Carry-On Essentials

The idea for this blog is for you guys to use it as a packing list for your travels but also see if I have any essentials that you may want to implement in your own carry-on.

Most airlines let you have two carry-ons, one personal bag and an extra bag whether if it’s another personal item or a luggage that fits carry-on measurement requirements. In the “Tips” section of this blog I will breakdown how I approach these requirements, and what I prefer to carry with me into the plane. However, right now, I am going to tell you my essentials that I have in my personal item carry-on at all times when I travel.

Essentials:

Medium Size Backpacks

Obviously, we’re going to need a bag to carry all of these essentials in. Unless I am going specifically be going on a backpacking trip, I tend to avoid any big backpacks. These tend to be annoying to walk around the airport with and tend to get pretty heavy since with more space we tend to pack more. I also avoid using purses since this aren’t necessarily comfortable or convenient either. A medium size bag, like the one shown above, fits everything I need and its extremely comfortable to deal with in the airport.

Battery Pack

I cannot stress a battery pack enough! I personally have the Insignia battery pack that has 3 USB ports and can charge from 0-100% three times. I bring a lot of devices that are constantly needing to be charged not only in the airport or the plane, but also at whichever destination. This is a major essential and you can find plenty on stores like Best Buy and Target. This specific one will range from $20-$40 depending on which one you decide to get.

Chargers

Chargers is something I never pack in my main suitcase but always in my carry-on. I am a heavy phone and random electronics user, so this is an essential I cannot leave at home. Here are some chargers I take with me:

  • iPhone/phone x2

  • Battery Pack charger

  • Nintendo Switch/Apple TV charger

  • Apple Watch charger

Headphones

I am that person that would cry if I ever left my headphones at home before going on a flight. So much, that I manage to pack at least 2 or 3 pairs just in case one breaks. The only down side of the iPhone headphones would be the actual audio output that the airplanes have switched to yet. I bring a standard audio output headphone and my regular iPhone headphones. Do not forget these unless you want to spend a ridiculous amount of money for headphones in the airport.

Makeup Bag

I only pack my daily makeup bag that I carry with me at all times. If I am traveling and I know I will be out and about as soon as I land, I use this makeup bag to throw on my 5-minute makeup look and call it a day. This bag also includes any feminine hygiene products that I need through the trip. The rest of my girly needs will go in my regular luggage since they aren’t needed. If you guys would like to know my Travel Beauty Essentials, comment down below and let me know.

Toiletries

My travel sized toiletries that are used frequently, I also pack in my carry-on bag. Anything full sized or items that I do not need during my trip will go in my regular luggage to save some space. Here are the travel sized toiletries I take with me on my carry-on:

  • Deodorant

  • Perfume

  • Toothpaste

  • Toothbrush 

  • Body/Facial Wash

  • Hand Sanitizer

Passport, Boarding Pass, and Special Documents

When it comes to important documents, always keep them on you! Never put passport, boarding passes, or important documents in your checked bag as you never know what will happen with that bag. If you are carrying anything from vaccine paperwork, birth certificates, etc. always have them in your carry-on. I always keep them in a folder right against my back as close to me as possible.

Tips:

1. Do not put any valuables in the front pocket

Any important valuables such as wallet, keys, passport, boarding pass, and important documents should never be in the outermost pocket. Always try to keep all valuables as close to you as possible since that makes them harder to reach.

2. Do not over pack your carry-on

Only carry essentials with you through the airport. This will make your experience at the airport more enjoyable and a lot easier. Keep in mind, you still have your other main luggage where you would pack any other big things. Your carry-on should have anything important and anything that you feel you would use during your time in the airport or as soon as you land. 

3. Organize your essentials in pouches


This has been a life saver for me! Not only does this help you search for things in the busy airport and small airplane, but it also helps you when packing. Knowing you have your organized bags whether if its electronic bag, toiletries bag, etc. will for sure help you not forget anything for your trip! Instead of scrambling for your headphones, you can just pull your electronics bag and know that they will be in there.

4. Take advantage of the 2-carry-on restriction

This is probably the best advice I could give you when it comes to easy traveling. Avoid checking bags at all times. For bigger and longer trips, I do tend to check my big luggage if I ever need to. However, for the most part, I only take my personal item carry-on and also my carry-on sized luggage that fits in the overhead bin. In this luggage I have everything I need for my trip like clothes, shoes, hair-tools, etc. This will make you avoid the baggage claim and save you more time. You also will feel more secure with all your belongings with you. However, with this tip do keep in mind all liquids must be under 3.4 oz at all times.

Valerie Mendez

CEO & Owner of The Wander and Travel. Lover of all things travel, halloween, and espresso.

https://www.thewanderandtravel.com
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