Usually we remember the necessary items we should pack in our carry-on luggage, but there is always the chance that you forgot something. Maybe you pressed snooze on your alarm and had to make a mad-dash to the airport or perhaps you were so busy packing your kids carry-on luggage full of well-thought-out-items-of-distraction that you forgot about your own.
Packing for a trip isn't as easy as it used to be and our carry-on luggage has rules and regulations tied to it now. We can all use a reminder once in awhile and maybe you might even want to print off this list and keep it on the fridge for the day before you have your departure. The worst scenario and starting the trip off to a bad start can be avoided if you keep this list in mind. While everything on the list might not apply, these are some of the most common necessities to keep you at your best before boarding, in-flight and when you arrive. Here are the top 5 items you should always have in your carry-on luggage.
1# Your ticket to the open skies.
Your passport and identification is the most important item you should have in your carry-on. It is always a 'smart traveler' that keeps their passport and proper forms of identification in a place within the carry-on that is easily accessible. How many times have you yanked your bag semi-out of the bulkhead and stand there fumbling to find it at the bottom of your bag while the person sitting below glares at you because they are afraid of you dropping it on their head. Pack smart.
#2 Anything that might make you whimper if you lose it.
If you are going to travel with your great Grandmother's antique broach, your much-valued work laptop, a large wad of cash, expensive jewelry or your son's baby book, pack it in your carry-on. Valuables should be kept close. Avoid loss at all costs.
#3 Hygiene, hygiene products, did I mention hygiene?
Apparently some folks believe that after a long haul trip across seas they still smell like a Spring shower. While it is a great to believe that, most of us can benefit from a quick re-fresh. Bring along deodorant, a toothbrush, toothpaste, breath freshener, mint gum, an extra pair of fresh under garments, facial freshening spray if you have it, body lotion, hand lotion and anything that makes you feel 'awake' and 'rejuvenated' when you arrive in your destination.
The last thing you want to do is have a 'Love Actually' moment in the airport while your loved one attempts to hold their breath. Tip: Follow the airlines guidelines for the amount of lotions and liquids you can take in your carry-on or you will have to dispose of your bare necessities. If traveling with a baby, don't forget baby wipes and baby hygiene products.
#4 Charge it! But not to Visa.
You can save yourself a lot of money on batteries and extra film in your arrival destination and during your trip if you remember your cell phone, laptop, DVD player, battery and camera chargers. Don't forget the re-chargeable batteries and the plug adapters for that European or Caribbean voltage.
#5 RX: Don't forget your meds.
It is imperative to keep your personal medications in your carry-on. From asthma inhalers and heart medication to low dose Aspirin and antibiotic ear drops. If an emergency ever occurred you would have what you need on hand. Your flight could be delayed for hours or you could get stuck on a layover in another destination that does not even know what your medicine is. Think like a boy scout. Always be prepared.
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