Carry-on essentials may vary from one person to another depending on one’s priorities; our needs are simply not the same. However, there are basic hand luggage essentials everyone needs to pack anyway.
10 Hand Luggage Essentials
Other than your mobile phone, cash/banking cards, and of course, your passport, here are 10 things you must have on you.
#1 Medication
One of the most important items on my packing checklist is medication. Meds for flu, stomach ache, allergies, burns, painkillers, diarrhea, you name it! I have a pouch for everything that might attack my body on the road. Having these on board will save you the pain in case you need it while boarding or on the flight. Also, in the case of luggage loss, this will be a life savior.
It goes without saying, of course, that if you have a particular prescription that you take on a regular basis, it needs to be there!
#2 Charger/ power bank
You’ll be using your phone extensively, whether for entertainment or for browsing information. That’s why you can’t afford a drained battery! So, make sure to have your charger; airplanes and airports have USB ports. Also, have a fully charged power bank because you never know what might happen. Most airports today have phone charging booths, but it’s still risky to rely on those. Stay safe and have yours just in case.
#3 Earphones
You’re going to need some entertainment on your way. So your earphones are essential if you’re going to listen to some music or if you’ll watch the latest movies on your flight’s entertainment system. Sure, you’ll be provided with a pair of earphones by the airline, but these are usually cheap ones.
#4 Book/Kindle
A good read is will keep you distracted and will help you kill time, especially on long-haul flights. Pack your favorite book, or kindle, and enjoy reading it on your way to your destination. If you’re traveling solo, it’ll also be a good way to entertain yourself on the beach, for instance.
#5 Travel-related documents
Just for extra security, carry printed copies of all your travel-related documents with you. Even if you have a soft copy of your flight tickets and hotel reservations, you never know what might happen. You might lose your phone or spill water on it; literally, anything can happen so better be safe than sorry.
#6 Camera
That’s my ultimate favorite travel companion. How can you travel without documenting the highlights of your trip? My DSLR camera, lenses, and GoPro must tag along!
#7 Laptop/ iPad
Whether you’re traveling for work or education or if you’re a digital nomad, I don’t need to tell you that this goes straight to your carry-on. Even if you’re traveling for leisure, an iPad or tablet plus Netflix go hand in hand with your packing list.
Snacks
For people like me, airplane food is not enough; I can eat like an elephant! Plus, snacks at the airport are ridiculously expensive, so bring yours; you’ll thank me later.
Scarf/hoodie
You can never trust the weather or the air conditioning on your flight. A large wool scarf/shawl or maybe a hoodie will keep you warm when you need it the most.
Portable shatafa!
To all the Arab travelers out there, don’t fall for the clean and fancy airport restrooms! You’ll always need your portable Fresh Buzz
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Nadine is an Egyptian curly-head who decided to quit the norm because it just doesn’t suit her. She ditched her 9-5 as a magazine editor to pursue her dream of becoming a full-time digital nomad and to inspire aspiring travelers to embark on their own solo adventures.
nice words, Nadine
does this website belong to you?
Thank you Enas! That means a lot 🙂 Yes, it’s mine..