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When easyJet invited me to Basel, Switzerland, for the live final of the Eurovision Song Contest, I couldn’t believe my luck.
As an avid Eurovision fan – and thrower of many Eurovision parties – I was giddy with excitement.
But then the stress of what I was going to pack came over me, especially as I’ve only got hand luggage – and I’d be heading to Gatwick Airport straight from the office.
As deputy travel editor for MailOnline, I’m often globetrotting around the world – and have a list of essentials I take on every trip.
But sunny Basel – where it’s 18-20 degrees this weekend – required some summer clothes.
And for Eurovision, sequins are, of course, a must – but what else would be going in my suitcase?
From multiple space-saving gadgets that double up as two items, to the backpack I use almost every day, here’s what I chucked into my luggage for Basel…
MailOnline’s deputy travel editor, Hayley Minn (pictured at the new Virgin Hotel Shoreditch) reveals what she packed for a trip to Basel for Eurovision this weekend
This travel bottle set has been an absolute gamechanger for me when it comes to travelling with hand luggage only.
The TSA-approved clear case comes with 17 containers, ranging in size, that you can decant all your lotions and potions in to using the included funnel.
It even comes with a brush for cleaning, as well as waterproof sticker labels so you don’t mix up your shampoo with your moisturiser!
I always make sure I bring a backpack with me on holiday in case of any jam-packed day trips.
This one from OGIO is the perfect size and has so many compartments, including elasticated ones on the side, for my water bottle and umbrella (just in case!), and a hidden zip pocket at the front for the important stuff.
There’s also a section specifically for your laptop, and enough space to fit a change of clothes and shoes.
I’ve always been one of those people with a million different bags and boxes within their suitcase – a jewellery box, a makeup bag, a toiletries bag, the list goes on…
But this nifty 2-in-1 bag from STACKERS has fixed all that.
It fits all my makeup in and has a jewellery box attached at the bottom – which also keeps all my necklaces in place and stops them tangling.
Plus, it has a mirror inside too!
I bought this blackout eye mask for a long-haul flight originally, and it’s so good I use it in bed every night now, and my sleep has got so much better.
Designed to prevent pressure on your eyes, this 3D sleep mask is perfect for sensitive eyes or those with lash extensions.
Made from premium memory foam and soft, breathable material, it offers superior comfort and light-blocking ability.
A travel adapter is an absolute must if you’re going abroad, and I always leave this one in my suitcase so I never forget to pack it.
It fits any plug sockets around the world, and also has three USB ports, as well as a slot for USB-C cables, so you can charge five different devices at the same time.
I really would be lost without tile Mates, which I’ve attached to my keys and added one to my suitcase.
The Bluetooth trackers are the ideal solution for scatterbrains, and also for safety if you’re solo travelling, so friends and family can know your whereabouts.
I was so skeptical about trtl pillows for years, having seen the pictures of people looking a bit silly using them on planes.
But I’m officially a convert – they’re the comfiest thing, and, together with my eye mask, I can finally sleep on the plane and don’t even need a window seat.
I take a water bottle wherever I’m going, as it means I don’t have to keep asking the crew for another tiny cup of water on a flight.
This one from YETI keeps my water cold all day – especially when I add some ice to it when I leave the house.
The worst thing about short-haul flights is the lack of screen – and having to hold your phone for an entire movie can be frustrating.
Thankfully, this phone stand – which works with all phones – can mount onto luggage handles or tray tables with a clamp.
It also easily rotates 360 degrees, so I use it to make hands-free video calls too when I’m waiting for my flight in the airport.
I never go away without my GHDs – I even have a spare pair in my parents’ house now!
They may be pricey but they’re worth it, and they really don’t take much room up in your luggage.
Another beauty product I can’t leave the house without is Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish, and the mini size is my travel skincare staple.
I’ve been using it to take my makeup off in the evening, and to refresh my skin in the morning for 10 years – and I swear by it.
I have the 200ml bottle at home, but this starter kit is only £8 – and perfect to pop into my hand luggage.
