Planning a trip can be both exciting and stressful, especially when it comes to figuring out what to pack. As a knowledgeable and supportive mom friend, I’m here to share my tried-and-true travel essentials for your carry-on suitcase. Whether you’re jetting off for a weekend getaway or a long-haul adventure, this packing list will help you stay organized and ready for anything.
My carry-on travel essentials recommendations are broken into five categories:
- Travel Documents and Essentials
- Tech Gadgets and Accessories
- Comfort and Hygiene Items
- Snacks and Hydratation
- Health and Wellness
Travel Bag Must-haves
Backpack That Fits Under the Airplane Seat
I often fly with low-cost airlines like Frontier or Spirit, where they charge you for carry-ons. My way around this is to use a backpack that fits their “personal item” requirement by fitting under the seat. Everything mentioned in this packing list fits into one of these backpacks. I swear by them! Since I bought one of these backpacks a few years ago, I haven’t looked back and never took a flight without it. Just be careful—if you also have a fanny pack or small purse, they will ask you to put it inside the backpack at the gate since you can only have one personal item.
Carry-On Suitcases
Investing in a good carry-on suitcase can make a significant difference in your travel experience. Look for a suitcase that meets airline size requirements and offers ample storage space. Features like 360-degree spinner wheels, sturdy handles, and expandable sections can add to the convenience and ease of use.
Packing Cubes
Packing cubes are great for keeping your clothes organized and compressed, making more room in your suitcase or backpack. They help you separate different types of clothing and make it easy to find what you need without unpacking everything.
Travel Documents and Essentials
Ensuring you have all your travel documents organized and within easy reach is crucial for a hassle-free journey.
What travel essentials documents you should have with you at all times?
Passport
Keep it in an easily accessible pocket. A passport holder can keep it clean, but be ready to take it out quickly at immigration to save time.
Visa
If your destination requires a visa, check if an electronic visa is available. I often notice that the e-visa line is much shorter than the traditional visa line, making entry quick and smooth.
Printed Boarding Pass
While digital boarding passes are convenient, having a printed copy is a good backup. This is especially useful if your phone battery dies or if you have multiple connecting flights in different countries.
Travel Insurance Documents
Make sure you have a copy of your travel insurance documents. These can be crucial if you face any health or travel-related issues abroad.
Wallet
Your wallet should contain your credit cards and some cash in both your home currency and your destination’s currency. Always carry two credit cards and one debit card with you. For the debit card, I recommend Charles Schwab because you can withdraw money abroad in the local currency without paying crazy ATM fees. Make sure the credit cards you bring don’t have foreign transaction fees—my personal favorites are the Chase Sapphire and the Capital One Venture X.
The reason for having two credit cards is so you can leave one at the hotel in your locked suitcase or safe and keep the other with you while you are out of the hotel. This way, if someone steals your purse while you are sightseeing, you’ll have another method of payment waiting for you in your hotel room (can you imagine being in a foreign country without any money? Me neither!). For an additional level of safety, add your credit card to Apple Pay so you can also pay with your phone whenever needed.
Where should you keep your travel documents when travelling?
To stay organized, keep your travel documents in a pouch or a designated file organizer. If you’re traveling with your spouse and kiddos, keep all of the passports, boarding passes, and other important documents in one spot. Having everything in a single, easily accessible place will make your check-in process at the airport so much smoother. You’ll always know exactly where everything is, which reduces stress and makes traveling a breeze.
Tech Gadgets and Accessories
In today’s digital age, staying connected and entertained while traveling is essential.
Packing List for Travel Essential Electronics
Tablet or E-Reader
A tablet or e-reader is perfect for reading books or watching movies without draining your phone’s battery. For flights that do not have any in-flight entertainment, such as those with low-cost carriers like Frontier or Spirit, having a tablet with movies downloaded offline from Netflix or Amazon Prime Video is a great idea. It’s a fantastic way to pass the time on long flights or during layovers, ensuring you stay entertained throughout your journey.
Noise-canceling Headphones
Noise-canceling headphones can make a huge difference, blocking out the hum of the airplane and letting you relax with some music or a movie. They are essential for a more pleasant and restful flight experience. To connect any wireless headphones to the in-flight entertainment system, we recommend using a wireless audio transmitter.
However, if noise-canceling headphones are beyond your budget and all you want is to reduce the ambient sound of the plane so you can sleep peacefully, we recommend ear plugs designed for noise reduction. These can be a cost-effective alternative to help you rest better during your flight (more on this in the next category of travel essential items to bring with you on the plane).
Charger Cable Organizer
Bring all of your important chargers (phone, iPad, headphones, camera, etc.) and put them in a cord travel organizer. This keeps everything neatly arranged and prevents tangled cables, making it easy to find the right charger when you need it.
Portable Power Bank
A portable power bank is a lifesaver, especially when you’re out exploring all day without access to an outlet. It ensures that your devices stay charged no matter where you are.
Travel Adapter
If you’re traveling internationally, a travel adapter is a must-have. Different countries have different plug types, and having an adapter means you can charge all your devices without any issues. Make sure to get a universal adapter that works in multiple countries.
Why You Should Have These Gadgets on your packing list?
Having these gadgets with you ensures that you stay connected, entertained, and productive throughout your trip. They help you navigate unfamiliar places, capture memories, and stay in touch with loved ones.
I once forgot my power bank on a trip and had to hunt for a charging station in the middle of nowhere. Lesson learned! Now, I never travel without my tech essentials neatly packed and ready to go.
When packing your tech gadgets, keep them in your personal item, like a small backpack or tote bag, for easy access during your journey. This way, you can quickly grab your headphones, charge your phone, or use your tablet without needing to dig through your carry-on suitcase.
Traveling with the right tech gadgets and accessories can make your journey smoother, more enjoyable, and stress-free. Whether you’re navigating a new city with your smartphone or relaxing with an e-book on your tablet, having these essentials at hand will enhance your travel experience.
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Comfort and Hygiene Items
Keeping comfortable and fresh during your journey can make a big difference, especially on long flights.
Packing List for Personal Care Items
Neck Pillow
A neck pillow is a lifesaver for catching some sleep on the plane. I recommend ones that offer great support for your neck and are easy to pack away when not in use. These pillows can help you get some rest and arrive at your destination feeling more refreshed.
Eye Mask and Ear Plugs
I recommend using an eye mask paired with noise reduction ear plugs. Those little things in your ears are a game changer, reducing noise by up to NRR 14 dB. I personally always pair them with a connector cord so I don’t lose one of the earplugs while I sleep on the plane. It’s such a hassle to find a lost earplug, and I’ve often had to call the flight attendant for help. The cord attachment solves that problem, making it easy to keep track of both earplugs.
Cozy Wrap / Scarf
Airlines often keep their cabins quite cool, which I prefer to the alternative of being too hot or stuffy. One of my travel essentials is a wide scarf that I keep in my handbag, whether I’m at home or on the road. I select the thickness and pattern based on the season, but I typically choose a neutral option that goes well with most of my travel outfits.
Travel-Sized Toiletries
There are pre-made toiletry kits available for purchase, which can be convenient, but I personally prefer buying empty travel kit containers so I can create my own and not change my product routine. Having a toiletry kit with me on the plane gives me peace of mind. In case my suitcase gets lost, I know I’ll have the bare minimum available to take care of my hygiene. My essentials include a toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, and a small bottle of hand sanitizer. I also pack a travel-sized bottle of my favorite moisturizer and some lip balm, as airplane cabins can be very drying. This way, I can stay fresh and comfortable throughout my journey
Change of Clothes
Just in case your luggage gets delayed or you spill something on yourself during the flight, having a change of clothes in your carry-on can save you from feeling uncomfortable and self-conscious.
Why You Should Have These Items on your packing list?
Having these comfort and hygiene items ensures that you stay comfortable, clean, and refreshed throughout your journey. They help you feel more at ease and prepared, no matter how long or short your flight is.
On a particularly turbulent flight, I ended up with a coffee stain on my shirt just before landing. Having a change of clothes in my carry-on saved me from feeling uncomfortable and self-conscious.
Traveling with the right comfort and hygiene items can make your journey smoother, more enjoyable, and stress-free. Whether you’re catching some sleep with a neck pillow or staying fresh with travel-sized toiletries, having these essentials at hand will enhance your travel experience.
Snacks and Hydration
Airplane food isn’t always the best, and snacks can be pricey at airports, so I always bring my own snacks with me on the plane!
Packing List for Food and Drinks on a Plane
Healthy Snacks
Bringing your own snacks can keep you satisfied and energized throughout your journey. Pack a variety of healthy options like nuts, dried fruit, granola bars, or even a small sandwich. These snacks are not only more nutritious than typical airplane food but also more budget-friendly.
On a long flight to Hawaii, I packed a variety of snacks that kept both me and my husband happy and satisfied. It’s amazing how a good snack can improve your mood!
Chewing Gum
Chewing gum is a great addition to your travel kit. It helps pop your ears during take-off and landing, making the pressure changes more comfortable. As a bonus, it gives you fresher breath when brushing your teeth isn’t an option.
Reusable Water Bottle
Staying hydrated is crucial, especially during flights where the air can be quite dry. Bring a reusable water bottle and fill it up after you pass through security. Many airports now have water bottle filling stations, making it easy to stay hydrated without buying multiple bottles of water.
Having your own water bottle ensures you can drink water throughout the flight without relying on the small cups provided by the airline, which are often not enough to keep you properly hydrated.
Why You Should Have These Items on your packing list?
Having your own snacks and a reusable water bottle ensures you stay nourished and hydrated throughout your journey. These items help you maintain your energy levels and comfort, making your travel experience more pleasant.
Once, on a particularly turbulent flight, the beverage service was delayed, and I was so glad to have my own water bottle and snacks. It kept me from feeling parched and cranky, allowing me to focus on enjoying the trip instead.
Health and Wellness
Packing List for Medical Items
Medications
Always pack any prescription medications you need, along with some basic over-the-counter meds for headaches, stomach issues, or allergies. Having these on hand can save you a lot of stress if you start feeling unwell during your trip.
Small First-Aid Kit
A small first-aid kit is a must-have. It should include band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and a few other essentials. First-aid kits can come in handy for minor injuries or accidents.
Having these health and wellness items checked on your packing list ensures that you are prepared for any minor health issues that might arise during your journey. They help you feel more at ease and ready to handle any unexpected situations.
Compression Socks
Compression socks are great for long flights as they help with circulation and can reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). They also help prevent swelling and discomfort in your legs and feet.
Practical Tips for Packing Your Carry-On
Now that we’ve covered the essentials, let’s talk about how to pack them efficiently:
- Roll Your Clothes: Rolling clothes instead of folding them can save space and reduce wrinkles.
- Use Packing Cubes: As mentioned earlier, these can help you stay organized and make the most of your space.
- Keep Liquids Accessible: Pack your liquids in a clear, zippered pouch and place them at the top of your carry-on for easy access during security checks.
- Layer Your Items: Place heavier items at the bottom of your bag and lighter items on top. This helps distribute weight evenly and makes it easier to find what you need.
Traveling can be a wonderful adventure, and having the right essentials in your carry-on can make the journey smoother and more enjoyable. By following this packing list and using the practical tips provided, you can ensure that you have everything you need for a stress-free trip. Stay organized, stay prepared, and most importantly, enjoy your travels!
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