With summer holidays almost underway, millions of Brits will be preparing for international travel. Airport chaos, delayed luggage, and travel disruptions are once again dominating headlines, leaving travellers nervous about their upcoming getaways.
This makes it an ideal time for travel experts to share their wisdom on the must-have items every flyer should pack in their hand luggage for a stress-free summer holiday.
Dawn Morwood, Co-Director of Cheap Deals Away, a company dedicated to helping people find great value holidays, knows exactly what can make or break a trip. “After years of helping customers plan their perfect getaways, I’ve learned that the difference between a holiday disaster and a minor hiccup often comes down to what you’ve got in your hand luggage,” she explains.
Below, Dawn shares her top five essential items that every British traveller should pack in their cabin baggage to stay comfortable, safe, and stress-free during their summer adventures.
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Portable Power Bank
Your phone is your lifeline when travelling – it’s your boarding pass, your map, your translator, and your entertainment system all rolled into one. But dead batteries are a traveller’s worst nightmare, especially during long delays.
“Always pack a fully charged portable power bank,” says Dawn. “Airport charging points are often occupied or broken, and the last thing you want is a dead phone when you’re trying to navigate a foreign airport or contact your hotel.”
A good power bank can charge your phone multiple times and often has enough power to charge tablets or e-readers as well. Look for one with a capacity of at least 10,000mAh.
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Complete Change of Clothes
Lost luggage affects thousands of passengers every summer, leaving holidaymakers stuck in the same outfit for days. Packing a full change of clothes in your hand luggage is travel insurance you can actually wear.
“Pack one complete outfit including underwear, socks, and a basic top and bottom,” Dawn advises. “Choose versatile pieces that work for both day and evening. You’ll be grateful for fresh clothes if your suitcase decides to take a detour to a different continent.”
This simple step means you can still enjoy your first day of holiday even if your main luggage goes missing.
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Important Documents Folder
Keeping all your travel documents organised and accessible can save hours of stress at check-in, security, and immigration. But it’s not just for organisation – it’s about having backups.
Dawn recommends: “Create a clear folder with copies of your passport, travel insurance, booking confirmations, and emergency contact numbers. Also photograph everything and email copies to yourself.”
Having physical and digital backups means you’re covered if documents get lost or damaged, and immigration officers appreciate travellers who have their paperwork sorted.
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Apple AirTag or Similar Tracker
Technology can be your best friend when it comes to keeping tabs on your belongings. Small tracking devices have become game-changers for anxious travellers.
“Pop an AirTag in your checked luggage and another in your hand luggage,” suggests Dawn. “If your suitcase goes on an unplanned adventure, you’ll know exactly where it is instead of waiting helplessly at the baggage carousel.”
These tiny devices cost under £30 but provide priceless peace of mind, especially when dealing with busy summer airports.
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Comfort and Wellness Kit
Long flights and airport delays can take a toll on your body and mood. A small comfort kit can make uncomfortable situations much more bearable.
“Pack hand sanitiser, pain relief tablets, tissues, lip balm, and a travel-sized moisturiser,” Dawn explains. “Air conditioning dries out your skin, and you never know when you’ll need pain relief after sleeping awkwardly in an airport chair.”
Consider adding a lightweight neck pillow or eye mask if space allows. These small items can transform a miserable delay into a manageable rest period.
Dawn Morwood, Co-Director of Cheap Deals Away, commented: “People often focus on packing the perfect holiday wardrobe but forget about the basics that can actually save their trip. It’s amazing how something as simple as a phone charger or spare underwear can be the difference between a holiday horror story and a minor blip that becomes a funny anecdote later.
“I’ve seen too many customers whose dream holidays turned into nightmares because they weren’t prepared for the unexpected. Airport delays, lost luggage, and travel hiccups are unfortunately part of modern travel, but they don’t have to ruin your entire trip if you pack smart.
“The beauty of these items is that they take up minimal space but provide maximum peace of mind. You might never need that spare outfit or those pain relief tablets, but when you do need them, you’ll be incredibly grateful you packed them. A little preparation goes a long way towards making sure nothing can derail your well-deserved break.”