When packing for an international adventure trip, there are a few key things to remember (for more tips, read How to Pack for Adventure Travel):
- Go as light as possible. You need less clothing than you think you do; try to choose items that will do double duty whenever possible. Learn more in How to Pack Light for Traveling.
- Keep your most important documents with you at all times (and keep copies where you can retrieve the information if originals are lost or stolen).
- Keep essentials in your carry-on while traveling so you can still function if your main luggage gets lost.
- If your adventure is taking you to the backcountry and you’re not traveling with a supported group, be sure to pack The Ten Essentials.
- Check your destination’s customs regulations and TSA’s What Can I Bring? before you travel.
- The items on the following checklist are merely suggestions so you don’t forget anything important. Adapt the list for your own personal needs.
Travel Documents
- Passport
- Driver’s license (or equivalent other ID)
- Travel insurance
- Entry visa (or required paperwork)
- Scanned copies of above (stored on phone and shared securely with contacts at home)
- Photocopy of passport (carried with you in separate location from the original)
- Currency valid at destination
- Trip itinerary
- Reservation confirmations (travel, hotel, car, etc.)
- International health card with immunizations
- List of key phone numbers (stored separately from your phone)
Packs/Luggage
- Travel pack or duffel
- Day pack or waist pack
- Packing organizers
- Pack rain cover
- RFID wallet or money belt
- Dry bag (for wet clothes)
- Resealable plastic bags
- Luggage locks (TSA approved)
- Luggage tags (2 per bag)
Clothing & Footwear
When possible, choose synthetic quick-dry clothing that will pack small, wick sweat and dry fast. Look for clothes that can serve more than one purpose and base your choices on the type of trip, trip length and possible weather extremes you expect:
- Moisture-wicking underwear
- Moisture-wicking T-shirt(s)
- Quick-drying pants/shorts
- Long-sleeve shirts (for sun, bugs)
- Lightweight fleece or jacket
- Rainwear (jacket and pants)
- Sun-shielding cap or hat
- Sleepwear
- Swimsuit
- Clothing for casual or evening use
- Bandana or Buff
- Socks (synthetic or wool, 2 or more pairs)
- Hiking footwear; sandals and other shoes
For cold weather, add:
- Warm insulated jacket or vest
- Long underwear
Travel Gear
- Water bottles or hydration reservoir
- Water disinfection system or tablets
- Headlamp or flashlight
- Binoculars
- Trekking poles
- Knife or multi-tool (in checked luggage)
- Book/reading material
- Field guides; historical guidebooks
- Language phrasebook
- Journal or sketchbook with pens/pencils
- Quick-dry travel towel
- Sleep sheet (or sleeping bag liner)
- Travel pillow
Health & Hygiene
- Hand sanitizer
- Alcohol or antiseptic wipes
- Skin lotion
- Spare eyeglasses or contact lenses
- First-aid kit (see our First-Aid Checklist)
- Prescription medications
- Toiletry kit
- Toothbrush
- Tissue or toilet paper
- Cosmetics
- Brush and/or comb
- Sleep aids (eyeshades, earplugs)
- Travel clothesline and travel packets of detergent
Sun and bug protection:
- Sunglasses or glacier glasses (with sunglasses straps)
- Sunscreen
Personal Items
- Cell phone (with weatherproof case)
- Charging cables and plugs
- Headphones
- Electrical adapters/converter