Why make a packing list?
Creating a packing list before setting off on your travels is something most people overlook. Deciding on what to pack in a carry on can seem like a daunting task, even for short trips. Mainly because the content of your travel packing list will depend on whether you’re venturing away for a weekend or exploring the globe. Either way, it is essential to be fully prepared for whatever adventure you are embarking on. Having a packing checklist makes loading and unloading your bag a breeze, and means you can keep track of every item.
Typically on short trips, your carry-on bag can act as your main bag, but for longer trips, it will be an extra bag for your main luggage. When deciding on the ultimate packing list, we have decided to focus on carry-on luggage for short trips.
We share our ultimate packing list for your next holiday
What should be on your packing list?
We have broken our lists into three different categories, the essentials, the luxuries, and work stuff. Your list will differ slightly, but remember you have to be strict with yourself and pack as light as possible.
The essentials
- Medications – It is vital to keep your medicine on hand in your carry-on bag. It should be at the very top of your packing list.
- Travel document wallet – Keeping a copy of your travel documents is the best practice while traveling. So whether it’s tickets, itineraries, passports or phone numbers, having a paper copy gives you peace of mind and keeps you safe in an emergency.
- Local currency – Even if you have your credit card ready, it is always safer to have local currency available if you need to make an emergency purchase or find a shop that does not accept cards.
- Clothes – Even if it is just a short overnight trip or a half day return flight, it might be worthwhile packing an extra set of clothes in case of emergencies. A sudden downpour or clumsy moment can ruin your outfit in seconds, so a spare can save you time and money.
- Phone – Regardless of whether you are traveling domestically or internationally, have your phone on hand to contact people.
Need to wear a suit on a trip? We got you covered with our tips on how to pack a suit.
- Laptop – Many airlines now require you to keep your computer in your carry-on bag because of the internal battery. Also, you can download some shows and enjoy Netflix while you travel! Short-haul flights don’t always include entertainment, so it’s perfect for these types of trips.
- Headphones – Flights can be a minefield of noise, and a pair of in-ear noise-canceling headphones gives you some room to relax.
- Packing cubes – Use packing cubes to organize your clothes. These are particularly great for short trips where space in your bag is at a premium. You can have separate packing cubes for each category on your packing checklist.
- Travel insurance – Though not something you necessarily pack, make sure to protect yourself while on vacation and purchase travel insurance, you can’t be too careful.
The luxuries
- Toiletries – With most decent hotels providing toiletries for free and airline restrictions on the size of bottles, only add toilets to your carry on packing list if you have some spare room. If you must pack your favourite perfume or preferred cosmetics, travel size versions are ideal or even filling travel bottles (under 100ml) with your favourite shampoos or deodorants.
- Travel pillow – Travel in style with a neck pillow to keep you comfy on your flight and avoid a crooked neck.
- Eye mask and earplugs – You never know which time zone you may be flying through or whether you’ll be sat next to a snorer, bring these extra to get that much-needed rest on the plane.
- Foldable water bottle – Save on plastic waste and take a foldable water bottle. Getting them through security is a breeze, their compact size saves space, and you can fill up for free at airport water fountains.
- A Pen – The fun part about traveling is you never know what may come next. Add a pen to your travel packing checklist to fill out some tricky paperwork, or to jot down your thoughts.
- Camera – For all you photo enthusiasts that need a little more punch than an iPhone can provide, be sure to save some space for your camera.
Work stuff
- Portable Hotspot – If you need a reliable and secure internet connection while away, bring a Wifi hotspot.
- Power Bank – Your phone and laptop won’t be much use without any battery a power bank will help you keep your devices alive. Due to more stringent regulations, there are restrictions on the capacity of the power bank, but a good rule of thumb to follow is that if the rated power is less than 100Wh, power banks can be carried without approval; power banks with the power between 100Wh and 160Wh can be carried after approval of air carrier. However, we recommend checking to make sure your flight allows it.
- Adapter Plug – Adapters are an essential item on your international travel packing list and mean you won’t have to search the shelves for a local plug while you’re away.
Your packing list for different trips
What to pack in your carry on will depend entirely on the length of your trip. Those of you traveling the world should pack all your clothes in your main luggage and leave ample room in your carry-on for the essentials.
If you are heading away on a short weekend trip, you can spare some more room for luxury items and leave your laptop at home. Splash out on some new clothes and leave your work stuff at home if you are looking to relax. For work trips, maybe ease off on the luxury items and consider the demands of your job and what extra work items may be required.
Deciding on a packing list
Creating a travel packing list before you start guarantees you’ll have the essentials in case of an emergency. After that, what to pack in your carry on comes down to the little luxuries you want to afford yourself. Before creating your packing list, you should consider the type of bag you have, a wheelie case provides far more space than a rucksack or handbag, so keep that in mind.
