This Is Literally All You Need In Your Hand Luggage
Heading off on holiday and wondering ‘what do I really need in my hand luggage’? Aside from the necessary passport, phone, travel documents and money, this is literally everything you will need in your hand luggage to keep you feeling and looking good for the flight.
1. Wipes
Sitting on a plane for hours can leave you feeling not-so-fresh and sometimes a little sweaty. There’s also the risk that you’re stuck next to someone who may also not be so fresh. A small pack of wipes will do just the job – baby wipes in particular are gentle to the skin and usually have a light fragrance for that little bit of extra freshness. If you have a long transfer to your hotel and can’t grab a shower quickly, give yourself a wipe under your arms, on the back of your neck or anywhere you may be feeling a little yucky after a long journey. They’re also a life-saver if you want to wipe your hands and cannot face that inevitable bathroom queue.
2. Mini fragrance
A little spritz goes a long way – and will leave you feeling and smelling gorgeous during a long journey. Try something light and avoid musky, overly sweet smells – after all, you are in a confined space and it might be overpowering for you and other passengers. Dolce by Dolce and Gabbana is a perfect choice as it is a light mix of white flowers such as amaryllis and water lily. You’re also sorted for your trip away and don’t have to pack a larger perfume in your hold case. Make sure you bring a fragrance under 50ml for your hand luggage like this 30ml bottle, as security won’t allow anything bigger!
3. Earphones
This is a must, especially for a longer journey. Noise cancelling earphones or headphones coupled with a playlist, book, podcast or film on your electronic device will keep you more than occupied during what could be a boring flight. Make sure your entertainment is pre-downloaded, in case the airline is particularly strict about keeping items on flight mode. This pair from Amazon is noise suppressing and sweat resistant, so you can use them for the gym when you’re back home!
4. Water bottle
There’s nothing worse than being on long-haul or even shorter flights and being overcome with that feeling of nausea. The change in air pressure can make you feel a bit funny, and personally I always find my throat dries during a flight. Bring an empty water bottle and fill it after duty free, and keep taking sips throughout the flight to keep nausea and headaches at bay. Even if flying doesn’t bother you, you’ll be glad you brought something to drink. On the plus side, you can use the opportunity to buy a really cute water bottle.
5. Lip balm
When it comes to freshening up on board a plane, lip balm is the only make-up essential you need. The wipes will take care of any smudges, but you need a lip balm in your hand luggage. The air pressure in the cabin can dry your lips really easily, and if you’re flying to a hot or cold destination, you’ll need to apply some lip balm right away. This is often one of the first purchases people make abroad, so be one step ahead and take one with you. Carmex is the best brand out there, and is loved by the likes of Shay Mitchell and Beyonce. Plus it comes in original and different flavours.
6. A comfortable hoodie
A cosy, comfortable hoodie or sweatshirt is another must for your hand luggage – or to save space, wear it or wrap it around your waist. It can sometimes get chilly on the plane, so it’s good to have handy just in case. Or if you fancy nodding off and it’s not a long haul flight, you can use it as a pillow as you may not be provided with one. A hoodie is always a hand luggage essential if, like me, you live in a typically cold country. You don’t want to step onto that runway after your return flight just in a sundress!
