all, it is insulated really well," said one five-star reviewer on the brand's site.
Dagne Dover Mila Toiletry Organizer
- Well-made
- Small
Colorways: Two | Size: 5.5 x 5.5 x 5.5 inches | Volume: 2.7L
Wake up and make up with this trendy toiletry organizer from Dagne Dover that is easy to clean and includes six adjustable compartments made from Repreve® recycled polyester. If you need more space, don't fret! It also comes in a large size. “This bag is absolutely perfect for holding my skin care bottles. So much easier using this bag while traveling,” said one verified reviewer.
Calpak Terra Hanging Toiletry Bag
- Water-resistant exterior
- Collapsible hanging hook
- A little bulky
Colorways: 10
Vacation just became way less stressful. This hanging toiletry bag from Calpak is the answer to all your travel storage woes! The organizer features a top grip handle, buckle closure, recycled polyester lining and water-resistant interior. There’s even an exterior toothbrush stand so you won’t have to dig around your toiletry bag ever again. It's even eco-friendly as it was made using six recycled plastic bottles. “This is the best toiletry bag I’ve ever had in my entire life. Worth every penny. I love her,” said one verified customer.
Cadence 6-Capsule Set
- Magnetic
- Pricey
Capacity: 0.56 ounces per tile
Customize your set of six by selecting your favorite color Tiles for your skin care and body care. Cadence’s capsule set is TSA compliant and the brand's site has a nifty guide that'll tell you how many uses you can get out of the different types of products you fill it with.
Drybar Baby Buttercup Travel Blow-Dryer
- Dries hair fast
- Great for travel
- Can be hard to use
Features to note: Operates at 120/220-240 volts for overseas travel
You certainly won’t regret splurging on this travel blow-dryer from Drybar which delivers 100% of the performance of most full-size dryers. Its compact size makes it the ideal solution for traveling. According to the brand, it's suitable for all hair types.
Fashion and accessories for international travelers
Falari Baseball Cap
- Holds up well
- Easy to adjust
- Can feel a little stiff
Material: 80% acrylic, 20% wool | Size: One size
Spend more time exploring and less getting ready with this adjustable baseball cap that you can easily throw on. One five-time buyer of this product said, “I have a lot of thick hair and this cap is large enough to fit comfortably. The fabric blend does not cause my head to perspire, the cap holds its shape, it is very well made and the price is excellent. I bought one and liked it so much, I bought 4 more, then 5 more. I now have a wonderful wardrobe of this cap in different colors to suit year round outfits.”
Guanjunx Luggage Straps Bag Bungees
- Stability of the cargo strap
- May be too small for some bags
Colorways: Seven
Keep all your valuables safe and your hands free with this buckle-free strap that securely attaches any bag to your suitcase handle. One verified five-star reviewer said it “made their travel life so much easier.”
Premium Leather Passport Holder
- Well-made
- Holds multiple documents
- Magnetic closure may be weak
Colorways: 28
Associate editor Kamari Stewart has been using this passport holder for the past few years and loves that it can hold several documents while going through TSA. "I love that it has space for other things, so I use it to hold things like my Covid vaccination card (inside the plastic covering, IYKYK) and my Global Entry card," says Stewart.
"It’s also easy to clean and mine is still in pristine condition despite having it for about three or four years," Stewart explains.
Ohayomi Thick Soft Pashmina Shawl
- Comfortable
- Very versatile
- Can wear easily
Size: One size | Colorways: 13 | Material: Wool and polyester
That’s a wrap! Stay warm and cozy 35,000 feet in the air with this luxurious pashmina wrap. This lightweight shawl is versatile and can be worn as a wrap, blanket or scarf. You can even share it with a friend on your next overseas flight as a blanket since it’s extra long! One five-star reviewer raved, “I love this scarf! It’s very chic and stylish. The color is vibrant and the material is very soft.”
Airportag Hello Luggage Tag
- Well-made
- Plastic
Colorways: Seven | Size: 2.7 x 3.9 inches
Never lose your luggage again when you show up to the airport with this fun luggage tag that will have everyone singing along with you. It has a high-quality print finish on both sides and is made from durable plastic to withstand everyday use. Don’t forget to personalize your luggage tag by filling out passenger information in the dropdown menu before checkout.
One verified customer said, “This thing is hilarious. I got four compliments on it from flight attendants on my first trip. You know it’s epic when the pros love it. Worth the money for the joy it brings!”
S-Zone PU Leather RFID-Blocking Crossbody Cell Phone Bag
- Holds all the essentials
- Material may be stiff
Colorways: 13 | Compatible with: iPhone 6S Plus-14 Pro Max, Samsung S8+ to Samsung S22+
Pairing style with function, this faux leather crossbody makes it nearly impossible to misplace your phone. It an ultra-comfortable purse strap with RFID-blocking technology so you can strut around any city with confidence that your information is safe. “I bought mine for travel but may now use all the time,” wrote one verified five-star reviewer.
Bombas Everyday Compression Socks
- Very comfortable
- Can run small
Sizes: S-L | Colorways: Six
These compression socks are designed to relieve aching or swelling legs, according to the brand, so they're ideal to wear while traveling. Plus, you can feel good about your purchase since Bombas is committed to donating one pair of socks to a community in need for every pair sold.
Modern Picnic The Snacker
- Ideal size
- Sleek
- Pricey
Colorways: Seven
Eat your snacks in style with this lux insulated pouch from Modern Picnic. The Snacker is made of a premium vegan leather exterior with an insulated interior and will make you feel super nostalgic with its childhood lunchbox vibes. One happy customer raved, “I saw the Snacker and knew I had to have it! It is so versatile with how you can use it but also stylish. I recommend this for any event: beach, travel, work, run errands, etc.”
Eltsuh NY ‘You Got This’ Hoody
- Preshrunk
- Pricey
Material: 100% cotton | Sizes: XS-3XL
Inspire yourself and those around you when you wear this motivational hoodie that'll say 'You Got This' when you look in the mirror. Perfect to throw on over a white T-shirt to keep you snug and warm during long flights or morning runs on the beach.
Unique accessories for international travelers
Travel Challenges Card Deck
- Very engaging prompts
- Laminated
Quantity: 50 cards
Turn your next vacation into an extra fun adventure with this pocket-sized card deck of travel challenges that dares you to be fearless. From asking the locals for a secret spot to challenging yourself to a technology-free day, these cards are designed to help you make the most out of your next trip! “The cards give suggestions we would never think of on our own, like asking the next person you see their favorite restaurant,” wrote one happy traveler.
Papier Travel Stamps Journal
- Great for documenting memories
- Pricey
Size: 6 x 8.5 inches | Pages: 192
Spruce up your trip with this jovial journal that is separated into six journeys, with space for transportation plans, accommodations, budgets, packing lists, itineraries, journaling and your favorite highlights. You can also channel your inner child with the illustrative map of the world with countries you can color in as you visit.
Carry-on bags
Bespoke Post Line of Trade Canvas Weekender Bag
- Well-made
- Stylish
- Collapsible
Colorways: Four | Material: Cotton canvas | Size: 20 x 13 x 8 inches
This handsome tote features metal hardware and reinforced frame, thick leather handles and a removable nylon webbing shoulder strap for hands-free travel. One happy girlfriend said she “purchased for my boyfriend and he travels with it everywhere! Amazing quality and craftsmanship!”
Amazon Basics 21-Inch Hardside Spinner
- Portability
- No TSA locks
Colorways: Four | Sizes: 21 inches, 26 inches, 30 inches
This compact travel essential includes four double spinner wheels to ensure smooth-rolling mobility in any direction and a protective extra-thick ABS hard shell for scratch resistance. Not only does it come in two other sizes, you can also snag it in complete two- and three-piece sets. “We packed these full for our trip to Costa Rica. They were perfect. Traveled well,” wrote one five-star reviewer.
Baggallini Extra Large Carryall Tote Bag
- Great style
- Bigger than expected
Colorways: Five | Weight: 1.9 pounds
You’ll have plenty of space to comfortably store all your makeup, tech accessories and more in this extra-large carryall tote from Baggallini, which includes a quick-access phone pocket so you’ll never miss a text again. Features include an 11.5-inch shoulder drop, 52-inch removable, adjustable crossbody strap and multifunctional pockets. One satisfied customer shared, “I needed a bag to carry pillows and blankets when traveling. These extra large totes work perfectly allowing me to keep all my items clean and together.”
Beis The Carry-On Roller
- Lightweight
- Rolls easily
- May seem small
Colorways: Nine | Sizes: 21 inches, 26 inches, 29 inches
Strut your stuff through the airport with this cool carry-on roller from Beis. It has a top carry handle and side carry handle for easy grip. Plus, its interior expands an extra two inches, so you’ll be able to easily stow all of your souvenirs for your family and friends. “This is my second Beis luggage purchase and fifth purchase overall. I love it. The Carry-On size is able to move at ease. It feels durable and sturdy to touch. I love it and look forward to add {sic} more pieces of Beis luggage to my travel team,” said one repeat-customer.
How we chose the best international travel accessories
The Shop TODAY team rounded up the best international accessories based on the recommendations from travel experts, including two flight attendants and a pilot. We also combed through hundreds of user reviewers as well as chose Shop TODAY Travel Award winners and editor picks.
Meet the experts
- Anna Tune is a flight attendant who currently works for Southwest Airlines.
- Stephen Sabato has been a pilot for almost 30 years and currently works for United Airlines.
- Domi is a world traveler and has been a flight attendant for almost seven years.
