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One of the most stressful elements of overseas travel is the thought, and sometimes, reality, of your luggage getting lost, which — given the current chaos that are airports right now — is much more common.
When you plan your carry-on luggage, it’s important that you’re totally prepared for the worst. Sure, you can always buy things when you get to your destination, but if you want to stay on budget and not feel totally stranded and helpless — it’s good to keep yourself covered.
So, with my extensive travel experience and Virgo-level organisation, I’ve taken it upon myself to put together a packing list for your carry-on. In addition to the below items, don’t forget to pack your phone charger, medication and your high value items, like jewellery or laptop.
Ahead, my non-negotiable, carry-on essentials that’ll keep you covered in the off-chance your luggage gets lost.
MyDeal
Airpods
You absolutely must have headphones on any flight, so that you can listen to your own music, podcasts or even meditations to help you relax. For me personally, these
Apple AirPods 2 with Charging Case White ($184) are where it’s at, because you don’t want to be getting tangled up with cords.
While some people love noise-cancelling headphones on flights, I find that they add extra pressure in my ears and head, which exacerbates the already uncomfortable feeling you get with turbulence.
Booktopia
Reading Material
It really depends on your mood, whether you’ll end up reading on the plane or not. But it’s always nice to have something there just in case. And, if your luggage gets lost, you’ll need some reading material as you lay on the European coast. While you might like to do the classic airport magazine shop, I highly recommend Everything I Know About Love, by Dolly Alderton ($16.25); a seriously good read.
Amazon
Natural Ginger Tablets
Okay, these Travacalm Natural Tablets ($5.25) have literally changed my life. Natural ginger tablets are such an amazing natural way to calm your tum down if you either get a bit of motion sickness, or simply get super anxious, like me. They’re perfect to take on a plane with you and even better if you’re feeling extra anxious due to losing your luggage.
Amazon
Lip Balm
Do you even need make up on holiday? Especially if you’re going somewhere warm (and would prefer to not wear foundation), try to give your face a rest and just use something like this Carmex Classic Moisturising Lip Balm 10g Tubev ($2.70) to keep your lips moisturised and glam-looking. Take losing your make up as a challenge, to let your skin breathe for a few weeks.
Plus, you can always buy a lippy at the airport!
Myer
Hair and Skin
This Aesop Arrival Travel Kit ($41) is compact, but carries a 50ml shampoo and conditioner, geranium leaf body cleanser, rind concentrate body balm. This will keep your hair clean and your skin glowing, no matter what your situation is.
Amazon
Travel Pack for Teeth
We all need to brush our teeth! This White Glo – Traveller’s Pack ($2.99) will keep your breath fresh for at least a week (and by then you’ll know your way around enough to find a replacement toothpaste).
THE ICONIC
Ancient Greek Sandals Lyra Flip Flops
Always pack an extra pair of shoes. Something simple like Ancient Greek Sandals Lyra Flip Flops ($108) are great because they’re comfy, don’t take up much room and go with any outfit.
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ST MRLO Newport Skirt
This ST MRLO Newport Skirt ($99.95) is another great option for spare clothes, as you could wear it as a skirt or a strapless dress.
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Comb / Hairbrush
Keep your mane under wraps with this ghd detangling comb ($25), or any small comb or hairbrush suitable for your hair type.
