Five must-have items to pack in your carry-on

Codie Liermann

Packing for a vacation can be such an exciting experience — sometimes so exciting we forget to put the essentials in our bag. These things vary for everyone, but here are a few necessities (in no particular order) that I don’t leave for the airport without:

Neck pillow

Some people might think carrying a neck pillow is just an extra item to lug around, but for me, it’s something I never board a plane without. A comfortable neck pillow can ensure you catch a little shut-eye during a flight without your head bobbing around causing you to wake up with a sore neck. Whether you’re stuck in the middle seat or you’re lucky enough to have an aisle or window, a neck pillow makes a world of difference while flying.

Snacks

Snacks are always a good idea no matter what the occasion is. Having a few of your favourite bites while travelling can ensure you don’t go hungry. You never know what type of snacks will be passed out on the plane or if you’ll have time to grab something before you board. Try to avoid foods that are messy or ones that can get crushed easily, since you’ll most likely have them packed in your bag.

Disinfectant wipes

We all know the number of germs that lurk around on airplanes. Bringing disinfectant wipes can help keep your immune system strong while travelling. Have a small pack handy to give your headrest, armrests and tray table a quick wipe down. Keeping your area sanitised will help you be able to get through vacation and back home without bringing a cold with you. Throwing in a small tube of hand sanitiser isn’t a bad idea either.

Water bottle

In addition to keeping your area sanitised, it’s important to stay hydrated during the flight. It’s easy to forget to drink fluids when you find yourself rushing out the door and flying at all different times of the day. I always pack an empty water bottle in my carry on when travelling on a plane. This way I can fill it up after I go through security as much as I need and sip on it throughout the flight.

Entertainment

Sometimes you get an early morning or late evening flight and find yourself snoozing from take-off to landing. This always makes the time go by quickly. However, for those long flights that pass by at a snail’s pace, you need in-flight entertainment to make the time go by. Certain planes will have a screen for watching movies or playing games, but it’s always a good idea to pack a few of your own devices. Laptops, iPads and phones work great for streaming movies and shows. Remember to bring a pair of headphones so you don’t disrupt your neighbours. It’s also a good idea to choose something non-electronic such as a book, magazine or crossword puzzle in case of technical issues.

Tribune News Service