15 Must-Haves for Your Carry-on Bag

15 Must-Haves for Your Carry-on Bag

Over the last couple of years, I have mastered the art of traveling with only a carry-on sized bag. On a typical trip, you will find me with just a backpack and small suitcase.

Weather you are preparing for a 15 hour flight or a 2 hour flight, pack these 15 things in your carry-on backpack and the hours will “fly” by!

1. EYE MASK

An eye mask is absolutely essential if you are looking to catch some zzz’s mid-flight. By bringing an eye mask, you won’t have to wait for the crew to dim the lights, you will be able to sleep when you want to. You’ll also be grateful for this when your seatmate turns on the reading light.

Link to eye mask HERE

2. IN-FLIGHT ENTERTAINMENT

I feel like this is pretty self explanatory but this is one thing you do not want to forget. Many longer flights have in-flight entertainment but it is not a guarantee. Make sure to download plenty of movies, T.V. shows, and games to keep you entertained.

3. PORTABLE CHARGER/ CHARGING CORDS

There is nothing like traveling with a dead phone. Just like in-flight entertainment, on-board USB charging ports are not on every plane. Pack a portable charger in your bag to ensure you will not land with a dead phone or iPad!

Charging cords are also important to have handy in your carry-on. If your seat-back has a charging port, you’ll be glad you packed the cords.

Link to portable charger HERE

4. TRAVEL SIZED TOILETRIES/LOTION

I always recommend people bring a small toiletry bag with a few essentials. Having items like a toothbrush, toothpaste, lotion, face wash, deodorant, etc, is always great to have. Long flights can get the best of you sometimes so its nice to freshen up throughout the flight.

Packing a toiletry bag like THIS will also make going through security a breeze!

5. LIGHT-WEIGHT JACKET

A light-weight jacket is always one of the first things I pack into my carry-on. Planes can get very cold so it is always good to be prepared. I also double my jacket as a pillow so I do not have to bring both!

I use one like THIS and absolutely love it!

6. NOISE CANCELLING HEADPHONES

Noise cancelling headphones/earbuds are a game changer when it comes to long flights. Between babies crying, people snoring, and toilets flushing, you will be glad you have these with you. Just make sure they have a jack incase you want to plug them into the seat-back entertainment.

I have THESE and they are amazing. There are so many other brands out there though so pick the ones you like the best!

7. SLEEPING EAR PLUGS

Just like the noise cancelling headphones, you don’t want to forget these! To get the best sleep, I always use them under the headphones and never hear a thing!

Link to ear plugs HERE

8. EMPTY WATER BOTTLE

On most flights, the crew only comes around with drinks every so often. I recommend bringing an empty water bottle with you through security and filling it up at a water fountain.

I love the insulated water bottles like THIS, but of course, anything will work!

9. SNACKS

Snacks are a MUST! I don’t know about you, but I seem to always be hungry while traveling. The meals that airlines serve on long flights are not my favorite so most of the time, these snacks make up my dinner/lunch.

I recommend bringing snacks that are packaged in single servings. I just find it easier and cheaper than purchasing snacks in the airport.

10. COPY OF YOUR PASSPORT

You NEVER know what can happen while traveling. By bringing an extra copy of your passport, you are able to speed up the process of getting a new one if you happen to misplace it. Always keep this photo in your personal bag so you know where it is at all time. You don’t want someone else getting their hands on it.

11. DISINFECTING WIPES

Planes are dirty. You don’t want to get sick on your vacation so please wipe your entire seat down before the flight takes off. I also recommend wiping your tray table down before meals and taking them to the bathroom incase there is no soap.

12. NON-ELECTRONIC IN-FLIGHT ENTERTAINMENT

There will be times when you won’t want to be on your electronics so I recommend bringing a couple of things to keep you busy. Things like a book, crossword puzzle or magazine are great to bring!

13. LIP BALM/LOTION

With the air circulation on a plane, your skin is going to thank you for bringing hand lotion and lip balm. I always make sure that this is one of the first things I pack because it’s something I don;’t want to go without. Keep them in a place that is easy to get to throughout the flight so you don’t have to dig through your entire bag.

14. PEN

Not only will you want a pen for your journal, you will also need it for immigration forms and non-electronic in-flight entertainment. There have been many times where I forgot to bring one and wish I had one.

15. NOTEBOOK/JOURNAL

In my opinion, this is hands down the most important item to pack. Journaling your day-to-day experience will allow you to remember your travels for years to come.

I found Pack This Journal on Etsy, and I think it is the perfect journal for all travelors. The journal not only comes with a packing list, but includes glue dots to keep track of all the little items you collect along the way. This is a great way to keep track of your daily adventures!

If you are interested in Pack This Journal, use my code SAS10 for 10% off your purchase!

More travel related blog posts HERE!