Sometimes, the most essential items in your carry-on are the ones you can’t explain.
Packing light while travelling is the dream, but for our team at Marie Claire Nigeria, the carry-on bags have some stories to tell. We’re editors and writers who also happen to be serial over-packers sometimes. Sure, we can throw together a capsule wardrobe in our sleep, but there’s always that one thing we just can’t leave behind. It might be completely unnecessary, a little ridiculous, or perfectly sentimental, but it finds its way into the carry-on every time.
When we asked our team to share their most surprising carry-on essentials, the confessions cracked us up. From lip gloss to jump ropes, scented incense to ketchup (yes, really), everyone has something fun they sneak into their carry-on no matter the destination. The reasons range from equal parts self-care, superstition, and style.
This isn’t just about what we pack; it’s about the comfort, rituals, and little luxuries we carry with us to make travel feel a bit more personal. The outfits are planned and the itinerary is tight, but sometimes the lip balm, comfort blanket, or even that portable iron is the real MVP.
So, what’s in our carry-on bags? These are our team’s most loved and low-key extra carry-on essentials. Don’t judge us, we know you have yours too.
Denise Eseimokumoh, Ag. Managing Editor
Denise keeps her carry-on light but locked in. “I always have small packets of disposable wipes,” she says. “After a long flight, especially when the air is dry and your skin feels icky, a quick wipe-down just makes all the difference. I even keep some in my pockets, it’s that serious.” Add lip gloss to the mix, and she’s good to go. “The air on planes is already too dry, so I make sure I stay hydrated and glossy at all times.”
When it comes to her most extra carry-on essential? Denise doesn’t skip a beat. “I pack a little toy. Yes, that kind. My main collection stays at home, but I have a compact bullet that comes with me on every trip. It’s discreet, dependable, and perfect for solo moments of self-care.” Who says beauty and wellness can’t get personal?
Tobi Afolabi, Content Editor
Tobi is the type of traveller who thinks practically but with a side of vibes. “I always try to take at least a stick of incense,” she says. “It’s one of the best ways to get rid of weird or bad smells, which I can’t stand. It also reminds me of home, and what’s better than that?”
Alongside her incense is a more functional addition: Imodium. “Very important, especially with my sensitive belly.” She’s also never without sunglasses, not just one pair, but three, to match her different moods. “It’s not exactly surprising,” she admits, “but I once packed my DSLR camera for a trip and then forgot it in the hotel room every single day.” I get it Tobi, I really do.
Wumi Tuase-Fosudo, Fashion & Beauty Editor
Lip gloss and chewing gum top Wumi’s list of must-have carry-on essentials. “Lip gloss girl for life,” she says with zero remorse. “I always need to be chewing something, it’s a sensory thing. Don’t judge me.” Another non-negotiable for her is hand cream. “I hate having dry hands, so I always have at least one tube with me.”
As someone who packs like a pro, Wumi says she always sneaks in things “just in case” and gets away with it. “The most extra thing I’ve packed is a portable iron. I can’t stand rumpled clothes. Technically, my husband does the ironing when we travel together, but it still counts as me using it.” Wumi, can the single breath please?
Esther Akinbola, Copy Editor
Travel beauty is simple for Esther: “Lip gloss. It’s the only makeup I swear by, and I feel incomplete without it.” She always packs two, just in case one gets lost in the depths of a carry-on or elsewhere. The most extra item she packs is pyjamas and not just any pyjamas, “my cute matching set,” she says. The twist is that she rarely wears them. “For some reason, I always end up sleeping without any clothes,” she laughs. “So the matching set is for aesthetics, but they still come along.” I’m sure every woman understands the need for aesthetic “just in case” pieces.
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Keno Ikime, Social Editor
Keno likes her suitcase to smell like home, literally. “I always spray my box with whatever scent I’m obsessed with at the moment, so it’s a treat when I open it.” That attention to detail extends to her fitness gear: if she’s going somewhere long-term, her jump rope comes too. “It’s my favourite form of cardio,” she says. She also never leaves her digital camera and comfort blanket behind. “There won’t always be space for the blanket, but I squeeze it in when I can. Let’s not forget insect repellent. I cannot deal with bugs.” Although the Instagram photos don’t show us, those picturesque locations tend to come with some of these, so I get you, Keno.
Oyindamola Adebiyi, Lifestyle & Culture Writer
Sunglasses are Oyindamola’s ride-or-die travel accessory, the perfect mix of function and fashion. “My eyes are sensitive to light, so they’re a lifesaver, and they also make any outfit instantly more polished. Even if I’m tired or wearing something basic, sunglasses add that extra touch of style.” As far as unexpected carry-on essentials go, she’s taking it. “I always have a bottle of ketchup with me — a specific brand I love that’s not available everywhere. I know it’s dramatic, but I love ketchup. Sue me! (Please don’t.)” Okay, I’ll think about it, Oyin.
Blessing Otoro, Fashion & Beauty Writer
Blessing is all about balancing comfort with glamour. “I always sneak in a pair of cute shorts because I love feeling relaxed but still serve some legs.” She also loves her beauty essentials. “For beauty, I’m never caught lacking.” Her mini kit of carry-on essentials includes lip gloss, mascara, and a few key products for quick touch-ups. “I might leave the full makeup kit at home, but the basics always come with me. I’m a picture girlie, and I have to look good in every shot; it’s non-negotiable.” We love a photo-ready queen!
The beauty of travel is that we get to pack a little bit of comfort, a lot of style and enough “just in case” to feel like ourselves. Whether it’s lip gloss or a stick of incense, carry-on essentials are deeply personal and a little bit chaotic. What are your carry-on confessions? Don’t worry, I won’t judge you too hard.
