There is nothing worse than arriving at your destination airport and your luggage having been lost. No matter where I travel to, I always bring a carry-on. Whether I’m traveling across the world, or taking a short commuter flight, I ensure I have all the essentials safely with me. Use this quick and handy packing checklist for your carry-on so you know all the important stuff is going to make it to your final destination!
Each airline has varying allowances for luggage so make sure you check your airline’s guidelines and policies prior to take off! Most commercial airlines allow for one carry-on and one personal item, while checked baggage will require a separate fee.
VIP Items
These are the items you cannot live without. Make sure they are well-packed and in a safe place. Consider packing these in your purse or personal item bag which will remain with you at all times.
- Passport and/or Identification
- Travelers Insurance Card
- Credit Cards and Cash
- Jewelry and other valuables
- Copies of Important Documents
- Medications (including vitamins and pain relievers)
- Phone/Tablet/Computer
- Camera
- Chargers
- Adapters (if necessary)
- Compression socks – These are a must-have, no matter how old you are! They help with circulation during flights.
Remember– Never pack expensive items in your checked baggage, or you may never see them again!
Carry-On Essentials
Clothing
I pack at least four full outfits, two pairs of shoes, four sets of under garments, a hat, a bathing suit and flip flops…just in case my other bag doesn’t make it. If I’m solely using only a carry-on to travel with, obviously I’ll bring more clothing along!
Pro Packing Tips:
- Roll your clothing! It helps you fit more into your suitcase!
- Purchase a packable hat! My ride or die hat is this Janessa Leone Women’s Packable Fedora.
Toiletries and Makeup/Shave Kit
Make sure to pack your toiletry bag and makeup/shave kit in your carry-on! I once made the silly mistake of packing my makeup in my checked baggage. When I arrived and that bag did not, my first stop became the beauty counter at Nordstroms to replace my “can’t live without” beauty items.
Pro Packing Tips:
- I love these toiletry kits which include squeezable containers to help you stay within the liquid allowance guidelines for airplane travel!
- If you already have travel sized items, then consider one of these toiletry bags which hang up and help you stay organized!
- I recently purchased my husband this leather toiletry bag, which includes travel sized bottles. He loves it!
The Etc.
Liquid Allowances
Don’t forget the 3-1-1 rule when packing liquids. Liquids must be under 3.4 ounces, fit in 1 quart-sized plastic bag and it’s 1 bag per passenger.
Travel Insurance
I recommend having travel insurance for every trip. Use my guide for the best travelers insurance to help you choose the right company and get you started.
Travel Credit Cards
I also suggest making sure you have a good credit card with travel benefits. These benefits can help you in case of a luggage loss, a medical emergency or trip delay. Check out my post on the best travel credit cards which should be in your wallet!
Safe Travels!
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I always have a heck of a stressful time trying to pack all my stuff into a carryon. I like that you made it easy, doable, and your process doesn’t freak me out.
It should be a fun part of travel! I love picking out all my favorite outfits and planning what to bring 🙂
This is a good packing list. I think I will put this near my carry-on bag.
Great idea!
I was reading your packing list, and the one item that stuck out was Compression socks. I never knew this about traveling, and will have to make a purchase before my next trip.
Oh my gosh yes! Compressions socks, no matter how old you are, are incredibly important!
This is a great checklist. I always make sure to make lists as well. If I don’t, I know I’ll forget something.
Me too! Thanks for reading!
I’m obsessed with your carry-on, so gorgeous! I need to learn to pack in a carry-on, I’m the worst over-packer ever, and my husband is threatening to stop traveling with me lol!
Oh my gosh! Ha! What do you think inspired me to get better at packing?! My hubs said “if you can’t drag it, don’t pack it!”…he refuses to help me with my luggage when I overpack! 🙂
I always pack too much so this will be helpful to keep it SIMPLE! I also like to have extra chargers.
The extra chargers always come in handy! I’m telling you! I end up leaving them in my carry-on so I always remember to bring them!
A powerful way to pack and to travel. Learning to pack with what you need during travels is magical to me.
haha it’s an art! 🙂
I haven’t been on a plane in so long. But next time we travel, I’ll know exactly what to pack!
Yay!
oh these are too cute!! Love your style.
Thank you! 🙂
This is such an awesome list. I love the VIP list! It’s so useful!
There are always a few things you just MUST bring along 🙂
Oh, I love all these tips! I remember the first trip we had abroad, all the liquid toiletries I brought was confiscated. Haha! I had no idea it was not allowed.
Oh no! That has definitely happened to me too. It can really make or break a trip!
I try to take only a carry on whenever possible! Even on longer out of the country trips. Not a fan of checking bags!!
Me either! I always feel like they will definitely get lost!
I love packing! It’s one of the favorite things to do when I travel!
ha! That’s awesome! Can you come over and pack for me my next trip?!:)