From important travel documents and weather-appropriate clothing to plug adapters and basic medicines, a thoughtful packing plan helps you avoid last-minute stress and unnecessary airport shopping.

International trips often come with long flights, climate changes and different cultural norms, so it’s helpful to think beyond the basics. With the right preparation, you can focus less on what you forgot and more on enjoying the journey ahead.

1. Pre-travel and flight checklist

Your travel list starts beyond the trip itself! A few weeks or months before your trip begins, it's wise to get these few to-dos ticked off your travel checklist.

• Check your passport expiry date

• Apply for visas if applicable

• Book your flights

• Book your accommodation

• Buy travel insurance

• Print your tickets and proof of insurance

• Carry your photo ID and create a copy

• Check-in online for your flight - select seats and any special meals

• Buy an international SIM card or activate international roaming

• Set aside soft copies of all important documents

• Prepare a list of emergency phone numbers to carry in your wallet

• Research the Indian Embassy and its location in your destination country in case of emergency

• Share your intented travel itinerary with a trusted friend or family member

2. Money

Gone are the days where you had to stand in line at the bank and do your currency exchange before a trip. Today, most ATMs will let you retrieve cash in the local currency. Nonetheless, these are the money-related things you'll need on your travel checklist.

• Keep cash in the local currency handy

• Keep a few US dollars accessible in countries where it is accepted apart from the local currency

• Carry international credit cards and international debit cards

• Set aside Indian currency for travel to and from the airport

3. Health

While you'll be able to arrive and purchase most items you'd need to have an enjoyable trip once you land, health is where that changes. Be sure to double-check that you've packed any medications you'll need for your trip, packing for a few extra days just in case your travels are delayed.

• Get a health check up for longer trips or if you plan to do any adventure activities

• Stock up regular medication

• Pack a small toiletry kit with basic medications and pain relievers, upset stomach relievers, anti-nausea medication

• A copy of your doctor's presciption for any prescription pills or medication

• Pack insect repellent, sunscreen, hand sanitiser, nail cutter and lip balm

• A travel-sized water filter or water purification tablets, if needed

4. Toiletries

While toiletries seem to make it to the top of every packing checklist, you'll likely be able to get everything you need once you arrive at your destination. Don't stress too much if you have to save on space. If you're particular about any brand of toiletry, then it's best to bring your own.

• Travel-sized shampoo, body soap and conditioner

• Moisturiser, especially if you are off to a cold place.

• Wet wipes and tissues

• Make up and make up remover.

• Deodorant and perfume.

• Small shaving kit

• Hair comb and hair products

• Be sure to check the power conversion at your destination for any hair styling tools

5. Electronics

Keep in mind that you'll need to pack any lithium batteries in your carry-on suitcase, as they're no longer allowed in the hold.

• Charge all devices before departure

• Power adapter

• Phone plus phone charger

• E-reader, laptop and tablet plus their chargers

• Camera, camera lenses, charger and memory card

• Headphones, headphone adapter for the flight

6. Bags

So many variables go into the bags, backpacks or suitcases that'll end up on your travel packing list, but these are some you might want to consider.

• A money belt to discretely hide any cash, cards and important documents

• A foldable bag for grocery shopping or beach trips

• Waterproof bag or backpack if on a boat trip or travelling during rainy season

• Backpack for a carry-on item and day trips

7. Clothes

The clothing you add to your travel items checklist will depend on where you’re headed and what you’ll be doing there. It’s also worth considering local customs. In some places, modest clothing is appreciated at religious sites or in rural areas. Checking the forecast before you fly helps you pack smart, stay comfortable and avoid overstuffing your suitcase with things you won’t actually need.

• Shorts, skirts, trousers

• Shirts - long and short-sleeve

• Dresses

• Socks and stockings

• Handkerchief

• Undergarments

• Sleepwear

• Thermal wear

• Swimwear

• Rainwear

8. Shoes

If you'll be staying in an accommodation with a shared bathroom, you might want to pack a pair of flip-flops. Wear your largest, heavier pair of shoes during your travel days to save space.

• Formal or semi-formal shoes

• Sandals

• Sport shoes

9. Accessories

You might have all the right clothes, but to finish off the overall look, you might want to add the following to your travel packing checklist. Save anything expensive or fancy at home, where they won't be at risk of being lost or stolen.

• Belt

• Jewellery

• Hats/caps

• Sunglasses

• Scarves

• Ear muffs