My flight from the UK to Thailand left Heathrow at 10:55 GMT and arrived the following day in Bangkok at 8:40 GMT +7. It was a very long journey, not to mention four hours delayed. It was approximately 36 hours between opportunities to shower with a lot of waiting and trying my patience in between.
What was packed in my carry-on made all the difference in comfort and ease. Whether you’re making a pilgrimage or a short simple jaunt, it’s important to pack your carry-on wisely.
Here are the 12 most important things included in my carry-on.
- Wet wipes. Moist towelettes. However you choose to refer to them, these are a girl’s or a boy’s best friend on the go, a traveler’s sponge bath. I had two during this particular trek.
- Toothbrush and toothpaste. Do yourself and the person sat next to you a favor.
- Deodorant. Unless you’re a hippie, perhaps you could tote patchouli oil.
- Prescription medications. Because when your bag goes missing, meds can be nigh impossible to replace.
- Change of clothing. On this particular trip, I packed a lightweight dress and my flip-flops to change into for tramping around Bangkok. Don’t forget a pair of underwear (more of a mental note to myself for future reference).
- Make-up. For the simple fact that some powder, blush or eyeshadow always breaks when stowed in my check-on luggage.
- Lotion. In the stale air of the plane, my hands, my face, even my nostrils get so dry (a bit personal, but fact!). A small bottle of lotion is crucial on long airplane stints.
- Kindle for reading.
- Journal and pen for writing.
- iPod for music or games when extremely bored and burnt out on reading and writing.
- Earplugs. Just in case you’re sat in front of the screaming baby on the plane, like I was. What’s more, their doting Russian dad started snoring once the lights went out for the night.
- Chocolate and mixed nuts. For the creature comforts.
Other items included in photo: travel papers, passport, water canteen, sunglasses, headlamp, packet of tissues, chargers and converters, slipper socks, crossword puzzles book and a monthly planner.
- chewing gum: helps with the pressure when taking off/landing AND aeroplane breath
– sketchbook and pencils
– Nintendo DS: because I’m super mature
– pressure socks: because my ankles swell up like an old lady
– sweater: because I get freezing cold on planes
– plane cushion
Excellent list Hari! A sweater is a MUST. Leaving England I was covered in layers so I could gradually undress on the way to hot Bangkok. I’ve never heard of pressure socks… something I shall look into.
Great advise. I wish I had read this before my recent 2 day road trip!
There’s always next time! ;)
Good list! I bring everything – except I have an Ipad not a Kindle, and I bring a scarf/sweater/shawl type of material to drape around me on the plane. :)
Eartha recently posted..10 Movies That Inspired Me To Travel
Me too, Eartha! I opt for a sarong. It’s so versatile… a scarf, a pillow, blanket, towel. Cheers for adding!
Great list! I only travel with a carry on so I kind of have to fit everything in it, but I would say my biggest thing that I enjoy taking with me is either my kindle or my Zune. If I have my music and a good book to read, I’m set!
Pablo recently posted..Can You Really Make A Living Travel Blogging?
Agreed, Pablo! You’re very brave to pack so lightly. You should write about it if you haven’t already. I could learn a thing or two from you!
It’s funny, with every trip that I take I feel like I take too much. So my bag gets smaller and smaller every time! Here is what I took on my last backpacking trip if you want to check it out… http://wherespablo.com/what-i-carry-in-my-travel-bag/
Kudos, Pablo! Will have a read. Cheers for sharing!
My carry on flight essentials are a neck / travel pillow and an extra pair of underwear. I usually wear a dress with leggings when I’m flying so that I can take the leggings off at my destination and already be in frocked up holiday mode before I even leave the airport. I also wear an old pair of undies on the plane which I can throw out when I change into my fresh pair on arrival.
Maybe this is a bit too much sharing…
Bianca recently posted..Hahndorf – The Santos Tour Down Under & why the lycra brigade do it
Love your honesty, Bianca! Great idea wearing some old skivvies. I’ll have to adopt that one.
Great list! I pack a bit of make-up to freshen up on the other side as well.
Yes, Jocelyn! I at least try to look better than I might feel. :)