Recently I experienced what it is to arrive at your destination without luggage. Thankfully, I was prepared for this, since I knew taking connecting flights is always a risk. This is what to pack in your hand luggage to be able to get through the days before your delayed luggage arrives!

What to pack in your hand luggage to avoid a delayed/lost luggage disaster

Travel documents & means of payment

Always put your passport, hotel, transport & flight information of your entire trip in your hand luggage. Don’t ever put your means of payment in your checked bag.

Underwear

3 panties and an extra pair of socks are no luxury! You can wash them with shower gel to get through the week if necessary.

Clothing

I packed a T-shirt and a top, a light loose pants (for a warm destination) and a dress. That way I had an extra outfit for during the day and a more dressed option for dinner. In Jordan you don’t wear shorts, but if I were visiting a warm country where it would be appropriate, I would’ve packed a pair of shorts as well. Sunglasses are also essential at sunny places!
I wore my heaviest shoes, the ones I knew were good to go hiking and fit with my outfits and a jacket to keep me warm during the evenings.

Beach wear

A bikini is essential when staying at the beach or when your hotel has a swimming pool. I always think it’s hard to find a bikini that fits well at certain destinations, so I take my own in my hand luggage. Looking at a beach or a pool and not being able to jump in is just plain torture…

Essential toiletries

This may seem ridiculous but I brought my hair brush. I forgot it once at a 3 day meeting and it was hell to comb out my long hair with a tiny hotel comb. Other essentials in my opinion: a tooth brush, tooth paste, some moisturizer samples, wet wipes to take off make up and daily make up (in my case mascara and eye pencil). Shampoo, conditioner and shower gel are always available at the hotel.

Medication

When you suffer from certain diseases or if you’re sensitive to certain things, always take 2 or 3 pills to be able to get started. I left my migraine medication in my suitcase and regretted this as soon as I landed. I had a massive migraine due to fatigue, dehydration, stress from the delayed flight and the lost luggage. From now on I will always take my pills in my hand luggage for sure! I had to wait until the next day to go to the pharmacy 30 kilometers from where I was staying.

Electronics

All my camera gear was packed in my hand luggage. Except for my monopod, because I thought they could confiscate it. In stead I put my smaller selfie stick in my hand luggage, which I can attach to the tripod foot as well. I was also glad that I took my international plug and all my chargers for my cameras and phone in my hand luggage! And of course my extra batteries and memory cards. That way I didn’t need to worry about not being able to take photos.

Snacks

Due to my delay I wasn’t able to eat between my flights. So I was lucky to have some protein bars in my bag. Even though Royal Jordanian Airlines offered (good) food, you can never be too sure. So if you don’t want to be hungry, make sure to always take some snacks with you!

Extra tips

Always take a photo of your luggage. That way you can show what your suitcase looks like. Also keep in mind the brand of your suitcase. They will ask you this to be able to identify the luggage.
Always put at least two labels with your name and phone number on it. I also add my complete itinerary.