Hand Luggage Packing List Essentials: 4-Day Travel +

Disclaimer: Real-life human experiences. Written by a human. Created for humans. (Travels at Missy does not use AI for our articles. All posts and information are 1st hand experience. AI data-scrapping tools are expressly forbidden from using Travels with Missy content for AI Training).

I fly a lot. And more often than not I travel solely with hand luggage. So I have mastered the art of packing a little for long weekends or even a couple of weeks’ vacation. I’ve even got my favourite gadgets which make long-haul and international flights far more enjoyable.

I’m dividing this post into two distinct sections. The first section of my hand luggage essentials will focus on the carry-on essentials that I always travel with that which makes traveling a lot more enjoyable.

The second section will focus on what to pack for your vacation with your carry-on suitcase (backpack or whatever you end up using). You’ll be surprised by how much you can pack in a small carry-on suitcase for a vacation, or how little you need.

Carry On Essentials

Headphones

There are several items that I take with me on every journey regardless if it’s a short flight or a long international one. My Bose QuietComfort Over-Ear Headphones have been with me since I purchased my first pair in Hong Kong in 2016. I love them. I use them every single day and have very little complaints about them. I think though with time, my battery life on my Bose QuietComfort’s has lessened and I no longer get a 24-hour charge out of them.

Noise-canceling headphones are just an essential part of plane travel, and you’ll be thankful for your pair when the screaming babies start. I am planning on buying the Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones next as my partner has them and the noise cancelling on them is outrageous. The house could be on fire when I have the Sony headphones on and my partner would have to throw things at me to get my attention.

If you are flying long-haul with your AirPods and want to watch the entertainment on the airplane you’ll need this handy little gadget which allows you to connect your Bluetooth to the plane’s entertainment system.

Battery Pack

If you’re anything like me and by 10 am have used up half of your battery on a travel day, you absolutely need a battery pack. I learned a long time ago that there is nothing that will give me anxiety more than by seeing the low-battery icon message appear on my screen and knowing that I am hours away from charging it. My phone also goes from 15% to 0% in a matter of minutes.

I wanted a battery pack that would provide multiple charges, and the Anker Portable Charger is handy for carrying around and not stressing about my phone dying whilst exploring a brand-new place. I have the 10,000 mAh battery which would be the maximum I would get, as it takes a a couple of hours to fully charge (I charge mine overnight and can get 3 full charges of my phone out of my Anker battery pack). Also if you are traveling in Asia via airplane, they are very picky and particular about the size of your battery pack charger amps.

Neck Pillow

I only travel with a neck pillow if I am doing a long-haul flight. And I have discovered THE best neck pillow that will change how you sleep on a plane. If you are someone, like myself, who can’t fly Business Class, and want to get some shut-eye on your long flight, look no further than the Trtl Travel Pillow.

I bought my Trtl Travel Pillow in New York last year in preparation for my return flight to Belgium not expecting very much. Well, consider me blown away. No more discomfort. No more head snapping forward and jolting yourself awake. I have the towel material Trtl pillow which has a built-in support system for your neck and makes it so easy to pop into my backpack. Unlike other pillows (and I’ve tried my share of them), it’s not bulky to carry around.

The Trtl Travel Pillow is a complete game changer. And if you want to elevate your experience even further, purchase this eyemask with built-in headphones that will make you pass out for the entire flight. I slept for a solid 6 hours from Doha to Singapore with this combination and I’ve never looked back since.

Phone Holder

I think my favorite gadget of last year was when I purchased my Wicked Chili Phone Holder. This little travel gadget was amazing for flights when the entertainment system was either awful or non-existent. Before any flight I’ll always download a couple of episodes from Netflix, YouTube or some podcasts to entertain myself throughout my travel day.

All you have to do is clip it onto the back of the tray table and you’re now hands-free! I love this travel gadget and it costs $10. Also everyone I sat beside on the airplane also ended up watching whatever I was watching (mostly Below Deck).

Hand Luggage Packing List Essentials

Whether you are visiting somewhere for a couple of days or a long weekend, you’ll be surprised by how much you can pack within a small carry-on suitcase. Depending on the time of the year, if you’re traveling somewhere cold that needs lots of layers and sweaters than packing becomes a bit trickier.

The trick to carry on suitcases and traveling light is all about the shoes. The less shoes you bring, the more room you have. And for many that may be a non-negotiable. I get it. Wear to the airport your everyday versatile comfy shoes that you can explore a city in, and then another compact pair that can dress up any outfit.

I think one of the most versatile shoe brands out there are Birkenstocks. In the summer months, you can easily dress up any outfit with a pair of Arizona sandals. And for more affordable dupes, the Cushionaire Clogs are great for the rest of the seasons and a mild winter of course.

What to Pack for a 3 – 4 Day Trip with Carry-On Hand Luggage

Underwear x 4
Socks x 4
Pyjama set
2 T-Shirts/Tops
2 Pants
1 Light sweater/cardigan
1 Shirt (Blouse)
2 Dresses/Skirts
Swimsuit (depending on vacation type)

Carry on Essentials

With limited space and allowance for toiletries, you’ll find lots of adorable and TSA-approved sized liquids that you can carry on with you in your hand luggage.

Bring your own shampoo or conditioner in these silicone squeezable travel sets. Add in this cute little Venus razor, as well as travel-size toothpaste.

I love to throw a Tide Pen in with my luggage to remove stains that I will inevitably pick up.

Travel Size Toiletries

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Meet Missy…

Missy spent the first 2 decades of her life living in her native Dublin, Ireland. Before a life living overseas called to her, and she spent the next decade living in China, Laos & Belgium. She now splits her time in Antwerp, Belgium, and wherever the sun is currently shining. You can follow Missy’s real-time travels on her Instagram.

Hand Luggage Packing List Essentials: 4-Day Travel +