What to bring in your carry-on luggage while travelling in 2023
Here's the modern packing list for safe travels.
If the difficulty in redeeming miles and sky-high prices of airfares are anything to go by, the tourism industry is well on its way to recovery. You might already have gone on a trip, or at the very least, are planning for one in 2023. The common thing we'll all be doing: packing for your travels.
Travelling with the pandemic not far behind comes with its unique challenges and needs. For example, it would be wise to keep yourself protected before/during/after flights and make extra space in your luggage for the additional items you need to keep yourself safe. In a world still reeling from the financial impact of the pandemic, it's also not uncommon for travellers to find themselves the target of pickpockets and thieves, which means we need to be more aware of our surrounding and take extra steps to secure our belongings while in an unfamiliar environment.
So, you might need a refresher course on what to bring on your carry-on, plus some key security items to make life easier while travelling. Here's the modern packing list for safe travels.
Firstly, you'll need sturdy and secure carry-on luggage and sling bag. Plus a way to locate all of them all the time.
Here are some of our favourites.
Carry on luggage
Hanke Carry On Suitcase Aesthetic Design
MUJI Hard Carry Bag With Adjustable Carry Bar
Nanuk 935 Waterproof Carry On Cabin Size
Keep your expensive gears safe and with your with this carry on.
Small bags
Pacsafe Citysafe CX Convertible Anti-Theft Backpack
3 Way RFID Travel Safe Bag|Anti-Theft Waist Sling Pouch|12x19x2.5cm Passport Holder
MUJI Water Repellent Shoulder Bag with Pen Holder
Apple AirTag (4 Pack)
Pop these into all of your luggage and bags, and track them easily wherever they go!
Remember to pack these necessities!
Passport holder/currencies holder - One place to store all your travelling essentials such as cash, cards, printed copies of itineraries, vaccination records, confirmation slips and more. Do also keep offline-friendly digital copies of vaccination records as well!
Pen - Often overlooked, always needed.
Bottle/Tumbler - Fill up water in airports or public fountains instead of relying on bottled water. Our favourite reliable brands for long-term use are listed below!
Shop Klean Kanteen here Shop Nalgene here
Essential medications/prescriptions and supplements - As required.
iHerb has all the supplements you need at great prices
Electronics - Requirements differ from person to person, but my current favourite setup for travel is a nifty little iPad Air that can double up as a laptop with the inclusion of the Logitech Smart Folio. This compact and lightweight setup allows me to check my emails, write, read and provides entertainment on-the-go.
Corresponding chargers and wires for all your electronics - Keep all your wires in one neat package. We love this gadget pouch from Muji!
Travel adaptor - Get a well-rounded in a single package for peace of mind! I'm not going to gatekeep this adaptor anymore, with four universal type sockets, USB ports and more in one neat bagel package.
Get Mogics Super Bagel GEN 3 here
Anti-COVID preparations
Masks - Something as important as underwear.
Choose from a variety of face masks here
Antibacterial wipes/sprays - Go away, virus!
Stock up on antibacterial wipes here 38-45ml Travel Portable Card Type Pocket Spray K5 Disinfection Handheld Nano Spray Gun
Toiletries
Compact travel kits - Fill up what you need into travel-size containers from home, or buy travel kits direct from your favourite brands!
Twinkle BABY Travel Kit 10pc travel kit containers
Lip and body balm - Flying can be drying on the skin, and countries with colder and arid climates can also wreak havoc on our skin. If you're not a 9-step skincare routine kind of person, the very least you should have in your bag is a lip balm and body balm.
Shop BURT'S BEES Beeswax Lip Balm here Kiehl's | Scented Lip Balm Body balms galore!
Items for comfort
Neck pillow, eye masks, ear plugs - Sleep is not overrated on planes.
Neck pillows Eye masks Ear plugs
Kindle/Kobo - Knowledge on-the-go!
Shop Kindle here Shop Kobo here
Streaming entertainment - Catch up on your series/movies on platforms such as Netflix, Disney+ or more on flights!
Snacks - To satisfy the munchies
[Bundle] MUJI Care Pack (Eucalyptus)
Extra set of clothes - Spare a packing cube and pack an extra set of clothes in the off chance that you lose your checked-in luggage.
Affordable packing cubes here Shop travel related stuff on Shopee Shop travel related stuff on Lazada
Check airfare here: Skyscanner | Trip.com | Expedia
Book accommodations and activities here: Agoda | Booking.com | Klook | KKday | HotelsCombined
General info here: Tripadvisor
Affordable data plans here
And while you are at it, be sure to get your travel insurance!
