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Losing checked baggage can derail a holiday quickly. Stashing a few carefully chosen items in your carry-on helps you cope until your luggage turns up.
Essential documents
Store digital copies of travel insurance, vaccination records and booking confirmations on your phone and in your email. That gives you an immediate backup if paper copies go missing.
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Keep originals that are hard to replace — for example certain visas or paper tickets — in a small folder inside your hand luggage.
Medication
Carry at least a week’s supply of any regular prescriptions in your cabin bag. Medicines are not always straightforward to replace abroad, even with a local prescription.
Rules for controlled drugs vary between countries. You might need a doctor’s letter for some items, so check requirements before you travel.
Electronics and power
Bring your phone, tablet or laptop together with all relevant chargers and cables. A universal adapter with several USB ports can avoid hunting for the right plug on arrival.
Valuables and sentimental items
Anything you would regret losing should stay with you. Put meaningful jewellery, heirlooms or a child’s favourite comfort item in your hand luggage rather than in the hold.
Spare clothes
Packing a small change of clothes prevents unnecessary shopping if your bag is delayed. Prioritise essentials such as underwear and, for beach trips, swimwear.
Add a versatile top, a pair of shorts or a light layer that suits your destination. Wear the most practical shoes for your itinerary — trainers for walking, sandals for relaxed trips.
Toiletries and quick laundry
Keep liquids in containers no larger than 100ml and place them in a clear bag for security checks. Include sunscreen; it can be markedly more expensive at some holiday spots.
Bring a minimal make-up kit if replacement would be costly, and a small bottle of travel wash so you can launder and re-wear essential items until your suitcase arrives.
