Travel Editor Reveals: Essential Items You Must Always Pack in Your Hand Luggage

I always need a cross-body bag too when using my hand luggage in the airport – purely for easy access to my passport.

This Alpaka bag is an excellent size, featuring numerous compartments – and even a spot for my water bottle.

Originally purchased this blackout eye mask for a long-haul flight, but now I find myself using it nightly in bed as my sleep quality has greatly improved.

Created to avoid putting pressure on your eyes, this 3D sleep mask is ideal for individuals with sensitive eyes or those who have eyelash extensions.

Constructed with top-quality memory foam and a lightweight, breathable fabric, this item provides exceptional comfort along with its shading capabilities.

A travel adapter is essential when traveling overseas, and I make sure to keep this item packed in my suitcase to ensure I don’t overlook it.

This adapter works with power outlets globally and includes two USB ports, a spot for USB-C cords, along with an integrated USB-C cable, allowing you to simultaneously charge up to five distinct gadgets.

The complimentary headphones provided on flights are almost always of lower quality compared to the ones I carry with me.

However, since they lack Bluetooth functionality, you can’t use them to stream movies during lengthy flights.

This Bluetooth transmitter resolves that issue and merely connects to the AUX port.

The best part is that it can connect to two devices simultaneously, which means my partner and I can enjoy watching the same movie together during a flight without having to sync our playback manually!

All through my life, people have said I’d ‘lose my head if it wasn’t attached’. I’ve had instances where I left my suitcase on the train, my passport at the airport, and my wallet at the pub.

For years, I remained highly doubtful about TRTL pillows due to images of people appearing somewhat awkward while using them during flights.

However, I have officially become a believer—they are the most comfortable option, and paired with my eyeshade, I can now get some rest during flights without needing a window seat.

Standing at 5’1″, my legs are quite short, making it difficult for me to reach both the footrest and even more so the floor when seated on airplanes.

This foldable foot hammock attaches to the front tray table, making it considerably simpler to relax comfortably – even in economy class.

It also includes a small pouch, which can effortlessly be packed into any suitcase or backpack.

This travel bottle set has completely transformed my experience of flying with just carry-on luggage.

The transparent case compliant with TSA regulations includes 17 various-sized containers for transferring all your skincare products like lotions and potions via an included funnel.

It includes a brush for cleaning, along with waterproof sticker labels to ensure you don’t confuse your shampoo with your moisturizer!

I carry a water bottle with me everywhere I go because it allows me to avoid constantly requesting small cups of water from the staff during flights.

This one from
Le Creuset
maintains my water chilled throughout the day – particularly when I include some ice cubes before heading out.

The challenge of traveling from chilly and gloomy UK to warm and sunlit locations involves cramming a heavy coat into your luggage only to leave it untouched throughout your stay at the hotel.

However, Mac in a Sac provides the solution – featuring insulated jackets that can be compressed into a small pouch.

I own a Synergy jacket in an ivory color, and it’s incredibly warm and simple to compress into my carry-on when I don’t need to wear it anymore.

The most unpleasant aspect of short-haul flights is the absence of screens, making it tiresome to have to use your phone for watching an entire film.

Thankfully, this phone stand – which works with all phones – can mount onto luggage handles or tray tables with a clamp.

It can effortlessly rotate 360 degrees, which allows me to utilize it for hands-free video calls while I wait for my flight at the airport.

Earplugs are essential for getting shut-eye during your flight – and Loop Switch 2 earbuds are ideal for continuous use, offering three distinct volume settings.

This implies I can utilize them for napping during flights, and also wear them at nightclubs in Ibiza to prevent hearing loss.

The earplugs have been released in a stunning new McClAREN PAPAYA color (as shown), following their collaboration with the racewear label.

Power banks are essential for extended trips since accessible power outlets aren’t always around – though many long-distance flights now come equipped with USB ports for charging your device.

I’m fond of Anker’s Nano Power Bank because it’s incredibly compact and wire-free.

These Bluetooth earphones offer excellent audio performance and deliver six hours of playback time, complemented by an extra 18 hours courtesy of the charging case — more than enough for a lengthy flight.

The design of the ear cuff is incredibly unique – and surprisingly comfy.

I never leave for a journey without carrying my Instax camera because these immediate snapshots offer an adorable method to commemorate every trip.

The camera always performs wonderfully with friends – and is incredibly user-friendly.

I used to be strictly a fan of paperback books until I acquired my Kindle.

It truly transforms the reading experience just because of how much space it conserves in your bag. Instead of lugging around three hefty books that can easily get damp and ruined, you have this handy solution.

The atmosphere inside planes tends to be very dry, so I always bring along my moisturizing mist for the duration of the trip.

All you need is a single spray, and your skin will instantly feel much more hydrated.

It’s incredibly invigorating to use when you’re lounging by the pool under the scorchingly hot sun.

After disembarking from an aircraft, my lips often become incredibly dry and painful.

However, when I use this sleep mask, it draws the moisture right back in.