Here’s what clever travellers always pack in their carry-on

Words: Harriet Cooper

The smartest travellers know that your hand baggage isn’t just for the flight – it’s your lifeline from take-off to hotel check-in. Whether it’s a long-haul journey or a quick city break, packing the right essentials means you’ll stay comfortable in the air and hit the ground running – without having to unzip your suitcase the moment you arrive at your destination.

From tennis balls to ice packs, duct tape to binder clips (yes, you read that right – stationery is a serious on-the-go accessory), here are the surprising and unusual items that seasoned globetrotters always keep within reach in their carry-on.

1. Tennis balls

While we’re not suggesting you do the full Federer or Raducanu on your trip, toss a pair of tennis balls into your carry-on as they’re an ace massage tool. Gently roll them beneath your feet during a flight to improve circulation and as a kindness to achy soles and calves. At the hotel, lay a towel on the floor or stand against the wall, place the balls behind your shoulder blades and move them up and down or sideways to help work through any stiffness or knots. Plus, of course, if you hear “Anyone for tennis?”, you’re all set.

2. Duct tape

Known for its strength, adhesiveness and durability, a roll of duct tape is an indispensable travel buddy. It will see you through mending a last-minute broken cabin bag to fixing your flip-flops. People also swear by gaffer tape (similar but slightly less sticky), which can be peeled off without leaving a mark and is useful for concealing those keep-you-awake-at-night air con/TV standby lights in your hotel room. We’ve even heard people use the water-resistant tape as an emergency sticking plaster. Oh, and it’s also good for getting fluff off clothes.

3. Ice/heat packs

Whether you are heading for Athens or Antarctica (by way of Buenos Aires), a multipack of travel-size, single-use portable ice or heat packs (delete depending on the forecast!) is always a good idea. A hot pack can be activated in seconds to soothe sightseeing-weary muscles or warm the extremities when you’re on the go. Cold packs, again, can offer instant relief for pain and swelling, as well as keeping meds or food items chilled for hours. Or simply have one handy for when the mercury heads north and you want to cool off in seconds.

4. Hypochlorous acid mist

It may sound a little scary, but hypochlorous acid has long been a beauty editor’s hack – and it’s fast becoming the travel must-have of 2025. Essentially, it’s a weak acid naturally found in the body, which is super effective at killing bacteria, as well as being anti-inflammatory. Yet, unlike other antimicrobial agents (such as alcohol), it is neither drying nor irritating on skin. Pop a pocket-size spray in your bag to keep breakouts or redness at bay, while some also like to spritz it to treat mosquito bites, sunburn and as an antibacterial for hands.

5. Binder clips

You’ve checked into your hotel and are ready for a pre-aperitivo power nap, except a pesky shaft of sunlight shining through the won’t-quite-close curtains has other ideas. Thank goodness you packed a binder clip to hold them together, so you can get to sleep in total darkness. Indeed, this humble piece of stationery is the king of functionality: use it for resealing snack packets, elevating clipless hangers in the wardrobe, wrapping cords around to keep them untangled or securing bank notes and travel docs. Binder clips fold flat, too – a packing bonus.

6. Retractable charger

Phones, laptops, e-readers, headphones, smartwatches, tablets… These days, we don’t travel light when it comes to tech. But beware the cables, which can get into such a tangle in your case even Houdini would struggle to unravel them. Our advice? Don’t leave home without a retractable charging unit, one which you can extend up to a metre in length and has multiple options for your devices. Choose an eye-catching colour or embellish yours with gaudy stickers to ensure that you don’t leave it behind at the end of your stay.

7. Zip-lock bags

Those that pack smart, pack zip-lock bags. They may not sound like the most exciting travel essential but trust us on this one. While the larger size is ideal for separating clean or dirty/dry or wet clothes and shoes, the smaller ones can be used for preventing potential contact lens solution or sunscreen leakage in your hand luggage (packing tip: always place toiletries at the top of your case for easy access). Savvy travellers have also been known to save snacks from the breakfast buffet, popping them into their zip-lock for a picnic later.

8. Chia seeds

If travelling can sometimes leave you a little… erm, bunged up, chia seeds are your best friend. The edible seeds were a staple of the Aztecs and Mayans more than 5,500 years ago – and for good reason. They contain nutrients, protein and omega-3 fatty acids and have myriad health benefits, one of which is aiding digestion. These fibre-packed beauties may be teeny, but they are mighty in providing bulk and alleviating constipation. Country regulations permitting, take a small packet with you and sprinkle on cereal or yoghurt or salads. A superfood that’s super useful, what’s not to love?

Now that the packing list is sorted, why not book your summer holiday with ATOL protection and a generous baggage allowance?