You have researched, booked and are now at the packing stage of your big overseas adventure. This is your guide for what to pack in your carry-on luggage, the essentials, and the extras.

Every airline has strict weight limits, for checked baggage and carry on. For good reason too, the plane must be perfectly balanced before takeoff. The size of your actual bag is taken into consideration as well, I have counted over 100 airlines and most of them have different rules as to the size of the luggage. The best advice I can give is to check the airline when booking your tickets and make sure you are familiar with the size guide. Backpacks are a safe option, they usually squish into the overhead compartment and fill fit the essential items you need.

To make your flight a comfortable one without paying excess fees follow our guide to packing your carry-on luggage and see here for how to avoid overpacking your checked luggage.

Don’t forget that all of your liquids, areoles and gels must be in a see-through bag when you pass through security and every single container must NOT be more than 100mls

Passport

This might be a no brainer but you won’t get far without it. Make sure there is at least 6 months validity on it from the date that you plan to return home. Basically, the last 6 months of a passport is useless.

Visa/ electronic visa documentation

PLEASE check your visa requirements before getting to the airport. Most places these days will accept electronic versions but some still like printed.

Wallet, Cash, Credit cards, Cash passports

Check out how to travel with your money for some more tips.

Your Travel Itinerary

There are some fantastic apps out there these days that you can load your full itinerary onto. What happens if your phone goes flat and you don’t have access to a charger? Print a copy and keep it with you

Eye mask & earplugs

There are so many lights and distractions on a plane. In order to get some shut-eye to do yourself a favour take a mask and earplugs/earphones to drown it out.

PEN

This one should be at the top of the list – you will most defiantly need a pen to complete immigration cards on board the plane.

Hand Sanitiser

Keep covid (and germ) safe

Face wipes

After 8-12 hours of flying a simple face, a wipe is a saving grace

Lip balm and moisturizer

Being at such a high altitude our skin will dry out and become uncomfortable. Take a mini lip balm and moisturizer for that instant relief.

Headphones

Most preferably Noise cancelling, make sure you have the adapter to connect to the planes entertainment system

Tablet/iPad and Charging Cords

Make sure you download your movies prior to boarding the plane. Most airlines now offer a USB charging point so ensure you take your power cord.

Daily medications and Vitamins

Ensure you have enough of your medication to last the duration of your transit time, also make sure you take your vitamins with you. Stay fit and strong. 

Toiletries

Do yourself a favour and take a small toothbrush, toothpaste and a roll-on deodorant. You will feel a mission bucks with a little face wipe and clean teeth.

A scarf or extra jumper

Planes get extremely cold as you can be sitting for long periods of time so take a large scarf that can double as a blanket

Anything that is of value to you!

Keep it close to you and do not put it in your check luggage