For most people, packing their hand luggage bag is just as tough as deciding what to store in their main suitcase. Figuring out what you’re actually going to need before you get off the plane and into your hotel room can be quite a challenge, particularly since it’s practically impossible to prepare for every eventuality.
Half of the time, you end up packing too much, and find yourself struggling with a bulging backpack in the airport, while the other half of the time, you find yourself wishing you had access to something that’s locked away in your suitcase at the back of the plane.
Fortunately, we’ve got a list of some of the main items you should always consider carrying close when you travel. Here are our hand luggage travel essentials.
1. Wipes/ Antibacterial Gel
Whether you want to remove some of the panda-eye makeup that’s built up during your mid-flight snooze, or you want to clean your hand of something sticky you’ve found underneath your seat, wipes, and antibacterial gel are a must have for those times when the tiny airplane bathroom sinks just won’t cut it.
2. External Battery
Perhaps one of the most popular hand luggage travel accessories today, an external battery is essential during travel – particularly if you plan on using your phone to stay in touch with family and friends at home, or watch movies on Netflix to while away the hours.
3. Headphones
Speaking of keeping yourself entertained – you can’t beat a great pair of noise-cancelling headphones when you want to get the most out of your flight. Perfect for blocking out the sounds of disgruntled babies, and allowing you to enjoy your music, or media in peace, these are a must have for any list of hand luggage travel accessories.
4. A Travel Umbrella
It may not seem important if you’re heading to an exotic location, but a travel umbrella that tucks neatly into a pocket of your backpack can be a lifesaver when you arrive at the airport to an unexpected downpour.
5. A Water Bottle
Stop paying through the nose for expensive drinks on your flight, and fend for yourself. You won’t be able to carry a full bottle of water through security, but you can bring your own empty bottle and fill it up along the way. This will help to ensure that you don’t get dried out by the rough atmosphere, and save you some cash at the same time.
6. Healthy Snacks
Finally, you’re not the only person who’s noticed that airline food isn’t always as satisfying as you might like. Keeping some healthy snacks on hand will help to make sure you feel full and happy for the duration of the flight, which means that you’re less likely to suffer from those gross after-flight feelings that come from particularly long trips. Eating healthy might not seem like much fun, but it’s better than feeling groggy and bloated after several packets of chips.
