The last couple of years I have been focused on my US travels by van. Preparing for my trip to Italy, I need items specifically for international travel. Here’s my list:

Passport: Needed to be renewed so I had enough blank pages in it and more than 6 months till its renewal.

Global Entry Card: This card makes it easy to move through some airports faster than others around the world.

Visa Needed?: Europe may soon require a visa for entry to any EU country. I’m waiting on details.

Eye mask, ear plugs and N95 facial mask: Airplane time can be more enjoyable when you can darken your eyelids, hear yourself think with no extra noise, and not breathe other’s germs.

Universal adapter/converter: Correct electrical plug for my phone and anything else I wish to plug into the Italian electrical system.

Copies of important info: If a credit card or any other important piece of info was stolen, have a copy of it elsewhere along with customer service contact info to report issue or seek help.

Travel Insurance: Insurance details, plan #, and customer service number, available for your use if needed.

Medicines: Prescription meds should be in containers with the name of the drug on it. Any other meds needed, such as an antibiotic, in case you need it while traveling? 

Download Apps: some apps I use for access to walking tours, or day tours, while on the road. The airline apps are helpful too. Best to download when home so they are ready to use while traveling. An important one: enroll in the STEP Program and download the Smart Traveler app. This alerts local embassies that you’re in the area.

Physical Map: Yes, maps are on our phone, but I love having a physical map of the country I am visiting.

Airline Luggage Requirements: Each airline has size and weight requirements for personal bag, carry-on bag and checked luggage. Know the specifics. The major airline for my coming and going to Europe has no weight limit; however, a puddle-jumper I am taking has a limit of 30 pounds for my carry-on bag.

Foreign Currency: If you have some Euros from a past trip, then you may wish to throw them into your wallet. Rarely do I get money from a US bank before I travel to a foreign country. 

Communication Tools: An iPhone is with me, but decision yet to be made about use of Whats App, AT&T international service, FaceTime, Skype, eSim card or Instagram. Others may have additional choices available to them. How will you communicate while within the country and internationally?

Dependent on how heavy my carry-on bag becomes, I sometimes pack an airline-allowable fork, knife and collapsible bowl to use at hostels with kitchens or when creating a meal on my own. A bandana is also part of my gear since many places do not have washcloths. What other items do you bring? Other trips I may check luggage and can carry more; however, this trip I will travel very light.