Inside that Day Bag

Handbagging became a technical term for asserting oneself, if not literally whacking one's opponents. Most famously used when Mrs Thatcher reportedly banged her hands on the table in a European summit, demanding the UK be given a rebate on its contributions. She got it, and the UK still has it. It's worth £2bn a year. That was some handbag.
~From BBC News~

This should read more like my packing list than one of those columns which quietly assert their authority while dishing seemingly friendly girl-to-girl advice over coffee.

But before I begin, let me clarify that if you're one of those travellers who stuff everything into their pants' pockets or one of those utilitarian backpackers who live from one scruffy has-been-everywhere haversack, this is not for you. But if you're looking for minimal fuss, maximum composure, comfort and glamour (in no particular order of importance), this list would hopefully be of help for you.

What should go into your day-bag:

Essentials
1. Passport & Boarding Pass
without which you won't be going anywhere
2. Pen
extremely annoying to your companions if you constantly have to borrow theirs
3. Wallet
which should include photocopy of your ID, contact no. of your next-of-kin, insurer and cash for shopping (very impt)
4. Mints
makes you a friend, helps you stay a friend
5. Camera
to keep safe and to camwhore capture those memories
6. Notebook
containing phone numbers, information of hotel etc.
7. Watch
technically, this should be on you
8. Tissue Paper & Wet-wipes
you'll need both.

Comfort Items
1. Water bottle
make sure its only half full (or half empty) to meet airline safety requirements
2. Scarf/Shawl
for the chilly cabin and to jazz up that outfit
3. Portable Fan
more for the trip than the flight
4. Entertainment (book/PSP)
for us mere mortals who travel on budget airlines
*handphones should be switched off

Grooming Items
1. Hair brush/comb
mine comes with a mirror
2. Chap-stick/Gloss/Lipstick
depending on level of vanity
3. Hair-tie
to cope with the frizz
4. Make-up kit
with all you should need for the trip: eye-brow pencil, eye-liner, mascara, blush, blotters
5. Shades
for sleeping and/or discretely checking out fellow travellers

Just-in-case things
1. Nail clipper
doubles as scissors
2. Safety pins

Okay, I think I'm done. And the bag'll probably be bursting. Now to decide on what to wear...

Stay tuned for major crisis!