The proper packing of a carry-on bag is a skill that takes time to perfect. Unless, of course, you’ve got access to a comprehensive list from a group of frequent fliers. Regardless of whether you’re packing a tote bag, backpack, or wheeled bag, it’s what’s inside those counts, so we put together a list of absolute must-have travel items and some personal recommendations for the best in each category.
Summer is approaching, which means vacation, time off, and hopefully an ability to take a break from our routines and unwind. Travelling is leisure and a privilege. Not everyone can just pick up and take off. Circumstances around the world can also put up a roadblock on your sightseeing plans and prevent you from going where you want to go.
However, when the opportunity comes, and you’re able to plan a trip, you need to make sure that you have everything you need. Once you’re abroad, you no longer have the conveniences of home. To be prepared for emergencies or problems, everyone needs a travel checklist to help them note down and remember everything they need to take and do.
1. Wallet and Passport Holder
You won’t get very far without your wallet, and the same goes for your passport on international trips. If you’re prone to losing things, purchase a wallet-passport holder combo to keep them close. We like this affordable and travel-friendly pick from Amazon, which has slots for your cards, cash, passport, tickets, boarding pass, and more, plus a convenient wristlet strap. Along with your documents, you can use them to store currencies, your credit cards, hotel key cards, and many other things that might come in handy.
2. Well-planned Set of Clothes
While shopping for clothes for the trip, keep in mind the place you’re visiting. You will need different clothes for a destination covered with snow and for a destination filled with beaches. If you’re going somewhere cold, pack cardigans, sweaters and other winter clothes. On the other hand, if you’re visiting a beach, casual, light wear will do the job. Apart from the luggage that you check in, carry a few clothing items in your cabin bag like a cardigan, hat, a couple of comfortable T-shirts, and shorts. It’s always better to be prepared just in case the airline loses your luggage or some other unfortunate incident happens.
3. Travel Pillow
Conventional, U-shaped travel pillows work for some people, but if you can’t see the appeal, we recommend trying out the travel pillow — essentially a fleece scarf with a support system built-in — or the Infinity pillow, which applies the infinity scarf concept to your comforter for grade-A cozy results. This memory foam neck pillow is sleek, closes with velcro, and is easy to carry with a washable sleeve making for the ultimate travel companion, whether by train, plane, or automobile.
4. Portable Power Source and Adapter
When you’re miles away from the nearest power source or can’t pluck up the courage to ask the shop assistant if they have a plug you can use, fear not! Because you can have your very own plug power source which can charge most of your electrical items, suddenly making your life a whole lot easier. Most hostels won’t give you the luxury of your own plug socket but that doesn’t matter as you’ll have your own power source! Unfortunately, not every country will have the same plug socket as yours. So, country-hopping may seem fun at the time but carrying around a load of compatible sockets isn’t.
5. Disinfecting Wet Wipes
This may sound like the ‘aged woman essential’ but carrying a pack of these will make you slowly start to realise that they have been sent down by the travel gods to keep you clean. Use them on yourself and wipe down the bed or any surfaces you’re finding a little bit gross! If a shower is hours out of reach, revive yourself on those long bus journeys and arrive feeling fresh and ready! Catching some sort of a sickness on the flight is the fast track to ruining a world-have-been-restorative vacation. Don’t take the risk. Instead, use these alcohol wipes while travelling to kill germs while you’re on the go.
6. Camera
Making memories is what travelling is all about so don’t forget to capture them on a good camera. There’s no better experience than looking back on everything you’ve done and reminding yourself what an amazing journey you’ve had. Invest in memory sticks to save photos and send them home just for extra security.
Also read:
Bucket List Travel: The Top 10 Places In The World
16 Places To Visit In India, A Must Part Of Your Bucket-List
7. Emergency First Aid Kit
You should always make a mini kit just in case of injury, or if you need medications of some kind. Trust me when I say you can’t trust pharmacies in other countries, and in some places, the prices are exorbitantly higher.
- Anti-inflammatories
- Sleep aids
- Anti-diarrhoea
- Antacids
- Cold medication
- Motion sickness tablets
8. Sunscreen, Moisturiser & Lip Balm
When you’re travelling, sunscreen is one of the most important travel accessories. It will protect you from the harmful UV rays and keep your skin unharmed. If you’re travelling by air, apply some sunscreen during the flight as well, especially if you have got a window seat. Carry your moisturiser and lip balm along with the sunscreen, so that your skin stays moisturised and you look amazing in all your pictures.
9. Toiletries
Keep a small set of toiletries in your carry-on bag like your toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss and face wash. This way you won’t mess up your well-packed suitcase in public. Alongside the usual toothpaste, toothbrush, and floss, use these toiletry bottles to bring along your hair and skincare favourites in TSA-friendly silicone tubes.
- Toiletries
- Makeup
- Get travel sizes of all your favourite daily use products
- Hairbrush/comb
- Toothbrush/toothpaste
- Feminine hygiene products and birth control
- Razors
10. Flip Flops
These beauties are affordable and durable! Although I would invest in a good pair of trainers, flip flops will be your go-to footwear. Easy-to-wear and comfortable, these will be your travel companion on long journeys. They’ll go with any outfit and no one will judge you because everyone is wearing them! Slides are a must-have for any trip, whether you’re on a long-haul flight that doesn’t allow shoes. Keep them in your carry-on so you always have a pair of comfy shoes to slip on, no matter where you are.
