I have done my time as that person that took a 25kg suitcase where ever she went – to be honest I never used most of the stuff, and it was difficult to carry a suitcase (or even two…) and get around independently and not feeling like a nuff-nuff.
I think it was the India trip where I managed to settle on the right balance – and actually managed to pack for a two week trip in just my carry on. However I learnt a rather important rule, which is that some of the more obvious items you may pack require check in, and it was this flight that I found out that because I had packed my fold up umbrella that my bag needed to be checked in. Lesson learnt!
In the next week, I have two different flights for two different locations and reasons – however while my clothing may change, essential aspects of my carryon do not – so for your reading pleasure, here is what I have packed for going to NZ for a week, and then on to Europe for two months.
Liquid carry on
I think we are all pretty aware of the “clear sealable plastic bag” and “no more than 100mls” requirements of check in these days. What I have found is that there are a number of items that traditionally I have carried in liquid form that I no longer carry as a liquid, specifically Shampoo, Conditioner, body wash and deodorant – which saves room for other items. If it doesn’t become evident pretty quickly, you will note that I try to source organic ethically sourced products, with my preference always to New Zealand based companies in the first instance, with Antipodes being my absolute go too when I can.
- Antipodes Grapeseed Butter cleanser
- Antipodes Avocado Pear Nourishing Night Cream
- Antipodes Hosanna H2O Intensive Plumping Serum
- Antipodes Divine Face Oil Avocado Oil & Rosehip
- Antipodes Vanilla Pod Hydrating Day Cream (I normally only use the oil as a moisturiser, however given the cold Northern Winter, I am preparing for extra protection)
- Antipodes Kiwi Seed Oil Lip Conditioner
- Suikin Hydrating Mist Toner (NB: The original bottle is over 100mls, so has been decanted into 100ml spray bottle – the empty bottle will not be traveling with me)
- Dr. Hauschka Moor Lavender Calming Body Oil (using as a all over body moisturiser)
- Antipodes Saviour Skin Balm (for those extra dry spots, chapped lips, wind burn and inflight moisture requirements)
- Benefit ‘They’re Real’ Lengthening Mascara
- Unknown brand neutral lip gloss
- L’Oreal pink lip gloss
- Zovirax (for those pesky coldsores that come when you lest expect them)
- Betadine Throat Gargle
- Dr. Bronners Lavender Organic Hand Sanitizer
- Fess Frequent Flyer Saline Spray
- Decongestant Nasal Spray (Problem with not being a mouth breather, can’t handle it when I get a blocked nose…)
- Nasonex hay fever spray
- Paloma Picasso perfume
- Red Seal Baking Soda toothpaste
“Dry” carry on
I have two small bags for the rest of my carry on essentials, one being a makeup bag, with the other being predominantly toiletries, vitamins and medication. The photo below shows all but my medication that I may need to take during my travels away.
- Lush Big Solid Conditioner bar
- Lush Buffy Body Butter bar
- Lush Godiva Shampoo bar
- Wet Ones
- Generic brand Ibuprofen
- Berocca
- Natio pressed powder bronzer
- Fashion Fair eyeshadow palette
- No.7 pencil sharpener
- Various eye related pencils, including eyeliner and eye brow pencil
- Mac Powder/blush brush
- Graduation gift of a Pounamu (Green stone/Jade) carved by Jayme Anderson
- Hair ties
- Pair of earrings
- Drop necklace with velvet patch for essential oil wearing
- Metal container for items 12,13,14 & 15 to be contained in (old tampon container :-P)
- Crystal Body Deodorant Stick (made from natural mineral salts, not liquid)
Kiwi Roamer, the less intrepid traveler 