How to Pack the Perfect Carry-On for a Stress-Free Flight: Solo Traveller Tips & Essentials 🎒✈️
- Farah Ehab
- Jun 5
- 10 min read
💡 Disclaimer: Some of the links in this guide are affiliate links. If you click on one and make a purchase, I might earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Your support helps me keep creating valuable content and updates for you. Thank you! 🌟
🌟 Hey there, fellow adventurers! I'm Farah, a passionate solo traveller and the heart behind The Egyptian Traveler. Join me on my journey as I explore the wonders of Egypt and beyond, uncovering hidden gems, vibrant cultures, and unforgettable experiences. Whether I'm wandering through ancient ruins, tasting local delicacies, or sharing travel tips, I’m here to inspire you to embark on your own incredible adventures. Let’s make travel fun and full of stories together! 🌍✈️
There’s nothing quite like that pre-flight buzz—passport in hand, boarding pass ready, and dreams of faraway placesdancing in your head. But let’s be real: that excitement can quickly fade when you're mid-flight and realise you’ve forgotten something crucial. A well-packed carry-on isn’t just about convenience—it’s the key to a stress-free travel experience, especially for solo travellers like me who don’t have anyone to fall back on if things go wrong.
I’ll never forget the time I landed in Rome after a long-haul flight, only to realise I’d packed my charger in my checked bag. My phone was on 3%, I had no idea where my hostel was, and the airport Wi-Fi was painfully slow. Not exactly the la dolce vita I had imagined! Since then, I’ve learned the hard way that a perfectly packed carry-on can make or break your first few hours in a new country—and your sanity.
When you travel solo, you’re your own backup. No one’s going to lend you lip balm at 35,000 feet or share their charger when yours is buried in the cargo hold. That’s why I’m sharing my go-to tips on how to pack the perfect carry-on. Whether you’re heading off on a short city break or a long-haul adventure, this guide will help you stay organised, comfy, and fully prepped to hit the ground running. Let’s pack smart and fly stress-free! 💼✨
🌍✈️ Thinking about your first solo adventure? Check out How to Solo Travel for the First Time: A Complete Beginner’s Guide for essential tips, practical advice, and everything you need to start your journey confidently!
1. Start with the Right Bag: Size & Style Matter 🧳
Let’s kick things off with the foundation of your carry-on game: the bag itself. Not all carry-ons are created equal, and the last thing you want is to be stopped at the gate because your backpack is a little too chunky for the overhead bin. Make sure you check the cabin size limits for the airline you’re flying—most stick to around 55 x 40 x 20 cm, but it can vary quite a bit.
Personally, I love using a lightweight, multi-compartment backpack or a sleek mini suitcase with spinner wheels. The compartments help me stay super organised, and a hard shell gives that extra protection for my tech. If you're planning to rent a car for a road trip after your flight, a compact bag makes a big difference—less fuss, more space! Discover Cars is my go-to for finding affordable, flexible car rentals when I want to explore beyond the airport city.
🌍 Are you an introvert ready to embrace solo travel? Check out How to Travel Solo and Meet New People: A Friendly Guide for Introverts for tips on connecting with others while exploring the world on your terms! 🧘♀️
2. Travel Documents & Essentials: Keep It Handy! 📄
Your travel documents are the VIPs of your carry-on—don’t even think about burying them under your snacks and chargers. I always keep my passport, visa (if needed), travel insurance papers, and boarding pass in a slim pouch or zipped section that’s super easy to access. Print copies too, just in case your phone dies at the wrong moment. It’s happened to me… more than once.
Digital backups are a lifesaver. I store mine in a secure cloud folder and on my phone with offline access. For insurance, I highly recommend either SafetyWing (super flexible for nomads like me) or Ekta (great if you're doing adventurous activities). Need a last-minute visa for your trip? iVisa makes it ridiculously easy to apply online—no confusing embassy visits or printouts required.
💸 Want to explore the world without emptying your wallet? Check out Essential Budget Travel Hacks for Solo Adventurers: How to Travel Smart and Save Big for clever tips to stretch your money and maximise every adventure! 🌟
3. Toiletries: Stay Fresh on the Go 🧼
Nothing feels worse than arriving at your destination feeling gross after a long flight. That’s why I always pack a mini toiletries kit in my carry-on. I go for TSA-approved sizes—think 100ml or less—and focus on freshness essentials: face wipes, a travel-sized deodorant, toothbrush and paste, and maybe a light moisturiser or facial mist.
Pro tip? Go solid wherever possible—shampoo bars, solid deodorant sticks, and bar soap save space and avoid leaks. They’re also eco-friendlier! And if your accommodation check-in is hours away, you might want to store your luggage and explore a bit first. Radical Storage is a great option for dropping your bags and freshening up before diving into a new city.
🌍 Ready to navigate a new city solo with confidence? Check out Solo Travel Safety: How to Navigate a New City Alone for expert tips to stay secure, explore, and enjoy your adventure! 🚶♀️🌍
4. In-Flight Comfort: What I Always Bring 🧦
Let’s be honest—planes aren’t exactly built for comfort, especially in economy. I always make room in my carry-on for a few in-flight comfort essentials: a neck pillow, fluffy socks, an oversized scarf (which doubles as a blanket!), and an eye mask for blocking out those pesky cabin lights.
Hydration is key, too—dry cabin air is no joke. I bring a collapsible water bottle (fill it up after security!) and stash some lip balm and hydrating face mist to keep things feeling fresh. And once you land, skip the long taxi lines and book a smooth, reliable transfer in advance with Welcome Pickups. Honestly, it makes all the difference when you’re tired and just want to get to your hotel stress-free.
🏙️ Ready for a solo escape? Check out How to Plan the Perfect Weekend Getaway as a Solo Traveller for smart tips, epic destinations, and stress-free travel planning! 🧳
5. Tech Must-Haves: Stay Charged & Connected 🔌
I’ve learned the hard way that dead devices mid-transit = chaos. That’s why I never travel without a portable power bank, charging cables, and a universal adapter that works in multiple countries (a total game-changer if you're hopping between time zones 🌍). I also recommend a cable organiser so you’re not rummaging through your bag while your phone dies at the gate.
Staying connected abroad used to be a total headache, but now I rely on eSIMs for seamless mobile data wherever I land. Airalo is one of my favourites—it’s fast, reliable, and works in over 200 countries. For extra deals, try Saily and use my exclusive code: Special5 for 5% off! Other great options are Drimsim (awesome for long-term travel) and Yesim for instant connectivity in remote spots.
📱 Planning your next solo adventure? Check out Best Apps Every Solo Female Traveller Needs on Their Phone for must-have apps that keep you safe, connected, and ready for anything! ✨
If you're enjoying these travel tips, please give this post a like—your support fuels my solo adventures! 😊
6. Extra Clothes & Layering: Be Weather-Ready 👗
Even if I’m flying to somewhere sunny, I always pack an extra outfit and a couple of layers in my carry-on. Flights can get freezing, and unexpected layovers or delays mean you might have to survive in your travel clothes way longer than expected. Trust me, that fresh pair of leggings and a clean T-shirt can feel like a spa day at 3 a.m. in an airport lounge.
To save space, I use compression packing cubes—they squeeze everything down into neat little bundles and make it super easy to find what I need. I also throw in a light cardigan or oversized scarf that works as a wrap when the cabin air gets too chilly. It’s all about being prepared, not bulky.
🌿 Feeling nervous about solo travel? Check out How to Handle Travel Anxiety: Tips for Calm and Confident Solo Travelling 🧘♀️🌿 for expert advice, calming tips, and the confidence you need to embrace your next solo adventure with ease! 🧘♀️🌿
7. Snacks & Hydration: No One Likes Hangry Travel 🍫
Let’s be real—airport food is overpriced, and airline meals aren’t always worth the wait. That’s why I pack a small stash of healthy, non-leaky snacks: think protein bars, nuts, dried fruit, and dark chocolate. Bonus points for anything that won’t melt in your bag while you’re hustling between terminals.
I also pop in a couple of electrolyte tabs and herbal tea bags to help stay hydrated without chugging sugary drinks. And if you're flying long-haul or expect long airport layovers, staying connected can make all the difference—apps like SAILY (don’t forget Special5 for your discount!) or Yesim can keep you online without hunting for dodgy airport Wi-Fi.
💸 Want to save money while travelling solo? Check out Solo Travel on a Budget: Smart Ways to Save Without Sacrificing Comfort for tips that keep your travels affordable and stress-free! ✈️💸
8. Entertainment & Productivity: Don’t Rely on In-Flight Screens 📚
You never know when the in-flight screen is broken—or worse, filled with movies you don’t actually want to watch. That’s why I always bring a few offline entertainment options: a good book (or my Kindle), a travel journal, and a few podcasts or playlists downloaded to my phone. Music and audiobooks seriously help pass the time on long journeys.
One of my favourite travel hacks? Use that plane time to learn something new! I’m currently obsessed with the Ling App—it’s perfect for picking up local phrases before landing, and I can practise even when I’m offline. Whether you’re heading to Tokyo or Tunis, knowing a few words can make all the difference when connecting with locals.
🥾 Ready to explore solo? Check out The Ultimate Solo Travel Guide: Essential Tips, Top Destinations, and Safety Precautions for everything you need to start your adventure confidently!
9. Keep it Light, But Don’t Forget These Extras 🗺️
I’m all for minimalist packing, but there are a few small items I never skip—they’ve saved me more times than I can count. A luggage tracker gives me peace of mind in case my carry-on ever ends up checked (it happens!), while a mini first aid kit with plasters, painkillers, and motion sickness tablets is worth its weight in gold on bumpy rides or surprise blisters.
I also throw in a pen for customs forms, eye drops for dry cabin air, and face wipes to freshen up mid-transit. Optional, but highly recommended: compression socks for long-haul flights, a comfy face mask, and a chill playlist. Oh—and if you’ve ever dealt with delays, cancellations, or lost bags, you might be entitled to compensation! Compensair can help you claim money back without the legal headache 💸.
🌍 Thinking about solo travel? Check out 10 Life-Changing Benefits of Solo Travel You Need to Know and see how it can transform your life!
10. Bonus Tip: Want to Earn While You Travel? 💡
If you're anything like me—hooked on travel and looking for ways to fund more of it—you’ll love this little side-hustle secret: affiliate marketing. I started learning about it while travelling solo and documenting my journey, and now it helps support The Egyptian Traveler while I explore the world 🌏.
Platforms like TravelPayouts make it super beginner-friendly and ideal for nomads, backpackers, and solo travellers who want to turn their experiences into earnings. I personally use it to recommend tools I genuinely love—from apps and insurance to booking sites—so every time someone books through one of my links, I earn a small commission (at no extra cost to them!). It’s a win-win, and a great way to start building income on the road!
✨ Want to make the most of travelling alone? Check out 10 Essential Tips for Enjoying Solo Travel to the Fullest for practical advice to maximise the experience!
I’d love to hear your thoughts—drop a comment below with your must-have travel essentials and travel stories! ✍️
Packing smart isn’t just about squeezing everything into a tiny bag—it’s about setting the tone for your entire trip. When you have your essentials within reach, your flight becomes less stress, more adventure. From staying comfy in your seat to breezing through airport security, a well-packed carry-on is your first-class ticket to a smoother journey (even if you’re flying economy 😄).
I’d love to know—what’s one item you never fly without? Drop your go-to carry-on must-haves in the comments and let’s share tips! And if you haven’t already, scroll back through the helpful links above to find tools that’ll help you travel easier, cheaper, and more confidently—whether it’s booking flights, staying connected, or exploring your destination like a pro 🌍✨
Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe to my email list for more solo travel tips and exclusive updates—let’s stay connected! 📧👍
Want More Solo Travel Tips?
If you’re considering solo travel but unsure where to start, I’ve written more guides to help you along the way. Whether it’s your first trip or your tenth, there’s always something new to learn. Solo travel can seem daunting at first, but once you embrace it, the rewards are limitless. Check out my other blog posts for tips and advice on how to make the most of your solo journey.
Remember, you’re capable of more than you think. Solo travel will push you to your limits, but it will also show you just how much you can handle. Step outside your comfort zone and take that leap—you’ll be amazed at how far it takes you.
🛠️ Useful Resources for Solo Travellers on a Budget
✈️ WayAway – Find the best flight deals & earn cash-back!
🏨 Booking.com – Affordable hotels & hostels worldwide.
🛏️ Hostelworld – Social hostels perfect for solo travellers.
🚍 Omio – Compare & book trains, buses, and flights in Europe.
🚆 12Go – Plan your Southeast Asia transport easily.
🧳 SafetyWing – Flexible, affordable travel insurance for nomads.
🏥 Ekta – Tailored travel insurance for adventure seekers.
📱 Airalo – Stay connected with instant eSIM data worldwide.
🚗 Discover Cars – Find the best rental car deals with clear insurance.
🚖 Welcome Pickups – Pre-book reliable airport transfers with a personal touch.
🌄 GetYourGuide / Viator – Tours, day trips, and activities with flexible booking options.
🏜️ TouRest – Curated tours of Egypt’s top attractions and hidden gems!
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