Bring a Proper Carry On – Travel tips from TravelSafe Immunization Clinic
Keep Calm and Bring a Proper Carry On
There are a few monumentally panic-inducing moments in life. One of them is the moment you realize that you’ve lost your cell phone (yikes!). Another is when you’ve been waiting at the luggage carousel and realize there are no more bags coming out!
Old Underwear in the City of Lights
If you’ve been that poor lone traveler looking around helplessly at a, now empty, baggage area, you know the importance of properly packing your carry-on! I made the colossal error once of not even bringing carry on luggage with me on a flight to Paris, and let me tell you, there really are few things worse than day 2 in the City of Lights wearing the same underwear from the day before (TMI)?
The Essentials
So, take it from us when we say that packing a proper carry on is essential! Here are a few “must pack” items that will save you if the airline loses your luggage!
Cell Phone Charger/Laptop
Most people bring their cell phones with them on the plane, but often forget to pack their charger in their carry on. This is dangerous as if the airline loses your luggage, your phone will now only be useful as a paperweight. Also, many planes these days have USB ports built into your seat that can be used to keep your phone or computer charged, which is especially useful on long flights! Being as we rely so heavily on technology these days, you don’t want to be stranded thousands of miles in the air sans laptop!
The Basic Toiletries
Ensure that you pack a toothbrush, toothpaste, and facial wipes. Not only will this will save you from having to buy them before arriving at your hotel if your luggage is lost, but on long flights, you may want to freshen up (especially if you are meeting a loved one at the other end!)
Savoury and Sweet Snacks
Sometimes a tiny bag of honey roasted peanuts just doesn’t cut it! It’s always a good idea to bring some snacks that you love with you on your flight. It’ll make your flight more pleasant and you’ll save a lot of money bringing your own snacks, rather than pay a small fortune for the ones they sell at the airport. Be sure to bring snacks that are easy to eat and easy to store!
Change of Underwear/Clothes
Anyone who has ever lost their luggage will attest to the importance of packing a few extra pairs of underwear and a change of clothes. You’ll be very glad you did if your luggage is lost! There are few things more uncomfortable than having to step out the next day in your old “plane” clothes.
Entertainment
Everyone knows that long flights can be an exercise in tedium, which can often be compounded by the person sitting next to you that insists on telling you everything about their home reno, or their grandkids. The best defense for tedium and the tedious is to bring a healthy arsenal of entertainment! Traditional paper magazines are fine, but these days many airlines have apps that allow you to access their online library of movies, TV shows, and music. You can access these apps on your smartphone or laptop, so it’s a great idea to bring them with you in your carry on! And let’s face it, nothing says “don’t talk to me” better than popping in your earphones!
Keep Calm
So, if (God forbid) you should lose your luggage on your next flight, you’ll have the peace of mind that you’ll have all the basics you’ll need for the first few days. Most importantly, you’ll have those extra pairs of underwear!
