I’ll be the first to admit that when it comes to packing for an overseas trip, I can be a chronic over-packer. And for those of you in the same boat, let me tell you something: I get it, I really do. There are so many unknowns; will I make my flight? Did I forget something? Will my baggage arrive at my destination? Did I turn off my bedroom lights at home?

But I recently realised my over-packing behaviour is simply a way for me to feel more in ‘control’ over this process. If I over pack and I’ll be prepared for anything - right? But sometimes no matter how much you over prepare, overpack and triple check that the lights are turned off, travelling has a way of throwing surprises at you - and that’s just how it is. And this experience doesn’t discriminate by the type of traveller either. Ask anyone who’s taken a gap year, travelled for a holiday, or simply spent 1 night in a hostel and they’ll all have a travelling story to tell, and of course, their tips to help you avoid their mistakes.

So if you’re reading this and already wondering what it is you’ve forgotten (or will forget) to pack, let me assure you, the most essential thing you need is yourself and a passport - the rest you can sort out later. If you forget to pack toothpaste, you can buy it at your destination.

With that said, now you know your overpacking anxiousness stems from the mystical ‘unknowns’ that come with travelling, you can chill out, because there’s nothing you can do to change what is, and will happen outside of your control.

Ah-ha! I know you just read that and thought, “sure Kayla, it’s easier said than done”. So to help you out, I’ve listed the essential items I bring in my hand luggage every time I travel overseas. Oh, and my handy tips to help you streamline things even further.

1. Toiletries 

You’ve just dropped your suitcase off at the airport check-in counter, and now you’re about to go through the security checkpoint. If you’ve been through this process before, you’ll know that you cannot travel with any liquids over 100ml in your hand luggage. This includes food liquids (like that jar of Vegemite), perfumes, toiletries and of course, water. Security will stop you, show no mercy and will tell you to throw them in the bin immediately. And while you’re saying your last goodbyes to that 275ml shampoo you love, the line of people behind you will be rolling their eyes because you really should have known better. 

So to avoid this rookie mistake, make sure you: 

• Pack no more than 10 liquid toiletries, 

• in containers of no more than 100ml, and

• then put all of these items in a 20x20cm clear, resealable ziplock bag (sometimes these are available at the security check in, but I just BYO).

You’ll also want to make sure your liquid bottles clearly show the quantity on the bottle (e.g. 100ml is printed on the bottle) as this has also caught me out in the past and sometimes isn’t accepted by the security team. I actually prefer using the 30-50ml hotel travel size bottles, because I find this is enough product for a few days and doesn’t weigh too much in my backpack. Because if you have 10 x 100ml, that’s 1kg of toiletries you’re carrying. Versus 10 x 30ml bottles which is only 300g. I’m not saying all of your toiletries need to be compressed into 10x100ml bottles, but maybe consider lightening your luggage a little and buying more toiletries as you travel.

As a side note, any spikey things like scissors and even nail files shouldn’t be in your hand luggage, but I recommend reading the airline guidelines around permitted hand luggage items before you travel. 

2. Toothbrush + toothpaste 

In my zip lock toiletries I always make sure to bring my own toothbrush and toothpaste (remembering that toothpaste is technically a liquid so should be no more than 100ml). There’s nothing better than brushing your teeth after a long flight or even mid-flight. Some airlines like Emirates will actually provide you with a cute bag of goodies on the flight, including an eye mask, ear plugs, toothbrush and toothpaste. But you can’t always rely on this. 

Another reason I always bring my essential toiletries in my hand luggage is in the unlikely event that my suitcase gets lost. Having some face cleanser, shampoo + conditioner, toothbrush + paste, deodorant, and body soap means I can feel fresher until I can reunite with my luggage - which can sometimes take days (or weeks).

3. Essential daily medication + extra set of clothes / underwear 

For the exact reason I mentioned above, I also make sure I take my daily medication and an extra set of clothes (including underwear) in my hand luggage. If you lose your luggage, you definitely don’t want to be stressing about going to an overseas doctor to get your medication. So having these essentials can help prepare you for this situation. Plus, if you have a long haul flight with a stopover, you can change your clothes and feel fresher when you land. I do this whenever I travel to Europe, as the trip is over 16 hours of flying time, not including the stopover. Having extra clothes is also a handy way to ensure you’re ready for any weather, especially if you’re travelling from a cold home country, to a hot, Summer destination. Pack some shorts and a tee so you can arrive at your accommodation comfortably.

4. Water bottle (empty and see-through)

Airports are notorious for having overly priced food and beverage items. So if you’re looking to save a few bucks, bring your own large, see-through water bottle. Once you’ve gone through security with your empty bottle, look for the water fountains around the boarding gates. They’re usually near the bathrooms and if you can’t find them, ask a staff member where they are. If you still can’t find them, then maybe fork out a few bucks for bottled water at one of the kiosks. I also prefer water bottles with a twist top, because when you’re in the air, the pressure can make some water bottles leak (or burst with water when you open them mid flight). 

5. Noise cancelling headphones + pre-downloaded entertainment 

I absolutely love my noise cancelling headphones. I previously had over the ear headphones, but have switched to more streamlined Airpods, while my husband prefers his Samsung headphones. But regardless of your preference, having noise cancelling headphones are a great way to block out residual sound when you’re flying. Lately, I’ve also been downloading Netflix shows on my phone and watching these as I fly. Some airlines will offer in-flight entertainment, but in my experience, I’d much rather watch a show I know I already like. If movies aren’t your thing, Audible books, or downloaded Spotify songs are also a nice way to keep you entertained and block out any plane noise. 

6. My plane sleeping items 

Sleeping on planes doesn’t come easy for everyone, but it doesn’t hurt to try right? When I’m packing my hand luggage, I always like to bring the following items to help me sleep better on the plane because in my opinion, some sleep is better than no sleep. These sleep items include: 

• Trtl neck pillow: these are super lightweight, comfortable and allow you to sit and sleep, unlike other travel pillows. For shorter flights (<5hrs), I don’t bring any pillows, because I know I likely won’t sleep. The material around them can also be taken off and cleaned in the washing machine which is an added bonus many travel pillows don’t offer. If you’re interested, you can find out more info here.

• Soft ear plugs + eye mask: some people might use their noise cancelling headphones for the same effect, but I personally like to bring some soft ear plugs on the plane in case my headphones run out of battery. My eye mask is also a nice extra to have so I can fully get into sleep mode. These are also handy to travel with generally because you may find yourself in accommodation with no blinds, or close to churches/loud noises at night time. 

• Light sarong / rug: a light sorrong or travel towel/rug is super handy to have on the plane (and for travel in general) so you can feel warm and cosy on your flight. Some airplanes are extra cold, while others are warmer, but you won’t really know what temperature it is inside until you get on your flight. I personally travel with a sarong as I can wrap it around me as a rug, and it doubles as a towel for the beach or for a picnic.

7. Jumper, flip flops + scarf/mask

I always bring a jumper in my hand luggage, as well as a scarf and flip flops. Flip flops or “thongs” (as us Aussies call them) are great to put on if you’ve taken your runners/shoes off during a flight and want to quickly nip to the airplane bathrooms. They also pack down really flat unlike slides or Birkenstocks. A scarf can be used as extra padding when you’re trying to sleep during your flight, and can also protect your nose/mouth from the drying airplane air.

8. Laptop + battery pack charger + phone chargers

I must have a fear of losing my baggage, because I always pack my laptop, battery pack and phone chargers (as well as travel adapters) in my hand luggage. There are lots of charging points at airports, but you may find yourself in need of a charger mid flight - especially when you’re using your phone’s battery for Netflix. 

It’s also important to note that battery charger banks can only be brought in hand luggage (and can’t be put in your regular checked luggage or suitcase) so make sure you take this with you on the plane.

9. Retractable pop out bag + fanny pack

Lastly, I like to bring a retractable/foldable shopping bag with me wherever I go. They’re super handy to have as a ‘handbag’ when your backpack is too full, and also convenient to have when you’re at grocery stores on holiday. 

I also travel with a backpack (with suitable dimensions to fit under the seat in front of me in the plane) and a fanny pack (where I put the items I want to get to quickly like my passport, tickets, headphones and credit cards). 

I personally prefer to travel with a backpack for my hand luggage, over a mini suitcase, because I find these suitcases can be very inconvenient. When you arrive and pick up your luggage, you will be using both hands to wheel two suitcases (not ideal if you’re trying to navigate Google maps on your phone). Also in flight, these suitcases usually go in the overhead lockers, which means you can’t easily access your items. They’re designed in a way where you have to unzip the whole thing, put it on the floor, and open it up to get just 1 item - not ideal if you’re on a busy train and trying to find your jacket. So overall, they’re not practical for me and I much prefer to have a medium sized backpack for holiday and travelling purposes.