I’ve got a confession to make. I no longer lug around a mini suitcase as my carry on. As much as I love my beloved suitcase on wheels, it wasn’t working for me. As of late, I have decided to carry a backpack as my carry on when I travel. It’s up to you how fancy you want to go. The sky’s the limit with backpacks. You can also get one with wheels. I need a backpack that looks good and isn’t too flashy, I don’t believe in attracting unwanted attention when I travel. Believe it or not, you also make yourself a target for airport theft. Aside from the essentials, my laptop, skincare products, travel size toiletries, passport and money. I want to share with you what I think are the three most important things to pack in your carry on.
Wipes, Wipes and More Wipes
Did I say wipes? Hell Ya! You will need wipes for personal hygiene and also anti-bacterial wipes to clean things up once you get on the plane. You may have never thought about this, but the tray table, seatbelt, remote control, touchscreen and armrest are germ breeding grounds. It doesn’t matter if you fly economy, business class or first class. So if you want to avoid getting sick or a nasty eye infection, wipe off all surfaces as soon as you can, including your hands, before you eat all meals. Did you know that “the tray table was found to be one of the dirtiest places on the plane after a study in 2015 found 2155 CFU (colony forming units) on a table, compared to just 265 on a toilet flush button?” Yuck!
For personal hygiene wipes, opt for a gentle brand such as Cetaphil that can be used on your face and body. Multi-purpose wipes will be a lifesaver when you want to freshen up. If you are looking for a natural brand, I think you will love Herban Essential Oils Towelettes.
Herban Essentials Lavender Essential Oil Towelettes – $20.00 CAD
Travel Slides
No, not your house slippers! Purchase a pair of travel slides that you can wear on the plane once you remove your shoes. I know everyone likes to take their shoes off after a few hours on the plane. Walking around in your socks on the plane is disgusting! You may as well stick your feet in the toilet. Every time I see this I cringe as I watch people slip there E-coli ridden feet into a nice pair of shoes. Buy a lightweight pair of travel slides. They don’t have to be super expensive. It’s up to you how much you want to spend. Throw them into a shoe travel bag and slip them into your carry-on. Since avoiding germs is my top priority for you, don’t just throw them into your bag without placing them in a shoe bag or, at the very least, a plastic bag. Give them a good spray or wipe them down with anti-bacterial spray/wipes when you get to your destination.
Vince West Coast Rubber Slide Sandal – $130.00 CAD
Change of Clothing
Since travelling is unpredictable, you should always pack a change of clothing in case of delays or unexpected layovers. Pack a few pairs of clean underwear, at least three, a light pair of pants, a short sleeve and long sleeve shirt (cotton), a cozy sweatshirt to keep you warm and an extra pair of socks. It’s nice to travel light I know, but you will thank me later. In my opinion, the vacation starts the minute you get to the airport. A shitty travel experience will squash all that travel bliss. You need to be prepared and you need to feel your best. Clean clothing will help you avoid that “I need a vacation from my vacation,” feeling.
Obviously, I could add more to the list, but I think the above essentials are a must! Luckily, if you forget, you can get anti-bacterial wipes, clothing and travel slides at most airport duty-free shops.
-Hanifa