The Ultimate Carry-On Packing Guide

Travelling isn’t just for the long-run. You may just want a weekend abroad to relax and rejuvenate, therefore you won’t need to check-in baggage, instead you can use carry-on luggage. In addition, the prices of checking in baggage these days on some airlines will cost more than the ticket itself!

Taking only carry-on luggage is great if you don’t want to wait in long queues. Because not only do you not have to check you bag in, when you get off the plane you don’t have to wait for your baggage to arrive on the carousel too. So taking carry-on luggage can save both time and money when travelling abroad.

Our Favourite Carry-On Suitcase

Carry-On Only Packing List

If you’re only taking a carry-on for your travels, most likely this will be for a long weekend or a maximum of a week. If you’re taking a backpack read: Emma’s Packing List and Yannick’s Packing List for more information. Here is a list of the things we would recommend packing if you’re going to a fairly warm destination:

• 3/4 light tops.
• 2 pairs of shorts.
• 1 pair of jeans (although you can wear these on the plane to save up space).
• 1 pair of lightweight trousers.
• 1 jacket (can wear this on the plane).
• 1 dress (girls only, unless you like that kind of thing 😉 ).
• 1 pair of flip flops.
• 1 pair of trainers/walking shoes (you can wear these on the plane).
• 2-6 pair of underwear depending on the duration.
• 2-4 pairs of socks depending on the duration.
• 2 bras (you will be wearing one if you’re a girl).
• 1 bikini/trunks.
• 1 pair of PJs.
• Sunglasses (you can wear on your head).
• Liquid Toiletaries maximum 100ml, make sure to keep them together in a see-through plastic bag. (click here for an in-depth toiletaries list).
• Electronics – Phone, iPad, Kindle, headphones, camera etc. can be placed in a small purse or in the pockets of your carry-on bag.
• Passport/Identification
• Credit cards/cash
• Travel Insurance
• Medications.

Having said this, it does sound like a lot. But with the help of packing cubes it will free up a whole lot more space in your bag, you’ll be surprised. If you roll everything and stack it side-by-side in a packing cube, it will create space and keep everything organised. Including different cubes for dirty and clean clothes.

Carry-On Packing List with a check-in bag included

Depending on your trip, you may require a carry-on suitcase or you may only need a large purse. Here are our recommendations on what to pack for carry-on bags:

• Jacket/Sweater – even if you are travelling to a hot country, it’s always good to have a jacket on the plane, as during the flight it can get really cold. They are also fairly good pillows too if you want to get some shut eye.
• Compression socks – If you’re on a long-haul flight having these will prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT). It is a condition dubbed “economy-class syndrome” which causes blog clots following long-haul air travel in cramped conditions.
• Shoes – most likely you will wear your heaviest/bulkiest shows on the plane therefore its good to have a spare foldable pair of shoes to put on whilst mid-flight.
• Ear plugs – they take up zero space and are useful during your travels too. Especially in noisy dorms, trains and planes.
• Moisturiser – At 38,000 feet, the air inside the plane is very dry which can make you’re lips and skin very dry, so make sure to pack some in your carry-on but make sure it’s under 100ml.
• Hand Sanitiser – Planes are not exactly the cleanest of places. They are known to be full of bacteria. You don’t want to be getting ill just before your travels.
• Deodorant – If you’re travelling for long period of time, please do everyone a favour and reapply during the flight 🙂 love everyone.
• Toothbrush and toothpaste – No one wants smelly breath, so it’s a good idea to pack when flying.
• Spare pair – It never hurts to pack a spare pair of underwear and an extra top on long-travel days.
• iPad or similar – long haul flights are LONG…so passing the time by watching a movie or listening to music can really pass the time.
• Phone – If you are traveling out of the country, be sure to turn off your cellular data to avoid roaming fees. Smartphones also offer the same features of a tablet with plenty of games, books and apps to make time go by faster.
• Headphones – an investment in good headphones is a wise idea for frequent travellers.
• Electronic chargers – quite a few airlines these days have USB ports and plugs on the plane so you can charge your devices.
• Passport/Identification
• Credit cards/cash
• Travel insurance
• Valuables – Never pack expensive items in your checked baggage or you may never see them again.
• Medication

Secret Travel Hack:

To avoid buying an expensive alcoholic drink onboard (if your airline doesn’t offer it for free),  it’s perfectly okay to pack mini alcohol bottles in your carry-on (make sure they are under 100ml). It will still need to fit in your liquids plastic bag, so make sure you have enough space for your other important liquids before adding this additional luxury.

We hope you found this guide helpful. If you have any further questions feel free to comment below, and we will be happy to help you!

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