Here’s your essential cabin bag checklist. What you really need from and in your cabin case and how to pack for maximum enjoyment and comfort. So you’ve booked your flight and its Hand Luggage only, so that’s one small carry on and a cabin bag with a 10kg weight limit. Turns out don’t actually NEED 3 pairs of shoes and 5 books after all. Here’s what to pack in your cabin bag to make the most of your 10kg allowance.
First things first, find the right bag and case. This will make such a difference to your overall experience and get the right ones and you will use them again and again. Handbags and backpacks are covered here in my Essential Hand Luggage Checklist. This is all about the cabin bag.
Last year we borrowed a cabin bag instead of buying one, we thought it wasn’t worth buying one for one or 2 trips a year. It had 2 wheels, soft casing with an expandable bit and a handy pocket which we though would be great for plane stuff like headphones, ipads and books. What a complete faff, the handle was a tad too short, my back was crying as I had to pull the case. When I stopped, it toppled over, and bending down to get things out of the pocket all the time was both painful and a pain. That was a mistake and lessons learned.
For our Stockholm trip we chose wisely and got this Tripp one, with 4 wheels so you glide it not pull it, hard case, no pocket on the outside but internal zipped sections, and bright colour to add a bit of joy, they do a lovely blue and red too. We got ours from Debenhams during the blue cross sale so it was £48, paid for with Amex. Look around though Quidco often offer high cashback rates for Debenhams (for as long as it lasts!) And on Amazon its £55 at the moment so if you have Prime then delivery is free. Chose the case that suits your needs. I have my handbag with many pockets for passports etc and Taz carries the heavy stuff in his backpack.
This is what you need to pack in your cabin bag so it can stay undisturbed in the overhead locker and have everything you need for a long weekend away.
- Adaptors / chargers. You only need one of each, you can get some that are like double sockets. Head to the pound shop. If youre anything like us you’ll probably not be able to find them when you next need them anyway. Double check what you need with the hotel. When we went to Stockholm we had square European adaptors but the plug holes were round. You can’t put a square plug in a round hole.
- Sunglasses or hat and gloves. Depending where you are going, pack these last so you can open your case and they will be right at the top.
- Toiletries. The liquids will already be in the separate bag which you will have popped back in the case after security, also have in your case non liquids like Toothbrush, body puff, floss sticks, roll on deodorant, hairbrush and tweezers.
- Underwear. We just take what we need for the number of days, washing and hanging your pants over the shower screen is not something we want to be doing or looking at while we are away.
- Swimwear / Gym wear. You only need one set, the tiniest shorts and most lightweight top you have, and some flip flops, you can use the hotel towels, no need to take up space in your case. Be realistic, are you really going to run/gym, or is that wishful thinking?
- Clothes. This is where you decide what to take by the amount of room you have left. Pile up everything you might need then pick the lightest, easiest to wear, preferably non iron clothes. No-one is judging what you wear, no-one will notice/ care that you wore the same thing twice.
- Baby wipes. Seriously these are genius, spill something on your clothes – gone like magic, same to clean trainers. Also freshens up clothes without getting them wet. Fab.
And off you go, easy. Having the right case, the essentials and limited choice of clothes really adds to the holiday joy. Navigating the Airport and plane with a lightweight, 4 wheeler is a breeze. Opening your case and already having made your clothes decisions frees your mind, it’s one less thing to think about, giving you more time to relax and enjoy your break.
Do let me know what you would add to your list and please feel free to share. T x
