Whats in my Carry On | TRAVEL

I absolutely love to travel, visit new places and experience new cultures, but sometimes the thought of a long haul flight can really stress me out. I have made a list of all the items I like to take with me in my carry on luggage that helps to make flying seem a bit more comfortable.

Carry:

Backpack:

In my backpack I take all the items that I would typically carry in my handbag plus the products that I will need to get out when I go through customs. This will usually include my clear bag with my liquids, my electronics and my passport and tickets. I like to use a backpack instead of my handbag as I find it is easier to carry.

Suitcase:

The second bag is a small wheelie suitcase. Instead of a shoulder bag, I find these much easier to walk around with and I don’t have to carry the weight. Make sure you find one that is within the measurement requirements. These are 56cm x 45cm x 25cm (22in x 18in x 10in).

Clear Bag:

You can only carry liquids in your hand luggage if they are under 100ml and they must be kept in a clear sealed bag. I also keep any medication that I may have and any small items in these clear bags so it is easier and quicker when I go through customs.

Necessities:

Passport and Tickets:

I know it’s probably something everyone knows to take but I had to put it in as its SUPER important to remember! Your passport is also great to take with you if you are flying domestic as well. A lot of airlines require proof of ID so bringing that, as well as your tickets, is a great routine to get into.

Pen:

This is also SUPER handy and will definitely be used. During an international flight you will be asked to fill out a landing card so carrying a pen on you means you won’t have to awkwardly ask the person next to you. Although I’m sure anyone would be happy to help if you forgot.

Entertainment:

Laptop or iPad and Chargers:

It’s always great to carry these with you if you have any movies you would like to watch, or if you have any work you would like to catch up on. There isn’t much you can do on a flight so catching up on your favourite shows is a great way to pass the time. Also all electronic devices must be charged or they may not be allowed on the flight so make sure to keep your chargers with you.

Headphones:

Most airlines provide you with earphones so you can watch the in-flight entertainment on board, but I like to bring my own as I find mine more comfortable and better quality. I find over-ear headphones more comfy than the standard iPod/iPhone earphones so they are usually the ones I opt for. If I am running low on space, the apple earphones are fine as well.

Book/Magazine:

I love reading! I like to take with me a good book in my backpack just in case I get bored of watching movies. I also like to pick up a magazine when I get through customs because it’s an easy read and they usually have some crosswords and puzzles to do as well.

Comfort:

Sleeping Mask:

Anyone who knows me knows I LOVE sleep! I love it so much to the point that if anyone or anything tries to keep me awake I end up in a bad mood. A sleeping mask is great to keep the light out of your eyes and is also a good way of showing anyone around you, including the flight attendants that you wouldn’t like to be disturbed. Whether I end up sleeping or not (sometimes it’s hard on flights) this is always something I like to keep with me.

Neck Pillow:

This is another must if you want to sleep on a flight! Flying can be extremely uncomfortable, especially if you are flying economy, so adding a neck pillow to your carry on can really add to your comfort. They are smaller than a regular pillow and very compact, making it a perfect fit for your bag or small suitcase.

Cosy Socks or Slippers:

One of the first things I do when I get on a plane is take my shoes off. They are so bulky and always in the way so I like to bring with me a pair of cosy socks or slippers to change into. Planes can be quite cold so keeping your feet warm and comfy will definitely make the flight a little more bearable.

Comfy Change of Clothes:

I have said before that I find flying to be very uncomfortable, so I like to bring with me a comfy change of clothes. Changing into something clean and cosy can make you feel fresher and cleaner. It’s also a great excuse to get up and go for a walk and stretch your legs. Another good idea is to have a warm and comfortable sweater or jumper packed away just in case you get cold.

Freshen up:

Chewing Gum or Mints:

Flying can make you feel a little dirty and gross. Chewing gum or mints are a great way of making you feel a bit fresher. Chewing gum is also good at helping with your ears if the altitude affects them.

Toothbrush, Toothpaste and Mouthwash:

These are great items to bring with you and they definitely make you feel fresher. At lot of drug stores sell travel minis which is the best place to check for travel sized mouthwash and toothpaste.

Wipes: 

I like to bring two kinds of wipes in my hand luggage. As soon as I get on a plane, I take my makeup off with face wipes. I use baby wipes to freshen up everywhere else. I know the baby wipes may seem strange, but trust me it’s worth it on a long travel day with no shower!

Deodorant or Perfume:

Everyone will agree that sitting next to someone who smells on a long flight is horrible, so I make sure to take with me a small perfume or deodorant that is under 100ml. You and your neighbour will thank me for this later!

Health:

Travel Socks:

This is not necessary, but is something I personally like to take with me and would highly encourage anyone else to as well. Flying can be hard on the legs and mine tend to swell quite a bit during long haul flights due to the air pressure and the fact that I am not moving around a lot. I feel that travel socks help with this and might help anyone else who has the same problem.

Hand Sanitiser:

Planes are so dirty and full of germs so I always keep this close to prevent any sickness. The last thing you want when you’re on holiday that you have planned and saved for is to catch a cold.

Nurofen:

Getting a headache and not having painkillers is not a good situation to be in so this is always in my carry on just in case.

Tissues:

Who knows when you will need these!

Keeping Hydrated:

Moisturiser:

The cabin air can make your skin feel very dry so I keep a hand and face moisturiser with me so I am able to use this whenever it is needed.

Lip Balm:

This is also a great item to pack as keeping properly moisturised is very essential.

Water:

This is very important! I would highly recommend purchasing a bottle of water once you have passed through security at the airport and to make sure you always drinking during the flight. If you don’t have time to purchase a bottle of water, the flight attendants do offer drinks throughout the journey. Making sure you stay hydrated is SUPER important.

Beauty:

Make up:

Make up is something I like to throw in if I have the space, although I will only take the basics. I would usually limit myself to foundation or concealer, mascara, a powder and a small blusher or bronzer. Don’t forget that your liquids must be in a clear bag and under 100ml.

Flying can be fun, if you have the right items to make the flight more comfortable. I hope this helps anyone who is travelling soon or anybody who has never flown before.

If you have any tips for me, of if I have forgotten anything, let me know!

Thank you for reading.

Amber x