My Hand Luggage Essentials

I’ve been fortunate to travel quite a lot this year and some of my trips were quite last minute. I think one I had about 48 hours notice so I’ve tried my best at perfecting the art of packing under pressure. As with most things in life, I usually make a list for packing so I can plan out outfits and organise my hand luggage. Today’s post is a breakdown of all the essential items to take in your hand luggage.

I usually take a backpack as my hand luggage as it usually can fit a lot more in than a handbag, and it means I’ll be hands-free to wheel my suitcase. A backpack is also pretty handy whilst travelling anyway, I absolutely love this unicorn print one.

I also usually put a spare change of clothes in my hand luggage and underwear just in case my suitcase gets lost. These things do happen and *touch wood* it’s never happened to me but it’s best to be prepared. For the flight, I usually take either a snuggly cardigan or jumper, so I’m warm enough on the plane. If I’m heading to a warmer climate, sunglasses are an essential. Stepping off the plane as the heat hits you with your shades on; is there anything better than that?

You can’t guarantee food & drink on a flight, especially a short-haul flight, so I usually make sure I have some snacks. Also, don’t forget to pick up a couple of bottles of water in duty-free, it’s important to stay hydrated whilst you are in the air.

In the past, I’ve been on a long-haul flight without entertainment. It was my own fault for being unprepared and expecting a little screen. I make sure I have more than enough items to keep me preoccupied. From my iPad with games and movies, my iPod & headphones, my Kindle, magazines and even a couple of puzzle books. Even on short-haul flights, I have all of this with me. It might seem a bit excessive but I get quite fidgety and bored after an hour or two.

I guess the most important thing to bring with you is all of your important documents, such as tickets and passports. Keep them all safe in a little travel document holder; you can get some really lovely designs.  I love this Happy Jackson one. Basically, make sure you have everything important with you such as wallets, cards and generally all valuables. I also take my camera and laptop in my hand luggage as I wouldn’t want to lose them! Also, you need your camera for that typical up in the air with the plane wing shot.

What are your hand luggage essentials?

XOXO