Beauty on the fly

TL+C The Aero Travel Set. Photo / Babiche Martens

In a bygone century, back in the days when we used traveller's cheques, there was also the vanity case.

I remember it well. When my friends set off to backpack their way through their OE, I lugged a tonne-weight vanity case to London instead. It came in handy actually, like my own portable safe, complete with a combination lock, where I could secure jewellery, passport, money and more makeup and perfume than anyone in their right mind needed.

Nowadays, more rigorous policing of in-flight bag weight and restrictions on carrying liquids means the vanity case is as obsolete onboard as metal cutlery.

My carry-on clutter has been pared back but with an overflowing toilet bag invariably stuffed into my suitcase I'm not sure I always practice what I'm preaching here today. That is, the usual packing mantra of keeping it simple and taking only what you really need.

Packing for every eventuality is best left to those who can afford 12 Louis Vuitton trunks. They'd look great alongside the LV heritage trunk vanity case (yours in monogrammed leather for $6250), but unless you can book out the Orient Express baggage car with your berth you might want to give it a miss.

For everyday travellers the post-9/11 rules are part blessing, part curse. The in-flight restrictions lighten the load in the overhead lockers, but transfer some of your heavier items into your suitcase where there's the risk they'll go west when you go east.

Luckily, airline emergency care kits aren't too bad, so do try demanding one (or a voucher for replacing your essential toiletries) if it looks like you'll be without your luggage for long. It's no consolation for not having your miracle creams and eye makeup remover, but depending on the airline's policy, you could end up with a business class-type pack of goodies. The toothbrushes always feel like they've got barbed wire for bristles, but at least you can clean. Which brings me to ...

Rule number one: Always take a toothbrush in your hand luggage. Nothing will make you fresher than a post-meal brush or a quick after-flight pitstop before you front up to the friendly faces at Customs or your loved ones.

Rule number two: Resist the temptation to cover every contingency. Unless you're heading to Outer Mongolia, chances are you'll be able to find a convenience store to stock up at. A good hotel concierge should also be able to sort out pretty much everything you need.

Just leave those freebie toiletries behind when you head home though. It's no fun being weighed down by unnecessary possessions.

For your in-flight comfort and convenience, we've rounded up a few items that should come in handy wherever you're heading.