Pack Like a Pro: The Woman’s Guide to International Travel.

Traveling internationally is exciting, no doubt. But let's face it: packing for it can feel like a hassle. If you're a woman gearing up to conquer the world (or at least explore it), think of this list as your essential guide for traveling with style and sophistication.

Pro-tip Right Off the Bat: Packing Cubes. If you don't already have a durable set of packing cubes, now's the time. They help organize and compress your clothes, making it possible to live out of your suitcase without spending all of your time packing and unpacking. This 8 piece packing cube set is the one we're currently globe-trotting with. All 8 pieces fit in a standard carry-on, and the mesh makes it so you can see what's inside without unzipping. Whatever set you choose, make sure it comes with a separate laundry bag so that you can partition your too-dirty-to-rewear clothes as you go. We prefer to organize our packing cubes by outfit rather than clothing category. This helps to minimize the cubes you'll need to take out at any given time. Owning packing cubes is the first step to being a savvy traveler, they'll save you tons of time unpacking and repacking. Invest. Organize. Thank us later.

The Essentials:

1. Passport/ID: Global access in the palm of your hand. Ensure it's up-to-date with all the necessary visas.

2. Wallet: Compact, organized, and if possible, with a touch of tech for RFID blocking.

3. Cards: Make sure to take a credit card with no international transaction fees. The last thing you want is to get home to find out that you've unknowingly racked up fees with every swipe.

4. Cash: Some local currency, some USD or Euros. Cards are widely accepted these days, but you never want to be stuck without being able to pay.

5. Chargers: For phones, watches, and anything else that'll die mid-journey. A charger with multiple USB/USB-C inputs is clutch, because wall outlet space is usually a commodity at airports and hotels.

6. Power Converter: Different countries, different sockets. This gizmo ensures you’re always plugged in.

7. Headphones: Ideal for zoning out or tuning in. Noise-canceling? Even better. If you're a bluetooth user, don't forget to bring some simple hard-wired headphones for the plane.

8. International First Aid Kit: From a simple band-aid to medication, stay prepared.

9. Sanitizers: For hands, surfaces, or anything else. Wipe down your space to keep healthy and stay on top of the world.

The Basics:

1. Outfits: At least one for each day, plus an extra. Always expect the unexpected.

2. Comfortable Shoes: Cobblestone streets won't know what hit them.

3. Pajamas: Lightweight, comfy. Because a good night's sleep is travel gold.

Here's Another Pro Tip: During your travels, you're inevitably going to find a cute new blazer or beach bag that you can't live without. If your suitcase is packed to the brim before you even step out of the house, picking up souvenirs is going to be an extra challenge.

We've all seen those people boarding for the trip home loaded down with plastic shopping bags tied everywhere, don't let that be you. If you have the willpower to leave unused space in your suitcase from the jump, kudos on your mental fortitude, feel free to skip to the next section. If you're one of the rest of us whose triage instincts don't kick in until force is applied, here's a short cut:

We all have clothes that we're emotionally attached to, but that deep down we know are ready for that big closet in the sky. Your favorite white shirt that had a run-in with red wine, those pants that couldn't escape that drip of olive oil, the favorite sweater with holes worn in the elbows, and the underwear that's been through too many wash cycles. Well pack those things up and give them one last wear on your big trip. Once they're dirty, thank them for their service and bid them a fond farewell wherever along your trip you may be. This will help you clear out your closet, and will increase the room in your suitcase as you go, so you can pick things up along your journey without becoming a packing mule.

Toiletries:

1. Makeup: If it's your jam, don't forget to pack it.

2. Makeup Remover: Because at the end of the day, a clean face matters.

3. Razor & Hair Products: Look sharp, no matter the locale.

4. Dental Kit: Toothbrush, toothpaste, and maybe some floss.

5. Feminine Products: Periods don't pause for travel.

6. Hair Tools: Straightener, curling iron, or whatever your best look requires.

7. Deodorant & Perfume: Smell divine, always.

8. Q-Tips & Hair Ties: Small items, huge importance.

For Going Out on the Town:

1. Clothes & Jacket: Dazzle as you dance or dine. But remember, weather can be unpredictable.

2. Shoes: Classy but comfy. You might be standing or walking more than you think.

3. Jewelry: Statement pieces, but leave the real treasures at home.

4. Bag: Clutch or crossbody, just big enough for essentials.

5. Inner-wear: Spanx or strapless bra? Get the right support.

For Beach Destinations:

1. Sunglasses: Protect those eyes in style.

2. Beach Bag & Wide Brimmed Hat: Shade and style go hand in hand.

3. Swim Suit: Dive int or lounge with a book.

4. Sunscreen: Because nothing ruins a vacation faster than a sunburn.

5. Flip Flops: Easy to fit in your suitcase and a must-have when sand is involved.

For the Health Conscious:

1. Gym Gear: Shoes, socks, clothes. No excuses, stay fit on the fly.

Extras:

1. Travel Steamer: We'll sing the praises of the CHI handheld garment steamer all day. We use this thing while traveling or when we're home. It's about the size of the curling iron, and will quite literally make anything you own wrinkle free in minutes.

2. Camera Tripod: After trying out a lot of tripods for smartphones, we've stuck with the Ubeeze travel tripod. It's sturdy enough to stand up to wind, the locking joints make it a quicker setup, and the phone attachment swivels in an intuitive way for setting up photos.

3. A Good Book: Embrace the downtime with a good read.

4. Medicine & First Aid Kit: It may seem like a lot of space to devote to what-ifs, but having an exhaustive first aid kit with you is a must. From splinters to blisters to sprains, we've seen it all while traveling. We'd even go a step further and add some eye drops and allergy meds to our kit.

Before You Leave Home:

1. Alarms: Make sure to turn off your morning alarm before you go. Who needs a 6am wake-up call on vacay?

2. Kitchen & Trash: Clear perishables from the fridge, toss the garbage. Return to a fresh home.

3. Security: Charge those doorbell cameras. Safety first, always.

4. Health Prep: Get vaccines if needed. It's a shot of precaution.

5. Passport Copies: Bring one with you (stored separately from your passport) and leave one at home with someone you trust.

6. Download Some Shows: Most streaming platforms will let you download episodes to watch offline. Stack up a few hours of your favorites before you leave, it might just save you from boredom if the wi-fi flakes.

So, here it is: your ticket to hassle-free globetrotting. Whether you’re strutting down European boulevards or sunbathing in the Maldives, you’re set. World domination? It starts with packing. Get to it!