The Ultimate Carry on Packing List: Hand Luggage Essentials

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Have you been wondering how to travel with just a carry on? Packing can often seem like a bit of a jigsaw puzzle and I sometimes find it to be the hardest part of planning a trip!  What I used to think was an appropriate week-long carry on packing list was probably enough for about 2 months!

‘I should probably bring this just in case!’ 

‘I definitely need to bring this with me!’ *hasn’t worn item of clothing in 3 years* 

Sound familiar? Don’t worry! Packing doesn’t have to be difficult. In fact, even some of the longest trips (think 10 days or more), can easily be done with just a carry-on. 

With more and more airlines charging fairly extortionate prices to put your luggage in hold (and don’t even get me started on if your case is overweight!), it’s more important than ever to pack the perfect carry on. Not only can this save you a lot of cash, but when you arrive at your destination, there’ll be no waiting around for the luggage carousel either.

Here are a few benefits of travelling with hand luggage only: 

• It’s safer – You’ll know where your case is at all times. So, there’ll be no fear of it being thrown around by the crew, damaged or lost in transit. 
• It *can be* cheaper – Luggage costs can be pretty pricey these days, so travelling light will definitely save you a few quid! However, if you’re travelling with someone else splitting a checked case between two can sometimes work out better than hand luggage each. So, always check the prices if you’re on a budget.
• It’s faster – Nobody likes waiting for the luggage carousel. If you travel with a carry on, you can get straight off the plane and straight to your destination! 

So, if you’ve been wondering how to travel with only a carry on, and still stay TSA approved, then here’s the ultimate carry on packing list to have you travelling like a pro! 

The Perfect Carry On Packing List

You’ll need:

• The Essentials – passport, currency, etc.
• Bags – suitcases, packing cubes, etc.
• Clothing – tops, bottoms, swimwear, etc.
• Toiletries – including suncream and sanitiser.
• Tech – don’t forget your camera.
• Snacks – because aeroplane food is pricey!
• Things to relax you – nothing worse than a stressful flight.
• Little extras!

The Essentials 

Passport 

Because it’ll be a bit tricky to travel without it! 😉 

Credit Cards/Cash 

Wherever you’re travelling, never exchange your foreign currency at the airport. It’s always overinflated and such a rip-off as airports know that some travellers will leave this to the last minute and have no choice.

For travel money, I always use Money Saving Expert’s comparison tool to find the best deal. They also allow you to filter by location, which is perfect if you want to pick up the cash.  

For spending cards, Starling Bank is my go-to! I take their debit card on every trip I take as their exchange rate is always the highest (they use the MasterCard rate), and they don’t charge you any fees to withdraw from a foreign ATM. It’s the perfect travel card and also totally free to make an account!

Tip: I rarely take cash with me these days. I simply take my Starling card and exchange it at the destination. This is usually just as affordable (they go off the Mastercard exchange rate), just as long as you find a free ATM. Plus, it means I’m not carrying lots of cash around with me.

Copies of Important Documents 

The last thing you want to do is arrive at your destination and realise you’ve left an important document behind. Whether this is a booking confirmation or hotel check-in info, make sure you have both digital and physical copies of everything important. 

If you want to make these digital, be sure to save them to a secure, easy-to-find place on your phone. There’s nothing worse than needing a document and not having any internet to retrieve it.

Travel Insurance 

I don’t travel anywhere without travel insurance. It’s not just worth it if you fall ill (which we did in Mexico), or lose your luggage or something. So, don’t overlook it. Travel insurance will also protect you if your luggage is damaged, your plane is cancelled, or you injure yourself.

There are many different travel providers out there but I love World Nomads. Their cover is comprehensive, their customer service is excellent and they’ll cover you for a range of extreme activities and sports which not all insurers would. 

Medications 

Don’t forget to pack any medications you take on a regular basis. This also includes things you might not need unless you’re travelling.

This includes Tiger Balm (a lifesaver if you’re going somewhere with mosquitos), antihistamines, or motion sickness tablets. It’s also a good idea to bring a packet of paracetamol too as you honestly never know when you might need it. 

The Bags 

Hard Case 

I love my roller hand luggage case and find that hard shell cases give you more space as you can use both sides of the case for storage. I use this IT Luggage roller case and it’s super lightweight too, meaning I can use it for maximum storage. 

Tote Bag / Backpack

These are the perfect ‘additional bags’ because they give you plenty of space and allow you to easily access your necessities on the plane and at the airport. They can also double up as a day bag or a beach bag when you arrive at your destination.

This extra-large tote is both waterproof and stylish and this backpack has loads of compartments and a handy external USB port – perfect for charging your essentials on the go.

Small Day Bag x 1

I hate lugging around a heavy bag in the evening when I’m done exploring. I’d much prefer to have a small bay that will simply fit my purse and a few essentials. Usually, I take my shoulder bag, but also love this waterproof crossbody bag which can fit all my stuff.

Camera Bag 

Carrying a heavy DSLR around all day can be a bit of a pain in the butt, especially if you want to take multiple lenses. A good quality camera bag will not only save you a lot of hassle but can also double as a day bag to prevent you from carrying too much stuff.

Tip: I’d either bring this or a backpack/tote if you want a camera bag as you’re usually only allowed one personal item when you travel with just a carry-on.

Packing Cubes 

A good set of packing cubes is an absolute necessity if you’re a bit of a messy packer, or you find your case in a mess after a couple of days of rifling to the bottom for a pair of socks!

They’re great for keeping your stuff organised. They also give you so much more space which is super useful when you’re trying to stick to a carry on packing list.

What to Wear 

Tops x 3

As a general rule, people (me included!) normally pack more clothes than they need when they travel! When you travel with hand luggage only, the trick to making your space go further is not to pack a lot but to pack things that can be used multiple times.

For a week, 3-4 tops in neutral colours is plenty. Keeping it neutral with blacks, whites and other colours that don’t stand out will mean that you can easily match them with most of your bottoms.  

Bottoms x 3

For a week, you’ll likely need only 3 pairs of interchangeable bottoms on your carry on packing list. Whether that is 3 pairs of trousers, or a mixture of jeans, shorts and cute skirts depends on where you’re going and the season.

But even if you’re going somewhere hot, I recommend bringing at least one pair of full-length (lightweight) trousers. Once again, stick with neutral colours and you’ll find that your choices will go with a lot more outfits. 

All-in-ones x 2

Another great way to make your packing go further if you’re travelling with just hand luggage is to pack all-in-one items. This includes dresses, playsuits or jumpsuits.

Usually made from thin material, they don’t take up much space and will give you an entire outfit by just packing one item. I recommend adding a couple of these to your carry-on packing list. 

Coats/Jacket x 1-2 (depends on where you’re going)

Cover-ups are so important. Even if you’re travelling somewhere warm, you don’t know what the weather will do. It might rain or the temperature might get quite chilly in the evenings. Make sure you bring a coat or a jacket that will keep you warm if this does happen.

If you’re travelling somewhere cooler or travelling in the winter, this thick coat with plenty of pockets will be perfect for both keeping you warm and storing your daily essentials. I have the yellow one and it’s so cosy.

I suggest bringing one light jacket for a warm trip, or a thick coat and something lighter for a winter trip.

Hoodie or Cardigan x 1-2

I never get on any flight without my favourite hoodie! Trust me, it can make even the most boring and long flights just that little bit more bearable.

I always bring a soft, cosy hoodie or a chunky, oversized cardigan. I’ve found that you can also drape this over yourself like a blanket if you get cold!

Tip: If you have chosen a chunky cardigan or hoodie, make this part of your aeroplane outfit, to avoid taking up extra space in your carry-on case!

Underwear 

Bring a couple of spare pairs. You never know when you might need them. 

Swimwear x 2

You can’t visit the beach without your bikini! And even if you’re travelling somewhere cooler, there are sometimes indoor pools to swim in or thermal outdoor baths to be explored – for example, in Iceland! So, make sure to pack your favourite one-piece or a pair of swimming shorts for men. 

Sunglasses x 1

I once made the mistake of forgetting these and had to make do with a cheap pair that dug into my nose for the entire trip. Do NOT forget to add sunglasses to your carry on packing list.

Even if you’re travelling somewhere cold, you’ll be surprised just how bright the sun can be. Also, I always make sure I have a good protective case to prevent them from getting damaged in my luggage. 

Compression Socks x 1

You should always travel with compression socks on long flights as they can really affect your legs and cause serious health issues. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a condition which causes blog clots and is commonly associated with long-haul air travel in cramped conditions.

It’s been shown that wearing compression socks can dramatically decrease air-travel passengers’ risk of developing DTV or swelling of the legs. These compression socks are comfy and will keep you safe on long flights.

Shoes x 2

The trick here is to wear your heaviest pair of shoes on your feet the day you fly! For example, I always like to bring a pair of simple trainers or comfortable shoes for walking in (depending on where I’m going).

If I’m heading somewhere warm, I’ll also bring a pair of comfortable sandals – I swear by my Ugg Goldenstars. And, if I’m going somewhere colder, I’ll also bring a good pair of winter boots – I love my Sorrel Caribu.

If possible, it’s usually a good idea to wear your heaviest pair of shoes on the flight. Especially if you’re travelling with just a carry-on case. Also, try to bring neutral colours that will go with everything. After all, bright red Converse and not likely to go with as much as a simple black pair!

Tip: I only ever take a maximum of 3 pairs of shoes with me when I’m travelling with a carry-on case. One pair of comfy shoes for walking, one pair of sandals or winter shoes, or hiking shoes (depending on where I’m going), and I might allow myself a third pair – only if the rest of my packing is light enough!

Freshen Up 

Shampoo and Conditioner

There are travel miniatures of every type of shampoo and conditioner imaginable these days. So, you likely won’t have to go without your favourite brand when you travel with just hand luggage.

I love OGX hair products which are made with organic ingredients, are sulfate-free and really good for curly hair. I also love Olaplex No. 6 for a moisturising leave-in treatment on the go.

Body wash 

If I’m totally honest, I don’t usually pack my own body wash. Most hotels will provide you with a few toiletries and, as hand luggage has a liquid limit,

I usually just leave body wash at home and use the one at the hotel. But if your accommodation doesn’t provide body wash, grab a miniature like this before you fly.

Toothbrush and paste 

I always bring this battery-operated toothbrush when I travel and it comes with a handy carry case so the head doesn’t get dirty. Your favourite toothpaste can usually be purchased as a miniature from most beauty stores. 

Roll-on Deodorant 

I love this natural, stick deodorant; it’s pretty good and doesn’t take up much space. 

Perfume 

Don’t bring your entire bottle with you. Instead, use these miniature perfume containers and fill one up with my favourite fragrance before you travel. That way, you can still smell amazing, and you’ll stay TSA-approved. 

Minimal Makeup – Waterproof Mascara, Tinted Moisturiser, Eye Cream 

I don’t like to bring a lot of makeup with me when I travel. Doing my make-up takes time and, if I’m travelling somewhere warm or swimming in the sea, then a lot of it will come off anyway!

But a few things that I do bring are SunSense Invisible Tint Finish moisturizer, to keep my face from becoming dry. It’s also SPF 50, which is a bonus. I also bring a good, waterproof and smudge-proof one like this that won’t give you panda eyes in the ocean!

Lip Balm 

This is another essential. There is nothing worse than cracked lips, in the heat or in the cold. I use Burt’s Bees All-Natural Weather Proof Lipbalm with SPF15 to keep my lips soft. 

Moisturiser / Suncream

A good moisturiser can double up as both a moisturiser and a suncream which helps save room in your toiletries bag. I love Heliocare 360 Oil-Free SPF50 Moisturiser. The perfect addition to a carry-on packing list if you want to prevent dry skin and stay safe from the sun.

Handcream

I always take a little tube of Crabtree and Evelyn hand cream with me wherever I go. The perfect travel size, it will fit discreetly in your day bag. It isn’t an oily hand cream either, so will leave your hands soft, smooth, and non-sticky.

Razor 

Because prickles are NOT fun! 

Hairbrush/Comb 

I love this Tangle Teaser and also always bring a wide-tooth comb to get out some of the major knots! 

Argon Oil 

If you have curly hair like me, then you’ll know exactly how tricky travelling in humidity can be! I use OGX Organic Moroccan Argon Oil to keep my hair frizz-free and feel silky smooth. 

Wipes 

Perfect for those long travel days, these RawOrganic facial wipes and hygiene wipes always come with me when I travel. Biodegradable and flush-friendly then can be a real lifesaver if you want to freshen up on a long flight or simply for removing your mascara after a day of exploring.

Pantyliners

Because it’s always better to be prepared! 

Hand Sanitizer 

It’s no secret that public transport, including aeroplanes, is often full of germs. This natural antibacterial hand sanitiser will prevent the spread of germs. Plus, if you’ve ever come across a delicious street food stall and can’t find a bathroom, you’ll know why hand sanitiser is essential! 

The Tech 

Smartphone 

To keep up with the ‘gram! 🙂 

Tablet 

My iPad is so useful on flights. I always make sure I have a few films or good TV episodes downloaded on Netflix, a few books ready to read and a couple of online games to play.

Who Wants to Be a Millionaire and The Chase can pass a fair amount of time on a long fight! And once you’ve had enough of them, head over to Netflix for a FRIENDS binge! 🙂

Headphones 

Sometimes you just need to sit back, relax and let the world go by. If you’re flying or taking a long train ride or want to actually watch that film you downloaded, you won’t want to forget your headphones. I love these wireless Airpods by Apple; they’re discreet and super comfortable. 

Power Bank 

I use my phone for directions a lot when I travel and iPhones aren’t known for their incredible battery life. That’s where this power bank comes in super handy!

When you travel with a carry-on, make sure to get a powerful, lightweight power bank because some of them can be seriously heavy. They can also be used for charging your camera too, which can be even more useful. 

Plugs and Adapters 

I swear by this multi-plug adapter and take it with me wherever I go. It covers every country around the globe, so I don’t need to buy a new adapter every time I go somewhere new. It also comes with a handy travel case and a couple of USB slots, so you can charge multiple things at once. 

Charging cables 

You’re going to have a hard time charging anything without the right cables. The amount of times I’ve gone somewhere and forgotten one of my charging cables is a little embarrassing! Always check your phone, tablet, and camera cables are all in your bag before you leave. 

Camera Gear

‘Photos are a flashback to a moment otherwise gone’! Travel photos are sometimes just as important as the actual memories you make.

Have you ever looked at a travel photo from a while ago and had all the memories come rushing back? I take my Fujifilm XT-30 with an 18x55mm optical lens everywhere with me.

I also bring my Go-Pro Hero 11 for great action shots and my Mavic Mini 3 Pro drone for the perfect aerial shots. Oh, and don’t forget your memory cards!

Feeling Peckish? 

Water 

Although you can’t actually take this through security, a water bottle is so important for long journeys. Your mouth can get seriously dry on long flights and the water on the plane can be very expensive. I always make sure to bring a reusable bottle with me, then fill it up at the airport before I board. 

Snacks 

Trust me when I say, that snacks are pretty necessary to add to your carry on packing list. I always get peckish even after the food has come out on a long haul and, on a short haul, £10 for a sandwich seems excessive! As such, I like to load up on snacks!

I love these protein granola bars and also bring a bag of sweet popcorn (not salted because that’ll make you thirsty) too. You could also bring crisps, protein bars, mixed nuts and fruit, cookies, and chocolate.

Light snacks are always better because they don’t leave you feeling bloated afterwards. These are just what I need during my flight! 

Mints 

Chewing gum on a plane can actually give you an upset tummy because of the air bubbles that get into your system. But a packet of mints can be just what you need after that aeroplane food! I like peppermints and usually bring a pack with me when I’m travelling.

Time to Relax 

Travel Pillow 

If you’ve not travelled with this travel pillow before, then you are missing out. Made from memory foam and super comfortable, this is the perfect addition to your carry on packing list.

Eye Mask and Ear Plugs 

The other great thing about this travel pillow is that it comes with both an eye mask and earplugs. Definitely bring these if you don’t already have them because they are actual lifesavers.

The plane will never get truly dark and I always find people can be super noisy which keeps me up. These will block everything out and actually allow you to get some zzz’s! 

Slippers 

I’ve mentioned that I always wear my heaviest shoes on the plane. Well, once the plane is in the air, I also like to change into these soft travel slippers for a bit more comfort.

Plus, even if you don’t use them on the plane, I’m not a fan of treading around my hotel room barefoot, so I use these slippers for the hotel too, 

The Little Extras 

Cable Holders 

With all the cables and headphones you bring when you travel, things can easily get tangled which can be incredibly annoying. This cable tidy is an essential on my carry on packing list. It keeps everything organised and neat, and you don’t have to spend hours untangling your wires! 

TSA Toiletries Bag 

I hate the flimsy liquid bags they give you at the airport. They always rip and I can never seem to fit quite enough in them. I always add this TSA-approved toiletries bag to my carry on packing list luggage, which also means I can organise all my liquids before I get to the airport. 

Tip: Keep this in your backpack, not your carry-on case. Liquids are usually pretty heavy and will take up a lot of weight in your case. Whereas, they don’t tend to weigh your backpack. Plus, you won’t have to open your case up to go through security.

Water Bottle 

Not only does this save the planet because you’ll be using less plastic, but it also saves you money. I always bring my favourite stainless steel bottle.

It keeps your water ice-cold for hours so it’s perfect for hot countries when you know you’ll be doing a lot of walking. It also keeps liquids hot for up to 12 hours, so is ideal for colder countries too.

Pen 

You never know when you might need a pen. From jotting down a booking number to writing down the name of a restaurant to remember it later, I always keep a pen handy in my day bag. 

Camera Strap 

Camera bags can be useful; however, it can be a little annoying getting the camera in and out of your bag when you want to take multiple photos. I love this vintage camera strap –it’s comfortable and means I can keep my camera handy around my neck when I might need it. Perfect for those unexpected photo opportunities! 

Extra Tips for Your Carry on Packing List

• Always wear your heaviest items of clothing to the airport. That way, you’ll have more room in your carry-on case and, if you get hot, you can always take those items off once you’re through security. 
• If your case is likely to be overweight, fill your pockets with anything heavy such as a power bank or camera. Once you’re through security, it won’t matter where you store things.  
• Keep your passport and important documents and liquids in the easiest accessible spots. This will make it as easy as possible to find them when you need them. 
• Pack anything you’ll likely need for the flight, like a tablet or phone, in your pockets or in a backpack or handbag. That way, you won’t need to start emptying your case before you start boarding. 
• Remember that there are no standard hand luggage allowances, so check the size of the airline you’re flying with before you fly.  
• Also, check the weight. Airlines normally allow 10kg of hand luggage but, you don’t want to be caught out if your airline doesn’t allow that much. 
• All liquids have to be under 100ml – if you bring more than this, they will simply be binned. 
• ‘Just in case’ items are likely dead space, so remove them if you need additional space. 

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