The carry-on essentials checklist I’ve refined over a year of long-haul flights (and what I stopped packing)

When it comes to travelling abroad, I find an eSIM the easiest option because you can have it ready to go before departure and be connected within minutes of landing. I recommned even setting it up while you still have a reliable internet connection at home – there is no greater fear than a lack of connection, especially when you’re miles from home. Nomad eSIM has eSIMs for over 200 countries and regions, as well as global plans if you’re crossing borders on your trip. The data-only plans can be great for shorter trips, with plans that range from 1-365 days, and you can also top up a plan as you go. And remember: Don’t switch it on as your primary data line yet unless instructed to and make sure Data Roaming is enabled.

Price for a 5GB eSIM for Europe: $25.18 for 30 days

Price for a 5GB global eSIM: $57.554 for 30 days

See also The best eSIMs to upgrade your phone for international travel

Choosing between a carry on and a weekender or duffel bag is entirely up to you and where your travelling to. If I’m off on a city jaunt where the only attraction my luggage will see is the hotel room, a carry-on suitcase is the perfect option. I love my carry-on suitcase from Antler, weighing in at just 2.5kg and has four wheels for convenience. For longer trips such as sojourning across the European continent, I would recommend a travel backpack instead, which you can place by your feet on the plane for easy access to your belongings.

Weight: 2.5kg | Size: 81.3 x 56 x 34.3 cm | Colours: seven

See also 11 lightweight carry-on bags that earn their place in the overhead locker

An essential in travel style and an icon in its own right, the Le Pliage Original Shoulder Bag by Longchamp can easily hold all of your travel documents, carry-on essentials, laptop and more for easy capacity in style. And best of all, it can even be folded into the size of a paperback book. It’s made to go the distance – just like your mileage points.

Weight: 346 g | Size: 31 x 30 x 19 cm| Colours: 10

See also Australians are ditching suitcases for these luxury weekender bags in 2026

Personally, I need to have all of my essential items – passport, cards, airtag – all in one easy-to-access place, which is why a travel organiser is vital. This one by July offers RFID protection, which essentially means that you’ll be safe from scanners remotely reading sensitive data from your cards.

Size: 120 x 226 mm | Material: Full grain Nappa leather | Colours: six

See also After years of travel, these are the luxury essentials we still pack

A portable charger is a vital long-haul essential, keeping your phone, headphones and other devices powered through airport layovers and scenic train rides. Just remember Australia’s new airline rules: power banks must travel in your carry-on luggage and, on airlines including Qantas and Virgin Australia, cannot be used or charged during the flight.

I’ve taken this portable charger by Belkin all across the globe; it comes with two USB-C and one USB-A port, and a detachable USB-C cable is included for those who tend to leave their chargers behind…

Number of devices: three | Battery capacity (mAh): 20000 | Warranty: two years

If there is anything on this list that is going to elevate your travel experience, it’s a good quality pair of headphones. I’ve raved about the Bose QuietComfort Ultra’s countless times, and there’s a reason these headphones have garnered widespread acclaim. Their exceptional noise cancellation, minimalist design and 24-hour battery life make them the perfect companion for your next trip abroad.

See also I’ve logged hundreds of flight hours, and these headphones are my secret weapon

While not necessarily a travel essential for all carry-on luggage, compression packing cubes have really helped this overpacker stay organised when travelling. I will always recommend packing an outfit or two on the plane should anything happen to your check-in luggage, and compression cubes really help keep everything in one place. This is all to say – rummaging your bag for your toothpaste or passport will no longer be an issue. This set by Zoomlite will compress its contents by up to 30 per cent.

Weight: 470 grams| Capacity: 34 L combined | Colours: eight

See also The packing cubes and organisers our editors swear by for a perfectly curated suitcase

Swollen legs and feet after a long flight are uncomfortable, but not uncommon. That’s why many opt for compression socks, which may help improve blood circulation during long periods of sitting, reducing leg swelling, fatigue and discomfort on flights. I never fly without them anymore, especially on a long-haul flight.

My favourite trick for long-haul flights, or any flight really, is to bring along a large scarf or travel wrap to cosy up in during the flight – especially as the air starts to cool down when flying. Layer over a wool coat or knitwear, or whatever your signature airport fit is, for added warmth and texture.

Size: 200cm x 95 cm | Materials: bamboo, recycled cashmere and recycled wool

I don’t believe you need a large cosmetic case with a million pockets on a long-haul flight. A simple pouch like this one from EAU BAGS will fit your cosmetics, a simple makeup routine and a face mask or two for the journey ahead.

Size: 20 x 30 x 10 cm | Materials: recycled nylon