Always carry your passport, important documents such as birth certificates for your children and itinerary information, credit and debit cards and traveler's checks with you. Keep a list of emergency phone numbers with you as well. You will need to hand-carry copies of your prescriptions for any medications that you will be carrying with you. It is advised that your carry-on be a backpack of some sort that you can keep with you while sightseeing on your trip.
Remember that international flights tend to be long. You might want to pack a book, or electronic items such as laptops, iPods or an e-reader, in your carry-on luggage instead of in your checked baggage. Purchase and take an adapter plug for your electronics so that they are compatible with electrical sockets overseas.
Remember the U.S. Transportation Security Administration's "3-1-1" policy for liquids. You are allowed to carry only three 3-oz. containers of liquids in one quart-size plastic bag per passenger. If you require more liquid items than this, pack them in your checked luggage. Always put any liquids in a plastic bag so that they do not harm anything in your luggage in the event that they spill.
Consider packing an extra change of clothes and underwear in case your bags do not make it to your destination when you do.
Don't over-pack. Each airline has a maximum weight limit on checked luggage. Consider packing clothes that can be used for more than one type of occasion, such as a sundress that can be worn during the day and dressed up with accessories for evening dinners. Keep in mind that you may have to carry your luggage up flights of stairs and on taxis and buses. Your luggage needs to be light enough so that you can manage it. You will also want to leave room for any souvenirs and clothes that you purchase while on your trip.
Keep in mind the destination of your trip. If you are going to a tropical island, you will want to pack bathing suits and beach hats, while if you are going to a ski resort, ski bibs and heavy jackets will be more useful. Research your destination and the time of year you will be going to determine the average temperatures and weather conditions.
Check the U.S. Department of State website to determine what items are acceptable to bring into the United States. Depending on what country you have visited, there may be items that cannot be brought into the United States, such as produce, meat or plants. You will also want to research the laws of the country you are visiting. If you are visiting a "dry" country, you should not take any alcohol with you. Your carry-on and checked bags will be searched at both entry points.
