The Ultimate Carry-On Packing Checklist (Every Category)

A great carry-on packing checklist doesn't just tell you what to bring — it tells you what to skip. This reference covers every major category, with notes on quantities and what you can safely leave behind.

Documents and Essentials

These items should be in your personal item or jacket pocket — accessible without opening your main bag.

• Passport — valid at least 6 months beyond your return date
• Boarding pass — screenshot saved offline in case of no signal
• Travel insurance — policy number and emergency helpline printed or saved
• Hotel / accommodation booking — confirmation with address
• Offline maps — download your destination in Google Maps or Maps.me before flying
• Emergency contacts — written on paper as a backup to your phone
• Payment cards — at least two cards on different networks (Visa + Mastercard)
• Local currency — a small amount for taxis, tips, or markets

Clothing by Trip Length

Trip Length	Tops	Bottoms	Underwear	Socks	Layer
3–5 days	3–4	2	5	5	1
7 days	5	3	7	7	1
10+ days	5–6	3–4	7	7	1–2

For trips over 10 days, plan to do laundry once. Most hotels have laundry service; many Airbnbs have a washing machine.

• Pack clothes in a neutral colour palette so items mix and match
• Wear your heaviest shoes and thickest layer on travel days
• Merino wool tops can be worn 2–3 days before washing and are worth the investment

Toiletries (100 ml Rule)

All liquids, gels, and pastes must be in containers of 100 ml or under and fit in a single 1-litre clear resealable bag per person.

• Pre-filled 30 ml or 50 ml bottles — decant shampoo, conditioner, moisturiser
• Solid bars — solid shampoo, conditioner, and soap bars skip the liquid rule entirely and save weight
• Toothbrush and toothpaste (under 100 ml)
• Deodorant — solid stick or roll-on under 100 ml
• Razor — safety razor or cartridge razor (blade rules vary; pack blade in checked bag if unsure)
• Sunscreen — under 100 ml, or buy at destination
• Moisturiser and lip balm
• Spare contact lenses and solution (contact lens solution is a liquid)

Tip: Solid bars (Lush, Ethique, Snow Peak) remove the bulk of liquid toiletry stress.

Electronics

• Phone charger and cable
• Universal travel adaptor — single adaptor that covers EU, UK, US, AU
• Power bank — 10,000–20,000 mAh covers 2–3 phone charges; must be in carry-on
• Laptop or tablet with charger
• Headphones — over-ear or earbuds
• Cable ties or a small pouch — keeps cables untangled in your bag
• E-reader if used

Health and Safety

• Prescription medications — in original labelled containers; bring a doctor's letter for controlled drugs
• Paracetamol / ibuprofen
• Plasters and small wound dressings
• Rehydration sachets — invaluable in hot climates or after long flights
• Antihistamines
• Altitude sickness tablets if going above 2,500 m
• Motion sickness tablets if prone

Comfort Items

• Eye mask — overhead lights and morning arrivals make this essential
• Earplugs — foam or silicone; pairs with eye mask for sleep on long flights
• Neck pillow — compressible memory foam versions pack small
• Empty water bottle — fill after security; saves buying overpriced airport water
• Snacks — nuts, protein bars, or dried fruit for delays

Optional Items by Trip Type

Trip Type	Add to List
Beach	Reef-safe sunscreen, rash guard, waterproof bag
Business	Portable clothes steamer, extra charger cable, business cards
Cold weather	Thermal base layer, gloves, buff / neck gaiter
Family with kids	Snacks, one small toy, child pain relief, nappy sacks

10 Things You Can Almost Always Buy at the Destination

Skip these to save space and weight:

1. Shampoo and conditioner
2. Sunscreen
3. Umbrella
4. Flip-flops or cheap sandals
5. Basic painkillers and plasters
6. Phone charger cables
7. Bottled water (airport and hotel)
8. Laundry detergent pods
9. Hairdryer (most hotels provide one)
10. Light scarves or wraps at markets

Packing light means spending less time at baggage claim and more time at your destination.