What do you pack for a 26 day trip?
Well as little as possible so you can bring back found treasures and trinkets for friends and family you find along the way. But going on a diving trip and bring all the diving gear you need can weigh you down. Luckily, for my Indonesia trip, I’m flying Business and First class which allows you two free bags and 70 lbs each. Yeah!
Packing light can be done… (search youtube.com for: Only a carry-on for a three week trip)… but this is my carry-on packing list and the essentials that you want with you when you’re on the plane.
Carry On Travel Tips
Have you ever waited in the aisle to take your seat on an airplane because someone is digging through there bag to get something they want to have at their seat before putting it in the overhead bin? Well, don’t be that person! Have everything you’ll need at your seat already together and organized in a Pocket Pal. What’s a Pocket Pal? It’s just a zippered organizer that will fit in the seat pocket in front of you.
Pocket Pal has most of everything you will need when at your seat, without having to go into the overhead bin.
1. Inside Pocket Pal:
- iPad / phone
- Passport
- ID/Driver’s License
- Cash
- Credit card – not only to split up but to purchase items on the plane
- Charging cords – various sizes
- Ear phones
- Pens – This is the Best Pen you’ll ever use – Uni-Ball Power Tank
- Sticky notes/paper
- Nitecore flashlight
- Ibuprofen / aspirin Tissues
- Bacterial wipes
- Facial wipes
- Fingernail file
- Eye mask
- Batteries
- Ear Plugs
- Floss
- Lip balm
- Business Cards
- Hand sanitizer
- A few Band-aids
- I have a small refillable water bottle with a small carabiner, can clip on the side of the pocket and be in arms reach.
- Noise Cancelling Headphones.
Carry-on for overhead bin:
- Medications – prescriptions/pain relievers, etc
- Contacts / extra set of glasses
- Valuables – jewelry, money, credit cards,
- Computer / iPad (see pocket pal)
- Extension cord that takes the three prongs and USB
- Sunglasses
- Napkins
- Snack – protein bars
- Bottle opener
- Car phone charger – if you are renting a car
- Reusable grocery bags lightweight
- Dive gear
- Computers
- Regulators
- Mask
- Flashlight – I bring a head lamp, light weight and lasts a long time
- Rolled up duct tape – small piece
- Space blanket
- Overnight toiletries – what will make life comfortable if your checked bag is lost/delayed
a. Toothbrush
b. razor
c. Makeup
d. Deodorant (travel size)
e. Comb/brush
f. Glasses / extra contacts
g. 2nd fingernail file, tissues
- One set change of clothes (Quick drying clothes is ideal, and of course destination specific)
a. Shirt
b. pants/shorts/dress
c. Underwear
d. Socks
e. Swimsuit
f. Sandals
Bonus
1. Small first aid kit – must go in checked luggage with knife
a. Going to a third world country or where natural disasters could occur? – take a small survival kit also. There are many things that can go into a survival kit, but this would get you through a couple of days. Remember the basics: Shelter, Water, Fire, Food.
i. Poncho – can double as a makeshift tent
ii. Paracord
iii. Life Straw
iv. Blastmatch Fire Starter
v. Several cotton balls with Vaseline in a waterproof match tube
vi. Knife – Swiss Army type or survival knife
vii. Other things you should already have when you’re traveling: Head Lamp, reusable water bottle, Energy bar, etc.
