Air travel can be unpredictable. From sudden flight delays to unexpected seat changes, uncomfortable cabins, and limited amenities, seasoned travelers know that being prepared is the key to surviving—and even enjoying—the journey. Whether you’re boarding a short-haul domestic flight or settling in for a 14-hour long-haul, what you carry in your hand luggage can significantly impact your comfort, convenience, and overall travel experience.

Frequent fliers, who have clocked countless hours in the skies, have developed their own trusted packing habits to make every trip smoother, safer, and more pleasant. Over time, they’ve learned which items are genuinely essential and which can be left behind.

The right carry-on essentials can help you stay relaxed, well-fed, entertained, and prepared for the unexpected—whether it's a missed connection, an in-flight entertainment failure, or simply the discomfort of sitting in the same seat for hours.

We spoke with experienced travelers, flight attendants, and aviation experts to create this practical guide. If you want to travel like a pro, here are 10 must-have items you should always pack in your carry-on.

1. Backup Power Source

A portable charger or power bank is indispensable for keeping your devices powered throughout your journey. With many airlines now offering digital boarding passes and in-flight entertainment via personal devices, running out of battery isn’t an option. Opt for a lightweight, high-capacity charger and remember to pack all necessary charging cables in a cable organizer to prevent tangles and lost time searching for cords.

2. Essential Medications

Always keep your medications in your carry-on, never in checked luggage. This includes prescription drugs, over-the-counter remedies, and any medical devices you may need. Pack them in a clear, easily accessible pouch and bring extra in case of delays. A compact travel first-aid kit with bandages, pain relievers, and antiseptic wipes is also recommended for minor emergencies.

3. Glasses or Contact Lenses

Inflight air can dry out your eyes, so bring your glasses, extra contact lenses, and a small bottle of solution. If you rely on vision aids, pack a backup pair in case of loss or damage.

4. Lip Balm and Moisturizers

Cabin air is extremely dry, leading to chapped lips and parched skin. Bring a TSA-compliant lip balm and a small tube of moisturizer to stay comfortable. Consider packing facial wipes for a quick refresh during long-haul flights.

5. An Extra Layer of Clothing

Temperatures on planes can fluctuate, so pack a lightweight sweater, scarf, or jacket. Pro tip: Wear your bulkiest clothing (like a jacket or boots) on the plane to save space in your bag. This also helps if your destination has a different climate.

6. Noise-Cancelling Headphones or Earbuds

Block out engine noise and distractions with quality headphones. Frequent fliers also recommend a sleep mask and earplugs for added comfort, especially on overnight flights.

7. GPS Tracker for Luggage

A small GPS tracker in your bag lets you monitor its location in real time, providing peace of mind if you need to gate-check your carry-on or if you’re traveling with checked luggage.

8. TSA-Approved Toiletries Kit

Keep your liquids in a clear, quart-sized bag and follow the 3-1-1 rule (3.4 ounces or less per container). Many hotels provide basic toiletries, so limit what you pack to essentials that are hard to replace at your destination.

9. Travel Comfort Accessories

A contoured sleep mask, inflatable neck pillow, and compression socks can make long flights more bearable. These small items help you rest, reduce swelling, and arrive refreshed.

10. Important Travel Documents and Pen

Frequent travelers always keep passports, boarding passes, hotel confirmations, and any necessary visas easily accessible. A pen is also essential for filling out customs or immigration forms, especially when landing in countries that still require paperwork. Having these items within reach can save you valuable time during security checks and border controls.

Pro Packing Strategies from Frequent Fliers

Use Packing Cubes and Compression Bags

Packing cubes keep your bag organized and make it easy to find items quickly. Compression cubes save space and help fit more into your carry-on. Use one for clean clothes and another for dirty laundry to keep things tidy.

Master the Bundling and Rolling Techniques

Rolling clothes prevents wrinkles and maximizes space, while the bundling method is great for keeping items crease-free. Lay out larger items flat, place smaller items in the center, and wrap everything together.

Pack Only What You Need

Lay out everything you want to bring, then remove non-essentials. A flight attendant’s tip: “If you need it, pack it. If you just want it, leave it behind.” The 1-2-3-4-5-6 rule—one hat, two pairs of shoes, three bottoms, four tops, five pairs of socks, six pairs of underwear—can simplify decisions for short and long trips alike.

Know Airline Restrictions

Always check your airline’s carry-on size and weight limits before packing. Exceeding them can mean extra fees or having to check your bag at the gate. Familiarize yourself with TSA rules to avoid surprises at security.

Keep In-Flight Essentials Accessible

Separate items you’ll need during the flight—like snacks, water bottle, headphones, and a book—into a small personal item or underseat bag for easy access.

Weigh and Test Your Bag

Make sure you can lift your carry-on into the overhead bin yourself and that it meets airline requirements. Overpacking can lead to repacking at the airport or unexpected fees.

Final Thoughts

Packing like a frequent flier means more than just what you bring—it’s how you organize, prioritize, and prepare for the unexpected. With these nine essentials and expert strategies, you’ll travel lighter, smarter, and more comfortably, no matter where your journey takes you.

The highly anticipated third edition of Visit Qatar’s Qatar Toy Festival (QTF) concluded on Monday after a thrilling 30 days packed with creativity, entertainment, and family bonding at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre. Drawing over 130,000 visitors, the festival shattered previous attendance records by 12%, cementing its status as one of the region’s premier summer events for children and families.

The grand finale featured a vibrant ceremony including a highlight reel of the month’s best moments, dynamic dance performances by Crew Q, a special act by the popular Adnan Family, and the announcement of the winner of the exciting Jetour competition. As dusk settled, a dazzling drone show illuminated West Bay’s skyline, followed by a festive cake cutting, joyful mascot appearances, a balloon drop, and giveaways that delighted attendees.

Hamad al-Khaja, Manager of Festivals and Events Delivery at Visit Qatar, reflected on the festival’s success: “This year’s QTF has truly showcased the power of family-focused events in bringing the community together. From launching the QTF Summer Camp tailored to children aged 4 to 12, to the Back-to-School activities that wrapped up the festival, we created joyful, immersive experiences that resonated with families across Qatar. We’re already gearing up for an even bigger celebration next year.”

This year introduced fresh additions like the QTF Summer Camp, a specially designed structured morning program for kids, and inclusive initiatives such as Qatar’s Purple Saturday on July 26. This dedicated day celebrated children with special needs by providing them free access, inclusive entertainment, and adapted facilities, ensuring everyone felt welcome.

The festival’s main stage buzzed daily with headline performers including renowned regional and international artists such as the ALJ Sisters, Rasha Rizk, Huda Al-Hussain, El Daheeh, and the Adnan Family. Their energetic shows, along with science demonstrations, dance acts, and interactive competitions, kept audiences of all ages captivated throughout the month.

Adding to the excitement were new brand experiences including PUBG, Five Nights at Freddy’s, Lilo & Stitch, and Sherlock Holmes, alongside beloved returning favorites Build-A-Bear and Haribo. This fusion of global entertainment and local culture delivered a uniquely memorable family festival unlike any other in Qatar.

As this year’s Qatar Toy Festival closes, families and children are already looking forward to the next chapter of joyful exploration, learning, and fun brought to life by Visit Qatar’s dynamic events calendar.

Qatar Tourism (QT) has issued a final invitation for professionals and organizations in the tourism and hospitality sectors in Qatar to apply for the third edition of the Qatar Tourism Awards. This prestigious annual event is organized in collaboration with the World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism) to honor individuals and entities that have made significant contributions to enhancing service standards, innovation, and excellence within Qatar’s vital tourism industry.

The application deadline is August 7, 2025. Interested participants whether individuals or organizations can register through the official website: www.qatartourismawards.com. The winners will be revealed at a gala ceremony in late November 2025.

The awards are structured into 37 subcategories across seven principal award groups: Service Excellence, Culinary Experiences, Iconic Attractions, Major Events, Digital Footprint, Smart and Sustainable Tourism, and Community Leaders.

Submissions must adhere to the Qatar Tourism Awards’ specific criteria, following Qatar Tourism’s regulations and standards. Categories recognize hotels, resorts, restaurants, holiday homes, destination management companies, event venues, tour guides, content creators, and more. The program celebrates businesses and individuals creating outstanding visitor experiences—through customer service, innovative offerings, sustainability, and authentic cultural engagement.

 For instance, an “Outstanding 3-Star Hotel” must be licensed, operational for at least 15 months, and compliant with health, safety, and sustainability standards, while “Exceptional Holiday Home Experience” awards are open to licensed holiday homes operational for a year or more. Culinary categories honor both traditional Qatari dining and innovative new restaurants.

 There are also awards for adventure tourism, iconic local attractions, and digital marketing excellence. Most categories require proof of licensure, operational tenure, and compliance with local standards. Specific criteria and eligibility details for each subcategory are outlined in the official guidelines available on the awards’ site.

Applications must be submitted online using a guided form, allowing participants to showcase their achievements and impact. Progress can be saved and applications edited before final submission. For further information or clarification, applicants can contact awards organizers at [email protected].
The Qatar Tourism Awards spotlight and celebrate leaders who drive the nation’s tourism vision forward, and all qualifying professionals are encouraged to seize this final opportunity to participate.

This August, Qatar Calendar unveils a lively and diverse array of events designed to captivate families, children, and visitors of all ages, making the most of the summer season with fun, creativity, and discovery across the country.

From hands-on educational programmes and interactive workshops to thrilling camps and immersive exhibitions, the month is brimming with exciting opportunities tailored especially for children and their families.

The Qatar Toy Festival continues to delight at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center until August 4, offering themed zones filled with entertainment and interactive attractions that spark imagination. In tandem, the Doha Summer Trade and Shopping Exhibition runs at the same venue until August 4, presenting a vibrant retail experience complete with exclusive deals and seasonal shopping treats.

Mall of Qatar invites young artists to join the Kids Art Club until August 16, while Ezdan Mall Wakra brings the family-friendly “Hello Summer” initiative daily through August 22, featuring shows, games, and beloved character meet-and-greets.

Younger children can explore equestrian fun at the Al Shaqab Pony Club Summer Camp (for ages 3–6) from August 2 to 7, with the Al Shaqab International Camp 2025 following closely from August 4 to 14. Meanwhile, the Lusail Sports Arena buzzes with the Sports For All Summer Camp 2025 until August 7, where sport, fitness, and teamwork come together. Doha Club welcomes children to its Dana Club Kids Summer Camp, running from August 10 to 21.

For families seeking energetic play, InflataCity 2025 at Qatar National Convention Centre offers a world of bouncy inflatables and exciting games from August 5 to 23. Creative minds are encouraged to join workshops such as “Design Your Dream House” for kids on August 2 at M7, or the “Create Your Own Jewellery” workshop at the Fire Station’s Wood Shop from August 3 to 7.

At the Museum of Islamic Art, the theme of cultural heritage permeates the Summer Camp: “We Are What We Eat” (August 3–5), which invites children to explore food traditions through interactive learning. The National Museum of Qatar hosts its Summer Camp: “The Museum Is Ours” (August 3–7), offering storytelling and exploration that brings the museum to life for young visitors. Additionally, Msheireb Museums’ Summer Programme runs until August 28, while the Qatar National Library’s summer offerings conclude on August 27.

Calligraphy enthusiasts can dive into a variety of workshops at the Museum of Islamic Art covering Naskh (August 2–23), Diwani (August 3–6), and Kufic (August 13–27) styles, suitable for beginners to advanced learners. For those passionate about painting, Wadha Al Kuwari leads “Modern Techniques in Acrylic Painting” at the Fire Station’s Education Studio from August 10 to 14.

The MIA’s “My Plate at the Table” series (August 6–27) blends art and culinary heritage through library learning and cultural exploration, while “Rise Art: Create and Pour Your Own Art with Marwa Labib” offers a hands-on creative experience from August 17 to 21. Art lovers can also enjoy the “Printed Nostalgia” exhibition at Fire Station Gallery Four until September 1 and partake in the ongoing “Escape Room: The Scholars of the Islamic World” at the Museum of Islamic Art, an immersive educational puzzle experience running through December 31.

Souq Waqif buzzes with the 10th Edition of the Local Dates Festival until August 7, showcasing Qatar’s locally grown dates and traditional harvest customs, a true taste of the country’s rich agricultural heritage.
For weekend explorers and nature enthusiasts, the “Whale Sharks in Qatar” experience at Al Ruwais Port offers guided tours introducing visitors to one of the world’s largest seasonal whale shark aggregations, available through September 19.

August in Qatar promises a summer full of adventure, learning, and family fun, providing endless ways to connect, create, and celebrate the season together.

Qatar's emergence as a powerhouse for international gatherings continues to accelerate, with officials confirming that the Gulf nation now hosts over 80 major global events each year across fields as diverse as diplomacy, technology, sports, trade, and culture.

Mubarak Ajlan Mubarak Al Kuwari—Executive Director at the Permanent Committee for Organizing Conferences (PCOC)—explained that these high-profile events are strategically coordinated to align with Qatar’s National Vision, making the country a global nexus for dialogue, innovation, and cooperation.

Record-Breaking Attendance and Economic Impact

Landmark conferences, such as the Doha Forum and Qatar Economic Forum, attracted more than 8,500 attendees from over 160 countries, with international participants making up nearly half the turnout. Meanwhile, Web Summit Qatar 2025 witnessed a record-setting surge with over 25,000 participants—including 1,520 startups and hundreds of investors—temporarily transforming Doha into a worldwide beacon for entrepreneurship and cutting-edge technology.

This relentless calendar of international events has had a transformative effect on both tourism and the broader economy. In just the first quarter of 2025, Qatar welcomed more than 1.5 million visitors, a 25% increase compared to 2023. Hotel bookings soared, with nearly 10 million room nights sold during the past year and average occupancy rates reaching 71%.

Major events such as festivals, conventions, and sporting championships have contributed to a projected QR124.2 billion boost to the national economy in 2025, supporting 350,000 jobs and setting new records for international visitor spending.

Key Events on Qatar’s 2025 Calendar

Highlighting its diverse events portfolio, Qatar’s calendar this year features:

• FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 (November 15-27)
• Formula 1 Qatar Airways Grand Prix (November 28-30)
• Doha Film Festival (November 20-28)
• FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 (December 1-18)
• Doha Forum (December 6-7)
• Major technology expos like Web Summit Qatar 2025 and MWC25 Doha
• Cultural extravaganzas such as the Qatar International Art Festival and local food festivals.

The country will also co-host the Second World Summit for Social Development with the United Nations and the T100 Triathlon World Championship Final—further proof of its expanding influence on the global stage.

A Hub for All: Accessibility and Visitor Growth

Qatar’s development as a top global event host is matched by unprecedented accessibility: 51% of international visitors arrive by air, 34% by land, and 15% by sea, reflecting a deliberate strategy to enhance connectivity. The hospitality sector’s growth is further buoyed by the country’s reputation for safety—Doha was recently ranked the world’s second safest city—and the positive legacy of high-profile events like the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

With initiatives targeting diverse source markets and continuous infrastructure investment, Qatar’s events industry is forecast to expand by over 11% annually, reaching nearly $4.65 billion by 2032. Industry analysts and officials alike agree—the nation’s transformation from a “small desert nation” to a “trusted international partner and connectivity hub” is well under way.

Qatar’s remarkable model positions it as a leading destination not only for large-scale global events but also for collaborative exchange and economic vitality in the years to come.

Morocco is embarking on a transformative $4.2 billion investment to modernize its main airports over the next five years, aiming to accommodate a surge in international visitors as it prepares to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup with Portugal and Spain. The ambitious plan, officially announced by the Moroccan government in agreement with the national airports authority ONDA, seeks to more than double the country’s airport capacity from 38 million passengers currently to 80 million by 2030.

Central to this overhaul is Casablanca’s Mohammed V International Airport, Morocco’s busiest aviation hub. Here, a major expansion will include the construction of a new terminal and an additional runway, projected to cost around $2.5 billion and increase capacity by 20 million passengers annually. Other key airports in Marrakech, Agadir, Tangier, and Fez are also slated for upgrades and expansion, spreading the benefits of this infrastructure push across the country.

Funding for the project will allocate 25 billion dirhams ($2.7 billion) toward airport expansions and 13 billion dirhams ($1.5 billion) toward maintenance, modernization, and land acquisition. This comprehensive effort not only prepares Morocco for the logistical demands of hosting a global sports spectacle but also supports the nation’s fast-growing tourism sector, which experienced a record 17.4 million visitors in 2024 a 20% increase from the previous year. Morocco targets attracting 26 million tourists by the World Cup year 2030, further solidifying tourism as a pillar of its economic growth strategy.

The surge in tourism is part of a broader regional trend, with North African destinations like Morocco, Egypt, and Tunisia gaining popularity among British travellers, in part due to high-quality yet affordable hotel options that rival those in traditional European hotspots. UK flight routes and accommodation searches to these countries have seen significant increases, indicating a growing market that Morocco’s upgraded airport infrastructure is primed to serve.

As the countdown to the 2030 World Cup continues, Morocco’s airport revamp underscores its determination to leverage the event as a catalyst for broader economic development, positioning the nation as a regional aviation hub and a premier international tourist destination.