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Including one underrated item that would have saved me $5,000.

Travel + Leisure

Over the past few years, more Americansare traveling abroad.

collage of travel items including multi usb, coin bag, travel fan, and a scarf on green gradient background

Credit:Travel + Leisure

But if its your first time leaving the country, putting together yourinternational trip packing listcan be intimidating.

Looking back on it now, it was overkill.

But then again, a lot has changed in the last 15 years.

On Cloud 5 Sneakers

Amazon

That said, there are definitelytravel essentialsthat you still need for international exploration.

Lets face it: Once you get your first passport stamp, theres no going back.

For that reason, I recommend packingpodiatrist-approved walking shoeslike the On Cloud 5 Sneaker.

EPICKA Universal Travel Adapter

Amazon

Its signature speed-lacing system makes going through airport security a breeze, and most importantly, theyre super comfy.

Choose from dozens of colors at Amazon, where they have more than 3,500 five-star ratings.

Fortunately, this handy adapter is compatible with most of them.

Hero Travel Supply Neck Wallet

Amazon

How do I know?

Ive used it in over 50 countries and on all seven continents.

In fact, this travel adapter can charge up to six devices simultaneously.

Passport Holder Cover Wallet

Amazon

2 on Amazons list ofbest-selling electrical adapters.

Choose from dozens of colors at Amazon where it has nearly 11,000 five-star ratings.

Thats why, when I go abroad, I always pack a coin purse.

Travelambo Leather Squeeze Coin Purse Pouch

Amazon

1 on Amazons list ofbest-selling coin purses and pouches.

The magnetic closure makes opening and closing a breeze, and shoppers love that its stylish and compact.

Many religious sites around the world require shoulders and knees to be covered.

woogwin Cotton Scarves

Amazon

Other sites, such as the Blue Mosque in Istanbul, require womens hair to be covered.

Savvy travelers pack a versatile scarf that can be worn as a shawl, skirt, or hair wrap.

Do yourself a favor and pack thisflight attendant-approvedhandheld fan with over 52,500 perfect ratings.

Amazon JISULIFE Handheld Mini Fan Pink

Amazon

It charges via USB-C cord (included) in just a few hours and features two fan speeds.

On high, the battery lasts up to 12 hours.

On low, it lasts up to 19 hours.

Black Friday Amazon INIU Portable Charger

Amazon

Did I mention it also triples as a flashlight and backup power bank?

I survive by packing a portable charger.

Tossing Sun Bum in my bag.

Sun Bum Original SPF 50 Sunscreen Body Lotion

Amazon

Its not the cheapest, but its hypoallergenic, smells like summer in a bottle, and is dermatologist-approved.

Its so beloved, that its a repeat purchase at Amazon with a 4.7-star average rating.

This spring, Im traveling to theInterContinental Maamunagau Maldives Resortwhere Ill need areef-safe mineral sunscreenfor swimming with manta rays.

YETI Ranchero Backpack 22L

Amazon

Fortunately,Sun Bum makes that, too.

With one quick pull, I can access everything in the main compartment.

The Ranchero has built-in organization, including an easy-access laptop sleeve.

Doc Miller Open Toe Compression Socks, FitFlop Women’s Lulu Wedge Sandal, iHealth Neo Wireless Blood Pressure Monitor, and 7 For All Mankind Men’s Austyn Relaxed Fit Straight Leg Jeans on a blue background

It also has a strap and buckle so I can attach it to my wheeled luggage.

Yes, its pricey, but its made of durable and water-resistant nylon and comes with a three-year warranty.

Worried about pickpockets enjoying the easy access, too?

Kate Spade Madison Lilly Pochette, Staci Medium Tote, Flora Flower Bouquet Crossbody and Gwen Espadrille Flat on a blue gradient background

Simply do like me and grab thesehandy zipper clips from Amazon.

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People wearing Alo Airbrush High-Waist 7/8 Bootcut Legging in Espresso, Navy and Black on a concrete background