23 items you must have in your carry-on luggage
Betsy Goldberg writes for Virtuoso Luxury Traveller, the blog of a global luxury travel network, and she enjoys nothing more than taking a holiday.
You’ve got your hands full packing for your upcoming trip. But don’t forget to also pay attention to what to pack in your carry-on for the plane ride to and from your destination.
You know about keeping the basics with you: your passport, itinerary, the address where you’re staying, additional travel documents, medications, jewellery, electronics and other valuables. But you may not remember all those other important items that will help you be more comfortable, entertain you, and keep you healthier in flight. Here’s the ultimate carry-on packing list of the essentials that will help you have a better trip there and back.
1. Water bottle
Water helps combat the cabin’s dry air. It also helps fight the drying effect of alcohol you may consume, as well as potentially salty meals. And it may also reduce the impact of jet lag.
Of course, you can’t bring a full bottle through security. But you can bring an empty one. Fill it at a fountain or other source before you board.
2. Moisturiser
Since travel dehydrates you, you’ll want to also tend to your dry skin. Bring along a small container of your favourite moisturiser and apply liberally throughout the flight.
3. Snacks
Many airlines don’t provide snacks in flight, especially on shorter trips. Best to pack your own snack. Pick something that travels well and has protein, fibre or both.
4. Hand sanitiser
Crowded public areas like airports – and enclosed spaces like airplanes – are breeding grounds for germs. Hand sanitizer is a great defence against those germs and a must for your carry-on packing list. Bring along a bottle that’s under 100ml.
5. Antibacterial wipes
Antibacterial wipes are the companion to hand sanitiser. They work particularly well for disinfecting your surroundings. To help prevent illness, wipe down everything you’ll touch.
6. Tissues
Those small tissue packs come in handy in several ways. Besides their intended use, you can employ them as napkins, paper towels, coasters or a wrapper for food or small objects in a pinch.
7. Painkillers
Carrying painkillers at all times during your travels will keep you as comfortable as possible if aches develop.
8. Stomach medication
Any number of factors can set your stomach off while you’re traveling. Bring along your favourite antacid or stomach medicine, and consider buying it in tablet form for convenience.
9. Antihistamines
Prone to allergic reactions? If so, you may be even more prone when traveling. Bring along antihistamines for quick relief.
10. Jet lag remedy
Jet lag is the bane of a long-distance traveller’s existence. Put your preferred remedy on your carry-on packing list to lessen its impact. Two possibilities: melatonin or an over-the-counter sleep aid.
11. Mints or chewing gum
You need every tool at your disposal to feel fresh during a long flight. Mints and chewing gum help when you can’t get to a sink to brush your teeth.
12. Bandages
It’s almost a law of travel. You’ll get a blister from all that walking or cut your hand. Slip a few bandages in your wallet so they’re there when you need them.
13. Something to keep you warm
Planes can be notoriously chilly. Bring along layers like a sweater or jacket. Or a travel blanket.
14. Compression socks
Compression socks increase blood flow by putting pressure on the legs, ankles and feet. That pressure causes more blood to return to the heart and not pool in the feet. When blood pools, it can cause fatigue and cramps. Or more serious circulatory problems like deep vein thrombosis, phlebitis and edema. When you’re sitting for so long on a plane, you’re especially prone to those issues.
15. Travel pillow
Three types of travel pillows have their fans: the horseshoe-shaped neck supports, the roll-up foam versions and the compact inflatable pillows.
16. Eye mask and ear plugs
It’s hard to sleep on a plane, particularly if you’re not enjoying a lie-flat bed. A sleep mask can help you relax by blocking out light. Ear plugs will muffle the continuous hum of the plane.
17. Noise-cancelling headphones
Noise-cancelling headphones or earbuds will help you mute the noises from the plane and keep you focused on your music, TV show or movie.
18. USB cable
Use a USB cable to run your devices and prevent the disaster of draining your battery power.
19. Device charger
A back-up battery pack is an essential tool for your carry-on packing list to keep your devices running in flight or while you’re traveling.
20. Camera
Dedicated amateur photographers will bring a digital camera. Casual shutterbugs will use the one on their smart phone. Whatever your choice, make sure you have it handy at all times.
21. Entertainment
Load your devices before flying with music, movies, TV shows and podcasts. Not only will they keep you occupied, they’ll help drown out the noise around you.
22. Pen
A pen will also help keep you entertained in flight, completing crossword puzzles and Sudokus.
23. Notebook or journal
It may seem old-school in this age of electronic everything. But recording your travel thoughts by hand in a notebook or journal is a wonderful way to preserve your memories.
Do you agree with Betsy’s list? Do you think there’s anything she left off, or is there anything that you wouldn’t bother including on your travels?
Please share your thoughts in the comments below.
First appeared on Virtuoso. Click here to visit their website for more information.
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