Here’s the ultimate additional list of what to pack in your carry-on that will ensure you have a better trip overall. Of course, you likely already know about the usual items including your passport, itinerary and other travel documents, medications, jewelry, electronics and other valuables. Take a look at these other recommended items:
1. Water bottle
As you know, you can't bring a full bottle of water through security but why not bring an empty one. Buying water at the airport or on the plane, if you're not in business or first class can get very expensive so why not bring an empty one and fill it once you're through security.
It’s so important to stay hydrated in flight and not all airlines are great at keeping it flowing. It not only helps to combat the dry air in the cabin but also helps fight the drying effect of alcohol and potentially salty meals. It can also help reduce the impact of jet lag.
2. Moisturizer
A small container of moisturizer can also help with that dry cabin air. If you're traveling in business or first class, they'll often include that in the kit bag, but it's always a good thing to consider having with you, just in case they don't. A scent free one would be best just in case anyone around you has allergies.
3. Snacks
Pack a snack! These days a lot of airlines don't have any snacks to offer or if they do they may charge for them. They also may not have something that strikes your fancy, so why not bring your own.
Some good healthy options may include trail mix, your favorite nuts, dried fruit, a hard cheese, and snack bars.
4. Hand Sanitizer
Hand sanitizer is a must for your carry on bag since it's a great defense against all those germs that abound on airplanes and in crowded areas such as airports.
You don't want to start out your trip by getting ill and utilizing hand sanitizer is the most convenient option for cleaning in case you aren't able to get to a bathroom easily. Just make sure it's at least 60% alcohol based and under 3.4 ounces.
5. Antibacterial wipes
Antibacterial wipes work particularly well for disinfecting everything you touch. That can include your seatbelt and seatback tray on the plane and also your room phone, remote controls, light switches and bathroom fixtures in your destination.
6. Tissues
Small tissue packs come in handy so many ways including as napkins, paper towels, coasters or as a wrapper for food or small objects as required.
7. Pain relief & discomfort options
A good suggestion when traveling is to bring along some antihistamines and stomach meds as well as a basic pain reliever option such as Advil or Tylenol and the like.
8. Mints or chewing gum
Mints and chewing gum help keep you feeling fresh during a longer flight. They can also help unplug your ears.
9. Bandages
Such a great idea to carry a few of these when you travel. One never knows when those newer shoes might cause blisters or you suffer a cut along the way.
10. Don't forget an extra layer for the plane
Options here can include a sweater, jacket, travel blanket, large scarf or shawl or something similar. Planes tend to be chilly and the blankets many airlines provide can be pretty thin if they even provide them.
11. Compression socks
I recently brought some compression socks to my Mom and she has found them miraculously helpful for her health even when she's at home. On an airplane, they can help everyone to increase that blood flow by putting pressure on the legs, ankles and feet. This extra pressure enables more blood to flow to the heart. When blood pools in the feet, it can cause fatigue and cramps or more serious circulatory problems like deep vein thrombosis, phlebitis and edema.
Of course another added benefit is that they’ll help keep your feet warm no matter how cold the cabin gets.
12. Travel pillow
There are three styles of travel pillows including the horseshoe-shaped neck supports, roll-up foam versions and compact inflatable pillows. You can choose your favorite option if you so desire.
13. Eye mask and ear plugs
A sleep mask not only blocks out light on an airplane but can also help if your hotel room doesn't have blackout curtains.
Ear plugs also serve that same purpose both on the plane and in your hotel room. Neither the eye mask nor the ear plugs take up very much room in your carry-on so why not take them?
14. Noise-canceling headphones
Noise canceling headphones are a great way to really enjoy watching movies or listening to music on a plane. They really do help mute the noises on a plane.
15. USB cable
Many planes today have USB plugs at every seat so don't forget to have your USB cable handy.
16. Device charger
Rene and I have only just discovered this great option of a portable charger power bank. What a great concept enabling that extra power when you can't charge your phone easily. A back-up battery pack is essential for your carry-on so that you can keep your devices running in flight or when you’re traveling.
I think this list is wonderful for everyone to consider and offers some great ideas that I know I've already greatly appreciated myself in my own travels. Hopefully you too will find it handy!