What You Should Include in Your Carry-On Bag

It might be all you have for a couple days!

Tips for strategically packing your carry-on bag.

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Photo: Lauren Gabrielle Photography

While you’re already stressed with the final stages of wedding planning, you also have to figure out what to pack for your honeymoon. That’s a mighty task, so imagine if the worst happens: your carefully packed luggage was lost by the airline. Even if your belongings are found within a couple of days, it’s still not the way you want to start out such an important vacation! Though there’s nothing you can do to make sure the airline doesn’t lose your suitcases, you can minimize the negative consequences by strategically packing your carry-on bag beyond what you’ll want access to on the plane.

what to pack in your carry-on bag in case your luggage gets lost on your honeymoon

Photo by Carrie King Photographer

First, you want to include the essentials, such as a toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, a hairbrush, and of course, underwear. If shopping for toiletries will be easy and reasonably priced where you are going, you may choose to leave those out and just accept the possibility of having to purchase extras. A change of clothes can be helpful as well. If the climate works, a wrinkle-resistant dress will be the best option for women because it won’t take up as much space as pants and a top. 

Chances are, you’re already wearing fairly comfortable shoes to the airport, but throwing in a pair of sandals never hurts – especially if your honeymoon is on the beach! On that note, be sure to include your swimsuit as well. It would be a shame to not be able to enjoy the beach or pool for the first few days of your trip because the airline lost your luggage. 

If you have any important medication that you’ll need to take on your vacation, you’ll want to be sure to include that in your carry-on bag as well. Trying to get a replacement prescription while in a foreign country is a headache you will not want to deal with when you should be enjoying newlywed bliss. 

For more tips, find out what else you should pack on your honeymoon and what you shouldn't do on your post-nuptial trip.