Packing for a vacation, business trip, or mandatory family visit can be harder than solving a 1,000-piece puzzle. And if you’re an over-packer, it gets worse! Then, you might ask yourself, what should you bring and not bring? Before you fly, you should plan ahead by strategically packing your items in your luggage. If you’re not sure what to bring, consider yourself lucky! In this article, we’re going to show you the essentials for hand luggage. These items will make your trip more convenient and enjoyable! From travel pillows to headphones, here are the essential hand luggage items that you can get on the market!
Table of contents
- Solimo Hand Sanitizer
- Rite in the Rain Clicker Pen
- HASLRA Microfiber Fuzzy Socks
- Joypur Collapsible Filtered Water Bottle
- TRIPPED Compression Packing Cubes
- Blackout Bands Stylish Sleep Mask
- Nintendo Switch Lite
- Sunbelt Bakery Oats and Honey Chewy Granola Bar
- Kindle
- Travelrest Therapeutic Memory Foam Neck Pillow
- Baseus 30,000mAh Power Bank
- iPad Mini
- Bose QuietComfort Noise Canceling Earbuds
- How To Choose The Best Essentials For Luggage
- What should you not forget in a suitcase?
- Should I pack a towel?
- What should you not pack?
Solimo Hand Sanitizer
13
Among all of the essentials for hand luggage, this one is probably the most important one if you want to stay clean and germ-free 24/7. Featuring 62% Ethyl Alcohol, the Solimo Hand Sanitizer is a reliable sanitizer that can kill more than 99.99% of common germs and bacteria in as little as 15 seconds. And considering everything that’s going on right now, you might want to get more than one!
Don’t worry; this hand sanitizer isn’t expensive. It’s cheap, lightweight, and can easily be stored in your 22-inch carry-on. Whenever you want to use it, just take it out of your carry-on’s front pocket. Another thing that we like is its texture. Unlike other sanitizers, this one isn’t too thick and doesn’t feel that sticky. Plus, it doesn’t smell weird!
- What We Love:
- A must-have item to keep your hands clean before, during, and after your flight.
- Pros:
- Can kill more than 99.99% of bacteria and germs
- Compact
- Affordable price
- Doesn’t smell weird
- Not too thick
- Cons:
- Though cheap, there are still many cheaper sanitizers on the market
Rite in the Rain Clicker Pen
12
We know you might be scratching your head right now and wonder why a pen is considered one of the best essentials for hand luggage? Well, if you’re going to a country that’s not home, you’re going to have to fill in immigration and customs forms ready for landing. These are usually handed out in-flight, and if you have them completed before you get off the plane, it’s usually quicker to get through the immigration queue!
You can obviously throw any old pen in your luggage, but our favorite has to be the Rite in the Rain Clicker Pen. This impressive pen features permanent ink that writes through water, grease, and mud without clumping or smearing! It’s arguably the best all-weather pen that you can get o the market. It might be more expensive than your regular pen, but it’s totally a good investment.
- What We Love:
- A premium all-weather pen that can do it all.
- Pros:
- Writes through water
- Easy to use
- Available in packs
- Durable, plastic body
- Versatile
- Cons:
- Pricier than other pens
HASLRA Microfiber Fuzzy Socks
11
The last thing you want is to spend a long-haul flight in your boots or trainers. Instead, what you need is a pair of comfortable socks for flying! After all, there’s a reason why airlines used to include a pair in the amenities kit back in the day. Enter the HASLRA Microfiber Fuzzy Socks. These socks will keep your feet warm and give some sense of protection against the filthy floor.
These machine-washable socks come with elastic bands at the ankle, giving you the best and comfortable wearing experience. Using the highest quality thread, this pair is incredibly soft and comes in tons of colorful options. Warm and comfy, you won’t regret getting these fuzzy socks!
- What We Love:
- These socks will keep your feet warm and comfy whenever you wear them.
- Pros:
- Affordable
- Available in many colors
- Incredibly soft
- Warm
- Machine-washable
- Cons:
- Some people think they’re too short
Joypur Collapsible Filtered Water Bottle
10
It’s time to ditch your old, huge water bottle and get yourself the Joypur Collapsible Filtered Water Bottle. As we all know, airplanes are dry, and those little water bottles you get on the plane aren’t enough to keep you hydrated throughout the flight. But thanks to this collapsible water bottle, you can fill it with tap water after going through security.
If you’re wondering, yes, it can also effectively convert lakes, rivers, and streams into drinking water! It’s made from food-grade silicone material, so there’s nothing for you to worry about. Once you’re done drinking, you can keep it inside your luggage. And even when filled, it takes up less room than a normal reusable bottle!
- What We Love:
- It’s the better version of your current reusable bottle and takes up way less room.
- Pros:
- Collapsible design
- Food-grade silicone amaterial
- Comes with a filter
- Versatile
- Affordable
- Cons:
- It takes a few times of washing to get the strong scent of the bottle to disappear
TRIPPED Compression Packing Cubes
9
Of course, packing cubes are also among the essential hand luggage items. There’s no reason not to use them anymore, especially given how easy they make it to separate your clean and dirty laundry. The TRIPPED Compression Packing Cubes are especially helpful for saving space, and they’re reasonably priced.
Simply fill the cubes, then zip the compression zipper to get them down to about half the size. Moreover, this 6-piece set also comes with a laundry bag, though some people prefer to use it for dirty shoes. On top of that, these cubes are available in several different colors! Best of all, their ripstop Polyurethane fabric is highly durable!
- What We Love:
- These packing cubes allow you to save a lot of space.
- Pros:
- Affordable
- Durable material
- Available in many sizes and colors
- Easy to use
- Smooth and sturdy zippers
- Cons:
- Some items compress more than others
Blackout Bands Stylish Sleep Mask
8
Other traveler’s number one item might be a tablet, a power bank, or other handy essentials for hand luggage. But if you’re one of those who wants to have a peaceful sleep and looks good doing it, then you should get a sleeping mask. That said, we have a feeling you’ll like the Blackout Bands Stylish Sleep Mask. Unlike regular sleeping masks, these blackout sunglasses won’t get dirty and smelly over time.
Thanks to their blackout lenses, you can catch some sleep without any lighting interference, making them perfect for getting in restful sleep on the go while looking good the entire time. These sunglasses rest on your face comfortably, so you never have to worry about adjusting for a proper fit. Plus, there’ll be no annoying strap tangling your hair and knocking out your earbuds.
- What We Love:
- A popular sleeping mask that allows you to catch a nap in style.
- Pros:
- Highly comfortable
- Stylish design
- Used by many celebrities
- Offer a nice fit
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Cons:
- Some light leaks in on the left and right edges
Nintendo Switch Lite
7
Can’t spend a day without leveling up your main character? Then you should also bring your gaming console with you! One of our favorite consoles is the Nintendo Switch Lite. Unlike the regular Switch, this one is slightly smaller. You can easily keep it inside your 21-inch carry-on luggage. When you’re bored, take it out and start playing!
If somehow your airplane doesn’t offer Wi-Fi, there’s no need to panic. That’s because you can also play tons of offline games with this gadget! Plus, it’s really lightweight! Its sleek, unibody design is perfect on your hands, and it offers responsive buttons as well. Some people might prefer bringing other essential hand luggage items, but if you’re an avid gamer, this one can’t be missed!
- What We Love:
- A compact and lightweight video game console that allows you to play both online and offline games.
- Pros:
- Compact and lightweight
- Can play offline games too
- Responsive buttons
- Optimized for handheld play
- Available in 5 different colors
- Cons:
- Can’t run some Nintendo Switch games
Sunbelt Bakery Oats and Honey Chewy Granola Bar
6
Snacks are one of the best essentials for hand luggage. However, it’s no secret that airplane snacks and food aren’t exactly affordable. So, why not bring cheap, delicious snacks along with you? One of the best snacks for flights that we want to recommend is the Sunbelt Bakery Oats and Honey Chewy Granola Bar. It’s rich in fiber, protein, iron, and other micronutrients such as iron, magnesium, zinc, and vitamin E. This snack isn’t only delicious but also has a nutritious impact on your body.
One box contains 15 granola bars, which is more than enough no matter how long your flight is. Each bar is made with no preservatives and is high in fiber. It’s available in many different flavors, but the fan-favorite is the Oats & Honey. It’s sweet and will definitely make you full. So, anytime you need something to munch on the plane, take out this chewy bar!
- What We Love:
- A delectable snack that can be enjoyed anytime, anywhere, and by anyone.
- Pros:
- Chewy and sweet
- Has tons of nutrients
- One box contains 15 granola bars
- Available in many flavors
- Cheap
- Cons:
- Could be a bit bigger
Kindle
5
Among all of the essentials for hand luggage, this one is a must-have for bookworms. Kindle is one of the most popular tablets for reading books and comics, and it’ll keep you entertained for hours. It also sports a 6-inch glare-free display with Amazon’s E-Ink Pearl technology for an enhanced and better viewing experience. We also love how this device comes with a 16-level greyscale that aids readers in adjusting the color brightness accordingly while reading their favorite novel.
If you’re wondering about its storage capacity, you’ll be glad to know that it’s powered by 8GB on-device storage, which can be further expanded through cloud storage. It also comes with access to Amazon’s huge content of e-books, which is a huge delight for any reader. On a single charge, this tablet can stay juiced up for up to 4 weeks!
- What We Love:
- A useful device for e-book lovers.
- Pros:
- Glare-free display
- Weeks-long battery life
- Access to Amazon’s e-books
- Lightweight
- Audible support
- Cons:
- Low PPI
Travelrest Therapeutic Memory Foam Neck Pillow
4
We think everyone can agree that travel pillows are one of the most important essentials for hand luggage. With that being said, we want to show you the Travelrest Therapeutic Memory Foam Neck Pillow. One of the main reasons why it’s so popular is because it’s incredibly cheap. However, many think this inexpensive pillow keeps them just as comfortable as some of the more expensive ones!
The memory foam is super comfortable, and it’s ideal for chronic pain sufferers as well as anyone wanting supportive luxury. Not to mention, the foam won’t get hot! There’s also an adjustable drawstring that offers a customized fit and prevents the pillow from moving. Even better, it’s machine-washable. Lastly, it’s easy to pack as it hooks onto the luggage handle.
- What We Love:
- An insanely cheap but comfortable travel pillow that makes your flight more enjoyable.
- Pros:
- Extremely cheap
- Comfortable memory foam
- Machine-washable
- Hooks onto the luggage handle
- 2-year warranty
- Cons:
- The price makes people skeptical
Baseus 30,000mAh Power Bank
3
No matter how great your phone’s battery life is, don’t assume it’s going to have enough juice to get you to your hotel. That’s why you need a powerful power bank, like the Baseus 30,000mAh Power Bank. Whether you have an iPhone, an Android, or an iPad, this one can charge them all! Depending on your gadget, it can be used up to 10 times!
As one of the best essential hand luggage items, this power bank doesn’t disappoint. Compared to other standard chargers, it can charge almost 2.5 times faster! That’s not all, as it can charge three devices simultaneously, making it the perfect option for those who often travel in a group. Best of all, it costs you less than 30USD!
- What We Love:
- A budget-friendly power bank that’ll make sure your gadgets won’t run out of battery.
- Pros:
- Can be used up to 10 times
- Can charge 3 devices at the same time
- Fast charging
- Affordable
- Compact
- Cons:
- Not the most lightweight power bank
iPad Mini
2
Are you a movie maniac? Then you should bring an iPad Mini with you! Before your flight, you can download some movies or series from Netflix and watch them later. But why should you get this iPad? Well, compared to other iPads, this one is smaller, which is perfect for traveling. Despite that, its 7.9-inch Retina Display screen is still big enough to let you enjoy your movie.
When it comes to storage, Apple isn’t holding back as it has up to 256GB of storage. We also love the great battery life that can last up to 10 hours. Furthermore, it’s backed by Apple’s powerful A12 Bionic chip, which means there’s no lagging! Even better, it’s available in several color options, including Rose Gold, Silver, and Space Gray.
- What We Love:
- The best tablet for those who wants to watch movies during their flight.
- Pros:
- Long-lasting battery life
- Powerful A12 Bionic chip
- 7.9-inch retina display
- Compact and lightweight
- Huge storage
- Cons:
- Quite expensive
Bose QuietComfort Noise Canceling Earbuds
1
Trust us; anything can happen when you’re on a plane. If you’re unlucky, you might sit near a kid that might spend half the flight crying! To ensure you won’t lose your mind and can still enjoy your music or movie, you should get noise-canceling headphones or earbuds, like the Bose QuietComfort. As one of the top essentials for hand luggage, this item is engineered with the world’s most effective noise-canceling system.
With its amazing controllable noise cancelation and full Transparency Mode, you can eliminate distractions and bring your music to life. Plus, the volume-optimized Active EQ will keep the sound crisp and balanced at any level. On top of that, the StayHear Max ear tips promise a secure fit. We also love how easy it actually is to control these earbuds! Simply tap, swipe, or press!
- What We Love:
- These earbuds allow you to listen to music and watch movies without any distraction.
- Pros:
- Effective noise-canceling system
- Offer a secure fit
- Super compact
- Available in several sizes
- Long-lasting battery life
- Cons:
- Expensive
How To Choose The Best Essentials For Luggage
Packing for your next trip can be a hassle. So, it’s important to know how to choose the right essential hand luggage items. Here are the things to consider!
Interest
First, you should ask yourself what your interests are? If you love reading, then you can consider getting a novel, magazine, or tablet. A music player or a pair of noise-canceling headphones is a must for those who want to chill and listen to their favorite songs. Never bring stuff that you won’t end up using.
Size
As we all know, the space of hand luggage is limited, even if it’s expandable luggage. So, you should be mindful of the size of your essentials for hand luggage. For example, instead of bringing a big water bottle, you can opt for a collapsible water bottle instead.
Usefulness
Whether you like them or not, some items are more useful and important than you think. For instance, a hand sanitizer can help your hands clean and free from bacteria no matter where you are. It’s a must-have, especially with the ongoing pandemic.
What should you not forget in a suitcase?
Everyone packs differently. However, some of the most common things people always bring with them include phone chargers, laundry bags, and first aid kits.
Should I pack a towel?
Personally, we don’t recommend getting a normal bath towel when you travel. It’s too big, too bulky, and takes way too long to dry! If you want, you can get backpacking towels as they’re more lightweight and thinner.
What should you not pack?
The answer to this question might be subjective, but we think everyone agrees that one shouldn’t pack multiple identical things. You shouldn’t bring two tablets, two headphones, and others!
