Packing for a trip can be tricky, especially when you’ve already got a long list of must-have items. When your goal is to pass through security and straight to the plane in one smooth process, efficiency is key. There are a few things you could do to maximise not only space, but also the whole travel experience, such as using packing cubes that keep your essentials organised and leaves room for the not-so-must-haves. Whether it is ensuring you have a sturdy carry-on that is deceptively small but fits everything or a bag versatile enough for both the plane and that restaurant you’re eager to check off your bucket list, a smart packing routine makes all the difference.
Here are some tips to master packing without having to leave behind those new shoes or bags you already plan to wear on your getaway.
What are the essentials to bring:
The list of items that will make your flight a lot more enjoyable: noise cancelling earphones, a good book, your tablet or laptop (who knows if the flight has your favourite TV show or not), some meds because it’s best to be prepared, and a chic roomy bag that carries all — ideally made out of lightweight fabric and one that has a zipper or clasp for extra security. Most importantly, your passport and boarding pass because you can’t get through the first step of travelling without them.
How to bring beauty products on your carry-on:
Things like skincare, perfume, and other necessities that make you feel a tad more alive after a long flight can be non-negotiable for some, but you’ll want to make sure they don’t get confiscated. This is where all of those mini empty bottles you probably have lying around come in handy – pack your lotions and liquids into these bottles or bring a travel-sized version of your favourites. And yes, you may pack as many of them as long as each bottle doesn't exceed 100ml.
Below, essentials to bring that are as stylish as they are effective for a plane ride.
Clockwise from top: Toujours large denim bag, lambskin bag charms with mirror (both attached to bag and sold separately), First calf leather high-top sneakers, Miss Dior Mini Miss solid perfume and The Eye Patches (sold in set of five pairs), Dior. Everything else, stylist’s own
Left: Cotton-blend cardigan and suede sandals. (Right, clockwise from top left) Denim flap bag with metal, acetate sunglasses, Rouge Coco Flash lipstick, Chance Eau Splendide EDP, UV Essentiel sunscreen, cotton cap and Les Beiges eyeshadow palette. All Chanel. Everything else, stylist’s own
(From top) Jacquard and leather tote bag; Baguette canvas and leather bag with embroidery; Nano Baguette denim charm; Forever Fendi metal and enamel necklace; and Forever Fendi nappa leather necklace with metal and resin, Fendi. Everything else, stylist’s own
From top: Celine by Hedi Slimane Triomphe Athletic polyamide and brass headband; Le Rouge Celine lipstick; Boston suede calfskin bag; Butterfly acetate sunglasses; and calfskin travel spray case and travel spray (sold separately), Celine. Everything else, stylist’s own
Right: Clockwise from top right corner: Bouquets Sellier silk twilly (styled on bag handle); Bolide A Dos Togo calfskin bag; Glenan Swift calfskin wallet; Ivresse Au Vent silk scarf; Barenia EDP; and Rodeo PM Milo lambskin and Swift calfskin charm (attached to bag and sold separately). Left: Calfskin bomber jacket; Kiatsu crochet knit and calfskin high-top sneakers; and (accessories placed on jacket, from left) Hacademi Epsom calfskin clutch, Clic Clac H rose gold-plated bangle with enamel, A Vos Crayons palladium-plated bangle with enamel, Trait d’Hermes eye pencil and Rouge Hermes Silky lipstick. All Hermes
(Clockwise from top) Ciao Ciao calfskin bag, cotton-blend coat, Ventura Mule lambskin mules and Alchemie EDP, Bottega Veneta. Acetate glasses, Ray-Ban. Everything else, stylist’s own
Original aluminium bag with removable nylon shoulder strap (top left corner), polycarbonate iPhone case with removable nylon shoulder strap and Holiday polycarbonate hand-carry case, Rimowa. Everything else, stylist’s own
PHOTOGRAPHY LAWRENCE TEO STYLING PANG JIA WEI
This article first appeared in the May 2025 Travel Edition of FEMALE