One of the most important items you can take with you on vacation, and that probably needs the most planning is your carry-on bag. Airlines each have their own size and weight requirements that you cannot exceed, and when you book your vacation with me, this is something I will put in your travel information, as well as highlight on your documents so you are fully aware of what you're allowed to take.
When I travel I always travel with both a carry-on and a personal item for a couple of reasons. I always bring my laptop with me so I can work from wherever I go, so it goes in my hard-sided carry-on and goes above, and then I still have my personal item under the seat in front of me with everything I may need during the flight.
Personal Item checklist
- WATER BOTTLE: I always travel with an empty water bottle while I get through security, and then fill it once I am through so that I have water on the plane. If you prefer, buy a bottle of water after you have cleared security and stick it in your bag, It's so easy to get dehydrated when flying so I always make sure to drink lots.
- SNACKS: Ask my husband I get hangry, and I hate paying airline prices for their snacks. I typically take some protein bars and nuts. If I'm traveling with my husband there is always some cans of pringles in my bag (the chips don't get crushed in your bag in the tube, but be prepared, security will almost always search your bag with it in there). If you take any jerky or fruit just be sure to eat it before you land as most countries don't allow you to bring it in.
- KOBO: I love to read on flights, and I find it so much easier to travel with my Kobo which can hold multiple books in one tiny device rather than 2 or 3 heavy books.
- PHONE OR TABLET: So many airlines no longer have entertainment on board, or I am in the middle of binge-watching a particular series, so I always download a bunch of programs and movies so that I can watch what I want.
_ CHARGER FOR YOUR PHONE OR TABLET: You definitely want your charger for a longer flight, so that you don't run out of battery for your entertainment and your phone camera. Most planes now have plug-ins available at each seat.
- WET ONES: These are always good if you spill something, or get sticky fingers. Also great for the occasional time you pull down your tray and it wasn't cleaned properly.
- TOOTHBRUSH & TOOTHPASTE: If I am on an overnight flight I always pack this. There is nothing worse than waking up and having that dry mouth and morning breath. I will go into the airplane bathroom right before landing, or if I sleep through that. into an airport bathroom as soon as I can and brush my teeth.
Carry-on Checklist
- LAPTOP: Whether I am traveling for work or for vacation I'm always working, so my laptop comes everywhere with me.
- CLOTHES: I always put a swimsuit, cover-up, pair of shorts, tank top, nice dress, and a pair of shoes into my carry-on. There are a couple of reasons for doing this, the first is in case my luggage gets lost, I at least have something to wear to the beach and to dinner. The second reason is if you have a flight that is landing early in the day and you'll be at the resort before check-in time you can easily grab your swimsuit and change in a hospitality room or bathroom and start enjoying your vacation right away.
- MEDICATION: If you take any prescription medication be sure to pack it in your carry-on and not your checked bag. Again, if your checked luggage gets lost you will still have this necessity.
- VALUABLES & CASH: I don't recommend taking valuables on vacation with you, but if you absolutely must, do not put them in your checked bag. Things will occasionally go missing from checked bags after they are out of your possession.
- COPY OF PASSPORT: Always take a photocopy of your passport, driver's license, and birth certificate and keep them with you in your carry-on. If you happen to lose your passport, having copies of all of this will help you get a replacement faster. I also take photos of these so I have digital copies on my phone as well.
Hopefully, this list will help you be prepared as you pack to head out on your next vacation!
To book a vacation contact me: toesinthesand@tpi.ca or 403-348-1644
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