What’s in My Bag: 13 Travel Carry-On Essentials

Travelling the world means being on the move. When you are on the move as much as I am, you become a pro at packing in no-time, but if you’re not as experienced it can be difficult to know exactly what to bring.

There are the usual essentials, but flights can be long and boring, so you also need to pack plenty of things to keep you entertained. This checklist will give you everything you need to become a carry-on packing master.

1. Cards, wallet and passport

You won’t get very far without your passport (or ID), so that item is a given. Don’t forget your wallet either, or put everything you need to take with you in a passport holder. Also don’t forget to change your money before you head off for the airport to avoid high exchange rates.

2. Camera

As a blogger, I don’t go anywhere without my camera. Wherever you go, there is just too much beauty in this world to not capture on film, especially when you finally get the chance to see some of that beauty for yourself. I would suggest keeping room in your carry-on for whatever camera you choose to take – best to keep it on you instead of stored away in checked luggage.

3. Tablet or laptop

Not only do I use my tablet or laptop to take notes, during flights I watch movies and TV shows (or read a book if I haven’t taken one with me). Download onto your laptop or tablet things you can access offline once you’re in the air, and you’ll have lots to keep you occupied during the flight.

4. Phone and charger

I never leave without my phone – it’s great to have one of you while you’re away and a safety net for emergencies. Don’t forget about phone credit if you have a prepaid phone: an easy-to-use website for topping up online is Recharge.com.

5. Headphones

I can’t go anywhere with noise-cancelling headphones – it’s hard to watch movies or shows and listen to music during my flight without one. I basically have my headphones on the entire flight!

6. Pen

There is a ballpoint pen in literally every bag that I take with me. Whether I want to write something on a piece of paper, feel the need to doodle or make an old fashioned paper puzzle. It’s also really useful to have a pen on a flight where you have to fill in a landing cards for border control.

7. Neck pillow

Another carry-on essential is my neck pillow. I’m in luck that I am able to sleep anywhere; if I’m tired, I’m tired. The neck pillow prevents my from any neck problems and helps me sleep like a baby.

8. Sunglasses

I love beautiful sunny weather, but squint as soon as the slightest bit of sun hits my face. Plus, sunglasses are just too fragile for check-in bags.

9. Gum

Not only do I love my breath nice and fresh, chewing gum helps with unpopping my ears after a flight! Plugged ears can hurt terribly and though gum won’t prevent pain, it does help. The combination of chewing and swallowing relieves built up pressure and helps pop your ears.

10. Hand sanitizer

You never know when you want to wash your hands, which is why I never leave without hand sanitizer. Places can feel cramped and a little gross sometimes, so hand sanitizer is an easy way to feel that little bit cleaner.

11. Deodorant

Gotta stay fresh! Not only for yourself, but also for other passengers. Just because you have been stuck in a plane for hours doesn’t mean you have to smell like you did. And let’s be honest, you wouldn’t like to sit next to someone who smells bad did either…

12. Moisturiser and lip balm

If you have a sensitive skin you shouldn’t leave without face and body moisturiser. Moisturising prevents your skin from dehydrating (and trust me, flying can dry out your skin like crazy) and any other form of irritation. Your lips might get particularly dry, so don’t forget balm for those too

13. Snacks

What makes a long flight more bearable? A snack. Or two, or three…