Soon, travel will open in Australia, and millions of people will resume travelling. Whether they’re business travellers or tourists, most of them will rely on a suitcase to carry their essential personal belongings. However, what carry-on essentials do you really need for a successful trip? Here’s my list of what I consider to be my travel essentials.
First things first, your passport is the most critical carry-on essential if you’re travelling internationally, and of course, you’ll need to carry your passport with you at all times. Also, it’s a good idea to have a copy of your passport, just in case you lose it while travelling.
One of the most important things you can do for yourself is to get the required vaccines for your destination to stay healthy; else, you’re putting yourself at risk of severe illnesses that might ruin your holiday. Get more information on the Smartraveller website.
…Vaccinate yourself against diseases that are a risk in your destination. If a travel warning is in place for a vaccine-preventable disease, get vaccinated against it. You may need proof of certain vaccinations to enter and exit some countries. Some airlines and cruise lines require evidence before you board – Smartraveller…
I always pack some essential toiletries in my carry-on – a toothbrush, deodorant, and lip balm (with SPF). Of course, you can always pick these up at your destination, but it’s much easier to bring the essentials with you.
Microfibre towels are super lightweight, dries quickly, and folds up into a tiny little pouch. It’s great for travel because it’s easy to pack and wash. In addition, a microfibre towel is a great tool to have for cleaning your eyeglasses and smartphones.
Hand sanitiser is a fantastic invention. Of course, these days, we all know how essential it is to wash your hands regularly to protect against illness, but what do you do when you don’t have access to a sink or water? That’s where hand sanitiser comes in. It’s convenient, portable, and it’s really good at killing germs.
Bring extra batteries for your electronics to not monopolise outlets. For the sake of everyone on your trip, make sure you bring extra batteries and chargers for your electronics and make sure to not dominate the outlets. It’s a good idea to ask for a power strip at your hotel or bring a power strip from home.
If you have trouble sleeping on flights, particularly long flights, you need to invest in a good pair of earplugs or noise-cancelling earphones as they are vital for restful sleep. If you’re like me and like listening to music or podcasts while you’re travelling, then noise-cancelling earphones are the obvious choice. They’re the best option for blocking out ambient noise and allow you to listen to your music at a lower volume.
I always have my refillable water bottle with me. Drinking water is vital for your health and skin, and it’s so easy to forget to drink water throughout the day, especially when travelling. In addition, using a refillable water bottle is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint.
Baby wipes travel incredibly well and are great for wiping germs off a plane tray, in a public bathroom, or anywhere. In addition, baby wipes are great for cleaning up spills, cleaning your hands, anything you need to wash with water. I like to buy those with a lid that can click close, so the wipes stay moist longer.
Packing cubes are perfect for keeping your clothes and essentials organised when you’re travelling. They allow you to separate your dirty clothes from your clean clothes, organise your outfits for each day, and have a place for all of your toiletries. Many people who travel, especially long-term, swear by packing cubes, and I agree entirely. Packing cubes make it easier to pack because you can fit more in, plus it is easier to find what you are looking for on the go.
Last but certainly not least, the most important essential for travel is the people you travel with. If you travel with good people, you’re more likely to have a good time. That’s why it’s essential to connect with like-minded people you like to travel with.