Packing for a trip can be stressful, but having the right essentials in your hand luggage can make all the difference. With flight delays and lost baggage being common occurrences, having your most important items with you at all times ensures you’ll be prepared no matter what travel mishaps come your way.
Read on for seven must-have items to pack in your carry-on bag before your next trip.
1. Toiletries
One of the most important categories of items to bring on board is your toiletries. This includes basics like toothbrushes, toothpaste, and deodorants you need on a daily basis. If travelling in the US or Canada, sure your toiletries follow TSA liquid rules: only travel sizes 100mL or less, and all must fit in a litre-size bag. Travellers within Australia thankfully doing have to worry about this limit. But wherever you’re travelling, having your toiletries in your hand luggage means you can freshen up on a long flight or if your checked bag gets delayed.
2. Skincare Products
Along with toiletries, having your skincare products with you is essential. Your skin can get dry and inflamed from travel, so having your trusted skincare items, such as the ones from Dr. Dennis Gross, on hand will keep your complexion glowing. Bring travel sizes of your cleanser, moisturizer, toner, serums, and any other high-quality skincare products you use daily. Having healthy, hydrated skin makes you look and feel better.
3. Electronics
These days, electronics are a travel must-have. Pack your laptop, tablet, e-reader, and phone chargers in your hand luggage. In-flight entertainment options will be at your fingertips with your devices on hand. Noise-canceling headphones are also useful for drowning out plane noise and crying babies.
4. Valuables
Items of monetary and sentimental value should always be kept in your carry-on. This includes jewelry, watches, and cash. Protect valuables in a travel wallet or money belt under your clothes. Don’t leave precious belongings out of sight in checked luggage – it’s much safer on your person.
5. Medications
Any medications you take regularly, whether prescription or over-the-counter, should be packed in your hand luggage. This ensures you’ll have what you need even if your checked bag gets misrouted. Keep medications in original containers for security purposes. Also, pack motion sickness or digestive aids in case motion sickness strikes mid-flight. Having medications on hand means you can treat illnesses promptly.
6. Snacks
Plane food is notoriously unhealthy and unappetizing. Packing your own snacks avoids hunger pains and cravings from lackluster airline meals. Portable protein bars, nuts, dried fruit, and squeeze packs of nut butter are ideal. Staying fueled and hydrated will keep your energy up for airport layovers and fights with no complimentary food.
7. Important Documents
Lastly, crucial travel documents should always remain on your person. Have your passport, vaccine card, visa, travel itinerary, and boarding passes in a secure place like a travel wallet. Also, keep paper or digital copies of health insurance cards and emergency contact info. You’ll be spared major headaches if immigration documents get lost or stolen in transit.
With this handy list, you can breeze through travel knowing you have all the essentials covered in your hand luggage. Most importantly, safeguarding valuables and important documents in your carry-on bag protects your most precious belongings. Smart packing ensures seamless travel from takeoff to touchdown.
