
Although I’m a bit of a regular when it comes to overnight stays and one-nighters, in the last couple of months I’ve become a bit of a veteran when it comes to long haul packing.
Having ticked off a ski trip to Canada, a safari in Kenya and a jaunt to Australia it was only in the last month after a three day trip to L.A, flight back to London, and then off again for two weeks in New Zealand that I think I truly mastered the art of long haul packing- be it for carry on and for the trip itself. I’ve always been a bit of a nervous traveller (and flyer in particular), so preparation and pre organisation is pretty much key for me- laying things out the night before and making sure everything is charged, backed up and ready.
So, seeing as it’s ‘holiday season’ coming up- I thought I’d share both my carry on list and a quick summary list of my trip lists, after having written out almost identical ones time and time again. Obviously these can be tweaked accordingly, but these are the things I find myself writing down again and again- regardless of location and find they’re always pretty precise without being excessive. It also seems that I’ve successfully managed to bypass the New Zealand and L.A jet lag too, so maybe there’s another post for that too…

The Carry On List
Passport / Travel Insurance Documents (if not on phone) / ESTA/VISA (if needed) / Debit/Credit Card / Phone / Phone Charger / Laptop (charged) / Laptop Charger / Camera / Memory Card / Camera Charger / Socks / Hat / Tablets (for headaches/sleeping/etc)/ Glasses / Diary / Book (or magazine) / Headphones / In terms of liquids: A small can of dry shampoo (if you can find one under 100ml) / Deodorant / Cleansing Wipes / 8 Hour Cream/Lip Balm / Eye Cream / Hydrating Mask (sheet optional) / Hand Sanitiser / Rescue Remedy / Potentially a change of clothes (if you have a long connection/flight) / Small Hair Brush / Eye Mask / Neck Pillow / Chunky Scarf or jumper (in case it’s chilly)
This is definitely a list for the ones that like to overcompensate, but sometimes if you’re flying across the world and across different time zones, it’s nice to make sure you have everything with you that’ll keep you comfortable. When our flights to New Zealand were confirmed I instantly went into panic mode about how I’d spent the 24 hours, how I’d sleep when I needed to and stay awake when I was meant to be avoiding jet lag. Obviously, as soon as I sat down and started browsing the film selection none of this mattered, but I did realise I utilised nearly everything I’d packed which can only be a good thing. My carry on is the ‘bigger carry on’ from AWAY– which I pretty much couldn’t love more. It has a removable portable charger, is such a great size (even for smaller airlines) and has travelled with me from everywhere from Scotland to Auckland. In terms of books too, if you’ve got a flight where one leg would suggest you stay awake for as long as possible- I can absolutely recommend a thriller or who-dunnit (I loved The Couple Next Door, which had me awake for a solid 5 hours on the way home from Canada). I also love a good pair of bed socks for the flight and an emergency hat (or beret if you’re me) for when you inevitably land with greasy hair at the other side- a hat is a true miracle worker!
The Checked In
Pyjamas / Underwear / Return Travel Outfit / Outfits (Day and Night if needed) / Hairspray / Skincare / Make Up / Make Up Brushes / Straighteners (or curlers, dependant) / Contact Lenses (if needed) / A Small Bag/Backpack/Tote (for day and evenings out, totes are handy for dirty washing too) / Shoes (trainers, flats and an insurance pair of heels) / Adapters / Toothbrush / Toothpaste / Hairbands / Swimwear / Sunglasses / Pads & Tampons (if needed) / Thermals, Hat & Gloves (location dependant) / Sun protection
Again, this is a pretty accurate version of what I normally write out before jetting off for a trip four days or longer. Obviously it’s totally location dependant (although arguably thermals and sun protection can overlap) and can be adjusted to the amount of time you’re away for. I like to think I’m a pretty low maintenance traveller, but I’d love to know if there’s anything you make sure to always pack- and if you have any tips too (apart from ALWAYS ROLL YOUR CLOTHES)!
Also, let me know if you’d like this in PDF too- sometimes printing these things makes packing all the more satisfying too!
x
16 Comments
Jackie
April 9, 2018 at 7:41 pmI needed some tips on packing for a long haul flight. I am so used to short stays and mastered that but not longer ones so this was so helpful.
Anne (modernastrega.com)
April 9, 2018 at 9:00 pmThis post is so perfect, thanks for sharing. Love the bag♥
Britney
April 10, 2018 at 12:35 amI’m traveling to Europe next month and am definitely going to be referring to this post while I am packing! Thank you!
Courtney Hardy
April 10, 2018 at 3:20 amEverything you packed sounds so nice. I hope you enjoy your trip.
http://sugarcoatedbears.blogspot.com/
Valerie
April 10, 2018 at 10:10 amLong haul packing is so hard! Thanks for this blog post, it’s going to be so useful for when I go on holiday x
https://chapter-fifty-nine.blogspot.com
Neeltje | Thoughts in Style
April 10, 2018 at 12:05 pmThis is so helpful for my next trip! Love it. X
http://www.thoughtsinstyle.com/
Angelina Wallmark
April 10, 2018 at 12:50 pmSuper helpful post! May I ask where those gorgeous Cate Eye Sunglasses are from? Love ’em 🙂
Leanne
April 10, 2018 at 3:32 pmI’m Heading to Bali in 2 weeks and was wondering what to take on the plane with me! I don’t want to load myself up too much but I want to be entertained & warm! This is perfect timing!
Leanne | lemblog.co.uk
Heather
April 11, 2018 at 11:09 amThank you for this! Will definitely be using for my next trip so if you do decide to do that PDF, I’m here for it! Aha 🙂
Heather x | http://www.atelierofstyle.co.uk
Flo la vita
April 11, 2018 at 12:01 pmI’ve never been on a long haul flight but if I ever do then I will definitely be taking a neck pillow xx
http://www.flolavita.co.uk
lexy straw
April 11, 2018 at 11:50 pmPDF please!!!!!!
Bec
April 12, 2018 at 8:27 amI’m travelling from Australia to the UK next month, and it’s my first long haul flight. Definitely using your carry on list for packing. I have the checked luggage bit sorted as I have been on a lot of trips in Australia.
Julia
April 12, 2018 at 3:10 pmI find that brushing your teeth in between flights at the airport, or even on the plane, during longer journeys can truly make you feel like a new person afterwards!
xx Julia
ExploresMore.com
Audrey F.
April 16, 2018 at 2:41 amWhere’d you get your neck pillow from? It looks amazing.
jeni
April 16, 2018 at 2:12 pmWould love the PDF for this, so good to have a comparison to my ‘keep putting clothes in a bag until it’s full’ approach to packing!
Georgie Minter-Brown
August 1, 2018 at 10:00 amYes please to making a PDF of this!! So handy to have x