10 Carry-on Essentials we never travel without

We’ve put together your ultimate carry-on packing checklist, you’re welcome!

Planning your next adventure is always an exciting affair, until you realise you have forgotten something you absolutely needed on the trip and it is difficult to purchase on your way or wherever you are going!

Of course if you are planning to go on a city break this should not be a big issue, but what if you are headed to an adventure in remote and secluded area?

Without further delay, here are the top travel essentials:

1 ) Packing Cubes help keep your items organised. They fit into your carry-on and you can pack your shirts in one and your shorts in another, and so on. So whenever you need to grab a shirt, you reach for that cube without having to make a complete mess out of your suitcase. These Cubes gained popularity with users over the internet, you can find sets from 2 up to 8 packing cubes, and they are quite affordable; Bagail Packing Cubes prices start at 55 Aed.

2) Travel Towel are lightweight, compact, fast absorbing towels. While there are various ranges of towels on the market, we absolutely love turkish towels. While these take inspiration from the peshtemals  traditional towels, they are made from 100% pure cotton, a premium fabric that gets softer with every wash. When folded flat, these towels take up very little luggage space when traveling. We absolutely adore these towels for their gradient shades: Grey, Olive, Purple, Pink, Orange, Turquoise and Blue.

3) Sunnies that block harmful UV-A and UV-B rays . No matter your destination, your eyes need to be protected against the sun rays or their reflection (if you are hitting the slopes this winter). It is important to note that not all polarized sunglasses provide UV protection. That’s why you should opt for a pair that is comfortable and suitable for where you are going. And this is why we think these are by far the best sunglasses to travel with. They are lightweight, comfortable, offer UV protection, made from recycled wood/skateboards and the brand promises to plant a tree for every pair bought. Do we need to say more?

4) Sunblock because well sun-safety! While shade is the best sunblock there is, you will need a bottle or two of zinc oxide or titanium dioxide sunblock to maximize UVA/UVB protection for your face such as this one. Sun Bum is Non-comedogenic, Oxbenzone Free, Paraben Free, Cruelty Free, Gluten Free, PABA free & Oil Free.

We also like this off-the shelf chemical based & affordable brand that leaves your skin glowing & Soft. The silky, lightweight spray goes on smoothly and smells just like you’re on the shore of a tropical island. Not a great option if you have sensitive skin though, as it contains plenty of fragrances.

5) Hats come after shade and sunblock! Beat the heat with a stylish, hand-embellished, customized straw hat that’s ideal to offer you sun protection & a trendy look. For your active recreation, we picked these trucker hats designed locally in UAE! We can only say we are so proud to host them on our website!

6) Power Bank so far we made it clear that we like all things lightweight to travel with; and, this is we we love this battery charger which is ideal to pop in your bag or even your pocket when you travel. The 10,000 mAh power capability is strong enough to charge most smartphones and tablets. Also, it is worth checking solar chargers if you are visiting a sunny destination. We recommend Aukey’s 21W Solar charger with dual USB ports available on Amazon.com

7) Bandages these are an absolute essential for your First Aid Kit, according to Michael Huxley from the www.nomadicmatt.com. If you are going on a trekking trip then it’s wise to pack some blister plasters. We love these natural, sustainable and cruelty-free patch strips made from organic bamboo.

8) A Pair of Loafers that are flexible, breathable and elegant! These waterproof shoes are super comfy and can be worn anywhere: beach, city cruising and even out to dinner. When they are covered with sand, you can just take them off, give them a good rinse and you’re good to go! They save you from packing multiple shoes for different occasions. SWIMS loafers are simply practical and we love them!

9) A healthy on the Go Snack, that’s packed with nutrients to fuel you up and still satisfy your “sweet tooth”. Yes we know it’s almost impossible to find something that GOOD! Here’s our top pick for you, Encas is locally made in the UAE, plant-based, dairy free & gluten free , and selling for just 10 AED per bar, YaY!

10) A pair of cute & functional leggings to make your journey ahead a comfortable one! Don’t get us wrong, we love trendy airport outfits, and just because you’re wearing leggings doesn’t mean you can’t look stylish. And you must know by now that we love supporting Middle Eastern brands and this one is not any different. Check out their range here and pick yours that will make you feel put together and relaxed during your travels.

And that’s it folks, no wait! Make sure you remember your passport! oh yea and always always pack a change of clothes in case of a disaster! We know, we’ve been there! imagine reaching the mountains in Ethiopia after flying for more than 10 hours, only to find out that your luggage did not reach with you…well yep we were grateful to have packed that fresh set of clothes!