{"id":18543,"date":"2016-09-16T09:08:34","date_gmt":"2016-09-16T13:08:34","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.tripcentral.ca\/blog\/?p=18543"},"modified":"2020-06-22T16:23:37","modified_gmt":"2020-06-22T20:23:37","slug":"what-to-pack-in-your-carry-on-bag","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tripcentral.ca\/blog\/what-to-pack-in-your-carry-on-bag\/","title":{"rendered":"What to pack in your carry on bag"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>I\u2019ve always been envious of those who travel light, bringing only their carry-on bag and care-free selves, with no need to retrieve baggage (and risk losing it completely) or pay pesky checked baggage fees. Of course, the only downside to not having checked baggage is missing some of the luxuries of home and maybe, embarrassingly lifting your maxed-out carry-on into the overhead bin and elbowing the person in front of you.<\/p>\n<p>And then there\u2019s a whole other level: those who travel with just a personal item, risking, at worst, arriving with absolutely nothing (in the case of lost or delayed baggage) and at best, a case of boredom and the chills. Whether you\u2019re travelling with or without checked luggage, we recommend having these items accompany you onboard. Here\u2019s a quick guide of what to pack in your carry-on bag:<\/p>\n<h2>Sleep Aids<\/h2>\n<p>I\u2019m not taking about meds. I mean things like eye masks, ear plugs, and <a href=\"http:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/style\/travel-accessories\/best-travel-pillows\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">comfy pillows<\/a> to help you <a href=\"http:\/\/www.tripcentral.ca\/blog\/how-to-sleep-on-a-plane\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">sleep on a plane<\/a>. Eye masks help you fall asleep when you\u2019re supposed to (i.e. at night in your new time zone) and fight <a href=\"http:\/\/www.tripcentral.ca\/blog\/how-to-avoid-jet-lag\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">jet lag<\/a>. It\u2019s recommended to start adjusting to the new time zone as soon as possible. If it\u2019s light out and the windows are up, but it\u2019s nighttime in your new destination, reach for that eye mask and get some shut-eye. Ear plugs are useful if you have a chatty Cathy beside you or if you want to drown out the hums of the plane, but earphones can also do the trick to play white noise or relaxing melodies. You can also pre-load movies onto your devices to pass the time. Sometimes the airlines provide these items, but sometimes they don\u2019t. And if they don\u2019t, you\u2019ll be glad you brought your own \u2013 and luckily, these items barely take up space in your carry on.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-17171\" src=\"http:\/\/www.tripcentral.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/TripSense-how-to-sleep-plane.jpg\" alt=\"Sleeping on a plane\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.tripcentral.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/TripSense-how-to-sleep-plane.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.tripcentral.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/TripSense-how-to-sleep-plane-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.tripcentral.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/TripSense-how-to-sleep-plane-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.tripcentral.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/TripSense-how-to-sleep-plane-140x94.jpg 140w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2>Warmth<\/h2>\n<p>In my experience, planes are more often too cold than too warm. On long-haul flights, the airline sometimes provides blankets. Otherwise, oversized scarves can be lighter to pack than a sweater, but warm enough to function as a blanket and a fashion accessory when you arrive. I\u2019d also bring socks and comfy shoes. There\u2019s much <a href=\"http:\/\/www.cntraveler.com\/stories\/2016-03-24\/why-you-should-never-take-your-shoes-off-on-a-plane\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">debate<\/a> about feet-etiquette on a plane. Assuming they don\u2019t smell, I\u2019m all for ditching the shoes and getting cozy with just socks (I didn\u2019t say I\u2019d walk to the bathroom barefoot.) Others say, just bring comfy shoes and keep them on!<\/p>\n<h2>Antibacterial Wipes<\/h2>\n<p>If you\u2019re on the pro-shoe side of the debate, you are most likely also a fan of antibacterial wipes and hand sanitizers. And even if you\u2019re not, I\u2019d suggest investing in a germ-removing product to keep your plane ride a little bit cleaner \u2013 you don\u2019t want sickness to ruin your long-awaited travel plans. \u00a0Wipes are useful to get rid of germs on your meal tray, touch screen, and window ledge. Hand-sanitizer is a good idea too, just remember to follow the <a href=\"http:\/\/www.tripcentral.ca\/blog\/carry-on-luggage-liquids\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">carry-on restrictions for liquids<\/a> and gels.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-17174\" src=\"http:\/\/www.tripcentral.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/TripSense-Magazines.jpg\" alt=\"Magazines\" width=\"1000\" height=\"669\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.tripcentral.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/TripSense-Magazines.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.tripcentral.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/TripSense-Magazines-300x201.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.tripcentral.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/TripSense-Magazines-768x514.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.tripcentral.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/TripSense-Magazines-140x94.jpg 140w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2>The Printed Word<\/h2>\n<p>A travel documents folder is helpful to keep you organized. Most important item: a photocopy of your passport (you\u2019ll need your real passport of course). Don\u2019t lose your passport &#8212; but if you do, having a photocopy will make your life much easier. Your folder can also carry your boarding pass, hotel confirmation, itinerary, train and bus passes, and any extra currency that doesn\u2019t fit in your wallet. Another great idea? A magazine or book. Yes, the real thing, not the digital kind. When the battery on your phone or e-reader dies, you\u2019ll be glad you brought some literature.<\/p>\n<p>On the topic of the printed word, remember to bring a pen with you to fill out customs forms and other paperwork. There\u2019s always someone in my row who asks to borrow a pen: don\u2019t be that person. It\u2019s a way to spread germs (cue hand sanitizer ) and you never know if you\u2019ll find a Sudoku or crossword puzzle in your presence.<\/p>\n<h2><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-14732\" src=\"http:\/\/www.tripcentral.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/05\/TripSense_ElectricalOutlets_Converter.jpg\" alt=\"A converter is used to change wattage from North American standards to European.\" width=\"630\" height=\"429\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.tripcentral.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/05\/TripSense_ElectricalOutlets_Converter.jpg 630w, https:\/\/www.tripcentral.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/05\/TripSense_ElectricalOutlets_Converter-300x204.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.tripcentral.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/05\/TripSense_ElectricalOutlets_Converter-140x94.jpg 140w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 630px) 100vw, 630px\" \/><\/h2>\n<h2>Chargers<\/h2>\n<p>As much as I\u2019m voting for pens and books, I realize it\u2019s also 2016. Remember to bring your chargers to use your devices at the airport and on the plane. If you\u2019re going somewhere that requires an <a href=\"http:\/\/www.tripcentral.ca\/blog\/electrical-outlets\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">electrical converter or adapter<\/a>, remember to keep this with you in your carry-on. It\u2019s no use to you if your phone dies and you can\u2019t charge your phone during your European stopover because you\u2019ve left your charger or converter in your checked luggage. Some planes have charging stations by the seats as well. Bringing an extra charged battery is also an option.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-14740 aligncenter\" src=\"http:\/\/www.tripcentral.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/06\/TripSense_CarryOnBlog_Liquids.jpg\" alt=\"TripSense_CarryOnBlog_Liquids\" width=\"628\" height=\"235\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.tripcentral.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/06\/TripSense_CarryOnBlog_Liquids.jpg 628w, https:\/\/www.tripcentral.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/06\/TripSense_CarryOnBlog_Liquids-300x112.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 628px) 100vw, 628px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2>Toiletries<\/h2>\n<p>What tops the list of what to pack in your carry-on? Pain reliever for headaches and any prescription medications you require (in their original packages) are important. Keep your body hydrated with hand lotions, lip balm, and a refillable water bottle. You also may want to bring a travel size toothpaste and toothbrush to sneak in the washroom when you land, or to use in case your luggage is lost or delayed. You may even want a refresher on long flights; your neighbour will thank you. Plastic bags also come in handy, for storing your 100ml liquids, snacks, or any other odds and ends you may end up needing.<\/p>\n<div class='et-box et-shadow'>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class='et-box-content'><h2>Other Resources<\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.tripcentral.ca\/blog\/baggage-allowance\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Checked Baggage Allowance<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.tripcentral.ca\/blog\/carry-on-baggage-restrictions\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Carry On Baggage Restrictions<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.tripcentral.ca\/blog\/carry-on-luggage-liquids\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Carry On Luggage: Liquids, Aerosols and Gels<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.tripcentral.ca\/blog\/travel-with-carry-on-bag\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">How To Travel With Just a Carry On Bag<\/a><\/p><\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>I\u2019ve always been envious of those who travel light, bringing only their carry-on bag and care-free selves, with no need to retrieve baggage (and risk losing it completely) or pay pesky checked baggage fees. Of course, the only downside to not having checked baggage is missing some of the luxuries of home and maybe, embarrassingly [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":37,"featured_media":18549,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":""},"categories":[3553,3541,3617],"tags":[],"modified_by":"Amanda Stancati","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tripcentral.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18543"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tripcentral.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tripcentral.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tripcentral.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/37"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tripcentral.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=18543"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/www.tripcentral.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18543\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":21875,"href":"https:\/\/www.tripcentral.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18543\/revisions\/21875"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tripcentral.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/18549"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tripcentral.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=18543"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tripcentral.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=18543"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tripcentral.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=18543"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}