Things You Should Always Pack In Your Carry On Case

1. Passport and ID

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We've all experienced that fear while travelling when we don't know where we've put our passport. It's your most valuable travel companion, so the safest place for it is in your carry-on luggage - who knows what could happen to your hold suitcase on a flight across the world? Even better, carry it close to your body, in an inside jacket pocket or bum bag.

2. Cash and credit cards

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Even though most of us can pay for things with our phones nowadays, many of us still carry credit cards and other payment cards with us when travelling. As with your passport, it would be a nightmare were these to disappear with your hold luggage on a flight, so keep them with you.

3. Medication

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All airlines specifically tell passengers to keep medication in your carry on - even if you don't need to take it during the duration of your flight. This ensures that, in case of an emergency, you have access to it, and that it's not lost with hold luggage. If you need to carry quite a lot (for a long trip, for example), you could also split your medication into both your hold luggage and carry on.

4. A change of clothing

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It's not always the end of the world if you hold luggage is delayed. Chances are, it'll turn up from the airline in a couple of days. However, it's not especially pleasant to have to live in one set of clothes for more than 24 hours, and it's not always possible to buy clothing at your destination, depending on where you're travelling to. So, keep a change of underwear and an extra t-shirt with you in case of emergency.

5. Flip flops

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Flip-flops are a must-have if you're travelling to a sunny destination, but even if that's not the case, they're still incredibly useful to have in your carry on luggage. It means you can take a shower at the airport if your transfer flight is delayed, and offers a more comfortable change of shoes for if you're stuck somewhere for a while.

6. Entertainment

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This might be one of the most important things in your carry on, especially for long flights! Don't forget to carry things like a book, an e-reader, or games console with you - it can get pretty uncomfortable and boring just staring out the window for 10 hours. And remember, you can also download Netflix episodes onto your phone or tablet for offline viewing!

7. Phone charger

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Nothing worse than arriving at your destination with a completely empty phone battery. What are you meant to do then? How can you access maps? Or, god forbid, travel tickets that are held on your phone?! Keep your phone charger with you at all times in your carry on luggage, so you can give it that extra boost when needed.

8. Other travel documents

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It's not just your passport that you'll need for travelling, necessarily. For many countries, you'll also need visa documents and health information (like vaccine information) to enter your destination country. This is useless in your hold luggage - you won't get that until you've already gone through security - so keep it in your carry on in a safe place.

9. Valuables

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Carrying things you don't really want to get lost or stolen? Even if you have travel insurance that covers your hold luggage items, it's just safer to keep them in your carry on in the airplane with you. Valuables can include things like jewellery, cash, electronics, or important documents.

10. Toothbrush and toothpaste

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On a long flight, even just brushing your teeth can make you feel more put together - it can also help you to wake up at your destination. So, make sure to carry a toothbrush and toothpaste (less than 100ml, remember!) in you carry-on luggage. These days, you can even get nifty travel toothbrushes that fold away so you don't have to worry about space in your backpack.

11. Antibacterial wipes

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As much as they like to tell us that airplanes are clean, it's simply the truth that thousands of people have sat in that seat before you. If you're a bit of a germaphobe (or just don't want to pick up a travel cold), keep some antibacterial wipes handy so you can give your airplane area a little wipe down once you get settled in.

12. Face wash

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Whether you're travelling over night or during the day, a long flight is tiring - and the weird air pressure in the cabin can easily dry your skin out. So, keep some face wash with you to cleanse your skin just before you drift off to sleep or once you've arrived at your destination. Some face cleaners come in handy little sachets, and remember that wipes don't count as a liquid like a water-based cleanser would.

13. Snacks

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Airplane food: some people swear by it, and some people refuse it every time. It really depends who you're flying with, but it's certainly not good to entirely rely on the meal you'll get on the plane. Pack a range of snacks with you to help combat any hunger and boredom.

14. Toiletries

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Toiletries are a must for your carry on luggage. It means you can top up your makeup before you land, and give yourself a little spritz of perfume to make you feel more awake and refreshed. However, if you're planning on packing these in your carry on, rememeber that they have to be under 100ml each and be packed in a clear plastic bag.

15. Eye mask

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It's hard to sleep on a plane - you really have to pack every little tool to make it easier for you. An eye mask is a must-have, not only for if you want to sleep but also to give your eyes a little break from the dry air in the cabin. It means you won't have to do what this guy is doing - which doesn't look super comfy.

16. Pillow

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If you are on a long flight in economy (with a distinct lack of a fancy bed seat), a pillow is a complete necessity. Try and get an ergonomic pillow that will help prevent any dodgy neck twinges after a few hours of napping, and look for something comfy - like this, preferably!

17. Compression socks

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Compression socks aren't always a priority for travellers, especially if your flight is under 5 hours or so. But for longer travel days, they're a must. Compression socks help improve your blood circulation around your lower legs and feet, which can prevent you getting painful, swollen feet.

18. An extra fleece

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Where do you stand with flight fashion? Always slightly dressed up, or sweatpants every time? Wherever you land, play it safe and pack an extra sweater or hoodie with you. You can never really tell how warm or cold it's going to be on a plane, but not feeling comfortable with make it harder to relax and sleep.

19. Bottle of water

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It's so important to stay hydrated on a flight. The air pressure can dry out your skin quickly, not to mention you risk getting a headache if you don't keep your water intake up. If you can, bring a reusable water bottle with you, as this mean you can refill between transfers or once you get to your destination.

20. Pens

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Now, this isn't something that people always remember when travelling, but it always helps to keep a pen in your bag. In some cases, you may have to fill out personal information at security for your visa, or even before you land while on the plane. You don't want to be one of those people who's asking for a pen from everyone around you.

21. Noise-cancelling headphones

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Good noise cancelling headphones are a godsend on long flights. You can never tell who you're going to be sat next to: screaming baby, a loud businessman who insists on typing aggressively through the flight, a couple who won't stop talking. With noise cancelling headphones, all that fades away into the background.

22. Lip balm

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Any good traveller already includes a lip balm in their toiletry bag. A really expert traveller has at least three different lip balms with them at all times, stashed in various different places among their carry on luggage. Don't just suffer with dry lips - make sure you have some on hand at all times.

23. First-aid kit

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Again, this probably isn't the first thing you think to carry in your luggage. However, there may come a time when you really do need something from a first aid kit, whether that's a plaster or something more hardcore, and then you'll wish that you had one on you.

24. Extra shoes

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Maybe don't follow the guy in the photo above and bring four extra pairs of shoes with you, but an extra pair can be useful. It means you can change into an ultra-comfy pair of sneakers on the plane and then move back into your fashionable flats once you get to your destination.

25. Zippered pouches

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Zipper bags are useful for carrying a whole range of things: snacks, toiletries, scrunchies, your travel documents, or makeup. Put a few in your carry on and then you can just get them out as and when needed. They can also help you tidy up a messy carry on backpack by separating everything out!

 26. Power bank

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Even if you have your phone and other electronics chargers with you, it really helps to carry a power bank. What happens if you get on the plane and can't find any plug sockets? Or if your phone runs out of battery in the middle of travelling - say, in the back of a taxi? Then your power back is your best friend.

27. Laptops and electronics

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On the subject of electronics, did you know that all your electronics have to be carried in your carry on luggage in the plane? This applies to anything that uses lithium batteries - they have to go with you in the cabin, as it means you'll be able to see if anything funny is happening with the batteries during the flight (i.e. they start smoking or get hot.)

28. Box of tissues

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Tissues are really handy whenever you're travelling, so make sure to keep some in your carry on with you. They can help in the event of a coffee-spill disaster and function as emergency toilet roll in case the plane bathroom runs out. Do what the person above has done and refill a travel pack from a large box of tissues for more sustainability points.

29. Hand sanitizer

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You have no idea how dirty your hands can get while travelling. You're touching handrails in the airport, toilet doors, the fold-out table in the plane, and so many more gross places. Then, you're just going to tuck into your plane sandwich without washing your hands first? Nope! Make hand sanitizer a part of your carry on.

30. SIM card

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You don't always need a SIM card when travelling to a new destination, but if you're going somewhere that isn't classed as a 'home' destination with your phone provider, then definitely buy one. Keeping it in your carry on means you can switch out your SIM as soon as you get to your destination - no delay on posting those Instagram Stories!

31. Local currency

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A lot of people don't even bother to physically draw cash out of the ATM when they're traveling, but it never hurts to have some loose change on you - especially on a plane, which people forget, because you can use the local currency to buy your drinks and food at the airport or once in your seat!

32. Sunscreen

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This one is of course important if you're traveling somewhere hot, but a lot of people forget that airports can be a sun trap too. If you have a connecting flight and you're moving through the airport - especially if you have to go outside to cross buildings - sunscreen is essential!

33. Spare socks

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Taking enough socks is never enough! You need socks for different situations when you travel, as well as the compression socks you need to actually wear on the plane. Take thicker socks to go with more sturdy shoes if you're planning on walking, and lower socks for trainers.

34. Spare underwear

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Taking enough underwear in your carry on is of course important - but what's more important is taking a bunch of spares! On vacation, a lot of people will wear more than one pair a day if you're swimming during the day or out on the beach/sweating in high temperatures. So you're going to need more!

35. All your physical paperwork in a folder or wallet

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If there's anything you had to physically print off and take with you - or if you prefer the old fashioned way of printing your boarding pass instead of using your phone - then a designated wallet or folder to keep everything together (preferably in the order you'll need them) can be handy!

36. Handwritten list of important contact details

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Technology is great for storing notes and numbers, but when traveling, there's a greater risk of your battery going dead. Sure, you brought a travel charger, but what if it breaks in an emergency? What if you lose your phone? Having a handwritten page of emergency contact numbers will give you a safety net!

37. Pajamas

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There's so much focus on remembering to pack enough underwear and which clothes you're going to be wearing during the trip that it can be easy to forget you need something to sleep in, too! Don't forget to pack pyjamas - bonus if they're small and lightweight to easily fit in your carry on!

38. Walking shoes

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Having comfortable shoes for your flight, and shoes like flip-flops, is important, but you're going to need some actual trail shoes if you're planning on sight-seeing on your trip and don't want any foot blisters! Pack a pair of dependable walking shoes so that you have them for the road.

39. Sleeping bag liner

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Even if you're not taking a camping trip, or a vacation that will see you roughing it, these easy-to-pack liners can come in handy in a lot of unexpected situations. You can use them to wrap around in the airport if your flight is delayed. Use them on a friend's sofa if you're flying out to see them and you're slumming it for a bit! Or if your hotel sheets just don't cut it.

40. Hair products

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Skincare is important on long flights, but so is haircare! Humidity on a plane can affect your hair situation, as well as long flights resulting in limp or greasy locks. So take whatever you need to treat your hair during long flights, or even just to style it when you need a freshen up!

41. Laundry bag

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It's a great idea to pack a very thin bag that you can use for dirty laundry when you get a pile of it during your trip! This will help to keep everything separated when you pack your carry on case for the return flight - all your dirty laundry can stay in the bag and not affect your still-clean items!

42. Painkillers

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Don't forget to take painkillers with you, because the last thing you want is to be dealing with a bad headache on a very long flight. And you won't be able to enjoy your vacation if you don't pack some painkillers for aches, pains, chills, headaches or aching feet after long walks!

43. First aid kit

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This is an essential item for traveling, and especially if you're planning on going on hikes or taking an outdoorsy vacation. Just be sure to check with your airline what's allowed in your carry on, because full first aid kits will have small pairs of scissors and safety pins! You could also just take a box of band aids - it's better than nothing!

44. Camera

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Of course all phones these days come with a camera - so it all depends what you intend to do about photos on your vacation! Taking a separate camera could not only mean more professional-quality snaps, but also helps preserve the battery on your phone so you can keep it charged for longer whilst on the move!

45. Notebook or journal

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You don't have to be an avid travel journaler to still make use of a notebook - there might be something you want to write down that you experience in the moment, or some key bit of information you want to remember about a landmark! Or, go the whole hog, and keep a full journal of your experience.

46. Deodorant

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You've got to keep smelling fresh on those stuffy flights, after all! And more so for the poor person sat next to you on the plane if you're not wearing any. Make sure to carry a stick with you to top up when you need (most airlines will not allow aerosol deodorants, so double check!).

47. A towel

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We know there's limited space in your carry on bag, so go for a small towel - or even just a face towel if there's no more room - because this item will come in handy. If your flight journey is long, it can be used for washing your face or brushing your teeth in airport bathrooms. Not only that, most hostels won't provide a towel if you're staying in one.

48. Moisturizer

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Traveling, and especially on planes when you also might be on strange sleeping routines on and off, can wreak havoc on your skin. Even more so if you can't have a proper skincare routine on a long flight. Taking moisturizer with you is important to keep your skin hydrated and cared for!

49. A physical map

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Many people forget about a physical map when they're traveling because their phones can do it easily - but what if your phone runs out of battery, or loses signal, in a place you need to know where you're going? A pocket-sized map is an easy thing to pack, and it'll help you if you need it!

50. Swim gear

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Don't forget to pack your swimgear! Whether you're going on a vacation to swim in the hotel pool, hit the ocean or have actively planned watersports or snorkeling adventures, then a swimming outfit - as well as any relevant accessories - is a must-pack for your carry on case!