The Essential Hand Luggage

I’ve been a global traveller for a long time and it’s taken me just as long to get the hand luggage contents right.  I have zero interest in carrying excess bits and pieces that I think I may need and now I’m all about the necessities and nothing more. 

These items rightfully deserve a place in my carry on case.  These pieces travel with me and consistently serve me well.  

Airtag1

The Apple AirTag

The Apple AirTag is a nifty little gadget that I use to locate my luggage at any time.  So if the airline “accidentally” lose it, you know exactly there it is. 

This tiny, coin-sized device seamlessly integrates with the Apple ecosystem, allowing users to keep tabs on their valuables like keys, wallets, or even their beloved pet. With precision tracking powered by the vast network of Apple devices, it’s like having a personal detective for your belongings!

The AirTag is not just about locating lost items; it’s about peace of mind.  With its reliable tracking capabilities, the Apple AirTag ensures that you’ll never have to play hide-and-seek with your luggage again.  

TSA-Friendly Clear Toiletry Bag

I love a good toiletry, and these chic approved bags work a treat for getting them through airport security.   The hold everything from hand sanitizer to toothpaste, and they do it with style and grace.

No more desperate digs for those liquids!  I have this in two colours and honestly, they are great for your hand luggage or your toiletries in you main suitcase. 

Toilet Bag TSA Approved

The Bose Headphones

Ahh, headphones, the modern-day version of the invisibility cloak.  Slip these over your ears, and you’ve officially declared, “I’m in my own world, please don’t disturb unless it’s an emergency!”  It’s the “please do not try and talk to me, these headphones are my way of saying Today is not the day and I am not the person!”  

Sure, you can use them for all the traditional reasons, like listening to Spa music and binge-watching podcasts, but sometimes, you pop them on and pretend you’re tuned into your own secret radio station called “Silence, Please.”  These headphones are perfect for completely blocking out sound!

I’ve tried ear bud versions and my ears ache with them.  However, these Bose Headphones are an investment piece, but well worth it!  I’ve been using these for a couple of years now and they never disappoint.  

Kindle

Ahh, the eternal struggle of the bookworm traveller: packing enough books to fill a library or surrendering to the magic of the Kindle.  

With my Kindle in tow, I can carry an entire library in my bag. Wi-Fi or no Wi-Fi, my book of choice is right there, ready to transport me to another world. It’s my guilty pleasure….. My Kindle is full of Romance, Chance Meetings, Love Stories and Happy Endings!  A girl can dream right?  It’s the one place you won’t find any work related material….  My Kindle represents “Me Time” and helps me relax into the flight.   

Tech Organizer

I can’t stand being disorganised!  Cables randomly tied up in my bag is a big no no for me.  I need order and simplicity.  This organiser with all it loops and pockets, brings me joy!   It’s like a VIP lounge for my gadgets. No more untangling knots of charging cables – it’s all neatly organized and ready for action.

Tech Case

Foot Sling

Flying in Economy….?  This is a must.  I bet you’ve never seen anything quite as cool as the travel foot sling. It’s like a hammock for your feet, attaching to your tray table. You’ll be flying in style with your feet up, living your best life at 30,000 feet.  Keeps your feet elevated and helps you get comfortable for sleeping on long haul flights. 

Inflatable Pillow

So, you’ve got your travel pillow ready, right?  If you are a light sleeper, this will piece of comfort will help you relax better than any airline economy pillow.  A definite must for long haul flights.  This is the ultimate in-flight accessory, the unsung hero of neck support.  It’s like having a cuddly cloud for your head, and it doesn’t hog the armrest.  My preference is an inflatable one as it takes less space in my bag.

Portable Power Pack

Have you ever settled into your plane seat, only to discover that the nearest USB outlet is as mythical as a unicorn? That’s where the portable charger swoops in like a superhero. My portable charger of choice is an Anker Power Bank, in particular, is a tiny powerhouse that saves the day. It’s like having your own personal energy source.  This little gadget can charge more than one thing at a time and has saved me many times. 

Compression Flight Socks

The fashion statement no one sees but everyone should wear.  These compression wonders are like a cozy hug for your legs, making sure you step off the plane feeling as spry as a spring chicken.  As I get older I’m much more aware of how my body reacts during long haul flights and flight socks have become a staple for me.  Not a time for fashion, but a time for taking the right measures whilst flying. 

Silk Sleep Mask

So you pop on your silk sleep mask, and bam, you’re out like a light. These masks are far better than the standard airline effort.  This sleep mask isn’t just for show; it’s your secret weapon against the blinding lights of the airplane cabin. It’s like a cozy little cocoon for your eyes, ensuring that you wake up refreshed and ready for your travel adventures.  I really appreciate my mask when I’m doing long haul flights, pampering myself in challenging circumstances!

Carry on with Front Laptop Compartment

The Best Purchase EVER! The front pocket of this carry-on case – it’s like the VIP section for your laptop. No more digging around your bag and accidentally pulling out your underwear while searching for your tech essentials.  This case design is a game changer for going through security and holds more than just the laptop.  My best carry on ever and trust me, I’ve had many!  None of them ever getting it quite right for me.    

Perfume Dispenser

We all know there is no way we are getting that bottle of our favourite perfume through security and hate the thought of it bouncing around in our hold luggage.  I have been using these mini perfume refillable atomizers for years!  They are perfect for travelling, nights out and just having in all your bags.  Less weight and one of these little bottles will last me two weeks. 

Pill Box

Let’s face it, we’ve all had our luggage play hide-and-seek with us on at least one occasion.  And in those moments, it’s your medications that deserve a front-row seat beside you. I keep my trusty pill container close at hand, making sure that everything from pain relievers to Melatonin and Ashwagandha are within arm’s reach. Because who wants to spend their vacation tracking down a pharmacy in a foreign land? Not me!