Here are my 10 carry-on travel essentials. Over the years the list changes as travel changes. Preparing ahead for a successful trip never changes.
- Vaccination documents. I printed a copy of the travel documents and organized them in a duo-tang folder. We had them electronically, but it is far easier to hand over a printed booklet organized with tabs to customs or airline officials. Especially when the officials are behind a plexi-glass divider.
- Travel package sanitizing wipes and a pack of tissues. Whether cleaning up after a meal or cleaning an area to sit we found them very useful.
- Extra Masks. Times have changed due to Covid. Several medical grade masks that are comfortable is a must. I like having my mask on a leash so I can let it hang while I eat or drink. 2019 I was on a flight from Vancouver to Hong Kong. One of the passengers became very sick. The stewardess attending to the passenger put on a mask. Passengers around the sick passenger began to request a mask. When the stewardess ran out of disposable masks passengers began to grumble about their rights to be provided a mask to wear. How dare the airline run out of masks. How times change!
- The cables, adapters, and the charging block. Packing cubes have been on the market for a while. I found one that fit our electronic charging accessories perfectly.
- Power bank for charging phones. I picked up a power bank to charge phones a few years ago and it has worked amazing. It charges a phone quicker than the plug-in adapter. I keep it in an outside pocket on my travel pack. I take it out to go through security. They don’t ask for the power bank to be removed but every time I don’t I end up in secondary screening.
- Two days of clothing. I have had my checked baggage delayed so often it is better to assume I will arrive without my checked bags. I found a packing cube that fits my travel bag perfectly. It is so much easier to dig something out when my clothes are in a packing cube. So much easier at security if selected for secondary screening.
- Toiletry bag. I use a Tumi bag that is airline approved for liquids and gels. I include medications for the trip (never in checked baggage). Shaving needs, toothpaste, and deodorant.
- Be security ready. Plan for security by preparing ahead. Slip-on shoes are so much easier especially for flights over the US as shoes must be removed and x-rayed. Comfortable pants with a plastic belt buckle or no belt. I have comfortable cotton dress pants with an elastic waist that are my favorite. I also like to wear a sport coat as it gives me pockets for coins, watch and boarding pass. Comes off quick to go through x-ray. Remember that security is different every time you go through. This is by design. By being a little unpredictable makes it more secure. Items that didn’t have to come out one time may need to another time.
- Professional attire if you want to be upgraded. I have found I am more likely to get moved up a class on a flight if you dress like you belong there. They don’t pick scruffy people wearing sweats and move them up. How you look and act goes a long way in how you are treated in the entire travel experience. Look professional and smile!
- Something to do. A book or magazine. I take my iPad. Remember to download at home what you want to watch. I bring noise cancelling headphones and cords to connect. Some Asian airlines to not allow the use of Bluetooth headphones. On long flights I find using the cord for my headphones rather than Bluetooth saves battery life. On long flights I enjoy binge watching TV Series that I downloaded ahead of time. Most streaming platforms like Netflix allow you to download content onto your tablet for personal viewing.