With budget airlines constantly clamping down on carry-on weight and changing size limits, do you ever wonder what important things are a priority in your carry on travel bag, and what needs to be left out?
These days, budget travelers and backpackers alike have to make important decisions on what’s top priority in the valuable, real-estate of our tiny carry-on bag space – unless you’re paying extra for checked luggage, of course.
And sure enough, your little overhead backpack / suitcase is bursting to the brim meeting these ridiculous airline requirements, and you’ve only just packed your toiletries and makeup so far, and a few other things.
But worry not – this guide lists the essentials for a comfortable plane journey. And if you’re worried about space in your bag, check out the amazing hack on #11 that shows you how to bypass the cabin restrictions!
And here’s another tip: instead of folding your clothes in your bag, roll them, for more space.
So, what should I put in my carry on bag?
In this post, I’ve compiled the ultimate air travel carry-on essential checklist – including the must-have items for both short and long haul flights, whilst keeping the packing as light and minimalist as possible.
Suitable for travelers of all types, this list has been fine-tuned through seven years of travelling to 40+ countries (many of them more than once), through trial and error – eliminating useless items whilst also being sustainable and eco-friendly where possible.
Scroll on to read the ultimate checklist of essentials for international travel – for the smoothest and most convenient experience, whether a short-hop journey or a long-haul flight.
Table of Contents
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30 Ultimate Must Have Carry-On Essentials (2023 Edition)
The Perfect Carry-on Bag
First and foremost, you need a strong and reliable carry-on bag that will accommodate everything you need. You’ll want to make sure this bag can fit as much as possible – without compromising on protection, and just as importantly – it needs to be comfortable to carry around.
#1. A good backpack:
For those trips where a backpack is more convenient than a suitcase – where its a month-long adventure or a day trip, or city-hopping even.
I used to travel with a top-loading backpack for years, and found them inconvenient due to fumbling around trying to get stuff out, without having to take everything out first.
These days, I always use a clamshell design backpack – which means I can lay the bag down and unzip it all the way open for complete access to everything packed inside – SO much more convenient!
The Bare Essentials
#2. Passport, visas, ID and travel documents
#3. Cash and bank / top-up travel cards
#4. Travel Insurance
For added security and peace of mind, don’t leave home without good travel insurance by World Nomads. Take it from me – what’s the worst that could happen? Well, on my first trip to Mexico I got electrocuted in a hostel (yes, seriously). I flicked a light switch in a dark bathroom and felt a sharp burn travel from my finger all the way up my arm, as if it caught fire (you can read about that in this post).
#5. Travel documents and itineraries
I used to print out all my travel documents and itineraries and store them in a plastic folder for backup incase I should ever need them.
These days though, while some documents are required in printed form, the rest I simply store on my phone – I have email copies and I use the TripIt and Rome2Rio vacation organiser apps for my itineraries and I keep screenshots of my passport, ID, visas etc. in my camera roll for copies. And remember to bring your driver licence if you’re planning to rent a car abroad. It also doubles as a valid ID, so you can leave your passport at your hotel/Airbnb.
#6. Collapsible Water Bottle
I invested in one of these due to my frustration at plastic waste, and those tiny airplane cups certainly add to this global issue.
Enter the BPA free, FDA approved Kemier Collapsible Silicone Water Bottle 750ML. This collapsible silicone water bottle is perfect for refilling and reusing while out on your travels, eliminating the need to buy small plastic water bottles – which saves you money on your trips whilst being very environmentally-friendly.
#7. Hand Lotion (that doesn’t count as a liquid)
Sometimes it’s handy to have some lotion for when your skin dries and cracks in extreme climates.
The best lotions are the organic, natural ones with ZERO toxic chemicals in them. And Shea butter is one of the healthiest and best things you could put on your skin. That’s why I use Organic Raw Shea Butter by Dr. Shea.
#8. Tissues & Hand Sanitiser
Tissues in case of runny noses and wiping up messes, and a decent 99.99% anti-bacterial Carex hand sanitizer to clean your hands regularly, of course.
It goes without saying the importance of carrying one of these in the post-pandemic era. And just as importantly, you’ll need to use them both when you board the plane and arrive at your seat, and I’ll tell you why:
The fold down table is one of the filthiest parts of a plane!
So yep – squirt your hand sanitiser all over the table, leave it a minute or so, and wipe it up with a Travel Tissue. (Make sure you have plenty of tissues and hand sanitiser for your trip). Buy Travel Size Hand Sanitizer on Amazon
Be sure to get a pouch for your sanitizer too. For conveninece, get a sanitizer pouch that clips onto the outside of your purse or day bag, so it’s within easy reach. Sanitizer Bottle Keychain Holder
#9. Sustainable Wet Wipes
The Biodegradable Baby Wipes are a really useful carry on addition, especially for long haul flights.
#10. Snacks and Water
Make sure you bring a snack or two, to avoid going hungry. Many short haul flights don’t provide food, and the snacks on long haul flights tend to be expensive.
And always bring water. Snacks that work well on flights include whole fruits and nuts (but avoid salted nuts which will make you thirsty). Protein Bars also work well. Other suitable snacks are whole grain salads and dark chocolate.
Important Travel Gadgets & Electronics
#11. Your phone
I use an Apple iPhone 13 which not only keeps me connected to the internet while abroad, I also store my itineraries, payment cards (in Apple Wallet) and my travel documents and QR codes as screenshots on the camera roll, so they can be scanned, with no need to print them.
#12. A universal SIM Card
#13. A Universal Travel Plug
The All-In-One Universal Travel Plug is super useful for visitors from anywhere in the world going to virtually any country. It features several USB ports to charge all your travel gadgets simultaneously.
#14. A Powerbank / Travel Charger
Following number 4, the power bank/travel charger is an absolute essential travel item. With newer iPhone models coming with ever shorter battery lifespans, I don’t need to explain its importance.
The Anker PowerCore 20100 – Ultra High Capacity Power Bank quite simply ticks all my most important boxes when it comes to choosing the best power bank. It has a huge (20,100mAh) capacity, which means you can charge everything a few times during one full charge.
And don’t forget: bring at least two charger cables – a short (1m) cable for your carry-on, like this one (iPhone) or this one (Android), that’s more convenient for charging from your power bank on the plane, and an extra-long (3m) cable packed in checked luggage – like this one for iPhone, or this one for Android.
#15. VPN (Virtual Private Network)
Comfort & Entertainment
#16. Hardside Wheel Luggage
Sometimes a four-wheeled suitcase is just more convenient than a backpack, depending on the trip.
For a city break or a business trip – if you’re leaving the suitcase in the hotel for the duration of the trip, then this is perfect.
I use my Amazon Basics Hardside Expandable Suitcase, which not only has a hard protective, scratch-resistance shell, but can also expand with up to 15% extra space, not bad.
#17. A Super Comfy Travel Pillow
I always find I can never get any sleep on flights, especially on long haul ones.
At best, I can just about manage 20 minutes of uninterrupted sleep towards the end of a 9-hour flight, and even then, my neck is aching afterwards.
#18. Multi-Purpose Infinity Scarf
Wherever I go abroad, I always bring a multi purpose scarf – even if I’m going on a summer vacation somewhere hot, the plane journey will still be cold.
Thats why I wear the unisex lightweight infinity scarf, and this one even has a concealed zipper compartment where you can store your valuables.
If I’m going somewhere cold, like my trips to north India, I opt for the bigger cashmere blanket that really keeps me warm.
#19. A reliable pair of Headphones or Earphones
A must-have for listening to your music, podcasts, audiobooks, and movies on those long flights.
From my experience of trying various types of earphones, I like to find a balance between high quality and affordability. Strong bass is important for me personally (due to my hearing loss), and wireless bluetooth is much less hassle than cable earphones.
Earphones:
My personal preference are the Beats Flex Wireless Earbuds – packed with top quality sound, heavy bass, and very importantly they don’t leak any noise, which is perfect for me so I can turn the volume right up without annoying the passengers seated next to me.
Headphones:
#20. A decent Camera
My camera of choice is a high quality compact mirrorless camera that’s perfect for vacations.
I used to bring a bulky and heavy Canon DSLR on my trips in the past, but it was too much hassle for someone who wants to take quick and easy snaps without having to change lens.
#21. Bendy Tripod Phone Holder
#22. iPad/Tablet and Protective Case
I rely on my iPad Pro for watching the occasional Netflix show, but mostly for working on my travel blog. Apple iPad Pro on Amazon
Health, Beauty, Care & Medicines
#23. Lip Balm
If you get dry, chapped lips like I do, then you’ll know of all dry places, plane cabins are no different.
In trying to be more sustainable and eco-friendly, I use a natural, organic lip balm, that isn’t full of chemicals that are harmful to myself or to the environment when I chuck it out.
#24. Roll-on Deodorant
Again, I prefer to use natural and organic products especially when it comes to roll-on deodorants.
I used to buy popular brands but became conscious of the carcinogenic chemicals being absorbed into my body.
#25. Toothbrush & Toothpaste
Another essential item for long haul flights, I always bring my plastic-free, bamboo toothbrush along with organic natural toothpaste.
#26. Facial Oil Blotting Rice Paper
#27. General Medications
Organisation & Security
#28. Fanny Pack/Bumbag or Flight Bag
I used to wear my Mini Travel Bag a few years ago and it’s quite fashionable. These days though, I prefer to wear a fanny pack/bumbag.
Mini Flight Bag or Fanny Pack/Bumbag?
If I’m going somewhere where I’ll be walking around the city or tourist traps, and there’s a high risk of theft, I wear my bumbag – because it’s virtually impossible to steal. Not even thieves on bikes can steal your bumbag, but there is a chance they can snatch your mini flight bag – and this does happen.
If you opt for the The Mini Flight Bag, I like to use my Eastpak The One Messenger Bag.
Another great thing about these mini bags/bumbelts is that they are allowed as an extra carry-on bag because they are on your person.
#29. A Hidden Money Belt
If you’re looking for something more discreet than the fanny pack/bumbag, the Hidden Money Belt lets you stash your money away in a secret compartment thats safely tucked within an innocent looking belt.
#30. An Organiser Tech Bag
If you’re like me, cables and small items get muddled up in your carry on bag and cause a fuss when you’re trying to separate them, and its just too much hassle fumbling around the bag looking for a battery or a cable.
Enter the BUBM Travel Accessories Carry Case – the solution to storing all your cables, tech gear and accessories neatly in one place!
It consists of two compartments and plenty of mesh pockets, zip compartments and elastic loops, can hold an iPad Mini and mirrorless cameras as well as various other gadgets, and stores all your cables, batteries, memory sticks and portables etc. neatly in place.
Don’t forget to book travel insurance
It kinda goes without saying really that when you travel the world, travel insurance is super important.
I never always bothered though. For years I travelled without insurance as I thought, “what could happen?”
Well, I once got my bag stolen in Vietnam and I had an electric shock in a hostel bathroom in Mexico. What if you’re hiking up a mountain and your appendix suddenly bursts, leaving you in excruciating pain and requiring emergency treatment? Anything could happen.
Carry-on bag over the weight limit? Worry not!
Sick of budget airlines constantly changing their carry on allowance policy every 5 minutes? Determined to bring all your stuff on your trip without being charged a hefty fee by those sly airlines?
As someone once said: Don’t get mad, get even.
This multi pocket vest was designed specifically to outsmart crafty budget airlines that are constantly trying to squeeze money out of unsuspecting budget travellers, forcing them to pay ridiculous non-budget prices on their fares.
Since airline policies don’t include weight and items on a customer’s body, this made me wonder how I could carry additional stuff on my person, if my carry on was over the limit.
I stumbled across the perfect jacket – equipped with huge pockets and components that you can stuff with iPads, laptops, cameras, heck even extra footwear – you name it, it will fit in this jacket that doubles as a bag!
How To Use The Bagket Vest:
- Fill up with 15kg of baggage, and carry over your shoulder
- Put the jacket through the scanner at security
- At the departure gate, wear the jacket to board the plane
- On board the plane, put the jacket under your seat.
Top Travel Tips: Advice for Short & Long Haul Flights
Stay hydrated
This is one of the most important pieces of advice for travelling on a plane, especially on long haul flights. Always bring your bottle of water on board.
Important documents
Keep these on your person at all times, and that means while you’re seated too (don’t stash them in the overhead compartment.) If you can, keep your documents in a separate compartment from your money, gadgets and other essentials. Consider the Travel Wallet and the Eastpak Bum Bag for ideal organisation.
Keep your most important belongings on you at all times
Again, don’t stash things like your travel money, mobile, jewellery, camera, and other valuable items in the overhead compartment. Keep them in your flight bag if possible. If you have large expensive gear in the overhead – make sure you can directly keep an eye on it whenever someone opens the compartment.
Keep yourself busy
Make use of entertainment options available. As well as your earphones for music, read books, play games or watch movies from your tablet.
Bring a snack or two
Make sure you have snacks to avoid going hungry. Many short haul flights don’t provide food, and the snacks on long haul flights tend to be expensive.
- Nuts – Especially almonds. Avoid salted nuts which will make you thirsty.
- Fruit – whole fruits (bananas, apples etc) or dried fruit with no added sugar work well and won’t cause a mess.
- Protein Bars – Clif Bars work well as do fruit and nut bars. Just check the nutritional information because many bars are loaded with sugar and artificial ingredients.
- Whole Grain Salads – d’Arabian recommends quinoa-based salads with olive oil. Unlike leafy green salads, they won’t wilt.
- Dark Chocolate – For enduring a 12-hour flight, you could do with a treat.
Dress appropriately
Commonly Asked Questions
Plan ahead with this list of must-have carry-on essentials for long flights:
- Valuables – Passport, ID, travel documents, cash and bank cards
- Travel wallet and passport holder
- Hand sanitiser and tissues
- Snacks and water
- Collapsible water bottle
- Power bank / phone charger and cables
- Sustainable wet wipes
- Noise-cancelling earphones
- A super comfy travel pillow
- iPad / tablet / Kindle for reading and watching movies
- Lip balm
- Toothbrush, toothpaste and facial wipes
- A bumbag or flight bag
- Organiser tech bag
The following is a list of items that are completely banned from aircraft and should not be brought to the airport:
- Explosive and incendiary materials
- Party poppers
- Acids
- Flammable liquids
- Tear gas devices or gas cylinders
- Non-safety matches
- Wet-cell car batteries
- Oxidisers and organic peroxides
- Poisons
- Instruments containing magnets
- Toy/replica guns
- Infectious materials
- Firelighters, lighter fuel, paints or thinners
- Corrosives
Here’s a list of 10 must-have essential things to pack for travelling on short flights:
- Hand sanitiser and tissues
- Some snacks and water
- Travel wallet and passport holder
- Collapsible water bottle
- Sustainable wet wipes
- Lip balm
- Power bank / phone charger and cables
- Noise-cancelling earphones
- High quality compact camera
- iPad / tablet / Kindle for reading and watching movies
And there you have it – the ultimate carry on travel essentials packing guide fit for every traveller.
Now that you know what to pack in carry-on for international flight – you can expect stress free journeys, neatly organised trips and enjoy smooth travel experiences with pure convenience, all while being eco-friendly, healthy and happy!
- Going abroad soon? Check out my post: How To Plan For A Vacation (and download my FREE printable travel checklist)
- Read up on my Top 10 Ways To Save Money For Travel to learn how I saved over $1000 in one month
Download your FREE 20-page Travel Planner Guide
Book Your Trip: Budget Tips & Tricks
Flights: As always, I source the cheapest flights on the web from Skyscanner and Kiwi.com. They are considered the top flight search engines for the best deals.
Accommodation: I use Booking for the best hotel deals and HostelWorld for the cheapest stays. If you’re considering Airbnb, be sure to check Vrbo to find cheaper vacation stays.
SIM cards: DrimSim is a universal SIM card that isn’t tied to an operator and works in any country/region.
Travel Insurance: Stay protected from theft, injury, illness, and cancellations. A safety net in case anything goes wrong, I never leave without it. World Nomads is my favourite agent for total peace of mind.
Tours & Excursions: I book all my fave activities and guided tours on Get Your Guide & Viator – they do superb deals whilst offering excellent customer support.
Renting a car? I always use DiscoverCars, make sure you book your car hire in advance. For airport transfers, I use KiwiTaxi for the best deals.
Need to store your luggage in a locker? Use Radical Storage to store your stuff in a locker in any city for just $5 per day.
Head over to my Travel Tools page for all my best travel tips & advice and everything you need for your trip.
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