Travel season is officially upon us, which means now is the perfect time to start thinking about what you’re going to need for your upcoming vacations! If you are taking an international trip this year, I’ve got a secret for you… One thing I have found to be a necessity are my travel gadgets!

Traveling as we know can be stressful enough, but after coming back from a study abroad trip, I realized just how critical these 6 international travel gadgets were to a stressful trip. 

They’re convenient, affordable and much better to invest in now so you don’t have to worry about using your precious vacation time trying to find something you need, as well as overpaying for it!

Check out my favorite international travel gadgets down below. Happy travels! 

Luggage scale

Never get caught off guard by overweight luggage fees again with a handy luggage scale. These compact devices allow you to weigh your bags before heading to the airport, ensuring you stay within the weight limits set by airlines. Whether you're an over-packer or just want peace of mind, a luggage scale is an essential tool for any traveler.

Door lock/door alarm for safety

Keep your belongings safe and secure with a reliable travel lock and alarm. Whether you’re staying in a hostel, hotel, or Airbnb, a sturdy lock adds an extra layer of protection to your luggage and valuables. Look for a TSA-approved lock for hassle-free travel through airport security. With your belongings safely locked away, you can explore with peace of mind.

Airtags / GPS trackers

Losing your luggage can quickly turn a dream trip into a nightmare. That’s where AirTags come in handy. These small tracking devices from Apple can be attached to your bags, ensuring you can easily locate them if they go missing. With the help of your iPhone or iPad, you can pinpoint the exact location of your belongings, giving you peace of mind throughout your journey.You can throw them in any bag so you always know where it is (this is always a good idea if you’re checking a bag)

Pro tip: Add an Airtag in your passport cover so you never get caught off guard with a missing passport!

Clear toiletry bag

Some airports (especially in Europe) will require you to take out all liquids and place them in their ziplock bags. If they don’t fit in the ziplock bag you can’t bring it and you’ll have to throw some of your toiletries away. When I was in Europe, I just used my own clear toiletry bag and they never made me transfer my products into a new bag so I never had to worry about anything not fitting.

Get an adapter (if you need one) ahead of time

There are some really cheap ones on Amazon but they will be very expensive if you have to buy them abroad. Get one with built in surge protection because other countries have different voltages in their outlets which can cause things like blow dryers to explode

Mini digital cameras

Yes you may have your phone… but there’s something about a digital camera dedicated to capturing memories of your trip. They’re also incredibly compact and lightweight, making it an easy addition to your luggage and small bags without weighing it down.

Your own towel

I know this one may be strange… but once you’ve had one experience with a skin reaction from a hotel’s laundry… you’ll never go back! I always find it important to bring my own towels on trips, especially if you plan on staying in a hostel. It may be a pain to pack, but worth it. Most places have laundry rooms as well where you can buy your own mini detergents, so you know exactly what your towels are being washed with.