So let’s face it. It happens. Airlines misplace bags all the time. There is nothing worse than arriving to your destination and not having your checked luggage arrive with you, yet only few days later, or worse, never. That’s why you need to pack with you the essentials you will need to last you a couple of days.
When packing, some people don’t plan out what they will pack and end up aimlessly throwing things into their checked luggage and into their carry on without any reason. If you are going on a trip by plane, I highly recommend planning out how you will pack, especially your carry on. Recently a friend of mine asked me if I had any tips for how he should pack his carry on, and lo and behold, his checked baggage got delayed by a few days. Luckily he packed as per my suggestions. So here is a quick checklist of what to pack in your carry on.
- Prescription medication
- Over the counter medication
- Toothbrush
- Travel sized toothpaste
- Travel sized hand sanitizer
- Couple of pairs of underwear
- Tissues
- Couple of pairs of socks
- Couple of shirts
- Sweater or hoodie
- Long pair of pants
- Pair of versatile shoes
- Jewelry
- Makeup and other cosmetics
- Business suit (if traveling for business purposes)
- Bathing suit (if traveling somewhere warm)
- Important outfit (i.e. for a wedding, funeral, party, etc.)
- Presents
- Reading material
- Phone
- Phone charger
- Camera
- Earplugs
- Eye mask
- Travel confirmations (hotel, rental car, etc.)
- Any valuables you don’t want stolen
- House and car keys
- Any daily essentials you use, but in travel size quantities
And if you think all of these items can’t fit in your carry on, then try rolling your items into the bag.