Handy hints for packing hand luggage
Whether you are a prepping perfectionist or a practiced procrastinator, it is another option for a more cavelier approach to packing and preparing their next getaway. People will start updating their travel checklist including several simple and essential hand luggage sized-items they will need to consider bringing along on the next adventure. This will be done as soon as the booking confirmation hits their inbox.
Medication
It isn’t the end of the world if you lose a flipflop to the ocean. It is easy to source and to replace a recognisable item. However, if you’re traveling to a country where you don’t speak the language or recognise the alphabet, getting the medication you need can be a real headache.
Packing Medication
The security allows you to stow most medicines away in your checked baggage. However, you can’t necessarily guarantee your luggage will be safely waiting for you at the other end. It is best to keep the contents on your person rather than take the risk of a misplaced bag; if you have a prescription that you can’t do without. It is also worth noting that the aeroplane rule will allow bringing essential medicines of more than 100ml in your hand luggage.
This is including; liquid dietary foodstuffs, gel packs, and inhalers as long as you have the correct supporting documentation from a medical professional. Larger medicines, syringes, and EpiPens will need additional screening at security. Therefore, plan to arrive well ahead of time for a less stressful start to your journey. All medications must remain in their original packaging whether they are prescriptions or purchased over the counter.
Medication and international travel
When carrying prescriptions containing controlled substances abroad, it is essential to research and check the embassy website before you depart. A doctor’s prescription in your name from your country of origin does not guarantee that the medicine you are carrying in hand luggage is legal in your holiday destination. Passengers must never carry prescription medication on behalf of other people. Just last year a Briton was arrested and jailed for drug smuggling in Egypt while bringing Tramadol tablets to her boyfriend.
Useful over the counter Medicines
Before boarding, consider making a pit-stop at the airport’s pharmacy to pick up the essentials to keep you healthy and happy on the road:
- painkillers
- travel sickness tablets
- anti-diarrhea tablets
- allergy relief medication
- antiseptic cream
- nasal spray
- eye drops
Wet wipes
With a few exceptions, aircraft cleanliness is often unregulated. Yes, the staff will take care of the rubbish and obvious mess before the next passengers board. However, industry experts say that a proper deep clean is an extremely rare occurrence. It is no wonder people in the know consider aeroplanes as the great petri-dishes of the skies. While there’s no escaping bacteria on board, a simple sanitizing wipe could prevent you picking up some nasty bug before your vacation.
Recent infection control studies show that wipes sanitize hands and surfaces more effectively than gels or foams. Give that tray table a thorough wipe before you consider eating any food off. It as there’s no way of knowing how many unwashed hands, feet or babies’ bottoms may have graced its presence before your in-flight meal. Keep a wipe handy. It is helpful whenever you contact with baby bassinets, toilet doors, luggage handles, touch screens, and basically just about anything anyone else may have put their grubby paws on.
Peanut allergy sufferers should also know that wipes are more effective at removing peanut residue from fingers than gels. Nowadays, airplane catering rarely serves nuts on board flights, it is always better when you prepare yourselves or your child has an allergy.
Earplugs
You might scoff at this suggestion and deign not to waste any of your precious travel treasure on an item that is so easily misplaced. However, the faithful earplug can be an absolute godsend on the road. It's hard enough getting a restful night’s sleep when you’re jet-lagged; moreover, some places that are more liberal allows cars honking and revelers disturbing your sleep at night. Similarly, no one can ensure how peaceful your accommodation will be.
The Airbnb you booked might not allow pets but it won't stop the neighbour's dog from barking all night. If you’re resting in a shared hostel dorm, beware of a dreaming snorer! You can do nothing about this midnight menace whose sonorous snorts cut through your beauty sleep.
No matter how attentive traveling is, there’s no way to explain the necessity of hushed tones that you deserve to have. Any number of things might shatter your dreams of a good night’s sleep while you travel. Not all of us spend time abroad lazing by the hotel pool. There are things to do and places to see, pop in those earplugs and get the rest you need.
Slipper socks and scarfs
Dear everyone too poor or stingy to afford first class and too unlucky to get an upgrade, you can ease the discomfort of the economy by bringing your own little bag of goodies to keep you cosy during your flight! Skip those bacteria beleaguered aeroplane blankets and wrap yourself up in a comfy pashmina or sarong. Another uncomfortable aspect of flying is swollen feet. Taking your shoes off and making your stinky trotters may cause everyone else's problem. It would be better to bring a snug pair of slippers or socks to change into on board of your hand luggage. However, remember to wear something substantial on your feet before entering the bathroom, or you will put your socks into a bin immediately after landing. It is because of all of the people desire a clean floor leaves.
Respirator
A face mask is the most portable and pocket-sized item you can pack to prevent pollution, allergens, and bacteria from entering your airways during your travels. Unfortunately, the outdoor air in most countries and communities on Earth are polluted with a mixture of chemicals, particulate matter, and biological materials. These hazardous particles can cause breathing problems, chronic diseases and an increased risk of hospitalisation. Unfamiliar flora and fauna may also release airborne allergens that can be risky for travelers.
Not everyone has the luxury of traveling during a particular season to help mitigate the effects of pollen on sensitive repository systems. However, a face mask will act as an effective barrier that can provide relief for the allergy prone. Wearing a respirator will also protect travelers from a range of nasty things floating around in the air.
Recently, Australian flu (a variant of the H3N2 subtype of the influenza A virus), has been sweeping its way around the world. While vaccines are available and those at risk should absolutely protect themselves via vaccination, they aren’t always a complete failsafe against picking up the virus. If you haven’t had time to vaccinate yourself or want to afford yourself a little extra protection against this season’s dreaded lurgy, it would be wise to pack your face mask.