Summary
- Best bags to use and choosing the right one for your needs; Backpacks, Shoulder Bags, Crossbody/Bum Bags and Small Suitcases.
- Packing List (including a separate one for short trips with no check-in bag).
Let’s dive straight in, let’s make packing less stressful.
If you’ve only got a day or so left to pack your hand luggage, I’m assuming you’ve already got the bag you want to take, set aside and ready. Skip to the next section to get some carry-on packing list inspiration ⬇️
If you scroll down to the end, I have also included a packing light for weekend trips, hand luggage guidance. (Click to jump ahead to this section)
Still unsure on a bag and got a bit more time to spare?
Let’s talk about what is best and most comfortable.
Backpacks
Backpacks are ideal if you’re carrying a lot but don’t want to commit to the overhead locker.
Looking for a comfy one?
Primark makes a cute and easy to wear backpack for travel with lots of pockets and space.
Other companies do comfortable, practical backpacks for travelling and some companies even do mini ones for easy carry and most efficient space.
I found a super padded one on Amazon in a gorgeous colour. With lots of pockets, it’s incredibly useful for a weekend trip away to carry some clothes and a spare pair of shoes.
There are a couple front pockets, a large inside space and a secretive back pocket that lays against your back.
Comfortable padding and adjustable straps make for a comfy wear as well as adjustable clips to squeeze in any extra luggage. Comes with a clear TSA approved wash bag.
I recently used this bag for a Friday to Monday trip to Sweden and easily fit all my clothes, a spare pair of shoes and my extra hand luggage bits all inside the various sections. I am quite small, and it didn’t feel too top-heavy either. I was conscious of the clothing I was taking not being too bulky and packing a flexible pair of shoes, but considering the occasion, this wasn’t an issue.
I also recommend purchasing some of these roll up vacuum packing bags to create a big of extra space! I got mine for £2 from Savers, but also available on amazon and b&m.
Packing cubes work just as well but may not be as space saving as vacuum bags.
Shoulder Bags
As you have probably seen, there is a popular puffy quilted handbag going around that a lot of people are using as hand luggage bags because they look so comfy. The original bag is from Free People I believe, but there are dupes on Shein for a cheaper price.
These can be a little more stylish than backpacks if this is something you want to consider, however keeps the element of comfort.
Although, personally I feel that no matter what, a one shoulder strap bag is always going to be a little more uncomfortable than a backpack simply because it results in all the weight being on one side.
This bag seems to have a couple of handy interior pockets, comes in a range of complimentary colours to match your luggage or outfit and a bit of extra padding for safety and comfort.
With this bag, I would recommend a smaller amount of hand luggage and grouping things into smaller bags/boxes to maintain some organisation so you don’t lose smaller things in the bottom and to prevent it being too heavy.
Read the packing list below for some ideas!
I also love canvas bags. They’re simple, useful and can be quite decorative. However, it is important to consider that for hand luggage, they’re not always the most practical or comfortable and some don’t have much structure or pocket holding space inside.
Places like Primark, TK Maxx and charity shops do some good ones. A popular one recently is the ‘Tote Bag’ by Marc Jacob’s (there are dupes) however I have not personally tried this bag and am unsure of the practicality if you are carrying a large amount.
Crossbody Bags/Bum Bags
Little, comfy bags that weigh next to nothing are so good as an ‘additional under the seat’ hand luggage or just easy carrying if you have a small suitcase as well or very little hand luggage.
I often use these for trips where I have a suitcase ‘rolly on rolly off’ bag as well or short trips.
Good for lightweight use, simple hand luggage that can also be used as a bag on holiday. One less thing to pack!
These style of bags are not everyone’s cup of tea or style, but they are useful and can be quite comfy. They can usually fit more in than they look like they can, and I use mine quite regularly for carrying bits around and traveling.
Small Suitcase (for hand luggage)
These bags can vary in design. Some are small and square for a little extra room when you have a longer flight and can fit under the seat, or they can be used as an actual, carry on suitcase for a short trip to save on check-in bags.
Make sure you check airline allowances and what you can take first!
I found this one from Lugg (pictured on the left) which states on the website that it fits under the chair in front. This would probably be a squeeze especially with little leg room but would be better for fewer things and if you are on a smaller flight with worries that there will be little overhead locker space.
The case on the right (Amazon), which is slightly larger, would most likely only fit overhead, but would be better for weekends away, or slightly longer trips under a week. This is good for when you don’t want to check any luggage in but still want to take a bit more clothes, shoes and toiletries.
I really recommend going and buying something in person as some of them are a bit too big for airlines even if they say ‘airline approved’ and give dimensions. I usually get mine from TK Maxx as they have such a range and designs and usually there is a range which are quite reliable and useful.
I also recommend buying one with different pocket inserts inside and the elastic clip over to keep things in. The more pockets and pouches the better. Some even come with added toiletry bags, laptop slips and charger port holes.
Packing List
Now, let’s get onto the important part; the packing list. What to take and making sure only the essentials make their way into our bags.
To Summarize…
(The ones highlighted are variables and can be switched depending on need)
- Personal documents (passport, boarding passes, visas, any supporting letters needed).
- Phone
- Tablet
- Laptop
- Kindle/Book
- Headphones
- Games Consoles
- Chargers (one that fits multiple devices)
- Adapter
- Camera
- Small Clear Bag for toiletries; lip balm, hand/face wipes, moisturizer, sanitary products, small packet of paracetamol, hand sanitizer, mini body spray/sanitizer
- Chewing gum/mints
- Spare change of clothes (if needed and necessary)
- Small pack of cards/mini game for plane
Below I have added a bit more detail, some tips and some extra ways of storing everything nice and neatly.
Documents
Don’t forget your essential documents, passport, visa’s and any other important travel files needed. It can be difficult to keep everything together and easily access them, especially when throwing boarding passes in the mix!
I use something similar to this handy document holder for all my important documents and to keep everything together. Pick one that suits your style and design and never lose a document in the bottom of your bag again!
These are really useful for keeping your passport and boarding pass handy, especially if you are using a big bag.
Again, these are easy to get hold of, Amazon, TK Maxx and Primark all do versions for a good price and there is a wide range depending on personal preference.
Technology and Chargers
This can be entirely personal, but some of the essentials may include:
- Phone
- Tablet
- Headphones/Airpods
- Kindle
- Laptop
- Switch/Steam Deck/Any games consoles
- Camera (only essential if needed but usually a phone is the best use for this)
Don’t forget the chargers! Any wires that can double up, only take one, for example, 3 devices that use USB-C? Take one cable to keep wires minimal. Also very important not to forget the adapters needed for the specific country you go to.
I also recommend looking into a tablet keyboard case. I use my tablet as a laptop with a connected keyboard as this is more space conscientious than a whole laptop and an iPad, but this does obviously depend on your situation. I don’t already have a laptop so this is best for me when I want to use a laptop type device.
I also take one adapter and then a multi-use plug block that has a couple of plugs and some USB’s on to save on chunky pieces taking up space.
I also recommend keeping everything in covers/cases and using a small pouch for all the wires and extra’s to keep things together and organised. We all know what a mess things can be when wires get knotted!!
Entertainment wise, I would also download some shows/movies beforehand as I always forget and then regret having nothing to watch.
Some airlines have apps you can download and use offline to project whatever you are watching onto the plane screen or watch on your device if there are no TV’s.
Toiletries
Not sure about anyone else, but I always need some small toiletries on my person when travelling to feel less groggy. Depending on personal preference, this can vary in amount and depend on what your needs are.
I usually store them in a clear makeup bag as these are on the whole TSA friendly and everything is already packed to pop in a security bin.
REMEMBER; all liquids must be 100ml or under.
- Lip balm
- Hand/Face wipes
- Moisturiser
- Sanitary Products (in case)
- Small packet of paracetamol
- Hand sanitizer
- Mini body spray/Deoderant
Depending on personal preference this could also include:
- Mini makeup pieces (lip gloss, mascara)
- Toothpaste/Mouthwash, mini toothbrush (I like the little ones that fold up and pack away)
Extra’s
The rest of your hand luggage, of course, is entirely personal. However, I did want to share some things I usually pack as it may inspire your own hand luggage packing!
- Book (although maybe not relevant if you have a Kindle)
- Spare change of clothes. Although not entirely necessary, I am usually prone to spills and sometimes like to freshen up a little.
- Small jumper (it can get very cold on plane’s)
- Card game/small foldable board game.
If you haven’t heard of the small foldable board games, I highly recommend. They are really compact and can keep everyone entertained (as can card games). Would be beneficial to get one that has multiple players.
Overnight/weekend hand luggage
If you are wanting to carry light when going somewhere for a weekend or couple of days, the likelihood is that you are not going to want to check a bag in and therefore, a small suitcase hand luggage is the best option. So, packing light is important!
The basic essentials for packing include clothes, toiletries, shoes, underwear and beauty supplies, if this is something you use.
Depending on the climate will also depend on the clothes and shoes.
Clothes:
- Outfit a day. Keep this simple, 1-2 pairs of trousers/skirts/shorts and a few tops to go with these (remember you will most likely be wearing one of these pairs, so pick tops that will go with everything to make outfits versatile).
- Dresses and play suits are also really useful to take up less space but add more outfits. They are also easier to accessorise as they are one piece.
- Few pairs of pants, couple socks and a bra or two is also important, but these do take up small amount of space.
Toiletries
- REMEMBER; for hand luggage, all liquids need to be 100ml or under.
- I would recommend only essentials, again in a small clear wash bag that is TSA approved.
- Small bottles of shampoo, body wash/conditioner. However, some airbnbs and hotels already have these so unless you like to use a specific brand (which I do), I would skip these.
- Small bottles of face washes. I initially bought small bottles of what I already use and fill them up each trip.
- Basic makeup. I would recommend some concealer, small powder and bronzer, mascara, a lipstick/lip liner and maybe a small eyeshadow or eyeliner. This does all depend on your own routine though. You can also get mini brushes and beauty blenders as well as duo palettes to take up less space.
- Mini toothpaste and toothbrush.
- Mini deodorant and body spray.
Most drug stores or small shops have those walls of mini’s for travel which have a lot of toiletries you can buy the right size for travel.
Shoes
- You will be wearing one pair of shoes to travel in so keep this in mind.
- If you are taking flip flops, you probably have room for one more pair of shoes, however try to keep to packing one pair of shoes of opposite style to the pair you will be travelling in.
Beauty Supplies
- ONE hair tool. Try and pick something that can do multiple things. Straighteners that can curl too? Fab.
- Hair supplies to keep simple, some hair pins, some hair bands, a small roller if needed. I feel hair supplies are fairly personal to how you usually wear your hair. I also wear a claw clip to travel in that’s a neutral colour similar to my hair to go with any outfit.
As I stated above, my recommendation would be if you are taking a small suitcase for a short trip as hand luggage, you are usually also able to take a small bag as well. I would put your day to day essentials in the small bag using a bum bag, cross-body bag or small canvas bag.
I have now covered every element of what each person may need as a baseline for packing hand luggage, I hope this gives you some help and guidance, maybe some inspiration.
Obviously there are variations that are personal and there are probably things I have not included, such as an empty water bottle or items for work. However, I do hope this helps to lay a baseline and help to feed the rest of the thought process.
If you want me to create a downloadable PDF to help lay it all out, please let me know and drop me a message or comment.
Any other packing list ideas you would like, either a main suitcase or for different destinations/occasions/climates, just let me know!
Thanks for reading.
Amy x
