2026-06-07
Overseas Travel Essentials Checklist (Business Trip Packing List)
A practical checklist for overseas travel and business trips, covering electronics, clothing, toiletries, and flight essentials to ensure you never forget the basics.
Overseas Travel Essentials Checklist (Business Trip Packing List)
I occasionally visit acquaintances abroad or attend international academic conferences, and since there is always a category I tend to forget, I am creating this blog post for my own future reference.
First of all, the phone charger!! Oh my god, I had such a hard time last time because I left it behind. However, these days, many overseas hotels have chargers available in the rooms. Also, since there are USB ports on planes, it is essential to bring a USB cable at the very least.
And while a change of underwear is a given, please make sure to pack shorts or pajamas.. please..
Don’t just sleep in your underwear every time you go -_-;
Also, it doesn’t matter as much if you fly Korean Air or Asiana, but when using Chinese airlines like China Southern or China Eastern, or low-cost carriers, definitely bring a book.. A lighthearted comic book is great.
There are often cases where they don’t even let you use your phone or iPad.
Let’s bring the ‘Annals of the Joseon Dynasty’ by Park Si-baek.. the one you bought but haven’t finished reading yet.
Make sure to pack your toiletries. Toothbrush and toothpaste are basic, but keep the toothbrush separately in your carry-on bag.
You need to wash up right after eating, but if you always put it in your checked luggage, you can’t do it at the airport or right after landing.. it feels so unhygienic.
And please pack a razor.. don’t walk around looking like a messy homeless person for 3 or 4 days..
Pack a ballpoint pen separately, and make sure to bring a nice design pen.. keep it in your small bag so you can easily fill out the arrival card.
Obviously, bring your passport, and make sure to bring your PP (Priority Pass) card.
If you’re going to use a neck pillow, pack that too.,
Pack various medications.. hyperlipidemia meds, anti-diarrheals, painkillers, digestive aids, etc.
Additionally, essentials for overseas water activities:
Umbrella, hat, sunglasses, waterproof watch, waterproof camera, waterproof pouch, tube, rash guard, sunscreen, aqua shoes, and discount cards.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I bring my phone charger when traveling abroad?
Yes, it's highly recommended to bring your phone charger. While some overseas hotels provide chargers nowadays, it's useful to bring a USB cable to utilize USB ports on the airplane.
What should I do when I'm bored on a plane?
It's a good idea to bring a book to prepare for boredom on the plane. Especially when flying with Chinese airlines or low-cost carriers, phone or iPad usage might be restricted, so light comic books are recommended.
What's an efficient way to pack toiletries?
Among toiletries, a toothbrush and toothpaste are essential, and it's efficient to pack them separately in a small bag. This is because it can be inconvenient if they are in a large bag when you need to brush your teeth right after eating.
What kind of medicine should I prepare for overseas travel?
When traveling abroad, it's advisable to additionally pack essential medications you might need, such as medication for hyperlipidemia, anti-diarrhea medicine, painkillers, and digestive aids.
What are the necessary items for water activities abroad?
For water activities abroad, it's recommended to prepare an umbrella, hat, sunglasses, waterproof watch, waterproof camera, waterproof pouch, tube, rash guard, sunscreen, aqua shoes, and discount cards.