The things we take on a trip with us can vary tremendously
depending if it is a business trip, trip to a sun destination or an outdoor
adventure. But when it comes to the things you take with you in your carry-on or
what you wear while travelling there are some essentials I don’t leave home
without, especially when travelling by air!
Here is my list:
1. Wear comfortable, versatile clothes while on the plane.
It’s a good idea to wear layers that are not bulky. I like to wear a nice pair
of yoga pants with a nice comfortable top and a light jacket or sweater. I
especially like the yoga pants because of the forgiving stretch in the waist.
There is nothing worse than being in a middle seat between two strangers and
all you can think is I wish I could undo the top button and maybe unzip the
zipper a little because your stomach has decided to bloat during the flight.
2. Wear comfortable shoes that have a little give in them, just
in case your feet swell and comfort comes in handy if you have to run to catch
your connecting flight. Warm socks are good too if you are on a long overnight
flight and you want to get a little shut eye. I personally find it hard to
sleep with shoes on, it just doesn’t seem natural?
3. A pashmina or a sarong is a handy thing to have in your
bag just in case you get cold and there are no blankets left. A sarong is also a good idea if you are going
to a sun destination in conjunction with putting your bathing suit in your
carry-on too. This is great if you arrive at the hotel early and you can’t
check in yet. Why delay the vacation, get them to store your bags until your
room is ready and go to the beach or pool!
4. On long flights overseas I carry a tooth brush, one of
those travel ones and a tiny travel size of tooth paste, an extra pair of
undies and clean top This especially great when eating in a confined sometimes
turbulent space. I always manage to get
a spot or two on my top! That way you
can freshen up before you arrive. Other great things you can carry is a small
travel size deodorant and some unscented moisturizing cream – that can be used
for face and hands. Skin can become very dry and dehydrated during flight.
5. I know you can’t carry a water bottle through security but
it is a good idea to buy one once through. It is important to say hydrated
while onboard especially on long haul flights. Getting a drink of water on
board is dependent on when they decide to come around for meal or snack service
and those little cups they give you is never enough water.
6. If you are on any medication always take it with you in
your carry on, never pack it in your checked baggage especially if you need to
take it on a regular basis, just in case your suitcase doesn’t arrive with you
at destination. And make sure it is the
original bottles with your prescription details and Doctors’ name is on it. You
don’t want anyone at security interrogating you over those mysterious pink and
blue pills in the zip lock bag in your purse!
7. Always take any valuables like jewelry, or your camera
etc. on board the aircraft. And make sure all electronics are charged or have
fresh batteries as they may ask you to turn them on while going through security.
8. Take all your travel documents, travel insurance policy and
any contact names, numbers or addresses you may need while on the trip. Don’t
pack it in your checked baggage! You don’t
want to arrive with no bags or your hotel reservation and get into a cab and tell
the driver take me to the Marriott and he asks “which one?” And then he informs
you there are 3 Marriott hotels in the area and you don’t know the street
address of the one you are booked at.
9. And probably the most obvious is your passport or appropriate
identification. I always suggest that you also carry a photocopy of your
passport and credit cards just in case you lose them in a separate bag , separate part of your
bag or in your checked bags. It is also a good idea to leave a copy with family
at home.
10. After ensuring you have your passport and travel
documents, because all that other stuff you can get by without if you had to. I think the most import things to take is your
sense of humour , an open heart and a sense of adventure, because these are the
things that you can’t buy and after all it’s only the journey that matters!
Denise Gushue - CTC
Travel Advisor
