With enough trips now as a travel editor, I have my carry-on packing routine down to (almost) a fine art. No matter which end of the plane I’m seated, there’s a few key staples I don’t leave home without – including contingency items I’ve learned to pack from valuable past experience.
The passport holder
In taking a good look at my carry-on habits for Karryon, I realise how many freebies we’re so very fortunate to receive in this profession. I’ve been using my leather passport wallet for 10 years. It was a loot-bag gift from Etihad Airways back in 2014 and it’s still going strong.
I prefer paper business cards and they are still important in some markets when I’m at trade shows such as ILTM Asia Pacific. I find I lose people’s details into the abyss of my phone when I scan QR codes or e-cards. I have several card holders but I keep going back to a Oroton metal case I’ve had for years.
The bag

I love this camera bag from Jo Totes that I purchased a few years ago. It’s both a camera and laptop bag with felt interiors that can safely store your DSLR camera and accessories within its internal compartments. I love the multiple pockets (the front two I use for phone and passport); and it always fits snugly under the seat in front of me, meaning I don’t have to ever haul it up into the overhead lockers.
The laptop
I’m a Mac girl from way back, like my colleague Gaya, and I like to personalise it with a colourful laptop case – and of course it had to be in Karryon Luxury pink!
I always pack a charger – one in my carry-on and extras (plus international adaptors) in my check-in luggage. I like a USB charger for carry-on, as very few aeroplane or lounge charging sockets are updated to USC. My noise-cancelling Beats headphones come on board too.
Pens and notebooks are a must. I have a box of gifted notebooks from goodie-bags and I gradually work my way through them. My bag seems to be a black hole for pens…
The camera
The DSLR camera and zoom lens only come on certain trips such as famils when I know there’s going to be incredible photo opportunities and I’ll be kicking myself if I only have an iPhone. I’ve been a Canon user for 30 years.

If I’m going to a conference, the iPhone is perfectly adequate.
The neck pillow
If it’s a long haul flight and I’m turning right on the plane, I’ll take my pink foam neck pillow that folds into a convenient pouch. If I’m turning left however (on a work trip), well there’s really no need to bring it when you can lie flat!
The glasses
Whilst I’ve got bi-focal vision needs, I still use different prescription pairs for up-close and long-distance. What better excuse to own multiple frames?
I pack a pair for reading, watching inflight movies or working on the computer; and a longer distance pair for everything else – including walking through the airport and reading the departure screens.
I often get asked where I buy my glasses. I purchase them online from sites such as Vooglam or Muukal as the range is not only affordable but extensive, with thousands of fun, individual and colourful frames compared to what you can find at Australian retail outlets. If opting for designer frames, my favourite brand is Lafont made in France – I’ve loved my previous pairs.

The accessories
My trusty grey and cream-coloured scarf was a gift from Susan Kurosawa, Associate Editor (Travel), The Australian. We travelled on an A&K famil in 2015 throughout Vietnam and Cambodia. My birthday took place during the famil and she kindly bought it for me in Phnom Penh as a surprise gift. It is so soft, neutral and goes with anything, it’s lightweight but warm – and I take I’ve taken it on just about every trip. It’s wise to always travel with a scarf – so you’re prepared in the event you may need to cover up, respecting local cultural or religious customs.
Cashmere or lightweight wool is great for flying. I recently purchased this cashmere navy poncho at Souq Waqif in Doha (pictured below) when our media group was given about 30 minutes to hit the markets. I love the faux fur collar and pom-pom trim and I can easily throw it over whatever I’m wearing.

The cosmetics
I fell in love with Bvulgari Rose Goldea Blossom Delight Eau de Parfum while browsing at Doha’s Hamad International airport earlier this year. I like a gift set that has the smaller bottle (for carry-on or your handbag) and the larger one (packed in my checked bag).
I bought the Gustav Klimt compact a few years ago in Vienna. It’s touristy and it’s snapped in half but I still love it – and my son (12 at the time) was with me during that famil so I have fond memories of us browsing the historic sites and souvenir shops.
I can’t do without hand cream. I was gifted this incredible Camel Milk Rose Geranium and Lavender cream by Summer Land in the Scenic Rim region of Queensland on a famil a few years ago when I was on a freelance travel assignment for Escape. It’s perfect for my sensitive hands. I’ve since ordered it online and when I was in the region on another famil more recently to visit Spicers Peak Lodge, I stopped in at the camel farm where it’s produced and stocked up. They also produce a really hydrating night cream.
For long-haul flights, I like to pack an aromatherapy roll-on tube. This Sleepyhead by Australian brand iKou is featured in Hyatt Hotels’ ‘Sleep at Hyatt’ ritual pack.

I always take a lip balm too (this SPF one is by The Cancer Council).
I don’t leave the house without lipstick. I’ll usually treat myself to a new M.A.C lipstick before take off when browsing at Sydney’s duty free stores.
I’m into crystals and I travel with a small black tourmaline in a bag pocket. It’s known to protect against negative energies of all kinds.
Last travel tip
I always travel with a spare pair of underwear. I’ve been caught out twice on two separate famils when my checked luggage went AWOL for several days (and one was a famil hosted by the airline itself). Lesson learned – pack a back-up pair.
