My Ultimate Carry-On Packing Guide
I’m always asked by friends what I pack in my carry-on, and for the most part, the essentials never change! So I’ve compiled a list of my all-time fave products and the things I can’t live without. Whether I’m on a quick flight from OC to SFO or flying halfway around the globe, take a peak inside what I stash inside my bag!
1. Hand Cream
My biggest complaint when flying is how dry my skin gets!! I absolutely love all things L’Occitane, and their travel size Shea Butter hand cream is so creamy and moisturizing, it’s the perfect solution to my dry hand problem!!
2. Travel Pillow
So my favorite travel pillow isn’t necessarily a “pillow”, but it gets. the. job. done. The trtl pillow is more of a neck scarf with a hidden brace that supports your head while you casually doze off in your seat, whether you’ve got a window, middle, or aisle seat. I love it, and it actually IS comfortable!! I don’t travel without it!
3. Portable Charger
I don’t go anywhere without a portable charger. Nothing’s worse than being somewhere, domestic or foreign, and looking down at your phone only to realize you have 5% battery left and NO IDEA WHERE YOU ARE! It’s definitely happened to me before, and it’s never happening again! Just make sure your charger is actually fully charged before you leave your hotel haha (this has also happened to me…) I personally think this particular power charger is a beast because it has 2 USB ports, a mini-USB port, and a flashlight, plus it’s so powerful. RAVPower has an incredible line of portable chargers!
4. Adapter + Converter
This is only necessary when I’m traveling internationally, and it definitely comes in handy at airports. I’ve always had the hardest time finding an adapter AND converter that also works for my hair tools. Not anymore!! Thank you Conair for making the Travel Smart Ultimate Converter that finally works with my phone charger, my curling iron, and my camera charger! (insert party horn emoji here)
5. Noise-Cancelling Headphones
No explanation needed on this one. Ever since investing in these, my travel experience has totally changed – whether I’m waiting at a gate and need to drown out the incessant chatter of the crowds around me, or trying to relax in my seat and need to block out that airplane hum, these have seriously been a game changer. There are a ton of great brands out there, but I personally own Beats by Dre and love them.
6. Water Bottle
I recently discovered Tru Flask, and I love this brand! Why? Well. It’s BPA-free, eco-friendly, comes in great colors, doesn’t break the bank, keeps liquids cold for 24 hours and hot for 12 hours, has interchangeable lids, backed with a lifetime guarantee AND it’s dishwasher safe!! Sold yet?! (In case you’re wondering what color I have, I’ve got peach).
7. Pens + Notebook
In case you couldn’t tell, I’m a writer. So I always like to pack a little notebook and pens with me wherever I go to jot down notes, make lists, doodle…whatever! These pens were too cute to pass up.
And I prefer a classic Moleskine notebook…in pink 😉
8. Eye Mask
I have a LOT of eye masks. Like an odd amount, to be honest. But I recently received this Free People eye mask in my FabFitFun Spring Editor’s Box, and it is hands down my favorite. For one, it’s super cute. I love the vegan leather star fabric. But more importantly, the gel insert inside is amazing. I love that I can stick that in the freezer for a few minutes to get it nice and cold before putting it back in the mask and over my eyes. Now obviously I can’t do that on a plane, but I can do that my entire trip! It feels so nice and helps with depuffing my eyes after a long flight!
Another great eye mask is this one by Bedtime Bliss. I like this one because it doesn’t completely press against your eyes, so in the event that you’re wearing makeup or have lash extensions, this is a really good choice.
9. Toiletries
Now for me, this isn’t my full toiletry kit, but usually stuff that I can foresee potentially needing on the plane. This includes:
- Contact lens solution + carrying case
- My glasses
- Eye drops
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Moisturizer
- Deodorant
- Sunscreen
Obviously, everyone has their personal favorites for all of those categories, but I definitely feel like I’ve found some really great products that I want to share. I love Clinique’s Moisture Surge, (excellent for right before I land – my dry skin loves it and soaks it up!), First Aid Beauty’s Ultra Repair Face Moisturizer, (this is typically my everyday moisturizer), Coola’s Classic Face Sport SPF 50 – White Tea (super lightweight, and also very moisturizing!). Now you may be wondering why I have sunscreen in my bag…A lot of times I’ll have a long layover and will want to head out of the airport to explore, or when I do land at my destination, I go straight into doing something fun. I always like to be prepared with the proper products to keep my skin safe!!
10. Wrap or Scarf
Packing a wrap or scarf always comes in handy because it has so many great uses. Feeling cold on the plane? It’s a blanket. Need extra cushion to rest your head? Now it’s a pillow. Layover in a conservative country? Great, you’ve got the perfect cover-up. I’ve always found them super useful to have and they don’t take up any space. I’ve also never found myself in a situation where I’m looking at my stuffed bag saying, “Jeez, if only I wouldn’t have brought that scarf, then I’d have more room”…I think you get my point.
I have several beautiful Pashminas, like the one I linked above, and so many solid colors as well. You can’t go wrong with either!
11. Hand Sanitizer and/or Disinfecting Wipes
Two words – airplane trays. Have you ever thought about how many germs are on those things?! I have (and now you are too), and it freaks me out (and you probably are too!) I wouldn’t say I’m a germaphobe at all, but when it comes to traveling, I want to take preventative action and keep from getting sick at all costs! I’ll always wipe down the trays using hand sanitizer or a disinfecting wipe, depending on what I have on me. It’s just a good habit to get into!
12. First Aid Kit
I like to keep the basics on me – bandages, antibiotic ointment, antiseptic wipes, travel packs of Advil. Nothing crazy. Just something easy to keep on hand in case something should happen. This must be the Girl Scout in me! I linked one below – just be sure to remove any sharp objects before boarding your plane!!
13. In-Flight Entertainment
I think we all know by now that not all airlines and planes are created equal, and sometimes we have to endure a flight that doesn’t offer any in-flight entertainment (God forbid!) I always bring either my Amazon Fire Tablet or iPad mini (yes, I have both, but the hubs and I switch off) and a book! If you haven’t read The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle or The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz, I highly recommend both. They’re excellent books and totally life-changing!
14. Travel Wallet
I’m pretty obsessed with this travel wallet right now. I needed a good one for traveling that could hold all the important stuff without being too bulky, like my everyday wallet. This has a slot for everything – foreign currency, a couple of credit cards, my ID and passport, any tickets I may have (boarding passes, train, bus), even a sim card pouch. I also like that this one has an RFID blocker to keep my identity safe. And it comes in 35 colors, so there’s something for everyone!
15. Passport
Obviously a necessity if you’re traveling abroad. I’m really big into matching passport covers and luggage tags, so check out these cute sets by Eccolo and ban.do!
Those are my top 15, can’t-board-a-plane-without carry-on items. I hope this helped you decide what you’ll pack in your bag for your next trip!
xo,
Kelsey
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