travel essentials for your carry-on

No matter where you are traveling to – preparation is the key to a successful trip. Making a checklist of what should go in your carry-on might sound pedantic but once you are on that plane there’s no going back! It’s all about priorities – pack all the necessities before you start adding in leisure items like your favorite books or video games.

Size matters, when picking the perfect carry-on bag. Go by the standard size recommended by airlines (which is 14 x 9 x 22 inches). Don’t be shortsighted; light, durable, and practical should always win over cheap and trendy.

Travel wallet

Invest in a travel wallet, it will ensure that all your travel documents, passport, and funds are all in a safe, organized, and easily accessible place. Always have a contingency plan, carry emergency funds that can be accessed in various methods (e.g. credit card and internet banking). Carry globally accepted foreign currencies such as USD or Pounds for any duty free purchases or swift airport transits.

Beauty essentials

When traveling, take your toothbrush and deodorant with you is a no-brainer but we often forget little things like lip balm, a moisturizer that can make the trip so much more comfortable. It’s essential to pack your toiletries correctly; all liquids must be under 100mls and packed in a transparent resealable bag. Don’t overpack, its no fun lugging around a heavy bag with things you don’t even need. Unless you’re going to the Sahara desert, you can always pick up some things at your destination. If you’re staying at a hotel take advantage of their complimentary toiletries, and stock up for your next trip.

Get your tech fix

Packing your tablet, kindle, and notebook in your carry-on will keep you entertained and guarantee its safety. Don’t overload on devices, instead make sure the ones you bring with you can last for your entire trip. Plan ahead and upload heaps of your favorite TV shows and movies onto your device. If it doesn’t have a lot of space take a travel-sized memory bank with you. Most importantly pack an extra battery, you can’t always rely on finding power points in the airports or in your plane but if you find one take advantage of it.

At the end of the day, checked in bags can get stolen, damaged or end up halfway across the world. It’s important to be equipped and have all your valuables and essentials on hand. Some parting words of wisdom – get travel insurance, its better to have it and never use it than to need it and not have it. Traveling is a journey, not a destination