Packing for an international trip can be a very frustrating experience, when you consider everything involved. Having enough of any item and fitting it in the right space can make any international traveler second guess their plans. And with one lost thought or misplaced stack, an item that is vital to your well-being while away can end up in the wrong place – and potentially gone forever.

If any critical items end up in a lost or destroyed checked bag, you could be out more than the cost of replacing clothes.

Don’t let your items get potentially lost when you travel – here are four items you should always remember to pack in your carry-on bags. 

Prescription Medications

For anyone who is prescribed a medicine, making sure you have it when you travel isn’t an option – it’s a necessity. And should you pack a prescription medication in your checked luggage, you run the risk of having it destroyed, lost, or stolen. 

If you plan to travel with your prescriptions, make sure they go in your carry-on bags that will stay near you throughout your travels. By keeping medicines close, you can ensure they will be able to follow you through to your final destination, and back home. Additionally, prescription medications are exempt from the TSA 3-1-1 rule for gels and aerosols. Should you be traveling with medically necessary liquid medications (such as insulin), be sure to declare your medications before entering the security screening area, and additional screening may be required.

In the event that you get separated from your prescription medications, your travel insurance policy may be able to help you replace them.

Be sure to keep copies of your prescriptions on you when you travel, and work with your insurance provider to find a pharmacy that can refill your prescription. Make sure you ask about medication coverage when you purchase. 

Cash and Currency Equivalents

Many currency equivalency products, such as traveler’s cheques and prepaid EMV Debit Cards, offer free replacements should they become lost or stolen. However, replacing currency can be a very difficult process that can take days before you’ll be able to access your money once again. And once cash is lost, it cannot be replaced at all. 

If you plan on getting cash or a currency equivalent product before you travel, make sure you always keep them close to your person. Keeping your money close can reduce the chances for them to get lost or stolen, and allows you the freedom to spend your money as you please. 

Documentation of Travel Plans

When entering a foreign country, travelers are often asked a number of questions about their travel plans. These questions may including accommodation plans, and how long they plan to stay within the country. In order to gain entry, travelers may be asked to prove details on their visit. 

Make sure you’ve got your travel planning documents, including itineraries, hotel plans, and visas, packed in your carry-on baggage and available when you land. By keeping these plans on hand, you can make sure your stop through customs goes smoothly, and nearly eliminate all possibilities of being denied entry into your destination country. 

Electronics & Other Valuables

Like any other navigation tool, electronics, maps, and other valuable items can be invaluable to making sure your travels go as smooth as possible. However, should you decide to pack these items in your checked baggage, you may be in for a shock if they do not arrive with you at your destination. Additionally, checked electronics and other valuables may not be covered by a travel insurance policy. 

As you pack for your international travels, make sure that your electronics, maps, and other valuables you may need for your travel are in your personal carry-on luggage. Though electronics may be subject to additional screening, and other valuables may require special handling, it will all be well worth it when your items say safe and sound with you upon arrival. 

Although packing for international travel can be very stressful, double checking your list of what goes in your checked baggage and carry-on baggage can keep you sane both upon arrival, and upon coming home. Planning for your trip today can prevent frustration, delays in replacement items, and heartbreak as you keep moving down the road.