We can always use expert packing tips! Many of us tend to overpack when traveling, and then regret carrying around so. much. stuff! Here at Dragon in Your Pocket, we see clients lugging large bags and backpacks, and missing the sights for worry over big bags.
But help is here! Based on my own years of travel experience, I’ve put together this handy series of 3 posts to show you how to pack sparingly but comprehensively for trips lasting from one night to a month.
In this post, I’ll cover packing tips so you know what to pack in your carry-on bag to make your flight and trip more pleasant.
Packing tips for your carry-on bag
- First on the list is your passport, as well as a change of clothing, if necessary (for late check-in).
- Consider something to naturally promote sleep on an overnight flight – think Dream Water sleep and relaxation shot, or dissolvable melatonin tablet, and the sleep kit from ThisWorks (as well as a lush eyemask – Liberty of London makes gorgeous masks), pillow (if your flight doesn’t offer a complimentary one), and quality headphones or earplugs.
- Don’t forget your clear bag for liquids. You can use a quart size Zip-loc, and remember that individual containers must be 100 ml or less.
- A full day of any medications you take (prescription or vitamin). You can package them in tiny bags available at a local craft store (look in the beading aisle).
- A wallet is a requirement – and these days, many people prefer an RFID-blocking one. Check out the wallet I use from Osgoode Marley. If you are traveling to a place that uses tap-in/tap-out cards, a tap wallet is helpful as well.
- If you’ll be using your mobile, bring an external battery. Anker offers a great selection for a reasonable price.
- A SIMcard holder is a useful addition – it’s easy and inexpensive to purchase a SIMcard in the country you’re traveling to and swap it out with your current one (as long as your phone is unlocked – be sure to check with your service provider if you are unsure). Most SIMcards are sold in the airport in vending machines or shops and can save you considerable money overpaying your native provider for international service.
- Those little extras: fluffy socks (mine are from The Vermont Country Store), eye pads (charcoal detox eye pads are great), and a moisturizing/refreshing spray will help you stay comfortable throughout your flight (as well as a book, whether paper or on your device, though all airlines offer comprehensive and extensive entertainment).
- Remember your personal or business cards, if you want to connect with people all over. Even if you are web-savvy, realize that many other people are not.
- Speaking of devices, next on the list of packing tips is your laptop, and all the wires with various jacks to fit your devices – lightning, micro-USB, etc. Of course, shops exist where you are headed, but why waste time shopping for forgotten items?
- To power all these devices, you’ll need a universal plug. This one at amazon also provides a USB jack.
- A mobile hotspot offers connectivity in nearly every spot on the globe – this list at PCMag reviews several.
Hope these packing tips have been helpful! And when you’re ready to travel, contact us to plan and book your trip.
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