What’s always in my carry on? 

My sister gives me a lot of grief about my packing. I love having everything ordered and in place, and being prepared for different possibilities. Whether this is by packing cells inside my suitcase or being prepared for any outcome like a good Girl Guide, my carry on is no exception.

I pack the same where ever I’m going. I use a duffel / gym bag as my carry on. If I go crazy shopping (especially if I’m in Europe or America) I could purchase a carry on suitcase and stuff my duffel bag in one of my suitcases.

I’ve pulled this list together with air travel in mind, but my bag is not too different when I’m travelling by train or bus (extra items below).

Essentials
1. Travel wallet

I hate digging through my bag to find my boarding pass, passport, itinerary, pen for arrival cards etc. so I use a travel wallet to keep everything together. My previous one was retired after long service so this is my new wallet (thanks sis for the Christmas present!) from Kikki K. Taking a pen is also essential.

2. Small purse for local currency and cards

I use both my Eftpos and credit Card when overseas. For me, these are still safer than carrying masses of money (especially when we are going away for about a month with lots of different currencies). I use an (old) Mimco purse which I love as it is made of a sturdy mesh (so I can see through it), zips up, and is easily slipped into a pocket or bag (preferably my own).

Technology
3. Noise-cancelling headphones

I recently converted to bringing my own headphones on the plane, and I LOVE it! I wanted some headphones to travel with around Europe in the spring and decided to splurge. I researched online and found that these Bose noise cancelling ones seemed the highest rated by travelers; once purchased, I use them almost daily- travelling or not. They work OK as headphones without batteries but need a battery to run the noise-cancelling function effectively (I always carry spare AAA batteries with me). I also love that they come with the right adapter for aeroplanes so there is no barrier to using them to their full effect.

4. iPad

I keep all of my flight info, PDFs of bookings and itinerary details on here, as well as books, movies, games etc. I must admit I don’t use it much during the flight if there is full service (including entertainment) on board but it is an absolute must for when stuck in transit or on a super-cheap fare. For my recent flight to Australia, I’ve downloaded the in-flight entertainment app. Also, keeping it on hand means that you have all of your travel details at your fingertips. I also have Triposo apps for the cities / counties that I’m visiting. I love that these work offline and are really useful. Who needs travel guides any more?

5. iPhone

Taking your phone overseas used to be a no-no as the shocking data bills left a lingering bad taste upon return. However, fierce competition between companies means that is less likely. I usually buy some data bundles for my overseas destinations and then use them discerningly. Thankfully, Vodafone NZ have made this super easy for me. I now feel in control of my phone usage when away and I love that I can turn off my cellular services on my phone and just use WiFi. If I’m going somewhere non- English speaking, make sure that I have the Google Translate app downloaded to my phone – translates text, speech, and signs (this was a godsend in Russia last year).

iPhone charger and Mophie (or equivalent), adapter plug (just in case, at airport layovers)

 
Beauty and rest

6. Lotions and potions

Clinique Liquid Facial Soap, Benefit Pore fessional, Otrivin nose spray (for blocked ears), deodorant (roll on and spray), lip balm, lipstick, Clinique Moisture Surge, toothpaste, toothbrush, mascara

7. Eye mask and ear plugs

If you need a good sleep or some quiet time to yourself, both of these bad boys will do the trick! Also, my ears get a bit funny at high altitudes so the ear plugs help. Both of these are essential for train travel as well.

Comfort
8. Cardigan or jacket.

It gets cold on planes!

9. Flight socks

These are easily the ugliest item of clothing I own. But I was blessed with feet which swell up and retain water on long haul flights. I don compression socks at the gate and wear until the next morning after my arrival. I wear Korjo socks but these can be picked up at most travel supply stands (similar here).

Other bits and bobs

10. A little bag of goodies

Panadol, ibuprofen, medication, spare hair tie, hairbrush, change of underwear (if my bag goes missing), travel wipes, chewing gum.

I try to shower at transit airports on very long-haul flights so do bring a change of clothes; at the very least a change of top as I always spill food on myself!

Sunglasses

11. I’m not trying to make myself look stylish but I do appreciate having my sunnies on hand. After a long flight, the last thing you want to do is go through your checked luggage to find them. At the moment, I’m wearing Valentino glasses.

Snack foods and drink

12. Paying next to nothing for your airfare often means that you don’t get served a meal. So I like to pack a small snack or two and then buy something to drink once I’m through customs in the duty-free area, usually a bottle of water and some chocolate bars / bliss balls. If travelling with children, more snack foods are required.

Travelling by train or bus:

• A pashmina to use as a blanket if required
• A padlock to secure my bag – mine is from Kathmandu
• Bag tags for easy identification
• Books (I do love having a real book to read, not just my iPad)