I really respect people who can travel with just a carry-on, but I am not one of them! Even just a weekend up to see my folks involves checked-in luggage, hand luggage and a handbag. I’m not a light packer. And when it comes to long-haul travel, I’m even worse!
There are some things that I just can’t do without such as my hair dryer and hair straighteners. I don’t understand how people can just not take these things?! I did manage to find the best travel hair dryer that is much smaller than my normal one, so I like to think I can at least compromise slightly on the things I bring.
I also love to take a couple of handbags with me wherever I go. I like to use a bigger one for exploring during the day, but if I am heading out to eat or for a few drinks in the evening then I have a small clutch bag that is just big enough to keep a lipstick, my card, and my keys safe. My best friend has an amazing collection of replica and genuine designer handbags and she often lets me borrow some of her favorite pieces. I think I might have to take her faux Gucci handbag with me on my next trip!
Anyway, I blame my heavy-handed packing on my commitment to making long-haul, economy class travel as bearable as possible. And that means a carry-on packing list that includes warm items for the mid-flight freeze, healthy snacks, moisturisers for every type of skin on my body, freshening up liquids for long layovers and of course, lots of disinfectant products. Here, I’m sharing my ultimate carry-on packing guide.
My Ultimate Carry-On Packing Guide
What goes into my carry-on luggage
- My laptop, camera gear and lenses (and any other valuables)
- Travel-sized face wash, moisturiser, hand cream, dry shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrush and mouthwash. My absolute favourite travel-sized splurge is the Aesop Boston kit but I also decant my fave products from home into travel-sized bottles
- Makeup bag (Tweezers go into my checked-in luggage)
- Lip balm that’s easy to access throughout the flight.
- Bactroban (apply it just inside your nose to protect you from airborne germs) and hand sanitizer spritzer (spray the arms of your seat, your tray table and your in-flight tv remote when you sit down – trust me on this!)
- A thick pair of socks and a scarf or poncho for the flight freezes as I call them
- A couple of healthy snacks like unsalted almonds, dried coconut flakes or protein bars
- A water bottle, because those tiny cups of water they pass around are not going to help with dehydration. I got onto foldable water bottles thanks to The Blonde Abroad and they save so much space!
- A travel pillow (essential!)
- A fresh top and pair of undies to change into just before landing
- A fully charged mobile charger and cable
- An international plug just in case my laptop dies mid-layover
- For really long flights with particularly long layovers, I’ll pack a fresh pair of clothes that I can change into after a shower (read this post to find out which airports have free shower facilities), a travel towel and a little blanket (why are airports always so freezing cold?!)
10 Tips for packing your carry-on
- Fluids, liquids and aerosols are fine in any size for domestic travel within South Africa, but if you’re flying international, they need to be in 100ml bottles and you can’t travel with more than 1000ml in total
- Remember to place all your liquid containers inside a clear bag with a zip (honestly, I just use a ziplock bag)
- Flights get really cold after a few hours, so make sure to pack a pair of thick socks and a sweater or scarf if you get cold easily
- Flying long-distance is extremely drying on your skin, so it’s best not to wear makeup and rather slather on a layer of ultra-hydrating moisturiser. A friend recently recommended trying bee naturals oil free moisturizer so I might have to give it a go on my next flight!
- It’s a good idea to start on a good multi-vitamin or a high-dose Vitamin C at least a week before your flight. I normally take something like Airmune for a couple of days before a fight and throughout the trip
- Just a quick side note – Vitamin C is a very important vitamin to include in your diet so if you’re feeling you’re not getting enough of it then consider taking a vitamin c powder more often, not just for flights
- If you’re prone to jetlag (I am!) staying hydrated is vital. I normally drink Rehidrat during a flight and keep a couple of sachets with me during my travels
- I am obsessed with packing cubes and use them to keep everything organised – both in my carry-on and in my checked luggage
- Put your travel towel and blanket at the bottom of your bag, followed by your laptop and other electronics, then your snacks and toiletries
The ultimate carry-on from Escape Society
Escape Society is a South African company that makes beautiful cabin luggage in four different colours; matte black, matte gold, forest green and matte grey. The TSA approved carry-on suitcases have four wheels and can roll 360º and are durable enough to withstand impacts, yet flexible enough to prevent cracks. Best of all: they come with their own built-in mobile charger, so you can keep your phone topped-up at all times. The TSA-approved combination lock means your bag is 100% carry-on approved anywhere in the world.
Escape Society delivers anywhere in South Africa, and orders over R499 are free! They also have a range of leather products, ranging from suitcase handle covers, to luggage tags, passport covers and camera slings. They’re all about the personal touches, and every leather order comes with free personalisation. These make for awesome gifts for travel-obsessed friends. I especially love them as wedding gifts.
133 comments
I have a trip to LA and Mexico in September/october and would LOVE to take this prize with me.
I would take my Escape Carry On to New Zealand to visit my brother ?
This suitcase is beautiful! I usually take a change of clothes, camera, reading book, socks, slippers and snacks 🙂
Been reading your blog and following your journey for a long time now! We’re heading to India in January – this would be the ideal travelling companion!
Been following your blogging journey for a while a now – it really is inspiring how you’ve grown and been consistent over the years! We’re planning a trip to India in January; this beaut would be the perfect companion!
I would take my Escape Society carry-on to NYC! upcoming adventures with @lara103 !
Ek sal my tassie pak en New York toe gaan??
I would take my Escape Society carry-on to any Tropical island…to enjoy some sun, relaxation and me-time.
Omg fell in love with this bag when you posted about it on your way to Mauritius, and now I just need one for my upcoming travels (local, but they count!). It would be a dream to take this bag to Croatia. It’s such an underrated, but beautiful place and I’d love to explore it with an Escape Society bag keeping everything safe.
I will use my Escape Carry On for a trip to Bali I am planning to go on next year for my 40th (getting old) 😉
Been following your journey for years now – your growth and consistency in your content is inspiring! We’re heading to India in January – this beaut would make the perfect travel companion.
B A L I
if I don’t win this, I’ll be a #tjankBALIe 😉
I’m deffo’s taking this with me on my trip to delicious Mauritius with our besties!
This looks perfect for a Euro-tour! ?✈️
The matte black would go perfectly with my honeymoon outfits! Stunning!
I’d take my Escape Society carry-on everywhere! I’d love for our next trip to be to Spain or Greece or Turkey @craiguren hint hint 😉
A matte black carry-on would be the best excuse to take that trip to Greece ?? And once it’s worn in, do like Pinky and the Brain and ‘take-over the world’!
I’m going on my 1st overseas trip to Australia at the end of the year and would LOVE to take my Escape Society carry-on on my adventure ❤️
Le Boat in Italy will be the perfect holiday for that beautiful little carry-on!
Damn good excuse to travel! Need a break, need to breathe, need to fly to Kansas ?✈️[email protected]
I’m dying to take this ultimate functional cutie along for my birthday trip in September. Rio de Janeiro, baby! ?
I frequently go for long weekends to Dubai, so this carry on would be perfect, as I only travel with hand luggage.
I would love to take Escape Society on a journey to Amsterdam, Netherlands or New York for vacation. Escape Society as a brand is versatile, customer-friendly and so gorgeous. #fingerscrossed #win #pickme
On a trip to Thailand which we hope to do next year
I would love to win this Escape Society carry-on beauty!! Ideal to take to New York or Amsterdam.
On trend and versatile. #fingerscrossed #pickme
Oh I definitely swiped up!!! Sorry Natalie 😉 We’re traveling to New York over Christmas/NYE and an Escape Society carry-on would be the perfect winter travel accessory.
I will be take this with me (a husband, a 6 year old and a 2 year old and a sister.) on a nerve wrenching nail biting trip to Tokyo. I am like you, who wants to take everything except the kitchen sink along and am really trying to be and adopt a more minimalist style of packing…. And living. ?
I would definitely take the Escape Society carry-on with me to the beautiful Maldives ?? It would be the perfect travel accessory!
I’d take my gorgeous Escape Society carry-on to Durban for a short trip to visit my family. ?
Yay!! Neeeeeed this for a local Karoo trip, Reunion in Sept and next year Amsterdam ?
Reunion bbz
Absolutely loved the article! I would love to take my gorgeous Escape Society carry-on to a conference in Belgium in November 2018.
I am travelling to beautiful Bali in November, and this would be absolutely perfect! I am doing a tour as well as going exploring on my own. A new travel bag would be ideal for my trip! Crossing fingers! ?
Oooooh if I won I would take the carry-on with me to Bali. Have a trip planned end of September. Need to book mark your post so I can not suck at packing it 🙂
Anywhere and everywhere.
We are planning either an island breakaway, or a trip to NYC, and this would definitely go with on either of the two trips 🙂
I wiuld love this for my trip to Thailand next year!
You and Keen’s matching suitcases were EXTREMELY COUPLE GOALS by the way.
Realistically, I would take this to Durban because my parents would pay for the flight and I’m poor right now. It’s not glamorous, no one will envy me, but that’s showbiz you know.
I would take it on every holiday trip I can.
Currently planning a trip to France next year – I cannot wait to be in the city of love with my husband and our new tiny baby!
It will be our first trip overseas as a family of 3 and I think that built in charger will just be invaluable to making the trip easier!
Fingers and toes crossed! Xxx
I am roadtripping through SA at the end of the year and this would be my ultimate companion. Also- I am a bit of an OCD packer and like everything in my luggage in corners and organised- well this just seems perfect then, now doesn’t it? ? and I prid myself in supporting local brands! #localislekker
I love a handbag but a travelbag is just another type of friendship.
Reunion, obviously!
It would also be super handy for those trips that you’re stuck in airport limbo, especially considering that built-in mobile charger!
I tend to end up with long flight layovers so this will be perfect for my next trip (India?)!
We love a good road trip, so this would be sooooo a-m-a-z-I-n-g… but not only for local trips… we would love to plan an international trip to Morocco or Jordan, what a perfect piece of travel luggage… Styling! Xxx
I’ll take that bad boy everywhere, starting with Seoul and some smaller parts of South Korea when we visit my sister end of September 🙂
Heading to LDN, Amsterdam and Paris in December and need this baby in my life!
Would love to snag this for my upcoming trip back “home” to Australia! I have a ton of connections Coming from Buffalo just to get there and I’m determined to pack light and smart! Nothing’s worse than holidaying with heavy bags!
Oops can’t win it! But still love this post, such great tips!
NYC for Christmas holidays with Nicole ??
I’ll take it anywhere Annette comes with me, starting with Seoul and then to some other parts of South Korea. After that, you’ll have to wait and see.
Thanks for the awesome packing tips @tailsofamermaid! I would love to step up my traveling game with this gear! I am going on a long trip to Canada next year for a wedding. In between that time and now I want to squeeze as much time as possible as well.
I have my first trip to Spain in September for college with two of my best friends. This is definitely a must ??
I just got back from a trip to Portugal and Spain last night where I used just an old beat up carry-on that I borrowed from my dad.
After walking a minimum of 20 000 steps a day for the last 2,5 weeks, I was super inspired by your relaxing trip to Mauritius and am back at my desk, dreaming of an island getaway…
I’ll take it with anywhere Annette joins me, starting with Seoul and then some other parts of South Korea. After that, you’ll have to wait and see.
♡
Hubby and I are going to Turkey end of this month and I would to be catching flights and feelings with those beauties ♥️
Next trip – the Mediterranean!! With my best?
I’m travelling to Europe for my hubby and my first ever international holiday next year! #excitedmuch! And I’ve been reading up about traveling light so this would be the perfect little treasure to take! I’m also addicted to social media so that charging port will help feed my addiction ? and Uhm obvs keeping the family updated!
I will take my carry on to France in December where we go to refresh and drink coffee in the cold. My colouring pencils and journal will fit in there nicely to keep me busy on the long flight
Oh my gosh I love luggage!
I wonder if I’d get away with taking it to Antarctica with me in November?!
Definately taking it with when going to Ireland next month? ? ??
I will use the Carry-on. For my next trip overseas with Ursula Strauss . i would love to travel with such beautiful and stylish luggage.
Croatia! ??⛵?
The matt gold will be the perfect match for a trip to NYC! x
My SO and I have started taking 2 month remote working trips once a year and as many weekend getaways throughout the rest of the year as possible. This Escape Society carry-on would be the absolute best item to make my travels more manageable – and more stylish!! It’s just so beautiful ???
I would use it on my next work trip to Europe (possibly Estonia and Poland in January).
It’s the perfect bag size at 55cm and with 4 wheels is super easy to transport around on those layovers. My current bag only has two wheels, is pretty old and beaten up with a broken zip to boot.
The Escape Carry-on even has a lock (heavenly – no more lack of sleep due to separation anxiety fears over my laptop taking a walkie…my life is on my laptop!)
My phone loses power pretty quickly – so how cool is the USB charging port with removable powerbank!!!! Genius whoever thought of that!
The interior compression pad will prevent those awkward “cream bursting in your hands” moments or coffee sachets that look like balloons about to explode (I’m addicted to coffee so always have some sachets with me when i travel).
3kg’s in weight is also a bonus considering all the features!
Smart design – love the silver version!
MessageI would use it on my next work trip to Europe (possibly Estonia and Poland in January).
It’s the perfect bag size at 55cm and with 4 wheels is super easy to transport around on those layovers. My current bag only has two wheels, is pretty old and beaten up with a broken zip to boot.
The Escape Carry-on even has a lock (heavenly – no more lack of sleep due to separation anxiety fears over my laptop taking a walkie…my life is on my laptop!)
My phone loses power pretty quickly – so how cool is the USB charging port with removable powerbank!!!! Genius whoever thought of that!
The interior compression pad will prevent those awkward “cream bursting in your hands” moments or coffee sachets that look like balloons about to explode (I’m addicted to coffee so always have some sachets with me when i travel).
3kg’s in weight is also a bonus considering all the features!
Smart design – love the silver version!
Will take it to China when I go to walk the glass bridges next year with
Sherieen Seagreen who shared with me on facebook
I would love love love this for all my future travels- Europe has my heart and I’m definitely going back there soon and this prize would definitely make my travels more stylish and bearable!!!
My friend Yiota Tsitsikronis will use the carry on for her visits to me in Ctn
I would love to take this stunner to Abu Dhabi!
I would love to take this to Turkey in October where I will be celebrating my 40th birthday!
This would be so amazing for my upcoming Las Vegas-New York-Bahamas trip ! ?
Locally Durban, internationally London ???
We managed to get our 10 year UK visa this year so see lots of UK travel in the future! This bag would be perfect for protecting our electronics and my teen’s makeup purchases – she loved shopping in London for the first time this year!
I would take it on every honeymoon I go for with Muhammed Randeree (@moeranderee on twitter ) for the rest of our lives – which someday should include Greece 🙂
I would take my Escape Society carry-on with me on my trip to Hawaii where I would spend 90% of my time freaking out over the amazing tropical fish. I’m sure it’s big enough to also pack a snorkel!
When I’m not in Hawaii it would join me on my endless journeys between Cape Town International and OR Tambo 😉
Would love to take it on my trip to the USA next year- NYC, Chicago and New Orleans.
i would LOVE to take my Escape Society carry-on to Bali this December when I go with my sister and my friend, Landi, to soak up some sun & cocktails on the beach
Would love to take this carry on bag with Saleha (@salehamohideen on IG) and I to Paris if it’s a city, or to the Seychelles if it’s a beach resort.
Low key obsessed with the gold because it’s so IG ready and I’ll never miss it overhead when it sparkles in a sea of black bags. Would take it to an amazing island getaway to Reunion
This giveaway has come at exactly the right time! I am visiting my sister in South Korea in exactly a month’s time and I will definitely revisit this post before I pack my carry on bag – thank you for the honest tips. If I win this Escape Society carry-on it would make my long flight there and back such a breeze. Fingers crossed X
I would take this absolutely gorgeous and totally necessary carry on with me when i go to Spain next year. This will make my travel plans so much easier as I will not have to go shopping for the ultimate carry on bag.
We are planning a trip to Egypt and these would be so super stylish!
MessageThank you for the informative article. I am visiting my daughter in south Korea in September and would love to have an Escape Society carry-on!
Eeeeeeck I’ve been eyeing this carry-on ? I definitely take it with me to Doha and Bali in September. I haven’t travelled in +/- 10 years and I need to start building up travel goodies ? thank you for your greeeeat posts ?
Somewhere seaside! Mauritius with the little person and my husband. Would be ideal when traveling with a little person.
Also thank you for The Bactroban/Airmune/Rehidrat tips!!!! The best. Omg and the sanitizer to spritz where you sit ? the best!!!!
Eurotrip in December. My best friend, Michelle, and I have been saving up for a long time (we are both students). I absolutely cannot imagine doing it with anyone else.
A suitcase this pretty deserves to be taken out EVERYWHERE every ?? single ?? day ??
Oh my this would mean so much to me, my husband and i are finally going on honeymoon to Bali on the 15th of September and this gift from you will make traveling a breeze. Thank you
What a great way to travel, this bag is perfect and your travel tips are great. Thank you! I’m going to Belgium and Barcelona in September, literally counting down the days for a much needed break. Would be amazing to explore with this beauty alongside me x
I would take mine to Skiathos in 2 weeks!!
The Escape Society carry-on would be perfect for my big move to Indonesia-Jakarta. Luxurious bags for luxurious moments?
I am a buyer so this baby would come with me all over the world… I recently had my favorite stolen so I could really use a new one please xx
The Escape Society carry-on would be perfect for my big move to Indonesia-Jakarta. Luxurious bags for luxurious moments? My first time on an international flight with something to remind me of home
I absolutely would love to have this carry-on!
I have been saving and working hard and have three trips planned for the end of the year (back to back trips in Oct,Nov, and Dec)
I think it would be great for all my trips from New Mexico, to South Africa, to a Caribbean cruise.
I can take it every where!!!
Hi there! We are actually moving to Sweden soon and this would be the perfect carry on! Seeing as we are packing our whole lives in a few bags this would be an amazing addition! #MacDsinStockholm
Have suitcase will travel…this size is ideal to have with you in the cabin, filled with all the essiential spoils for a long haul.
I am getting married in June next year and would die to take this with me. We are eloping and it would be great to actually have a suitcase of my own. On our last trip I borrowed a suitcase from my best friends’ mother and 2 train trips into our holiday the wheel broke :(. We had to hardcore carry our suitcase everywhere.
I would take this lovely bag on my Thailand trip in December ??with my cousin, her husband and my boyfriend… it’ll be my first international trip ?? I cannot wait I am counting down the days
Honestly, just between Cape Town and Joburg! Those awkward one nighters are a packing pain, and decent carry-on luggage would be a GAME CHANGER. Especially with the charger, because I spend my whole life in fear of the ‘Battery Low’ notification. And if a girl can dream, this bag and I will head to Edinburgh to see my bestie and her new baby.
? I have a trip to Edinburgh to visit my sister for her birthday. This would be perfect!
My travel bestie @melg84 needs this ultimate carry on in her life because she needs a good travel experience and this will do just the trick 😉 I would travel the world x
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Ooh! So exciting… lake como in the summer followed by a trip along the cinque terre, a little stay in Sicily and a few days in Malta!!! What a dream
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Ooh! So exciting… lake como in the summer followed by a trip along the cinque terre, a little stay in Sicily and a few days in Malta!!! What a dream come true!
Italy ??
Next place would be India, or London. Either way, I’ve become an almost expert minimalist traveler – but my massive empty suitcase is an equally massive joke.
Paris to visit my beautiful cousin who is studying her masters there!
I would love to take this incredible piece of luggage with me to Paris alongside my gorgeous man, Jaen-Pierre. We really want to visit Paris, a dream for the both of us.
I would use my carry on to Japan and the most important thing on a long haul flight is flight shoes (from Dischem) so that one’s flight socks stay clean when one walks around on the flight. These shoes are made from like wetsuit material.
Venice ?? with my friend Tania ❤
Hey, What a great way to travel, this bag is perfect, and your travel tips are great. I am going for Australia with my baby if you give me some suggestion for my baby packing list I would much appreciate it. Thanks in advance for your suggestion.
My business trips to Jozi (so not glam I know!) would be so much easier with this
I fly between Dubai and Johannesburg often and hand luggage has become my best friend on these trips. Thanks for the tips – a few have been mentally captured to ensure my upcoming trip is even more comfortable ??
Going to Dubai in September
I think this escape society carry-on would by a life saver for me on cpt-joburg 2 day trips. And then it will definitely come in handy next year when I go to the Philippines in Feb for my BDay. ??️?️
Man alive!! This gorgeous carry-on suitcase gives me all the feels!!! And HOW COOL that it has a phone charger?!? What what!!!
I would take this carry-on EVERYWHERE!!! To meetings, on weekends away and DEFINITELY to Cape Town in september abd on some upcoming overseas trips!!! This is absolute perfection!! I love that it is BEAUTIFUL and practical!!! ?
I have a trip coming up to Spain and this bag would be an amazing travel companion!
I’m flying to the States next month and airport security is hell over there! I love that the built-in lock is TSA approved, and I can just wheel past all the security guards hassle free!
Seeing the world is what I live for! I will be taking my gorgeous carry on to Russia next! I can’t wait to experience a snowy winter and to see what this amazing country has to show!
To Turkey in September :)shared on Twitter and Google Plus.Followrd on IG.
I’m turning 30 next year and I’ve decided it’s going to be my year of travel. I’m pouring everything I have into travel for a year. I’m dream destinations for the year are Japan, New York, Greece and Reunion. I’d be jetting off everywhere with my Escape society beauty.
I would take this beautiful suitcase with on a trip to Portugal for my tenth wedding anniversary next year.
Oh man Nats, your travel tips have helped me tremendously.
I’d love to take this with me to Barcelona next year!
I often travel for work but I would definitely not leave this beautiful bag behind for a local weekend either! Then maybe my boyfriend and I could pack our own bags and not end up wearing each other’s uhm…. socks!
I would take this beautiful suitcase with on my first trip to Cape Town, my first holiday in my life
Am all about convenience these days – especially when travelling with a 2 year old. Sold on the 360 degree wheels and being able to charge the iPhone to keep her entertained!
I’d take it with me to Mauritius in December, or if I manage to play my cards right – to the alps in January! 😉
This prize will inspire me to take ALL OF MY leave days (and all of my money obvz) and travel to Croatia! X
My big sis, Annette de Klerk and brother-in-law, Alex van Rensburg will be visiting me in the land of the morning calm and I couldn’t be more thrilled. We plan on hitting all the big cities, starting with Seoul! Escape Society is the ideal luggage for her! Thanks for the great packing tips Natalie!
10yr Wedding Anniversary (no joke!) and looking likely to be Mauritius – with our little 2yr old Elle Belle in tow. I know this bag would make Kim’s day and my stock increase dramatically! I haven’t always gotten it right when it comes to anniversary gifts ? Fingers crossed!
Perfect for domestic mini-breaks around the country!
[…] guide to packing the ultimate carry-on should cover all your bases when it comes to being prepared for long-haul flights. Having a great […]
This is a fantastic guide. I must say all these packing tips are actually worth to try out. Great work. Thanks for sharing.