I’ve always believed a vacation begins the moment you start to pack your bag. And after years of jet setting around the world, I’ve learned a few tips on how to pack the perfect carry on bag. If you have a trip coming up {especially if it’s an overnight or long flight} here are a few carry on essentials you won’t want to forget. You’re also going to want to pick up my new favorite carry on bag in size XL!
Surprising Carry On Essentials
- Ziplock Bags :: I like to keep 2-5 empty gallon size ziplock bags in my carryon. If you travel with kids you REALLY need these, but even without kids I always find these helpful. You never know what you might use them for. They are great for carrying left over food, dirty clothes, odds-and-ends that always end up in the bottom of your bag and so, so much more! And if you don’t use them on the flight, I can almost guarantee you WILL use them at some point during your trip.
- Liquid IV :: Flying is incredibly dehydrating. And Liquid IV hydrates you faster than regular water. I always drink a Liquid IV while flying or shortly after landing. Being hydrated is good for your skin and helps keep your immune system remain strong. {Use the code ChloeBArnold25 for a discount}
- Face spray :: I love a face spray that helps hydrate your skin while also leaving you feel refreshed. It isn’t always realistic to properly wash your face on a flight, but this elixir leaves you feeling fresh faced and ready to continue on to your destination. They make a smaller version of it too.
- Toothbrush :: If my mouth feels dirty, my body feels dirty. To me, simply brushing my teeth helps rejuvenate me. Note- you cannot bring full size toothpaste on the plane. So either grab a travel size or these one time use toothbrushes!
- Safety Pins :: You never know when a strap might break or something needs to be pinned. I always carry a couple safety pins in my bag at all times.
Bonus ::
- Sleep gummies :: For overnight flights, these are a must. I personally like to take these kids sleep gummies, as I feel they don’t leave me droggy {drowsy/groggy}. I’m a firm believe in not napping when you get to your destination, so I do everything possible to sleep on my overnight flights. These sleep gummies are my go to!
Classic Carry On Essentials
- Chargers :: While I could pack many of my chargers in my suitcase, I always keep my phone charger with me. I usually keep my computer and camera chargers with me as well, but my phone charger is my number one essential. I carry at least one of this type of charging cords with me when I travel too!
- Prescriptions :: On the off chance my checked bag is delayed, I always keep any medication with me.
- An outfit :: You never know if you might need an extra outfit. Sometimes things spill, checked bags get delayed, or after a long flight you simply feel the need to change into something fresh.
- Jewelry :: I always carry my jewelry with me on flights. It simply isn’t worth the risk to put them in a checked bag. Sometimes checked bags are randomly selected to be checked and things could fall out. Other times bags get lost entirely. Do yourself a favor and keep your jewelry with you.
- Electronics :: My computer and cameras are always packed in my carry on. This way I know they can’t be lost and won’t be damaged/squished.
- Designer pieces :: Similar to my jewelry, I carry on any valuables and designer bags/pieces that I would be heartbroken if they were lost. I always carry my camera
After years of traveling around the world with the same carry on bag, it was finally time to replace my go-to carry on hand bag. I recently upgraded to this Josefina travel bag and wish I would have done it years ago! The bag is designed in Paris and handcrafted in Spain with buttery soft, but very durable leather. It’s large enough to hold my computer and has enough pockets to keep all of my items nicely organized.
The Travel Bag has actually become one of my go-to bags for trips around town too. I keep a few diapers, back up outfits for the boys, snacks and extra toys in it at all times.
If you’re looking for a good rolling suitcase, I’ve used this one or this set for years.
Is there anything else you always carry in your carry on?
dress {sized down to xs, I also bought it in white} :: headband
sunglasses :: bag :: shoes similar
*Thank you Josefina for sponsoring this post! All opinions are my own.
I have learned the hard way to have my toothbrush and a change of clothes in my carry-on, when my bag has been lost. Not once, but twice. Since then I very rarely actually check in a bag. I try as much as possible to travel hand luggage only, so I have all my essentials with me at all times.
I always carry earplugs on longer trips – you never know who is sitting next to you. For longer flights I take a big scarf or a sarong as well. I can use it as a blanket or a cushion. And I agree, Ziplocks are always useful.
These are essential carry on items, lucky I have them all when I travel! O never heard of the liquid IV before, I will have to look this up for my next trip!
I have some of these items in my carry-on bag. I have never heard about the liquid IV so I’m going to check it out as I don’t like being dehydrated. The sleep gummies sound great. I never thought about it at all.
Prescription meds are always so important to keep with you. But honestly, as much as I travel now, I’ve learned to just pack a carry-on to minimize any risks for lost luggage.
This is such a helpful list and yes, we should bring ziplock bags. I find this very helpful. I also agree with you about bringing an extra outfit because we’ll never know if we need one.
I never thought of putting a face spray in my carry on. But I do leave the plane feeling all dried out. So maybe I need to get one for my kit. My hubby always has his toothbrush with him. But I opt for a strong gum to freshen my mouth. And so many times I wish I had safety pins with me. Some good suggestions for carry on bag additions.
These are absolutely essential travel items we must carry in our bags. Getting dehydrated while traveling is very common due to stomach upset so Liquid IV is absolutely essential and so is charger, faces prays, and an extra outfit.Sleep gummies are essential especially when there is a time difference and jet lag issue.