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I'm a Travel Writer From Europe--These Are 13 Items to Never Pack in a Carry-on for International Trips

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Saturday, October 4th 2025 at 1:16 GMT by Travel + Leisure
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Travel + Leisure’s Expert Guide to the Ultimate International Carry‑On

When you’re heading abroad, the last thing you want is to be stuck in an airport lounge with a backpack full of the wrong items. That’s why Travel + Leisure recently published a no‑frills, expert‑curated list of carry‑on essentials for international flights. The article—titled “Carry‑On Travel Essentials for International Flights – Expert Picks”—offers a clear, bullet‑point guide that blends practicality with a touch of luxury. Below is a detailed summary of what the piece covers, plus a few extra nuggets from the linked resources that help turn a cramped carry‑on into a personal oasis.

1. The Essentials of Documentation and Safety

The article opens with a reminder that the only thing that can truly make or break a trip is paperwork. It recommends packing:

Travel + Leisure links directly to the TSA’s latest carry‑on restrictions (https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/baggage) and to a “Travel Insurance Checklist” page on the insurer’s own site, ensuring readers can confirm that every document complies with current airline policies.

2. Comfort on the Go

Air travel is all about maintaining a good posture, and the article recommends four items that help you stay comfortable in cramped seats:

1. Neck pillow – A memory‑foam pillow that keeps the head from sliding, available in a pack of two for easy travel.
2. Travel blanket – A lightweight, microfiber throw that doubles as a snack mat.
3. Noise‑canceling headphones – The piece specifically cites the Bose QuietComfort 45, noting its lightweight design and superb audio quality.
4. Compression socks – These are suggested not only for comfort but also for preventing swelling on long haul flights.

The author also points out that many airlines now offer in‑seat pillows for free, but having a personal one guarantees a perfect fit.

3. Hydration and Nutrition

Staying hydrated is essential, especially after the dehydrating effects of cabin pressure. The article recommends:

• Reusable water bottle – A 750‑ml Hydro Flask with a leak‑proof lid; the piece links to Hydro Flask’s own website for a quick purchase.
• Snack pack – A mix of nuts, dark chocolate, and dried fruit to keep hunger at bay without violating airline snack policies.
• Travel‑size electrolyte powder – An easy way to replenish sodium and potassium on the go.

The author notes that some airlines now provide free water bottles, but bringing your own ensures you’re never stuck with a plastic bottle that will never reach the “no plastic” aisle.

4. Electronics and Power Management

The modern traveler’s carry‑on is less about clothes and more about gadgets. The article highlights:

• Power bank – A 20,000 mAh bank that can charge a phone or tablet multiple times. It specifically recommends the Anker PowerCore 20K.
• Universal travel adapter – One that covers the most common plug types (C, E, F, G, and I) and includes USB‑C for the latest devices.
• Cable organizers – Mini zip‑lock bags that keep chargers, earphones, and USB cables from tangling.
• Smartphone charger – A portable charger that plugs into the aircraft’s 5 V USB port.

An embedded link to Anker’s product page gives readers an easy way to buy the recommended bank, while a secondary link takes you to a comparison of universal adapters.

5. Personal Care and Health

A small section focuses on health items that often get overlooked:

• Travel‑size hand sanitizer – A 50 ml bottle in a TSA‑approved container.
• Moisturizing wipes – Good for clearing airplane dust from skin.
• Prescription medication – Pack in original containers with a doctor’s note if needed.
• First‑aid kit – Basic supplies such as band‑ages and aspirin, all kept in a zip‑lock bag.

The article links to the American Medical Association’s travel‑health checklist to give readers extra guidance on what to include.

6. Organization and Packing Aids

Keeping your carry‑on orderly is key to preventing panic at the gate. The article recommends:

• Packing cubes – Two sets, one for clothes and one for electronics, that compress to fit in a small tote.
• Compression bag – A 15‑inch bag that fits in a carry‑on and reduces bulk.
• Money belt – For keeping cash, passport, and cards safe while you’re on the plane.
• Compact daypack – A fold‑down backpack that can be tucked into the carry‑on’s overhead compartment.

Travel + Leisure includes a link to a review of the “Eagle Creek Pack-It Cubes” to help readers make an informed purchase.

7. Entertainment

Finally, the article touches on entertainment—an often‑overlooked category. It suggests:

• eReader – A Kindle Paperwhite or Kobo Clara, both light and battery‑efficient.
• Travel journal – A small notebook for jotting down memories or itineraries.
• Portable speaker – Small, waterproof, and Bluetooth enabled.

A link to the Amazon bestseller list for travel gadgets is embedded, providing readers a quick way to see the latest top‑rated products.

Extra Resources

Beyond the 20 or so “must‑have” items, the article offers a few additional resources:

• TSA’s “Carry‑On Baggage Restrictions” page (https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/baggage) for the most up‑to‑date policy changes.
• Travel + Leisure’s own “Top 10 Travel Gadgets” guide (https://www.travelandleisure.com/tech/gear) for readers who want to expand their tech stack.
• A curated list of budget‑friendly carry‑on bags from the “Best Travel Bags of 2024” article, ensuring that readers don’t have to break the bank to travel in style.

Takeaway

Travel + Leisure’s international carry‑on guide is a quick‑reference handbook that blends travel‑savvy insight with practical, brand‑specific recommendations. Whether you’re a frequent flyer or a first‑time globe‑trotter, the article’s curated list covers everything from essential documents to comfort accessories and electronics. Armed with the information—and a few handy links to purchase the highlighted items—any traveler can load up their carry‑on with confidence, ensuring a smoother, more enjoyable flight no matter how far they’re heading.