Despite the fact that I am the furthest thing from a jet setter, I have traveled enough over the last several years enough to know what I need in my carry on as opposed to what I think I may need.
I tend to reach for the same carry on items trip after trip. Knowing what is essential in my carry on certainly relieves some stress when I am packing for a getaway, or rather it just shifts my stress from myself to my daughters and their luggage!
I have had my Blair Ritchey ‘Going to Market’ tote for a couple of years now, and use it not only day to day but especially when I travel. My tote doubles as my carry on and beach/pool bag (if I am going somewhere tropical). One less thing I have to pack!
I tend to layer when I travel, because I can go from one extreme to the other as far as feeling hot or cold. A lightweight scarf doesn’t take up much room in my bag and keeps me warm when needed.
One of the best additions to my carry on and everyday purse is my Minimergency Kit. It has everything from hairspray, to earring backs. It’s perfect for any on-the-go gal.
I always make sure my phone is fully charged, and I have headphones. Not every airline provides headphones, so I like to make sure I have my own. My husband also keeps a portable phone charger in his carry on.
My Kindle is a must! It is always preloaded with a couple of new books. There may not be access to Wifi wherever I am going so I make sure I have more than one book; I tend to read a lot when I fly.
Instead of tossing in my bulky wallet, I remove my essentials: driver’s license, debit card and a little cash. It takes up less room, and is actually quite refreshing for a change.
If I am wearing sandals for my trip I always add a pair of socks to my carry on. My feet can get cold, so a pair of socks is a simple solution.
Magazines are a necessity for me, although my husband disagrees. I wait until I get to the airport to purchase a few that way it is one less thing I have to carry through the airport and through security.
Lastly, I include a small makeup bag. I pull a few items from my big makeup bag, like blush, chapstick, lipstick and some concealer. It’s nice to have a few things on hand to freshen up after a long flight.
As for my children, I don’t include items for my daughters in my carry on. They each have their own. I have learned that they love having the responsibility and a sense of ownership. They each get a backpack which we fill with fully charged and loaded Kindle or Leap Pad, new books, coloring books and fun snacks they may not get on a regular basis (meaning any time of day) like lollipops, fruit snacks or gum.
Having a go-to list of items for your carry on will be one less stress you have when packing, I promise!