Travelling with only a carry-on bag means avoiding check-in queues, lengthy waits at the carousel and the potential for lost luggage.
But flying carry-on only also means restrictions around your liquids.
On international flights, all liquids, aerosols and gel items must be in containers of 100ml or 100g or less, and fit into one transparent plastic bag. The four sides of this bag can't add up to more than 80cm (e.g. 20cm x 20cm or 15cm x 25cm).
So how do you fit everything you need? We asked some avid travellers for their tips.
How to pack toiletries basics
Travel vlogger Kate Hooker, who's seeing the world out of a carry-on backpack, says the key is to swap out your liquids.
The Australian Border Force (ABF) defines a liquid as "any substance that is liquid at room temperature," including shampoo, oils, creams and perfume. Aerosols include hairspray and deodorant, while lip gloss and toothpaste are classified as gels.
"Switch as many toiletries to solids as you can," Kate says.
"I've always used a shampoo bar, a conditioner bar, a solid soap instead of shower gel, and solid deodorant."
"I do also have some solid sunscreen … just like a kids' sunscreen stick."
You could also bring small reusable 100ml containers with your fave products, and refill them at hotels which provide shampoo and shower gel.
Kate adds that it can be worth packing a small solid laundry bar, given there's ABF restrictions around inorganic powders like washing detergent.
When it comes to hair care, Kristine Fernandez — a style coach and former international flight attendant — says hair ties and bobby pins will always come in handy, and to think about beauty products with multiple uses.
"Bring a hair straightener rather than a curler, because you can curl your hair with a straightener too."
What not to pack
You'll want to double-check restrictions around anything sharp you're keen to pack.
For example, disposable razors, or a razor with cartridges that you might use to shave your legs, are generally OK, whereas other types of razors can't be carried on in some countries.
Scissors (even if they're for your nails) generally can't be carried on, but nail clippers tend to be OK.
Keep in mind that security screening officers have the final say if there is any doubt about what items can be carried onboard.
You can buy products at your destination — most of the time
Kate says to remember that in most places, you can buy what you need.
"I usually just end up buying toothpaste at my destination, because every single place has toothpaste."
Thava Seelan OAM is a GP with an interest in travel health based in Toongabbie in Sydney's west.
He says you'll be able to get most toiletries in western destinations like Europe or the US.
"But in some places, [like] in certain Asian countries, you can't find everything," he says.
"For example, sun protection is very difficult to find [in Asia]."
He'd also recommend making sure you pack hand sanitiser, moisturiser and mosquito repellent, especially in countries with mosquito-borne diseases.
"Especially if you're going to rural areas, you can't find these things," he says.
He adds that sanitary products, especially tampons, can be difficult to access in some countries, so are another handy thing to pack in Australia.
Don't skip out on medication
If you take regular medication and are going away for a while, Dr Seelan recommends asking your GP for some extra scripts to cover you for your trip.
"But take [your medication] in its original packaging, clearly marked with your name, and a letter from your GP."
"Because in some countries, certain medications are not allowed, and they like to check the ingredients."
He also recommends checking local laws in your destination.
"For example, in some countries … codeine is not allowed or requires pre-approval," he says.
Depending on where you're going, Dr Seelan suggests packing healthcare essentials like:
- Electrolyte powder
- Tablets to purify water
- Ibuprofen, paracetomol
- Band-aids
- Antiseptic
- Antiemetics (stops diarrhoea, vomiting)
- Antihistamines if you're sensitive to allergic reactions
- Anti-diarrhoea medication (eg. loperamide)
"I also recommend taking a course of antibiotics just in case you [develop] a chest infection, because antibiotics are not freely available in some countries," Dr Seelan says.
However this is going to depend on your own individual circumstances, including where you're going and if you'll have access to medical care once you're there, so it's best to speak to your GP about what's right for you.
How to pack make-up
Kate no longer packs make-up for her trips.
"I just find you always wear less make-up than you normally would, especially if you're in a hot place you just end up sweating it all off."
For Kristine, a capsule make-up kit is her go-to: "I find that I don't miss my blue eyeshadow."
She matches the colours in this kit to the aesthetic of whatever capsule wardrobe she's packed.
"I pack a nude lipstick, a red lipstick, concealer, foundation, eyebrow pencil, mascara, eyeliner, and one little eyeshadow palette which doubles as a cheek palette."
"[In the eyeshadow and cheek palette] I mostly go for natural colours like peach, brown and a darker brown."
She also suggests packing one or two "standout" lipsticks that can dress up your looks.
"I pack a red lipstick and a dark plum lipstick. Because when you wear an outfit, but change your lipstick, your whole look changes."
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This is general information only. For detailed personal advice, you should see a qualified medical practitioner who knows your medical history.