Originally published August 14th 2019 | Updated August 30th 2022
What to pack in a carry-on is important now more than ever! You need to maximise the space while packing as a minimalist. It’s an art!
With rising checked bag prices and the exorbitant amount of lost luggage as everyone “revenge travels” after 2 years of you know what, carry-on travel is more essential now.
It’s important to have the right goodies with you on the plane, as well as on your subsequent travels.
Do not travel without these items
Passport – you need a minimum of 6 months before expiry to be allowed into most countries
Entry Visa (if required) – Research what is required at least a few months before you travel. Most countries will do an entry on arrival, some you need to apply for beforehand and you will receive electronic approval (that may need printing for immigration) Some countries require you to send your passport to the nearest Embassy for approval and the visa sticker. Don’t leave it too late to find this out early.
Proof of vaccination certificate – whether that be the physical certificate or a digital one, it’s always best to have a copy
Travel Insurance – you shouldn’t be travelling without it
Travel-sized beauty products
Beauty products are some of the bulkiest things to be travelling with. But when you’re packing to travel with just carry-on it’s important to downsize. Not only in the number of products but also in the size. Also, all liquid products need to be carried in a clear bag or beauty case for passing through security at the airport. Don’t forget!
So what to pack in your carry-on that you absolutely need, that is beneficial for both the flight and your onward travels?
Toothbrush and Toothpaste
Brush/comb
Makeup remover wipes
Micellar Water and reusable remover pads (they’re better for the environment than wipes)
Travel towel
Face Toner – helps to remove excess dirt, traces of oil and makeup, correct and balance the pH of your skin. It basically, thoroughly cleans the skin and helps remove built-up surface dead skin cells.
Face Cream – lather it on thick because the air in the plane is on a mission to take all the moisture out of your skin. It’ll also help keep your skin moisturised in the new environment
Tinted BB cream – great for an extra layer of moisture and to even out your skin tone in lieu of foundation
Suncream – SPF 30 and above
Eye Cream – the skin under your eyes is super delicate and needs lots of lovin’
Eye drops
Make-up – Keep the makeup products to a minimum. More often than not you’ll go with minimal or no make-up at all while on holiday. Trust me you don’t need a million make-up products. They’ll just weigh you down. Mascara, blush, eyebrow pencil and a tinted lip balm.
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Comfort items worth packing in your carry-on
We all know it’s almost impossible to have an entirely comfortable flight or get quality sleep. In economy anyway!
There are a few things you can pack in your carry-on that can make you slightly more at ease on your journey.
Eye Mask – Perfect for blocking out all those TV screens that some passengers refuse to shut off and for the early sunrises, for some much-needed sleep
Neck pillow – most planes these days have adjustable headrests that you can adjust around your head, so not completely necessary. However, it is nice for those planes that don’t have adjustable headrests and to have some added cushioning
Long socks – to not only keep your feet warm but you don’t want to wear your shoes constantly when on the plane. You equally do not want to and should not be walking around with bare feet (especially in the bathrooms!)
Ear Plugs – block out all of the noises
Important health items to carry
Melanin Tablets – they assist you in reducing jet lag. Follow the instructions on the packet on when and how to use them.
Vitamins – you’re not going to be getting a lot of nutrients from the airline food. Plus its good to maintain your vitamin intake when in a new environment and eating different foods
Sleeping tablets – Theyre great on a long-haul flight. Use a low-dose, non-habit-forming pill. It means feeling so much better rested when you land and helps reduce jet lag.
Essential oils eg lavender – Lavender, in particular, is a natural sleep aid. Just a tiny dab on each temple should help
Medications – any medications you are currently taking. Just be sure to check what you’re allowed to legal transport to the destination. eg CBD products may be legal in some countries but are illegal in others.
Important tech gear to pack in a carry-on
Smartphone – download some Eps on Netflix when you have wifi, all watchable without a connection. How good is that! Plus everything else you use a smartphone these days. how do we live without them?!
Chargers – most planes these days have a USB port which is fantastic for keeping your gadgets charged. Just remember to pack the charger for all the gadgets you’re taking.
Headphones – great for watching your own programs on your phone/laptop, listening to music or using the plane’s TV. As well as blocking out noisy passengers, or just general noise cancellation wherever you might be.
Laptop – great to write blog posts or a diary, or to do any destination research or bookings.
Camera – If your bag is big enough and you’re a photography enthusiast that requires more than a smartphone
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Boredom Reducers for the flight
Even with all that video entertainment at our fingertips on flights these days, it’s definitely nice to switch off the screen and do something else and stretch your eyes and mind.
Notebook – I love taking physical notes, writing lists etc. Plus it’s always handy to have some paper nearby
Pens – Fairly obvious. Great for taking notes but also necessary for filling in your custom/immigration forms before leaving the plane.
Book – Start or finish your latest must-read book. Make sure it’s one you’re happy to leave behind once it’s finished, so you don’t have to carry it the whole journey. Alternatively buy a Kindle OR download the APP.
What Clothes to pack in a carry-on
The most important aspect of travelling with a carry-on only! What clothes to take and how many?
This will be determined by a few things.
- your bag
- your destination
- the weather
- length of trip
- weight limit set by the airlines
Wear any bulkier items and shoes so you can avoid packing these into your bag. Pack with layers in mind and pack items that can be worn with multiple other items so you can mix and match your wardrobe. Consider accessories that will jazz up your outfits such as hats and scarves.
And always remember you end up wearing the same comfortable clothes all the time, so leave those pieces behind that you’ve dug out the back of the wardrobe. If you haven’t worn them in the past 6 months why do you think you’ll wear them in the next 2 weeks on your trip?
Sweater – a loose-fitting and lightweight sweater
Underwear – pack 7 days worth and hand wash when necessary
Leggings – great for hot destinations but also to layer under bulkier pants if visiting a colder country
T-shirts – a couple of cotton, lightweight shirts
Thin jackets – again it’s all about layering. A couple of thin lightweight jackets that can be worn over t-shirts or worn together if it gets chilly
Basic dresses – a couple of summery options that can be worn casually or jazzed up with a scarf for dinner reservations. For colder countries dresses that can be worn with stockings and jackets
Bathers – these never take up much space
Shoes – wear bulky sneakers or hiking boots and add in a pair of sandals or thongs
Lay everything you want to take out on the bed, then reduce it by half. Roll your clothes when packing. Shove smaller items into shoes and avoid heavy materials like wool and denim.
The Born Wanderess Trusted Essentials & Resources
for travelling with carry-on
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Great summary
thank you