If there’s one thing most Singaporeans are guilty of when travelling, it’s over-packing. Whether it’s bringing way too many clothes, or packing every possible gizmo that might “come in handy”, it’s never a good feeling to have no space left in your luggage, especially after a massive shopping spree.
So, for all you loud and proud hoarders, here are some useful carry-on luggage travel products that are multi-functional, will save you space in your suitcase, and breeze you right through security too.
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Image adapted from: Amazon
Travellers with many layovers or on long-haul flights would know that trying to catch some zzz’s in the airport or on a plane might just be the most frustrating thing ever – it seems like you can never get comfortable enough.
Wrap yourself in this fluffy and snuggly lightweight travel blanket ($21.24), which lets you comfortably catch a snooze at the airport or on a budget flight. Roll up the blanket, and you’ll get a mini pillow to carry along during those flights instead. Plus, it comes with a built-in luggage sleeve and carabiner, making it the perfect portable companion for hands-free travel.
Get the BOACAY travel blanket from Amazon.
Image adapted from: Amazon
Every hairy person would appreciate a pause button for their growing hair during vacations. But since Mother Nature doesn’t take breaks, having to bring along a shaver and shaving gel during trips seems to be inevitable. Some of us probably didn’t realise but bringing a shaver is actually allowed in hand baggage as long as the blades can’t be removed.
This mini travel razor ($13.97) has a built-in gel bar which saves you from the hassle of bringing a separate container of shaving gel. Simply wet it in the shower to activate the gel lubricant to prevent any cuts or scratches on your skin. You won’t even have to worry about any troublesome leakages in your bag since the gel bar dries on its own when unused and comes in a travel case.
Get a mini travel razor from Amazon.
Image adapted from: Pixi
Ladies, we all know the frustration of extremely dry air in planes causing cracked lips and dull skin. Instead of dealing with an entire makeup pouch, bring along just these 2 new Pixi products to keep yourself looking moisturised and fresh.
The Pixi LipTone ($13) is both a pigmented gloss and nourishing base that you can apply directly to your lips for a colour that will adapt according to your pH. Voila! A bespoke shade unique to you, and with ingredients like shea butter keeping them moist. Comes in 6 hues too.
For those who can’t bare to disembark a flight looking bare-faced because you have things on your itinerary you need to get to right away, keep the Pixi On-The-Glow Base ($35) handy. This foundation moisture stick has a sheer finish and comes in a broad spectrum of shades. Plus, it’s so easy to use and you won’t have to worry about liquid foundation spillage in your bag.
Get the Pixi LipTone and On-The-Glow Base from Sephora.
A top travel concern has got to be pickpocketing, given that we’re so used to Singapore’s safety. And no one wants to look like an unsuspecting tourist, conspicuously carrying big bags, or even worse, a fanny pack that screams “I’m a tourist”, especially in a crowded marketplace overseas.
It’s flat enough to be worn under your top without detection, helping to keep scheming predators at bay.
Image credit: Amazon
Instead of resorting to weird tactics like stuffing cash in your socks or even bras, you can slot some bills and passport into the compartments of this undercover fanny pack ($12.88). Wear it under your clothes and you’ll have cash on you at all times, convenient for a fuss-free travel.
Get the undercover fanny pack from amazon.
Swiss Army knives are known as the ideal all-in-one tool for every situation you may encounter during your travels, from a loose nail dangling off your finger to trying to open a can of food that just won’t budge. But, these useful devices are also not allowed in cabin luggages.
Image credit: @ivmarketing via Instagram
This odd-looking contraption, dubbed the Wallet Ninja ($18.99), functions as a Swiss Army knife alternative with no actual blades so you can pack it in a carry-on. It comprises 18 tools such as a bottle and can opener, fruit peeler, and screwdriver – all within one compact thin steel sheet that’ll fit perfectly into your wallet.
Get the Wallet Ninja from Amazon.
This model comes in various colours and designs.
Image adapted from: Amazon
Different bags are needed for different occasions, period. But packing that extra crossbody, wristlet, and shoulder bag in your cabin luggage might just make you lament about how bulky and “space-consuming” it is.
Save the hassle of bringing extra pouches for miscellaneous items along on your trips with this all-in-one convertible small crossbody bag ($33.51). Switch around the straps and chains, and you can alternate between having a coin purse, Airpods case waist pouch, a convenient wristlet, or a no-frills crossbody bag for a day out.
Get the small crossbody bag from Amazon.
Image adapted from: Amazon
Emergency medicines are always a must-have when you travel, especially if you’re one who’s likely to catch a cold or prone to things like motion sickness or food poisoning. This keychain pill holder ($12.88) lets you store medicines, vitamins, and supplements when you need something handy. It’s also waterproof to keep your pills safe and sound from moisture.
Get the keychain pill holder from Amazon.
Image credit: Amazon
It’s not a rare sight to see Singaporeans packing tons of Daiso heat packs before visiting a cold country. As effective as these little sachets are, having multiple of them may take up more space than we’d like.
These compact rechargeable hand warmers ($25.77) will save you the trouble of stuffing multiple heat packs in your carry-on bag. They are made to be pocket-sized so you can easily carry them around or stuff them in your gloves. Plus, there’s 3 modes to control the temperature at your desired warmth level.
Get the rechargeable hand warmers from Amazon.
Image credit: Casetify
Given that you might only be bringing a carry-on luggage, you’ll obviously want to make sure it doesn’t get misplaced. Whether you’re placing it in the overhead carrier or checking in your luggage, you’ll be able to spot the 21-inch Casetify custom suitcase ($719) from a mile away.
Not only does it come in black and 2 other vibrant colours – red and blue – you can also choose from multiple designs and add text. Add your initials or a visual reminder that you are slaying in life… a guaranteed way to make sure no one else accidentally takes your suitcase.
Get the Casetify Custom Suitcase.
Packing less is never easy because you’ll have to live with all the “what-if”s swimming in your mind throughout your trip. These multi-purpose carry-on travel products are every worry wart’s friend because they combine numerous tools into one – think of it as the cheatsheet to minimalist packing since they let you bring more though you appear to be bringing less.
Although we usually pack our beauty products and toiletries in mini bottles, we realise that the culmination of these small containers can actually take up a lot of space in our bags. That’s why multi-functional toiletries are the way to go for travellers.
Packing beauty products into your carry-on no longer has to be about numerous containers clanking against each other in your luggage. ANIA’s organic Argan Oil is meant to be that all-in-one beauty product that’s light and easy to bring along on your travels, so that you won’t have to squeeze more than one item into your bag.
Given its many uses, it’s no surprise that ANIA’s 30ml Argan Oil ($39) is highly coveted by travellers. Don’t belittle its small size, because not only can it be used to moisturise your face, body, and hair, it’s also a cuticle oil and a makeup primer. That’s essentially five items in one bottle so you’ll have more space for your other beauty faves in your makeup bag.
Run the Argan Oil through your hair for shiny and healthy locks.
Its multi-purpose nature means that it replaces your everyday hair oil, cuticle oil and moisturiser, leaving you with one fuss-free product that’s ideal for light travellers. If you’re going to colder and drier regions, Argan Oil’s hydrating properties will keep those cracks at bay.
ANIA’s Argan Oil comes in 30ml and 60ml bottles, small and compact enough to slot into your carry-on where liquids are limited to 100ml on flights.
It can also be used as a cuticle oil to get rid of dead skin around your finger beds.
ANIA’s newly launched, cruelty-free Argan Oil Light is an alternative for travellers visiting more humid countries. For someone who hates that greasy feel after applying sunblock, ANIA’s Argan Oil Light is super fast-absorbing and didn’t leave my skin feeling sticky or gross. In fact, it can even replace your everyday makeup primer, making that one less product to pack.
Whether you’re braving the cold or embracing the heat on your next vacay, ANIA’s multi-purpose oils are bound to come in handy. So the next time you’re in a rut deciding which beauty products to bring along, choose one where you know you’ll be getting more out of it for less.
This post was brought to you by ANIA Skincare. [Note: This promo has since ended, and the promotions featured in this article may no longer be available.]
This article contains partial partnership content and referral links where The Smart Local may collect a commission. Our opinions remain our own.
First published on 22nd February 2018. Last updated 29th May 2025.
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