Wondering what to bring when you’re traveling to another country? Packing for a long trip can be tricky because you don’t want to waste time and energy hauling things around that you won’t actually use. Plus, you can save so much money by not having to pay all of the extra luggage fees. But you also don’t want to be abroad without the essentials.
This list has been refined and curated based on real advice and experience from our Rome Abroad Travelers. You’ll be able to truly enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime experience abroad by minimizing the potential stress that can come if you aren’t prepared!
*This post contains affiliate links, which means if you purchase something from a link, we may earn a small commission at no cost to you.
Packing List
Bags:
- Side bag with a strap which goes around you like this one / or a fanny pack (they are perfect for day trips or regular outings)
- Money belt
- Tote or backpack
- Wallet*
- Packing cubes (the ones we linked come with 2 laundry bags too!)
Clothing:
- 8+ shirts, some casual and 2 to 3 nice ones for going out
- 3-4 pants
- Pajamas
- 10+ socks
- 8+ underwear
- 1-2 jackets
- Dresses/skirts/suit jacket or nicer clothes for fancier outings
- Swimsuit (and cover-up)
- Workout clothes
- Rain jacket
- Warmer jacket
- 1 pair tennis shoes (for hikes, long walking days, etc.)
- 1 pair nice shoes (for dinners and going out)
- Comfortable sandals
Accessories:
- 1 scarf (if going in cold weather, but keep in mind you can buy one there too!)
- Hat
- Jewelry
- Hair accessories
- Belt
Toiletries:
- Glasses/contacts
- Toothbrush & toothpaste*
- Travel-sized hand sanitizer*
- Tampons or silicone cup (this Flex Cup has good reviews)
- Deodorant*
- Hairbrush*
- Nail clippers
- Dry shampoo*
- Note: you can tuck these into the corners of the suitcase, or inside shoes and wrap them in plastic so nothing gets ruined if they spill
- You can also find many of these at local pharmacies
Medicine:
- Prescriptions
- Vitamins
- Tylenol/Ibuprofen
Electronics/Entertainment:
- Regular earphones* (even if you have an iPhone, you may want these for the plane ride)
- iPhone earphones*
- Book*
- Or just download some good ones on the Kindle app!
- Many local libraries have whole English sections which are very fun and interesting
- Laptop*
- Camera
- Phone/camera/laptop chargers*
- Adaptors/converters
- Journal*
- Pens*
For weekend travel (especially if you’re going to hostels):
Miscellaneous:
- Water bottle*
- Travel pillow*
- Gift for host family
- Passport*
- Copies of your passport
*These items come handy in the plane or airport. So pack these in your personal item (or carry-on bag for larger items). Add in a change of clothes as well. You’ll be glad you can freshen up if flights get delayed!
Top Tips
- Many foreign countries don’t have dryers — they hang dry their clothes! So keep that in mind when packing. Consider clothes that don’t have to be washed frequently and can hang dry without lots of wrinkles.
- Have clothes that mix and match well
- Roll your clothes when you pack! This allows you to fit more into a small suitcase
- Keep one set of clothes and underclothes and toothbrush and toothpaste in your carry-on bag (you will thank us on your layovers!)
- Keep clothes that wrinkle easily on the top
- Wear your heaviest clothing
- Wear shoes/jackets/belt that are easy to take off for airport security
- Don’t wear a lot of jewelry or have change in your pockets for airport days
- Weigh all your packed luggage prior to departure
- Remember that the place you’re traveling to may not have a few things you take for granted at home. (For example, some items that are difficult to find are peanut butter and tampons.)
Luggage tricks:
- You get a gold star if you only pack 1 carry on + 1 personal item when you travel!
- You can save tons of money on your flight this way
- This carry on suitcase has tons of good reviews and its dimensions fit most airline limits (11.25 in x 14.5 in x 21.25 in).
- Remember, your luggage requirements may be vary depending on the airline
- Always check your specific airline’s baggage limits
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