21 Things You Should Always Pack in Your Carry-On
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With as many trips as I’ve taken around the world over the years, I finally have my carry-on packing routine down to a science. Travel days can be long and hectic, so these are all the essential items I take with me to ensure a comfortable, stress-free flight.
Hopefully this list will help you, too when you’re packing for your next trip!
Cross-body Bag
LULULEMON
Everywhere Belt Bag
I’m so glad these are back in style with a more modern updated look. A belt bag is the perfect way to be hands-free, yet have all the most important items you need easily accessible. This is where I’ll keep my phone, power bank, lip balm, small wallet and passport so I’m not digging around in a purse or backpack trying to find things. You’ll want to keep these items zippered up close and in front of you to prevent yourself from becoming a target of pickpockets.
SHOP IT NOWPower Bank
ANKER
PowerCore Slim 10k
Power banks are a must, especially for long-haul flights, layovers, and the dreaded flight delay. You won’t have to go scouring the airport for a place to sit and charge up. Keep your phone on charge in-flight while binging your favorite Netflix shows and you’ll arrive at your destination with a still fully charged phone ready to go.
SHOP IT NOWEarbuds
ANKER
Soundcore A1 Earbuds
These waterproof earbuds are so comfortable to wear and the battery life is top-notch — you get 9 hours of playtime with just one charge. And trust me, you do not want to use the free headphones that flight attendants hand out on long-hauls. The sound quality is atrocious!
SHOP IT NOWAudio Adapter
AIRFLY PRO
Wireless Audio Transmitter
In order to use your own wireless earbuds with the in-flight entertainment system, you’ll need to connect this bluetooth adapter, et voilà! Now you can bluetooth your earbuds and not have to skimp on sound quality.
shop it nowTripod
PEAK DESIGN
Travel Tripod
My tripod goes with me on every trip and it will never go in my checked luggage for two reasons: it’s super expensive and I can’t bear the thought of it being lost or stolen. The great thing about this specific tripod is that it’s so brilliantly designed; there’s no wasted space and it packs down to the diameter of a water bottle.
SHOP IT NOWWater Bottle
YETI
Yonder 34 oz Bottle
A water bottle goes everywhere I go and flights are no exception. An insulated Yeti is my preferred water bottle of choice, but when I’m traveling and want to keep things lightweight I like to use the Yonder bottle. Remember to arrive at the airport with it empty and look for a water refilling station once you’ve made it through security. Staying hydrated keeps headaches and dry skin at bay.
SHOP IT NOWLip Balm
LANEIGE
Lip Glowy Balm
In addition to staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water, I also like to keep my lips moisturized on every flight. Humidity levels in airplane cabins are quite low and there’s nothing worse than being stuck on a long flight with a dry mouth and cracked lips. Laneige makes THE BEST lip balm on the planet. Their lip sleep mask is another favorite, too. I haven’t found anything better.
SHOP IT NOWToiletry Containers
CADENCE
Travel Capsules
Long delays and flight cancellations could mean you end up with an unexpected hotel stay between destinations so in case that ever happens, I like to have my toiletries with me. 9 times out of 10, the hotel soaps are going to wreak havoc on my hair and skin, so we’ll just skip all that fuss and have better products on hand to begin with. Having aspirin and melatonin is another must on my packing list and these are the perfect containers for it. You can fill these travel-size capsules with your favorite products and even customize the labels. They’re magnetic, leakproof, and aesthetic too!
SHOP IT NOWPacking Cubes + Change of Clothes
PEAK DESIGN
Packing Cubes
Even if you check a bag — always, always, always — pack a change of clothes in your carry-on, just in case your luggage gets lost or delayed along the way. I also make sure to pack essential items like my makeup bag, a contact case, contact solution, toothbrush, and deodorant. Packing cubes help keep everything organized and compressed so you’ll have more space for other things!
SHOP IT NOWToiletry Bag
PEAK DESIGN
Wash Pouch
I love the design features of this toiletry bag — it sits upright when you set it on a countertop, you can hang it via a stowable aluminum hook, and it has a network of pockets, even featuring a magnetically sealed toothbrush pocket, for keeping things clean and organized. It opens up extra wide, giving you total visibility and access to your items. It’s durable, waterproof, and will last for decades to come.
SHOP IT NOWTech Bag
PEAK DESIGN
Tech Pouch
Just like the wash bag above, this tech bag features a network of pockets and a clamshell-style opening for easy access, visibility, and organization. It’s the perfect bag for storing cables, power banks, SD cards, batteries, pens, and other tech gear. The external pocket even has a cable pass-through for charging on the go.
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AMAZON
Velvet Travel Jewelry Organizer
I don’t typically take a ton of jewelry with me when I travel, but I do like to have a few nice delicate staples for more dressed-up activities. You can keep your favorite pieces safe and tangle-free in a velvet jewelry box like this one!
SHOP IT NOWSunscreen
SUPERGOOP!
Unseen Sunscreen
Did you know you’re exposed to UV rays and skin damaging light even when you're indoors? If you’re sitting next to a window or in front of a screen you’re potentially exposing yourself to skin-damaging light, which is why wearing an everyday sunscreen is essential. I love this one from Supergoop! It’s lightweight, oil-free with SPF 40, and goes on smooth and clear just like a primer.
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BAREFACED
Tinted SPF 50+
Another favorite is this tinted SPF from Barefaced. This mineral-based tint offers broad-spectrum protection with SPF 50+, helping prevent sun damage and fine lines. It’s also formulated with gentle lactic and hyaluronic acids to add a hydrated feel.
SHOP IT NOWSanitizing Wipes
HONEST
Sanitizing Wipes
It’s no secret that airplanes are prime real estate for germs and although airline staff do try to sanitize the plane between passengers, they only have 30 minutes to do a quick turn around. So planes are definitely not getting a deep clean after each flight. I like to bring my own sanitizing wipes so I can wipe the seat tray, tv screen, arm rests, and window shade.
SHOP IT NOWComfy Sneakers
ON
Cloudultra
Okay so comfy shoes don’t technically go *in* my carry-on, but they’re a no-brainer necessity on travel days. You won’t catch me wearing sandals, flip flops or heels on a flight, ever. First, none of those are practical or comfortable. Second, I get cold easily and I’m not about to have my toes freeze and fall off. And third, if sh*t goes down and we need to evacuate, run, or find ourselves stranded on a rubber raft in the middle of the ocean — I want adequate protection. You never know, y’all. You never know!
SHOP IT NOWLight Jacket
LULULEMON
Hooded Define Jacket
As previously mentioned, I get cold super easily and that’s almost always what happens to me on a plane. Obviously I need a light jacket for that but it can be multi-purpose, too. Maybe you didn’t bring a pillow, so just roll it up and you’ve got a nice little cushion for your head. No mask? Drape it over yourself for a little shade and shut-eye.
SHOP IT NOWSnack Bags
STAHSER
Bowls + Bags
If you’re anything like me, airplane food is just not that appetizing. I’d much rather bring my own food so I can pack healthy snacks and a few of my favorite little guilty pleasures. My snack-packs usually include fruit, cheese, crackers, sliced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, chocolate-covered pretzels, and sour patch kids. These reusable silicone bags from Stasher are leak-proof, durable, and come in so many pretty colors!
SHOP IT NOWTravel Pillow
CABEAU
Travel Neck Pillow
Let’s face it — travel pillows are not cute. Sleeping upright is not cute. Showing up to your destination totally exhausted with bags under your eyes? Definitely not cute! Having a nice little neck pillow, a good sleep mask, and a set of earplugs can make all the difference.
SHOP IT NOWSleep Mask
KIMKOO
Sleep Eye Mask
Never underestimate the power of a good sleep mask. This super soft, adjustable sleep mask blocks out light and doesn’t place any pressure on your eyes, which is great for falling asleep on bright planes and reducing the effects of jetlag by helping you adjust to different time zones more quickly.
SHOP IT NOWEar Plugs
URBAN OUTFITTERS
Sleeper Ear Plugs
As a light sleeper, earplugs are a life-saver when out on the road. These soft earplugs drown out the noise for a perfect, uninterrupted slumber. The ergonomic design conforms to the shape of the inner ear, which relieves pressure when lying on your side.
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