Before you go - Am I missing anything

[elphaba91]

Basically, your hand luggage should include these four things:
1. Things that you will need on the plane - I would pack these in your handbag, or, if liquids, move them there after going through security as it's quite hard to access the overhead compartment.
2. Things that you couldn't live without on the first day - unfortunately your suitcase mightn't arrive at your destination at the same time as you, and you need enough supplies to tide you over until you can get to the shops.
3. Things that are fragile - you have no idea how your checked baggage is being treated!
4. Things that are irreplaceable - even more unfortunately, there is a slim chance your luggage mightn't arrive at all!

This is what we had in our hand luggage heading out:

- Pair of underwear
- Shirt
- All documentation (hotel bookings, ticket vouchers, etc.)
- Medications and vitamins (including sinus tablets, Kwells, Gastro-Stop, Hydralyte, Panadol and Nurofen)
- Lubricating eye spray
- Lip balm
- Moisturiser
- Toothpaste
- Toothbrush
- Make-up
- Hairbrush
- Hand sanitiser
- Anti-bacterial wipes (you don't know what's been put on that tray table!)
- iPad, phone and camera
- Headphones (the bud ones block out noise better than the plane ones)
- Ear plugs (but didn't use them)
- Eye mask (ditto)
- Neck pillow
- Scarf (could also double as a blanket or pillow)
- Hat and gloves (we were heading to New York)
- Umbrella
- Adapters and chargers

However, on the way home we took out some things (e.g. documentation, hat and gloves, umbrella, adapters, etc.) and replaced them with things like our Playbills, Christmas ornaments, snowglobes (have to comply with the liquids rule!)...and Goofy of course !

 

[aussie shaz]

Haha. I basically take money,passports, painkillers, phone, camera, iPad, book and snacks. I also take my own pillow on the plane.
THAT'S IT!!!
Hubby has laptop, money, maybe a book.
Kids have iPads, book and snacks.
Shows everyone travels differently

 

[Rebekkap]

Just realised I should just say what I'm planning to take in case it helps you out given I'm leaving NEXT WEEK

Keep in mind I travel with small children.

smallest box washing powder (double wrapped)
sard wondersoap stick (double wrapped)
elastic pegless clothesline
one of those mini clothes defluffer things
ear plugs (light sleeper so better for me to deal with myself rather than noisy hotel guests)
combo usb plug
small powerboard
luggage scales
ziplock bags

When something needs to be double bagged (which includes toilet bags) I first put them in a large ziplock bag and then into a plastic bag. I've had things leaking and it's not pretty

On the plane we have prescription medicines including prescribed melatonin which is wonderful. My daughter requires this but I have the go ahead from the GP for all of us to take it to combat jetlag for a few days.
hydrolyte
gastro stop
painkillers
strong codeine painkillers (prescribed)
enough ventolin to sink a ship
kwells
and the usual paw paw cream, band aides etc etc

all our chargers and another plug converter
complete change of clothing
roll on
toothbrush/paste
facewasher in a ziplock bag (I prefer to use rather than wipes which we also have. The kids didn't use theirs which didn't surprise me lol)
usual spares of female items

I think that's it. Sounds like a lot but isn't when it's over 4 carry on bags.

Melatonin is a wonder drug for jetlag - unless you have the health care card that gives you really cheap prescriptions it's heaps cheaper over the counter in the US - Target is on one of the ART bus routes - I think last time I got 500 tablets for $7 on a two for one special.

 

[jevs]

Prescription melatonin isn't on the pbs so it's full price for everyone, my daughter has a HCC. Thanks for the tip though, as long as it's exactly the same as she has been prescribed I'll grab some

 

[Aussie Wendy]

Nothing to add - everyone has it covered and you look like you had everything under control. Have an amazing trip!

On the drinking tea, for others I'd thought I'd add that I take my own teabags and sugar (as they never leave enough) with me and drink it made with hot water just put through the coffee maker and no its not boiling, but its hot enough to let me have my necessary cuppa! We normally also carry a few coffee bags to do the same as well for when we run out of supplied coffee pods. Buying small milks to put in the usually complimentary fridge so I can have it white can be more of a challenge,especially when we haven't a car! We also carry biscuits as I can't have a cuppa without a biccy too and in the plane (economy) we also carry some plain savoury crackers to nibble on - yes you can get snacks but if DD or I are feeling a bit "off" then in the middle of the night its nice to pull out a few to nibble on immediately we feel like it. We also carry water brought from the airport after security too - yes you they bring it round fairly regularly or in the middle of the night when they encourage everyone to sleep, you can ring for the hostess for some, but again, its easier to have our own bottle there to sip from whenever we feel like it plus not having to juggle an open plastic glass full.

 

[lffam]

Only other thing is HAVE FUN!!

you have probably done what we all do plan the best we can..some things will go off with out a hitch, some might have a few bumps, soething new things will come alon you never thought of... you're on holiday have fun spend the time with your loved ones in a wonderful place

 

[ozliz]

Buying water after security works in a lot of airports but if you are ever flying through Asia don't bother. They often do a visual check inside every bag on through the boarding line and take any bottles of water off people. Very annoying if flying on a budget minimal service airline!

 

[minneylovesmicky]

Thanks everyone, you have helped me out heaps.

Think we are right now, have lists everywhere...lol what we don't take over or forget to pack, we can buy over there, we are planning a small grocery shop the day we land.

Will start packing in the next week or so, to ensure we have everything we need and then the great countdown is on.

Thanks again, safe and happy travels to you all

 

[Aussie Wendy]

Buying water after security works in a lot of airports but if you are ever flying through Asia don't bother. They often do a visual check inside every bag on through the boarding line and take any bottles of water off people. Very annoying if flying on a budget minimal service airline!

Thanks that's useful to know. We have never had any issues with Singapore Airlines and I think DD kept up the practice on Vietnam Airlines but I will ask her now out of curiosity, but haven't travelled with many in Asia. I will now be prepared!

 

[ozliz]

Thanks that's useful to know. We have never had any issues with Singapore Airlines and I think DD kept up the practice on Vietnam Airlines but I will ask her now out of curiosity, but haven't travelled with many in Asia. I will now be prepared!

Bangkok on Jetstar and Hong Kong on cathay pacific. Hopefully they don't keep doing it.

 

[aussie shaz]

You can't take drinks onto a flight out of Bali. We went to sit in the departure gate lounge with our drinks. A short time before the flight was leaving, they made us all leave the area, and then go through bag checks again. They took all drinks.