I absolutely hate packing. In my opinion, it’s always one of the most stressful parts of traveling. I also have to start packing at least 1-2 weeks before a trip. But seriously, it’s extremely difficult to fit a years worth of your life into 1 backpack. Not only am I a solo traveler but I am also a budget traveler. So this means I like to save money in any way that I can, this includes baggage. I don’t think a lot of people realize how expensive it is to check a bag on an airplane. There have been various times where my checked luggage has been more expensive than the actual plane ticket. In just the past 2 years I’ve been on over 50 flights. If I checked a bag on every flight, for $40 a bag, I’d be spending like a years worth of transportation funds.
Now, very rarely do I check a bag. I’m one of those people that cram everything to one backpack and 1 small tote, another reason why packing is so stressful to me. Since I bring everything on board with me, I really have to be careful about what I pack. On most international airlines, a passenger is aloud 1 carry on bag and 1 personal item at no extra cost, as long as size and regulations are met. This way I don’t have to pay the extra fees, and so there is no chance of having my luggage get lost. (Ive had to deal with that before and it is a huge pain in the ass.)
On the few occasions where I do decide to check my luggage, I still always have a small tote for my carry on that has all of my most important items and in flights necessaries. In this bag are the things that are non replaceable, expensive, or what I need during and after my flight. This varies from flight to flight, depending on the distance or occasion, but there are certain items I will always have on me. Take a look inside my carry on!
Most Important
Passport- Your key to the world. Obviously, there are various times your passport or some kind of identification is needed through out the airport, and during your first day of traveling.
Money/Wallet- NEVER PUT YOUR WALLET IN YOUR CHECKED LUGGAGE. I cannot stress this enough. I thought this was common sense? Apparently not. You wouldn’t believe the amount of people I’ve met that packed their wallet or credit cards in their checked luggage and, surprise, its not there anymore when they get it back.
Phone-My smartphone is in this category because my phone is not only my phone. My phone has EVERYTHING on it, my life is in that 1 little object. I have copies of everything listed above, as well as boarding passes, tickets, reservations, emails, phone numbers, everything. My phone is also my music supply, and music is very important when it comes to long haul flights.
Medicine-I’m sure this wont apply to everyone, but if you have any kind of medications that you take on a daily basis, put it in your carry on bag. Don’t risk the chance of your luggage getting lost for god knows how long and not having access to that medicine. Depending on what it is, not having that could ruin your trip all together. And trust me, it can really be a hassle trying to get certain medications outside of your home country. Even simple things like Tylenol or Benadryl is an over the counter prescription in a lot of places.
Lighter- Yes, you can take a lighter in your carry bag, but apparently you cannot take 10 lighters in your carry on bag. This is something else that won’t apply to everyone, but to me it is very important. There is nothing worse than getting off of a 10 hour flight and going outside to smoke and realizing you have no lighter.
Technology
Computer- I load up on technology items for long haul flights. Your computer can be used for various things when in flight. I do a lot of writing and work on planes and in airports, sometimes I even book flights with longer layovers so I have some time alone to do computer work. Not only this, your computer is fragile, keep it safe with you. It’s expensive, breakable, and they aren’t always carful when loading and unloading baggage on a plane.
iPad- I haven’t always taken my iPad abroad with me. But when I’m flying a lot and know I’ll have some down time, it’s nice to have. I’ve downloaded so many books, and the only time I have to read is when I’m in transit. It’s also a backup music device in the event my phone dies.
Headphones- No headphones, no music or on flight entertainment such as downloaded movies or audio books. Simple as that. Never a bad idea to pack a spare pair of headphones as well.
Chargers- Chargers aren’t as important in your carry on, it really just depends. A charger for my computer, phone, and iPad, or at least a charged battery pack is what I would normally bring. However, I also splurged and bought a phone case with a built in battery and it’s the best thing ever. My phone can now always be charging, even on the go, and, has double the battery life!
Miscellaneous/Comfort
Toothbrush/toothpaste- This is really the only toiletry item I bring on board with me. I’m just really anal when it comes to brushing my teeth, and it also wakes me up a little bit and makes me a more rejuvenated after hours in the air.
Chapstick- I always carry chapstick everywhere, I don’t know how people get through life without it. Pretty self explanatory.
Pillow-I use to think neck pillows were a hassle to bring and weren’t of much importance. This is a lie it is not true. I had the absolute best micro fiber neck pillow. Perfect for napping on airplanes. It now belongs to one lucky woman that happened to use the bathroom at the Hamburg Am Main train station and found it after I left it hanging on the back of the door. I bought another one and I don’t regret it.
Glasses- My contacts get extremely dry on flights. I don’t know if this is a common thing for everyone, but It a regularly occurring event for me. I always make sure I pack my glasses in my carry on bag. Not being able to see when arriving in a new country would be a huge problem that I hope to never have to deal with. Sunglasses are almost just as important when in sunny or tropical destinations.
Blanket Scarf- This could be negotiable. I don’t technically need it, but this is the only clothing accessory that has successfully made it with me on any trip in the last 3 years. It’s fashionable, it’s warm, it’s multi functional, and blanket scarfs just rock in general.
Thats it! Thats whats inside of my carry on bag, 95% of the time anyway. There’s always the random items or last minute purchases that make it inside too. Other suggestions to pack for long haul flights could be water and snacks, an eye-mask, earplugs, face wipes and moisturizer. Something else to keep in mind, some of the more expensive or luxurious airlines supply a lot of these items for you, all your have to do is ask! Enjoy your flight and happy packing!