Passport, ticket and insurance papers are the essentials. And a pen for those forms you have to complete.
Then fragile items. so many things of mine have been broken where I decided to leave in the hold baggage and includes a camera, pottery, glassware and Kindle.
I now always carry a change of clothes and very essential if on an outward flight where you are changing planes. I now expect to lose luggage where a connection is involved rather than have it arrive with me.
For me ear plugs or sound reducing headsets are critical. If you sit at the back of the aircraft the noise from the engines can be loud.
I always pack too many books and find I never read where there is a good in flight entertainment system. I do however like my Kindle and use that a lot these days.
For me, the bare necessities to have in a (female's) carry on luggage would have to be:
Obviously, passport, ticket, travel itinerary and money (travellers' cheques, credit/debit card, cash, etc.) and any required medication. Anything else is a bonus!
Having said that, however, I also always carry a clean t-shirt/top, underwear, a flannel/wash cloth, toothbrush, deodorant and a small hand towel. For some, perhaps your regular make-up kit (minimal though) and any other usual or necessary sanitary products.
Other paperwork/insurance/document copies are a good idea, but details can always be 'found' if need be. (Always leave a copy with someone at 'home'.)
Next would be something to keep yourself occupied with, whether it be reading/writing material, crossword book/s, maps/details of your destination (a good time to study them) or even something to help you sleep (blow-up neck cushion, eye mask, pashmina, etc.), and any electronic 'gadgets' (for me, my laptop and mobile/cell phone).
That'd be pretty much it, although I do agree with fragile/breakable stuff, however, if packed correctly, these can always be placed fairly securely in your hold baggage.
Then fragile items. so many things of mine have been broken where I decided to leave in the hold baggage and includes a camera, pottery, glassware and Kindle.
I now always carry a change of clothes and very essential if on an outward flight where you are changing planes. I now expect to lose luggage where a connection is involved rather than have it arrive with me.
For me ear plugs or sound reducing headsets are critical. If you sit at the back of the aircraft the noise from the engines can be loud.
I always pack too many books and find I never read where there is a good in flight entertainment system. I do however like my Kindle and use that a lot these days.
Obviously, passport, ticket, travel itinerary and money (travellers' cheques, credit/debit card, cash, etc.) and any required medication. Anything else is a bonus!
Having said that, however, I also always carry a clean t-shirt/top, underwear, a flannel/wash cloth, toothbrush, deodorant and a small hand towel. For some, perhaps your regular make-up kit (minimal though) and any other usual or necessary sanitary products.
Other paperwork/insurance/document copies are a good idea, but details can always be 'found' if need be. (Always leave a copy with someone at 'home'.)
Next would be something to keep yourself occupied with, whether it be reading/writing material, crossword book/s, maps/details of your destination (a good time to study them) or even something to help you sleep (blow-up neck cushion, eye mask, pashmina, etc.), and any electronic 'gadgets' (for me, my laptop and mobile/cell phone).
That'd be pretty much it, although I do agree with fragile/breakable stuff, however, if packed correctly, these can always be placed fairly securely in your hold baggage.