by Sophia Dyer
  • 1 minute read
  • February 05, 2025
Saudi cultural consultant Zahar Alsayed gives us an insight into her must-pack travel items

Get the luggage low-down from multi-faceted career woman Zahar Alsayed. Often on the go, these are the items the Jeddah-based Creative Director packs in her carry-on.

The gadget I can’t travel without…

My phone’s tripod and a versatile universal electrical extension with extra USB-C and USB openings, to ensure everything is fully charged at once.

My go-to headphone brand…

My blue Apple AirPods Max – the perfect blend of quality, style, and noise cancellation. They’re a lifesaver for blocking out crying babies, frustrated travellers, or the person eating with their mouth open!

My favourite in-flight routine is…

I like to read small books that challenge my creativity. On solo flights – for example, Jeddah to London – I listen to the Surah Al-Baqarah three times (six hours total). It keeps me calm and perfectly zoned out.

The weirdest item I always pack…

Measuring tape and extra hair ties – they come in handy more often than you’d think.

My go-to carry-on snacks…

A good cheese manakeesh or sandwich, healthy crisps, dark chocolate, mint gum and dates.

If any friends are travelling, the top items I recommend they pack are…

A 3D sleeping mask, cosy socks dedicated only for flights, a hoodie for added comfort, and sanitiser to clean everything before settling in.

Three beauty products that are non-negotiables when packing are… 

The Ordinary lip balm, Byredo Bal D’Afrique hand cleanser, and the Treat skincare trio.

My favourite on-flight fragrance…

Lorenzo Villoresi Teint De Neige – it is soft, calming, and elegant.

On long-haul flights, you’ll find me passing the time by…

Playing Sudoku, binge-watching TV shows, cleaning out my phone, and editing reels from my trip.

The last book I read on a flight was… 

Women Who Think Too Much by Susan Nolen-Hoeksema.

My carry-on luggage case recommendation is… 

The black Rimowa Essential Sleeve.

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