Pack like a pro!
Wherever we travel, our carry-on packing routine is almost always the same. We make sure we have all the essentials and whatever we need to stay comfortable.
Whether you’re taking a 1-hour flight or a 10-hour flight across the Atlantic…here is the ultimate carry-on packing list for a smooth trip experience.
Find the perfect luggage
Depending on your trip, you may require a carry-on suitcase, or you may only need a large purse. Here are our choices for carry-on bags.
Pack your travel essentials in this stylish Samsonite Winfield 2 Hardside Luggage. This is a perfect carry-on suitcase, lightweight and durable. Suitable for a weekend getaway or all your must haves for longer flights across the Atlantic.
The large capacity Bagsmart budget-friendly backpack fits a ton of camera equipment, including 3-5 lenses, all computer stuff, tripod and all other carry-on essentials. The space is customisable with 8 removable padded dividers to keep gear separated.
Regardless of the carry-on bag, having a tote bag with you that fits under the seat is always necessary. You can easily access all your accessories, Kindle, and more.
This timeless Michael Kors Jet Set Travel Large Tote Bag has spacious interior with plenty of room to store all your essentials.
These clear pouches for liquids are perfect for carry-ons. Made of high quality fabric, they are a great travel companion which could hold as many toiletries as you need but does not weigh too much itself. Because of their clear design, they are also TSA approved so you can pack your liquids and small items inside.
Get some rest
Nowadays, some airlines no longer offer pillows and blankets to economy passengers. It’s always best to be prepared!
This inflatable neck pillow is the best. It inflates in a couple of breaths, has an easy air release button so you can customize the firmness and comes with a small pouch for storage.
The most important features in a good eye mask are that it blocks out all light and isn’t too tight around your head. This 3D Eye Mask is countered for comfort and creates a complete seal around your eyes to block out the light.
Never underestimate the joy of having a good set of earplugs. They will not only make your flight more enjoyable but could save your sanity along with your travels.
Hearos Xtreme earplugs are soft, comfortable and offer the highest noise reduction available.
Pick your outfit
Our outfits change depending on the destination, but we always make sure we have the essentials that will keep us comfy and stylish.
Skechers walking on air shoes are our favourite travel shoes. They are super light, extremely comfortable and can be styled with any outfit. Plus they are available in tons of colours.
Finding the perfect travel sweater is like finding the perfect partner. A long cardigan is perfect for flights. You can wear it as a sweater, lay it over you like a blanket, or bundle it up like a scarf.
Hats get squished in your checked luggage, so we always pack them in carry-ons. Plus, an easy way to look your best after a long flight is having a stylish piece of headwear on hand. This timeless classic is perfect for all seasons.
You should always, always travel with compression socks. Long flights can wreak havoc on leg health. Travel-related deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a condition dubbed “economy-class syndrome” which causes blog clots following long-haul air travel in cramped conditions. Compression socks reduce the risks.
Don't be hungry
Most airlines serve up a couple of options for meals on board. Sometimes, not our favourite food choices. Always pack some snacks, especially on long-haul flights.
We typically bring a piece of fruit and some raw almonds to snack on during the flight. Another great option are Perfect Bars. They’re organic, filling and packed with delicious & healthy ingredients so you’ll feel good about what you’re eating!
Stay hydrated
Commercial airplanes have very low humidity, so keeping your skin and body hydrated is important.
Reusable water bottle is great for travels. Most airports have water bottle filling stations, and the flight attendants will always fill up your bottle if you ask.
While it may mean extra trips to the lavatory, drinking lots of water before and during your flight can help with jet lag and fatigue.
One of the worst effects of traveling and flying is tired eyes. We love Hazel Eye Gels. They don’t slide around, and you can even sleep with them during long-haul flights!
Our favourite travel lip product is Bite Beauty’s travel-friendly Agave Lip Balm. They also have a lip scrub, perfect for pre-flight application!
A good tinted moisturizer has the coverage benefits of a foundation and the moisturizing qualities of face lotion. Our favourite, affordable option is the MyChelle Tinted Moisturizer with SPF 50!
Coconut oil serves a variety of uses but is great to use as a hand moisturiser on flight.
Stay clean
Long travel days can leave you feeling unclean and uncomfortable. These items will keep you feeling fresh.
Airplanes are blanketed in bacteria. Do your best to keep clear of germs. This plant-based sanitiser spray is great for keeping bacteria at bay.
These biodegradable body wipes are great to freshen up, as they’re perfect for an array of uses while traveling.
Keep your beauty
With limited carry-on space and limitations on liquids, it’s best to bring less makeup onboard. Here are our favourite products to bring that beauty back to life!
A little mascara can go a long way and can help brighten your eyes after a flight. This is the best travel-sized mascara by Benefit.
A good under-eye concealer should be hydrating and shouldn’t dry out and crease. We love this bareMinerals tinted hydrating gel cream because it helps hide some imperfections, it hydrates, and it has SPF—all in one!
Puffy eyes are our biggest concern when traveling. We use energizing collagen eye gelsnear the end of a flight to give under eyes a kick-start of clean collagen, vitamin C, rose oil, and hyaluronic acid. They come individually wrapped so it’s not messy to use, plus they’re vegan, cruelty-free and paraben-free.
Stay fresh
A little freshness is a life-saver on a travel day. These items will keep you feeling refreshed both on and off your flight.
*Long travel days usually means no shower. So, we always pack a few panty liners and change throughout our trip. It also never hurts to pack a spare pair of undies and an extra top on long-travel days.
Try to avoid chewing gum while you’re flying. Swallowing the extra air can sometimes cause tummy aches. Instead, opt for something like YumEarth’s Organic Wild Peppermint Drops.
Do everyone a favour a reapply during your flight. For carry-on regulations, an underarm deodorant wipe is an awesome option.
We typically always pack our toothbrushes on a flight, but we like Colgate single-use Wisps for a quick brush up. We leave them in our purses no matter where we go so we can keep our breath and smile fresh after a meal.
Entertain yourself
A long-haul flight can seem daunting, so be prepared with plenty of things to entertain yourself. Here are some ideas to keep clear of boredom:
We love the feel of a physical book more than anything, but they can be bulky, which is why we travel with a tablet or a Kindle E-Reader. A tablet keep all of your apps, music, games, and eBooks stored in one compact device.
A good pair of headphones is a wise investment for frequent travelers. Bulky noise-canceling headsets are more of a fashion statement than practicality, so we opt for powerful, yet compact, wireless earbuds.
Don’t forget to pack any chargers for devices that you bring in your carry-on! Depending on where you’re traveling, you may need a universal adapter for your plugs.
Everything on this packing list is replaceable and can be purchased in most places around the world. So don’t worry about forgetting the small stuff.
The most important things to remember:
- Passport/ID
- Credit Cards/Cash
- Valuables (Never pack expensive items in your checked baggage, or you may never see them again. I always carry-on my camera equipment and nice jewelry).
- Travel Insurance
- Copies of important documents (It’s always wise to bring physical copies of your passport and any other travel documents in the case of loss or theft).
- Medications (You should always bring any medication you require in your carry-on. Keep in mind that you may be required to show proof of prescription for some medications. We always bring a small pill case for general ailments such as a headache, nausea, and allergies).
- Liquid Allowances (Don’t forget the 3-1-1 rule when packing your liquids. Liquids must be under 3.4 ounces, fit in 1 quart-sized plastic bag and you are allowed 1 bag per passenger).
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