Pack Like a Pro for International Travel
Have you ever wondered what to pack in your carry-on bag? Forget about travel or packing “hacks”. The very best way to get the most out of your travel is to pack your bags so that you have what you need when you need it. Your carry-on bag is more than just the overflow from your checked bag. It’s virtually all of the items that you couldn’t possibly get by without. Having traveled several times a year (mostly internationally) for more than a decade, I’ve learned by trial and error what to include in my bag. I’ve also taken a few tips from my fellow travel experts. Here are the “must have” items that are in our carry-on bags (and what should probably be in yours):
- Passport, with at least 6 months of validity beyond your date of return. Check it before every trip, and don’t ever put in in your checked bag (yes, this has happened!).
- Travel documents. All of your airline confirmations, hotel vouchers, travel insurance plan information.
- Cash. You should know ahead of time how much cash you’ll need for your trip and in what form of currency to carry it.
- Jewelry. Keep any valuable jewelry with you in your carry-on. Don’t travel with anything that you couldn’t bear to lose.
- Sunglasses and reading glasses. You may need them en route or want them when you arrive at your destination.
- Medications (including any prescriptions) in their original containers. Be aware that some medications, such as Sudafed, are illegal in other countries, therefore, you should always check before you pack.
- Phone, laptop, e-reader, camera. You’ll want these when traveling, and putting them in your checked bag would be asking for trouble.
- Cables and chargers. They’re small and you may need them en-route to your destination, especially if you are delayed.
- Power Bank. These always come in handy for charging devices that are running on low battery. Please note that lithium batteries are prohibited in your checked bag.
- Make up and essential toiletries (liquids under 3.4 oz). Freshen up while traveling, and, if you’re separated from your checked bag, you’ll have these essentials on hand. See rules for traveling with liquids here.
- Pen. For filling out any forms that are distributed en route to your international destination.
- Sweater, pashmina, or travel blanket. Planes are cold, and the travel blankets on the plane are frequently “reissued”.
- Travel Pillow. If you can rest, you’ll want to pack your own pillow.
- Snacks, gum, or mints. Flights are long and the food served is not always edible or to your liking.
- Spare clothes. If you’re bumped from a flight or your luggage is lost, you’ll be happy that you have packed a fresh shirt and underwear in your carry-on.
- Antibacterial Hand Wipes. The dirtiest part of the airplane is the tray table. Wipe your hands and the table if you’ll be using it.
- Sunscreen (under 3.4 oz), bathing suit, and sandals (for beach vacations). If you arrive at your hotel earlier than the designated check-in time, your room may not be ready, and you’ll be better able to enjoy the wait, if you’re prepared.
Having all of these items in your carry-on will make for a smoother trip. Leave a comment if there’s something we missed!
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Photo by Thomas Martinsen on Unsplash