Travelling with a carry-on suitcase is the preferred option by many travellers looking for convenience and, especially, to avoid checking their luggage. To make the most of the limited space in a carry-on suitcase, it is essential to know what to pack and how to organise it efficiently.
Whether it’s for a short trip or a longer holiday, packing the right items in your hand luggage will ensure a more comfortable and organised journey. To try and make your experience the best it can be, we’re here to help you make the most of it. The Blues Lockers tells you which items are essential for a complete hand luggage that covers all the needs that may arise on a trip.
1. Travel documents and money
While it may seem obvious, the first and most important step in packing your hand luggage is to make sure you have all your travel documents. in a safe and accessible place. This includes:
- Passport or ID card
- Boarding passes (printed or on your mobile phone)
- Credit/debit cards and cash
It is not uncommon that before leaving for the airport or station, we are in a hurry and cannot find any of these items. Therefore, the best thing to do is to put them in your hand luggage, rucksack or fanny pack as soon as possible, saving time and avoiding unnecessary scares.
2. Basic personal grooming kit
Airlines have strict restrictions on the liquids you can carry in your hand luggage, so it’s essential to be prepared with a toiletry kit. that meets these standards. Containers should be less than 100 ml, and all liquids should be placed in a transparent resealable bag, such as a toilet bag. Essential items include:
- Toothbrush and toothpaste in travel format
- Solid or stick deodorant
- Moisturiser or sunscreen, especially if travelling to hot destinations
- Hand sanitising gel (small pack)
- Wet wipes or make-up remover wipes
- Tissues or paper napkins
Also, remember to carry a small travel kit. with plasters, painkillers and any medication you may need. If you are carrying liquid medicines, make sure you have a prescription for them.
3. Essential and versatile clothing
Travelling with a carry-on suitcase means taking only the essentials, so clothing should be as versatile as possible, adapting to different temperatures, environments and colours. Here are a few tips:
- Basic T-shirts that are easy to combine.
- Comfortable trousers like tracksuit bottoms or versatile jeans that you can wear for both daytime and dining out.
- Sufficient underwear and socks for travel days (and quick-drying socks if you need to wash them).
- A jumper or light jacket that you can wear if it gets chilly on the plane or at your destination.
- A windbreaker or thin waterproof jacket in case of rain.
- Comfortable shoes: Ideally, wear comfortable shoes for long-distance walking and pack a second, lighter or more formal pair, depending on the type of trip.
4. Electronic devices and accessories
Travelling without electronic devices nowadays is almost unthinkable, as we use them not only to stay connected, but also to reach a destination, entertain ourselves or take photos during the trip. The essential devices for your hand luggage include:
- Mobile phone and charger
- Portable charger or power bank, especially useful if you are going to be away for long periods of time without access to a power socket.
- Headphones to enjoy music, movies or simply disconnect from the noise.
- Universal plug adapter if you travel to another country with different voltage.
If you’re carrying multiple devices, organise cables and chargers in a separate small bag so they’re always handy, or in case you need to place them in the tray at the airport security checkpoint.
5. In-flight entertainment
Long plane journeys can become tedious if you don’t have some form of entertainment with you. This is where the books, magazines or an e-reader can save the day. If you prefer digital content, be sure to download movies, series or music to your mobile device or tablet beforehand.
6. Snacks and reusable water bottle
During flights, especially low-cost or short-haul flights, meals and drinks may not be included or may be significantly expensive. Bringing your own snacks can save you money and keep you from going hungry between meals. Some healthy and easy-to-carry options are:
- Nuts
- Cereal or energy bars
- Dried fruit
In addition, carrying a reusable water bottle is an environmentally friendly and practical option. Remember to bring it empty when you go through security, but you can fill it up at any water fountain at the airport.
7. Extra foldable bag
A folding bag is an ideal complement which takes up almost no space in your hand luggage and can be a great help if you’re shopping on your trip. It’s also useful if you need to bring extra items for a day out or if you need to reorganise your belongings before you head home.
All in all, packing for a trip with only a carry-on suitcase may seem complicated at first, but if you carefully select the essentials and organise them efficiently. In case you’re making a day trip to Bilbao and you need to leave your hand luggage in a luggage locker, don’t hesitate to book your locker at The Blues Lockers, selecting the right size and guaranteeing the safety of your items at the best price.
